"Recovering Normality, Part 1"
By: Maeren Shivral
Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Hope - Family Pet

Location: Keeve and Shiv's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

"Where do you think you're going," Shiv said, playfully narrowing her eyes. "Did I say you could leave? I don't remember saying that, so I must not have. Which means, you're going to be staying right here. Because you know, as soon as you leave this room, you'll want to come right back in. Just like always."

The pair of large, blue eyes stared back at her.

"So, what do you have to say for yourself?"

The only response she received was a gentle, trilling meow. Shiv giggled as the still-little reisakitten padded her way up Shiv's belly to stand on her chest. With a glance to Shiv's side, where Keeve sat watching the scene, Hope meowed once again, then looked back to Shiv.

"That's what I thought," Shiv said with a grin. "I'm so sorry I haven't been a good mommy lately, Hope. From now on, though, you're going to be getting yourself a lot more attention." She leaned forward and planted a kiss on Hope's fuzzy forehead, then looked over at Keeve. "I promise."

Keeve smiled soberly and reached out from where he sat in the armchair to stroke Hope's back. "I think you're forgiven, Maeren," he told her significantly. "How could anyone ever stay mad at you for long?"

"I imagine it's easy to stay mad at me when I keep doing stupid things," Shiv said with a sigh, then turned to Keeve as Hope began circling on her belly, preparing it for a reisacat-nap. "At least I'm done doing stupid things now."

"As long as I can keep you locked up in the house," Keeve teased, then dropped to his knees, chuckling, and hobbled up to Shiv's side. He gazed down at her as she stared up at him; her eyes fluttered when he smoothed back her hair. "This is how we have to keep it, Maeren. No more of that...other stuff. Okay? And especially" --he smiled guiltily-- "no more yelling and jumping to conclusions."

"I think that's the answer to all of our problems," Shiv said with a tender smile. "But, most importantly, no more Kaysa. I will never stop loving her, but she...she's just a bad influence."

Keeve grinned. "And I won't even say I told you so." At Shiv's pouting scowl, Keeve laughed softly and lowered his face towards hers. His lips met a thick patch of white fur instead of the yielding, warm flesh of Shiv's mouth he'd intended to kiss. When he pulled back in surprise at the ball of fur that had come between them, Hope looked up at him curiously and meowed. He chuckled and scratched the underside of her chin affectionately. "Just as silly as her owner...."

Shiv grinned at Hope as she turned her attention on the affection she was getting from Keeve. "She's the best, isn't she? And, I can't believe how smart she is. I know that...even though I can't...she's...she's our baby...at least until we can...can figure out another way."

"Don't think about that," Keeve told her softly. "Even if we can't, that doesn't mean we can't...you know...adopt. I bet there are lots of kids from the desert who need a mother and father."

"There are," Shiv said with a warm smile. "And, I'm sure there are lots of reisakitties that need a home too."

"Just don't make Hope jealous," Keeve warned. "Look what she did to the couches because you ignored her for two days."

"We'll have to get new couches," Shiv said with a giggle. "She can really be a little monster, can't she?"

"She takes after you," Keeve quipped fondly and this time managed to steal a kiss before Hope wedged herself between them again.

"You better make sure Hope doesn't get jealous," Shiv said once their kiss had ended, then returned her lips once more. "Thank you for saving me, Keeve. I can't remember when I've been happier than I am right now."

"Then we have to stay this way," he urged her. "And I'll do whatever you need me to do so we can make that happen. I'm no longer stubborn, brooding Keeve," he declared, smiling at her charmingly, "just...your hunky, understanding husband."

"Oh, you definitely are," she said. "Very understanding and very hunky, even Hope thinks so. But, if she thinks I'm gonna share you, she's got another thing coming." As if in response, Hope let out another meow, and started climbing up toward Shiv's shoulders. "We'll stay this way, Keeve, and we'll avoid all those things that are too tempting...well, except each other. And, it'll be perfect like it was in the beginning before all the trouble."

"We'll see," he murmured playfully and leaned in for another kiss. Keeve pulled back abruptly at a cheerful greeting from behind, one that could only belong to their housemate returning home. Clearing his throat, Keeve waved at Kim abashedly and rose from the floor. "Done shopping?"

She raised the bags she carried. "I am," she said. "You know, if Merrick didn't love women so much, I'd think that he was...you know. He has amazing fashion sense. And, I don't think I've ever seen him as happy as he was today. He wouldn't really go into details, but it sounds like his show last night went really well."

"We should--" Keeve caught himself before he could suggest a night at the Noise. Shiv needed to cut all ties with her former life, which included Merrick. Nodding his head appreciatively, Keeve answered instead, "Well...he deserves it, so that's good. Now, you'd better get over here and show Maeren what you bought." He grinned accusingly at his wife. "She suffers withdrawal if she can't do anything related to shopping for a while."

"It's really quite terrible, but Keeve and Hope have been helping me through," Shiv said as Kim dropped all of her bundles, which quickly got the very curious Hope's attention. "Oh, now we're in for it."

Kim giggled. "Last time I bought stuff, it was impossible to get her out of all the bags."

Sitting on her haunches, Hope sprang from the couch and darted towards Kim's purchases. "There she goes," Keeve sang, and all three laughed as she crashed into the bags with a loud crackle of plastic.

"If there's anything you don't want kitten fur on, you should probably grab it out now," Shiv said. "That is if you plan to show it all to me in the bags, of course."

Kim laughed and reached for one of the bags, picking Hope up from it and depositing her on the bag beside it. She started pulling out some shirts, a skirt, and a dress. Both she and Shiv started cooing over the various items, with Shiv pointing out to Keeve the one's she thought would look good on her.

"Silly," Kim said. "Of course they'll look good because they look good on me, and...well, we look the same."

"That's not true," Keeve put in, studying the clothing with a critical eye, "you two carry yourselves differently. That means the clothes hang off you differently." He cocked an eyebrow at them. "Right?"

Shiv held up a top that was barely there. "And, this is definitely not something I'd be wearing now."

Kim grinned at the scant top and stole a peek over at Keeve.

He held up his hands defensively and told her, "No way you're getting me into that either, so don't even think it!"

"Oh Keeve," Kim said, "I think it'd look adorable on you. Though, I think it'd be better on me." She held it up. "Don't you agree?"

Keeve scowled mildly at Kim and answered stubbornly, "How would I know? I'm a man. Men don't know anything about fashion!" And petulantly marched up to Hope and scooped her up from the ground, a bag dangling from her claws. She swatted at it with the free paw. "Silly," he muttered. "All the women in this apartment are silly and I have no idea why."

"I think that's because you're a man," Shiv said with a grin as she crawled away from the pile of clothing to reach up and scratch behind Hope's ears, earning a purring meow in response. "We should all go out somewhere, together. We should go to that playhouse down the street. I read they have a production of a drama out of Coruscant."

"You just want to try on some more of Kim's clothes," Keeve accused mildly and kissed the tip of Hope's nose before he set her down. With all feet now on the ground, she leapt at the bag again.

"Actually, I want to try on some of my clothes," Shiv said with a grin. "And, I'm sure Kim wants an excuse to wear some of her new clothes. And, it's someplace new that we've never been before, and we won't run into Kaysa or Cadwin there!"

"Well, that's convinced me." Wiping the fur from his shirt, Keeve started for the kitchen. "You two decide what you're gonna wear. I'll make us something to eat before we go."

"Come on," Shiv said, grabbing up one of Kim's bags as she motioned for her twin to do the same to the others, "let's go see what our options are. We'll be back out in a few minutes, my dear. Do you want final approval on what we wear? Or will you leave that decision to us?"

Keeve chuckled lowly in the doorway and waggled a finger at the girls. "There's no way I'm not taking a look at what you're not wearing before we leave this home. I don't want trouble with the authorities for your exposing yourselves."

"Oh, don't worry," Shiv said with a knowing grin for Kimara, "you can inspect us before we go. You just get that food ready, and we'll take care of making sure we put on something decent for you to approve."

Grumbling at their decidedly mischievous smiles, Keeve shook his head and marched into the kitchen. When his back was turned, though, Keeve chuckled to himself. It was good to have things back to normal and Shiv smiling again. They might just make it after all.

***

With all of the excitement moved off to another part of the apartment, Hope wandered into the kitchen where Keeve was preparing food. She meowed and rubbed against his leg, and then moved to the side to watch him.

The sounds of laughter appeared to be drawing nearer, and a moment later, both Shiv and Kim appeared in the doorway. Shiv was wearing a long skirt and sleeveless shirt. Kimara was wearing a similar skirt, but with a slit up the side, and a top that exposed the silver ring in her navel. "Well?" Shiv asked.

Both Keeve and Hope shifted around to study them, Hope with head upturned to view the women towering over her, and Keeve wearing a pensive frown. "You're going to be wearing jackets, aren't you?" he asked warily.

"I've got a sweater," Shiv said. "And, Kim has a great jacket. Go get it and show him."

With a laugh, Kimara fled from the room and returned a few moments later wearing a very elegant long coat. It looked like a very comfortable and warm coat, to be sure.

Keeve gave her an approving nod. "Why couldn't you get something like that, Maeren? It covers everything!"

"Well, I do have a sweater," Shiv said and, as Kim had, disappeared and reappeared pulling on a thick sweater. She smoothed it and presented herself to Keeve. "It's very toasty."

"And will be perfect," Keeve told them both sternly, "if you keep them on. Now" --he thrust out a pot of bubbling stew-- "let's eat before you start getting restless and peeling off your clothing...as I know you will." Eyeing them pointedly, Keeve nodded towards the table, then turned back to the stove to begin dishing out the meal.

"My silly husband," Shiv said with a laugh as she rubbed a hand along his spine. "I promise to be good."

"And, I promise to...to eat a full meal before we go," Kimara said with a grin.

Hefting the three steaming bowls - balancing one on the crook of his elbow and forearm - Keeve turned and told Kim, "Then eat up, because there's plenty more." Smiling briefly at Shiv, he stepped past her to set their meal down upon the table. Hope mewed and padded along behind him. "So...I'm guessing you two are excited," Keeve said as he took a seat.

"Very excited," Shiv answered. "It's something completely new for us. We've never done anything like this before. It's...it really helps the feeling of starting over. And, we're all doing this together and...it's nice. Me, my husband, and my sister."

Keeve nodded absently as he bent over his bowl and shoved a dripping spoonful of the thick stew into his mouth. He nearly choked on the bite when Hope jumped onto his lap, using his thigh to anchor her with two sets of claws. Coughing violently, Keeve finally spit his food back into the bowl and lunged for his glass of water. He drank it down greedily as the girls giggled.

"I think Hope wants her dinner too," Shiv said, getting up from the table and going around to where she could feed their kitten.

Kim slid her chair around to pat at Keeve's back. "Gotta be careful around here," she said.

Keeve glanced aside at her and moodily replied, "Yeah...tell me about it. If it's not Hope, it's you secretly flirting, and Shiv doing so openly."

"Keeve Shivral," Kim said with a put-on haughty air, "I do not flirt secretly. I am quite open and apparent in my flirtations."

"Well...isn't it disrespectful?" he asked, lowering his voice and leaning in to keep Shiv from overhearing. "I mean...in front of Maeren.... Why?"

"Keeve, I flirt, but no more," Kim said. "It'd be entirely different if I stuck my hand down your pants in front of her. But I won't do that...I couldn't. But, Maeren doesn't mind me flirting because we both know it won't go anywhere."

"You--" Keeve's eyes widened. "What do you mean? Did you two talk about this?" His voice cracked. "About me and what's down my pants?!"

"We don't talk about that," Kim said with a grin. "But we talk about things, and about my feelings for you. She's okay with me flirting...especially because it's just part of my nature. But, she also knows that I won't betray her."

"And I won't..." Feeling Shiv's eyes on him now, Keeve sat back to include both women in the conversation. "I won't betray you, Maeren. And Kim...I don't mind you flirting...as long as Maeren doesn't mind. This living arrangement feels nice. I don't want anything to ruin it."

"Good idea," Shiv said as she returned to the table. "And, I think making sure Hope gets fed before we eat will help fix a lot of problems. Did you want me to get you some more stew, my love?"

Keeve nodded with a sigh of laughter and handed Shiv his bowl. "Thanks," he told her. As Shiv skipped off, Keeve winked at Kim and said aloud, "We'd better hurry. We want good seats, right?"

"Of course we do," Kim said. "Though, the question is, do we go in with me on one of your arms and Maeren on the other? Or, should we act like a normal couple with your wife's sister in tow?"

Keeve grinned wickedly and quipped, "When have we ever been a normal couple, Kim? I've got two arms. Might as well use them, right?"

Kim grinned. "You're just as bad as me," she whispered. "I love it!"

"Of course you do," he affirmed playfully, and fondly bumped his knee against hers beneath the table.

"And, I think you do too," she added just before Maeren returned with Keeve's stew.

"There," Shiv said. "And, Hope is busy eating too, so you should be safe."

Keeve looked down into his bowl, then smiled crookedly at Shiv. "Great." Holding up a spoonful, Keeve toasted, "To stew and impetuous, silly women who shall be the bane of my existence." Then he chomped down the bite.

Living up to his proclamation of impetuous silliness, both Maeren and Kim grinned at each other, then reached out and grabbed one of Keeve's legs, quickly falling into boisterous laughter. Yet again, Keeve's food spewed from his lips back into his bowl. Behind them, Hope meowed with seeming approval.

***

It was a challenge keeping Shiv and Kim from dawdling as they indulged in further joking and frivolity, but the three arrived at the theatre just before the curtain rose. Keeve managed to procure choice balcony seats for them with much charm, and far more credits, but he had made it clear to the host that there would be no settling for less. With as boisterous as the two were that evening, Keeve wasn't going to risk having them among the rest of the audience. They'd likely disrupt the show and get them all thrown out...permanently.

Their behaviour was still a concern once they had settled themselves in, for their shrill giggles turned heads from down below, and all Keeve could do was lower his face into his hand and hope no one recognized them. The night would be a long one...

As the curtain started to go up, both Kim and Maeren actually managed to quiet themselves. With Keeve sitting between the two, the chance they'd babble on through the middle of the show had been lessened, but there was so much more they could do that didn't involve talking, especially within a darkened theatre. They seemed, for the moment, however, to be content to watch the beginning of the action on the stage.

As the lights brightened on the stage, a trio of actors entered, conversing about the state of affairs on Coruscant. Around them, holographic images shimmered and shifted to indicate the play's set. Both Kim and Maeren reached over and slipped a hand into Keeve's. A moment later, Shiv sighed contentedly and her head moved to rest on Keeve's shoulder.

He turned his lips to her forehead while keeping his eyes on the performance, and hoped the tender kiss would do much towards maintaining Shiv's calm demeanour. Ten minutes into the play, though, Keeve already felt his eyes drifting closed.

Enraptured by the performance, Shiv almost missed Keeve's head nodding forward. At first, as she watched him drifting off to sleep, her thoughts turned to mischievous naughtiness. But, as she looked up at the serene look on his face, she knew she couldn't do that to him. She reached up and brushed her lips against his cheek. "Keeve," she whispered to him. "If you want, we can go home. We don't have to stay here and keep watching the play if you can't stay awake."

Keeve snorted softly as he roused, assessed his surroundings sleepily, then found Shiv's face and smiled. "No...no I'm fine. Sorry...I'll stay awake, I promise."

"I can keep you awake if you want," Shiv said with a grin. "I'll pinch your thigh every couple minutes to wake you up. Or, I could be naughty and tell Kimara to keep you awake."

"I know what kind of 'awake' you have in mind," he muttered chidingly, and silenced Shiv with a kiss before bringing up his hand and pressing her head down upon his shoulder once again. "Watch...and don't pinch."

"Just make sure you don't fall asleep, because your head blocks my view, my love." She grinned and settled her head back into place to watch the show.

This time, Keeve managed to stay awake, though it was difficult following the plot after having missed a few minutes of the show. Concentrating did him no good, for he was easily distracted by other things around him, especially Kim watching the show with an expression of complete joy. For all the sadness he'd ever caused her, Keeve was glad she could find some happiness. Grinning and looking ahead, Keeve furtively reached across and covered her hand with his.

Kimara's smile brightened as Keeve's hand found hers. Taking a chance, she leaned closer to him, and then rested her head on his shoulder. His loving kindness was almost too much, but it only made her love him all the more.

As uncomfortable as it was sitting upright while two women used his shoulders as headrests, Keeve found that it was beginning to make the show far more enjoyable; even if it meant coming out with a stiff neck, Keeve wouldn't change a thing.

---

"Recovering Normality, Part 2"
By: Maeren Shivral
Keeve Shivral
Kimara
Various NPCs

Location: The Bindra Theatre, New Plouton; Keeve and Shiv's Apartment, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

"That was a great show," Shiv was saying as they left the theatre. "Did you see the way they did that big fight at the end? They were very good. And, the way that one guy chopped the other in half, it looked so real! It's amazing what they can do with holo-emitters."

"It was a little...violent, wasn't it though?" Keeve reminded her, still puzzled by the choice of a tragic, rather than uplifting ending.

"It was," Kim said as she reflected on what they'd just watched. "But even though the ending was tragic for the hero, they were freed from the tyranny of the evil prince. I think it could have used a happier ending though, especially now."

"Now?" Keeve asked, smiling coyly. "What do you mean?"

"Well, after the Empire and in this time of rebuilding," Kim said. "I just think a more uplifting ending would have helped to bolster the spirit of the people during this time. Don't you think?"

He nodded, still smiling enigmatically. "Oh. And not because we're at all content right now, hm?"

"Well, I think we're all content because we were together, not because of the play. Though, I guess that would have made us even more content. I'm just happy I was able to spend time with you both like this. It was very nice."

"It was," Shiv said with a happy grin.

"Then we'll do it again soon," Keeve decided and turned his lips first to Shiv's temple, then Kim's before adding, "but for now, let me get the speeder."

"We'll be good," Maeren said with a grin, then with some hesitation let go of his hand so he could go.

"Promise," Kim added, her eyes not leaving Keeve.

Keeve shot them a wink then left them standing outside the theatre as he jogged off to retrieve their speeder. Snow had again begun to fall, which spurred Keeve to rush before the girls were frozen solid, more than his desire to spend more time with them at home did. Opening the flap of his coat, Keeve reached into his inner pocket for the portable hatch release. It was made clear to him that he should pay more attention to his path rather than the pocket when he slammed into a solid body. A manly grunt identified his victim - a middle-aged man in scruffy clothes and disheveled brown hair. He was holding his side when Keeve looked up in surprise.

"Sorry," Keeve told him quickly. The man waved him off and bowed his head as he walked past. With a shrug, Keeve continued for the speeder, finally having found the remote door release.

Kim and Maeren had been chatting as they stood, with Shiv watching those people still milling around after the show, and Kim's eyes focused on Keeve. She knew it was mostly hopeless, but she couldn't help herself. She was happily explaining a section of the play Shiv had missed because of a run to the refresher, but stopped in midsentence as she saw a man collide with Keeve, and then wander off.

"Hey," she said.

"What?" Shiv asked, looking a touch perplexed.

"That guy...he...he just stole Keeve's..." Then she broke forward, running toward Keeve and the fleeing man. "Keeve," she shouted, "that guy, he just lifted your wallet!" The thief, suddenly identified, jumped and quickly looked about for a place to run. "Get him!"

