***

Her body burned hotter than the unforgiving Thanatos sun and her heart thrashed it her chest as if seeking escape from its confines. The ecstasy rising from her centre sought escape too that would come only from the release given it during the culmination of her physical pleasures. Their coupled moans and hoarse breaths were set into a rhythm by their writhing bodies, each coated with a fine sheen of sweat and tensing from the oncoming climax. She now realized how misplaced her hesitations had been and how her fears had kept her too long from experiencing the euphoria derived from such a simple, yet passionate act.

Her lips flattened against his as their bodies swayed in unison. She threw her head back and cried out again as the throbbing intensified, then she smiled as his lips brushed against her ear and whispered the words that were a sweet melody to her. As his smiling face centred on hers again, she smiled and whispered back, "I love you too, Kael." Suddenly invigorated by her proclamation, his movements hastened and her body tensed as that delicious liberation neared. She focused only on his eyes and how truly she loved gazing into them.

With another cry, Nieme clenched her eyes shut and arched her back off the bed. Once her shrill screams began to die down, Kael's laughter replaced them. His deep throated, resonant laughter seemed to mock her and jeer at her. Nieme clenched her eyes shut tighter and shook her head to try and dissipate the cruel laughter that made her mind reel with thoughts of inadequacy and unworthiness. She couldn't fathom why he was laughing at her, what she'd done wrong. She wasn't pleasing him, that was the only explanation she could find for the source of his laughter.

Nieme whimpered and sobbed quietly as his laughs of disdain ate away at her and seized her heart with immense torment. The laughter continued and began growing in pitch until it was shrill and piercing . All the pleasure she had been feeling diminished and was replaced by fear and confusion. Lips were trailing over her flesh now, soft and delicate, unlike Kael's. The kisses felt different, the hands gliding over her body...nothing was the same and Nieme's fear intensified. The boisterous giggles assailing her ears were incapable of being vocalized by any man bearing the endowments necessary to invoke such pleasure in her as she'd experienced only moments ago. Now, however, she felt only stark terror.

As the supple lips pressed against her own, Nieme's head felt suddenly light. A sweet smell wafted gently through the air like a rolling fog and her body relaxed and melted from the newly kindled fire within her. She returned the kiss with as much passion as was being infused into it, but it was passion she didn't give freely. Her body was no longer her own and felt possessed by the dizzying cloud of ecstasy filling her mind. All her apprehensions and anxieties were lost, and her will was held prisoner by that of her captor.

She was powerless to do anything but surrender to this entity that had injected some potent serum into her blood which made her nothing but compliant with its wishes. This wasn't Kael, but Nieme still moaned and revelled in the stranger's touch. As their lips parted, Nieme sighed and slowly opened her eyes. A veil had been placed over them and nothing but dancing colours filled her view. The colours slowly coalesced and began taking form. They twirled and bled into each other, but soon they became one distinct hue - purple, like the Draila flowers that grew in the desert.

The mist covering her eyes began to lift and Nieme blinked away the bleariness. She traced the curves of the stranger and in her mind formed a template of its body. The more her vision focused, the more she was able to fill in the empty pattern with features and textures until finally she was staring at the completely manifested figure of a woman. The cloud of enchantment obscuring her fears dissipated and Nieme cried out.

The purple woman giggled at her and continued swaying against her. Nieme lay frozen as she gazed in bewilderment at the beautiful woman staring down at her. Her violet eyes smiled at her and her purple flesh emitted a radiant iridescence. Her laughter never ceased despite Nieme's terror, but when Nieme cried out again, she brought a purple hand up and covered her mouth, muffling her screams. The smile on her face became downturned and her eyes darkened with anguish. In her mind, a voice echoed, one gentle and soothing, but filled with a great sadness. The woman's lips didn't move as she spoke to Nieme, telling her the disheartening story of her struggles. "Help me..." the voice pleaded desperately. "I'm trapped."

Nieme lay incapacitated with confusion and fear until finally, the woman pulled her hand away and vapourized in a purple mist. Finally overcoming her paralyzing terror, Nieme shot up in bed and emitted a piercing, cathartic cry. She clenched her eyes shut and continued to scream in hoarse, raspy cries, trying to expell the fears that the purple creature had left behind.

The sudden scream shattered the dream that had taken over Kael's consciousness. As fragments of the images that had been playing out before his mind's eye danced over and around him, like the shards of a crystal goblet cast against a wall, he suddenly jerked awake. Next to him, Nieme was upright, mouth open as her piercing cry filled the room and threatened to shatter anything breakable. He quickly slid closer, or as close as two bodies nearly pressing together could get, and put his arms around her. That she was completely naked in his arms was another matter entirely, but for the moment that state did nothing to alleviate the fears her sudden scream filled him with.

"Nieme," he said, trying to keep his voice soothing. "It's alright. I'm here with you. You're alright. You're with me; you're with Kael."

Nieme shrank away from Kael's touch and yelped as she opened her eyes to him. "No! Go away!" She pushed Kael and screamed at him again while trying desperately to get free of him. "You're not you! You...you're her! Stop trying to fool me! No!"

"What are you talking about? Nieme, it's me. It's Kael."

Suddenly the door pushed open and Jae Dyn stood there with a shirt pulled down to cover her nakedness. She took a look at the two on the bed, and Nieme's naked upper torso, and raised an eyebrow. That Nieme was pushing Kael away was a very bad sign. If he was trying to... Find out first, she told herself. Don't jump to conclusions yet. "Nieme, what's wrong?"

Nieme gasped and swung her head towards Jae Dyn. With a loud whimper, she gave Kael one final shove and flew off the bed. She ran to Jae Dyn and sank into her arms. Nieme sobbed loudly and clung to Jae Dyn desperately.

Yelara showed up in the doorway still groggy with sleep and taking a look upon the crazed scene before her, she laughed. "This place is certainly filled with alot of excitement." She caught a glimpse of Kael's bared chest, and looking again upon Nieme's naked body, she crossed her arms slowly over her chest and grinned slyly at Kael.

Kael wasn't sure where to look. His eyes kept getting drawn back to Nieme's very naked body clinging to Jae Dyn's nearly naked body. He tried not to look where Nieme's clinging had caused the shirt the Jedi wore to ride up slightly. He caught Yelara's grin and looked away with a slight blush darkening his cheeks.

When Liam approached the room, he had no idea what to expect, and the sight of Nieme desperately holding onto Jae Dyn was not something he expected. That Nieme wore not a stitch of clothing openly in front of everyone without dying of embarrassment was definitely a sign that something was amiss. And, that Yelara was there only made him worry more. He couldn't imagine what trouble his wife would make with a situation like this. "Is everything alright," he asked.

Jae Dyn wrapped her arms protectively around Nieme. "It's alright now, Nieme," she said softly and kissed the top of the girl's head. "You're safe. Can you tell us what happened? If you want, we can go somewhere else if you need to. It's okay now."

"He's her!" she cried out.

"He's a she?" Yelara asked with an amused laugh. She glanced at Liam, who didn't seem to be finding the situation as humourous as she did, so she cleared her throat and erased the smile from her face. "Uh...Nieme, what do you mean?"

"The girl! She...she's him! She's trapped and we have to help her." Nieme sobbed again and buried her face into Jae Dyn's bosom. "The purple nymph...she told me she's trapped in...in the hulking leviathan. She says it's swallowed her and she can't find her way out." Nieme looked back at Kael intensely and called out, "Tell them! Tell them, Kael."

Kael blinked in bewilderment at Nieme's comment and shook his head. "I don't know what she's talking about," he said. "We were asleep, and all of a sudden she was sitting up and screaming. I don't know anything about purple nymphs. I don't know..."

Jae Dyn frowned as she glanced between everyone standing there. Still holding Nieme, she moved back into the room with her while still keeping the girl in her protective embrace. "What can you tell me of the purple nymph," she asked. "Does she need our help?"

"Yes!" Nieme cried out in exasperation. She looked up at Jae Dyn with tearstained cheeks and pushed away from her. "He was making love to me and then...and then she was there and she spoke to me in...in my head. She said she needs help because she's stuck. She was all light and...and she glowed..." Nieme struggled to form her thoughts with her mind was still disoriented from sleep and fear. Finally, she squealed and shouted, "She's trapped on the floating beast and she can't find her way out. We have to help her!"

Jae Dyn nodded, and decided to put the making love part aside for now. "Is she near? Near to us here?" She glanced over to Yelara. "If I were to say floating beast and leviathan to you, what location springs to your mind?"

Yelara looked up pensively then shrugged her shoulders. "Well...if she's talking about Tae'Karada, I'd say either that Star Destroyer out there or the shipyards. Other than that, I have no idea."

Jae Dyn smiled. "Exactly what I was thinking," she said. "I think if we're going to look for her, the first place to look would be the shipyards. If we can't find her there, then we'll need to come up with some sort of plan to get onto a Star Destroyer, and poke around their detention cells." She turned to Nieme. "Are you feeling up to helping us look for her?"

Nieme calmed considerably upon hearing they were going to free the caged nymph, but she yelped and flew under the sheets again when she realized she was bereft of clothing and clearly visible to all in the room. She pulled the sheets up to her chin and flushed with embarrassment. "I...I'll help," she whispered shyly. "I mean...I know her so...so I'll help."

Liam smiled. "I'll take Nieme with me to the shipyards then," he said. "We can search for her there, and keep in touch with you down here. While we're gone, Jae Dyn will teach Kael how to identify someone who is Force sensitive. And Yelara...Yelara will stay out of trouble and watch the baby while Kallia's busy. Why don't the two of you" -- he glanced at Nieme and Kael -- "get dressed and meet us in the kitchen. We can make something for breakfast and then Nieme and I can set out. Does this sound acceptable to everyone?"

Nieme nodded her head quickly and Yelara rolled her eyes at Liam, but she too nodded her head. "Fine, fine. I'll go lock myself in the room so there's no possibility of me wreaking havoc. Although," she said with a sweet smile, "I recall you saying at one time that you like havoc, Liam."

"If I didn't," Liam said with a smile, "I wouldn't have married you. And, I was teasing, my love. Perhaps I should try to avoid humour from now on. Go back to being grim, brooding Liam the Tyrant." He grinned and took Yelara in his arms and kissed her. "I'd ask you along too, but I think that place would be worse than coming back here. But, if you'd like to...you're welcome to join us."

Yelara smiled at Liam, then glanced back at Nieme. "I don't know, my love," she whispered. "She's...well...she's a little odd. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable being around her. I mean, half the time, I have no idea what she's talking about."

"I understand," Liam said. "Maybe if you spend more time around her, you'll get to know her better, maybe feel more comfortable with her. But if you'd rather stay here, you can. Maybe we can take a trip together up to the shipyards another time. It'd be nice to visit your old office again, where we had so many sparks flying between us. Or maybe the bed we shared our first night together in, and I cooked for you."

Yelara laughed and wrapped her arms loosely around Liam's neck. "You romantic." She stared lustfully into his eyes, but she cleared her throat and pulled away as she remembered precisely where they were. She looked back into the room where a still naked Nieme and mostly naked Kael were, as well as a very grim looking Kallia. She smiled at Liam and slipped her hand into his. "Let's go get breakfast started. I think it'd be best to get this morning over with as quickly as possible considering..."

"I think so," Liam agreed. As they were walking away, he glanced at Yel and grinned. "Though, after that little show, I see what he likes in her." As she started to protest, he quickly kissed her. "I'm kidding, my love. I'm surprised she didn't faint when I showed up there. She's very modest, and I imagine the thought of someone like me seeing her would be too much. You're not really nervous about her, are you?"

"Nervous about her stealing my husband?" Yelara grinned. "Not at all. But she is a little...odd. And poor Kael! He just looked so confused and helpless. I guess he had no idea what she was talking about either. If he didn't love her, I doubt he'd be able to handle that for very long."

"He loves her," Liam said. "And, I didn't think you'd be nervous about her stealing me away. She's cute, and her body is nice; but I'm all yours. Besides, she's pretty solidly Kael's. She has visions, and I have a feeling that's what she had. Kallia hopes she can help her interpret them better, and to not be so traumatized by them. I have a feeling that whoever she saw, that purple nymph, is going to be up there, and we're meant to find her. Hopefully if something's going to happen, we'll get to her before it can."

"Liam...how do you know her dreams really are visions and not just, well..." Yelara sighed and tried to put her thoughts into words that would broach the subject delicately. "What if she's just a little insane, Liam? I mean yes, she's obviously Force sensitive if you feel it in her, but what if the visions aren't a result of the Force and just psychotic delusions. Isn't that a possibility?"

"She saw me in her dreams, and the Temple. She also saw Kallia, as well as Kael. Based on that, I'm willing to at least entertain that she may have some sort of foresight. I plan to work with her on that and see just what sort of skill she has with it. I don't know if she is insane. From what she's said, I don't think she's exactly had a normal childhood. She knows nothing about sex, and Kael is teaching her everything. I just hope Kal can talk to her a little...without urging her to stay away from him."

