"Cloned Secrets, Part 3"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

"I don't know," Kim was saying. "I remember things sometimes, and...I'm not sure how I do. Last time it happened, Keeve looked at me like I'd grown a second head. I don't know, sometimes being a clone...it's so...I don't feel any different, but... I feel like I'm one of triplets. We're so much alike, but then there's so much difference too."

Kallia nodded as she took a sip from the tea she'd made for them both. "I know that Dargus has changed, and what he did to Maeren, he wouldn't do again. In any case, for as bad as he was, some good came out of it." Her glanced shifted to Yara, then back to Kim. "And, the way Keeve's face lights up when he talks about you, I'd say you and Saris were good things, despite his intentions."

"I don't feel like a clone, but you're right," Kim said with a grin as she let Yara tug on her finger. "I love him so much, Kallia. And...and I know that...with Maeren, it's...it's hopeless. But, I can't turn my back on him, and I can't stop loving him."

"Well, I don't think even Keeve would want you to stop loving him," she said. "And, if you can't see that he loves you, we need to have an even longer talk."

Kim laughed and they both settled into comfortable silence as they sipped their tea, each thinking of the young man they loved, though Kallia could not outwardly express that love.

It had taken much time to work up the nerve, but standing outside Kallia's door for nearly twenty minutes, Keeve had finally found it. Taking a deep breath, he rapped on the wood and stepped back, appearing for all the world as if Dargus had never revealed the truth. He even smiled brightly for whoever might answer.

A moment later, the door opened and Kim was standing there with a bright smile on her face. "Hey," she said. "You done talking? Come on in, we were just having some tea."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Tea?" And poked his head into the room to glimpse at the small table Kallia owned, with teacups and a kettle arranged atop it. Keeve leaned back and watched Kim warily. "You two have been talking?"

"Yes we were," Kim said with a grin. "Just things. We thought about coming out and eavesdropping on you, but decided talking and drinking some tea would be better. And, I think we decided you need a haircut, too."

Keeve screwed up his face and exclaimed, "What?! I do not." Then self-consciously brushed down any unruly strands. "What else did she say about me?" he asked, leering playfully at Kal. "I know she's told you everything by now."

"Do you already know that her biggest wish is to see you naked?" Kallia asked Keeve with a smile, then feigned doubt and glanced between Kim and Keeve. "Or was that supposed to be a secret?"

Visibly blushing, Keeve glanced hastily aside at Kim before clearing his throat and stepping into the room to avoid her dreamy smile. "I bet that's your fantasy, not hers," he muttered to Kallia sullenly. His face lit up, though, as Yara called for him in her gibbering tongue and Keeve rushed forward to scoop the child into his arms. Her boisterous laughter filled the room. "You thought I'd stay away for long, didn't you?" he asked her in hardly passable baby talk. "Daddy couldn't leave his little girl with a gossipy mother" --he smirked at Kal-- "now could he?"

"Blaboo!"

Kallia laughed at the sight, and took a sip of tea as she watched the look of sheer adoration on Kimara's face. "I think she's very happy to see you, as always," she said. "And, just to clear the record, I have seen you very naked, my dear; just as you've seen me." She leaned conspiratorially close to Kim. "Oh, he's quite a treat, let me tell you."

Kim grinned up at Keeve. "Well, I happen to like him with clothes on too, so that's fine with me."

"Yeah...you would," Keeve teased and kissed Yara's plump cheek before handing her back to Kallia. His attitude transformed dramatically once the child left his arms, for he had serious matters to address and he could hardly enjoy time with his daughter while they were still weighing on his heart. Gazing down at Kallia, he smiled wanly. "Kal...I hate to do this to you...but can Kim and I borrow your room for a minute?"

A quip was on Kallia's tongue, but something in Keeve's look stopped it. "Sure," she said. "I need to go see if Orn has anything my little one might like. Come on, my little dear, let's go see if Uncle Orn has a treat for you." She hefted Yara into her arms and slid from the bed. "I'll be back in a little while. Just open the door a touch when you're finished." With that, she slipped out into the hall and off deeper into the Temple.

It was a time before Keeve turned around to face Kim. Shoving his hands nervously into his pocket and chuckling dryly, Keeve did, but the concerned look on Kim's face nonplussed him and Keeve froze. How could he tell her she would have been his wife if Dargus hadn't interfered? It would break her.... So, instead, Keeve planted on his falsest smile and said conversationally, "Well...it's been a long day, huh? How'd you like Kallia?"

"She's very nice," Kim said with a grin. "And, I love Yara. She's so cute and...well, so full of life. I know Aria is a happy baby and she gets so much love, but...I don't know what it is, but Yara is so precious."

"It's the cheeks," Keeve explained with a shrug and finally groaned as he slumped onto the bed with head in his hands. "I shouldn't say a word," he complained. "Why the hells did I let him convince me to?"

"Convince? Say what word?" Kim asked as she sat on the bed beside him. "What did the two of you talk about?"

Keeve threw up his arms. "That's what I'm trying to avoid telling you! This could change everything, Kim, and I don't want it to." He watched her, smiling fondly. "I like how things are between us. As wrong as it is...I'm happy."

Kim curled against him and wrapped her arms comfortably around him. "Me too," she said. "If you don't want to say anything, it's okay. Things are just fine like they are. You have to try Kallia's tea. It's very good."

Watching her incredulously, Keeve blurted, "You really don't want to know? You don't care about the reason you have some of Maeren's memories?" Keeve pulled back and gently grasped Kim's arms as he looked directly into her eyes. "Kim...you have Maeren's memories," he whispered, "because...they're yours, not hers."

Kim was reaching for the tea, when Keeve pulled her back to him. She stared into his eyes, uncomprehending. She mouthed the words he'd just spoken to her, confusion clear in her eyes. "What...what are you saying, Keeve? That...I have...I remember...because... I don't...I don't understand."

"Do you want to?" he asked gently. "Only if you want to, Kim. I-I don't want to upset you."

"A part of me does," Kim answered as her hands found Keeve's. "A part of me doesn't. If that makes sense. I...I think I like how things are with us now, Keeve. I...if you tell me...how much do you think it would change?"

"I'm not sure," he answered honestly. "I don't even know if it'll change things for the better or the worse. But...it's not something I can keep secret for very long, Kim. Not this."

"Then, in that case," she said as she brought his hands to her lips, "then you should tell me."

Keeve smiled at her hesitantly. "Okay...well, you know how you covet certain things that are Maeren's, and that you wish were your own?" he asked.

A frown crossed Kim's features as she thought about what Keeve was saying. "I guess," she said, then smiled at him.

"Well...um...some of those things," he said slowly, "are...well...actually yours." Keeve nearly winced, fearful of Kim's reaction. "Do you sort of understand?"

"I'm not sure I understand," Kim said as she tried to put the words into better clarity. "I have a feeling you're not talking about that blue sweater of hers I really like."

"No," Keeve confirmed slowly, "more like...her kitten, her entire wardrobe." Swallowing hard, Keeve squeezed Kim's hands and finished, "And...her husband. Kim...you're not the clone." He smiled hesitantly. "Maeren is."

Kim's mouth moved, but no sound was coming out. Finally, there was a squeak of sound and she blinked. "What do you...how...? But, I was...and she was here...and the ship, and...and she knows who she is...and I can't remember... Keeve, how?"

"Dargus switched you," he explained, stroking her hair to keep Kim calm. "He made two clones of you and implanted your memories into one - Maeren, or at least the...um...clone Maeren." As uncomfortable as it was referring to his wife as 'the clone', the fake, the imposter, Keeve took a deep breath and continued. "He tried to wipe your memories, but didn't entirely succeed. That's why you remember Agarra. It's because you were there, Kim. You've experienced all the things Maeren thinks she has." Keeve grinned. "You."

"Oh," she gasped, then looked around. "I...I think I need to sit down..." But, then realized she was already seated. She looked up at Keeve again, searching his eyes. "What does this mean?"

"Well...it mostly means that I treated you horribly when I was a child and you can't remember a thing," Keeve joked, but at Kim's disapproving pout, he chuckled and landed a kiss on her forehead. "Kim, this means you're the real Maeren! This means that if Dargus hadn't intervened, I would've married you instead."

"Would it be okay if we went and killed him now then?" she asked, then gave him a weak smile. "Oh, Keeve. I...I don't know what to say. This is...it's...it's almost too much."

"But...but why?" he asked worriedly. "Kim...does it really change anything? You're still you, right? You just happen to not be a clone anymore."

"I know, but...it's just so...so sudden." She was quiet for a moment, then she smiled. "But, you're right...it doesn't matter. I don't feel any different...I just feel...like me."

He grinned crookedly at her. "Exactly. And if you want, I can even help you remember some things. Or" --Keeve leaned forward to kiss Kim tenderly-- "we can create new memories together."

As Keeve's lips left hers after the kiss, Kim sighed contentedly. "I'd like that very much," she said. "Both, but...but I really want to make new memories with you, Keeve."

"We already have," he assured her. Bringing his hand down to her cheek, Keeve caressed Kim amorously as he offered her another tender kiss. When otherwise it would have, it didn't bother Keeve in the least that they were in a precarious position - seated together on a bed and exchanging kisses. If Kim truly would have been his wife had Dargus Kandran not interfered, then he had nothing to scruple over.

Kim brought her hand up to his cheek as they kissed, lost in the whirling emotions his revelation had spurred. "What about...what about everything now?"

"Everything?" he murmured, moving his lips to Kim's throat while his hands made their way to her waist. "What does 'everything' include?" Flashing her a brief, roguish smile, he guessed, "This?" then resumed his kisses.

Kim giggled softly. "Partly," she whispered. "But...what about you and me...and...and what about Maeren?"

Keeve grumbled and dropped his hands to the bed on either side of Kim's lap. He looked up at her, frowning and muttered, "Did you have to bring that up? I just...I haven't thought about it yet. Does it really matter right now, though?"

Kim quickly brought her lips back to his and kissed him tenderly. "Not to me," she whispered.

"Good," he chuckled and returned his hands to her waist, where they were deftly snaking beneath Kim's shirt. Between fervent kisses, Keeve asked her, "So, what did Kallia truly say about me?"

"That you and she had been together and that there was no one else who could compare to how gentle and caring you are, or...or how...um...well-formed."

Keeve snorted. "She did not say that." And he looked up at her skeptically. "She didn't...right?"

"Pretty close," Kim answered, her eyes shining with mirth as she grinned at him. "She does care about you very much."

He sighed. "I know...but I can't be there for her all the time, or for Yara. That...that always hurts me to know. Even now. Instead of spending time with them I'm...well...." Keeve chuckled and motioned his eyes towards two lumps under her shirt belonging to Keeve's hands. "Is that wrong of me?"

Kim grinned up at him. "Oh, I don't think it's wrong at all," she said. "Actually, I kind of like it a lot."

He nodded steadily. "But we...we shouldn't really go farther, should we? I mean...it would be so easy to...you know." A clear of his throat relieved some of the awkwardness, but the idea of Kim lying in his arms was still quite tempting. "We need time," he reminded her softly, slowly removing his hands from under her shirt. "My feelings aren't in question - don't get me wrong, Kim. But after what we just found out, we should take it slow."

Kim took a deep, shuddering breath. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, you're right. I...it's just...it feels very nice, with you touching me. I think...it'd...it'd make problems if we did, I think...as much as I want to." She laughed and then sighed once more. "You make me ramble."

"It's okay," he told her. "I know how to cure that." Keeve's cure consisted of a deep, lingering kiss that left both nearly breathless, yet still he grinned. "Better?"

Kim grinned up at him again once the kiss ended, and nodded her answer, not daring to speak lest she start off on another stream of rambling nonsense.

Keeve chuckled. "Good. Now, you can stay here while I talk to Kal, or you can come with me. If you want to rest, I won't mind. It's late." His mind touched on thoughts of Shiv as he realized the hour. He wondered if she had returned home yet, or if she was still out living it up with Kaysa and Cadwin.... His agitation transferred to his facial expression as Keeve ground his teeth.

Kim reached out and took his hand. "Keeve, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," he answered tiredly. "I just don't know what I should tell Maeren. How do you tell someone she's not the woman you thought you knew?"

"Did it matter to you before that I was a clone?" Kim asked, a hint of trepidation in her voice, as if she might not want to hear whatever answer he might give.

Keeve only deliberated for a brief moment before smiling. "Not at all. It only mattered that I was already married. But...Maeren's different, Kim. Dargus thinks-- He thinks something might be wrong with her."

Kim sat forward quickly. "What can we do? If something's wrong, we have to help her. We have to make her better."

"We can't help her if she's out running around with Kaysa and Cadwin," Keeve pointed out bitterly and quickly rose from the bed. "I have to see Kal. Are you staying here?"

"I'll come with you," Kim said as she slid off the bed.

"We won't be long," he informed her, taking Kim's hand. "I want to be home before Maeren is." And the two started out of the room.

---

"Cloned Secrets, Part 4"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Jae Dyn Brael
Yara Brael
Orn Gham

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

Kim nodded and moved along with Keeve. "Thank you for telling me," she said softly as they started down the hall that would take them to the kitchens.