Keeve's head swung first towards Kim, who had yanked her dress' hem above her knees as she dashed in pursuit, then towards the man who was making a run for it. With a growl, Keeve tossed the remote to Shiv and hollered, "Get in and wait!" then fell into step behind Kim as she flew past him. It was difficult keeping up, even though she was in heels. "Kim...what the hells are you doing?! You're a girl!"

"I'm glad you noticed," she called, undeterred from trying to catch the crook. They were drawing closer, each being in far better shape than the thief. With a cry, Kimara threw herself at the man, only then realizing that he'd probably be very smelly, but it was too late for that now. The force of her body hitting his brought them both down, sprawling into the snow.

Keeve skidded to a halt, stunned by Kim's gumption. He only started forward again when he realized she was attempting to drag the fallen man to his feet again. "Kim! What the hells-- Watch out!" Enraged now, the thief rolled onto his back and reversed Kim's hold on him. Gripping her wrists, he flung her to the ground and scrambled to his feet. Keeve launched himself at the man with fierce cry.

Keeve distracted the man enough for Kim to get back onto her feet. As the thief tried to dislodge Keeve, Kim came around the other side and drove the heel of her shoe into his foot as her fist came around and connected with his jaw. "I suggest. You give back. His wallet!" Her knee found something soft, but since it didn't double him over in pain, she figured it wasn't where she was aiming. His grunt of pain, however, did tell her she found something vulnerable.

"Where did that come from?" Keeve shouted in surprise as he wrapped his arm around the man's neck to restrain him. Before Kim could reply, the thief's head jerked back, smashing into Keeve's nose and staggering him back. Still unsteady from Kim's abuse, the man made another attempt to flee, though clumsily as he wavered and slid upon the snowy ground.

Kim hadn't given up yet, and pounced after him, once again tackling him down, and then jumping onto his back to hold him in place. She drove her fist into the small of his back. "Stop! You're not getting away! Give up!"

He arched in pain and cried out. As the thief reached behind him to grab at his spasming back, the wallet slipped from his jacket pocket and into the snow. A bloodied hand from above snatched it up, and when Kim raised her head, Keeve was holding his other hand to his nose. Blood trickled from beneath, over his lip. "Come on, Kim. We got what we wanted," he told her, voice muffled. "Let's just go. Leave this scum here."

"Right," she said, still glaring at the thief. She stood up and took a step away. "Remember this the next time your fingers start to itch for someone's wallet," she told the man, then turned her attention to Keeve. "Oh gods, sweetie, is it really bad? Come on, let's get you back to the speeder so we can take a look."

Keeve harrumphed in assent, turning off with Kim, but before getting too far, Keeve spun back and buried his foot into the man's side. "That's for messing up my perfect nose," Keeve spat, then stumbled back around and leaned on Kim for support back to the speeder. As they slowly made their way, Keeve asked, "Where'd you learn to fight like that? I doubt Dargus taught his pleasure slaves combat."

"I don't really know," Kim answered with a frown. "Maybe...maybe it's something I knew before, from the time when I was a smuggler. I guess even if I don't remember it, it's still something my body remembers."

"It definitely remembers well, then," Keeve quipped, and attempted a smile, but winced instead and stifled a curse. "The bastard...I should've seen it coming."

Kim shrugged. "Maybe," she said. "He was good, and I think you were thinking about other things."

Keeve snorted, earning himself another spike of pain. "Like what?"

Kim grinned and gave him a knowing smile. "Me," she said.

"How'd you notice?" He chuckled weakly and shifted his gaze away from hers when he felt himself being pulled in by her eyes. "I've gotta stop doing stupid things and trying to act chivalrous. I only ended up looking like a fool." Displaying his bloodied hand to her, he added, "And now I'm bleeding all over my suit. If I hadn't been trying to protect you, I never would've gotten hit."

"I think I startled us both by being able to fight," Kim said. "It's not your fault. And, if I'd been behind him like that, it would have been my nose. I'll help you get your suit cleaned up tomorrow, though. And, we need to get that nose looked at." She slipped her hand into his. "You really were thinking about me?"

"What do you think, Kim?" he answered, again finding her eyes with his. "That's the only reason I ran after that guy. You think it was the wallet I was chasing?"

"I love you, Keeve," Kim whispered.

As they reached the speeder, Keeve murmured from beneath his hand, "I love you back, Kim. Just promise not to go chasing thieves again like that - or any other way for that matter."

"I promise, as long as they haven't stolen from you or anyone else I love," she whispered with a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, you'd just make sure they don't get a chance to run next time."

Keeve chuckled weakly. "You scare me, Kim. Truly." And as he shot her a wink, Shiv's frantic call drew his attention. She was sprinting from their speeder towards them. "Maeren, it's okay," he assured her. "We're fine."

"Then this must be the other guy's blood pouring out of your nose," Shiv said with an unamused look.

Keeve pulled away his hand carefully and grit his teeth when the cold hit his nose. Aside from the blood, there was noticeable swelling, but the bone still appeared to be in place. "Not as bad as it looks, okay? Once the blood stops, I'll be fine. Now...who's driving?"

"Me," Kimara said with a grin. "You two in the backseat so your wife can comfort you in your time of pain." Kim said as she opened the hatch for both of them to climb in. "And, don't get blood on the seats."

"Don't worry," Keeve told her wryly, "I think my shirt is catching most of it." And again covering his nose, Keeve ducked into the speeder.

Shiv followed him into the back, pulling a square of linen from her bag and holding it out to Keeve. As Shiv began to play doctor with him, Kimara climbed into the front and started up the speeder. A moment later, it was zooming off into traffic and toward their home. Keeve's muttered complaints accompanied them along the way, but the bleeding did finally stop, though his grumbling did not. "That jerk," he breathed. "I'll never be able to sleep tonight."

"Don't worry," Shiv said. "I'll help you sleep. And, if that doesn't work, I'll have Kim help you get to sleep." She leaned in and gave his cheek a kiss. "How's that for encouragement?"

"What? You're going to read me a story like you did when I was a kid?" Keeve grinned wanly. "Fine, one story from each of you. But," he added with a playful glare, "no touching."

Shiv grinned mischievously. "Deal," she said. She continued to watch him, her eyes sparkling in the light of the city as they sped on home.

It had begun to snow thickly when they arrived in front of their apartment complex. Keeve stumbled out, truly feeling the effects of his injury as the onset of vertigo hit. He leaned against the speeder while Shiv and Kim exited to compose himself, wishing he could simply collapse onto his bed and sleep away the memory of their sour evening. "No more plays," he muttered, massaging his temples.

"The play wasn't so bad," Shiv said with a grin. "Though, I think they need to work on their outdoor security. I can't believe they let people like that guy so close. Though, I imagine he'll think twice before he ever tries something like that again."

"Kim was pretty good, wasn't she?" Keeve chuckled.

"She was amazing!" Shiv said, a large grin aimed toward Kimara.

Kim felt herself blushing as she turned away. "Thanks," she said. "I...I just did what felt natural, that's all."

"It's just like the time we were at the beach and you kneed that guy...." Trailing off, Keeve feigned another wave of dizziness upon realizing his error. In truth, it had been Kim on a beach with him many months ago, though he knew her as Maeren, then. But Shiv didn't know that. Hopefully she still wouldn't. "Wow..." He laughed weakly. "Time for bed, I think."

"Sounds like a perfect plan," Shiv said as they entered their apartment. "You say goodnight to Kim, and I'll go check on Hope and see you in the bedroom." She gave Keeve a warm smile, and slipped off toward the stairs leading up to the bedrooms.

Finally, Keeve exhaled the large, nervous breath he'd been holding and sagged onto the nearest couch. He looked aside at Kim, frowning knowingly. "I almost screwed up, didn't I?"

"Almost, but it was fine," Kim said as she moved over and sat beside him, using the opportunity to check his nose one more time. "I don't think she noticed, and even if she had, I don't think it's too much of a concern for her."

He winced as her gentle fingers probed a tender spot. "I'm not sure how much longer I can keep the truth from her. It's too hard-- Ow!" Keeve snatched Kim's hand to halt her examination, and end his pain. "Ice," he told her. "I think that's what I need. But" --still holding her hand, Keeve pulled Kim back down to the couch as she rose to fetch his ice-- "you really were impressive tonight, Kim." She was offered his fondest smile. "Just as I remember you."

"Thank you," she said, not trying to move away from him. "I just...I just acted, I couldn't think of anything else to do. Or, I guess I didn't even think. I think that guy will definitely think twice before trying something like that again. Let me go get that ice for you."

"Yeah," Keeve murmured, staring into her large, hopeful eyes. He leaned in for the kiss she seemed to be longing, but groaned and pulled back as their noses touched, setting off a spike of pain in his. "Yeah...ice," Keeve affirmed genuinely and sank back against the couch.

Kim slipped quickly off the couch and appeared a few moments later holding a cloth that she'd filled with ice. "Here," she said, returning to the seat next to him, "let's see if this helps. It should also help take the swelling down."

"It's swelling!?" he squeaked, and hastily grabbed the ice patch. With care, he pressed it to his nose and gritted his teeth against the throbbing ache combined with uncomfortable cold. Smiling wanly at Kim, Keeve told her nasally, "Thanks. You can go on upstairs if you want. You're all wet from the snow and I...I think you tore your dress."

"It's okay," Kim said. "I'll sit with you until you go up. You shouldn't have to sit down here all alone with your hurt nose. Besides, you get to sleep with Shiv tonight...so I'll take my time with you now."

Looking sidelong, he accused, "Are you trying to make me feel guilty?"

"Not at all," Kim said with a grin. "I'm trying to make you comfortable and happy that you have me near to be such a good friend."

He gave a mildly disgusted sigh and closed his eyes as he dropped his head against the backrest. "You're doing it again," he sang. "Good friend? You know you're more than that; why deny it?"

"Fine, I love you more than I can express, but fate conspired against us and doesn't allow us to be together. But, you also love Maeren, and she's waiting upstairs for you. But, until you go upstairs, I want to be selfish and make sure I get my time with you too."

Giving a snort, Keeve blindly patted Kim's hand as it rested on her thigh and smirked. "That's better.... Now" --he cracked one twinkling eye opened, and still smiling, asked, "do you mind explaining what the hells that play was about?"

"From what I've read," Kim said, "it was somehow supposed to parallel the events of the Emperor and the Empire in many ways, but they changed some things around and altered some events. But, I think that bit at the end, that was supposed to be their vision of what happened on that space station near Endor. It was fun, and the actors were great, but I think I could have used a happier story. They should make a play out of our lives. Gods know there's enough drama for it."

"You're right about that," he snorted. "From now on, let's try and be a little more...normal. Might be a lot less exhausting."

"Sometimes normal is so boring though," Kim said with a grin for him. "In a normal situation, we wouldn't be in love with each other, flirting with each other, and all that. But, we can try to be more normal than not normal...though, where do we start?"

Keeve sighed and shifted on the couch for a more comfortable position. "Well...not sure. Do I start by calling you 'sister'?" He grinned impishly.

"As long as you remember I'm Shiv's sister and not yours," Kim said with a laugh. "We don't want to be too normal, do we, Keeve? I mean, a little bit of not-quite-normal can be nice."

"Maybe," he allowed, and pulled away the ice patch as he opened his eyes to watch her. "But...this could be normal. It is for us, at least...and things aren't too bad around here, are they?"

"Not at all," Kim said. "The worst of it was Maeren associating with Kaysa, but that's done now. I think we're safe now."

Keeve cocked an eyebrow. "Think?" He chuckled wryly and rose from the couch. "There's no way she's ever seeing them again. No need to doubt that, Kim."

"Well, we're safe from Kaysa," Kim said as her eyes twinkled with mischief, "but are we safe from all the wallet thieves with hard heads?"

"That," he told her confidingly, "is what you're here for." Raking his fingers through his disheveled hair, Keeve sighed. "So...are you staying down here long? I'd better get up to Maeren."

"I'll follow you up," she said. "I'm feeling pretty tired, so I should probably get sleep."

"Yeah...it's been a long night," he agreed, and offered her his hand. "Sister..."

Kimara slipped her hand into his and couldn't help a large smile. "Let's get up to bed, Brother." She turned toward the stairs and gave his hand a squeeze.

Laughing gently, Keeve made his way with Kimara up the staircase, both knowing they would be apart for the night while he lay with Shiv. They were intent on enjoying even their last few moments together, and in that time, Keeve nearly forgot about the night's encounter. With Kim, everything else seemed insignificant.

***

"Is it done?" asked the voice from the dark. His employees hadn't been allowed to see him, instead choosing a rather clandestine meeting place and scenario to secure his identity. The place was an alley in Yallder - a dark one that reeked of bodily fluids and stale liquor soaking into the fresh snowfall. It was a perfect meeting point, for no one likely to care about overhearing a conversation involving a criminal activity would stumble into that particular alley; anyone who did would be either too drunk, or just as scrupulous as the three men standing together now to alert authorities. One was still tending to a bloodied lip.

As the one with the bloody lip cast him a baleful look, the third man held up the now-empty injector. "Flawless," he said. "They didn't know I was there, and as the bitch and the prat raced after Baz, no one was the wiser as I snuck up behind her. She didn't feel a thing, either."

The leader chuckled deviously. "Good...you've earned your pay." Two credit chits sailed from the darkness towards the goons. The injured thief snatched his from the air and hastily pocketed it as he glanced around quickly for onlookers. The other turned his over in his fingers for inspection before tucking it away. "I hope," the dark-shrouded man continued with a hint of menace in his voice, "that will be enough to buy your silence."

"You won't even get a whisper from me," the unbloodied thug answered. "I'm sure you'll be extremely happy with the results. And, if you ever need my services again, you know where to find me."

"Not me," the other answered gruffly. "You didn't warn me that bitch could fight. Thanks for the money...but don't call on me again." With another wipe of his nose, the thug took another cautious look around and retreated quickly to the streets.

The shadowman shrugged, unseen to the remaining criminal. "He hasn't the nerve for this profession. But you...you do. I might just have something else for you, if you're up to it."

"I'm interested," the thug said with a slow nod. "You know my price. Just give me the details and you'll have it done."

"Then I hope you have time," the ringleader told him, "because the details are many. I have some lives to destroy, and you're going to help me." His smile seemed to penetrate the darkness and conveyed pure malice. All his plans were coming together. Vengeance would be his, soon enough.

The man offered a slow salute. "You can count on me," he said, and with that disappeared into the shadows. He hoped it wouldn't be soon before he was called upon once more. The money was good, but more than that, the anarchic life was offered fulfillment where nothing else ever could.

---

"Boys and Their Toys"
by: Adam Edwards
DB-7(NPC+)
Dax Vogar(NPC)
Colonel Murphy(NPC)

Location: Maldorish
Date: Vadris 20, 4ABY

***

Adam sat in his office, pouring over data from the techs, smugglers, and mercenaries now employed by him. The office overlooked the canyon the base was built into, and from it Adam could look down into the dark abyss that led to the bottom.

Dax was supervising smuggling operations up in the hanger decks. Colonel Murphy, the head of the mercenaries that guarded Adam's base, was in the control center.

DB stood in the corner of Adam's office, stoic as usual.

From outside of Adam's window, he watched two Z-95 Headhunters and a flight of R-41 Starchasers swept into the canyon, then vanished into the distance.

For a minute, Adam considered how easy it would be to turn his newfound firepower and resources against the palace at Arcadia, to get Cailin back.

No, he thought. Wasting men and effort in a most likely futile gesture would not get any of them anywhere. He would wait.

Adam turned back to his reports. He was still low on funds, but his smuggler's we're beginning to increase the income with the loads they were taking.

The desk intercom began to beep, and Adam reached over to press it.

"Edwards here," he said.

It was Dax's voice. He sounded excited. "Adam, our boys are back with the...."package" you ordered."

Adam grinned. "On my way."

He made his way to the concealed observation post at the top of the canyon. Being a smugglers base, it was built around stealth. The canyon concealed most of the base, and special ores in the soil made it hard to detect on scanners.

Dax stood inside the post, looking out through the viewport. Adam moved to stand beside him.

Outside, hovering several hundred meters above the surface, was a ship. A Corellian Gunship, to be exact. It's multiple turbolaser and quad laser cannon's shone like teeth on it's hull. It was beautiful. It should have been, Adam had spent much of his remaining funds on it.

A smuggler's base needed more than several squadrons of starfighters to protect itself. And the gunship was small enough to fit inside the canyon.

"Have them move it into cover. Let's go check it out," Adam told his second in command.

***Later***

The Gunship settled into place, connected with a docking umbilical. Adam found himself on the bridge of the ship, checking every detail like a little boy.

Colonel Murphy, the commander of Adam's mercenary detachment, looked over the ship with quiet satisfaction.

"Eight Double Turbolaser Cannons, Ten Quad Lasers, Four concussion missile tubes. Not a bad vessel for something it's size," the colonel said.

"She's beautiful, Colonel," Adam said, smiling. "Worth her weight in gold."

Dax was leaning over the ships sensor console. He looked back at them both.

"What are we gonna call her," he asked.

Two words came to Adam's mind, which reflected Adam's feelings towards the two Empresses that took Cailin against her will.

"The Righteous Fury," Adam said to Dax, smiling.

Righteous Fury indeed.

---

"Planning A Succession"
By: Theen Fida
Oot Kovan
Various Karadan Officials [NPC+]

Location: New Republic Embassy, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

"Those rebels are nothing more than vigilantes," the outraged minister fumed to his fellow officials disposed around the conference table. "They've done nothing to aid Tae'Karada. Casualties, destruction, fear...that's all they've caused! If something isn't done soon, Tae'Karada will suffer worse than it is now, the fools. Are they not supposed to be campaigning for this planet's liberation?" A hissing sigh escaped his lips as he shook his head in disdain.

Theen shared the minister's disdain, after all he had originally supported the rebels' cause in hopes that it would help lead to the downfall of the Empresses. On one side, he knew that their endeavors did weaken the resources that the Empresses commanded, but as the minister had pointed out, it also served to weaken the state and its people. He began to wonder if they were indeed out of control.

"Well there has been no one else to stand up against them," Theen said in their defense, but that was as much as he could defend their actions. "What we need is a leader who could quell their rampaging and be someone they and others will stand beside for the replacement of Dani and Nieme. I've been hearing a lot of talk, but no one has actually stepped up to put forth any real change."

"I've always preferred the phrase 'Change starts at the top,' " Oot Kovan intoned. "Until Nieme and Dani have been removed, this will be a problem especially since none can openly organize against them. And, now that they've begun retaliating against the attacks the rebels have been staging, it gets worse. The latest incident was at one of the New Plouton schools. Three hundred children, thirty-two teachers, and seventy-eight other staff members all dead. The theatre in Yuarteira? They still don't have an exact total, but the dead numbers over five hundred. These are innocents paying the price for the rebel attacks. Our first priority should be doing whatever we can to take them down. These rebels need to cease and desist their attacks. Next time, Nieme and Dani's Death Squads could end up here, or perhaps another school filled with children, or a hospital. When you bat at the biter's nest with a stick, you're going to be stung. Our efforts must be focused on our task, and these rebels need to be working with us, not against us."

"Perhaps we can eliminate two problems at one time," the Aqualish representative for the Yelldon district, Vas Du, pondered. "We remove Nieme and Dani from the throne and the terrorists will cease their attacks."

"Or not," the female human representing Yesrin mused. "Do you truly believe the Rebels will back down if we suddenly institute a democratic government of officials from each district in place of a monarchy? That is too much change, too quickly."