"Well, she and Kael looked like they were having a little tutoring session before we walked in there. I know I disagreed with Kallia's position last night, but maybe it would be a wise idea to advise them about perhaps slowing things down a bit. If she is as mentally unstable as I believe, then rushing into sex could really mess her up, Liam."

"I'll see what I can do," Liam said. "Perhaps I can talk to her while we're out looking for the purple nymph. Not that I really know what to say, or if she'd even talk to me about it. But I can try." He glanced at her and grinned. "And, they actually weren't doing anything other than sleeping before we walked in. Kael was still wearing his pants; and although Nieme showed signs of sexual arousal, Kael didn't. I just think that dream she was having was rather erotic, and it aroused her as well."

"It doesn't mean they couldn't have done so last night after dinner." Yelara smiled mischievously as she wrapped her arms around Liam's waist. "You know, I think I'm going to enjoy living here. It's so eventful and exciting. And with those two around, it could never be uninteresting. Besides, I think it would be good for me to have friends closer to my own age. I always get stuck talking to you and Kallia, you stuffy, old cronies, and it would be a nice change to converse with some youngsters like myself for once."

Liam laughed. "Oh, is that how it is?" He pulled her to him and kissed her soundly. "Well, if things go according to plan, we will have a lot of young people here soon. You'll have plenty of people who are no where near as doddering as Kallia and I are. You better be careful or I may have to take you right here to prove my virility."

Yelara shrieked with laughter and playfully slapped Liam's chest. "And you're a Jedi Master? I fear for what you'll be teaching those poor, innocent children! I hope sex education isn't on the curriculum because I refuse to help you with your demonstrations. You'll turn them all into sex fiends, just like their Master."

"Sex is not one of the subjects we'll be teaching," he said. "Though, on the rare special occasion, Kallia and I may be required to fill in where a parent or guardian hasn't been forthcoming in that sort of information. There won't be any demonstrations."

"Are you still free for private sessions, though?" Yelara leered at Liam as she ran her finger along his chest. "I'm not a student after all so it's not like it'd be against the rules or anything..."

"Well, we haven't really defined the rules yet, so it wouldn't be against them if you were a student. But, for you, I'm available for private sessions. I'm always available for private sessions." Liam laughed. "I think Kael was having a difficult time deciding who to watch in there, Nieme as naked as the day she was born; or Kallia wearing only a t-shirt that Nieme inadvertently was pushing up as she clung to her."

Yelara laughed and pulled Liam along again towards the kitchen. "The poor boy... They get him all worked up with no hopes of release. Do you think I should..." Yelara glanced at Liam with a wicked smile. "Hmm...he might like that."

Liam laughed. "The way they're working him up, both completely unaware of it, I think he's going to need a release. Oh, I definitely think you should."

"And you'd really let me do that?" Yelara frowned at Liam and jerked his arm roughly. "I'm so glad you're that possessive of me, Liam. Hey! We could turn it into a sort of initiation. All the new Padawans that come through here get a ride on the Master's wife. I bet it would make them feel right at home."

Liam laughed. "Well, I am more possessive than that, but I guess the thought of sharing you doesn't destroy me like it once did. I would rather that you were just mine, but I know I'll always share you with Kallia. And, I guess if there was someone else you truly wanted to share yourself with, I'd accept that. As long as I still feel the love you have for me, and that you still want me with you, I think I could deal with pretty much anything." He kissed her. "If that was something that you wanted, then I would accept it as long as your love for me didn't change."

"I think my love for you could only grow. And I really don't mind being with you old wretches. You're both much more experienced than any youngster could ever be." Yelara laughed as she and Liam made it to the kitchen without stripping down their clothes and consummating their passions in the hallway. "Liam Zaneth, I would marry you again if I could, but I doubt I'd fit into my dress now."

"Perhaps when our child is born, we can marry again," Liam said. "I think it would be nice to adjust our vows to include our child, and Kallia. She's a part of our life, and our marriage now. You love her, and she loves you; and though I really don't know her as well as I would like, I am fond of her. She is, and always will be a part of our life." He kissed Yel and smiled. "And, I'm glad that she can make you smile when I can't. Before, when she arrived, I was scared. But, I'm not now. Something in the last couple days...I guess it opened my eyes, and I don't feel threatened anymore. I am happier than I've ever felt in my life, and more secure in my marriage than I ever imagined I'd be. I think coming back to Tae'Karada, even though we didn't want to, was a good thing. Our relationship and love has grown in ways it never could have before."

"And so have you, Liam. You've come so far in a year...and I'm so proud of you." Yelara kissed Liam tenderly, then looked up into his eyes. "You've helped me grow too...you and Kallia both. Both of you have helped to make me who I am today, and I like to think the new Yelara Neerou isn't such a bad person. In fact, I think she's rather charming."

"She's very charming," he said. "And much happier than when I met her. We've come a long way since then." He looked around and laughed. "With all that came before, I never expected to be willing to share you with one other person like I have with Kallia, but to realize that I could actually accept you going to be with another besides...but I know your heart is mine, and there is no danger. The only thing I ask is if that were to happen, that you did want to share yourself with another, that you not keep it a secret from me. And, while I'm gone with Nieme today, if you think that Kael is too worked up, and you do actually want to, then I'm okay with that."

"Liam!" Yelara grabbed him by the arms and shook him vigourously. She laughed then kissed him tenderly. "Don't be foolish. I don't wanna be with anyone but you...and Kallia, of course. It wouldn't be fulfilling if I let another touch me, someone for whom I felt nothing. That's why we're so ravenous when it comes to sex, Liam; it's because I love you so damn much."

Liam laughed. "That's good news," he said with a grin. "I didn't think that you would want to be with anyone else, but I just wanted you to know that I'm not as...adamant against it if that's what you want. But since you don't want that, that just means there's more of you for me."

Yelara laughed as she rolled her eyes at Liam. "Oh you are really an odd man sometimes." She shook her head slowly while making her way towards the range, and once there, she reached to the top shelf and pulled off a jug of carbosyrup. She turned to Liam with a smile and thrust the jug towards him. "You know how I like it, big boy, so get cooking."

Liam laughed. "One something-or-other with carbosyrup, coming right up," he said. He took the jug from her and started pulling the items he'd need for their breakfast from the shelves. "I really hope Nieme doesn't mind that I'm using her kitchen."

"Portent Girl, Part 2"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
Jae Dyn Brael
Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth
Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

Kael stood in front of the shower again, as he had last night. He sighed and turned the water on and waited for it to heat up. He looked around the large room that Jae Dyn referred to as the refresher and remembered his first experience with the shower last night. It had been somewhat startling, though after a few moments it was actually refreshing. Perhaps that's how the room got its name. He could only imagine what his second shower would be like.

Nieme waking up screaming still had his heart pounding, and he really hoped that she was doing alright in the other room with Jae Dyn. Despite their mentor's advice the day before, she was a nice woman and did have their best interests in mind. He just hoped Nieme was doing alright now.

***

"I just...I don't know what happened," Nieme said as she pulled her shirt the rest of the way down. She turned to Jae Dyn and shrugged her shoulders. "I mean Kael was there and then he just transformed into the girl. It was just...it was so scary."

"That sort of transition is common in many dreams," Jae Dyn said. "Though, I wonder if the the fact that in the dream you were intimate with the girl has any significance. It could suggest something between you and both of them, or perhaps something between Kael and the girl. How accurate are your dreams usually?"

Nieme looked down at her barefeet and answered quietly, "Pretty accurate." She took a deep breath and gazed up at Jae Dyn with a forced smile. "It was probably nothing, though...the significance of me and...her together. It was strange, though; it was like when her lips touched mine, I was intoxicated. I've never b-been drunk before, but my head was all light and I couldn't think straight." Nieme narrowed her eyes quizzically at Jae Dyn. "Is that what...is that what happens during sex?"

"Usually," Jae Dyn said. "With really powerful emotions like that, it's very much like that. When I'm with Yelara, it's like that for me. Your heart beats fast and it's hard to breathe. Your thoughts are muddied, and you feel like you're floating. I don't think we should read too much into it. Because you dreamt about it, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up in bed with another woman. Not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you. But we'll need to look into this more. We'll have to find her first. Do you think you'll be able to recognize her if you see her?"

"I don't think she'll be hard to miss. She's purple. I've never seen a purple person before...but she is." Nieme stood before Jae Dyn and couldn't help but stare at the long shirt that covered most of her body, but still showed a good deal of flesh. Seeing her partially bare made Nieme far less intimidated by her and even less apprehensive about talking candidly with her. "Jae Dyn Brael?" she said softly. "Can I...can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Jae Dyn said. "Anything you ever want to ask me, please. I'm your teacher and mentor, and I hope your friend. If there's ever anything, just ask. And, I promise I'll never get upset at a question or discourage you from asking. Now, ask away."

Nieme smiled nervously and trepidly took a seat on the bed next to Jae Dyn. She focused on her hands as she played with them and began hesitantly. "You...you probably know Kael and I were...well we...I-I slept with him last night." She looked up at Jae Dyn frantically and quickly corrected herself. "Not like that, though! We just...he held me and we just slept, but I wanted more and so did he...but he stopped. I was sad because...I thought I did something wrong again, but he said he stopped because I didn't seem to be having fun." Nieme sighed deeply and looked again to her fingers tangled together now. "I want to make him think I'm having fun...but how can I when I get so nervous?"

Jae Dyn smiled. "Something about it makes you scared, most likely. The first time is always scary, just because you don't really know what to expect. But really it's very nice when you're in the middle of it, and after it's started, if you're with the right guy, you start wondering why you were ever afraid of it to begin with. When I look at Kael, I see a considerate lover who will take care of your every need, and because of that you don't have anything to worry about with him. I guess the best way to figure out why you get nervous is to figure out what makes you nervous. When you think about it, what scares you the most about making love to Kael?"

"I...I don't know," Nieme replied slowly. "I guess it's just that...I've never done it before so I don't know how it's supposed to feel or what to do. I suppose I'm afraid it will hurt or that...or that I'll disappoint Kael and he'll never want to be with me again." Nieme hung her head low and chewed on her lip nervously. "In the dream," she said softly, "he was laughing at me...they both were. They were laughing at me and I thought it was because I was a bad lover or that I was doing everything wrong." Nieme paused and shook her head slowly. "I don't want Kael to laugh at me."

Jae Dyn brought a hand up to Nieme's cheek. "I don't think they would laugh at you," she said. "Sex is very pleasurable, and it's fun. They could have been laughing because they enjoyed being with you or that they were just happy. And, it may be your own anxieties making you think they'd laugh at you." She smiled warmly. "You are a very attractive young woman, and you have definitely caught Kael's eye. He wants to be with you, and he wants to share his body, heart, and soul with you. You have nothing to fear with him, nothing at all."

Nieme closed her eyes and rested her face in Jae Dyn's palm. The touch was so soothing and comforting and was precisely what she needed to ease her anxieties. "He kissed me last night," she said dreamily. "He kissed...my breasts and I like it so much. I wanted him to do more, that's why I let him take my clothes off and then when he went to kiss me down...there where you and Yelara kiss each other, I froze. It feels good being kissed...down there, doesn't it?"

Jae Dyn smiled in remembrence. "Yes," she said, "it does feel very good. When you have a man or woman who wants to touch and kiss, and especially if they really want to, then it's very nice. There are particular areas on the body that that sort of kissing is...is very nice. I'm sure when you and Kael do make love, it will be beautiful. It usually is with people who love each other."

Nieme's eyes opened and her smile was large and bright. "So he really does love me, then? He's told me he does but...but no one's ever said that to me before so I...I didn't really know for certain."

"I don't really know for certain," Jae Dyn said with a smile. "But I'm fairly certain he does. The way he looks at you is a good indication. And, the fact that he put your need to feel safe ahead of his need to be sated says a lot too."

"Yeah..." Nieme said with a beaming smile. "I...I think you're right." She laughed excitedly and suddenly wrapped her arms around Jae Dyn in a firm embrace. "I do so want to be with him, Master. I...I love him and I only want to be with Kael...ever."

Jae Dyn returned Nieme's hug. "Well, maybe tonight after you and Liam return, you and Kael can have some special time together so you can see if you don't get nervous. How does that sound?"

"He did say we could try again tonight if I'm up for it...so maybe I will." Nieme looked up at Jae Dyn, then frowned worriedly. "Oh no...I...I think I scared him this morning. I was so confused and I thought...I thought he was her... I don't think he'll wanna be with me tonight, not after that. I hate these dreams..." Nieme said somberly.

Jae Dyn pulled herself back from Nieme and cupped the girl's face in her hands. "He loves you, Nieme," she said. "Whatever happened this morning isn't going to stop him from loving you. But if you're scared of that, just go to where he's at in the refresher, and kiss him. If he doesn't want to be with you, you'll definitely know it. But, I have a feeling you'll find out that he still does, very much."

Nieme's eyes grew wide with surprise and fear as she repeated, "Kiss him? Just...just barge in there and kiss him? What if...but what about..."

"Tonight you're planning on making love to him," Jae Dyn said. "If he's not decent now, just consider it a preview of what tonight has to offer. It'll be alright, Nieme. Trust me."