"It was your right to know," he explained dismissively. "I...I had to let you know, though. After everything you did for me as a child, and everything you've done for me now, you deserved to know who you really are."

"Even if I don't remember all of it," Kim said as she gave his hand a squeeze. "We should grab something to eat on the way home."

"Orn can pack us something," Keeve told her. "I really want to get back." Smiling, Keeve admitted, "I'm missing Aria a little."

Kim nodded. "Okay," she said. "I just thought...maybe you'd like a little privacy while we're eating. But, from what Kallia was saying, Orn is an amazing cook."

Keeve grinned sidelong at her as he said, "You're going to be wanting a lot more private time with me from now on, aren't you? Especially after finding out I was yours before I was Maeren's."

Kim grinned mischievously at him. "Not at all," she said. "I want more private time with you because you seem much more open to the idea of private time with me than you used to."

He snorted. "You're just trying to get me into bed...."

"Do you blame me?" she asked with a grin. "Especially after the way you've been kissing me? And, with what Kallia said..."

"Hey!" he laughed. "She was wrong to mention stuff like that...even though it's not an exaggeration." Winking at Kim, he steered her into the dining hall, where Yara gave a joyous shriek. Keeve crooked a grin. "Another of my fans."

"She's such a happy little girl, isn't she?" Kim asked as they approached where Kallia sat feeding Yara. As Keeve bent down to tickle Yara's belly, Kim leaned in close to his ear, and whispered, "I guess I'll just have to find out how much of an exaggeration it is for myself...if you're willing, of course."

Keeve's fingers faltered in his surprise, but at Yara's protest he cleared his throat abruptly and resumed his tickling. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Kallia shaking with silent laughter and quickly shot her a scowl. "It's your fault. You...you don't know what a secret is!"

Kallia set the bowl with Yara's dinner aside since her little one was no longer interested in food, having committed all of her attention to Keeve's tickling fingers. "Did I embarrass you by telling her the truth," she asked. "And, besides, you never indicated to me that your...endowments were any sort of secret."

"Well...they...they should be!" he stammered. "I mean...if I wanted Kim to find out, I'd just show her, right?"

"In here is probably not best," Kallia said with a knowing grin. "If you'd like to use my room, you may, though."

Keeve opened his mouth in wordless shock and shot to his feet. "Kal! We just came for food! That...that sorta thing shouldn't even be talked about around Yara!" The little girl, though, was giggling happily at the scene.

"It's okay, Keeve," Kallia said with a laugh as she patted his arm. "She loves it when you get so exasperated, and this particular subject gets you exasperated like no other."

Keeve grumbled and muttered sullenly, "You're an evil woman..." Then, he smiled at Yara and raised her in his arms. "But it's a good thing you have a perfectly unevil daddy, isn't it? Maybe this way, you'll turn out right!" He poked his tongue out at Kallia quite childishly and Yara attempted to snatch it in her hand. She succeeded and Keeve gave a surprised shout.

Both Kallia and Kim laughed as Yara held on to Keeve's tongue, squealing with laughter. "Oh, I think she's got you now," Kal said. "And, it looks like she has a trophy too."

Keeve glared at the both of them as he gently pried Yara's shockingly tight grip free. Once his tongue was liberated Keeve worked it around in his mouth to massage feeling back into it, then he tsked Yara playfully. "Naughty, Yara. You're almost as evil as your mother!" He kissed her cheek fondly as he shifted her onto his hip to address Kal. "Is Orn around? Kim and I want to pick up something to go. It's about time we got back."

"He's in working on the preparations for breakfast tomorrow," Kal answered. "I'm sure he'd love to make you something to eat. Did you want me to go in with you?"

"Uh..." Keeve glanced between Kal and Kim, before focusing on Kal and nodding. "Yeah...let's go." Turning to Kim, he held Yara out towards her and asked, "Would you mind? She seems to like you."

"She likes you too," Kim said as she took Yara into her arms. "Your tongue especially. I'll be waiting right here for you." She gave him a smile and blew him a kiss. They both laughed as Yara tried to blow him a kiss as well.

"I give up," he sighed, "she's become one of you." Flashing a smile at Kim, he slipped an arm around Kal's waist and guided her to the kitchen. "So..." he began a touch awkwardly, "how are things? The baby?"

"Very good," Kallia answered. "According to my last check-up, everything is as it should be, and I'm due in three weeks. I'm getting just a little excited, as you can imagine. You'll be there with me, right? For the birth?"

"Well...yeah!" he told her. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I just wanted to make sure," she said. "So, other than this new change, and things with Maeren, how is everything with you?"

He shrugged. "Fine, I guess. Who knew being an adult was so complicated?" Looking back at Kim, and returning the smile she gave him, Keeve sighed. "I love her," he told Kal softly. "Dargus-- Did you know, Kal? Did you know Kim's not really a clone?"

Kallia's eyes went wide in a clear indication she hadn't known. "What...what did he...he switched them? Somehow he...that's...I'm not sure what to say, Keeve... When did he do it?"

"After he'd abducted her that second time," he sighed. "When I was still just a foolish child." Keeve chuckled wryly. "Now I'm just a stupid man. What the hells am I supposed to do, Kal? I can't be with both Maeren and Kim. It's just...the problem is I love them both."

"If you love them both, then there's no good answer," Kallia answered. "You'll need to let go of one of them, or you'll need to try to love them both equally. It's probably the most difficult position to ever be in."

"You sound like Dargus," Keeve quipped. "Have you been-- Are you two...close again?"

"We are," Kallia answered. "Though, not as close as when he first returned. Despite how close we are, though, it is true. What do you think you'll do?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I'll need time to think about it. Maeren's...changed. That makes things more difficult. I can't just abandon her while she's like this. I...I have to help."

Kallia nodded. "I think, for now, the best advice I can give you is to love them both to the best of your ability."

"That's a lot of love," he commented. "I mean, Kim, Maeren, Yara...." Keeve's lips nuzzled Kal's ear as he whispered, "You. Do you think I have enough to go around?"

"And, then some," Kallia whispered as her knees nearly gave out. "Don't worry, Keeve, you have more than enough love for all of us, and some left over for the new baby, your own baby, and lots more."

"Oh, no no no," Orn interjected admonishingly as the two strolled into the kitchen. "Not in here, Kiddos. Definitely not in here. This is a place for cooking not" --he gesticulated with his spoon, searching for the most appropriate description-- "that sort of thing."

"We were just talking," Kallia said. "And, how dare you deny a pregnant woman the little bit of affection she gets when she's as big as a bantha and most people won't even look at her anymore." She gave him a playfully chiding grin, and then stepped a half-step away from Keeve. "Orn, this is my very good friend, Keeve. Keeve, this is our legendary chef, Orn."

Keeve gave the man a congenial nod. Orn reciprocated, and carried his substantial bulk towards the two, where he raised his sauce-coated spoon to Keeve's mouth. "Taste," was all he said.

Keeve shot Kallia an uncertain gaze. "Oh, go on," Orn told him impatiently and wedged the spoon's tip between Keeve's lips. He mumbled a loud complaint, but Orn's hearty laughter drowned him out. When he pulled the wooden utensil away, Keeve frowned unhappily at the man. "So? How was it, boy?"

"Don't call me 'boy'," Keeve grumbled, then admitted sullenly, "It's...it's good. What is it?"

Strolling back to his stove, Orn answered proudly, "A bajula root stew. A new invention of mine."

"Keeve's had a rough day," Kallia said. "So if he's a little ornery or rude, that should explain it. And, one of Orn's specialties is coming up with new specialties."

"Great," Keeve said under his breath. "Is he going to give us something to eat?"

Kal slapped Keeve's arm. "Stop being such a grouch. Acting like that, you don't deserve anything."

Keeve smiled wickedly as his lips found Kallia's ear again. "And if you keep acting like that, you won't get anything either..."

Kallia laughed softly. "Oh, like you would ever..."

"Oh, stop it," Orn told them in exasperation. "I've got plenty...even for sex-obsessed kids. Now, cool your jets while I plate these."

"I'll have two servings to go," Keeve informed him.

"My, aren't we demanding," the hefty chef muttered, purposefully loud enough for all to hear.

"Keeve and Kimara are going to be heading back into the city soon," Kallia explained. "They were hoping to take some for each of them. If that's alright with you, of course."

"Oh, of course," Orn answered theatrically. "That's what I'm here for. Besides just feeding hungry Jedi, I have to provision their bed-partners, too." He slopped a heaping spoonful of stew into a container and sealed it. Turning, he thrust the packed meal out to Keeve. "Here. Take it before I change my mind!"

Keeve raised an eyebrow at Kal and accepted it. "Thanks," he told the man. Orn harrumphed and turned back to his pot.

"There you go, my bed-partner," Kallia said with a teasing grin. "Now, come on, let's get you back on your way before even more snow falls. I hear we're in for more."

"Don't remind me," Keeve answered. "I was stuck in it for over an hour until Kim saved me." He smiled wistfully, remembering her pull up beside him with a large jacket for him to wear. "She's...something, isn't she? She's special."

Kallia smiled and then nodded. "Yes," she said. "She is. And, I'm very glad you finally admitted to yourself what you feel for her, and more importantly that you did so before you realized she wasn't the clone."

"Yeah," he sighed, turning out of the kitchen with Kal. "I just don't know how fast to go. I mean, now that you've told her about my endowments" --Keeve frowned at her admonishingly-- "she really wants a look."

"Trust me, Keeve," Kal said with a smile, "I may have given her information, but I really didn't create more desire than there was before. She loves you completely, and she wants to love you in every way, soul, heart, and body."

"And I can't do that," Keeve explained, "until I figure out what's going on with Maeren. But I feel horrible for making her wait. The way she just looks at me all the time, with those large, hopeful eyes...." Keeve groaned, "I'm driving her insane."

"Looks like she's not the only one," Kallia said with a glance down at the front of Keeve's pants.

Chuckling uncomfortably and tripping over his own tongue to form an explanation, Keeve deftly positioned Orn's container of food in front of his groin, creating a particularly comical display as they arrived before Kim and Yara. "Not funny, Kal," he grumbled.

"I really don't think I was the cause of that, my dear," Kallia said with a knowing grin. "Don't worry yourself over it, Keeve. Things will work out in time as things always do."

With a mildly hateful look askance at Kal, Keeve asked Kim, "Would you mind getting the speeder started up? I should be out in a minute."

Kim frowned, then handed Yara back over to Kallia and then, with a sigh, started out of the eating area and off to start the speeder.

Dropping his sulking mask, Keeve smiled wanly at Kallia as he faced her. "I'd better go. I think she's getting hungry. She gets crabby when she hasn't eaten. You'll comm me if the baby comes early?"

"Of course," Kallia said with a smile. She bounced Yara on her hip as the little one reached out for Keeve. "We're both happy you stopped by. Hopefully we'll see you again soon, and not just for the birth of your second daughter, that is, assuming you want to be daddy to the new one too."

He laughed gently and took Yara's hand. "I already am, Kal. I'll be back as soon as I can be, but in the meantime count me in." To each in turn, Keeve bestowed a kiss - first on Yara's cheek, then a far more intense one to Kallia's lips. Yara's squeal of excitement mirrored Keeve's, but his was of a different sort. "So...see you soon?" he whispered, barely parting from her lips.

"I hope so," Kallia breathed, her heart racing from the intensity of the kiss. "Maybe, after the new one is out, I can stay with you for a little while. I'd feel better being much closer to the doctor during that time."

"Yeah?" Keeve grinned ecstatically. "That's the best idea you've ever had. I'll start making arrangements. The little one will need something to sleep in, right?" Chuckling with mirth, Keeve again kissed Kallia, yet briefly this time. "It'll be great, Kal. Really great."

"It will," Kallia said a wide grin. "And, I think Yara will love being around you more. And, she does love being with Kim too. I can't wait, Keeve."

"Soon," he affirmed and petted his adoptive daughter's silken hair before stepping away. "Goodnight you two. And...thanks, Kal. For everything."

"You're welcome, Keeve," Kallia said with a smile. "I'll see you soon. The two of you stay safe out there, and take good care of her. If you need any help with talking to Maeren, I'm here." She and Yara gave him a wave, and in return he quirked them a most charming lopsided grin. Then, he and his meal were gone.

Out in the cold again minutes later, Keeve joined Kim in the speeder. Still in jovial spirits, Keeve waggled the container of food at Kim, saying, "If you want to eat now, I can drive this time around."

"Oh," Kim exclaimed with an excited look at the container. "Sure! Here, let's...we have to switch places. Oh, Keeve, I could kiss you!"

"You still can," he insisted with a sly smile. "Now, come on. Hop over me while I scoot over." Helping her along, Keeve grabbed Kim by the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

Kim grinned as she slid on top of him. "Oh, I like it here," she said. She glanced back at him with a grin, then started down along the other side. "They should make these silly speeders with controls on either side, though if they did, I wouldn't have been able to sit in your lap, would I?"