"Then what do you propose?" Du asked harshly. "We let those dark witches throw Tae'Karada into further chaos?"

Meda Lolus, the Twi'lek from Yandrosa, huffed a laugh of irritation, "I am with Representative of Yelldon; if we were to announce a viable democratic succession in the face of current events, it may well curb these rebels. No one wants to see the Empresses to prevail, but what else are we to do? There is no one to claim rightful leadership - Miss Kovan has been kicked out of Arcadia...what else is there, I ask?!"

"Perhaps there is someone," Theen interjected. "What if we were able to produce a viable heir to the monarchy, someone with the character to help settle the unrest of the succession of government? Someone who may not be adverse to aiding in a democratic change?"

"There was a short time when Dargus Kandran had claimed the throne of Tae'Karada," Oot Kovan said as she smoothed the skirt of the dress she wore. She looked up at Theen, and there was a slight curl of a smile to her lips. "He had a wife at that time, and though she was thought killed when Kandran was overthrown, she is very much alive. By the laws of the planet, the throne and crown would pass to her upon her husband's death until her son comes into his majority." Her smile curled into something more fully formed. "And, I'm certain we could transition the monarchy into something closer to, say, the government of Naboo, with a democratic monarchy. From there, a transition into a more traditional democratic representation would be possible. It will take time, but this is a new concept to the natives of the planet. A gentle, yet familiar, transition may be best. She is not quite herself, and I'm certain in that condition she would be easily guided in the directions we feel the planet needs to go. She may prove resistant at first, but I believe in the end she will not shirk her duty; it isn't in her character."

Meda smiled with intrigue. "You are suggesting, then, that this woman is quite biddable? She will be open to any and all suggestions we might make?"

"I'm suggesting that it may be possible," Oot answered. "She's Corellian, and I'm sure you know how bantha-headed they can get about things. However, if we are careful, we can give Tae'Karada a very charismatic, public leader. And, think about it...leading in the place of her adorable child until he's old enough to ascend the throne."

Theen choked down the distaste in his mouth at the thought of anything having to do with Dargus Kandran. But he knew Oot was correct in her revelation of the ascension to the Tae'Karadan throne. He was still a bit puzzled at how easily she was going with the flow of their talk for change, since she was still the de facto keeper of the throne. He knew her past in criminal activities and didn't completely trust in her apparent letting go of authority.

"Just who is this woman and her child?" the Aqualish representative asked. "And how can we be sure that her child will not interfere with any future changes in the government?"

"Indeed!" the Twi'lek added. "Nothing of this magnitude can change over-night, but if there were to be a more democratic change during the reign of this heir, it would have to be made law and solidified before the child is of age to ascend the throne."

"Unless we all take a very long vacation, we'll have time," Oot said with an enigmatic smile. "The boy is only about a year old. The woman's name is Yelara Neerou. And, it is my belief that the people of Tae'Karada will love her. She will be a fine figurehead, to be sure."

"We must remain very involved in her child's growth and learning," Vas Du added. "We must shape his mind to see things as we do, to ensure he realizes the benefits of the government we are trying to establish."

Patrina Sloss, the only human female on the council, snorted and interpreted, "You mean brainwashing him?"

Spreading his hands wide, Du replied innocently, "If that is what you wish to call it. But if the mother is not as governable as we need her to be, this will not matter. We cannot have this woman on the throne if she will not heed our wishes, if she will not be a spokesperson for our ideals. If she is not, we will have gotten nowhere."

"How would you propose we approach Miss Neerou?" Theen asked apprehensively and somewhat wearily of what he was committing to. But he knew he was neck deep, and the Anx had a very long neck. No matter, it was for the good of Tae'Karada and the Empresses had to be removed.

"As her staunchest supporter," the Twi'lek suggested a touch sardonically, "why not have Ms. Kovan do so?"

"I must say, Miss Kovan, you do seem to have more intimate knowledge of the Neerou woman," Theen added in concurrence. "And except for the fact that Dani and Nieme have kicked you out of Arcadia, you have been in control of the government."

"I was only watching the throne for Liam Zaneth, the Regent, while he was looking after other matters," Oot said. "There is a possible complication. The matter that took Master Zaneth away from Tae'Karada was Yelara Neerou. In the confrontation that freed Tae'Karada from Dargus Kandran before he could do damage after Tarkin was removed, Yelara suffered a grievous wound. She has recovered, after a fashion, but remembers little of her previous life. While I am familiar with her, and there was a time when she called me friend, now I am afraid she would not know me. This matter must be handled carefully indeed, but I do not believe our situation is lost. She is currently at odds with her former husband, however I do know of two people who have been spending a considerable amount of time with her. I can speak with them, and begin to try to get closer to Yelara, and thus be closer to convincing her that this is what must be done."

"Yes," Du answered slowly, "but how much do we tell her? Does she truly need to know her position is merely a symbolic one, and we are the ones who would hold true power? Would that at all concern her?"

"As she is now? I cannot be certain," Oot answered. "I know that if she feels she is being used, she will likely be angered and possibly cease cooperating. I believe if she were to be made aware that there would be a council heavily involved in the decision making. It is a difficult line to walk, to be sure. I do not believe that deceiving her would be wise."

"We cannot simply divulge our intentions to her and hope she does not walk out, prepared to tell the world of our schemes!" Patrina protested. "Our cause will be utterly destroyed if we admit our ploy to her."

"Perhaps it would be best for me to attempt to visit with her," Oot said as she eyed the woman. "At this time, I do not know her mind, but I am fairly certain I can with just a little bit of exposure to her."

Theen mulled the whole conversation over, knowing very well what a tricky game they played and how it all could come back to bite their asses. Still he knew that if it were all to succeed, these were the people to make it so.

"Perhaps in the interest of peace and prosperity she shall take the throne as a figurehead," Theen said. "To help usher in a new era and be rid of these wenches, Dani and Nieme. After all she would be helping to assure her

child of a safe and secure future. It is imperative that we get a good idea of where Miss Neerou shall stand, as soon as possible. Even as we speak the Empresses sink Tae'Karada further into the abyss while these rebels run rampant."

"Perhaps the rebels will be smart enough to realize each death they cause brings the death of five innocents," Oot said with a sour look. "Though, likely they don't care and are only in sating their bloodthirsty cravings for violence and destruction...making them no different from the empresses. I will try to assess Yelara's condition and her position on matters in relation to our cause. I cannot guarantee speed in this matter, but I will move as quickly as I can under the circumstances." She raked her gaze around to all those assembled. "If this is unacceptable to any, then we will have to take ourselves back to the beginning and start our brainstorming over again."

None too keen on the idea, the small group raised no protest, and only after the matter had been settled, the Aqualish inhaled, drawing all attention to him. "What of Nieme and Dani? Have we any ideas yet on when and how we might depose them? We have yet to succeed in that area...."

The idea of deposing Dani Nieme was like a lightsaber to the brain in Theen's view, having already been at the forefront of a failed attempt. Having lived upon Tae'Karada for almost as long as any of those about the table, it was as much his home as anyone else's. The Aqualish representative and Oot brought up a good point, having Yelara wasn't going to just stop the rebels' rampages or give the faux Empresses reason to step aside. Theen had several special forces units at his disposal, black-ops units...but fighting fire with fire usually only got yourself burnt twice as bad.

"Whatever we may decide," Theen said after a moment of thought. "It will inevitably demand force and no doubt the aid of the Jedi. They are quite powerful and have entrenched themselves rather securely upon the Arcadian Palace. My intelligence reports points to several allegiances that may pose problematic when push does come to shove. I would imagine our best bet would be to deal with them one on one. Unless of course there are any real objections to my ordering a New republic Star Destroyer to raze the entire Palace grounds with them in it," he said with humor - though the idea had struck his mind once or twice in the past weeks. "Of course as to an actual plan, I am open to suggestion. Were such a viable and legal opposition to their rule petitioned to the New Republic, I could have greater resources devoted to this task. But I think it would be in all of our best interests if the New Republic's official involvement ended with myself."

Oot Kovan was stroking one of her lekku thoughtfully as Theen spoke, then looked up as he finished off. "I have heard rumour that currently Dani is out of the palace, in the desert if the rumours are accurate. I have always believed strongly in the tactic of dividing in order to conquer. In this case, however, it appears that they have divided themselves for us. The Jedi intelligence places Dani as the more disciplined and balanced of the two. Perhaps while she is away would be the ideal time to attack the palace. Without Dani present, perhaps the task would be more successful than past attempts."

"Then we must first see to acquiring this Ms. Neerou's cooperation," Vas concluded sagely. "We can make no moves without ensuring each piece of our plan is laid out."

"The heir apparent's cooperation is indeed a priority," Theen said. "However, I think it would be foolish to give up this opportunity. I think it prudent we strike at Dani while she is apart from Nieme and the forces of the palace. It could be our first move at ridding the two of them. If what Oot says is true, based on the Jedi intel, and Dani is indeed the more sane of the pair, then perhaps striking at her first would be most beneficial. Which leads me to the question of these rebels. Perhaps we could direct them to this knowledge. I believe that Dani as a target would be irresistible for them, and could well give us an opportunity to direct their wanton destruction to something more...productive?" Theen offered.

"While there is a part of me that can understand the logic in such a plan," Oot began, "I can also see the flaw as well. However, I still say the palace should be our objective. If we take down Dani, we still have to strike at the palace and defeat Nieme and her guards. If we strike at Nieme first, we take control of the palace and Dani is cut off from power. If we take the palace, the planet and the government are ours."

"Very good point," Theen replied as he thought it over. "Cutting her off would be more to our advantage as we secure the government...Perhaps a two pronged attack? Take out Dani in the desert with one force and attack the Palace with another?" Theen suggested.

"In which case," Representative Sloss decided, smirking at Oot, "you'd better get moving. We need to secure ourselves a new Empress."

"Then," Oot said with a smile of her own, "if there is nothing more, perhaps I should go seek out our future Empress."

Theen stood as a gentleman of his standing should among such company. He didn't have anything to else to bring to the table, and he knew that Oot needed to get to work on her end.

Oot strode toward the door, but stopped before it. She turned back to those still gathered in the room, a frown twisting her expression briefly. Many of her suspicions in this meeting were confirmed, and she knew she'd made the right decision by getting involved. She just hoped that her presence here would be enough. Tae'Karada was going into a difficult time, and they would all need to tread carefully to make this transition work. She just hoped all in the office were working toward the benefit of Tae'Karada and not toward their own gains. She would need to remain ever-vigilant. With that, she strode through the door and off to secure Theen and his cronies their Puppet Princess.

---

"Required Services"
By: Ferrig Mullerin
Raeila Selrid
Kael Selrid

Location: Vendra
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

Everywhere Ferrig seemed to look, there was a woman clad in little more than patches of fabric to cover the essentials. In many cases, however, they wore nothing at all. It was frustrating beyond belief, and had kept him agonizing over his situation for the better part of an hour. At first, Tralesha had seemed very interested. She was willing and nearly as desirous as he. He could see it in her eyes, however. There was guilt there, guilt over what she would be doing to Talara. Guilt that he tried to assuage, but nothing would deter her from her decision to return to her room alone. She couldn't be with him while he was with Tala. He tried telling her that Talara knew, that she was accepting, but Tralesha wouldn't hear of it.

And, so he'd returned to his room. It had taken considerable effort to not just take Talara when he climbed into the bed. She'd kicked off the covers and was lying atop the sheet wearing just a long shirt. It was too much, and the willpower to resist the temptation had almost done him in. But, despite his need for Tralesha, he did love Talara. To take her against her will, without her knowledge, and in the condition she was in after the Hutt...he couldn't do that.

And, so he was now walking along the beach, trying to put the need for release out of his mind. The scantily clad women thronging the beach, however, were no help in that regard. Everywhere he looked were sensuous bodies, glistening in oils to heighten their tan. Bared breasts and more taunted and tempted him.

Finally, he couldn't take it, and Ferrig ran from the beach. Had he not been in such desperate straits, he would have laughed. Running from boobies. He raced up the stairs to the room Raeila shared with Kael. He knocked softly, hoping she was in. And, he hoped even more strenuously, maybe Kael wouldn't be there. He shifted his footing and knocked again, this time a little louder.

"Okay, okay," came the muffled complaint, but all trace of agitation vanished when Raeila opened the door to Ferrig. She grinned at him. "Hey! I was just packing for later. You guys ready?"

Ferrig's eyes roamed over his sister's body, then quickly worked their way back up to her eyes. The bikini bottoms and white halter top rekindled his fire, and he almost wished he hadn't stopped at Raeila's door. But...but perhaps his sister would...perhaps... "Not yet," he said. "I think Tala's in packing things up. I haven't been in our room for a bit. Is Kael in? Can...do you have time to talk?

Raeila frowned slightly in concern and stepped aside to give Ferrig passage. "Come in. He's gone down to confirm our seats on the transport. That gives you plenty of time to tell me what's wrong."

Ferrig slipped into the room and moved over to sit on the bed. "It's...well, you know about Tala's situation," he said. "We...we can't yet...because she's not ready. And...I'm...I'm going crazy because of it, Rae." He gestured to his groin where his condition was very apparent. "Last night, I couldn't sleep and went walking. Tralesha was there... She wouldn't hurt Tala, so...so nothing happened...but I'm going crazy, Rae...and...and I don't know how long I can last..."

"I see," she murmured, nodding slowly and thoughtfully as she chose a chair across from Ferrig. Sitting down for a moment in silence, with long, slender legs crossed at the knee, Raeila asked awkwardly, "Well...why haven't you tried to...help yourself? You know? Wouldn't that keep you...well...not so frustrated for a while?"

"I guess it might help," Ferrig said pathetically. "But, you know how it is, Rae. I know you do...maybe not lately, but before. It's just...it's more than just the release. I want to feel her skin against mine as we... You don't know what it was like out on the beach, with everyone in next to nothing."

"You're really that bad?" Raeila asked, truly pitying her brother. "Have you two talked about it? Has she said when she might be ready?"

"We haven't really talked, but...when I get close, I can feel her tremble. Should I talk to her? It...it doesn't feel like she's ready...and...as much as I want...I can't force her. I can't hurt her. I do love her, Rae...so much, but...the way we grew up...how many times when we needed release did we just find anyone. How many strangers have we taken to our beds for the sheer joy of it...and now...it's hard to be so...limited. Don't you...do you ever feel that way? But I can't hurt her...even though I almost did with Tralesha."

"Tralesha?!" Raeila exclaimed, then quickly lowered her voice and rushed to seat herself beside Ferrig. "Tralesha?" she whispered with just as much shock. "I warned you not to, Ferrig! You should've just talked with Tala."

"Almost, but...but we didn't. She was strong, and she stopped it before we could...she's a strong woman. I don't know how to talk to Tala about this. Rae, I can't rush her in this...not after everything she's been through."

Her knee touched Ferrig's as Raeila folded her leg beneath the other, drawing closer; her warmth penetrated Ferrig's pant-leg and heated his flesh. "Look, Ferrig...we can talk to her together if you like," she told him gently, taking his hand in hers . Both rested on her bare thigh. "We can go find her now if you want, and explain everything."

"Maybe...maybe that..." His voice trailed off as he looked down at Raeila's leg. Unconsciously, his fingers brushed against it and he looked up into Raeila's eyes. "You're warm," he said, his voice husking as the heat suffused him.

Well-acquainted with the face of desire, Raeila recognized the need and arousal in her brother's large, dark eyes. She sighed softly in mild disappointment. "Ferrig," she whispered apologetically, "it...it wouldn't be right. Tala would be hurt and...and I don't know if Kael would be too happy about it."

"They know about us though, Rae," Ferrig said. "They've known from the beginning. Unless...unless things have changed between us..."

"N-No," she assured him hastily, her own fears being touched upon by his suggestion. Since Talara's arrival, Raeila had always worried she would lose her brother to the young woman. She refused to make it a reality by pushing her brother away. Raeila leaned in and kissed Ferrig briefly, enough to taste his lips and offer him the same. She smiled as she sat back. "No. Nothing's changed, Ferrig. Nothing." And despite her hesitation, Raeila moved his hand up her thigh invitingly.

As she drew him nearer, Ferrig allowed his passions to come more fully to the surface. As his hands caressed her body, his lips sought hers once more. "It's been so long," he whispered. "I...I love you, Raeila. I was afraid that we were drifting apart. I'm so glad we're not." His hands moved of their own accord, knowing where and how she liked to be touched. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she breathed, and allowed herself to recline on the bed as Ferrig moved over her to straddle her thighs. Kael would be angry, she imagined, and Talara hurt, but more than anything Raeila wanted her world to be as it once was; perhaps laying with Ferrig would bring her closer to that dream.

His lips covered hers and his tongue probed in a frantic dance within her mouth. She returned the gesture with a similar greed and desperation, while her fingers deftly unfastened his pants. Her breathing hastened in excitement when Ferrig's hand tugged roughly at her bikini bottoms, pulling them loose with a loud tear of fabric. Her legs looped about his waist and forced him down atop her.

Ferrig and Raeila's lovemaking had always reflected their moods at the time. And, now, as they joined their flesh, it was frenetic and desperate, both to assure themselves that their relationship had not changed and to find the release they knew they could find in each other's arms. Even though they should have been packing for their trip home, this time was needed for both.

It was as they finally lay panting in each other's arms that the door opened. From the doorway came a soft chuckle and Kael appeared at the side of the bed, watching the two. "Feeling better," he asked with an amused grin as he stood over them. "You two look like you've been having an amazing time while I've been sitting around confirming our transport home." He grinned again and patted Ferrig's shoulder. "You don't look quite as tense as you did last night."

"I don't feel as tense as I did last night," Ferrig said. "I'm not going to just sit and let myself go crazy next time I start feeling...tense...that is of course if my dear sister is willing."

"If those are the only times you're going to come to me," she retorted with a touch of bitterness, "then I'll have to start charging you for services rendered." Sitting up, she slipped off the bed, a fine sheen of perspiration still coating her body, and moved off to find her clothing.

Ferrig sat up. "So...so it's okay other times too? Lately...I...I haven't been sure, and...if it's...I don't only want it to be whenever my needs are driving me crazy, Rae. As long as it's alright for us to be together whenever we want, then...then I hope we'll be seeing a lot more of each other than we have been."

"When hasn't it been?" she snapped, pushing her arms angrily through the arm-holes of her top. "That's always how it's been, Ferrig, except until she came along. You changed things, Ferrig, so don't play dumb!"

"Rae," Ferrig said, coming off the bed, the concern clear on his face. "I never wanted to hurt you...I...I didn't think it would... I love you, Raeila, and I don't want anything to come between us. Talara knows about us, and she accepts it. She accepts who we are, and how we express our love for each other. I promise you, my arovaea, nothing will ever stand between us again."

"Not until Talara starts giving you what you want again," she replied in a grief-strangled whisper. Her gray, sullen eyes glistened with tears, but were hastily averted from Ferrig's stricken gaze as she turned and snatched up a flowing pink wrap. "Everything's so changed," she sobbed, desperately trying to make her trembling hands cooperate and knot the ties of her skirt at her hip. "I hate this...all of this! I hate everything that's been done to us!" Having secured the wrap, Raeila passed her forearm across her tear-dampened eyes and bolted for the door, wailing, "I want our lives back! I...I want to go home!"

"Raeila!" Ferrig called, but before he could get a step, Kael had stopped him. "I'll talk to her; you go help Talara get things packed up in your room."