Nieme looked slowly away from Jae Dyn and to the ground below. It was a true test for herself, Jae Dyn was right, but Nieme didn't want to hurt Kael more than she already had, and by running out of the refresher screaming if she happened to catch a glimpse of him would do nothing but increase his pain. She couldn't, however, leave the temple today without making amends with Kael. Taking a deep breath, she rose from the bed and smiled down at Jae Dyn. "Thank you, Master. I'll see you at breakfast." She quickly planted a kiss on Jae Dyn's cheek, then rushed out of the bedroom and down the hallway. When she burst through the door of the refersher, she would either be met by a very surprised and angry Kael, or an extremely happy one. She hoped she found the latter.

Stopping before the door of the refresher, out of breath and completely nervous, Nieme took a calming breath and hesitantly pushed on the door. Slowly, she edged it open and poked her head through. Kael was facing away from her and wrapping a towel around his waist. It was the perfect moment to sneak in unnoticed and surprise him, so that's what Nieme did. With light steps, she swept into the room and with more daring than she thought herself capable of, she grabbed Kael's arm and spun him around to face her. Before he could process what was happening, she took his face in her hands and pressed her lips to his.

Kael's first reaction was complete surprise, until he realized it was Nieme's lips pressed to his. He quickly put his arms around her and pulled her to him as they kissed. It was deep and passionate and fueled a fire within him like he'd never felt before. His heart was pounding in his chest and his stomach was doing flips. When their lips finally separated he looked into her eyes and smiled. "I love you."

Nieme smiled bashfully at him, then embraced him excitedly. Her smile slowly faded and her brow furrowed with puzzlement as she felt something pressing against her stomach. It was Kael's lump, but this time, it felt different. It felt unrestrained and its length seemed to run farther along her stomach than it ever had before. Bunched around her feet, she felt something soft, and damp, and when Nieme finally pulled away from Kael, she looked down and knew exactly what had happened.

She was too amazed by the sight to gasp or jump back, and all she felt herself able to do was stare and study the strange looking object protruding from Kael's groin. She gazed at it in fascination and felt almost ready to touch it when her momentary fascination passed and she reminded herself that Kael was naked in front of her. The gasp soon followed and Nieme had taken a step back, yet her eyes remained fixed to Kael's penis. "So...that's what it looks like," she whispered breathlessly.

"Yes," Kael said, trying to fight down the slight flush in his cheeks. "That's definitely what it looks like. And, that's what you do to it, my love. Not too shocking, I hope."

Nieme shook her head quickly with her eyes frozen on Kael's penis. Looking at it now, she had no idea what she'd been so afraid of before. She'd never seen one in her life, and was initially fearful of what it did and how it was shaped. She'd always pictured it as some montrous thing meant to inflict pain upon women. In Thanatos, the only thing it was ever used for was to rape women, and something that caused so much suffering couldn't have possibly been good in Nieme's eyes. But staring at Kael's, she didn't feel threatened by it anymore.

Fixated on the ramrod straight shaft, Nieme cautiously reached out a hand and extended a finger towards it. Her heart beat faster in her chest the closer her finger approached the fleshy rod and she had to swallow back her sudden anxieties before she ran out screaming. But as the tip of her finger finally made contact with the warm, throbbing shaft, Nieme sighed and found herself smiling softly. With a child's curiousity, she ran her finger gently along the length of Kael's penis and giggled as it seemed to harden and rise even more erect at her touch. She finally looked up at Kael and her smile grew larger. "That...that's your lump? It's so...different from what I imagined it would look like."

Kael's breathing was heavy as her hands played across his penis. He smiled and gasped softly. "That is definitely my lump," he said with a smile. "It doesn't quite look so lumpy there, just when I'm wearing pants. Not scared now?"

Nieme's mind strayed from Kael's voice and after a long moment of gazing silently at his penis, she looked up at him in confusion. "Huh?" She laughed softly as she finally pulled her hand away, and gazing up at Kael now, she felt her stomach flipping and her heart pounding furiously in her chest. "I'm not afraid anymore, Kael. Never again," she whispered.

Overcome with a newly discovered boldness, Nieme wrapped her arms around Kael's waist and kissed him firmly on the lips. She let her hands wander along his stomach until her one hand delved lower and caressed his penis lightly. She continued kissing him while she walked forward and finally had Kael pressed against the bathroom wall. "I love you, Kael," she said breathlessly before returning her lips to his.

Kael's surprise at Nieme's boldness was apparent in his eyes, but he quickly cast it to the wind as he was pressed against the wall with her body holding him in place. He heard himself moan as he returned her kisses, nearly feverish in his need to have her lips on his, her hands on his body. Something had definitely changed in her, and he liked that change. She knew what she wanted: him. And, he knew more than anything else, he wanted her in return. When he was finally able to take a breath, he decided to forgo breathing and respond to her affirmation: "And, I love you, Nieme. More than anything, I love you."

Nieme smiled at Kael, then quickly kissed him again. "Jae Dyn Brael," Nieme said breathlessly, "she told me to come and surprise you." She pressed her lips to Kael's and explored his mouth with her tongue. The boldness of her actions surprised Nieme, but she knew it was what Kael wanted and definitely what she wanted too. She pulled her mouth away from his and asked coyly, "Are you surprised?"

Kael grinned. "Very surprised," he said. "And, happily so. I guess it's only fair that you get to see me since I saw you last night."

Nieme blushed and lowered her eyes demurely. "I...I think it helped. I feel almost comfortable now...since you've already seen everything." Her eyes focused on Kael's penis again with her fingers still wrapped around its shaft. She giggled at the sight and was almost intoxicated by how daring she was being. She looked up at Kael slowly and ran her other hand over his chest. "Can we...can we try again tonight? I think I want to try again."

Kael laughed softly, his grin threatening to consume his entire face. "Tonight is fine unless you wanted to try now," he said.

Nieme's eyes went wide with a mixture of excitement and surprise. "Now? I mean...right here?" She looked around the refresher quickly, then turned her gaze back to Kael. "Where...but won't we be uncomfortable?" She giggled uncontrollably and covered her mouth to muffle the sounds of her anxiety and excitement. With a squeal, Nieme rushed from Kael's arms and to the door of the refresher. She pushed it closed, then with a large smile, she turned to face Kael again. "I...I think I'm ready. I mean...I hope I am."

"You look like you're ready," Kael said, looking into her eyes. "We can here, or we can slip back into the bedroom." He moved to her near the door and took her into his arms and kissed her. He slipped her shirt up and over her head with a grin. "Or we can stay here."

Nieme laughed at Kael and watched as her shirt fluttered to the ground. "We can't exactly go to the bedroom like this. Besides, I think Jae Dyn Brael might still be there. She...she was helping me. I liked her advice this time...I think." Nieme chewed her lip as she looked down nervously at her bare breasts. She watched as the chill from the air caused her nipples to harden, then sighed softly when she flattened them against Kael's chest. "We have to hurry," she said softly. "Breakfast...it'll get cold."

"I think we can heat it up," he said with a smile. Kael bent his head down and kissed each of her breasts, suckling slowly on each nipple before looking up at her. "We can make a bed of towels if you'd like. That way we might be more comfortable." He slowly started opening her pants as they shared kisses. He started trailing kisses down her chest and belly, and then stopped. "Nieme, what time of month is it in your cycle?"

Nieme was momentarily taken aback by the question and stammered quickly while searching for a response. She looked down at Kael with a confused expression and shook her head. "I...I can't remember...I can't think right now." She furrowed her brow as she concentrated, then frowned at Kael. "I don't know. Does it matter?"

"We don't want you getting pregnant yet," he said. "Maybe we should wait for tonight, and I'll go into the city while you're out with Liam. I'll get us some protection so tonight, we can make love. For now though..." He slid down her body, and kissed her mound.

Nieme emitted a shrill gasp and her hands flew back against the wall to support herself. She felt a shudder run through her and her heart fluttering rapidly. Nieme closed her eyes and smiled dreamily while bringing her hands forward and stroking Kael's hair. "Tonight," she whispered breathlessly. "Definitely tonight, my love."

A part of Kael was disappointed that they couldn't consummate their love now, but the soft moans and gasps of pleasure told him that he was making a good substitute until they could be safe. He used his arms to support Nieme's weight when her knees buckled as her pleasure built. He didn't think that Nieme would last much longer before she had her first orgasm.

Nieme cried out in surprise at the strange sensations Kael's tongue was inspiring in her. She gazed up at the ceiling of the refresher and against the white backdrop, a spattering of colours danced across her vision. She felt the familiar swelling in her breasts and burning heat consuming her entire body. The continuous throbbing being perpetuated by Kael were new and carried with them such arousal as she'd never experienced, even during her close calls with Kael.

She moaned shrilly and groaned with delight as the warmth in her body seemed to accumulate between her legs and grow even hotter. She heard herself crying out Kael's name, then shouting it louder and louder the faster the blood pounded within her mound. With a final piercing cry, Nieme gripped Kael's hair and fell back against the wall in a fit of shudders and gasps. "Oh gods...oh gods," she repeated over and over again as she slid to the tiled floor of the bathroom and sank into Kael's arms. "What...oh gods... My gods...Kael..."

Kael held Nieme's trembling body to him as he waited for her orgasm to subside. Once her breathing had calmed slightly, he kissed her and grinned. "I love you, Nieme," he said. After a few moments of holding her, he smiled. "How are you feeling, my love?"

Nieme didn't trust her voice to hold up after what she'd just experienced, but once she took a deep, cleansing breath, she rested her head upon Kael's shoulder and whispered into his ear. "I feel... Oh gods, Kael, that was the most amazing thing... I've never felt so wonderful in my life...except for when I'm with you."

All of Nieme's senses felt heightened and sensitive, especially to Kael's touch. Shudders still rolled gently through her body and she tried to bring herself down from the ecstasy that had set her mind and body adrift with pleasure, but she didn't want the sensations to ever end. Gently, she kissed Kael's neck and face, then looked up at him with a smile. "I love you, Kael. I always want to be with you."

He kissed her gently and smiled. "I'm always yours," he said. "And, I only ever want to be with you again. We belong together, Nieme. And, tonight, I want to make love to you, and share all of myself with you. Forever, Nieme. That's what you and me are. We're forever."

"I know," she whispered emphatically. "I've always felt that." Nieme kissed Kael gently and moaned quietly as his hardness brushed against her still sensitive mound. She found her hips inadvertently pressing against his to amplify the sensations being generated and gasped into Kael's mouth. "Oh gods, Kael," she said almost painfully. "I...I don't know if I can wait that long."

Kael kissed her and let his hands trail over her body. "We can try to be careful if you want. I can pull out before I climax. Or, if it's not the time in your cycle, I can inside you." He kissed her again. "Do you want to now, Nieme?"

Nieme sighed deeply as her hips gently swayed against Kael's hardness. "I do, Kael...but...I don't know if it's my time... I just...I can't remember now..." She moaned softly and kissed Kael's shoulder and let her lips trail across his chest. She was so entranced by the pleasure she had only moments ago experienced and knew she wanted more, disregarding all the costs and not paying any heed to precautions she knew she needed to take. "I want you to make love to me, Kael. Oh gods...I don't care what happens, I just want to make love to you now."

Kael quickly took Nieme into his arms and kissed her. As he held her, he pulled some towels from the rack and spread them on the floor below them. Then he eased her back onto them. He gazed into her eyes and smiled. He could barely believe that they were about to make love, but here they were. "It may hurt a little at the beginning," he said. "But after that, it should feel as good as the other." He kissed her again. "Are you ready?"

Nieme stared down in bewilderment at Kael's penis hovering over her entrance. She looked up into Kael's eyes with sudden fear and anxiety, but her body didn't betray her this time. She was willing and relaxed, and was surprised when her hips bucked forward, begging for him to enter her. "I'm so nervous, Kael," she said with a soft moan. "But I want this. I want this very much, Kael."

By the look in her eyes and the flush of her body Kael could tell that Nieme really did want this. He positioned himself at her entrance, and slowly started pushing himself inside. His lips were on hers, and he used one hand on her breasts. He didn't want this to hurt much for her, but thankfully the hurt would be quickly overcome by the pleasure. "I love you, Nieme," he whispered.

Nieme winced and chewed her lip to fight back the sharp pain that suddenly plagued her. She groaned and breathed sharply as the pain seemed to intensify, then slowly, it diminished and the only thing that remained was a quickly rising tingle that soon grew into a blazing ecstasy. A loud moan filled the refresher as Kael thrust against her in long, smooth strokes, but gently and with tenderness. The sensation of being joined with another and fitting perfectly with them was almost as fulfilling as the act was beginning to be. Staring into Kael's warm eyes, she smiled slowly, then kissed him greedily.

Kael's moans mixed with Nieme's as they continued making love. The change was remarkable. Last night she had been afraid of his touch, but now she was hungrily accepting everything he could give her. It made him love her all the more. With the long strokes he was taking, he knew he could last for a bit longer. Their breakfast would be cold, but this was better than breakfast. He just needed to make sure he pulled out of her in time, and hope that they didn't have a surprise waiting in nine months. Beneath him, Nieme seemed to glow. He found himself grinning foolishly, and then laughing. "Oh gods, Nieme. I love you so much. You are the most beautiful...I love you!"