He shifted uncomfortably into the driver's seat, saying, "And you wouldn't have been able to do that." His eyes shifted briefly to his groin. "A little embarrassing, huh?"

"I don't think so," Kim said as she took a glance. "Provided that's because of me, of course. It's very flattering."

Keeve laughed at her incredulously. "Who else would it be for, Kim? You're the only one here, so I think that narrows it down."

Kim took another glance and then smiled at Keeve. "Then, I guess...thank you." She leaned over and kissed him. "I know you love me, and now I know you...you really love me."

"I do," he admitted solemnly. "I just wish I could really show you, Kim. I owe it to you."

"I'm sure it'll happen," Kim said. "And, when it does, it'll be wonderful. But for now, we can just get by knowing that it's something we both want very much." She thought for a moment, then smiled up at him shyly. "Is there...is there anything you'd...that we could do that wouldn't be breaking promises?"

"There...sort of is," Keeve answered hesitantly, and watching Kim's bright, wide eyes, he gleaned that she likely knew already what Keeve had in mind considering her past experience on Dargus' cruiser. And watching him as endearingly as she was, it would have been easy for Keeve to give in. Brow

furrowing in consternation, Keeve shook the idea from his head and concentrated on the one chaste thing he could find: the snow falling outside the viewport. "Kim," he told her with some effort, "it would be wrong, and I don't mean by betraying Maeren. It would be wrong of me to...have you do those things while knowing I can't let us go further than that. I mean...you wouldn't feel used?"

"Only if it was something I didn't want to do," Kim asked. "And, it's something I will only do with you, so I wouldn't feel used at all. It's something I want, something of myself that I want to give you, Keeve. And, as long as it's my choice, and something we both want together, then there is nothing at all wrong with it."

Keeve smiled at her accusingly. "And only if I reciprocate, right?"

"If you want to, you can," Kim said with a grin. "But, it's not necessary."

"Liar," he teased and gestured to the food container on her lap. "Just...focus on that for a while. The rest can wait...okay?"

Kim grinned at him as she opened the container and dug in. "And, I'm not lying," she said around the first mouthful. "Whenever you want, I'll prove it to you, too."

Keeve half-groaned and half-laughed. "Stop tempting me, will you?" And he revved the speeder. "If you keep that up, I'm liable to crash into a tree."

"Well, please don't," Kim said with a grin. "I don't want to die hungry."

"Then eat." Keeve shot her a dashing smile and threw the clutch, launching the speeder forward. "I'll drive!" he laughed, quickly finding that his dismal evening was beginning to look brighter by the rising sun, and by Kim's beaming smile.

With her happy grin still in place, Kim focused her attention on the food Keeve had acquired for them. While she still wasn't sure what to think about Keeve's revelation, she was certain that she couldn't remember a time in her life where she'd been happier. And, despite the large gaps in her memory, she couldn't imagine anything that had happened previously that could eclipse the feelings she felt now, or overshadow the love she and Keeve felt for each other.

---

"A Trail Found"
By: Anow Taron - Bounty Hunter

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

"Look, I know you want the Gotal's blood," Anow spoke into his headset. A shower of sparks from the computer he had been working caused him to go off in a stream of Ithorian profanities, causing the gentleman on the other side of the conversation to yell even louder.

"No, no sir, it's not you, I'm running diagnostics without an astro and it's taking some time," he continued, working his nimble fingers on the confused bundle of wires jutting from his ship's wall, "I know you hired me to find the Gotal and not to spend time repairing my ship, but I am on his trail and you will have your vengeance soon, I guarantee."

Anow listened as Father Nalath continued his verbal tirade, only half-listening as the crime lord ranted and raved about how long it was taking and how he wanted the stinking traitor dead NOW. Anow considered telling his boss to have patience and that the job would get done. Then again, the last time someone told Nalath to have patience, he had them cut up slowly with a fusion cutter, giving Anow enough reason to quash whatever thoughts of telling his employer to be quiet.

"I am on his trail," Anow continued into the headset as the crime lord gave another string of expletives, "no, I have not actually seen him, but I know he is here; his homing beacon says he is here, and I've felt him. No, no, don't, if you get another bounty hunter you will only be wasting your time. This is not the kind of place where you can go in guns blazing, there are people here who could take offense to it and are liable to put whatever hired gun you pick up in prison, leaving our quarry to run off. You don't want that, and I don't want that, and you and I both know that out of everyone, I can and will get this done. You will have his cones on your desk by weeks end. Thank you sir, my best to Margette and Krynn, may your wife not find out about them."

Anow cocked his neck, shrugging off the headset as he continued to work on the ship's computer. Times like this were the occasions when he wished he'd taken the time to invest in an astromech droid, it would have made life easier to no end. Still, it was cheaper to do repairs with his own two hands, even if they weren't made for them.

With another stream of sparks, he cursed again and kicked the side of his stubborn ship. Father Nalath yelling into his ear every quiet moment was just the kicker. He had threatened to send out another bounty hunter if Anow could not find the Gotal sooner, but seemed to calm down once he mentioned that he would find him by the end of the week. Find him, yes, a successful kill, maybe not as quick. This station, even if it was filled with it's own wide variety of criminal and scum, had a security presence, which would make an out and out gun fight a risk. He could go in, blasting left and right, take out Antok's entourage with little discrimination and then drag off the Gotal kicking and screaming for some up close and personal time with a vibro-blade, but it was risking detection, or worse, incarceration. No, this would take more skill, lots of skill. At the very least, more than any of Nalath's nephews/aspiring hunters could muster at least. May the spirits bless them, they were determined Aqualish, but they were better suited to being body guards and thugs than bounty hunters, much as their uncle might believe in the contrary.

Tying the frayed ends of two wires together, Anow jumped back as more sparks emanated from his ship's wiring. As he heard a pleasant whine followed by a hum, Anow watched as his ship's computer came back to life in a rather spectacular fashion. He smiled two very wide smiles, may this be a sign of good fortune to come.

***

Prowling the lower levels of the shipyards, Anow kept his eyes peeled and feelings open. He was around, still in the station, but beyond that he could not get much of a read on the Gotal or any of his associates. Years of training, rigorous practice under one of the greatest findsmen and bounty hunters the galaxy has known. and Anow was drawing a blank. Not a sign, not a trace, it was all a muted feeling that he was just somewhere within the vast shipyards. It would have been better had he not lost the signal on the homing beacon, since it would've been easy to just lie in wait at Antok's ship and just wait to do what need be done in relative privacy, but for whatever reason he had lost the signal. Whether it's power cell died out or he hadn't concealed the hastily-placed device well enough, Anow didn't know nor did he have time to guess. He had to do things the old-fashioned way.

Going on what he knew of the Gotal's habits, Anow had been methodically checking out the station's t'bac peddlers and shops. Antok frequented the hookah, and if there was a cloud of smoke to be found, the Gotal had to have been there at one time or another. Assuming the fact that he was bound to spend a significant amount of time at the station to restock supplies and hide out, he had to get his t'bac fix sooner or later. So, Anow had walked from level to level searching anyone and everyone who may have t'bac for sale with little success. Most claimed to not have seen a Gotal of any sorts, while others were rather discrete about their clientele and didn't budge at the prospect of making a few extra credits. It had been bad for the knee and required some rest time (working on the ship's computer made for the perfect excuse to spend time off his feet), but he knew he had to find Antok and find him soon.

Rolling his neck about to sooth the aching muscles, Anow walked through a wide corridor bustling with activity. There was supposed to be an elderly gentleman somewhere around here who peddled t'bac, and would make another potential source to cross off the list. The tapping of his walking stick was drowned out by the people and beings who frequented the hall, people pushing around as they all tried to go wherever they were going, none seeming to relax and appreciate the time for what it is. Then again, with this crowd appreciation of time is not of the utmost priority, so it was nothing he could hold against them. We all have our job and place, they're just doing what they need to do like you are.

As a rather rude Rodian pressed by (then again, when was the last time there was a happy Rodian?) Anow lost grip of his walking stick, letting the aged piece of wood clatter to the floor. With surprisingly quick reflexes, he bent down to keep the precious artifact from getting damaged under the feet of many a passer-by. Wonderful luck today, Anow mused, no money lost, no money gained, and an almost trampled family heirloom for your trouble.

Looking up as he got back to his feet, Anow sighted the man. He was an elderly human, dressed rather shabbily yet still better than a considerable amount of this port's denizens. Still, looking into the man's eyes, Anow knew. He had been here, recently too.

Sidling up to the man, Anow held out a handful of credits and spoke to the peddler, "These will be yours if you tell me the location of the Gotal."

The man smiled a wide, nearly toothless grin as he pointed down the corridor towards the ship berths. Giving a polite nod, Anow dropped the credits into the old man's waiting hands before taking off in Antok's general direction. The trail was strong, the feeling present more than it had ever been before. He would locate Antok Joaquin before nightfall, and have his cones by the next day.

It was shaping up to be a good day after all.

---

"On the Wrong Side of Right, Part 2"
By Auron Ronso
Kyra Ronso
Ellemiek Vermolen
Allison Blair
Aeris Strife
Jubey Khannor - NPC
Kilgara Saaknor - NPC
Hector Gilgamesh - NPC

Location: Somewhere in the Mountains near New Plouton
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

The cold wind stroked the face of the mountains, pushing the white fat clouds against the mountains itself and hiding the road that lead to the village of the Karadan rebels. Until a certain point the cold was easy to bear, but when they reached a higher altitude it started to snow, making the weather worse and the trip harder than ever.

The cold became stronger at each pace to the top of the mountains. The travelers were buried in their suits against the harsh weather, but they weren't as efficient as they had hoped for. Their trip continued since nothing was going to stop them. Luckily enough, they were able to surpass the lower line of clouds and the weather seemed to improve and they could see better once more. The snow had stopped falling, but the landscape was still ruled by snow.

After a few minutes, Auron buried his feet on the snow, tired. A few hours later he thanked the Gods that his feet finally touched rock ground. He was beyond tired, but he was in lead of the group, accompanied by Hector. A few meters behind was Jubey, Kilgara and Ellemiek and not too far behind them was Jedi Allison Blair. In the back of the group was Kyra and Aeris, but he could still see them.

Kyra had black glasses on her eyes with a piece of cloth covering her nose and mouth. She was carrying a black backpack that weighted 30 kilos or so, but she was used to it, since in the Imperial Academy she had 30 kilometers of walk with 40 kilos on her back. It was still in her mind the way Allison defended the rest of the Jedi. At some point she understood why Allison defended her friends and companions.

"You are very thoughtful ever since we left New Plouton..." Aeris said behind her piece of cloth.

"I'm still thinking why Jedi Blair defended her companions who failed on the two young girls. I mean, it was their responsibility and now it's ours and everyone who wants freedom. If they acted more responsibly for their own apprentices, or whatever they call them, we wouldn't be in this situation and more killings wouldn't be needed," Kyra said.

"She was raised to become a Jedi. She probably has the responsibility to their order and to protect anyone who accuses them. Don't worry, you will be thankful for her being beside us. Just let it go Kyra. What is done is done," Aeris said, looking forward towards Allison.

"Yeah you can't say the same about me." Kyra's voice diminished.

"No, that is not true!" Aeris moved her head to look at Kyra. "I know it in my gut that everyone will understand what you have been through."

"Auron probably. Jubey and Kilgara almost certain they will give their support. But Ellemiek? No! She will see the opportunity to present a report that I'm unstable and that I can't be trusted. They will throw me out of the New Republic. She must never know. I won't give that opportunity."

"I can't possibly imagine what is like to have what you have. But the glimpse of entering your room and seeing you in convulsions with those diabolic yellow eyes gave me goosebumps. It was too scary to see and probably worse to have. I wish it to no one, not even to the Emperor himself..." Aeris paused. "Ok, I understand why you don't want to tell Ellemiek, and it is hard to me to see that you were once friends."

"She still blames me for what happen to Auron. She knows it wasn't my fault, but she still blames me."

"Did you at least try to understand why?" Aeris asked.

"No. We barely talk. It is the same with Auron and the rest who used to be my friends. You and, amazingly enough, Jubey are the ones that I can have conversation without accusations and discussions. I.just know if they find out what I have that it would push them away permanently. I can't go through that again. I lost a total of 18 friends in wars and in battles. People as eager as us to fight for freedom against tyrants like Dani and Nieme. But when they got shot most of them cried for their parents and for their loved ones before dieing." Kyra's voice was hard. "I was the solo survivor of both teams and I had to write a letter to their families to tell them that died as brave men and women. It is too hard to go through that again."

"You're not alone. You are among friends!" Aeris said, but it seemed that Kyra was no longer tuned in the frequency she was in. "What's wrong?"

"We have been followed ever since we entered the clouds. Five people, dressed to mingle in the bushes, carrying five blaster rifles with scopes and a E-Web repeating blaster. By the way, when I say they have been following us, I mean the Karadan Rebels."

"How do you know that?" Aeris asked, somewhat surprised.