With that, Kael headed off after Raeila, while Ferrig stared after him, dumbstruck.

Her plaintive, choking sobs provided a trail for Kael as he raced through the corridors. He rounded a corner in time to catch her storming up the staircase, tripping her way towards the top, which would lead her to the tiny hotel's roof. Redoubling his efforts, Kael followed after her, gaining ground with each additional step.

Nearly within arm's reach of him, Raeila burst through the transparisteel double doors leading to the rooftop garden and crashed onto the grass. Curling in on herself, she continued to weep convulsively.

Kael followed her out into the garden, and stopped a meter from where she lay. With gentle, delicate movements, he approached and sat at her side. "We have an hour and a half, and then we'll be going home. When we get back to the Temple -- unless you don't want to, of course -- would you like to visit Thanatos with me, Raeila? Just you and me and all the sand we can find."

"I don't know," she whispered thickly, rocking herself in an effort to soothe her agonized soul. Raising her head, she turned her reddened eyes upon Kael. "Will that fix things, Kael? Do you really think it will? I-I don't even know what's wrong with me." Sobbing again, she shifted around on her knees to face Kael, but remained a distance from him, embracing herself. "I'm so sad...I can't stop crying, and when I do...I just feel like crying again. Gods, Kael," she asked, sucking in shuddering gulps of air, "why am I like this? Why can't I be happy like before?"

"A lot of things have happened," Kael said as he reached a hand out toward her. "But they are getting better, things are improving. Sometimes, it takes a little more time. But, I'm not going anywhere, and I'll be right by your side through it all. We need time to heal, Rae, and that's what we're doing. One thing I know is that I miss the desert, and I want to see it again...with you, just as it should be."

"Then let's go," she groaned pleadingly and clutched at his hand as if it would keep her from drowning in sorrow. Rae allowed herself to be drawn into his embrace, clinging fiercely to her husband's shirt. "Let's go, Kael," she whispered. "Let's find our happiness again. I-I was horrible to Ferrig...and I don't want to be like that! I want to be Raeila again, the one I used to be before all this."

Kael smiled and brought her hand to his lips. "Then you will be," he said. "Once we're home and we're sure things will be okay with Ferrig and Talara, we'll go to the desert for a couple days before Tralesha takes us on our big vacation. It'll be nice to just get away from all of the problems here for awhile. We can find ourselves again there, and be happy again."

She watched him with fragile hope and blinked away tears as she asked, "You promise? You promise we can find our way again? Because, Kael," Rae whimpered, "I feel myself slipping away. My...my mother was crazy, you know. I-I don't want to become her, Kael! I don't want to be lost in my own mind. She was dead to the world. I don't want that for me...for us."

"So much has happened, Raeila," Kael said as he held her hands. "But, we're still here and we're still together. We'll always be together. We're just off-balance from everything happening, that's all. But we're starting to find our footing again. It's just like dealing with when the sands shift. We just need to make sure we keep our feet under us, and we'll be fine." He brought her hands to his lips again. "Just like all the times we surfed the dunes, my arozeil. We'll make it through this as well. Together."

Raeila smiled serenely at the passionate reminder of home, her panic moments ago forgotten. "Together," she affirmed in a fervent whisper and buried herself in his embrace. "I love you, Kael - Thana knows I do. Let's go back to the desert and find ourselves before we lose each other."

"We'll drop Ferrig and Talara off at the Temple, get a nice meal from Orn, and then go pick out our new home in the desert." He smiled at her, his gaze shining with the deepness of love he felt for her, and cupped her chin. "I love you too, Raeila." With that, he kissed her.

His tenderness and unconditional affection for her was enough to nearly bring Raeila again to tears. This time, when one did escape her eye, she was sobbing gently with pure joy. "You're horrible, Kael...loving me so much. What would I do if you ever stopped?"

"Probably beat me black and blue," Kael said with a laugh. "But, fortunately for us, I'm never going to stop loving you, so we will never need find out. It's you and me, forever and always."

"And Ferrig?" she asked sadly. "If...if he'll forgive me. I shouldn't have snapped at him like that. But the things he said, Kael! It--" Raeila sighed and lowered her eyes in shame. "It made me sound like a whore."

"I'm not sure what is happening with Ferrig," Kael answered. "He had no right to say what he did to you. It's not as if you are obligated to satisfy his baser needs. It is a sharing of your love for each other...but, the way he spoke of it..." He shook his head. "If you'd like, I can talk to him. I know he's your brother and you love him, but I don't know if I'll be able to just sit by as he tries to take advantage. I...I also have a feeling things may not be alright with him and Talara, and I don't think it's just the sex."

Raeila frowned with worry. "What is it then? You think-- He doesn't love her?"

"I don't quite know," Kael answered. "I think he does. But...maybe it's her age, or what she's had to endure. What she went through forced her to grow up, and...they haven't quite had time together. Maybe he wants things to go back to what they were, but she's not ready yet. I don't know... Maybe while we're in the desert, they'll get past whatever is straining between them."

"But he won't be able to if we don't reconcile," Raeila explained quietly. "He'll hate her for coming between us...." Groaning miserably, Raeila admitted, "I was stupid for bringing her name into the fight. I blamed her for creating distance between me and Ferrig...." She gazed up at Kael sadly and questioningly. "You'll-- Will you talk to him?"

"I'll talk to him," Kael said with a tender smile. "Do you know if Talara accepts your closeness with Ferrig? We should probably make certain she is not jealous of that relationship."

"She hasn't expressed jealousy," Raeila answered slowly, uncertainly. "But Ferrig said she was fine with it! You don't think he'd...well...lie just so I'd be with him?"

Kael frowned. "I don't understand how he could be so desperate, especially if he's as in love with her as he seems," he said. "I can understand him coming to you to express and share his love with you, but...not out of desperation. I wonder if he is alright. He has been behaving otherwise normally, as far as I've been able to tell." He looked up into her eyes. "You don't suppose...that he's craving the old life, do you?"

"Like I am?" she whispered sadly. "Why wouldn't he, Kael? He's my brother - we're bound. If I'm feeling the call of the sands as strongly as I am...I can only imagine how loudly they're calling to him." With a decisive nod, Raeila told Kael, "I think we should take him with us. He'll...he'll die here, Kael. We both will."

"Then we will," Kael said. "Perhaps it's the time away that's doing it. We should bring Talara with us, too. That way they can find peace with each other, and heal their wounds. Besides, I don't believe Talara has been introduced to the desert properly. She needs to see the beauty, as we've seen it." Perhaps the desert would calm Ferrig's anger and desperation. He didn't think that Raeila understood the depth of his meaning, but he clung to the hope that time in the desert would pacify his brother. Perhaps, returning to the now-peaceful sands of their home would ease the violence from his mind. And, perhaps he was wrong that Ferrig was longing for the violent, unbridled days of the Feltreys. He knew that Raeila had moved past those days, but only time would tell if Ferrig truly had.

***

As Ferrig returned to his room, he found Talara there. She was seated on the bed with a pair of his socks, her hairbrush, and a piece of fruit hovering before her. She was deep in concentration, and didn't hear his entrance. He moved over behind her, sitting gently on the bed so as to not disturb her. Raeila's words echoed in his mind, and the pain of his sister's anger was almost too much for him. He sighed, and Talara turned to face him. The objects lowered to the bed as she gave him a hesitant smile. He returned the smile.

"Talara, we need to talk...about us...and our future."

She frowned and then nodded. "Alright, Ferrig," she said.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but I've been feeling half insane the last few days. I'm a sexual person by nature, and not...not being able to be with you. It's...it's taking its toll."

Talara winced and reached out for his hand. "I'm sorry, Ferrig," she whispered. "I've been trying to be more comfortable...but, it's not easy after everything."

Ferrig nodded his understand. "I know," he said. "And, I don't want to rush you." He covered her hand with his, then raised it to his lips. "I love you, Tala."

She smiled and blushed slightly. "I love you too, Ferrig." She kissed his hand. "We should finish packing."

Despite the pain it caused him, he nodded. "Yes," he said, "we should. Come on, I'll even help."

She laughed and punched his arm. "Thanks, you big lout."

He didn't know when they'd be able to be together, but if he had his way, it would be very soon. Very soon, indeed.

---

"Mincing Words and False Airs, Part 1"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
Felicita Hes'Tar [NPC+]
Reinrich Tas [NPC+]

Location: Avarethian Hall of Commerce Ballroom, Yesrin District
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

As the last, protracted note of "Ocean Mists" ended, they broke into laughter that was pure unrestrained contentment. Keeping a modest separation between them while they walked through the powdery snow, Merrick Braston pointed up suddenly at a constellation of stars peeking through a break in the clouds blanketing the sky. Analesse leaned her head towards his to align her line of sight with his, bringing them close enough that their puffs of breath mingled.

While he explained the myth behind the graceful beast rearing in the sky, he traced its outline with one long, slender finger. The polished ring circling it caught the light of a streetlamp beside them and glinted keenly in her eye. She winced, both at the momentary discomfort, and at everything that single object symbolized. Possession, but by another woman. Impatiently, she closed her hand around his and lowered his arm. Mustering a cheerful smile, Analesse pulled him along with her as she started down the street once again, and began to hum the opening phrase of Merrick's other hit, "Coaxing a Smile from the Moon." With a laugh, Merrick joined in and the two let the song, and their uplifted spirits, carry them giddily to her apartment.

The tune sounded all wrong now - painfully slow, horribly phrased and lacking a clear, flowing melody. Analesse wrinkled her nose at the offensive noise registering, and hummed louder and faster to twist the song into conforming with that lilting serenely in her mind. She hadn't realized just how loudly she had been doing so until the reality of her surroundings struck her - a crowded ballroom glistening with immaculately burnished marble flooring and cascading, crystal chandeliers, and nothing like the snow-covered, idyllic street she'd been revisiting in her daydream. The drink in her hand felt suddenly a burdensome weight, and the lights too garishly bright. They were nothing, however, compared to the unease of all eyes from the small group of socialites circling her staring in silence.

Analesse smiled tightly and bowed her head in apology. "You were saying, Senator?"

The older man cleared his throat and continued with his exhaustingly dull anecdote in the same tedious drone that had first lulled her into reminiscence of her evening with Merrick. A barely contained grin tugged at her rosy lips yet again and her mind quickly began to wander once more. Only a polite summons from behind managed to save Analesse from another slight against the Senator. She turned her ear towards the attendant speaking quietly over her shoulder, and kept her burst of excited relief in check long enough to excuse herself from the circle of very important Karadan aristocrats.

Making a poor showing of seeming not to rush, Analesse departed to seek out her guests. Now, the smile refused to be suppressed any longer.

***

"It's fine," came the whispered voice at his side.

Zale pulled his hands quickly away from the fabric tied around his throat. It was supposed be a stylish adornment to his clothing, but in the end only seemed to be choking the life from him. "I hope I don't have to eat anything," Zale rasped to Merrick who walked beside him, "trying to get air past it is hard enough."

"Don't be so melodramatic," Merrick answered. "It's not too tight, trust me. Stop thinking about it, and you'll get used to it."

"Easy for you to say," Zale murmured.

"Next time," Merrick said with an amused glint in his eye, "you can wear one of those scoop-necked numbers from Kaysa's closet. You'll look quite pretty in that, I'm sure."

"Funny," Zale growled. "Remind me why I came here with you again?"

"Because the alternative was to come here without me," Merrick said. "Besides, you're not my date. Come on, I think the big table filled with drinks are this way."

Together, they veered off toward where a large table had been set up and filled with crystal goblets full of a variety of different coloured liquids. Behind the table stood a trio of women whose job was to fill and replace drinks as they were removed from the table by thirsty revellers. Merrick nudged Zale, and pointed toward one end of the table that seemed to feature several amber coloured liquids.

"Thirsty?" they were questioned slyly from behind. A dazzlingly smiling Analesse greeted them when they turned simultaneously. She made an obvious show of examining their attire from head to toe, nodding in approval as her gaze made its way up to their eyes again. "Tuxedoes," she observed. "I think you'll fit in just fine."

"We can look nice when we want to," Zale said with a grin.

"Well, I can anyway," Merrick said as he brushed at Zale's shoulder. He gave Analesse a wink before turning his attention to the dress she'd chosen for the night. It was a long, black dress that seemed to cling in all the right places. As provocative as its fit was, the only hint of exposed flesh was offered by the sweeping neckline that covered her left shoulder and travelled on a bias towards her right, revealing the smooth, delicate slope of that shoulder and the prominent collar bone drawing Merrick's eyes towards her slender neck. Belled sleeves draped over her arms in loose folds to offset the overall tightness of the garment, and around her waist was a girdle of silver that dangled a good distance down her thigh.

A matching silver choker encircled her neck, from which her glossy brown curls had been drawn back into a bun; only a few coiled tendrils framed her rosy cheeks and shone under the brilliant lights illuminating the grand hall. The appended teardrop of periwinkle crystal hanging from the edge of her necklace was cradled in the hollow of Analesse's throat and danced lightly with every swallow and silent chuckle as Merrick drifted closer. "You look fabulous," he said softly as he reached up to brush a finger against one of her curls. "If there were still a High Princess, she would be livid to find that she was not the most beautiful woman in the room."

Analesse enjoyed the attention, as much as she knew she shouldn't, and smiled demurely in response. "Careful, Mr. Braston. You'll upset your date with comments like that." She motioned her striking brown eyes towards Zale.

"Only upsets me because he never gives me comments like that," Zale said as he tossed a hurt look in Merrick's direction, tossing his braided locks as he did so. "I see how it is, though. You tell me it's over between you two, that you can't start something because of...other commitments, but here you are. It's all just an act. It is an act, isn't it, you big brute? You're just trying to make me jealous." Zale bit his thumb and squeezed back false tears. "Oh fine! I need a drink!

Analesse, unaccustomed to Zale's foppish humour, watched Merrick with a wide, uncertain stare. "I, uh--" She cleared her throat and chuckled awkwardly. "Is he always like that?"

Merrick rolled his eyes. "Only when people refer to him as my date," he said. "Considering the alternative, I'll take the frippery. Zale without a sense of humour is a very scary thing."

"Not so scary, I imagine," she countered with a confident grin. "I could still handle him - I've put tougher in line many a time." A soft, rich laugh flowed from her blush-coloured lips as she offered Merrick an almost too-friendly kiss upon his cheek. When she pulled back, she remained closer than she had been previously. "I'm glad you're here. It'll make the evening far less dull."

"I'm happy to help liven things up," Merrick said. "But, I am glad you're here too. Right now, it feels like Zale's my only other friend. So, it's nice to be able to come here with him and have you here too. I haven't had enough time lately with people I actually have interests in common with."

"Last night's walk didn't satisfy you?" she asked in a slightly playful manner. "I didn't believe it when we realized how late we'd stayed out." Smoothing out the lapel of his jacket to divert her focus from his enthralling gaze, Analesse murmured, "I haven't done that...ever, I don't think."

"It's been a long time for me," Merrick said. "Most of my shows lately, I get off the stage and...well, it's time for sleep. Though, I guess I haven't found the right company to stay up all night with yet. It was so good to laugh again and just...forget everything. Did you end up sleeping half the day too?"

She chuckled. "I had to cancel all my morning appointments. Important business matter, they were told." As reluctant as she was, Analesse lowered her hand away from his chest, where it had been idly resting, and sighing heavily she stepped back to sweep the very arm vaguely towards the grand hall. "Unfortunately, I had to drag myself out here tonight for this lovely gathering." Her tight smile belied her compliments. "I apologize in advance...but I really must introduce you to a few acquaintances."

"I promise to be on my best behaviour," Merrick said with a chuckle. "Do you know many people here? Unfortunately I don't get out of my own circle all that much, so I tend to not know nearly as many people as I should."

"I know enough of them to recommend you take a good, stiff drink with you," she quipped, and brushed past him to collect two such beverages from the table before them. Raising one glass filled with the amber liquor he and Zale had been admiring before, Analesse smiled charmingly. "Shall we?"

Merrick accepted one of the drinks from her, and then gave her a quick salute with it. "Of course," he said, then looked around. "There is a back way out of this place, isn't there? Just in case?"

With a gentle laugh and roll of her eyes, Analesse took Merrick by the elbow and steered him through the maze of Tae'Karada's elite - in monetary affluence only, she was sure, and by no means in personality. She always had loathed such functions, but her continued success relied upon the impression she made on the powerful aristocrats who often attended, and on their continuing support. Influence was everything in her business and many on Tae'Karada, and with Merrick Braston on her arm, that had instantly doubled.

Analesse gave him a reassuring smile and pressed onward toward a group of five - men and women all dressed in finery expensive enough to feed all of Thanatos, and laughing excessively at a witty tale one of the men had regaled them with. She moved like a seasoned professional, unobtrusively slipping into the group with Merrick by her side. Their presence, however, was announced before Analesse had secured an opportunity to do so herself by the man whose anecdote still had them chuckling.

He was of a height with Merrick, and only a shade older, with bronzed skin and hair the colour of golden sand. His suave, crooked smile exposed perfectly straight, white teeth that sparkled to match his blue eyes, ones that roamed freely over Analesse's form. She shifted uncomfortably, only noticeable by Merrick, and willed an amiable smile for the man.

"Ms. D'vrishay," he seemed to purr, his voice deep and innately seductive. He swaggered his broad-shouldered, solid frame towards her and seized her hand with his long, thick fingers. It was with an effort that she refrained from snatching it away as he lowered his moist lips to the inside of her wrist. "You're ravishing as always," he crooned and glanced with a trace of curiousity towards Merrick as he straightened.

Analesse caught the veiled derision in his icy stare as he watched Merrick, and quickly interjected before any tension could build between the two men. "Reinrich, everyone," she announced with a pleasant smile, "this is Merrick Braston, my new associate."

Hastily easing her hand free of Reinrich's, she used it to push Merrick subtly forward in presentation. Reinrich barely concealed a snort of disgust as he stepped back and folded his well-muscled arms across his chest. "Mr. Braston," he greeted flatly and with a curt nod.

"A pleasure," Merrick said with a smile that seemed almost too sincere. He nodded -- a gesture that was very nearly a bow -- to the others.

They stared down their noses at Merrick, wary of this outsider wandering freely among them. Audible whispers passed between them; Analesse watched them tight-lipped, prepared to come to Merrick's defense when a shrill, haughty laugh rang out among their circle. All startled gazes shifted to the corpulent elder woman encased in a far too constricting silken green dress. Her massive bosom heaved and jiggled in the tight, plunging bodice that barely supported her breasts, and Analesse winced as her laughter continued, fearful they would finally spill forth.

"Oh, young man!" she sang, struggling for air between chuckles. "You're that entertainer, aren't you?" Her folded fan gesticulated towards him for emphasis and she waddled forward to gain a better vantage. Reinricg sneered, but suppressed a growl as the squat old woman swatted him aside with her fan. The group of onlookers remained silent while she squinted up at him, inspecting with pursed, red lips that intensified the furrows lining her mouth. "Yes," she mused, then giggled and decided, "Yes! Oh yes, this is that Merrick Braston fellow!"

The others murmured excitedly to one another. Their disapproving frowns and critical stares vanished; it seemed the elder woman's endorsement was all they needed to accept Merrick into their exclusive circle. "You are wonderful, young man," the elder lady continued with a fond wink at Merrick. "I have attended many of your shows, though," she confided, again leaning close to whisper, "but without all these fools. They wouldn't know a good tune if you bottled it and served it in a chalice of the finest crystal."