Nieme's moans were shrill but expressing in them her immense joy and pleasure. When Kael's laughter began, she was filled with sudden confusion and dissaray. It was her dream all over again, and now, just like then, she had no idea why he was laughing at her. She tried to keep her anxieties from ruining the moment, but his laughter was beginning to eat away at her and rousing her fears of inadequacy and unworthiness. With a frown, Nieme looked up at Kael and whispered fearfully, "Why are you laughing, Kael? Please...please don't laugh at me. I'm doing good, aren't I? I-I can do better!"

Kael kissed her. "You are doing beautifully," he said. "I'm laughing because I'm incredibly happy. You make me incredibly happy, Nieme. You are doing beautifully, my love." He kissed her again with a passionate hunger. "You're a beautiful lover, and I'd rather be with you than anyone else in life."

A heavy sigh indicated Nieme's relief, and with a warm smile, she kissed Kael deeply. She felt awkward and clumsy as she moved against Kael, but somehow, it still felt right. Her moans grew from deep within her throat and were lost in Kael's mouth as they kissed tenderly. She knew more than anything that she and Kael were meant to be, and their union helped to reinforce her dreams, the ones that told her that she couldn't walk the path she was treading upon without Kael.

As a sudden spike of pleasure hit Nieme, she cried out loudly and arched off the floor. She clung to Kael desperately and felt her throat growing hoarse as she cried out again and again. She spoke Kael's name loudly and professed her love for him with such conviction that she knew he would not doubt it in the least.

As Nieme's body trembled with her second orgasm, Kael felt his quickly approaching. He hated that he had to pull out of her. He winced at the thought of removing himself from the warmth and ecstacy of their union. But he had to. "Oh gods," he cried out. "It's time. I need to-- Towel. I need a towel. Or something."

Nieme looked around frantically and breathlessly, uncertain what was happening, but the urgency in Kael's voice indicated she had better find him a towel quickly. Their bodies were still joined and Nieme was still feeling the delicious ravages of her climax and she found it almost impossible to move. She groaned as her hands scoured blindly across the tiled floor, searching for something which would suffice for Kael's purposes. Her fingers brushed against something soft resting on the floor and she quickly grabbed it up in her hand. "Here!" she said hastily as she passed the item to Kael.

Kael took the item, not bothering to look at it. Before he could though, his body flushed and he cried out: "Oh gods no." And, then in a rush, it was too late. A loud moan filled the room, and despite the intense pleasure, a wave of terror swept through Kael as he spilled his seed inside Nieme. Once his orgasm had subsided, he looked down at Nieme, unsure of what emotion he should be feeling. He glanced down at their still-joined bodies and then back up at Nieme. "Um..."

Nieme's eyes were still wide with confusion and perplexity as she slowly recovered from the strange sensation that had just coursed through her. She looked at Kael with a questioning gaze, then down at where he was still firmly fixed inside of her. "What...what was that?" she asked quietly. "It felt...that was so strange."

"That was...was an orgasm," Kael said. "You know how I was telling you about when a man gets really excited, about how his prick...well, that's what it was. That's usually what happens when a man and woman make love. I'm sure it will be common for us...that is if you want to continue doing this."

"Yes...I want to very much so, Kael!" Nieme wrapped her arms around him and kissed his neck and face while giggles consumed her. "I want you to fill me with your seed over and over and over again!"

Kael laughed and kissed her in return. "Well, if I'm going to fill you over and over, we'll need to make sure we can't have a baby like this. We'll probably have to get some protection so that doesn't happen. Maybe you and I can go into the city when you get back, and get something. And, I think we should maybe do some shopping to celebrate us."

"A baby?" Nieme's face sank and a sudden panic welled up in her. "I...I don't want a baby, Kael. You...you filled me already though." Nieme sat up quickly, almost knocking Kael over as she began whimpering frantically. "Am I pregnant now?! No! I-I-I can't be, Kael! If we wash it out of me, can we stop me from getting pregnant? I don't want a baby," she said with a sob.

Kael quickly pulled Nieme into an embrace. "It's going to be alright. We can use the water in the shower to wash it out. It'll be alright, Nieme. You won't have a baby. Come on, let's get into the shower, and we'll get that all cleaned out and you'll be fine. We can talk to Jae Dyn too. She'll know what to do."

"No, Kael," Nieme said with a whimper. "I'm scared. I don't want to talk to her. Can't we...can't we just wash it out and keep it a secret? Please, Kael?"

"Yes," Kael said, and quickly stood, helping Nieme up with him. "In the shower. We'll use the water there to wash it out. That nozzle thing comes off, we can use that."

Nieme stayed close to Kael for support and clung to him firmly as she stepped into the shower. "Will this work?" she asked while fiddling with the tap. "If we wash it out, I won't be pregnant?"

Kael nodded. "It'll work," he said as he pulled down the hose with the nozzle thing on it. When it was an okay temperature, he looked at Nieme and nodded. "Okay...here it goes." He carefully put the nozzle down between her legs so the nozzle could flush her clean of the mess he'd made there.

Nieme yelped and jumped back as the rushing water entered her and tickled her insides. She squirmed as her most sensitive regions were caressed by the spraying liquid, and was soon blushing as it had an undesired stimulatory effect on her. She smiled uncomfortably at Kael, then finally wriggled away from the bombardment of water and pressed her back to the wall of the shower. "Do you think that was long enough? It felt like it got everything...I hope."

Kael looked up into her eyes and motioned her back. "One more time," he said. "And, I think that will definitely have it all. And, I promise, after today, that won't be a problem again. I'll get something to use so we won't have to worry about babies until we really do want one."

Nieme groaned as she thought about going through the tedious ordeal again, but she complied with Kael's orders and moved towards him again. She let out a squeal as the water rushed up inside her again and realizing how awkward she must have looked with her legs spread and the nozzle of a shower head jammed between her legs, Nieme sobbed in moritification. "I'm never having sex again!" she whined. She sulked and wailed like a temperamental child, and was soon weeping pathetically as her orifice was cleansed of Kael's seed.

Kael put his arm around her. "If you don't want to," he said, trying to keep any sign of dejection from his voice even though he figured she was just upset because of how things had turned out, "we won't anymore. I'll just stay in the other room." He pulled the water away and nodded. "You should be fine now. Everything's alright now."

Nieme lay her had upon Kael's shoulder, then wrapped her arms around him. "I'm sorry I'm being so immature about this. I...I'm just afraid." She looked up at Kael with a smile and ran her hand across his cheek. "I want to do it again. I just don't want it to end like this next time. And I don't think I could sleep without you by my side. You have to be there in bed with me. I want you to be."

Kael smiled and slipped his arms back around Nieme. "I'll get something today so we don't have to worry about babies for a long time. And, I know I wouldn't be able to sleep without you with me." He looked around and then grinned. "How would you like to take a shower? There's enough room for both of us in there."

"A shower? But I thought you already took one." Nieme saw the lustful gleam in Kael's eyes and his mischievous smile, both clearly indicating he wanted to do something other than shower. Her eyes opened wide with a sudden dawning of understanding, and a smile soon consumed her face. "Again? You...you're not tired?"

He took her hands and started back into the shower, pulling her along with him. "Not tired," he said. "We won't have sex like that again, not until we're protected, but there are other nice things we can do in here. If you'd like..."

"Other things? Like...like with your mouth again?" Nieme smiled excitedly. "I liked that alot, Kael." She leaned forward and with a giggle she planted a kiss on Kael's lips. "Do that again, Kael. Please?"

Kael laughed, and then kissed Nieme back. "Gladly," he said. "Brace yourself against the wall and...enjoy." He slid down her body and quickly drove his tongue into her mound, eliciting a moan and gasps of pleasure immediately. He wrapped his arms around her legs, and settled in to make this a shower Nieme would never forget.

"Portent Girl, Part 3"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
Jae Dyn Brael
Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth
Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

Arm in arm and large smiles on both their beaming faces, Nieme and Kael lazily made their way towards the dining area. She had her head rested upon his shoulder and let out a wistful sigh every few steps as she thought back to the refresher and how it was now her favourite place in the Temple. With a giggle, she planted a quick kiss on Kael's cheek, then slipped her arm around his waist. "Thank you for the shower, Kael," she said with a sly grin. "I think after dinner tonight, I'm going to need another one, especially when I accidentally spill my meal on me."

"I just hope you don't plan on getting much sleep tonight," Kael said, "because I think we're going to be fairly busy for most of the night. After a really nice, long shower together. I promise to make sure to get all of you clean."

Nieme giggled again as they strolled into the dining area. All heads were turned towards them with quizzical, questioning gazes on each of their faces...except for Yelara, however, whose face instantly brightened with a smile and a squeal of delight escaped her lips. "Oh aren't they so adorable! Look at them, Liam, snuggling and touching and being so cute. They're absolutely glowing." She turned her attention back to them and inquired happily, "So what took you two lovebirds so long? Breakfast has been over for almost an hour."

Kael looked at Nieme and back to Yelara, trying hard to keep his face from showing the sudden shock. "We, uh, we were just talking about Nieme's dream. We had a lot to talk about...and, um, we're sorry for missing the meal. But, after this morning, we had to, uh, talk."

"Yeah," Nieme added quickly. "A long talk."

Yelara eyed the two suspiciously, then smiled at them. "Talking... Talking's a very good thing." With her gaze still on them, she leaned over to Liam and whispered into his ear, her smile growing larger by the moment.

Liam laughed and turned to Yel. "No," he whispered. "They wouldn't. I mean, look at them. Do you really think they were off...? Did we have any of that breakfast left for them?"

"Liam, I really don't think they're that hungry." She turned her gaze to Kael and Nieme, and grinned. "I bet they've already eaten...haven't you?"

Nieme flushed instantly and hid partially behind Kael so he could deflect all the scrutinizing gazes that were being thrown at them. "They know," she whispered. "Oh gods, Kael...how?"

Kael took her hand in his and sighed. "I think Yelara has some sort of sex radar," he whispered. "We'll just get something to eat, and ignore her comments. And, if you want to know a secret, that was the best breakfast I've ever had."

Nieme smiled despite her anxieties and walked proudly by Kael's side towards the table. Yelara couldn't stop grinning at them and kept nudging Liam with her elbow to draw his attention back to them if it strayed. "You two look so wonderful and happy together," she commented. "And you're both looking so well rested and cheerful today. It's amazing what a difference a good night's sleep can make...or a good midmorning nap."

Kael looked between Yelara and Nieme. "Yes," he said. "It is amazing." Once he and Nieme were seated, he looked at her and smiled. "It's also amazing what a shower can do to make you all cheerful. Can I get you anything? I mean, I can go get anything from the kitchen if you want it."

Nieme smiled bashfully and shook her head. "No, it's ok, my love. You don't have to get up." She couldn't tear her eyes from Kael and gazed up at him dreamily. He was the first man she loved and the first one she'd ever been with. Nieme knew she absolutely worshipped him and would be eternally devoted.

"Gods it's disgusting," Yelara whispered to Kallia playfully. "They're so cute and lovable... I guess your little plan to keep them apart failed miserably. Those two little fiends were having sex, defiling the sanctity of this temple." Yelara pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm absolutely jealous."

Liam glanced at Yel and grinned. "Well, if you want, I can defile you before Nieme and I head for the Shipyards."

Yelara looked askance at Liam and smiled wickedly. "Now I know where those two picked up their sexual appetite." She laughed softly as her hand slipped below the table and into Liam's lap. "Save the defilement for later, my love. I haven't had my fill of carbosyrup yet."

"Right after carbosyrup," Liam said. "That's when I love you best. With your hands all sticky and your lips all sweet. I think tomorrow we'll have to have to have breakfast in bed...hopefully without being awoken by Nieme and Kael."

"Oh my..." Yelara murmured with an alluring smile. "Do you think you can skip the little shipyard trip and just send those two into the city for an hour?" Her hand moved deliberately and slowly in Liam's lap as she gazed up at him with uncontained desire. "You're very good at getting me all worked up, you brute."

Liam smiled. "Well, maybe I can send them into town if they need it, and Nieme and I can go to the shipyards later in the day. I think we should retire to our room, my love. Before things get out of control out here, down there."

"Oh, I'm sorry, my love," Yelara said with a sarcastically innocent smile. "I can't believe I'm that naughty." She pulled her hand from his lap and picked up her fork to continue in on her meal again. "I guess while you're gone, I'll just have to get Kallia to punish me. She's very good at punishing naughty girls."

Liam grinned. "Just make sure you lock Kael in a closet beforehand," he said. "And are you now saying you'd rather wait for Kallia to take care of you?"

Yelara knew replying to Liam's question one way or the other would put her in an uncomfortable position, so with a sudden laugh she clapped her hands together and looked to Nieme and Kael. "Well, hurry up you two! Nieme, you and Liam have a big day ahead of you and Kael, I think Kallia has some training she wants to start you on...don't you, Kal?"