"The way they smell. And the are not well trained, but you better tell Hector about it," Kyra answered and saw Aeris picking up the pace. Kyra slightly looked to her left as she could see an edge to and endless abyss. She then heard a voice and looked towards it. It was Allison Blair, the Jedi.

"You sense it too?" Alisson asked Kyra. She knew that Kyra had heard or seen something. Or at least she seemed aware that there was danger lurking nearby. "We best be weary of our shadows..." she commented.

"Yes, we must." Kyra paused for a few seconds, thinking what she would say next. "But it is the dangerous shadows that we must be extra careful, or they can change our lives forever."

"We should warn the others and set up a defense line. We can't afford to let them get too near," Alisson stated. "Most of us should move ahead. We are in a strategically good position and on higher ground, meaning we should be able to see them before they see us."

"I sent Aeris to warn Hector. I'm waiting for his answer. I'm almost certain that they are Karadan Rebels. After all, we probably entered in their domain." Kyra looked to the bushes and made Allison look the same way. "Do you see the bushes ahead? Do you see the bushes moving differently from the ones moving in the direction of the wind? Clone troopers are better trained than that. So, only untrained troopers would do that."

"Perhaps... But if they are the Karandan rebels, then they should know of us and not be scared, should they not? Why would they hide?" Alisson commented. "After all, we have the same agenda, the same goals. So we wouldn't need to worry about them striking us. This, however, feels different."

"Perhaps," Kyra said turning to Allison with the same tone. "They were warned of us, yes. But they aren't going to welcome us with open arms. Luck favors the prepared mind."

In front of the group, Hector stopped as Aeris told him about the group being followed. He looked around for a moment and then put his right hand near his mouth and made an animal sound.

Kyra looked to where were those who were following them where and saw them walk away. In a few minutes they were definitely alone. "Don't worry about being followed, Jedi Blair. They are simply suspicious about what they don't know. And since they don't know us, you do the math."

Alisson chuckled. "I would expect as much... I was merely being cautious. Besides, I wouldn't be too surprised if they wanted to test us."

Kyra laughed and then, out of nothing, she began to feel tired. "I have to stop a minute." Kyra took her bag from her back and let it fall on the floor. "Amazingly how a first impression can be a wrong one!"

"It doesn't really matter now..." Alisson said, giving Kyra a small smile. But Alisson could tell that Kyra was tired. Of course, none of them was exactly in top physical condition after the long climb up the mountains, but it had seemed that Kyra had gotten tired all of the sudden. "Are you feeling ok? Do you want some water or something?"

"No, thanks. I'm just little tired, that's all," Kyra answered. She walked backwards and quickly grabbed her chest in pure pain. She moved her head down, looking towards the floor. Her breath was not normal. It was like the breathing of an animal. Kyra saw from the corner of her eye that Allison tried to approach her. She glanced with her eyes like a Chiss, but her eyes were vivid yellow instead of the color red. The way she looked would create fear in anyone's heart. The pain began to become almost unbearable and Kyra felt her legs began to have no strength at all, and she fell over the edge. Kyra's body hit a few meters down on a rock floor that had no access. It was the equivalent as four stories down, and the only access to it would be climbing down the sharp and dangerous mountain wall.

Immediately, Alisson called out for help. One of the first ones to get there was Ellemiek, followed by Aeris and Kilgara.

"What happened?" Ellemiek asked.

"The woman called Kyra fell. She is on a rock platform below..." Alisson pointed out as she reached throughout the Force. "She is still alive, I can guarantee you that. But she is injured for sure."

"We must climb down to get her," Kilgara stated. Nothing else would be acceptable or even thinkable for that matter.

"Yes," Alisson agreed. "But with these harsh conditions, let me go. I have greater agility than anyone present, and the only way down would be to climb down. My skills as Jedi would allow me a greater chance to get there faster. But I need to know one thing before I go... Does she have any special medical condition that I should know of?" she asked, having seen the change in Kyra's eyes just before she fell.

"No... I don't think so," Ellemiek answered.

"Did she have yellow eyes?" Aeris asked. Her face was afraid, but still in control.

"Yes. It seemed much like some kind of a medical condition," Alisson explained. "She got tired all of the sudden and then she seemed in pain for a while. Her eyes changed and she looked like an animal... That's when she lost her strength and fell."

"Aeris, do you know of something?" Ellemiek asked.

"Shit!" Aeris said, without hearing what Ellemiek asked. She ran as fast as she could towards Kyra's back pack. "Someone get a rope to lure me and Jedi Blair down there, and fast." Aeris opened the bag as fast as she could and began going through all the stuff, dumping it on the snow. When she reached the bottom of the backpack, she took out small black case and opened it, revealing the orange capsules and an injection pistol. "Shit, how do I insert this?" Her hands were frenetic because of the situation. Once she got the capsule inserted into the pistol correctly she saw Hector and Auron had taken the ropes.

"Ready, Allison?" Aeris asked towards Allison as Auron and Hector tied a rope to each woman.

"Perhaps I should go alone. I can get there faster and easier," Alisson told Aeris. "And if the need should arise, you can serve as backup. If we go together and something should happen, there are no more ropes to send in a third person. Just tell me where I should give the injection..."

"You will need my help. If she had yellow eyes, she will enter in convulsion in no time. You'll be in trouble to give her the injection, and I can't get there before it is too late. I don't want that to happen." Aeris looked at Allison. "I'm going, end of discussion." Aeris knew that the discussion of whether she was going or not was a waste of time. Soon Kyra would enter a critical state and if she didn't have that injection in time, they could lose her forever.

"Very well then," Alisson nodded. The simple fact was that Aeris seemed to know more about Kyra's physical condition, and if there would be convulsions it could be best that she would go at the same time. Hopefully, things would go well enough with the two of them. "Ready?" she asked Aeris as both leaned over the gap to ready for their descent. As soon as Aeris nodded, both women started their to go down the rocky cliff.

It didn't take them long enough to get there, and even in spite of the winds they had managed to get there without any major hassle. Aeris had been right. Kyra was starting to begin to have convulsions, though not too strong, yet. "I'll help to hold her still. You give the shot," Alisson told Aeris.

Kyra looked to the women climbing and then, a second later, their shapes became equal to monsters. "No," she said in pure panic, trying to move, but she had no strength to get up, so she did what she could do save her life from the monsters.

Aeris placed her feet on the ledge and saw Kyra in pure panic.

"I don't think she's recognizing us... She might be hallucinating," Alisson told Aeris, though it was obvious that Kyra was in no condition to make any large moves anyway. Alisson readied herself and jumped over Kyra, using her training to twist in mid air and fall perfectly, facing Kyra's back. She grabbed Kyra and pinned her down, with her face to the ground, so that there wasn't much kicking that Kyra could do. "Give her the shot, quickly!" Alisson told Aeris.

Aeris did what Alisson told her to do. She gave the shot and Kyra calmed down almost immediately. "Shhh. It's okay, Kyra, you will be alright." Aeris looked to Kyra's face. It was pale, even though the color of her eyes stayed the same. "This is not good. The color of her eyes are not changing." She looked at Alisson.

"What does that mean?" Alisson asked quickly.

"It means that this antidote isn't working. Not as it should!" Aeris said with a worried face.

"Ok..." Alisson nodded. "At least she's calmed down, which is good. Let's secure her and bring her back up with us. I'll carry her. You go ahead and help them up there. I will need help to push her up."

"Okay!" Aeris said, climbing their rocky wall again. She hoped that they had got there in time to save Kyra.

---

"Heat Wave Before the Storm"
By: Laedra Vorrel
Koran Darr

Location: The Helix, en route to Hjar I
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

Curled up in the viewport's embrasure with both knees drawn in towards her chest, Laedra Vorrel worked on her lightsaber against a backdrop of streaking stars, and her mind lightyears away. As a Padawan, one of the first lessons taught is to allow the Force to use one as its vessel, which can only be done once a trust is developed. Always trust in the Force, Laedra remembered her master advising her many a time, for one may only give oneself over to such a powerful and unseen entity if there is faith.

Laedra, now having developed just that, opened herself to the vibrations of the Force, to its voice, its essence, and what she sensed was disconcerting. Their negotiations would not go well, that much she knew, but beyond such a troubling revelation Laedra could not foresee anything more. They would have to prepare for the unknown, or step onto Hjar I unready, and would likely fail. It was one of the reasons Laedra decided on maintenance of her weapon, despite a reluctance to even carry it with her during peace negotiations, for her lightsaber might mean the difference between survival and whatever fate they would encounter on Hjar I.

No matter how disciplined with the Force, Laedra still had difficulty regulating her internal body temperature as she worked. The ship's environmental controls had suffered a glitch earlier in the day, and the heat regulators were overcompensating for the chill that had swept through the vessel. Now, instead of succumbing to hypothermia as might have been the case had they not heat systems, everyone was going to any means to keep cool. For Laedra, that meant stripping out of her layers of cloak, tunic and pants, and lounging about her quarters in only an undergarment and tank top.

Even with such minimal clothing, and her hair pulled away from her face and into a bun, perspiration rolled down her face and neck, collecting in its hollow. Her white tank top was stained with an ever-expanding halo of dampness at its neckline and downwards, while further blotches of sweat marred the once pristine garment near its hem, where Laedra had been making use of the dry area to wipe the wetness from her palms. She fumbled far less with her tools when her hands were not so slick.

Still, her repairs were slow-going, as the ship's seemed to be, for even with intense concentration taught by years of training, Laedra was preoccupied. Though, not so much that she failed to detect Koran's presence before he was in the room. She smiled faintly when he entered. "So, any word when it'll be fixed?"

"The answer ranges from anywhere within the next couple of hours," Koran said. "To an hour or so after we finish our mission and return to Tae'Karada. Their mechanic is working as diligently as possible under the circumstances, but as yet the answer remains: 'It will be fixed when it is fixed.'" He smiled at her and moved to take a seat near the viewport. "Of the Padawans, only Zari seems to be fully comfortable with our new environment. The benefits of growing up on a jungle world, I guess."

She chuckled. "Even so, I imagine Cole has been trying relentlessly to convince them into taking off their clothing."

"He wasn't trying to when I checked in on them," Koran said with a chuckle. "I guess this will be the test to see just how dedicated Zari actually is."

"She'll need to be," Laedra told him. "I have a feeling we'll be facing hard times on Hjari I and I'm not certain someone in such a precarious state will tolerate adversity well." She nodded towards her lightsaber and explained, "It's why I'm working, even in this heat. The emitter feels off...even a split second delay in activation can mean death, and I'm not risking that now."

Koran nodded. "I was watching Zari and Vaya sparring earlier," he said. "I don't think Vaya's skills pose many worries. Jae Dyn has taught Zari very well, and has focused on her defensive form. I believe that is to both of their benefit. If something does go wrong with this mission, Zari's defensive skills will be far more important to her than her ability to attack.

"If something does happen," Koran continued, "we should make sure we keep the Padawans close to us. We can maintain protection over them that way. I just hope that if things do go bad, we can keep them safe. I would not feel right abandoning this mission, but for the sake of their lives, I would consider it. If nothing else, we can put them on the ship and send them back while we continue the discussions."

Laedra smiled nostalgically. "Just you and I, like it used to be. Except now, I'm no longer your Padawan."

"No," Koran said with a smile to match hers. "You've definitely turned into a very capable and talented Jedi. If Ina could see you now, he'd be very proud. You're a gifted leader and teacher, though you sweat like a nerf on Tatooine."

"Oh, leave me be," she admonished, then chuckled and set her hilt and toolkit aside on the nearby table to embrace Koran, transferring her sticky sweat to his own dry clothing. "I thought you liked me this way, Master Jedi," Laedra teased. "In a wholly unchaste way...."

"Well, yes, I do," Koran said with a smile. "And, I will, until the end of my life, give praise to the being who invented doors so that we have our privacy and can be as un-masterly as possible."

Laedra laughed gently as she lowered her lips to Koran's throat. "It's a little hot for that," she murmured against his flesh.

"It is," Koran agreed with a smile. "For the time being, I will survive on pleasant thoughts, such as the two of us in a shower together as the cool water runs over our bodies."

"You think they have showers on Hjar I?" Laedra asked, her kisses tracing the line of his jaw, while both hands smoothed over his strong back. She chuckled lightly at the tickle of his beard brushing against her cheek.

"I certainly hope so," Koran said. "I can't imagine living on a planet where the people are unable to bathe themselves on a regular basis. Though, I'm certain we'd find a way to survive. We could clean each other like some of the primates on various jungle worlds do."

Shaking with silent laughter, Laedra demonstrated by lapping at his cheek, then chuckled aloud at the ridiculousness of it all. "I think that would not leave us with a lot of time for other things if we're always...cleaning each other."

"That's true," Koran said. "I imagine jungle primates don't generally settle disputes between rival powers on a planet, do they? Well, I imagine we may wish to bring a sponge along, in case they have no showers."

"If there will even be time for such luxuries," Laedra reminded him with a note of seriousness. She raised her head to face Koran, and couldn't help souring the mood with her concern. "They aren't telling us something, Koran. What? I have no idea."