Analesse grinned, and furtively nudged Merrick.

Merrick chuckled and nodded. "Thank you very much," he said and added a bow for emphasis. "Actually, Ms. D'vrishay and I are working on a project that, in a rather circuitous way, is related to my music. We're both very excited about the project, and I hope you, any who would like actually, to come and check out our work when we are finished."

"Oh!" she exclaimed, slapping her pudgy hands together in delight. "That would be marvelous!" The others nodded and voiced agreement.

Reinrich, however, was brooding noticeably. "You're still going through with that little project of yours, are you, Lessa?" he asked drolly and with a gentle snort. "As high as our esteemed colleague's praise is for this...singer," he sniffed, "I can assure you he will not be enough to draw in the numbers you'll need to turn a profit on this investment."

Analesse smiled with facetious sweetness. "I'm glad you're still so concerned with my business affairs, Rich. Were you not, at one point, very interested in co-venturing this project with me?"

He chuckled, a hint of lust in the deep rumble of his voice. "You know very well it wasn't the project I was interested in joining." The languid, hungry course of his eyes travelling over the length of her injected a dose of lewdness into his choice of words. Analesse merely smirked.

Merrick glanced at the man and chuckled with a shake of his head. The banter in high society seemed as low as everywhere else.

"You hush, Reinrich," the elder woman chided, thumping him in the chest with the back of her fan. "You know he's merely envious of your foresight, my dear," she told Analesse kindly. "The White Noise has been overlooked far too long, in my opinion. And this one, too." Again she pointed towards Merrick with her ubiquitous fan. "We all know Reinrich here is far too busy meddling in others' affairs to notice the potential in places that you have."

The others chuckled lightly, and Reinrich noticeably tensed. Analesse smiled gratefully at the woman, who shot her a surreptitious wink of encouragement. She heaved a great sigh and snapped her wrist to unfold the antique fan in her hand, then slipped her arm through Merrick's. "Now that Reinrich is silent" --she flung a withering glare in his direction-- "you shall escort me to that table of wonderful dainties."

"I would be delighted," Merrick said with another bow. "I thought I saw a torte that looked rather delightful." He glanced over at Analesse and winked. "Have you been to the White Noise recently? Raoul has a new drink at the bar, and I've heard it's to-die-for."

"I have not!" she replied in complete despair as they turned away from the small gathering, who shifted to again close the circle to any and all who might wish to join them. Reinrich's steely gaze watched them with unmitigated ire from the centre; only a small, hungry smile curled his lips.

"We must all visit together," the aged, yet bubbly woman continued. "Very soon, for I am old and may not last yet to watch you in all your musical glory." She giggled boisterously and Analesse chuckled softly.

"Merrick," she put in, still smiling warmly, "I haven't introduced you to Madame Felicita Hes'tar. She's been a valuable business associate for some time and" --Analesse nearly blushed as the woman looked upon her fondly-- "my friend and mentor. She's helped me with much during my stay on Tae'Karada...keeping Reinrich Tas at bay, for one thing."

Felicita patted Merrick's hand as she leaned in to admit, "It's not so difficult to silence that cur when you have seniority and a vault full of his dirtiest secrets under your belt. And he knows I'll use them, too, if he tests my patience too greatly!"

"Oh, I'm certain that must be terrible for him," Merrick said with a glance at Reinrich. "Though, I imagine it keeps him on his best behaviour when he's near you."

"Much of the time," she admitted, then gasped in pleasure at a chocolate tart waiting for her on a silver platter. Felicita quickly snatched it up and continued absently while watching the dessert with longing, "Though, when Lessa is around, he always manages to transform into a brute. It's because she's resisted his charms that Reinrich torments her endlessly."

Analesse shrugged eloquently as she, too, surveyed the desserts arranged upon the banquet table. "Rich Tas has no charms," she corrected. "And he's a greedy, underhanded bastard. I refuse to deal with him professionaly or romantically."

Felicita chuckled with mouth closed as she chewed the sumptuous bite she'd taken. "Smart girl, isn't she, Mr. Braston?"

"Definitely," Merrick said with a smile as he watched Analesse. "Though, based on the little I heard, he doesn't sound like the type who is able to differentiate between professional and other interaction. I've never found that open hostility breeds good feelings, especially when it's lacking any sort of teasing tone." Merrick shrugged. "I guess it's his loss if he doesn't know how to behave in polite company. And, here you thought Zale was a brute, Lesse."

"I still do," she answered playfully, grinning broadly at his use of her nickname. Felicita chuckled knowingly at the looks being exchanged by the two. With great zest, she popped the last of the tart into her mouth and chewed happily while Analesse selected a treat for Merrick and held it to his lips for a bite. Felicita gazed at them with wistful envy.

Before Merrick could sample the succulent confection, a clearing throat at his side interrupted the moment. Merrick turned and noted it was one of the staff. He nodded for the man to speak.

"Apologies, sir," the man said, indicating his intrusion. "You are Merrick Braston?"

Merrick nodded again. "I am."

"You have a visitor, sir," he said.

"Of course," Merrick answered, confusion showing on his face as he did. He turned to Analesse. "Will you excuse me for a moment?"

Analesse opened her mouth to respond, but Felicita did it for her. "We will," she answered, and glanced mischievously aside at her friend, "for we have much to discuss."

Ignoring her cryptic remark, Analesse smiled at Merrick. "We'll be here."

"I'll see you soon then," Merrick said, as he looked at both but allowed his gaze to linger on Analesse. With that, he gestured for the young man to lead the way to his visitor.

---

"Mincing Words and False Airs, Part 2"
By: Analesse D'vrishay
Merrick Braston
Zale Tregat
Felicita Hes'Tar [NPC+]
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Avarethian Hall of Commerce Ballroom, Yesrin District
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

They wound through the various congregations of Tae'Karada's elite, talking, plotting, gossiping, and otherwise occupying themselves. When Merrick arrived at the reception area, he realized soon enough they would have plenty more to prattle on about. Encased in an eye-catching red gown that flattered all her supple curves, and bared a few others, was Kaysa. Leaning her back attractively against one of the ornate columns, and further promoting her assets with her chest thrust out subtlely, she smiled at Merrick with an allure she knew would draw him closer.

Merrick turned to the valet and thanked him. Then, trying to mask his look of confusion, he approached Kaysa. He smiled as he watched her, standing there and looking as beautiful as the first day he'd ever seen her. It was very easy, in that moment, to forget all of the troubles they'd been having. "You're looking...well, amazing. Hello, Kaysa."

"Hello back," she replied silkily, and pushed off the column to wrap her arms around his neck and press herself against him. From this proximity, the reality of Kaysa's late-night, intoxicated revelling was visible in the dark circles around her blood-shot eyes, and worst of all, the trace of liquor on her sweet breath. She grinned at Merrick lazily as her fingers stroked his hair. "You left without me, naughty boy." Kaysa kissed him lightly, then pulled back, pouting. "Too afraid I'd ruin the party if you brought me along?"

"Just figured that after an entire night out of partying, you wouldn't want to spend tonight with a bunch of stuffy people who think they're royalty. Besides, with as inseparable as you've been with Cadwin lately, I didn't think you'd want him to feel left out."

"I didn't bring him along now," she whispered against his ear, "now did I? Isn't that proof enough that I want to be near you?" Her right hand slid over the planes of his back, intent on his rear as she murmured huskily, "Very near..."

"Kaysa," Merrick rasped as he reached back and removed her hand from his backside, "we can't do this here. There's a party going on, and these aren't the type of people who approve of public sexuality."

Kaysa chuckled throatily and nipped at his earlobe. "Then this isn't our type of party, and these definitely aren't our type of people. Which means" --pulling back, she grinned salaciously-- "we need to leave and find someplace else to party."

"Kaysa," Merrick said as he pulled away slightly, "this is important. It's important for my career and for the White Noise. We can party after, but I can't just up and leave right now. We'll make time for us later though."

"And why can't you leave?" she asked bitterly. "Who are these people, Merrick? Is that woman in there? Is that why you want to stay!?" Some heads turned in the reception hall, but slowly they returned to their conversations as Kaysa's echoing shout abated.

"Please keep your voice down," Merrick said as calmly as he could manage. "These people are very wealthy, influential people on this planet. They are also patrons of the arts, which means music as well. That woman is renovating the White Noise, Kaysa. She's a business partner. I want to stay here because leaving now would send a message I don't want to send to these people. I want to stay here because, in all likelihood, if the renovations of the Noise don't go well, Zale and I will lose a considerable amount of money, and we'll have to move out of our mansion and into a bungalow in the poor district. These people here will help make sure that doesn't happen."

"And what about us?" she asked furiously. "You're willing to deny me for those arrogant, pretentious strangers?" Gripping the lapels of his jacket in clenched fists, Kaysa's temperament changed from irate, to affectionate in the blink of an eye. Sensuously smiling, Kaysa moved up against him and brushed his lips with hers. "Come on," she breathed. "Just a little while. We can come back, Merrick. Don't you...don't you crave my touch anymore?" Kaysa pushed her hips into his to refresh his memory. "Don't you?"

"Of course I do, Kaysa," Merrick said. "It will just be a couple more hours, and we can go home and I'm all yours. For the next couple hours, I need to be here. It's only a couple hours, Kaysa."

She sighed. "Then...then can I stay with you?" Her lips moved to his throat as a tiny whimper escaped. "I just need to be near you...that's all."

"Kaysa," Merrick whispered, "is everything alright? There isn't anything wrong is there?"

"No," she murmured and nestled her head onto his shoulder. "I just.... Zale told me there was this woman - some Ana woman you were seeing. It scared me, Merrick. I don't want to lose you, not to another woman. I had to come here and make sure. I-I had to make sure you were still mine."

"Analesse is a business partner and a friend," Merrick said. "She knows I'm married, and knows that she and I can be nothing more than friends. I love you, Kaysa. No matter how bad things have been, I couldn't just leave you or hurt you like that. I haven't been happy about everything lately, but that doesn't mean I'm just going to throw what we have away."

Kaysa looked up at him with tearful, beseeching eyes. "Then let me in with you," she whispered. "Just like it used to be...me on your arm, you looking as dapper as ever...." She chuckled and pressed her hand to his cheek. "Come on.... I promise to be good."

Merrick watched her for a moment, then nodded. "Of course," he said. "But, when the party is over, and before anything else, we need to talk about all of this. We need to figure out how this is all going to work, because it hasn't been. And, if we don't figure something out that satisfies all of us, it's going to tear us apart."

"Then we'll figure it out. We'll figure it all out," she assured him fervently and kissed his lips with a desperate need.

"Come on," Merrick said, gesturing her toward the gathering. "It looked like they had a great view of the bay from over there. It looks like you could see all the way to Vendra."

Kaysa laughed softly and wrapped her arm securely around his waist. "Vendra...we should go back there one day soon...when...when Aria's old enough."

"It's a very nice place," Merrick said. "With many fond memories. I bet Keeve and Maeren would like it there too. Though, they'd have to go separately to enjoy their own vacation."

"They've disavowed me," she reminded him bitterly. "I'm likely never to see them again. I can't believe she'd just...listen to Keeve like that and completely break ties with me. How could she do that to us?"

"They believe you're a bad influence on her," Merrick said. "It sounds like Zale agrees based on what they've said and what he's observed." He shrugged. "I'm sure you might be able to see her alone, though I doubt you will when Cadwin's around."

"I can't just abandon him, Merrick. I love him." Kaysa sighed. "I've made a horrible mess of things, but...I know you'll help me fix it all." And smiling tenderly, Kaysa kissed his cheek.

Inconveniently timed, Analesse emerged through the crowd waving Merrick over urgently just as Kaysa's lips connected. Analesse stopped short and stared across at them in bewilderment she was failing to mask. She caught herself gaping and quickly closed her mouth as she awaited Merrick's arrival.

Merrick nearly gasped when he spotted Analesse just as Kaysa kissed him. He waved to her as the kiss ended. "Kaysa, there's someone I'd like to introduce you to."

Analesse shook her head briskly, but halted when Kaysa's eyes found her. Mustering a tight smile, she continued forward, meeting them halfway. She felt Kaysa's eyes on her, piercing her with their vicious intensity. It was difficult to ignore.

"Kaysa, this is my friend, colleague, and partner, Analesse. Using mine and Zale's money, she has the vision to turn the White Noise into something beyond spectacular."

"So, you're the one," Kaysa observed, looking Analesse up and down with a slight curl of her lip. She unconsciously pressed in closer to Merrick with a flare of possessiveness. "Zale's mentioned you. You're some...businesswoman?"

Analesse nodded guardedly. "I deal in real estate. Your h-husbands are talented men," she managed to stammer out, still uncomfortable with their odd relationship. "I don't think this project will succeed without their assistance."

Kaysa chuckled and grinned at Merrick proudly. "Well...just don't keep them too busy." Her hardened, cold glare fixed on Analesse again as she informed her, "They do have a wife to come home to. I imagine your husband must have said the same thing to Merrick and Zale." It was difficult for Analesse to miss Kaysa's smirk.

"No," Analesse replied coolly, "he hasn't. I'm not married." Exhaling deeply to expel her irritation, Analesse added, "That being said, I should leave you two alone to enjoy the party. It was a delight" --she nearly stumbled over the word-- "meeting you, Mrs. Braston." Her gaze was closed off when she regarded Merrick. "We'll speak tomorrow morning." And with a tip of her head, she departed rather hastily.

"Of course," Merrick said, the regret in his voice unhidden. Once she was safely away, Merrick turned to Kaysa. "So much for promises to be good. And, Zale and I would have a wife to come home to if she wasn't out partying all the time, but that didn't support your jealous sniping, so you left it silent. As much as I love you, Kaysa, at this point, I think it would be best if you went home and I'll see you in an hour."

"Why?" she asked, all innocence and wide-eyed sorrow. "What have I done, Merrick? I haven't caused a scene... What is it, Merrick?"

"You may not have caused a scene that draws the attention of the entire gathering," Merrick said keeping his voice low, "but when I introduced you to my colleague, you immediately began jealously baiting her. If this is how you're going to behave when I introduce you to anyone you might think you'll need to be jealous of, then we will not be spending any time in public around other people. I will go alone if I have to. For the last week, I have not existed in your life. Zale mentions Analesse, and you suddenly feel the need to show up at a gathering you were not invited to in order to make sure your claim is secure, that no one goes near your possession, and anyone who does gets clawed. If this is what our marriage has turned into, Kaysa, then we need to re-evaluate our future together. I will not be your husband only when it's convenient for you."

"Merrick, I just wanted her to realize you weren't available," Kaysa explained calmly. "I saw how she reacted. Can't you see she's interested? If you can't see that, then how can you keep her taking you away from me!"

"I know that she's interested, Kaysa," Merrick said slowly. "She already knew I was unavailable, and I already told you that she knows I'm married. Your behaviour was uncalled for, and you've already broken your promise about being good. Why are you fighting so hard for this, Kaysa? When we both know that as soon as you've assured yourself that everything is under control and you're in no danger of losing me, you'll just be out for another night of drinking and drugs with Cadwin."

"That's not true!" she hollered, truly drawing unwanted attention to themselves now. "I do those things because...because I need to dull the grief and pain, Merrick! There's...there's just something inside me that hurts so badly and it won't go away!"

"This is the first I've ever heard of that," Merrick said. "Perhaps instead of rushing off to fill your body with mind altering substances because Cadwin waves them under your nose, you might come to either me or Zale. Or is it that Cadwin's way was easier and more...pleasurable? Why haven't you come to us, Kaysa? Cadwin's a bad influence, and he's tearing our family apart. We can't go on like this. You can't keep going out with him like that, or else it's going to tear us all apart."

Kaysa jerked her arm free of Merrick's hand and staggered back. By now, all had caught notice of their argument, and a small audience had formed around them. Analesse herself was slowly navigating her way through the crowd to see firsthand the disaster beginning.

"At least Cadwin's trying to help me. At least he loved me enough to see how miserable I was and do something to make me happy again! What have you done but cheat on me with other women?" she sneered.

Merrick sighed. "You haven't given anyone but Cadwin a chance to spend any time with you," he answered softly. He then turned to the crowd and smiled sadly. "I'm very sorry to disrupt the party. I'm going to go ahead and take my domestic dispute home, and cease inflicting it upon you. Again, my most sincere apologies." With that, he turned toward the exit and strode toward it with as much dignity as he could manage under the circumstances.

Analesse had broken through the knot of onlookers just in time to witness Merrick's departure. She swallowed back the urge to call out, and was prevented from rushing to him by a firm, restraining grip on her arm. Prepared to snap at the offender, Analesse turned, and stopped suddenly when she found the hand belonged to her Felicita. The older woman shook her head firmly. "Don't do it. You'll be ruined if you do."

Analesse began protesting, but Felicita squeezed her arm more forcefully. "Listen to an old woman for once, you stubborn fool," she warned her ruefully. A brief look back towards Merrick found him disappearing into the reception hall. Analesse sighed helplessly and allowed herself to be steered away from the commotion by Felicita.

"Unfortunately," a voice behind Analesse said, low enough only for she and Felicita to hear, "there's no way to control the woman, and she's become about as selfish as a single human can become." When they turned, Zale was standing there with a stony expression. "I'm sure you'll see him tomorrow for our meeting. For now, he has to deal with her, and at this point, it won't go well."

"I understand," she said quietly. "If you go after them...tell him I'm not upset." Analesse managed a weak smile. "This way, he won't fear my wrath and blow off the meeting."

"I think he'll be there," Zale said. "Right now, I think it's having to deal with the public embarrassment that will be the difficult part for him. I'll let him know though."

"Thanks," she murmured. "I know I invited you here for a purpose...but would you mind if we held off on introducing you to everyone for another time? I don't think I'm up for it right now."

Zale nodded, then smiled. "Of course," he said. "Kaysa has that sort of affect on people sometimes. Next time, I'll make sure she's locked up somewhere, and everything should go nice and smooth."

Analesse nodded dejectedly, but wasn't allowed to wallow in the evening's disastrous turn as Felicita began tugging her towards a group of men even she had yet to meet for some important schmoozing. "I'll...I'll have my secretary contact Moril in the morning to confirm the meeting...just in case," Analesse called to Zale as she was steered away. "If you see him, tell him I--" Her eyes displayed a yearning and desperation to voice her sentiment, but propriety and sensibility made her think better of it. Instead, Analesse smiled wanly at Zale and gave him a wave of departure.

Then, she was lost in the crowd.

---

"Airing Grievances"
By: Cadwin Tarrel
Vrax Draydge

Location: Kot's Bar, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

Cadwin was still grumbling to himself by the time he reached the bar. As he pushed his way through the door, he pushed a little too hard, banging the old styled door against the wall as he stormed in. The doorman, a thuggish brute whose face looked like it was used to stop speeders, gave him a glance, but let him pass. He was known here, a regular. And, the foul mood he was in told anyone nearby that he was in no state of mind to engage in niceties. More than likely, as his smouldering gaze raked across the bar to find an open stool, it said that he would rip the head off of anyone who intruded on his seething emotions and piss down their throat.

He dropped onto the stool, and found a drink instantly before him. Despite the angry utterances, he had to give Jaek a genuine nod of thanks. No one could help soothe the emotions the way an able bartender could. Walk into any bar in the galaxy with a dark cloud of anger hovering above your head, and the bartender would set a drink before you before you had to open your mouth. No one understood problems the way the 'tenders did.