Kallia looked up suddenly, and then between Yelara and the padawans. "Yes," she said. "There are lots of things for us to do." She turned her gaze to Yelara, and frowned. Then, unable to hold it any longer, grinned. It was definitely going to be interesting around here.

Next to Nieme, Kael glanced back and then to Nieme. "I'm going to miss you when you're gone today," he said. "But you'll be home later, and hopefully we'll have lots of time together."

Nieme smiled shyly. "I'll miss you too, Kael." She laughed nervously and looked to the untouched plate of food in front of her. She was far too happy to eat and excited about the next time she and Kael could be alone together. "I'll try and find her quickly and then Liam Zaneth and I can come back here."

Kael grinned. "That would be wonderful," he said. "And, I'll try to get into the city to get something for...you know. Ferrig used to use them, and he said they were quite effective. And, then we'll have no fears about anything we don't want happening. We can make love, and just worry about making each other happy."

Nieme looked worriedly towards Liam, Yelara, and Jae Dyn, then leaned forward to Kael. "I don't think we should talk about this with them here," she whispered. "I...I don't want them knowing about us and...sex."

Kael glanced at the others, and nodded. "Good idea," he said. "Though it'll be hard to keep anything a secret with Yelara around. I think she's going to go crazy whenever we're near each other."

"She is a little odd, isn't she?" Nieme glanced at Yelara, who was wolfing down the rest of her breakfast with globules of carbosyrup dripping from the sides of her mouth. She giggled quietly and buried her face into Kael's arm to muffle her laughter. "She's so silly!" Nieme whispered.

"I wonder where she grew up," Kael whispered as he watched in pure fascination as Yelara ate. "It had to be somewhere that they don't have anything like manners. I mean, everyone says that down in Thanatos we're all barbarians. But, at least we no how to use napkins...and we chew our food."

Nieme laughed again, which severed the trance Yelara's breakfast had held her in. She looked up at them with a frown and narrowed her eyes. "What's so funny over there? Are you making jokes about the Masters?" She smiled brightly and sat up straighter in her chair. "I've got a few too along with some humourous stories I could tell you about Liam. Like that time on Turren when we had our honeymoon--" Yelara caught from the corner of her eye Liam's brow knitting and the brooding frown that always indicated she was about to say something wrong. She cleared her throat and laughed uncomfortably as she returned her attention to her food. "It wasn't such a funny story anyway..."

Kallia fought down a laugh, and glanced at Liam. "You do realize we're going to have to punish her for her insolence, don't you?"

Liam raised an eyebrow at her and then glanced to Yelara. "I think you're right," he added.

"We could take our turns punishing her, or we could gang up on her. Maybe tonight?"

Liam grinned, and then slipped a hand down into Yelara's lap. "Maybe tonight."

Yelara's carbosyrup-covered mouth curled into a smile at the thought of being punished by both Liam and Kallia. "I like being a bad girl," she said mischievously. She gasped softly at Liam's touch, then sighed happily. "Oh, I really like being a bad girl."

Kallia giggled, and slid her chair closer to Yelara. "Stop hogging my girlfriend, Liam," she said.

"Stop trying to steal away my wife," Liam added with a laugh as Kallia's hands suddenly started battling with his own as they used Yelara's body as their battlefield. "Though, I bet if we joined sides and worked together, we could really..."

"We could," Kallia said with another giggle as her hand found its target between Yelara's legs.

Yelara yelped and shot up straight in her chair. She caught Nieme and Kael watching in confusion and fascination as their two Jedi Masters groped their shared lover beneath the table. Yelara laughed nervously, then moaned involuntarily as Kallia's hands moved deftly between her legs. Nieme's eyes grew wide in amazement as she watched on, which made the situation even more embarrassing to Yelara. "Uh...why don't--Oh my..." She cleared her throat and tried to wriggle away from Kallia's hand, only to have Liam join in and make her escape impossible. "Why don't you two..." Yelara sighed with the delightful sensations being awakened, then spoke quickly to Nieme and Kael. "Go away. Go...play or something."

Kael looked at Nieme and then back to the show in front of them. "I think we should probably slip out for a bit," he whispered. "Want to run into the city, Nieme?" He leaned close to her ear. "Or would you like to slip back to our room?"

Nieme watched with mouth agape until Kael's voice pulled her out of her state of fixation. "Sex?" Nieme gasped and covered her mouth quickly. "I mean...yes?"

"I don't think they'll even notice us here," Kael whispered. "Want to see how they do it so we can do that later?"

"No!" Nieme shook her head rigourously and tried desperately to keep her eyes from straying to the scene going on at the other side of the table. "We really should go, Kael. I was barely ready to have s-sex let alone see others do it. Let's leave them so they can have their privacy."

Kael helped Nieme from her chair and toward the door at the other end of the dining room. He didn't think they'd mind if they used the speeder to go into town together. He didn't think they'd mind much of anything except interruptions. He glanced back from the door and almost tripped when he saw Jae Dyn removing the tunic she wore, letting it flutter to the ground, while passionately kissing Yelara. It took every ounce of effort to turn his eyes away. While his heart was completely Nieme's, he couldn't deny that her mentor was extremely attractive. Once they were in the corridor, free from the events in the other room, he slipped his hand into Nieme's. "It's good we're not the only ones feeling like that," he said.

"It must be something about this place that makes everyone so...lovable." Nieme laughed gently, then gave a start as a cry echoed through the corridor from the dining area. "Oh my...do you think everything's alright in there?" she asked worriedly.

Kael laughed and looked back. "Oh, I think everything is more than alright," he said. "I think everything is nearly perfect. I have a feeling that Yelara's lying on one of the tables with Liam doing to her what I did to you not very long ago. And, Jae Dyn...is probably giving Yelara a lot of attention too. We'll probably want to stay away from there for an hour or two. Do you want to run into the city? We can get more clothes. And, maybe some stuff for a romantic dinner for just the two of us tonight."

"Okay," Nieme said enthusiastically. "Maybe I can even buy you another dress...well for me to wear but for you to look at. And...and when we get back maybe you and I could...well I'd like it if we could have another shower."

Kael's grin stretched from one ear to the other. "I do like the sound of that," he said. "And, with the other thing I want to get in the city, there will be lots we can do without any fears. Come on." He took her hand and pulled her along with him as they rushed toward the speeder. "If we time it right, we should get back just as they're finishing up. And, then we'll have a little time, and then you run to find the purple nymph, and then you can come back to me. And, we can take another shower."

Nieme laughed without restraint and with immense joy as they slipped into the speeder. She watched Kael ignite the engines, and quickly placed her hand on Kael's arm before he had a chance to engage the thrusters. "Are you sure you can drive one of these? There aren't alot of speeders in Thanatos..."

"I watched Liam driving it," Kael said with a grin. "And, Ferrig's father had one for a short time before he buried it under a dune. We went out from time to time, and I learned some of it. I think I should be able to get us into the city and back without any problems." He glanced at Nieme. "Ready?"

Nieme chewed nervously on her lip, then quickly secured the safety straps across her waist and over her shoulder. With her hands gripping the bottom of the seat tightly, she smiled at Kael. "With you, I'm ready for anything, Kael."

Kael grinned. "Then, my love, anything awaits." Kael kicked the speeder's repulsors into gear, and spun it around. With a laugh, he pressed the acceleration toggle, and they rocketed forward and off toward the city.

"Reluctant Associates"
By: Shrezade Anoran
Admiral Tarkin

Location: Imperial Palace - Arcadia, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

Shrezade was still blistering after her secretary informed her of the meeting arrangements with Tarkin. She couldn't comprehend why she had to make the seemingly long trek to Arcadia when her conference room was perfectly acceptable to accomodate an Admiral from the Imperial Navy. Besides, Shrezade was always reluctant to entrust the running of her space station with anyone other than herself, even if that anyone was her quite competent head of security.

If the meeting with Tarkin went well, though, the station truly would be hers in every sense. With his help, she would banish the scum that inhabited it and once that happened, its status would be elevated to one worthy of a station under her ownership, one she could be proud of.

She hoped this meeting with Tarkin went well, for she was adamant against ever making the journey to Arcadia again. Spending ten minutes in a ship, then an hour in a speeder, Shrezade wasn't exactly in the best of moods, which would be an asset in her discussion with Tarkin. A stubborn, agitated Shrezade Anoran was more aggressive than a well-rested, almost content one. Today, Tarkin got the aggressive Shrezade, which meant she would have her way by any means.

Finally making her way through the palace, Shrezade was already anxious to get down to business. Tarkin would support her plight to rid the station of the criminal infestation, and in return, he would have himself a stockade full of Rebels.

Shrezade was halted at the doors of Tarkin's conference chamber, and after haughtily stating her identity to the guards, she was allowed entrance into the room. Looking around, she realized the Admiral had yet to arrive. She grumbled as she moved to the chair indicated to her, and sat in it stiffly. She was a business woman herself and knew his tardiness was merely a tactic meant to unnerve her and make her more vulnerable to manipulation, but Shrezade was no ordinary businesswoman. She would have Tarkin's support and she wouldn't leave until she had it.

Tarkin walked into the room where already Shrezade was waiting. He wasn't too willing to accomodate or give anything to the woman, unless it interested him, of course. He knew this was the woman responsible for the station and that could prove an asset though.

He walked towards the woman. "I apologise for having you wait," he said cordially with a nod. "I am Admiral Tarkin. I realise you are the Managing Director of the Station that orbits this planet... May I ask what your interest in this meeting is?" he asked.

Shrezade gazed up at the frail-looking older man and a grin tugged at her lips as she thought how misinformed her sources had been. He didn't look as intimidating as others had described him, not that it would have affected her confidence in any way if he had been. "Admiral," she said with a congenial smile. "I've been awaiting this meeting for some time. My presence here is in regards to a little operation I have going on my station. Have you heard of the measures I've taken to eliminate crime from my station?"

"I have..." Tarkin said simply as walked a couple of steps. "I would trust any good Administrator to look after his or her interests and eliminate from her presence and that of her own space those who are vile and therefore dangerous to have around. I did the same in Arcadia." He then turned to her. "But I can tell that is not all you have to ask of me, is it? To know whether I had learned about your security measures?" He grinned. "I am a busy man, so please do cut to the chase..."

Shrezade gave a slight nod and sat back in her chair as she gazed at the Admiral. "I am not the only one with problems, Admiral. You see, it's a funny thing about the Drogen Shipyards, something only the criminals seem to know: the shipyards are out of jurisdiction of all Tae'Karada's laws. That's why they flee there, you see. They can set up their criminal operations and run them without interference from the Tae'Karada government... Which is now under your control."

Shrezade sighed. "That, all along has been my main problem, Admiral. Since there is no legal way to prohibit illicit activities on the station, I've had to resort to paying to have them rounded up and arrested. I've been forced to take the money for the bounties out of the profits from the station. This is why I have come to you, Admiral. You want the Rebels gone and I want the criminals gone. As far as I'm concerned, the two are one in the same. I have firsthand knowledge that there are Rebel sympathizers inhabiting my station, and with your financial aid, I think we can work out a little cooperative effort to have them rounded up. I capture them, hand them over to you, and all you need to do is inject money into my bounty hunting project. A fair deal, do you not think, Admiral?"

The Admiral smirked and crossed his arms. "I believe you have things misread, Miss Shrezade... You see, I do have knowledge of the criminal activities that are all about in the planet. In fact, there are crimelords in the region of Thanatos that want control over New Plouton. But this is a small concern to me, as they have not yet come to affect my ruling."

He took a couple of steps and gazed outside a window onto the courtyard. "One should keep his friends close and his enemies even closer... By what you present me, and considering it is true, then I do not like to know about illegal acivities, even if minor, due to the blockade. But then, and since it happens in your station, it is you as Administrator that will be held responsible! I would advise you to drive them off as quick as possible, before an inspection came about!"

Tarkin turned to face her. "I do not mean to make you worried about it though. I will make you a deal. I may finance your program if you are willing to compromise. I want more than a pitiful bunch of Rebels. That means almost nothing... I want the station to serve my needs and that of my fleet. In return I shall not only grant you the money but protection also. Better than being martialled for treason against the Empire, is it not my dear?" he offered.

Shrezade was able to temper her annoyance with patience, but no matter how rationally her thinking was at that moment, she couldn't help suspect that the Admiral had just threatened her. With a sharp sigh, Shrezade rose and slowly approached the Admiral with a pensive frown. "I cannot be held responsible for something out of my control, Admiral... But you are correct. It is my problem and one I find myself unable to contain without your monetary assistance. Before I agree to your proposal, however, I want to make quite clear that any Imperial presence I allow on my station should not be regarded as permission for your soldiers to interfere with the way I'm running it. I have my own security force, Admiral. Now, I sympathize with the Empire's cause, but I don't need my power on the station usurped by your soldiers. The shipyards are mine and that's the way I plan to keep things."

"As for your responsibility to the shipyards, as its owner it is up to you to keep it within the Empire's standards, meaning Rebel free. But I have thought your proposal further on and you have my support. I shall indeed finance your operation. But I expect results in return..."