"It's a common tactic by those seeking help in situations like this," he said. "They're hiding that which they know would hurt their cause. It's much more common toward the Core, but many planets will go to great lengths to hide their skeletons in the far back of the closet where they hope you won't find them. The problem is, they rarely stay hidden for long. I'm not sure if I want to know what skeletons we'll find in the closets of Hjar I."

"Those skeletons may be important to our cause," Laedra explained. "It makes me believe more firmly that Win'Los and Vee'Ta are securing our assistance through deception. Perhaps they are right, perhaps some of their people are unhappy with the planet's current arrangement...but what if we are aiding the wrong people?"

"Precisely," Koran said. "I believe, once we reach Hjar I, we will need to do some investigating on the planet. That may require that we split up to be less...conspicuous."

"That may be difficult with the Padawans," Laedra pointed out. "They're not as disciplined yet. And, I believe there is a part of each of them that thinks this is an excursion to be enjoyed."

Koran nodded. "I agree," he said. "We should make it clear that they're not to go off exploring on their own, without one of us present."

She gave him a pointed stare. "You and I both know that's exactly what they'll be doing, even with an explicit directive. They're so very unruly." Then, Laedra grinned. "Like another Padawan you used to know, hm?"

"Just like," Koran said with a chuckle. "But, we'll need to make it clear to them. We're going into a potentially dangerous situation, and they may not have the training to survive yet. That's not a risk we're willing to take. Besides, they'll learn more with our guidance than without."

"If they are all willing," Laedra added. "Cole seems...distracted, and not only by his two fellow students of the female-persuasion."

"I believe this is going to be the true test for him," Koran said. "So far, he seems to have little interest in the Jedi, but I believe he desires the power. I don't believe that's a good combination. I will be watching him extremely closely, that is certain."

"Does that mean," Laedra asked playfully, dragging one finger over his lips, "that you won't be watching me?"

"I trust you," Koran said with a smile. "And, when I have time to watch you, you know I will. Right after we get that nice shower."

Laughing softly, she concurred with a nod and planted a tender kiss upon his lips. "Right," she said decisively. "Now you can help me test her out." Laedra motioned her head towards her weapon and grinned slyly. "If you dare, of course."

"Perhaps I just might dare," Koran said with a smile and patted the hilt of his lightsaber still hidden beneath his robe. "Shall we go make use of the practice area that's been set up, or do you want to face me in our bedroom?"

Laedra chuckled deeply. "That's brave of you... I'm not so certain you're prepared for such a challenge, Master Jedi." Slinging one leg over his lap, Laedra pressed in towards Koran intimately and whispered, "You do know you're very incorrigible, don't you?"

"Oh, I know I am," Koran said as he slid his hands around her waist. "But I happen to think that you happen to think that it's a very nice incorrigible." He leaned in and kissed the hollow of her neck. "Yes?"

"Yes," she laughed, tangling her fingers in his loose hair. "Very much so. I like it when you're Koran Darr, instead of Jedi Master. You're always so stiff," she teased.

"Emotional detachment is part of the job," Koran said with a laugh. "I like it this way too. Though, we just have to hope the Padawans don't get to see me with my hair down. We'll never get them to cooperate."

"Though, with your pants down, Zari and Vaya will give you their undivided attention most assuredly." Laedra grinned as she propped her forehead against his shoulder and parted his tunic to expose more of Koran's chest. She felt his silent laughter everytime her lips made contact.

"And I think you'd have Cole's with yours down too," he said as he trailed his hands up her arms. "He may even become a quiet, docile Padawan who behaved very well if he caught a glimpse of you without your top on." He chuckled and kissed her more fully. "I don't believe that's as encouraging as it sounds though."

"And why not?" she asked with feigned insult. "Are you saying I don't hold the power to sway men with my body? Or," Laedra added accusatorily, "are you saying I'm too old for the boy?"

"I'm saying that we shouldn't have to resort to undressing to keep our Padawans in line," Koran said with a laugh. "I think if you stood in front of Cole with no clothes on, he'd explode and fall in love with you forever." He grinned at her. "I know I did."

"Oh, so that's the only reason," she gibed, and lightly swatted his arm. "So, it was seeing me bathing naked in a lake that secured your love? That's a little shallow, Master."

"Hey, I'm just Koran Darr right now," he said. "Stop trying to mix me up. And, no, that wasn't the only thing, but the fact that you're very beautiful sure made it all that much nicer."

"Very shallow," Laedra murmured against his cheek, as she worked her hands between them to loosen Koran's pants. "But, we can deal with that later. Right now..." she gave a sound of triumph as his pants came undone "...we have some sparring to do."

Koran glanced down. "Oh," he said as he reached for the hem of her shirt. "I see that we do. Let's see how your form is today, my love."

She sniggered. "Oh, how very eloquent. But" --she shrugged-- "I'll go for that." And in a single, easy motion, she had her top fluttering to the ground.

"Nice move," Koran said with a chuckle. "A fast maneuver with little wasted movement. Flawlessly performed." Koran's robe fluttered to the floor behind him as the tunic opened at his and Laedra's touch. "I believe I've met my match today."

Laedra shifted fully onto his lap and smiled wickedly down at him. "Does that mean you surrender?"

"To you," Koran said as he gazed into her eyes. "I surrender. I am in your hands."

"And you're safe in them," she whispered sincerely, and affectionately embraced Koran. "We can rely on one another, Koran, especially for what may come. Which leads me to wonder..." Craning her neck back slightly to watch him, she asked curiously, "Why have you never proposed again?"

"I haven't found the right time," he said thoughtfully. "With everything we've been going through lately, between Nieme and Dani and the Empire, and then everything not related to the collapse of civilization as we know it... There has been so much that we couldn't afford to be distracted from. I know the flaw in that plan, in that what if there is never a time? But it has been on my mind, and it is something I want, but...the time and mood has not been...right."

"But...is it truly necessary?" Laedra asked fondly, caressing his cheek. "I think we're bound for always, Koran, and no ceremony or ritual can alter that. So...why bother?"

"Perhaps a ceremony could strengthen our bond," Koran said. "I believe there are societal benefits that some marry for, but they wouldn't apply to us. And, I believe part of it would be an affirmation between ourselves that there are no others for us."

"Well...there aren't," Laedra concurred. She cocked an eyebrow at Koran. "Are there?"

"For me? There's only you," Koran said. "But, if you don't want to be joined, we don't have to be."

"Don't be foolish," she told him, chuckling. "When this mission is over...if it is your desire...we can undergo a joining, alright?"

"If it's our desire," Koran said with a nod. "And, alright."

"Alright," she echoed warmly and covered his lips with her own in a deep kiss and resounding expression of her love for Koran. A ceremony was not required to prove that, though knowing it would irk some of the Masters at the Temple to have two married Jedi was reason enough to do it.

"Come on," Koran said, taking her hand, "let's go see how sweaty we can get."

"Agreed." And hopping down from his lap, Laedra hurried with Koran towards their bed, leaving her lightsaber behind for a different sort of sparring.

They fell onto the bed together, heedless of the heat permeating the ship. The heat of the love they felt for each other far surpassed anything an overzealous environmental system could produce. Hidden from the others within their room, Koran Darr and Laedra Vorrel, reasserted their feelings for each other, strengthening their bond with each other through their lovemaking. So strong, however, was the ardour of their love, that they could not quite hide it through the Force. Elsewhere, a soft giggle could be heard, but the Force sensitive Padawans left their masters to their private time. With the upcoming meetings, they would probably have little time to each other for some time to come.

---

"Emotional Analysis"
By: Va'Lesh Zaneth
Yara Zaneth
Kambra Gant
Oot Kovan
Liam Zaneth

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

With choreographed ease they danced, lightsabers singing the thrum of each blaster bolt impact. The cataract tumbled down the rocky cliff face to pummel the pristine water below and churn up white, frothy foam reminiscent of a rabid predator baring its fangs, with the falls' rumble as its deep growl. And none of the ambient distractions - not even the cacophonous screech of birds as orange lances sailed past the trees - could break their focus.

They were of a single mind, the two warriors slashing and batting at the blasters' shots. Mirror images of one another, they echoed each other's movements in perfect synchrony, anticipating posture, positioning, strikes, and matching each just as successfully as they were the trajectory of every energy bolt. The two white-robed figures gracefully moved around one another, mindful of the other's placement in the small clearing, and respecting their space, while also supplementing one another's defenses by ensuring neither was left vulnerable to the next shot.

When one spun clockwise, the other did so counterclockwise, each weaving around the other like two whirlwinds while blocking pulses meant for the other, and coming to rest in their partner's former position. There was no breaching their defenses, not while their minds were so interconnected, and not while the Force was on their side.

The cyclopean Gungan firing off his twin blasters squeezed off a final two shots before raising the weapons skyward and ceasing the attack. As rapidly as their dance had begun, the two figures halted in identical crouched positions with lightsabers at the ready. Neither had hardly worked up a sweat.

With a flourish, Kambra returned the blasters to his holsters and gave a nod to each of the young Jedi. "Yousa both very impressive," he said in his gravelly voice.

From behind the Gungan, the sound of enthusiastic clapping filtered to them. "Kambra's right," Oot Kovan said as she approached. "The two of you are absolutely amazing. It's as if you have one mind when you're like that. I haven't seen any of the other Jedi doing that, not to your level."

Both straightened to their full heights and deactivated their weapons in unison. The cylinders were clipped to their belts as each bowed to Kambra. Only then did Yara Zaneth reply as flatly as was customary for the young woman. "Va'Lesh and I were soldiers once, Ms. Kovan. We were trained to be effective instruments of war, therefore we were instilled with the same abilities and techniques. His mind is as my mind. We are no different from one another."

"Be that as it may," Oot said as she moved to take a seat on a rock, "the two of you are quite a sight once you get in sync with one another."

"Mr. Gant is as well," Yara stated, tipping her head respectfully to the Gungan. "Your aim is quite remarkable. You have compensated well for the loss of your eye."

Kambra bowed to her. "Mesa thank you," he said. "Mesa train very hard after that to be the best. Yousa compliment, mesa very grateful."

Va'Lesh smiled. "Thank you for taking the time to assist us with our training, Mr. Gant," he said. "The training remotes are helpful, but putting one's skills against a machine can only carry one so far. Your assistance today has helped us to grow as Jedi and soldiers, and it means very much to us that you would take time to do so."

"It's our pleasure to help out in any way we can," Oot said. "The Jedi have helped us, and we wish to return the favours. Besides, I'm happy to do anything I can do to help Liam and his students."

Yara frowned quizzically. "But...you have done nothing, Ms. Kovan. You were merely watching. I do not understand how you have assisted us. Do you mean that your allowing Mr. Gant to train with us was an act of courtesy?"

"Kambra asked me if I would allow him to train with you," Oot answered. "I agreed when there were other things that he and I could have been doing during this time. I happen to feel that your training is more important than whatever he and I might have accomplished in the hour or two."

Yara nodded satisfactorily. "I am pleased you allowed him to do so then, Ms. Kovan. May he train with us again tomorrow?"

Oot smiled at the young woman. "For as long as you need him," she said. "I hope my observing you while you train is not a problem."

"We are not bothered by it," Yara stated. "We are accustomed to being watched and judged. It is how we have excelled as we have: through scrutiny by which our errors may be identified and revealed to us." Cocking her head to one side, Yara asked curiously, "Did you notice any errors on our part, Ms. Kovan?"

"I don't believe I'm remotely qualified to speak about that," Oot said with a smile. "If you made any errors, I certainly wasn't aware of them."

Yara looked to Va'Lesh in disappointment. "We should have waited for Master Zaneth. What point is there in training, Va'Lesh, if there is no one to judge our performance?"

Before Va'Lesh could reply, Kambra had stepped forward. "Yousa both fine, but when crossing back across each other--" He demonstrated to them the part of their battle stance he was referring to. "Yousa vulnerable. Close in more." He demonstrated to them, shifting his body slightly to provide a smaller target and give their lightsabers a wider range of coverage. "See? Better defense."

Yara considered Kambra's pose intently. She and Va'Lesh simultaneously looked aside to each other, nodding approvingly. "Perhaps he is correct, Va'Lesh. We are still only beginning our training with our lightsabers, and it will take more time to grow confident in its use. We are, possibly, miscalculating the clearance distance required for our weapons."

Va'Lesh, still thinking deeply, finally nodded. "Yes," he affirmed. "And, providing a smaller target to our opponent would greatly enhance our defenses, and increase our chances of survival by at least twenty percent."

"Master Zaneth would be most pleased," Yara said, and bowed to Kambra. "Again, you have impressed us, Mr. Gant. How may we repay your offering of wisdom?"

Kambra waved off the offer. "There be no need," he said. "Mesa just happy to help."

"Our humblest thanks," Va'Lesh said, and then bowed as well to the Gungan.

"And thank you, Ms. Kovan, for giving him leave to practice with us," Yara added. "He is free to return to you if you wish it. Va'Lesh and I must now meditate on what we have learned this day."