With an angry sigh, Cadwin downed the drink and found a second waiting for him. This one, he took slower, sipping at it as he let his thoughts stew about Kaysa and her jealousy over Merrick's possible dalliances. He was losing his hold on her, as she went frantic trying to save her marriage to Merrick. He had to find a way to forget about Merrick and Zale. Maybe after a few more drinks an idea would come to him.

The scrape of the barstool next to his went nearly unnoticed, but the ensuing creak of someone's weight bearing down on the seat and familiar musky scent of the individual drew Cadwin's attention. There was no need to look aside; he recognized his drinking partner's arrival from the numerous instances they had met. The nearly smug grin the man wore when at last Cadwin glanced sidelong was expected.

"It's a shame," Vrax Draydge commented with a shake of his head. "Never thought to see you here in such a sullen mood." Looking beside and behind Cadwin expressively, Vrax tsked in disappointment. "And without your woman. I was looking forward to finally meeting her."

"Well, everything was going perfectly until she got worried that Merrick was out cheating on her," Cadwin said grumpily. "So, she had to rush off to make sure he wasn't looking in any direction but hers. He's going to ruin everything, and this woman...as much as I'd love to have his attention elsewhere, this isn't good. Not when it draws Kaysa's attention."

"Another woman?" Vrax mused. Chuckling, he nodded to the barkeep for his usual beverage of choice. "You know this woman's name? It'd be pretty easy to find out if there's truth in this rumour. And I'm the one who can find it out if you're interested."

"Analesse D'Vrishay," Cadwin said with a sneer. "It was nearly the only thing I heard from Kaysa for the hour before she left."

Accepting his drink from the 'tender with a faint nod, Vrax made a pensive sound. "I've heard of that one. Some big-time developer..." With a careless shrug, Vrax tipped the glass at his lips and assured Cadwin, "She won't be a problem for you anymore, friend. Trust me."

Cadwin raised his glass in salute, then downed it. "You're too good to me," he said, grinning more fully. "The girl still hasn't come around...how...how are your plans on that front?"

"She'll come around," Vrax told him with a cryptic smile. "I've already taken care of that; everything's in place, and all we need do is patiently wait for events to unfold. Then, friend" --he raised his glass towards Cadwin's-- "you'll be the happiest man on Tae'Karada."

"Feeling much happier already," Cadwin said. "Be even more happier when I get Kaysa all to myself again, not to mention being able to slip myself into my son's hot little wife again. I'm certain the two of them together will be quite amazing. Perhaps, one of these days, you can join us. I know Kaysa's open to that sort of thing, and Maeren will have no problem with it, I'm sure, once she's free of my brat."

Smacking his lips together after another taste of his brandy, Vrax replied with a note of thickness in his voice, "I think that's a good idea, my friend. Though, we can't plan anything if you don't get your wife out of her husband's arms...so why don't you go off and look for them?" Grinning, Vrax leaned in to whisper, "I'll start making plans for the woman, hm?"

"Perfect," Cadwin rasped. With his drink finished off, he stood up. "Time to go get my wife's attention where it's supposed to be: on me. Thank you again, my friend. You always come through when I need you most."

Vrax gripped Cadwin's forearm in a tight, companionable hold and gazed up at him with piercing eyes that masked the primal, sexual hunger behind them. Kaysa would be his soon enough.... "You'll come through for me, in the end, friend," he answered, his smile twisted. "That's what friends do, after all."

"It's great to have a friend like you when things really go bad," Cadwin said. "I'll see you soon, pal. And, next time, the drinks are on me."

"See you soon," Vrax echoed, and as Cadwin swayed off into the night, he turned back to his drink to ponder the fruits of his success. His groin ached with a longing for Kaysa, and a yearning to repay Shiv for her kindness. Vrax flexed the hand with missing digits. Perhaps, before killing her, he would show her the same courtesy, though he wouldn't leave a single finger intact.

Reining in his excitement, Vrax tossed back the remnants of his drink and turned out of his seat. First things first: dissuade Analesse D'vrishay from courting Merrick Braston. Smiling cruelly, Vrax knew just the person for the job.

---

"Roadside Conference"
By: Analesse D'vrishay [NPC+]
Reinrich Tas [NPC+]

Location: Avarethian Hall of Commerce Ballroom, Yesrin District
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

"Remember what I said, dear girl," kindly Felicita Hes'ta counselled Analesse, giving her hands a fond squeeze. "Not all is lost. A little scandal is never a bad thing if it creates a buzz about your project!" Emitting an exuberant laugh, Felicita pulled Analesse down towards her and planted bruising kisses to each of her thin cheeks. Analesse managed a wan smile in the face of her friend's affection.

The gathering had come to a close, with all of Tae'Karada's socialites in attendance trickling outside into the frigid, snow-covered streets, still laughing and chatting, but with notably less energy. One subject had occupied much of their focus for the duration of the party, and had loomed over Analesse like dark cloud. For the last two hours, Merrick's very public argument with Kaysa had been a popular topic of gossip, and Analesse was suddenly at the centre of a sordid love-triangle. Never before had she been the mistress in one of the fanciful stories floating about the rumour mill; never had she actually been a mistress, nor was she now, but that was of no concern to the gossip-mongers. They had a juicy story in their hands, and would certainly make good use of it until the next, more thrilling piece of rumour came along.

For now, Analesse suffered sidelong glances and knowing smiles; it was worse thinking of Merrick the entire evening and how he was faring with an obviously unmanageable wife. She desperately wished she could spend a moment with him and.... Analesse sighed dismally and finally addressed her mentor as she developed the urge to flee. "I'll speak to you tomorrow, Felicita. It's getting cold and very late."

The older woman nodded slowly, her eyes watchful and gauging. "Hm... Yes, we shall do that. You have a good night, my dear. And don't think too deeply on any of this. It's just idle chatter, Analesse. It will have no effect on what you do professionally." And despite Felicita's departing wink of encouragement, Analesse felt by no means reassured.

She remained on the edge of the curb as luxury speeders sailed by and more of the party's guests departed. Still in a daze, she absently watched for her own transportation to arrive. The falling snow clung to her curling lashes, and blinking rapidly and incessantly to dislodge them, she was distracted enough to miss notice of a dark, pristinely polished hoverlimo stopping alongside her. She started and emitted a choked gasp when a familiar and unwelcome voice crooned her name.

Analesse pulled her mantle closed and took a voluntary step back when she looked upon Reinrich Tas, grinning leeringly at her through the lowered window of his vehicle. "Not going to run away, are you?" he teased, and pushed open the hatch. Analesse chuckled wryly. "Get in. You and I have some things to discuss."

"No thank you, Rich," she replied firmly. "I have a ride."

Stubbornly, she turned her cheek to him in a show of watching for her own driver. His deep, ridiculing chuckle drew a look askance his way. "That's not what I want to discuss, Lessa. This is business...and" --his tone became serious-- "the fate of your career." His lecherous smile flattened, and Rich was as stern as Analesse had ever seen him. "Get in, Lessa. You know this is important. Don't pass up this bit of friendly advice I plan to offer." And as quickly as it had disappeared, Reinrich's salacious smile returned.

Sighing sharply, and thrusting her chin into the air as haughtily as the situation called for, Analesse marched towards the vehicle and slipped inside as Rich scooted over. She sat with eyes focused forward and lips pressed thin. Her expression barely flickered when Rich reached across her, faces nearly brushing, to close the hatch. He leaned back a scarce touch, and remained grinning at Analesse as she ignored him.

"Talk," she forced out between clenched teeth. "And keep a modest distance. This is business, if you recall."

"I do," he drawled, and sat back, but remained otherwise close to Analesse. "Right down to it, Lessa, this is about that business partner of yours - Mr. Braston."

A canted smirk pulled at one side of her lips. "So predictable, Rich. I know what this is about." She regarded him dully, saying, "You want to threaten me out of proceeding with this renovation so" --her finger jabbed at his chest-- "you can procure the building rights and do it yourself. Is that the gist of it?"

Reinrich laughed jeeringly, and took advantage of the distractingly loud boom of his voice to lay a hand upon Analesse's knee. "You're always so suspicious, Lessa! I don't want to steal the project from you." He bent forward again, their faces level and his smile gone. "I want to do this with you, but without the singer or that big oaf that follows him around."

Without a glance down, Analesse brushed his hand off her thigh, where it had suddenly climbed to, and commented with disinterest, "And here I thought you were going to chide me again on what a foolish venture this whole thing is." She grinned facetiously. "My, how you always manage to amaze me, Rich."

"Oh, I can do much more than that," he offered in a low, resonant purr, "if only you'd let me, Lessa." Now, his slippery hand covered her shoulder, caressing it slowly with his thumb. "You should drop the singer before news spreads of that embarrassing incident tonight" --he buried his nose in the curls framing her cheek and inhaled lustfully-- "and accept my offer of financial assistance, Lessa. I know your projected costs are more than you can put up yourself; that's what the musician's for."

Analesse growled quietly in irritation and swatted away Rich's lips as they ventured too near her cheek. He was undeterred and moved them instead to her ear. Quite accustomed to this game, one they had played many a time before, Rich knew just how far he could go before earning the business end of Analesse's fist in his face.

Not quite there yet, he continued. "Analesse, don't commit career suicide because you've got some fascination with this crooner. You're more ambitious than that! You and I, we could be more powerful than any of those cronies at the party. Analesse," he whispered fervently, actions matching his rush of boldness as his hand slid from her shoulder to beneath the mantle cloaking her, "we could be unstoppable, Love! Just give me a chance to prove it!" And Reinrich took that chance, finally piquing Analesse's ire and receiving a stinging slap across the cheek as his hand wandered too freely.

He pulled away with a heavy, disappointed sigh and rolled his head back upon the edge of the backrest. Analesse sat perfectly still and composed despite his indiscretion, and calmly informed him, "All you want, Rich, is to topple me like you do every one of your competitors. You couldn't care less about my reputation; in fact, I know quite certainly that you're ecstatic about this evening's events." She turned her shrewd, cold gaze upon him. "It's the perfect opportunity for you to run me out of this province. I'm better than you, Tas, and you're threatened by that. You've failed to subjugate me, and that irks you more - I won't submit to your advances, or your poorly veiled attempts to steal this project out from under me, and I certainly won't quail before your threats."

A comical look of pain crossed his smug features and one large hand clutched at where his shrivelled heart resided in his chest. Analesse chuckled harshly. "I'm not the simpleton you think me to be, Rich. I know exactly who'll run to the newsnet with what happened tonight, and expect to gain from it. Though," she mused, slyly grinning, "that goes both ways, doesn't it? Perhaps an anonymous source should tip off a rather loose-lipped reporter about a certain businessman's shady dealings with a notorious crime lord currently residing in the desert."

His snide smile curled into a reflection of disgust and all sign of jest vanished. Analesse cocked an amused eyebrow at him. "Hit a nerve, Richie? Then I suggest you keep your mouth shut and your nose out of my business. I'll gladly do the same. Now" --she tossed her glistening curls his way with a languid gesture and shifted towards the hatch-- "good evening, Mr. Tas."

"You don't know what you're playing at, Lessa," he growled, and much to Analesse's surprise her hand was roughly snatched away from the door release.

She choked on a gasp as she was thrown back against the seat; Rich's face loomed close to hers, where she could see the lines of rage around his drawn back lips and bared teeth. His torso physically barred her exit, and hands confined her wrists painfully where both arms were pinned back against the leather seats. When Analesse lurched forward to escape his hold, Rich's solid chest pushed her back into place. She stared into his eyes, not even attempting to conceal her shock.

"You listen, Lessa," Rich rasped, "this is more than just business; this is about power, reputation, and hells of a lot of credits. Now," he sighed, his anger dissipating and his constricting grip slackening, "you will think about my offer, won't you?" She watched his eyes roam over what portion of her body wasn't obscured by his torso and shuddered visibly. "This will be good for us, Lessa," he whispered. One hand raised to stroke her cheek while his lips lowered to hers, murmuring, "So good...." He missed the mark, however, as Analesse shoved him off with all her limited strength and shouldered her way out of the vehicle.

The hatch flew open and Analesse stumbled out onto the sidewalk where she just about tumbled onto the slick, wet ground. Her rapid breaths created white plumes in the chilled air, nearly blotting out Rich's churlish smile, but even a glimpse of it caused her to cringe. She pulled her cloak tightly around herself to keep out his ravenous stare.

"You'll get back to me, no doubt, dear Lessa," he called to her, and with a chuckle, he closed the hatch, just as his speeder moved off.

Too stunned and shaken to do anything but stare at the spot his vehicle had occupied, and remember his menacing threat, Analesse hadn't noticed her own hovercar waiting not far from where she stood in the snow. The other guests had already departed, leaving the streets deserted and cold. It only intensified her sense of fear, and with a gasp she hurried towards her ride.

She had never witnessed Rich as brutal and vicious as he was just then, but he had always been competitive, and such a quality often brought out a frightening side of people, as it had Rich. He was a man who liked to get his way, and became wroth and feral when denied. As she had discovered that evening, it was a dangerous prospect to reject Reinrich Tas, and with as determined as he was in pursuing her romantically, he would likely be so in trying to seize The White Noise from her. Merrick's poor showing that evening had given him the taste of blood the predator within him craved; with his prey vulnerable and in his sights, there was no chance of Rich mercifully letting it run free.

Trembling badly as she entered the vehicle and shakily ordering the driver to proceed, Analesse realized she would now have more to contend with than securing finances; even harder would be keeping Reinrich Tas' hands off The White Noise.

---

"Misplaced Affection"
By: Merrick Braston
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Cadwin Tarrel

Location: Tregat Residence, Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

The cab turned again, taking the silent pair in the backseat closer to their home. What would happen there, neither knew. Occasionally, Merrick glanced aside at Kaysa, but then quickly turned his gaze angrily back to the front of the cab. The night had been going so well until she had arrived. Actually, he corrected himself, it had been going well until the shouting had begun. Until he'd introduced her to the object of her jealousy. Everything always seemed to go well until Kaysa's grasp of propriety departed and her anger took hold of her emotions. And, now he was certain that all those present, and Analesse, were certain to write him off to distance themselves from his insane wife.

He hoped Zale had managed to talk to Analesse after he'd gone. He hoped their meeting tomorrow would be alright, though he wouldn't be surprised if Analesse didn't even show up. He closed his eyes and sighed. How did he always manage to land himself into situations like this?

"Aren't you--" Kaysa sighed, and shifted around to gaze at Merrick glumly. "You're not going to say anything? I said I was sorry, Merrick. I really am."

"You're only sorry now that we're gone, and that the woman who you perceived as a threat to your marriage has been suitably insulted and left behind," Merrick said with a look in her direction.

"And wasn't she?" Kaysa asked. "Don't lie to me, Merrick. Zale noticed it too - he's the one who warned me about her! Are you seriously going to insist you aren't in the least interested?"

"She's a woman who's interested in my career and my music," Merrick said. "She's a friend, Kaysa, and that's all. If there could be anything more, there won't be. You don't trust me, Kaysa. That's what this is about. You don't trust that I love you enough to not get swept away by someone else. When's the last time you even thought about my music?"

Kaysa sighed and petulantly slumped against the backrest. "There hasn't been an opportunity to, Merrick. How can you expect me to think about that while I'm still trying to recover from having Aria?! Don't you know how that's drained me? I just...I need a break from everything," she told him softly. "I need to...to get a hold of myself, then things can go back to normal. Okay?"

"Is going out nearly every night with Cadwin helping you recover," Merrick asked softly.

Kaysa chuckled wryly. "You tell me. Do I seem better, Merrick? All I know is that...being with him helps to dull the pain and confusion. I mean" --she watched him with large, pleading eyes-- "you could come with us, Merrick. Join us...."

"What pain, Kaysa? What confusion? You've never talked to me about pain or confusion. Talk to me, Kaysa. What's happening?"

"I don't want to talk about that," she whispered darkly, and looked away again to stare out the window.

"When do you want to talk about it," Merrick asked. "Since you haven't wanted to talk about it with me up to this point. Will you only talk about it if I go out with you and Cadwin on your orgies?"

Kaysa smirked. "Cadwin and I don't talk about it either, so don't feel so left out. Just...let me deal with it my own way, Merrick. Stop judging me, and give me some damned time."

"Your way of dealing with it has left me and Zale sitting at home most every night without you around, at least until you get home around the time the sun is coming back up," he said. "You only want us around when it's convenient for you, when you want to have time for us. You want us out of the way until you need us, but not the other way around."

His complaints fell upon deaf ears as Kaysa's eyes remained fixed to the street outside. "Cadwin," she breathed, much to Merrick's confusion and irritation. And when the cab pulled up to their home, Kaysa jumped out of the vehicle in a run. Her destination seemed to be the lone figure standing at the bottom of their porch. Cadwin Tarrel.

"Kaysa," came the return cry and the man on the porch stepped down and caught her in his arms. "I...I hadn't expected to see...is...is everything alright, my love?"

"Y-Yeah," she answered hesitantly, glancing back briefly at Merrick stepping out of the cab himself. "It's just...gods...it was horrible, Cad. I went there for him and...and...he just kept blaming me for everything!"

"There are a lot of men who can't accept the blame when it is theirs," Cadwin said softly, soothingly. "Can I get you anything? It must have been terrible for you, my dearest, and then to have someone who claims he loves you just blame you for everything. I don't understand why you put up with him sometimes." He gave her a tender smile and caressed her cheek. "But, that's not my place to critique your life like that...I'm just here to love you as much as I'm able."

Kaysa smiled slowly, her cheek turning into his palm. "I'm sorry I left you today," she whispered. "I thought I could make Merrick see.... I thought things could be good between us...."

Cadwin rolled his eyes. "I bet he told you they were just friends, didn't he?"

"He-- He did," she admitted quietly, and again her sad gaze was drawn towards Merrick as he approached. "He said they were just friends...." Kaysa murmured.

"Well, perhaps he was telling the truth," Cadwin said, though his tone indicated that he didn't believe so. "Do you want to go somewhere? I think I might be able to help you forget the problems you had tonight."

"I don't know," she sighed, still torn between Merrick and Cadwin's promises of oblivion. He knew how to appeal to her body and its carnal desires, while Merrick's words had subconsciously touched her heart. Each's pull was just as strong. "I just...I'm confused," Kaysa whispered. "I don't-- What should I do?"

"Stay at home tonight," Merrick said. "You've said you're tired and in pain. You should stay home and rest."

Cadwin turned to him and frowned. "I think you should let Kaysa make that decision," he said. "She's old enough to make those decisions herself."

"That's not the issue," Merrick said, rounding on Cadwin. "She needs rest, not to be caught between us in some match for dominance in her life."

"You're the one tugging at her," Cadwin snapped, and tried to push Merrick out of the way to help Kaysa inside. His world, however, turned upside down as Merrick caught his wrist before it could connect. The next moment, he was laying on his back upon the ground.

"Don't ever try to touch me," Merrick said, and then had his knee pressed down on Cadwin's chest. He lowered his voice for only Cadwin to hear. "And, don't think that Zale and I don't know what you're doing. We're not going to let you. You won't get away with this."

Cadwin struggled to get out from under Merrick's hold. "That's not up to you, you bastard."

Before Kaysa could intervene, Merrick was standing again, and Cadwin was getting angrily to his feet.