"I will send you a report monthly detailing my progress. I'm certain you will be quite impressed." Shrezade smiled at the Admiral. "Believe me, I have no love for the Rebels, Admiral, and I will do everything in my power to capture them so they can receive the just punishment they deserve. Your soldiers are welcome on my station and perhaps during our next meeting you would like to make a trip to the station. I'm sure you'll approve with how I'm running it once you see it." Shrezade straightened out her suit and gave the Admiral a nod. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Admiral. It is going to be an honour working with you."

Tarkin nodded back at Shrezade cordially. "I hope that I find my money well invested... As I do hope to see the results you promise. When I find the time is right I shall pay you a visit then." Tarkin ordered the guard to take Shrezade back to her vessel. "I will have the money sent to your station by one of my transports soon enough. You ought to have it by the end of the day. Farewell."

The Admiral's abrupt dismissal was indication enough that he'd grown weary of her presence. The timing was perfect, for she too could no longer tolerate his arrogance and false sense of self-importance. With a wry grin, Shrezade followed the guard and left the Admiral behind to attend to matters he obviously found more interesting than ridding Tae'Karadan space of Rebel sympathizers.

She instantly found him the most irritating, disagreeable man she'd ever met. Shrezade had little tolerance for criticism from others who were in no position to question her methods. The station was hers and she would run it how she saw fit; with the Empire's money, she could transform it into the model of efficiency and productivity she'd always known it had the potential to be. Nothing that was Shrezade Anoran's could be anything less than perfection, and once the shipyards had shed its nefarious reputation, she would truly accept it as her own.

Shrezade stepped into the hovercar and sat down with a wistful sigh. Staring up into the Arcadian sky, she grinned hungrily as her mind filled with greed and aspirations of greatness. "The Anoran Shipyards," she mused airily. "Oh how I like the sound of that."

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time"
Jak Libertas

Location: Zekk's Diner, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

Jak sat in the diner, sipping at his water as he watched the people around him. It was nighttime, and still the diner was warm, sticky air hung all around. The smells of cooking food hung with it. Music of some kind played from a speaker over his head, crackling with static. He couldn't be sure if the static was part of the music, or just the result of a bad system. The way it sounded, it could go either way. A tan Wookie waiter stopped by, dropping a plate of food in front of Jak. The Wookie glared at him as if waiting for him to make a remark. Jak sat quietly and began to eat. The Wookie grunted in disappointment and went to another table. Five seconds later, the Wookie picked up a fat human and threw him at the nearest wall, the human landing on a table, smashing it to pieces as the occupants fell in a heap of limbs. The Wookie yelled and then slapped his own chest. Jak thought it actually sounded better than the music.

He sighed and turned back to his food, eating quickly and in silence. The Wookie kept wandering by, but Jak kept his head down. He was beginning to wonder if the Wookie had a thing against humans. As he speared a piece of egg, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He glanced over quickly and saw a girl walking along the lunch counter. Jak guessed she was sixteen, maybe seventeen. She had dark brown hair that was pulled back in a ponytail. She wore a black jacket over loose-fitting clothes. She glanced about nervously as she approached a plate of food, watching it carefully. As Jak watched her, the girl approached the plate, and grabbed a large piece of bread that had been left behind. She turned to go when the Wookie yelled loudly again, and this time Jak saw a flash of tan fur as it came for the girl, who was already running for the door. She overturned a table and went out the door as the Wookie crashed over the table, screaming at the top of his lungs. Jak just shook his head and went back to his food.

When he was finished, he paid the glowering Wookie and went out. Outside, it was cooler than the diner but not by much. He adjusted his jacket, pulling it over the blaster he had hanging under his arm. Jak glanced around the neighborhood. He'd been here less than a week, and he always ate at the same place. Wary eyes were watching him carefully, studying the new arrival. Jak could feel them in the shadows, always watching. He started forward, boots crunching on the sand. As he passed by an alley, he saw the girl who'd run out of the diner, eating the food she'd taken, illuminated in the moonlight. She glanced up and saw him. She turned away, and in the slight light, Jak could see the shadows behind her moving. He turned away and walked. Behind him the sounds of the scuffle sounded quickly, a yell from the girl was stifled quickly. Jak put his head down and walked.

After three steps, he turned.

The hunter had affixed stun cuffs on the girl's wrists and was just slinging her over his shoulder when Jak appeared in the darkness. The hunter looked up and saw Jak. The two men stood quietly, watching each other. The hunter was about Jak's size, but he was obviously weighed down in weaponry. His blonde hair was long and pulled back high on the crown of his skull. Black eyes looked hard at Jak as he sized him up. In a deep, oddly accented voice the man said, "Walk away."

Jak looked at the girl, then to the hunter. "Who is she to you?"

"Walk away," he repeated.

Jak considered it as he looked down the street. When he looked away, the hunter moved. His free hand dipped around behind his back and snapped out quickly. Jak saw the movement out of the corner of his eyes, trying to dodge as the small knife lanced at Jak. The blade sliced cleanly across Jak's left shoulder, cutting the jacket and ricocheting off the armor underneath. Jak charged forward, trying to avoid a firefight out in the open. His right hand retrieved one of his Echani daggers. He sliced it forward, but the hunter reacted superhumanly quickly, bringing up his arm, wrist blocking the blade. Sparks shot off the hunter's wrist gauntlet as Jak's dagger struck it. The hunter danced backward, setting the girl down easily. The hunter looked at the Echani blade, and then punched Jak hard in the chest. Jak was knocked back into the air, his lungs deflated. He struck the ground hard and he could tell the hunter wasn't expecting him to get up. Had Jak been unarmored, the punch would have been enough to stop his heart. The hunter turned back to the girl, and Jak stood. His dagger lay several feet away. The hunter looked at the knife, then up at Jak. "Echani. Very rare skill."

Jak smiled and he drew his pike, stabbing it at the hunter's back. The hunter spun, a blur to Jak's eyes. His wrist gauntlet hit the middle of the pike, knocking it away. Jak backed away quickly and extended the pike to full-length, trying to keep the hunter at bay. "You're not human," Jak said. "What model are you?"

The hunter was looking long and hard at the pike. And then, an obscene smile crept across the slender features. He kicked out, knocking the force pike to the side and darting in close. Jak was dodging away when the hunter extended his arm, palm up. A sudden pop sounded, and Jak felt a sudden pain under his right eye. Jak brought the pike up fast, retracting it and slicing up, taking the hunter's arm off at the elbow. The android made no sound, but sparks shot from the appendage as it fell away, leaving cables and destroyed pistons trying to work the arm. The hunter backed away, still smiling. "Devro toxin," he said simply. Jak's hand reached up and grabbed at the dart hanging out of his face. The hunter kept smiling when he opened his right hand and, with his thumb he pushed down on the base of his little finger. A slight crack sounded and Jak's face felt warm. "You should run now," he said simply. Jak's eyes narrowed and he swung the pike hard, taking off the android's head.

Jak watched as the body remained standing in the same position it had held when Jak had cut its head off. He retracted his pike all the way, put his hand out and pushed the android down. The legs remained stiff as the body toppled backwards with a crash. Jak touched the place on his skin where the dart had entered. He took a deep breath and walked to where the girl was laying. She was still on her side, hands cuffed behind her. Jak extended his pike and with an expert jab, cut cleanly through the locking mechanism. He knelt down next to her, noting the dark bruise at the base of her skull, showing where her hair was pulled up. He rolled her onto her back. He slapped her lightly on both cheeks. "Hey," he said. "Wake up." He slapped her twice more before her eyelids fluttered. She looked up at him through dazed eyes.

"What," she said before drifting off again. Jak sighed and picked her up, roughly pulling her to her feet. He half-carried half-dragged her away from the scene, glancing behind him for signs of followers. He turned a corner and leaned against the wall of a building, in the shadows. He slapped the girl around again, until her eyes opened and she put up hands to defend herself. When her eyes found Jak, she tried to run, pulling against him. He held her in place. "Calm down," he said. "I'm not here to hurt you." He repeated it several times before she stopped fighting against him. She looked long and hard at him. "Who are you?"

"The better question," he said, "is who are you?"

There was a pause, then she replied, "That's what I just said."

Jak sighed, leaning forward. "No. I mean, what's your name?"

"Angelin."

Jak frowned and looked around the corner, eyes trying to pick out anything that was coming. He saw nothing. He took a deep breath and turned away, facing the girl again. "Where are you from?"

"Are you the one that grabbed me?"

"No. I'm the one that helped you out. Where are you from?"

Angalin watched him quietly, pressed against the wall in the shadows. "Who are you?"

"My name is Jak," he said simply.

"And who attacked me?"

Jak shook his head, touching his cheek again. Now, all he felt was a faint tingling around the puncture mark. "I don't know." He looked down the alley again, then back at the girl, thinking. "I think we should go."

She shook her head. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Listen," he said, taking her arm. "Whatever that was, it was after you. It hit me with something, and now we're in this together."

"You're not my problem!"

Jak wheeled on her suddenly. "I beg to differ. The last one that went after you is dead now because I killed it. And I get the feeling another one will be coming soon." His face had gone slightly numb by now. The droid had said "Devro toxin". Jak looked down the alley again, frowning. It sounded familiar from somewhere. He looked back down to Angelin, and saw her staring past him, wide-eyed. Jak turned, towards the mouth of the alley. In the bare moonlight, the droid stood calmly several feet away. This one was identical to the one before, with the pale skin and hair, a long cloak flowing behind him. It cocked his head to the side, looking at Angelin first, then up to Jak. And then, it smiled.

"Road to Nowhere, Part 2"
By: Gideon Tyr
Various NPC's

Location: Nearing the edge of Tae'Karadan space
Date: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

If only life were this good.

Gideon sat with his feet on the console, and his arms crossed behind his head. Sometimes he wished he could just take off in the 'Tear' and just drift through space and sightsee...to the nine hells with all the other junk going on in the galaxy.

"Coming up on the navigation buoy in ten minutessss sssssir." Ion's metallic feet echoed in the small cockpit as it entered, and stood looking out the canopy of the ship. Sometimes Gideon wondered if it was truly staring in awe of space, or if it wondered about things like living beings did, instead of just being programmed to. Could droids have souls?

Yawning at first, the trader snuggled himself upright in the chair. "Thank you, Ion. Tell me, what did you think of our employer when you met him?"

The droid twisted its verpine-like head in a human imitation of thought. "Misssster Ferrissss. He isssss odd for a human. He wassss in quite a hurry to load the cargo though, ssssir. Magnetically sealed, I might add."

Gideon rubbed his forehead in frustration. Magnetically sealed? This Ferris character was definitely wanting to keep his valuables safe. "He didn't let you look inside any of the crates did he?"

Ion merely stood immobile. "One, sssir. It contained objectssssss, I am not familiar with. Ssssssomething called art. He did give me limited info on our contacts. One ssssmall Captial sssship and two esssscort fighterssss."

This person really wanted to show his power, didn't he? Collectors were usually that way. "I'll have to see if I can get a hold of some chipsets for you later, Ion. I seem to forget you're more than just my co-pilot and mechanic at times." Gideon gave Ion a warm smile. Soul or no, the droid was better than most people. "Alright, check our cargo and get it ready for transfer. I'm sure our contact doesn't want to be waiting long."

Bowing, Ion left the cockpit, his feet again echoing off before the door closed behind him. Before Gideon had time to concentrate on the view ahead of him, several small objects jumped into normal space ahead of the 'Tear'. One was large. Very large. "Holy!" Reacting instinctively, he turned the freighter in a nintety degree turn, barely missing one of the small Z-95's as its engine backwash racked against the Tear's deflectors, causing the YT to shudder a little.

Giving a sigh of relief, Tyr manoeuvred the 'Tear' to face the...yes, three ships that needed help in navigating hyperspace. The sight of the larger one astounded him, a Marauder-class corvette, especially the markings. "CSA?" he muttered under his breath. What was a corprate sector authority ship doing out here in the Outer Rim? This so-called easy cargo transfer was becoming more than it seemed. No wonder Ferris had been so quirky. Perhaps he didn't want to deal with them.

Still astonished, he barely noticed the ship-to-ship comm button light up, as a voice boomed inside the cockpit. A harsh voice.

"Unidentified ship, state your purpose here or prepare to be boarded."

Typical CSA arrogance. Hitting the internal comm button he called out, "Ion get up here!" Calming himself a little, he did his best to sound professional. Could these three ships be the contact? "This is Captain Tyr of the Frieghter 'Tyr's Tear', to unidentified CSA vessel. You have no jurisdiction out here in Tae'Karadan space. I'm here on business for a legal cargo transfer."

Silence.

Finally someone answered, but the voice changed to a woman's. It seemed soft...yet full of force. "Captain Tyr. State who sent you, and prepare to lower your shields."

Blunt. And very confused sounding. Maybe they didn't know of the change in delivery. "Ferris sent me, and I'll lower my shields when I find out who you are and if I'm good and ready to."