"You're most welcome, Yara," Oot said. "I'm sure he would be happy to continue training with you, and I am happy to have something for him to do. We'll go ahead and head back to the Temple then." She gave them both a graceful bow and then turned back to the Temple. Kambra fell into step easily beside her, glancing back long enough to wave to the two Padawans before they were no longer in sight.

"Would you like to go to our usual location for meditation, Yara?" Va'Lesh asked as he adjusted the folds of his robe.

She sighed and gazed up at the cloud-spotted sky pensively. "I do not know, Va'Lesh. Each time we are they, you attempt to proposition me."

"You have my word as a Jedi that I will not seek to do so today," he said. "That is, unless you would like for me to do so."

Brown eyes narrowed at Va'Lesh, Yara asked, "Are you attempting to follow the example of Master Vorrel and Master Darr? Or Master Brael and Dargus Kandran." She turned to face Va'Lesh fully, and continued without pause. "Or what of Padawan Slaton and Padawan Zathmir? Or Jedi Selrid and--"

"I am not," Va'Lesh answered as he held up a hand to stop her monologue. "However, regardless of your admonition, we are a couple. The difference between you and I is that we possess the discipline to allow us to be both Jedi and partners. Despite that, however, I am truly interested in meditation, and have no alternative motives."

"Then we shall meditate," she decided, "on the ledge beneath the falls, as we like. And," Yara continued, "we shall not be like the others. We are Jedi and soldiers, Va'Lesh. There must be a time for practice and training, and one for acting out on one's desires." Her head tilted inquisitively to one side. "Do you think meditation can slake those desires, Va'Lesh? I believe it would do you some good."

"If the desires are not mutually shared," Va'Lesh answered, "then there is no point in the desires themselves, and acting upon them is an act of utter futility. There is a time and place for expressing our feelings for one another. Now is not that time."

Yara adjusted the incline of her head to watch Va'Lesh curiously at a different angle and gauge his emotions. "Va'Lesh, are you displeased with me?"

"I love you very much, Yara," Va'Lesh answered. "I am not displeased in any way. While I may, at times, be more passionate than you may be, that is something I am trying to correct. I hope my actions are proving successful."

"But...I had thought I was to change," Yara explained. "Master Zaneth has said I am too analytical...that I must be open to my emotions. Was he incorrect?"

"If you wish to be more open to your emotions," Va'Lesh said, "then he is not incorrect. If you are content with who you are, then I see no issue. I love you for who you are, and will always stand by you, no matter what changes you do or do not make. Do you wish to have your emotions more accessible to you?"

"Will it make me a better Jedi and soldier?" she asked.

"If you only seek to enhance yourself as Jedi and soldier, then I do not believe it will," Va'Lesh answered. "However, Master Zaneth did tell us that compassion is a very important part of what a Jedi is. I do not know if it is possible to be compassionate if emotions are neglected." He looked up at her. "Based on that, perhaps it would assist you in being a better Jedi."

"But...I feel compassion," Yara explained. "If my sister Yara were to ever be hurt, I would be sorry for her, or if Mother were to feel sad." Her brow furrowed in perplexity. "Is that not compassion, Va'Lesh?"

"But what of people you don't know?" Va'Lesh asked. "Instead of the people who are close to you, for whom your feelings are stronger, what of those people to whom you have no ties or relationships?"

She shook her head slowly. "Va'Lesh...how can one hold compassion for a stranger? Is it not impossible?"

"That is the reason Master Zaneth has told us to be open to our emotions," he said. "If we are open to our emotions, then we will be able to empathize with a person's situation, even if we do not know them. In that, we will be able to feel compassion."

"Is that not what duty is for?" Yara questioned. "Our duty is what drives us. It is what charges us with the responsibility to aid others. That is not compassion?"

"Compassion is emotional," Va'Lesh stated. "It is an empathetic tie between your own emotions and the emotions of another. If you are only executing your duty as you help them, there is no connection to them. Compassion is doing what you know is right, not doing what you have been ordered to do."

"Why would Master Zaneth order us to do something that was not right?" she asked in surprise. "That is wrong, Va'Lesh. He should not mislead us so."

"What is not right, Yara?" Va'Lesh asked, his expression growing even more quizzical.

"My duty," she answered curiously. "We are not to act on emotion, Liam Zaneth says, yet doing so is wrong, for it prevents us from experiencing compassion, thereby doing a disservice to those we are protecting." Yara frowned deeply. "That is not right."

"We are not to act through the Force on negative emotions," Va'Lesh said. "We should not strike out in anger or hate. It is acceptable to act on emotions and to feel emotions that are not products of the dark side."

"But, may compassion not be taken advantage of or betrayed? A good warrior would never allow themselves to be tricked so."

"Hopefully the wisdom of the warrior and the senses of the Jedi would be attuned enough to recognize that situation if it were to occur."

Yara sighed thoughtfully while studying the raging falls behind them for some resolution to their puzzle. "I do wish Master Zaneth was here to elucidate this for us, Va'Lesh. He has seemed...distant and aloof lately. Have you not noticed the same?" She leaned in to Va'Lesh and whispered, "Do you believe he is upset with us?"

"I believe his relationship with my mother is the source of the problem," Va'Lesh replied. "I do not think things went as he hoped they would. I had hoped...perhaps she would speak with me, but she has not. I saw Father this morning, and he seemed...very unhappy. Do you think we should ask him if we might be of assistance to him?"

"We are his Padawans," Yara stated. "It is our duty. Let us go immediately." Yara pulled her robes straight and nodded curtly to Va'Lesh as she started back. "Come, Va'Lesh! We have been negligent and must remedy that."

Va'Lesh nodded, then straightened his own robes and quickly followed after her. "I am not certain if he will open up to us right away, but I am certain if we are persistent, we be able to provide the assistance he requires."

"Then we shall be so," Yara decided, and strode with unwavering determination into the forest.

***

Together they approached the room they could sense their Master, Va'Lesh's father, meditating within. They approached the door respectfully, not wishing to bother Liam's meditations.

As they exchanged a glance with each other, Liam's voice broke the silence. "I sense that your training went well," he said. When they looked at him again, his eyes were open and he had a hint of a smile in them.

Yara and Va'Lesh bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master," Yara replied, straightening. "Mr. Gant is a formidable opponent. Perhaps during our next session with him, you will join us, Master."

Liam smiled and rose gracefully. "I'll do that," he said. "And, in the future, I will be more attentive in your training sessions. So, tell me about today's session?"

"Well," Yara explained, "Mr. Gant shot at us and we deflected his attacks. And you?"

"Mostly meditating," Liam said. "And, a lightsaber workout in the training room. There was a lot on my mind." He felt a stab of regret in his heart at the thought of never seeing Leshie again. At least it was no longer the anguish that he'd been feeling earlier.

Yara nodded briskly. "Mine as well, Master. Va'Lesh and I were discussing the benefits of compassion when representing the Jedi in an official capacity. What is your opinion, Master?"

"Compassion is one of the primary teachings of the Jedi. Our overall purpose is one of service, and especially serving those who need our help. We are the guardians of peace, but that doesn't entirely mean we are soldiers. But, compassion and caring for life and those living it is very important."

"Perhaps," Yara allowed, "but...how can compassion be learned? Can it be taught, Master Zaneth?"

"It can't be taught," Liam said. "Though, that doesn't mean that if someone isn't compassionate they can never be so. Take Dargus Kandran for example. He used to be as uncompassionate as a person could be. But now, he's very compassionate."

Yara looked aside to Va'Lesh, slightly troubled. "Perhaps...is that why I am not compassionate, Liam Zaneth? Because Master Kandran was not?"

"I doubt that is the case," Liam answered. "More than likely, it's because you were encouraged and possibly programmed to feel little or no emotion. Or, probably more accurately, to suppress those emotions."

"I feel things," Yara insisted. "I feel affection for Va'Lesh, and for my mother and sister. I feel...eager, at times, when Orn has completed a meal and I wish to sample it. I feel, Master Zaneth. Just as you do, though I do not think," she told him confidingly, "that I am capable of experiencing the sadness Va'Lesh and I have noticed in you lately."

"There are times when it is difficult to feel something to the magnitude that another does," Liam answered. "Yelara and I were very much in love before. I didn't bring her back for myself...I brought her back for Va'Lesh. I didn't want him to go through life without her. But...with her back, it's extremely difficult. She and I fought, and she has...she's barred me from seeing him again. At least, I am no longer welcome there with her and Leshie."

"But...he is your child," Yara reminded him quizzically. "Perhaps she has simply forgotten that, or else she would never have forbidden you from interacting with Va'Lesh again."

"She believes that my presence causes too much confusion and turmoil," Liam said. "I believe what she is forgetting, or at least not considering, that even though she has no memories of what happened before, what we shared, that it doesn't mean that time no longer exists. There are some things, some parts of our past, that I can't just forget or wash from my mind. I want to be in my son's life, but I don't want to try to be the friend she thinks she wants me to be because the moments I spend with her are filled with nothing but pain and loss. She just has...no concept of what that is like because she feels nothing for me."

Yara nodded her head in an approximation of sympathy. "I understand. However, might you not simply go to her and explain things? I am certain she will comprehend the situation much clearer if she were to hear it one more time."

"I plan to try," Liam said. "I can't just give up on Leshie; just the thought of it...it's enough to drive me mad."

"If there is anything we can do to help, Father," Va'Lesh said. "Perhaps we could speak with her, on your behalf."

"I'm not sure if she'd listen to you, but if you'd like to try. The two of you deserve time with Leshie too, after all."

"Yes," Yara affirmed, "we do. He is our almost-child too, after all. Shall we depart now, Master Zaneth?"

Liam chuckled. "Maybe not yet," Liam said. "I'm not sure if I'm ready yet, and she'd be at work now. Perhaps tonight. Though, I have a feeling I should go speak to her myself. Maybe when the two of you go into town tomorrow, you could stop by to see her and Leshie."

Bowing her head, Yara replied, "If that is best...." Regarding Liam once again, Yara grew at once reflective. "This...conversation was beneficial, Master. I believe I must meditate on all we have discussed here."

"I'm glad to be able to help," Liam said. "And, thank you as well. There are times when it becomes too easy to think that I'm all alone. It's nice to know I have both of you."

Va'Lesh bowed. "And we will always be here for you, Father and Master."

"And for Leshie as well," Yara added, and thinking upon the numerous occasions spent with Kallia and the affection openly shared between them, she stepped forward and caught Liam offguard with a stiff embrace. "It will...be alright, Master Zaneth. The Force will guide you to the correct solution."

Liam smiled and returned the embrace. "Thank you," he said with a warm look. "More than you can know."

As expressionlessly as always, Yara gazed up at Liam while she stepped back. "You are welcome, Master." She bowed. "We will leave you to your meditation now."

Liam chuckled softly. "Thank you," he said. "If you'd like to join me for dinner this evening, I hear Orn is making something special."

Va'Lesh gave his father a firm nod, then glanced to Yara to gauge her interest. He did not wish to answer for both of them.

"That would be acceptable," Yara replied. "I am--" She paused and thought momentarily, before executing a passable smile and adding, "I am eager to be there."

"Then I'll see you in the dining hall in two hours," Liam said and bowed to both of them.

"Thank you, Father," Va'Lesh said with another bow. Then, with a shared look with Yara, they both departed.

"I believe," Yara said to her brother and fellow Padawan as they rounded a corner, "that we have made Liam Zaneth happy."

"I believe you may be right," Va'Lesh answered. "His spirits seemed to have lifted considerably by the end of our conversation. Did Father adequately answer your questions?"

Yara reflected on their conversation with their master. "I...think he has, Va'Lesh. But without meditation, I will not know for certain."

With a nod of understanding, Va'Lesh re-examined the conversation and concurred. While there had been little for himself to require meditation over, he knew that additional time of reflection would help him find a position of clarity within the dilemma. "I will meditate with you," he said. Then with a slight smile, amended, "And, I use the term meditate in its literal sense."

Yara cocked a stern eyebrow at Va'Lesh. "That would be best, I suspect. You are far too emotional at times, Va'Lesh. Perhaps more meditation without" --she smiled at him accusingly-- "meditation will cure you of that."

Va'Lesh nodded. "That would be best," he said. "I have an inquiry, if I may."

"Yes, Va'Lesh?"

"Do you still wish to make a baby for ourselves like little Leshie?" he asked.

Yara's analytical mind considered Va'Lesh's question and formed the most conclusive response. "Someday, Va'Lesh, I do wish it. Why do you ask?"

"I had not been made aware your goals had changed," Va'Lesh answered. "I will adjust my own behaviour accordingly."

"Adjust it in what way?" Yara inquired.

"Your desire to have a child had seemed more immediate," Va'Lesh answered. "I will forgo my actions in that regard since such is no longer a present goal."

"I must first learn compassion, Va'Lesh," she explained. "Then I might be prepared to make a child. How, if I cannot develop it, will our child?"

"I believe the first step for learning compassion," Va'Lesh said, "would be to give yourself the freedom to express your emotions when the situation permits."

"And what sorts of situations permit it?" Yara sighed. "There is much to learn, isn't there, Va'Lesh?"