"What the hells is wrong with you two?" Kaysa asked, breathless with surprise and frustration as she came between the two men. "I don't want either of you deciding what I need! You're both just so...selfish and macho and too meddlesome for your own good!" She growled in disgust and whirled away from both men, where she stormed up towards the doorway.

"I hope you're satisfied," Cadwin growled at Merrick.

Merrick on the other hand gave Cadwin a scathing glance before heading up towards the door himself.

Cadwin just growled to himself and then followed after. When they entered, Kaysa was seated on the sofa bent over her knees with both hands covering her face. She was weeping softly. "You're jerks!" she wailed tearfully. "All I wanted to do was make everyone happy, even if I can't be. Why'd you have to screw it up!?"

"I was just trying to calm Merrick down," Cadwin said softly. "I didn't expect him to flip me like that. I was surprised. I'm just trying to make everything right, Kaysa. I just want you happy. That's what matters most to me right now."

"Then why can't we all be together?" she asked hoarsely. Raising her tear-streaked face to them, Kaysa whispered, "Why can't you both just be content to share me?"

"I'm more than happy to share you, Kaysa," Cadwin said tenderly as he brushed a tear from her cheek. "If we can't share our love, then this whole relationship is unfair. I won't be selfish, my love. I will happily share you with the others."

Merrick glanced at Cadwin, trying to keep the incredulity from his face. Easy enough to share when you're the one getting all the attention, isn't it? "I am willing to share as well," he managed to answer. "That is what love is about, after all."

Kaysa smiled slowly, her sorrow transforming into fragile joy. "You mean.... You two will stop fighting? You'll agree to share me?"

"Of course," Cadwin said with a loving look in his eye.

"If that will help take away some of your pain," Merrick added, "then yes. And, I love you too much to not do what I can to make you happy."

Kaysa bolted upright and flew to Cadwin, embracing him happily, then rushed towards Merrick and did the same. "Gods, I love you both!" she laughed. And, she scampered away to the staircase, hollering back, "I'll be waiting upstairs for you! I need to change!"

Cadwin grinned at Merrick, then turned to follow Kaysa upstairs. There was something of a taunt in his walk, but before Merrick could say or do anything he was out of the room. Merrick sighed and shook his head. It wouldn't be so bad if he had to share her with anyone but Cadwin. He had to prove to her that Cadwin was no good...but he had to let Cadwin do the proving. If he forced it, he knew he'd lose her. But, if Cadwin showed his true colours, then things would really get lively. With a smile of his own, Merrick started upstairs as well. Perhaps, with his eyes closed, he could pretend he was sharing Kaysa with Zale.

The room was dark when they arrived, save for a soft light shining upon the bed. Illuminated by it was Kaysa, reposed on her side, propped by one elbow, and wearing a shimmering, thin red nightgown that fell to mid-thigh. The left strap had fallen off her shoulder, dragging the bodice down with it to expose a single breast - a very inviting sight, as was her sultry grin. "Ready, boys?" she purred.

Most of Merrick's objections fled from his mind at the sight of Kaysa waiting for them. "Definitely ready," he whispered as he approached the bed.

Cadwin's grin only broadened. This was the sort of thing he'd been waiting for, though perhaps he would have chosen a different partner to share Kaysa with. Still, beggars couldn't be choosers. He approached the bed as well, already starting to disrobe. This was going to be an exciting night, to be sure.

***

The door slammed open, and Cadwin stormed out, a sheet wrapped around his middle as he strode purposely down the hallway.

Kaysa, less modest than her husband, rushed to the doorway soon after naked and flushed, but utterly unsatisfied. "Cadwin! Come back!"

"Cadwin," Merrick called as he came up behind Kaysa. "I'm sorry...I wasn't thinking...it's..." He shook his head and rested it against the back of Kaysa's. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I...I forgot he wasn't Zale."

Kaysa jerked herself away from Merrick's touch and spun on him. "You forgot he wasn't Zale?" she repeated incredulously. "You forgot he wasn't Zale so you stuck him in the ass?!" Kaysa shrieked then shoved him away. "You were sharing me, Merrick, not each other! This is what I was talking about. You can't control yourself. And then you try and tell me you aren't screwing that bitch?" With a scream of rage, Kaysa thumped her fists against Merrick's chest, then pelted down the stairs after Cadwin.

When she found him, Cadwin was seated on a couch looking decidedly uncomfortable and confused. He jumped as Kaysa came near. "I...I'm sorry, Kaysa...I know I shouldn't have...but...but it shocked me. I wasn't ready...for...I didn't...I didn't expect..."

"You shouldn't have been ready for that," she told him gently. Sitting beside Cadwin, Kaysa embraced him soothingly. "You-- You don't have to be with Merrick.... I won't put you in that position again."

"It...it was just a surprise. I...I guess I didn't expect Merrick wanted to be that close with me." Finally he shook his head. "Maybe he isn't really right for this type of relationship. Or, maybe I'm not."

"What?" she gasped. Pulling back abruptly, Kaysa framed his face desperately with both hands and forced his eyes upon hers. "Cadwin...what are you saying? This isn't how it will always be. Merrick...he and Zale have this relationship...it's very open and-- It won't happen again, Cadwin!"

Cadwin nodded quickly. "Alright," he whispered, then smiled lovingly at her. The hint to oust Merrick from their circle had not worked, so he wasn't going to press. At least not now. As long as her attention was on him, he didn't care about Zale or Merrick's presence in the marriage. If she dumped them both, it would make him very happy, but he knew forcing her to any decision would only just backfire. "I love you, Kaysa. You're too good to me."

She laughed gently. "How about I reciprocate?" Rising, she held a hand out to him. "Come on. You and I, I think we need some air, don't you?"

"I think so too," Cadwin said with a grin. "Though, I think we may need some clothes if we're going outside."

"If you want," she quipped with a shrug, then chuckled and pulled him up from the couch. "Come. We'll just throw something on and go. You got any of that spice left?"

"Of course I do," he said with a wide grin. "It's in my pocket up in my pants. Is Merrick still up there?"

"Probably. You afraid?" Kaysa teased.

Cadwin chuckled. "I'll just have to make sure not to bend over to pick up my pants," he said. "It's almost like being in prison."

Laughing and clinging off his arm, Kaysa led Cadwin upstairs. The two quieted when they neared Kaysa's room, and after a quick peek in, she directed him softly to go on ahead and find his clothes while she approached Merrick carefully. He was seated on the edge of their bed, looking down at his feet and not even raising his eyes when they entered. Kaysa frowned. "Merrick?"

"I'm sorry," Merrick said softly. "I...I didn't know...we were just...just sharing you...I'm sorry, I ruined it, Kaysa. I wasn't trying to."

With little edge to her voice, Kaysa told him, "Yes...you were, Merrick. You knew which buttons to push and you pushed them, hoping to push him right out of my life. But...it won't work."

"Promise me, Kaysa," he said. "Promise me you won't just ignore me...me and Zale, until the next time you feel jealous."

"I will," she answered carefully, "if you stop this petty, vindictive behaviour. He's not like you and Zale, Merrick! He isn't...into men."

"I'm not into men, Kaysa," Merrick said. "At least not the way Zale is. It's just that...when we're all making love, it doesn't matter. I'm sorry, Kaysa. It won't happen again."

"No, it won't," she told him sadly, "because Cadwin refuses to do that again." Exhaling a weary sigh as she stood from the mattress, Kaysa murmured, "We're going out for a bit. I'll see you a little later."

"Kaysa...please don't go," Merrick said. "Not like this. We're falling apart, and...and you running off with him isn't going to help. How much spice does he have for you this time?"

She smiled thinly and leaned over to kiss Merrick's brow. "I'll be back," she whispered. "I love you, Merrick Braston, so don't worry so much." And following a tender stroke of his cheek, Kaysa moved off into her closet to retrieve clothing for the outing.

Unseen by Kaysa, Cadwin was watching Merrick with a large, victorious grin. Finally, after clearing the expression, he moved toward the door. "I'll be waiting down by the door, my dearest. I've got everything rolled up for us already."

"Okay, just putting on my shoes!" she called back, and as Cadwin stepped out, Kaysa emerged from the closet in her revelling attire. Her expression was dour. "Merrick...please don't dwell on this. Doing so will only make the situation seem worse than it is."

"How about, tomorrow night, you and I go out together," Merrick said. "Then the next night, you and Zale can go out. Then you and Cadwin again."

Kaysa's inner conflict was quite visible in her rueful expression, and her eyes wandering from Merrick, to the door where Cadwin had exited. Finally, her gaze settled on Merrick, and a wan smile touched her lips. "I'll...I'll think about it, okay? I'll have to discuss it with Cadwin. But," she added hastily, "I promise you'll have an answer tomorrow, okay?"

Merrick's eyes narrowed, but he finally nodded. "Alright," he said in a tight voice. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"I love you," she told him again, and blowing him a kiss, Kaysa hurried from the bedroom.

Merrick watched her go and shook his head. "I want to believe you," he whispered.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Kaysa greeted Cadwin with a large grin and rushed into his arms. She had already put Merrick's grief behind her; or, at the least, buried it deep within herself where all her other regrets resided. "Ready?"

Cadwin pulled out a small packet and put it in her hand. With a tender smile for her, he opened the door. "Now we're ready. Come on, time to go forget everything bad that's been happening."

Kaysa hesitated briefly, staring down at the spice resting in her palm and thinking of the husband she was leaving behind upstairs. But, it was too late to think of how he was hurting, not when she was hurting more. She would be no use to him until she found sustained joy once again, and Cadwin might just show her the path to it. So, closing her hand around the drug and slipping an arm around Cadwin's waist, Kaysa stepped out into the night in search of finding what was so suddenly lost.

---

"Ensnared"
by: Reeve

Location: Unknown
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

Reeve's eyes opened slowly. He immediately knew something was wrong.

For one thing, his sword was gone. Normally, he slept with it close at hand, on the off chance someone would be stupid enough to try and ambush him in his sleep. No one had tried that in years, of course (not since Reeve was a boy), but experience had made him cautious nonetheless.

Yet his sword was gone. Distressing.

What's more, he was no longer in his shelter.

Sitting up, Reeve began to take in his surroundings. He had been laying on a hard, metal table, in the center of what appeared to be a holding cell. There were no windows, no ventilation shafts, no obvious entrances or exits, save for a large blast door located on the north wall. It was closed.

Reeve frowned. He was not happy - someone had obviously brought him here while he was asleep. Not an easy task, as Reeve was a very light sleeper. He must have been drugged, but even that seemed unlikely - as part of his assassin training at the hands of the Imperials, Reeve had been forced to develop immunities to most common forms of poisons and sedatives. It would have taken something much more complex than simple sleeping powder to knock Reeve out.

Which meant that someone knew what Reeve's abilities were, and how to circumvent them. And they knew enough to capture Reeve and bring him here, imprisoned, without Reeve even waking up.

Very distressing.

Most normal people would panic if faced with this kind of situation. Reeve was not about to panic. Instead, his situation merely served to stoke the cold fury that burned behind his eyes. Calm, collected, he resumed his seat on the table, his dark eyes fixed upon the door. Someone would open it eventually, he knew.

It was only a matter of time.

***

"He hasn't moved in almost four hours."

The dark-skinned man stared at the small view screen with a slightly bemused expression. He could see Reeve, sitting as still as a statue, staring at the door. He had been that way for hours, not moving. Just staring.

"Forgive me, sir, but I fail to see the point of all of this."

The dark-skinned man frowned, and looked up from the viewscreen at the Twi'lek majordomo that stood in front of him. As soon as he saw the man's expression, the Twi'lek immediately dropped his gaze.

"Forgive me, sir, it is not my place to question."

"I'm glad you remember that," the man said. His voice was low and steady, his gaze like ice on the Twi'lek. "I will make Reeve my tool, but first I have questions about him. Questions that I need answered... and I don't think he's going to want to sit down and answer them politely."

The dark-skinned man returned his gaze to the monitor. Reeve had not moved. The man reached up and ran his fingers through his black goatee, considering the image.

As he watched, Reeve's head began to move. It looked upward, towards the camera. Staring right into it.

Right at him.

"Impossible," the dark-skinned man said. "He can't see that camera, it's hidden. There's no way he could know..." he trailed off. He began to smile.

"Sir?" the majordomo asked.

"I think we've kept our guest waiting long enough," the dark-skinned man said. "It's time."

***

There was a sound, seeming to come deep within the thick blast door. An audible click, as though something had just unlocked. The door began to open.

In an instant, Reeve had leapt off the table, thrown the door open, and wrapped his fingers around the neck of the guard foolish enough to have let him out. Reeve lifted the man in the air with one hand, staring up at him with his cold, dark eyes.

"Where am I?" Reeve asked calmly, as though he were inquiring about the weather.

The man did not reply, so Reeve tightened his grip and asked again. The guard still did not seem forthcoming, so Reeve tightened his grip further. There was a sound, like a dry twig snapping, and the man went limp in Reeve's grasp.

Reeve threw him to the ground. He turned his gaze to the hallway that now stretched out before him. It was empty.

Reeve crouched, relieving the guard of the blaster-rifle that was slung around his shoulder. The guard had not even had the weapon drawn when he opened the door. Either he had been very foolish, or he had not intended Reeve any harm.

No matter. Reeve had no use for him anyway. And even if his captors now intended to be the most gracious of hosts, Reeve was still very upset that he had been kidnapped.

Very upset indeed.

***

The dark-skinned man continued to watch the monitor. His smile grew slightly as he watched Reeve lift his guard into the air effortlessly, and he couldn't help but chuckle a little when Reeve had broken the man's neck.

He watched as Reeve stripped the corpse of it's weapon, then stood up. Reeve cast one final glance into the camera- once again, seeming to stare right at the dark-skinned man- before vanishing into the corridor.

The dark-skinned man continued to grin as he reached out and pushed a button on the comm-link on his desk.

"The game has begun," he said.

---

"Hunter Or Hunted?"
by: Reeve

Location: Unknown
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

There were two guards at the end of the hallway as Reeve rounded the corner. They had their backs to him, but one of them heard him approach and turned. Upon seeing him, the guards began to take aim, but Reeve silenced them both permanently with two quick shots from the blaster-rifle he'd 'borrowed' and continued, not sparing their corpses as second glance as they collapsed to the ground.

Reeve was scowling. Wherever he was, it was like no starship, prison, or planetary base he'd ever been in, and he'd been in quite a few. The long, twisting corridors that went nowhere, no maintenance tunnels or ventilation ducts, and no computer consoles mounted anywhere that he could find. The entire place seemed more like some kind of twisted maze.

Reeve rounded another corner, saw the body of another guard sprawled in the hallway, his neck twisted at a sickening angle, and scowled again. He had done his best to hide the first few bodies, but had given that up when he realized that they were useful as a means of telling him if he'd already been there. Reeve was brilliant, but the layout of this place was confusing and difficult to put together in his mind, and it helped to have the corpses of the guards he'd killed laying around to keep him from going down the same corridor more than once.

Slowly but surely, though, Reeve was getting an idea of the layout of this maze. Although it doubtless would have confused a lesser being almost to the point of madness, Reeve's genetically-enhanced mind was another story. He almost had a mental image of the layout complete in his mind... only one or two areas he'd yet to explore.

But for all his exploration, Reeve still had no been able to find an exit.

Reeve rounded another corridor, continued past an opening on his left (he'd been down that way already), and instead opened the door at the end of the hallway. Three paths extended before him. He considered them for a moment, then chose the middle path. As he did, two more guards appeared at the end of the corridor, but they were dead before they'd even noticed Reeve. As he passed their corpses, Reeve considered them for a moment.

Whomever was responsible for this predicament was obviously monitoring Reeve's progress. There was no way these guards - all of the human, so far- would have been able to navigate such a complex system of corridors and hallways without either a map or some kind of guide. And Reeve had yet to found any type of maps on their bodies, which meant they were likely being helped. Someone was telling them how to find him, which meant that he was being watched.

Reeve stopped. His eyes began to scan the corridor, looking for any kind of monitoring device. He had been suspicious of one in his cell earlier, but since he'd gotten out, he hadn't really seen the need for further inspection. Now, though, his sharp eyes moved slowly over the metallic walls, ceiling, and floor. He could see nothing.

Which likely meant, then, that they were buried behind the walls. They couldn't be too deep, or they wouldn't have been very effective, but deep enough to go unnoticed. Unless you started digging for them, that is.

Reeve's scowl faded, turned into a slight smile. He hoped his captors were watching him even now, as he raised the blaster and fired several times, point-blank, at one of the walls. Once he'd softened it up, he slung the rifle and reached out with his hands, tearing the wall away in large hunks of metal.

As he worked, two more guards appeared. Whether they found him from the noise he'd been making or because his captors had alerted them, Reeve could not say. Instead, he tore two hunks of pointed metal off the wall and hurled them at the guards, burying one in each of their necks. They dropped to the ground as their arterial spray decorated, and Reeve continued his work. After a few short minutes, he stopped, stepped back from the wall, and grinned.

"Well hello there," he said into the tiny camera that watched him. "You should know, I'll be coming for you soon. And you've put me in a very bad mood."

Then he smashed it.

***

The dark-skinned man frowned as image before him turned to static. He switched to another camera, one on the wall behind Reeve, but by then it was too late. Reeve had disappeared.

No matter. He could be found again, easily enough.

As the man began to cycle through the cameras, looking for Reeve, he thought about Reeve's warning. He would be coming soon, he had said. Coming for revenge.

The dark-skinned man smiled. He would be ready.

***

In the corridor, Reeve was crouched beneath the sight of the camera, waiting. He had guessed there would be another camera, and guessed also that his captors would switch to it in an attempt to see what he was doing. Reeve waited several minutes, to give them time to switch to a different camera. When he was satisfied they were no longer watching him, he set to work again.

He stood, moving to the wall he'd already destroyed, and began to dig again. More and more hunks of metal fell away, until Reeve could see wires and circuits, buried deep in the walls. Reeve smiled.

He had found a way into their systems. It was only a matter of time now.

---

"Unexpected Developments"
by Reeve Talen Vigo, Crimelord (NPC+)
Jal'dor Kerrek, Bodyguard (NPC+)

Location: Unknown
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

It had been one hour now since they'd lost Reeve. The dark-skinned man was not happy. He scowled as he cycled through the surveillance feeds. There was still nothing - it was as though Reeve had vanished completely.

Only he hadn't. Because three more guards had just been found dead.

The dark-skinned man stood about two meters in height. He was bald, with a black goatee wrapped around his lips and chin. His eyes were brown, and hinted at great intelligence. His name was Talen Vigo. And he was used to getting what he wanted.

From a young age, he had been taught that when you see what you want, you take it. He discovered he was Force-sensitive in his youth, but during the Empire's reign, Force-sensitives were either killed outright or taken away to be warped and twisted into Sith. And so, Talen hid himself, burying himself in the underworld of crime and vice. The one world that would always exist, no matter the state of affairs in the galaxy surrounding it. The one place that anyone was truly free.

And he grew to love it.

At 16, he became a hired thug for a cantina-owner and crimeboss, Garba the Hutt. At 18, he stood at Garba's right hand, having gained a notorious reputation for ruthless cunning. At 21, he murdered Garba and took over his empire, and had since spent the rest of his life building it, expanding it, until finally it had become what it was today - one of the most profitable criminal empires at work in the galaxy.