More silence. It was becoming irritating. "Good, you have wits about you. I see Ferris chose well. Very well. We are your contact. I take it you have our cargo of...collectables. You may dump them out of your hold. Move to a distance of seventy kilometers away, and we will tractor them in. You will be free to leave once we confirm the cargo's contents ourselves."

At that note, Ion entered the cockpit, taking his seat behind Gideon who issued his commands. "Good to see you again. Prepare to dump our cargo for our clients. I want this over with as soon as possible, and stand by on the hyperdrive. I might just decide to jump if they ask for more cargo transfers on their behalf." The CSA. Home space of Kessel. He might as well be working for the Hutts again.

"Cargo dumped, sssssir," came Ion's voice.

Feeling another wave of cold wash over him, Gideon moved the freighter out to the specified range as he watched the Capital ship engage its tractor beam, slowly bringing in each container one by one. So far so good. He'd be back at the station in no time.

After what seemed like forever, something happened. Something bad. Real bad.

If only life were this easy indeed...

"The Road to Nowhere, Part 3"
By: Gideon Tyr

Location: The edge of Tae'Karadan space
Time: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

The 'Tear' was rocked violently in space. Sparks erupted from almost all the panels in the freighter, and Gideon was thrown out of his chair, smack into Ion.

Nothing had prepared the trader for what had just happened. An explosion. A gigantic one.

Somewhat dazed, and in terrible need of some pain medications, Gideon struggled to his feet, taking a look at his droid companion. "Ion, are you ok?" No. The droid's eyes were powered down, and he looked as fried as a womprat after target practice. "Damn." He hoped his friend was not permanently damaged. Not from this. Not this way. Sorrow filled his eyes, as a tear ran down his cheek. Ion was the only friend he had. If he couldn't repair him then...

Repairs. Cursing again, he slid Ion to the side in a resting position. His unfortunate droid would have to wait. If the 'Tear' was gone, then he'd never get repaired at all. Climbing bck into the pilot's seat, he was greeted with the sight he had been fearing. Strewn across space was the remains of the Corvette. Only one of the Z-95's was floating intact as well. It looked intact.

Not knowing or caring what happened for the moment, he went about checking his own ship's systems. It wasn't much of a comfort though. The entire ship had suffered major ionization, and structural damage. Weapons, and shields gone until they could be fixed. Engines...down to ten percent. Communications...obliterated. Hyperdrive was out of the question as well, even the backup was fried. Life support. Gideon slammed his fist on the console in disgust, as he quickly cut off the flow of the now leaking air. The blast must have ruptured some of the tanks. He had about three hours of it remaining. Not enough to reach the station. It was still ten hours away. Even longer with limited thrust. Power could be restored to all the ship eventually, if the auxillaries continued to kick in, but without air...what was the point?

Options...he needed options. Taking his gaze off the panel, he looked back to the Z-95. Was the pilot alive? Could he salvage anything from it? Blinking he decided it was time for a little EVA. Looking back to Ion, Gideon said to himself, "Don't worry friend, I'll at least get you home, even if it kills me. Not like everyone else isn't trying. Maybe your next master won't have so much trouble in store for you."

***

Space was indeed cold. Especially when it rained destruction down upon you. The crew of the CSA ship had learned this lesson the hard way, and Gideon was also paying for it. What the hell had happened? What had gone wrong? This was only supposed to be a simple cargo transfer, and now the trader didn't know if he would make it back alive. One thousand credits indeed. Why did people in this galaxy put a monetary value on people?

Sighing in his suit, the near-human finally approached the drifting fighter's cockpit. He took a look back to his own ship. She looked alright, but her hull was scorched in more places than he cared to count. Repairs were going to be quite the pain in the arse. Turning his attention to the fighter, it was too dark to see into. Slowly, he tapped upon it as gently as he could, hoping to attract the pilot's attention, or at least get a response in kind.

Nothing. He tried again. Was the pilot unconscious inside? Was he or she dead? A sudden sick feeling of guilt washed over Gideon. Was he about to be some sort of grave robber? Was he about to kill someone if he took the fighter's life support system out? He had to know. If the pilot was going to die or was dead, he should at least give them the benefit of the doubt and belief he or she was unconscious. Hopefully they were wearing a flightsuit. Gideon found the emergency release hatch in no time. For a moment he floated still, as if hoping he wasn't about to murder someone accidentally. He hated taking life. If a droid was valued to the former smuggler, one could only imagine the pain he felt when he saw a person die. An image of his dead wife appeared in his head. No, one didn't have to imagine. Gideon knew it all too well.

Quickly before he changed his mind, he relased the hatch, and the canopy flung out into space with the micro explosion forcing it away. Inside...

Tyr looked away in disgust. The sight was too horrible. The pilot hadn't even stood a chance, as its corpse lay smoldering. He only hoped the death had been quick. With some remorse, but also with a heavy burden of finally knowing the pilot's fate, he set about taking out the fighter's oxygen supply.

***

One hour left, and not a moment to spare. Who knew when some patrol ship might come out here and investigate? Especially an Imperial one. The last of the fighter's tanks were hooked up, and Gideon lay sweating from the work. He made a mental note to himself to install some Mon Calamari organic sytems to the frieghter when he got a chance. Preferably at least some plants to produce some air for when something like this happened again. If it hadn't been for that dead pilot's ship...

Such thoughts were now in the past. He had to ensure he had a future to look forward to. Wiping the grime and sweat off has hands, he returned to the cockpit, where Ion still lay off-line on the floor. "I'll be with you in a momnet friend," he said as he went over to the computer console. Here goes nothing, was his thought as he re-initilized his life support.

Minutes passed. Finally there was a result. The guage displaying the amount of air raised from less than an hour to one full day. Smiling for the first time in hours he patted his ship. "Thank you old baby." It was a good start. Again he looked out the viewport and at the drifting Z-95. "And thank you pilot." Sitting down, he took a moment to re-route all power to life support and the engines. Since the other systems weren't able to take the power, he might as well put it to good use. Setting a course back to the station, he moved back to his friend, and hoped he could save the poor droid's memory. He'd hate to see it wiped yet again.

As he sat down, he began to wonder more about the events that had just happened. Ferris was going to get more than just complaints when he saw him. Gideon wanted answers. Was this some sort of set up? Who had he just seen destroyed? More importantly how was he going to fix his ship?

Yeah, he should've just gone back to work for the Hutts if he wanted to put up with all this junk again. He seemed to be going nowhere fast...

"Arozeil, Part 1"
by Kael Selrid
Nieme Yaresh
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

The trip into the city hadn't gone as smoothly as Kael had hoped. When he emerged from the forest, he'd accidentally turned in the other direction. Fortunately, it didn't take them long to realize the error, and quickly turn back. All in all, they'd only lost a couple minutes. Finding a place to park the speeder was easy enough, and Kael used the credit chip Liam had given them the day before to pay for the parking.

With that, he and Nieme headed out into the city.

The first place they stopped was a store specializing in nothing, and boasting something of everything. As Kael searched through the store, he finally found what he wanted. On the shelf in front of him were an array of packages in a variety of styles all intended to do what he needed them to do: stop Nieme from getting pregnant when they made love.

The synthetic single-digited glove intended to fit over his penis was reported to do well, but he wasn't sure how well that would work with Nieme. He enjoyed touching her, and she wanted him to fill her with his seed. He couldn't quite do that wearing that balloon-like covering. The next option was actually a small epidermal patch that soaked into the blood and hindered the progress of...the whole technical process. He only needed to leave it on his body for an hour and the package said they would be good for a month. He showed it to Nieme.

"How about this one," he asked. "It seems to be exactly what we're looking for. I just put it on, and we don't have to worry anymore."

Nieme looked around the aisle nervously, feeling all eyes on them. Everyone would know now she and Kael were having sex and the thought made her flush with embarrassment. "I-I guess... I really don't know about these things, Kael." Nieme turned back to face him and smiled wanly. "It sounds okay. Will it work? I mean...will it keep me from having a baby?"

Kael looked at the packaging and nodded. "It says here it will. And, the consumer rating is fairly high. I'll get this one. If it's a bad one, the man at the front will tell us. I can ask him what he knows about it when I buy it."

"You're going to ask him!" Nieme looked fearstricken and pulled the package from Kael's grip. "If we ask him, he'll know about...us. Shouldn't those things be private?"

"Fine," Kael said as he pulled the package back from Nieme. "I won't say anything to him about it and we'll just have to hope it's a good one. We don't want you having a baby, and we just need to make sure this thing will do what it says it will."

Kael's irritation was clear in his voice and in the sudden wave of strong emotions. Both seemed directed completely at her, yet she had no inkling of what she'd done. She hung her head low and feared even to look in Kael's direction lest she rouse his anger again. "I'll just..." Nieme's voice barely managed to exceed a whisper, and she decided not to speak again, knowing if she attempted to, the only sound heard would be a sob. With a quiet whimper, Nieme turned and blindly headed quickly down the aisle in search of the exit. She didn't want Kael upset, and if her presence caused it to be so, she knew it was best if she weren't around until Kael's temper had quelled.

Kael watched after her for a moment, and then mentally kicked himself. He dropped the package on the floor, and then rushed after her. "Nieme," he called. "Please wait. I didn't mean to get upset. Please."

Kael's voice only spurred Nieme onward, and finally finding her way, she burst through the doors of the shop and scampered out onto the street. A part of her was afraid that he would snap at her again, and the other part was even more afraid of making him stop loving her. She spotted their speeder not too far down the road, and started for it with bleary eyes.

As he finally made it out into the street, Kael saw Nieme hurrying toward the speeder and sighed. Fine, he thought. He started after her and finally made it back. As she fumbled with the passenger door, he climbed into the pilot's seat. He touched the automatic door toggle, and it slid open for Nieme to get in.

Nieme took a step back and stared uncertainly at the open door, then Kael in the pilot's seat. She rubbed her fists against her teary eyes, then refocused on Kael. "What are you doing?" she asked softly.

Kael looked up at her. "You wanted to go," he said, "so we're going. We'll just go back to the temple, and you and Liam can go to the shipyards place to find the nymph. And, while you're gone, I'll start my training with Jae Dyn."

Nieme shook her head quickly and involuntarily took another step back. "N-No, you don't understand. I only came out here because...I thought you...you didn't want me in there anymore. I made you mad...so I left. I never want you angry at me. Please don't be angry."

"I wasn't mad," Kael said. "I was just frustrated. I don't know anything about those things, and the only way to know for sure if they'd work for us was by asking someone who might know. I just want this to be right for us. And, I want us to be able to make love like we did earlier, but without the fear. I love you, Nieme." He climbed out of the speeder and approached her slowly. "I never want you to be away from me. Ever. I need you with me."

Nieme whimpered, but stood her ground this time and watched Kael warily, hoping his anger wouldn't suddenly flare again. "But...but you were going to ask that man and he would have known about...about us. I'm not used to that, Kael. I'm not used to being that open about those...things."

"Neither am I," Kael said softly. "But we have to make sure we do this right, or you'll end up pregnant. It's a good thing we make love, Nieme. We shouldn't be afraid of it, and shouldn't be afraid of making sure we do the right things. You don't want to have a baby yet, so we have to do this right. I don't think you want to have that shower nozzle thing between your legs every time we make love."

Nieme shook her head slowly and tried to force a smile for Kael. "You just... I don't know why you had to snap at me like that. I thought I did something wrong. You've never done that before, so it only made me think I'd done something very bad."

"I'm sorry, Nieme," he said. "I'll try to never do that again. It's just...it's just that I had the feeling that you were too afraid to do this right that you'd rather not do it at all. I shouldn't have gotten upset." He took another step forward. "I wasn't really upset though. I was just...frustrated. I want everything to be perfect with us...and I was in a situation where I didn't know anything about it."

"I don't know about these things either," Nieme said quietly. "You...you should have been more patient. It's not my fault I'm still ignorant about...sex." Nieme shrugged her shoulders, then wrapped her arms around herself in a comforting embrace. "You...you should go back in there and get those things, I guess. We need something...don't we?"

Kael turned away and gazed off into the city. She was afraid to have him touch her now. He gave a wry laugh as he realized that with her like this they probably wouldn't get much use out of the things. He turned back to her. "Do we even need them now?"

"But I thought... I mean without them we can't...you know." Nieme hazarded a step forward and gazed at Kael quizzically. "I don't understand. Why did you say we needed them?"

Kael shifted his gaze to Nieme's eyes. "Do you still want that? I mean...for a moment there, you looked like you didn't want to be near me...let alone intimate with me." He thought about a step forward, but decided against it. "You do still want to be with me?"

"Yes," Nieme replied worriedly. "Why wouldn't I be? What's going on, Kael? Why are you asking me these things?" She forced back another sob, but her attempts only succeeded for a moment before the tears spilled down her cheeks again. "What did I do wrong now? I don't mean to be...to be so stupid, Kael. I'm sorry... Please don't hate me. Please."

Kael stepped forward, opening his arms for her. "I could never hate you, Nieme. I love you. I love you more than anything. It's just...that you didn't seem to want me to touch you. I came closer and you backed away. I thought you were afraid of me again, and wouldn't want me close anymore. I love you, Nieme. I don't want you to ever be afraid of me. Not for anything. And, I don't want you to run from me anymore. If you run...it's hard to work out whatever's wrong."