"There is," Va'Lesh said with a nod. "But, I believe together we can manage it."

Yara returned the stiff nod, matching Va'Lesh's sudden reserve. When it was clear no one else would be wandering into their corridor, Yara hesitantly laced her fingers through Va'Lesh's and dropped her head onto his shoulder. As illogical as it seemed to her, Yara allowed instinct, and a moment of weakness in her emotional shields, to guide her actions. In essence, it felt right.

Va'Lesh smiled as their fingers curled together. He leaned his head slightly to the side, resting it upon hers as he'd seen Master Brael and Dargus Kandran do from time to time. "Come, let us go begin our meditations," he said softly. "After that, we can go upstairs and read more about the Ancients, if you'd like."

"I would," she answered just as gently, and was hardly bothered when a young Padawan appeared in the corridor, only to scurry past them with a stream of giggles. Yara was content where she was, and decided she wouldn't mind if Va'Lesh did wish to do more than just meditate.

With lazy strides, unbothered by what was happening around them, they slipped off to their room for some meditation. As Yara had said, there was much to learn, and they had taken the first steps down the path.

---

"Mastering A Lightsaber"
by Aurra Sgall
and Quinlan Vos

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

Over the past few days, Aurra's training had been left for Jedi Master Quinlan Vos' care, as Kal'Aran took Taran Kinneas on a small trip for special training. It was only natural that a Jedi and his Padawan should go to several places and travel as part of learning how to become a Jedi Knight, as there were many locations throughout the Galaxy that served as home to different species and, consequently, different dangers as well.

Alas, on Taran's case, it had been with the purpose of some more intensive training, away from the Temple and its daily confusion that sometimes took place. It was also somewhat ironic, considering that the Temple was almost empty now... Koran Darr, Laedra Vorrel, Vaya Bek, Zari Zathmir and Cole Slaton were all away from the Temple as well.

Curiously enough, it was somewhat fortunate for Aurra as well, since it left her with almost all the rooms of the Jedi Temple available to use for training. And she had been wanting to learn what Master Quinlan Vos had to teach her, as he was one of the best lightsaber duelists of all time.

Now, standing in the middle of the forest near the Temple, she stood against five seeker drones that were set for the hardest possible training. She knew that she could easily Force Push them away or even slice through them all, destroying them, but that was not the objective. She was supposed to merely stand fast against them all at once and be able to deflect every single shot.

But this was no easy task, and Aurra was staring to get tired after having withstood for fifteen minutes of intensive training. She was starting to get too close to the wall, so she leapt back in a somersault and used a tree to propel herself over the training drones, while having to deflect some shots at the same time. Once more finding herself with enough space, she drew from the Force strength to continue, relaxing her muscles and providing her body with extra oxygen.

It was then that the drones stopped all of the sudden and Aurra stood, watching around her and feeling what was going to happen next. She sensed that something was not right, and turned just in time to deflect a blaster shot that made its way to her. Only this time it was a real blaster shot.

Aurra frowned and started to move. She couldn't see the attacker, even if her attacker could obviously see her. It was not a balanced situation, so Aurra decided it was best to move. She started to run, while blaster shots kept being fired at her. But Aurra was being faster and able to dodge them before they reached her.

Eventually she stopped and took a stance, as she had finally saw her attacker. She placed her lightsaber in a defensive stance and started to move forward slowly, sending the shots back at her foe. But this was not an ordinary opponent, and Aurra was not being successful in hitting him. When she finally managed a closer shot she was able to make him dodge enough for her to leap into mid air and move in for close body range.

But she was all too soon and by the time that she had decided to slash, her blue blade met a green one. It was her opponent's lightsaber. Aurra looked at him as she moved in for a more defendable space and gave him a respectful nod.

Quinlan bowed back at Aurra. "You have improved your skills greatly over the past few days. Let us see how you stand against another person..." he told her. And with that said, Quinlan moved in for the first blow. He circled his lightsaber and clashed his blade with that of the young twi'lek girl, then using the Force to push her back and onto the ground.

Aurra fell on her back and watched as Quinlan moved in closer to her and quite fast. Alas, she was faster and used the Force to propel herself onto a large branch of a tree, then leaping down with a mid-twist turn to face Master Vos once more.

"Impressive..." Quinlan told her. "You have improvised well. And you've become more resourceful."

Aurra nodded just before she moved forward to attack the Jedi Master. She thrust her weapon at him, but he was already waiting for her attack and was able to use his lightsaber to push her blade to the side. With a circling motion, Quinlan Vos got Aurra's lightsaber out of her hands and onto the ground.

He then moved and struck at her with a side blow, but Aurra jumped over it with an acrobatic jump and used the Force to push her lightsaber back onto her hands while in mid-air. She twisted her weapon in a fast circling continuous motion as if to create a shield around her as she moved back. Once she was safe enough she tossed her lightsaber and grabbed it in reverse, with the blade facing down.

Quinlan Vos nodded at the Twi'lek Padawan. "Let us see how well you have learned the reverse style," he said with a bit of a grin. He moved closer to her and found that Aurra was better than he had foreseen. In fact, she had been fast enough to almost get to him. Almost because she was not quite there yet...

Quinlan eventually saw a flaw in Aurra's movement and took it. With a fast but powerful blow he got her off balance and pushed her down, using a strike from Teras Kasi and kicking her torso. Aurra fell to the side and lost her lightsaber, that now rested in Quinlan Vos' hand.

The Jedi Master safeguarded both lightsabers and put his own away, then helping Aurra to get up and giving her her lightsaber. "You have done very well. In fact, a lot better than I was hoping."

"Thank you, Master Vos..." she bowed. "Although it was not enough, obviously."

"There is always someone better than us at something, Aurra," he told her. "I would be inclined to believe that sooner or later you will be better than I am. Already there is little more for me to show you on how to master a lightsaber."

"Now it is I who am inclined to believe that there is more than just a little more, Master Vos," Aurra said with a smile.

Quinlan laughed at her comment. "Come. That was enough for today..." he told her as he started to walk back to the Temple.

---

"Hot Chocolate and Discoveries, Part 1"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Maeren Shivral

Location: Zenarr-Tregat Residence - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

The ride home was comfortable and relaxing. As Keeve maneuvered the speeder through the streets of New Plouton, Kimara sat facing him in the other seat, one foot tucked beneath her as she twined a short lock of hair with one finger, watching him.

"You know," she said, breaking their several moments of silence, "if I had my materials here, this would make a perfect portrait of you. One of these days, if you want, I think I should. You're very...well, whatever that word is that means you would be a perfect subject for a painting, drawing, holosnap, or whatever. But you are, and...and this is very relaxing. And, thankfully warm." She grinned at him as he glanced aside at her. "I wonder how Zale is doing with Aria."

"He can handle it," Keeve admitted dourly, betraying his still-existing distaste over the idea of a baby without her mother. "If he had breasts, he'd be the perfect mom."

"Well, Dargus appears to be some sort of genetic wizard, from what you've said," Kim said with a grin. "Maybe he could help."

Keeve laughed weakly. "Let's not talk about Dargus' genetic manipulations right now. I think I've heard enough about them for one evening."

"I know," Kim said with a sad smile. "I'm sorry I brought it up; I don't want to cause you more frustration. I guess, in some cases, hard things are easier to handle with humour. Zale loves Aria very much, doesn't he? I know we can't yet, and I'm not quite sure if I'm ready yet, but...if I can, Keeve, I'd be very happy to be your baby's mommy."

Keeve's hand jerked against the thruster controls, giving the speeder a lurch and nearly sending them into a spin. After maintaining control of the vehicle, he stared awestruck at Kim. "What are you talking about?! We...we aren't even that far yet! My...my baby? That's what you...you want that?"

Kim giggled. "That's why I said we can't yet, and I'm not ready yet," she said. "But, someday, yes. Very much."

"Well...alright then." Keeve nodded stiffly and focused on the road ahead once again. Still, he snuck furtive glances aside at Kim until finally saying, "I guess it's something to consider at least, hm? If things...go that way, you know?"

"If things go that way," Kim answered. "They may never, but...I just want you to know. I mean, we do love each other very much, but...but it may never...progress...to that point."

"You wouldn't be around for long if it doesn't," Keeve told her softly. "I'm not foolish enough to expect that you'd wait forever to get to that point. I just need to figure out things with Maeren," he whispered. "Then from there...?" Keeve shrugged. "Who can see where all that will lead."

"I doubt even the Jedi could," Kimara answered. "But, regardless, Keeve, I'll be by your side through this if you want me to be. As much as I love you, I'll always be your friend first."

"You may live to regret that offer," he joked. "You've seen my tantrums."

"I have," Kim said as she poked him in the ribs. "And, you may notice that I'm still here."

He grinned and caught her hand in his before she could pull it away. "Yeah," Keeve answered significantly, "I've noticed." And kissed the tender sweet spot of her palm.

A shiver ran through her as Keeve's lips brushed against her skin. "Good," she whispered.

"Good," Keeve echoed quietly and affectionately laced his fingers through Kim's as he rested both upon his knee. Still smiling faintly with contentment, Keeve swung the speeder around and parked it parallel to the sidewalk bordering the family's large mansion. He killed the thrusters and sat in silence with Kim for a moment until he motioned his head towards the home. "Zale...might not be there yet. We'll be alone."

"That'd be terrible," Kim said with a slightly mischievous, yet still holding a hit of innocence, smile. "If you want, I can make us big, frothy mugs of hot choco."

"Good plan. Let's go!" Keeve chuckled and popped open the hatches. Once outside the speeder, Keeve rounded the vehicle just as Kim was rising and wrapped an arm around her shoulders for warmth. "No lights on," he observed as they scrunched through the carpet of snow upon the ground. Winking at Kim, he quipped, "Maybe we're in luck."

Kim slipped her arm around him and grinned up into his face, grinning even wider as flakes of snow began to stick to his hair and eyelashes. "I'm feeling fairly lucky," she said with a laugh as she reached up and brushed a few flakes from his nose.

"This does feel pretty good, doesn't it?" he mused and pressed a firm, loving kiss to her forehead. They reached the door and Keeve pulled out his keycard. It was difficult attempting to slip it into the reader's slot with Kim nuzzling her lips to his neck, but Keeve managed it and the two stumbled laughing into the home. The door closed quickly, preventing much snow from following them in.

"It's nice and warm in here," Kim said as she reached up and caressed Keeve's cheek. "Do you want me to go in and make some of that choco?"

Keeve smiled roguishly and moved his hands down over her hips. "I could come and help. You know" --he lowered his lips towards hers-- "to help heat things up...."

Kim moaned softly against his lips as she closed the distance between him. "I think we definitely want that choco with extra heat, don't you?" She took his hands in hers, though it took considerable effort to bring them from her hips, and began drawing him along with her toward the kitchen.

"You do know you're a tease, don't you?" Keeve accused jokingly while attempting to surreptitiously unclasp his hand from Kim's for a pat of her rear.

Kim giggled. "Is that bad?" she asked with a mischievous grin. She tried to pull him even closer to her, but he managed to slip one of his hands free of hers. The swat was a solid one. "Oh you!"

He smiled innocently and held both hands up in surrender. "What? It slipped."

"Oh, I am sure that it did," she said as she tried to grab it again. "So, now that you've got a hand free, what do you plan to do, Mr. Slippery?"

Keeve grinned mischievously as he encircled her waist with both arms and pulled Kim into the kitchen. "Well," he answered slyly, Kim's feet clear of the floor and her body flattened against his, "I figured we'd get started on that hot chocolate, hm?"

The warmth of his body against hers filled her with a flush of happiness. Kim grinned down at him and laughed, her voice a musical sound. "I think it will be difficult for me to make any hot chocolate here like this, not that I mind, of course. It's...it's already fairly warm."

"Uh huh," he answered slyly, and abruptly swung around with her, eliciting a squeal from Kim. As she placed a choking hold on his neck, Keeve twirled them round and round dizzily until he gingerly set her down upon the counter. With a sharkish grin and a gaze that could devour, Keeve positioned his hands on either side of Kim's lap and stood between her parted legs. "Remember?" he asked her, glancing down at the small distance between them. "This is just like the first day we met."

Kim looked down, then back up at Keeve. With a slow smile, she brought her legs up around his waist. "I remember the first time I saw you," she said. "I remember your eyes most of all, just like they are now. I wish I could remember more of the time before, Keeve. I wish I could remember the time when we first met, when you were still little."

"No you don't," he assured her with a chuckle. "I pulled your hair and set your bra on fire. And that was just the first day."

"Well, that won't be a problem now if you decide to burn any of my bras again," Kim said with a mischievous grin, then quickly grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it up for him to see. "No more bras."

Keeve first stared with jaw slack before laughing gently. "I remember those, too," he reminisced. His eyes asked Kim for tacit permission, of which her smile was enough. Tenderly, yet inspectively as if he were a child once again, Keeve raised his hands to each of her perfectly manageably sized breasts and massaged them with care. "You see," he whispered, "I remember those, too. You...you flashed them to Kaysa and Zale one day as they were going off to vacation. I've never forgotten that, or anything else about you."