And the best part was - practically no one even knew it existed. Talen Vigo was no fool - he had learned from the mistakes of other would-be criminal empires. Once the public was aware of your existence, aware that it was your dark hand that guided so much of their everyday life without them even knowing it, then you were no longer safe. Sooner or later, you would be ferreted out and destroyed. If you were not captured or killed by the authorities, you would be destroyed by a rival criminal organization.

So Vigo had taken the wiser path. It required more patience, of course, but Talen Vigo was a patient man. He had learned to play the game well, and had crushed many enemies in his time. He could scheme and plot with the best of them, and had the resources to make life difficult for almost anyone he desired. He had a brilliant, analytical mind that was always working, always thinking up some new way to destroy his foes. And though he had never been trained to hone his Force-sensitivity, he occasionally heard whispers in the dark, premonitions that told him when to act, where to strike. With all of this on his side, Talen Vigo was destined for greatness.

In his own mind, anyway.

Now, though, as he sat in the dark of his private office, sipping at a glass of decadent wine from a world that had been consumed by a super-nova 200 years prior, his patience was wearing thin.

Tapping the comm-unit on his desk, he grumbled, "Have you found him yet?"

"No sir," came the reply of Jal'dor Kerrek, Vigo's personal bodyguard and deadliest servant. He was supposedly a Mandalorian, and Vigo had never seen anyone with his skill as a warrior.

Until he had started watching Tae'Karada. Until he had found Reeve.

"Have the technicians check the camera-system in the maze," Vigo ordered.

"He couldn't have accessed the cameras, sir, their buried under three inches of durasteel," came Kerrek's gruff reply.

"Check them anyway," Vigo said. "Reeve is not to be underestimated."

"Very well sir," Kerrek grumbled. "Are the orders still shoot to wound or stun?"

"Yes," Vigo said. "Do what you have to to bring him down, but I want him alive and relatively undamaged. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir," Kerrek said. "Kerrek out."

Vigo reclined in his chair, sipped his wine again, as his eyes returned to the monitor.

***Location: Elsewhere***

Confident, calm, collected, Reeve strode out of the elevator and into the corridor. He knew now he was on a ship, and that the ship was cloaked. He did not have access to any of the main systems, so he couldn't disable the cloak, but it didn't matter - Reeve guessed this ship's presence was not welcome, hanging silently in orbit over Tae'Karada's atmosphere. If the ship decloaked, orbital defense platforms would probably reduce it to space-dust before it could raise its deflector shields. Better for it to remain hidden, then.

Reeve walked down the corridors, recalling the information he had received from the computer-console in the elevator. The console had been locked-down at first, but Reeve had quickly broken through it's security and was able to bring up some basic information- including a map of the ship he was on.

Since he'd had no data-pad to transfer the information onto, Reeve had simply memorized the ship's layout. He was heading for bridge, or more specifically, the small office located just to the right of it. That was where his captor would be.

As Reeve passed a security-camera, he paid little attention. While still in the maze, he had managed to re-wire the camera systems, to reply the same 15 second clip over and over again. This had allowed him to move through the maze unobserved, and he was able to find the exit rather quickly after that. A few more guards had gotten in his way, but they had died quickly, and now Reeve was on the bridge-level.

He started in the direction of the office. He did not hurry. There was no where for his quarry to run to now.

***Location: Corridor, Elsewhere***

Jal'dor Kerrek's gruff features frowned as he heard the communiqué from the technician.

"Sir, he's rewired the camera-system."

"Shit," Kerrek grumbled. "He's no longer in the maze."

"We don't know that yet, sir," one of the lieutenants offered. Kerrek shot him a look of ice and the lieutenant shut up, knowing what happened to those who questioned Kerrek's orders or decisions.

"I want all patrols out of the maze now," Kerrek said. "Sweep the decks, including maintenance tubes and ventilation. Activate motion-sensors on all decks. I'm heading for the bridge-level."

He stalked off, leaving the shaken lieutenant behind to carry out his orders. When Jal'dor Kerrek made up his mind, nothing could change it.

***Location: Vigo's Chambers***

Vigo looked up from his desk as the door to his chamber opened. In the darkened room, he could only see the silhouette of someone standing in the doorway. Vigo knew who it must be, and he smiled.

"Ah, you've made it," he said. "Please, come in."

Reeve stepped into Talen Vigo's office.

---

"Vigo's Offer"
by: Reeve Talen Vigo (NPC+)
Jal'dor Kerrek (NPC+)

Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY
Location: Talen Vigo's Chambers

***

Reeve stepped forward. He had the blaster rifle raised, trained right on Vigo's heart. Vigo did not appear especially worried. In fact, he was smiling, and continued to smile as he graciously offered Reeve a seat.

"Very kind of you," Reeve said. "However, given the nature of our current relationship, I think I shall stand, thank you."

"As you wish," Vigo shrugged. "Now then, I suppose you have many questions for me."

"Indeed," Reeve said. "I suppose we should get the obvious ones out of the way first... who are you, and why have you captured me?"

"My name is Talen Vigo," the crimelord replied, leaning back in his chair. "I'm not surprised if you've never heard of me. I'm the... executive officer, shall we say, of a rather influential galaxy-spanning organization."

"A crimelord," Reeve said. "I'm not impressed. In fact, I'm even getting a little sick of them."

"And rightly so," Vigo said, still grinning. "After all your recent troubles with Gherig Hoff, a minor competitor of mine, I can see why we might beginning to grate on you."

"As is your voice," Reeve said. "Now, why have you brought me here?"

"The reason is twofold," Vigo said. "One, you are not the sort who someone just approaches. You are a special case, and require special preparations. If I were to send one of my agents to ask you to come see me, you are just as likely to chop off his head as you are to accept my gracious invitation."

"That would depend on his manners," Reeve said. "What is the second reason?"

"Well, I wanted to see just how capable you are," Vigo said, his eyes seeming to twinkle in the darkness. "You know, you are the first prisoner to escape from my 'maze' alive? I use it as a form of entertainment on quiet evenings. But when I discovered you, I wondered how skilled you really were. If anyone could escape my little funhouse on the lower decks, then you could. And, I am pleased to observe, you have. And you made it all the way to the bridge without being stopped by the guards... I must say, Reeve, you have far surpassed my expectations."

"And you have fallen short of mine," Reeve said. "When I first awoke in my cell, I thought that only a truly powerful and dangerous person could have hoped to capture me in my sleep and transport me here. I'm very disappointed to find it's just another foolish crimelord, looking for a hired thug."

He raised the blaster-rifle, aiming it at Vigo's head. "Now then, if there's nothing else..."

"Well, there is one last thing," Vigo said, still grinning. "You may want to look behind you."

Reeve heard movement behind him and whirled suddenly, in time to see a figure crouched in the doorway, holding a blaster-pistol. The figure fired, but Reeve leapt, flipping in the air over the blaster-bolt before landing gracefully on his feet. He squeezed off several shots as he landed, but the figure rolled out of the way. Reeve tossed the blaster-rifle aside (he had never really liked blasters much anyway), and struck a ready-position.

"Allow me to introduce you to my personal bodyguard," Vigo said. "Jal'dor Kerrek is his name. He's a Mandalorian, you know. Incredibly skilled as a warrior. This should be most interesting."

Reeve was hardly listening. He stood, legs bent slightly, waiting for Kerrek to make the next move. Kerrek and Reeve circled each other for a moment, but then Kerrek fired again. Reeve ducked the shot and charged, lashing out with a powerful kick that knocked the blaster out of Kerrek's hand. Reeve kicked again, but Kerrek caught Reeve's leg.

Reeve was momentarily surprised at the strength of his opponent, but the feeling passed quickly. Reeve brought his other leg up, slamming it into the side of Kerrek's face. Kerrek stumbled, and Reeve landed lithely on the ground. He wasted no time in charging again, leaping up to bring his elbow down hard on the Mandalorian's head.

But Kerrek was ready. He caught Reeve in mid-air, and used Reeve's momentum to slam him hard onto the ground. Reeve was stunned for the briefest moment, but it was all Kerrek needed, as his powerful hands closed around Reeve's throat. He squeezed, his eyes full of war as they stared down into Reeve's cold, emotionless black eyes.

As strong as Kerrek was, however, Reeve was far stronger. His hands found Kerrek's and pulled them away from his neck. Then his feet came up against Kerrek's chest and pushed, sending Kerrek flying across the room, crashing hard into the wall. He slid down and sat for a moment, dazed. When his vision cleared, it was just in time to see the bottom of Reeve's foot sailing through the air, towards his face.

There was a bright flash of light in Kerrek's head as the foot connected, and Jal'dor Kerrek slumped, motionless.

Reeve stood, regarding the unconscious Mandalorian thoughtfully for a moment. When he heard movement behind him, he turned to face Vigo again. Vigo was still grinning, and he stood and applauded now.

"Well done! Well done indeed, sir!" he said. "Kerrek is my best man, probably the most skilled fighter I've ever seen, and you beat him without hardly breaking a sweat. Most impressive. That is all I need to see... Reeve, I have a serious proposition for you."

Reeve sighed. "I've no interest in working for a fool, Vigo. I'm simply going to kill you and take my leave. I would destroy your ship, but... your Mandalorian impressed me enough that I think I shall let him live."

"Ah yes, I thought convincing you to work for me would be difficult," Vigo said. "But I assure you that you will grow to enjoy it. In the meantime, however, I would be a fool if I hadn't arranged for a way to guarantee your cooperation."

Reeve began to advance on Vigo, but Vigo calmly reached down and produced a small device from his pocket. Still grinning, he pushed a button on the device.

Suddenly, every molecule in Reeve's body felt like it was exploding. The pain was incredible, unlike any pain Reeve had ever felt before, even during his time with the Imperials. It consumed his whole body, so that every fiber of his being felt like it was being boiled alive.

But Reeve had been given training to resist torture, and his pain-tolerance was already much higher than any normal human. Reeve's pace slowed, but he still slowly, deliberately stalked towards Vigo, his cold eyes locked on Vigo's smiling face.

"You continue to amaze me," Vigo said. "A Wookie can barely stand when I use this on it, and yet you continue to walk, determined to end my life. However, this is only the lowest setting. Level 3 can take down a rancor... let us see what it does to you, shall we?"

Vigo adjusted the controls on the device, and the pain became intensely more severe. Reeve was having a hard time keeping the pain out of his mind now, it was so consuming that it took every ounce of willpower to keep from curling up in a ball and crying out for mercy. Reeve could no longer walk. He crumpled to one knee, his eyes still locked on Vigo, who was still grinning.

Vigo adjusted the controls once more, and an even more intense wave of pain swept through him. This proved more than Reeve could bear, and he fell to the ground. He still did not cry out in pain or beg for mercy, but he could no longer get his muscles to move. Spasms of intense pain swept through his body, tearing him apart, but Reeve did not cry out.

He no longer felt the pain, not really. He was inside his own mind now, shut away from the outside world. The pain was still there, of course, on the edges of his consciousness, threatening to flood in if Reeve lost his concentration... but he wouldn't. He was safe, inside himself, and one thought kept repeating in his mind.

He would kill Talen Vigo. Painfully.

***Location: Reeve's Desert Shack, Thanatos***

Reeve's eyes slowly opened again. He knew he was back in his shack, in the desert outside Thanatos. His sword was where he had left it, at his bedside. Everything was as it had been then night before, when he'd gone to sleep.

Except now, a datapad rested at the foot of Reeve's bed. Reeve picked it up and read the message displayed on it's surface. It said:

"I have returned you to your 'home' to allow you to consider my offer more carefully. I will be inviting you to my ship again in a few days time, and we will make the final negotiations for your employment. By then, I hope you will have realized just how beneficial working for me can be, otherwise I may have to resort to torturing you as I did last evening. I am very much looking forward to working with you."

Reeve looked down at the signature. It read, "Talen Vigo."

---

"Curiosity and Commendment"
By Laedra Vorrel
Vaya Bek

Location: Aboard the Helix, En Route to Tae'Karada
Date: Vadris 20, 4 ABY

***

The Helix had left the Hjar System after heartfelt farewells, and the Jedi were on their way back home. Vaya had found a small pod atop Girra's ship. An access tube led up from the main floor of the cruiser to what she thought must have once been a laser turret turned look-out bubble.

The small room could accommodate two persons, it was circular with cushioned seats and provided a 360-degree view of space. The swirls of hyperspace were mesmerizing, a technological achievement based upon the space and time relativities of physics. Vaya wondered that if machines were capable of bending time and space to create a hyperspace route, a work of science and technology, if it were possible for the Jedi to learn such a thing through the Force. She knew anything was possible to those who could open their minds to the force and learn its ways, wisdoms and mysteries, but she had never heard of any such ability in all her studies.

The glare-free transparisteel gave Vaya no warning of the visitor poking their head through the accessway's opening, nor did their soundless approach. Only a soft summons tore Vaya from her reverie to the upturned, smiling face of her master. "Trying to escape certain company, or in the mood for some meditation?"

Vaya offered a smile, "Master. I doubt there is anywhere I can go that you will not find me," she said. "Not that I have any desire to escape certain company," she mocked playfully with a near perfect mimicking of Laedra's voice. "I thought it would be a nice place to reflect on everything for a few moments...I am very grateful for the experience of this mission."

"I believe it was a nice break from the monotony of life in the Temple." Laedra climbed onto the small, circular deck and seated herself on the pillow opposite Vaya's. She watched the girl with a tranquil silence, studying her poise and attentiveness; Laedra appreciated the focus shown by her Padawan in not allowing the breathtaking starscape around them to distract her away from Laedra's presence. It drew another smile to Laedra's lips. "I wished a moment to commend you on your performance during this mission, Padawan," she told her. "You have been trained well, and I can only hope some of what I have taught you has contributed to the great skill and sound judgement you displayed. You're truly learning, Vaya, and your future will be a bright one if you remain on this path."

Vaya bowed her head, "My thanks, Master, though I hardly feel I have done much to deserve as such," she said as she touched her shoulder. "And I allowed myself to get shot."

"That does not imply failure, Vaya," Laedra assured her. "It just means you're not perfect, nor are you yet skilled enough to evade any and every attack. Really, none of us are, no matter how many years of training we receive. We're all still mortal, Padawan, and as such we are subject to all the trappings of mortality. We err, we struggle, and get a scratch or two from time to time." Smiling warmly, Laedra consoled, "Don't worry, Vaya. I'm still so very proud of you."

Vaya returned the smile, "I don't know what to say. I am happy to have made you proud. I...I am very proud to be your student, and you have made me feel very welcome among you all. I don't know what I would have done, or where I would have gone had you not taken me in."

"You would have found a direction, I'm sure. You're a determined young woman, Vaya. It would not have been difficult for you to achieve some purpose to your life had you not been accepted into the Order. Though" --Laedra leaned forward to confide-- "I am glad the Masters were wise enough to take you in. You're an invaluable addition to the Temple, and I'm sure you and I will continue to learn much from one another."

"I would like that," Vaya said with a bit of laugh. "I feel like I was meant to be here, with you all, to have come to Tae'Karada. The Force beckoned me there," she said from a point of view, as it had been her spirit guide, Qel, through the Force that had led her to the Jedi of Tae'Karada. "There are a lot of diverse people among you. Your confidence and commending means a lot, Master. I look forward to all that I may learn from you, and...and it makes me feel more at home. But, I do have some...reservations," she said looking to her mentor's face. "These troubles with Dani, Nieme and Talara..."

Laedra nodded knowingly. "Their conversion to the Dark Side... It is why the Council is still wary about allowing those far past the age of initiation to train in the ways of the Force. But you are an example of why we cannot always reject older Padawans. If we had with you, imagine what we would have missed out on? No," she sighed, "I think the larger problem is allowing Padawans to engage in intimate relationships. Some might think it hypocritical of me to disapprove of such attachments when Koran and I share a close relationship, but once one has attained a certain level of discipline with the Force, it does not become as great a danger. With Nieme and Dani, and Talara as well, it proved a fatal error on our part. We should have been more careful and watchful." Her smile held much regret. "Perhaps if we had been, all this could have been prevented."

Vaya nodded her understanding. She felt sympathetic for her mentor that the Jedi had these issues with those Padawans and she was genuinely concerned about what all was going on - especially considering the way Cole had been acting. She could sense that he and Zari were more than just friends, or were...and she wondered about that as to how it might relate to his mentality in the same ways that Laedra had discussed with her.

"Intimacy is supposed to be about love and compassion," Vaya said. "As Jedi we are to know and show compassion; you don't mean to say that these relationships have helped to facilitate their wayward ways, do you, Master?"she asked wondering how it could be. And then as if to answer her own question, at least in part: "But I suppose such emotions can cloud one's judgement and focus, and that is why you teach to be at peace, that the role and commitment of the Jedi is greater than the self?"

"You understand more than you think you do," Laedra complimented her, smiling. Relationships where two individuals become wholly bound to one another are dangerous, especially when our teachings call for us to devote ourselves fully to the Force. And, I'm certain you can see the difficulties if one must someday sacrifice themselves, or another, for the sake of maintaining balance, especially if that someone is one you love."

"I never have been in love," Vaya said. "Perhaps some childhood crush I suppose," she said with a bit of a blush as she thought back upon her first mentor. "I can understand the wisdom of your words, though I cannot fully relate with lack of...experience. And yet...you and Master Darr are...involved?"

"We are hardly an example to you children, I know...but Koran and I have progressed far in our training. We have both accepted that one of us might die one day...and that we cannot attempt to prevent that death if it would cost another dearly." Watching Vaya closely, Laedra asked, "Is this something you feel you would wish to explore, Vaya? Do you believe that is the only way in which you can understand truly what I have told you today?"

"Well, it isn't something I have dwelled upon," she said with a quirky smile. "At least not in respect to myself. I am quite content to focus upon my training. But perhaps as you say, I may not fully understand until I have experienced such, but I am curious...is that wrong?"

"To experience it?" Laedra remained superficially composed, but was truly hesitant to answer. Vaya was disciplined and focused. Engaging in an intimate relationship could divert her onto a path leading away from the Order, and she was too talented to be lost. Smiling tautly, Laedra answered with great ambiguity, "It is not approved of by the Council. And as a Padawan, one must abide by the Council's wishes."

"I understand," Vaya said with an upturned eyebrow. "It is just a curiosity...about love and relationships, not that I am looking to go to bed with anyone, or have such interests with anyone. I have my lessons, I want to be a Jedi. That should be first above all else yes?"

Laedra inclined her head to one side in positive acknowledgement. "As long as you are confident about what you want, Padawan, then there is no need to wonder about such things."

Vaya had hoped that her Master had not gotten the wrong idea of her, it was important for her to prove herself. After all they had taken her in to train for Knighthood, a stranger not even from their world. Still, the whole conversation opened up more questions and curiosities; why would love drive someone to the Dark Side, like Nieme and Dani? If it wasn't allowed as a Padawan, how was it that the Masters like Laedra and Koran did so, when they were supposed to be the examples of what a Jedi was? But she would save them for another day.

"Well," Laedra sighed following a prolonged, comfortable silence spent gazing at the stars streaking by. "I will leave you alone with this wondrous sight, Padawan. I just wished to express how pleased I am with your progress." After a seated bow, Laedra crossed the small room for the ladder once more, but before slipping down through the opening, she smiled faintly at her Padawan and quipped, "Just...don't let it get to your head, hm?"

Vaya grinned and gave her mentor a look of who, me?

Left to herself again Vaya stretched out across the old cushioning and let herself drift away with the streaking stars...

---