Kim sighed as his hands sent warm tremors through her body starting from the rings in her nipples and traveling all the way down to the one that still resided between the cleft in her legs. "You can definitely keep doing that if you'd like," she said.

"I will," he murmured. His fingertips traced the curves of each breast, passed over each erect nipple, and with every pass, Keeve's amazed smile broadened. He was a child once again, reliving the first moment he'd seen his Auntie Shiv's bared chest. His true Auntie was again before him, and as he'd always wanted to do as that child, Keeve lowered his warm, soft lips to her chest and began exploring with his tongue now.

Kim moaned gently and slipped her arms around his neck, allowing her head to loll to the side as she smiled at the deliriously wonderful feelings his lips were producing. "Oh Keeve," she murmured happily.

He chuckled from below. "What are you chiding me for? You're the one who pulled them out." And returned his lips to her bosom while leadingly pushing forward to recline Kim across the countertop.

Kim's top fluttered to the floor as her hand slipped down to the front of his pants. Her other hand twined through his hair as her breathing increased. It was a dream come true, she decided.

As their attention was focused on each other, neither noticed the shadow appear in the doorway until it let out a sudden and startled gasp. "Kim? Keeve? Oh...oh...I...oh Keeve...what...I...I'm sorry, I should...oh gods..."

Keeve was nearly as speechless as he looked up and witnessed the shock in Shiv's expression. "Maeren?" he murmured in disbelief before she staggered away from the kitchen. Cursing under his breath, Keeve lifted himself off

Kim and quickly stuffed himself back into his pants. "I-I'm sorry, Kim," he insisted hastily. "I'll be right back." Keeve swung away, then quickly turned back to smile apologetically down at Kim. "We'll finish this some other time, okay?" And quickly kissed her brow before he pelted out of the kitchen.

"Of course," Kim whispered though the humour and teasing from before were absent, instead replaced by a knowing sadness. She slipped off the counter to retrieve her top as he disappeared out the door and after his wife. "It's a date then."

---

"Hot Chocolate and Discoveries, Part 2"
By: Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Maeren Shivral

Location: Zenarr-Tregat Residence - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 16, 4 ABY

***

"Maeren!" Keeve called out just as she hit the top of the staircase. "Maeren, wait!"

Shiv stopped at the top of the stairs, clutching the robe she wore tightly around her as she was hurrying to one of the bedrooms. She turned toward him, tears rimming her eyes. "After that earlier, and now...I just... Keeve, I love you, more than anything, but...but if you want Kim too, please say so. Please don't tell me you don't and then...then...then this...please, don't...not like that. I want you to be happy, and if that means being with her too...please, just say so..."

"I'd be happier if you didn't run off with Kaysa whenever we fight!" he shot back, now at the base of the stairs. "And what the hells are you doing here? I wouldn't have done that, Maeren, if I'd known you were here." Aware of Kim within listening distance, and now completely open to his feelings for her, instead of merely thinking it, Keeve added, "And if you hadn't been here...I wouldn't have stopped."

"Do you want to be with her, Keeve?" Shiv asked. "I know she loves you, and I know you love her...and...and me, but...do you want to be with her, Keeve? Do you want her too, or just me? And, you left before I did! You said mean things, and then...then you left. I didn't...I wouldn't have...but they...they wanted me to, to cheer me up... I like going out and having fun, but...it hurts so much when we fight, and I just wanted to be happy with you...that's all. I want to be happy with you, Keeve."

"Then why didn't you comm me?" he asked gently. Keeve mounted the stairs one by one, until he was at the top and within reach of Shiv. He didn't yet extend a hand towards her. "Maeren...something's wrong here and we need to talk about it. You came back before your night with Kaysa and that jerk was at an end...." Keeve smiled wanly. "There's gotta be a reason and if this...distance between you and I is it, then we're definitely ready to talk."

"I wasn't happy out there with them, Keeve," Shiv said softly. "I like going out and partying, but after our fight, and...it just wasn't fun. I missed you, so I just came back here and took a bath and...I would have commed you, but I thought you were still very angry at me. I...I want to try to have a baby again, Keeve. I want to give you the baby you want...and...I don't know if we can now, but...but I want to give that to you." She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "Would you like to go sit down so we can talk?"

His eyes fluttered briefly towards the kitchen, to where Kim was still hiding, but Shiv's obvious distress was enough to bring his love for her again to the surface. As much as he loved Kim, and with all that Dargus had admitted, Keeve could hardly forget the joy he'd experienced with Shiv. Smiling encouragement, Keeve laid his hand on her shoulder. "Come on. We can talk in the bedroom."

Shiv smiled and nodded back at him. "Thank you," she whispered. "I'm sorry I've been such a pain, Keeve. I don't mean to be...it just happens sometimes, I guess. I don't try to."

"Neither do I," he admitted wryly. Together, and Shiv very unsteadily, they entered their bedroom, where Keeve and Shiv sat side by side at the edge of the mattress. There was a heavy silence as each stared vacantly at the far wall, but Shiv's intermittent sniffles drew Keeve's focus to her. Instinctually, he took her hand and squeezed it. "There are so many things, Maeren...I don't know how to start. I don't know where we should start."

"I love you, Keeve," Shiv said with a shy smile. "I think that's a good place to start. I know I haven't been the best wife, and I know I have other loves too, but you're always first in my heart. Always. And, I don't know what will make things better, but I want that. If you want it to just be us, then I can talk to Merrick and Kaysa, and...and I can talk to Kim with you if you want..."

Keeve jerked his hand away from Shiv's and turned abruptly towards her on the bed. "What in all hells? You want me to go down there and tell Kim that, after everything, I'll just have to turn off my feelings for her and send her away? Especially when I know you'll just sneak around behind my back and be with all your lovers anyway!" He exhaled deeply to recollect himself, then refocused on Shiv and asked, "You came home tonight without Kaysa...but before that did you two do anything? Did you have any intention of doing anything?"

"Things started to happen," Shiv said as she looked down at her hands. "But...but I couldn't...they kept trying to cheer me up, to forget about our fight...but all I could think about was you, Keeve. All I could think about was that...that I may never...that I may have ruined everything between us. I...I left because...because I love you too much to hurt you that way, and...and I want to make our marriage work, Keeve." She looked up at him, pain and sorrow filling her eyes. "I know you love her, Keeve, and...and if you still want to be with her, you can. But...but I won't be with Kaysa or Merrick again. I'm only yours from now on."

"I don't know," he sighed. "I'm not sure I can believe that, Maeren. I'm not even sure that's what you really want. I don't think you can help...who you are." Keeve was hesitant to confide Dargus' revelation to Shiv, not when she was so fragile. As much as they had quarrelled, he still admittedly loved her. "Look," he whispered and again took her hand into his, "you need some help, Maeren - and not because you have these insatiable...urges. It's because you have them and you feel guilty about them. And...." Clearing his throat, Keeve looked down at his larger hand dwarfing Shiv's. He couldn't break her heart by telling her she was an imposter. Instead, he opted for a slightly revised version of the tale. "I talked to Dargus tonight," he admitted. "He...he told me something about you...." Keeve shifted closer and cupped her cheek in his hand as he stared into her sad eyes. "When he abducted you...he did something to you, Maeren. It's why you can't bear children. It's not your fault," he assured her. "I'm sorry I said those things...I'm sorry I hurt you like that. But it's really not your fault, Maeren. It's his."

The blood drained from Shiv's face and tears welled in her eyes as she stared at Keeve, unable to speak. Her mouth moved soundlessly as she tried to find the words. "Oh gods," was all she managed to croak out. She squeezed her eyes shut and choked back a sob. The thoughts in her head whirled about so she couldn't focus on any of them. She felt Keeve's arms come around her and his touch brought some comfort. Finally, after several minutes of silence except for the sound of her tears, she looked up at him. "You will help me? To get through all of this, so that...so that I won't be...like I have been?"

Keeve smiled warily into her upturned face. "You...really want to change, Maeren? I...I still love you, you know that? Even when we're fighting, arguing... I can't help it. But things can't go on like this, Maeren. So if you really are going to change your ways...you have to do it and stick with it, because if you turn back...I'm not sure how much longer I can be with you."

"And, that's why I have to change," Shiv said. "I love you...and...and the thought of not being with you, it's too much. I have to change...I have to..."

"And you want to, Maeren?" he asked softly. He raised his other hand to her cheek, framing her tear-streaked face with both. "Do you want to change, Maeren? For yourself?"

"Yes," she said. "Yes, for me, for you, for us. Yes, I want to change, Keeve. I want to change, and I want you to be happy with me again. It's been so long since you've even smiled at me...and...and yes, I want to change."

He stroked Shiv's hair soothingly as he gazed down at her searchingly, not certain if he quite believed her yet. But her grief could not be ignored, not with as much as he still loved her. "Alright," he whispered, grinning. "Okay, Maeren. We'll start tomorrow. It'll be a new beginning for us. Just...promise you'll stay away from Kaysa and Cadwin while you're trying to get better. Can you promise that?"

"I promise," Shiv said with a warm smile for him. "We'll be good again, Keeve. We'll get through this, I know we will."

He nodded, not yet willing to make any promises. "You should rest now. I need to go down and talk with Kim. But," he stressed, "not to dump her. I...I can't, Maeren. I do love her. But I promise not...to do anything with her, not while we're trying to work all this out." Smiling, Keeve kissed her softly. "Get under those covers and rest. I'll bring something warm up for you to drink. Kim and I were...um" --he cleared his throat and muttered abashedly-- "making hot chocolate."

"Oh, is that what you call that," Shiv said as she climbed under the covers, her eyes glinting mischievously. "And, if you...you do want to, with her, it's okay, Keeve. Just tell me about it first. Please, it's okay with me and I approve, but...please just say something to me first, before I find out some other way."

"I'm not going to sleep with her," Keeve insisted, folding the covers back over Shiv. He leaned forward to kiss her brow. "As long as you're resisting, I think I can, too."

Shiv smiled as his warm lips came to rest against her. "I know you can," she whispered. "But, don't forget to think about Kim, okay. And, I just want you to know, that it's okay with me. That's all. Just...it's okay."

"Stop rambling," Keeve whispered, chuckling, and kissed her again to prevent her from doing so. "I'll be back," he murmured and pulled away before Shiv could seek more from him.

"I'll be here," Shiv said as he stepped away from the bed. As she smiled up at him, there seemed to be an innocence in her expression, but more importantly in her eyes. "I'll see you soon, and...give Kim a hug for me, and tell her I'm sorry."

"I will." With lopsided grin in place, Keeve left the bedroom, but once the door closed behind him, Keeve sighed shakily and wandered distractedly towards the stairs. For as far as he'd come in that single day, five minutes with Shiv and he was right back where he started, and doubly confused.

Distraught and barely clinging to her sanity, Shiv's vulnerability had appealed to his desire for finding the innocent, carefree Auntie Shiv he'd known so long ago. He'd found it in Kim, and nearly again in Shiv, but his sympathy for her outweighed what was in his heart. He pitied her more than he loved her now, but it was because she still held his heart that Keeve could not turn away. Unsteadily descending the staircase, Keeve wondered where things would go now. And he wondered what he would tell Kim.

Kimara appeared in the doorway of the kitchen as Keeve reached the bottom of the stairs. She gave him a shaky smile. "Is everything alright," she asked, coming to him as much to be close to him as to offer the support he appeared to need. "Is she upset? I can go if it'd be best. I have some things I could work on at my place, if...if you two want time by yourselves."

"No," he cut her off quickly, approaching. "I want you to stay, Kim. We still have hot chocolate to make, right?" Keeve tried to smile, but his lips remained turned down sharply. Stopping before Kim, Keeve rested his hands upon her shoulders and sighed heavily. "She's a mess, Kim. I...I couldn't just push her away like I'd planned. I'm sorry."

"Considering that you still love her," Kim said with a smile, "I don't know if I'd be able to have any respect for you if you could just push her away. If there's anything I can do to help," Kim said as she reached out and took Keeve's hands as before and began to lead him back into the kitchen. This time, however, the flirtation was far more subdued.

While the chocolate simmered, Kim watching intently, and Keeve retrieving mugs in silence, he felt for a startling instant like they, too, had lost all the progress they'd achieved. Kim had been shining only moments ago, a beacon to signal the recapture of the happiness he'd discovered as a boy with his Auntie Shiv. Now, that light was dimming. The silence and the distance didn't suit Keeve at all.

With a quiet growl, he set down the mugs loudly and trapped Kim in an embrace with a single tug, as well as an accompanying gasp as she fell heavily into him. Keeve smoothed his hand over her cheek, staring into her eyes, and lightly dragged his fingertips across both trembling, rosy lips. "I love you," he whispered. "No matter what...that won't change. I still want to be with you, Kim. Or do you no longer believe that?"

Kim smiled warmly at him, then nodded. "I believe you," she said fervently. "And, I love you, and I still want to be with you. We'll see what happens and how this goes. If there's one thing I've learned since I became a part of this family