Nieme gazed with longing at Kael's chest offering her comfort from her sadness. She whimpered as she rushed into his arms and sobbed quietly into his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I-I love you but I thought I said something wrong or did something bad. I just didn't want you mad at me. I got scared. I didn't know what else to do but run. I'm sorry, Kael. I always want you close. I need you."

Kael held her tight against him and kissed the top of her head. He let her go just enough to be able to kiss her lips and then he smiled. "Let's go back and get those things, and then when we get back to the temple we can try them out." He slipped his hand into hers. "If you want to hide while I make sure it's the right thing, that'll be okay." He kissed her, and then grinned uncontrollably.

"No more hiding," Nieme said with a smile. "I want you to be proud of me, so I won't be ashamed of sex...well, you and I having sex." Nieme stayed close to Kael's side as they pushed through the doors of the shop again and started back down the aisle they'd left in a rush. "We'll go together, Kael. I want us to do everything together."

Kael found that the package he'd dropped had already been returned to the shelf, so he grabbed another, then grinned at Nieme standing next to him. "Let's go pay for this, and get some new clothes."

He took her hand and started up toward the clerks at the front. He handed the small box to the man waiting to take their money. The man looked between Nieme and Kael with a smile.

"Is that a good one, sir," Kael asked. "I've never had to use those before. And, we just want to make sure it's going to work like it says."

The man nodded. "Oh, most definitely it'll work," he said. "It's one of the best in the entire galaxy. Though, we don't sell many of them here. Most of the Karadans don't believe in birth control, so they just go without. But, this is definitely a good brand. Will there be anything else for you two?"

Kael grinned and then looked at Nieme. "No," he said and handed the man the credit chip. "That's all we need."

The man totaled the order and charged the credit chip, and then handed package and credit chip to Kael. "Good luck, you two," he said. "It's always nice to see a happy couple. So many relationships falling into chaos these days."

Kael grinned, and thanked the man again, then looked at Nieme again, his smile beaming. "Let's go get some new clothes now."

Nieme started down the aisle again with Kael, and glanced back at the clerk. She slowly looked back to Kael with a large smile and quickly kissed him upon the cheek. "That wasn't so bad. I...I guess I shouldn't have been so nervous to begin with. Even when he was looking at us I didn't feel embarrassed. I'm sorry I made so much of a fuss before. It was silly of me."

"It's okay," Kael said with a grin. "He seemed to approve, and he didn't try to glare us out of the store. I think our new clothes are working. People don't look at us like we're going to steal their babies from them now." Once they were outside again, the sunshine filtering through the buildings -- what little of it there was -- felt good. It wasn't long before they found themselves back amidst the racks of clothing. Kael stayed close to Nieme, watching her choices of clothing. As she kept looking to him for approval, he found himself smiling. "You could wear anything and I'd still find you the most beautiful woman on the planet," he said. "But, I like them all. Especially that one."

Nieme followed Kael's eyes to the rather small looking purple shirt she'd picked up on a whim. The colour is what drew her in, but once she'd overcome her initial impulsiveness, she'd decided against the shirt. The material was far too thin and there was only a single strap to hold up the top. Nieme may have been daring in the refresher that morning, but she knew she wasn't bold enough to walk out in public with such a skimpy top. "Are you sure, Kael?" she asked as she examined the item again. "I mean...isn't it too...revealing? It's beautiful but do you think I should?"

Kael grinned. "I think it'd be beautiful on you," he said. "And, it covers what it's supposed to cover. And, compared to those dresses most women out there wear, it's practically modest. You can't see through it, which is good. But I think you'd look very...very sexy in that."

Nieme giggled bashfully and demurely averted her gaze from Kael. She ran her fingers lightly over the fabric of the top, and quickly snatched it off the rack. With a large smile she kissed Kael on the cheek and embraced the top against her chest. "I'll wear it for you, then. I trust you implicitly. So...should I try it on? I...I could wear it home for you."

Kael nodded. "Yes," he said, "and I'll get something to try on too. Then I'll also try that thing...so you don't get pregnant. That way when we get back, it'll be ready." He kissed Nieme, but couldn't remove the grin from his face. As she disappeared into a changing room, he found a pair of pants and a shirt that looked nice. They were both made of a soft, supple leather, and he knew Nieme would like them immediately. He pulled them from the rack and disappeared into the changing room next to Nieme's to try them on.

Nieme pulled her new shirt down as far as it would go, then frowned as she found it stopped just above her naval. She tried to force it down further, but the tight material refused to be stretched. Despite being mostly covered, Nieme felt entirely exposed by the form fitting shirt. "Kael?" she called out gently to the stall beside her. "I think mine is too small."

Kael stepped out of his stall and glanced at the closed door on Nieme's. "Let me see," he said. "Or do you want me to come in there with you to see?"

"I think you'd better come in," Nieme's small voice said from within. "I don't want to look stupid. I want to know what you think first." She unlocked the stall and stepped behind the door so when Kael moved inside, she would be hidden from view.

Once he could enter, Kael slipped into the stall with Nieme. When he looked at her in the skimpy top, he couldn't help smiling. The top covered what it was designed to cover, but not a whole lot else. He nodded slowly. "I think it looks perfect," he said. "You-- oh gods, Nieme. You look really good in that." He stepped closer to her, and the pride and desire he felt for her shone in his eyes. "You're beautiful."

Nieme shied away from Kael's burning gaze and laughed nervously as she tried to pull the top down further. "I-I'm not sure... Is it too tight you think? Should I...should I buy it?" She turned back to Kael with a smile and giggled. "It looks good? I mean, I've never worn anything like this... I feel so... It's so different!"

Kael nodded. "It looks very good on you," he said. "I think it's supposed to be that short. I think it's supposed to leave your navel open like that. It's tighter than your other clothes, but I think it's supposed to be. Does it feel comfortable? I think it looks great, Nieme." He grinned. "Orn would hate it."

Kael's flattery flustered Nieme and reduced her to a giggling shell of a woman. She stopped tugging nervously at the shirt and clasped her hands behind her back so she wouldn't fidget with them. "Orn would hate it only because he wouldn't want his customers to get rowdy." Nieme laughed excitedly and impulsively rushed into Kael's arms. "I want to wear this for you, Kael. I want to make you so happy."

"I'm very happy," Kael said as he wrapped his arms around her. "And, I'm very proud. I want people to see what a beautiful young woman my arozeil is." He touched his lips to hers and felt the spark of desire surge. "It's not the kind of thing you could ever wear in the desert, but here is alright." He brushed a hand across her belly and then kissed her again.

Nieme returned the kiss with such uncontained desire that it made her blush. She pulled back with a shy laugh and looked up at Kael uncertainly. "I...I'm your arozeil? I mean, I want to be, but..." Nieme laughed again, then hugged Kael tightly. "I've never been anyone's chosen before. I...I'm so happy, Kael. You make me so happy."

"It makes me happy that I can make you happy," Kael said with a smile. "And, if you want to be...I do want you as my chosen. I've never chosen anyone before, but I can't imagine choosing anyone but you. I love you, Nieme. And, I do want you to be my arozeil."

"And I want you to be mine. You're the only one, Kael. You'll always be the only one." Nieme moved her lips across Kael's cheek until they were upon his mouth. She kissed him passionately and pulled away only when she was utterly breathless. She looked down at Kael's groin, and smiled anxiously. "One whole hour? Do you think we should be getting back to the temple?"

Kael nodded. "Yes," he said. "Let's get back. I think we'll be getting back just in time." He looked toward the door and back to Nieme. "I've got an outfit in the other changing room I was going to get. You want to get a few more shirts like that?"

"I know you do." Nieme grinned at Kael and quickly pulled him to her to kiss him again. In all her excitement, she stumbled and lost her footing, sending both she and Kael colliding into the wall. She giggled uncontrollably as her body was tightly pressed to Kael's with their faces barely separated. "Sorry..."

Kael grinned and kissed Nieme. "No need to apologize," he said as he held her close. "I kind of like us like this."

"Me too," Nieme said shyly. "I...I really want you to stick your penis inside me again. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. I really don't know what I was afraid of. But I'm not afraid anymore."

Kael grinned. "I probably can't do that yet," he said. "But soon I can. For now though, I can do the other thing I did. If you want me to." He slid down her body until he was on his knees in front of her and there was no doubt about what he was referring to.

Nieme stared down at Kael in complete astonishment and utter fear. They were in a public place where people would hear them and know what they were doing. "Kael...we...we can't!" she whispered. "In here? Now? What if...what if someone hears?"

Kael glanced back toward the door and then looked up at Nieme. "Okay," he said. "We don't want to get caught and then find ourselves in trouble with Jae Dyn and Liam. As soon as we get back though, we'll be together. Let's go get these things, so we can go. Unless you want to do more shopping. I think I'm pretty satisfied with what I have so far."

"I think you're pretty satisfied with what I have too." Nieme laughed and reached down to pull Kael to his feet. "We should probably be getting back anyway. I have to find the purple girl, remember?"

"Hopefully our masters and their mistress are finished making a mess of the dining area," Kael said with a grin. "What do you suppose she's like? I mean, going through life being purple has to be awkward." He glanced at the door. "Ready to go out?"

Nieme pressed her lips to his again, then pulled back and laughed. "I am now." Holding her old shirt in her hand, she slipped her arm through Kael's as they pushed through the changing room door. They strolled lazily towards the counter with her head upon Kael's shoulder and their new outfits in their hands. "She was beautiful," Nieme said with a wistful sigh. "She was so...exotic and mesmerizing. Very beautiful."

Kael grinned. "She can't be more beautiful than you," he said as he looked down into her eyes. "It's not possible." The look in his eyes said clearly that they were only for her. "Do you want to get a few more of those shirts? Just so you have a variety?"

"Okay. I'll get a couple more...just for you." With a quick kiss, Nieme broke away from Kael and moved to the display table upon which the shirts lay, folded neatly and arranged according to each vibrant colour. She looked back at Kael as he stood at the counter, and smiled to herself. He was her arozeil, and she his.

She knew she was bewitched by him and utterly devoted, but there were still anxieties created by her own lack of confidence. Part of her wondered if he truly was with her because he loved her or if he had chosen her only because there were no others who whetted his appetite yet. Jae Dyn and Yelara were both beautiful, but they belonged to Liam. After them, she was the only one with whom he could quell his sexual desires. But he loved her, or so he'd said.

Nieme shook her head slowly to dispell those doubts. She absently chose three shirts from the table and walked back to Kael with a solemn gaze. She wouldn't be the only available girl at the temple for long... The purple nymph would be coming soon and she was intoxicatingly beautiful, as well as sensuous. In her dream, even Nieme couldn't resist her, and she feared Kael wouldn't be any better able to.

She lay the shirts on the counter as the clerk began ringing through the other purchases, and stared fixedly at them. Those shirts and the dress...they were all for Kael. Being appealing to him was the only way to keep him and sharing her body with him would help secure him. Nieme knew she couldn't bear to lose him, not when she was completely enthralled by him. She only hoped he was as much with her.

Kael glanced at Nieme and grinned. He couldn't believe that they were together, especially the way they acted together. No one would have guessed that he'd run one of the toughest gangs in Thanatos. But, Nieme changed all that, and becoming a Jedi would change it even more. And, he couldn't remember a time in his life when he'd felt as happy as he did near Nieme. "I love you," he said quietly. "With all my heart, Nieme, I love you."

Nieme glanced up at the clerk, who seemed to be focusing on bagging the clothing, but the gentle grin on his face indicated he was clearly paying attention to them. She laughed softly as her cheeks began burning, but returning Kael's sentiments became impossible with her modesty restraining her. "I...I think I like the red one," she whispered shyly. "The shirt, I mean. I like the red one."

Kael grinned. "I like it too," he said. "You'll look really good in it." He trailed his fingers lightly over her exposed navel. "You look good in that one too. You're definitely going to be the sexiest of all the...the students." He glanced at the clerk and realized he'd almost made a huge mistake by giving away that they were training to be Jedi. His grin suddenly grew bigger and his eyes sparkled with mirth. "I'm gonna have to make sure Liam keeps his hands off you."

"Kael!" Nieme looked frantically between the clerk and Kael, suddenly wanting to shrink away into oblivion. His comments were flattering and made her heart leap, but they also mortified her. Nieme felt suddenly very exposed as both the clerk and Kael gazed at her, so she quickly crossed her arms across her stomach and lowered her head to the ground. Although she knew they were still staring at her, if she couldn't see them doing so, perhaps the knots in her stomach would unravel.

Kael sighed and looked away. He had to be more conscious of Nieme's modesty. He put out a hand and brushed it along her arm. "I'm sorry," he said softly, for her ears only. "I didn't mean to..."

"I-It's okay," Nieme said awkwardly. "I just... Can we go now?" She looked up at Kael and silently pleaded with him. The way he openly shared his feelings and gave away his caresses to her in public was an experience that was still new to Nieme and even more uncomfortable for her. In the bedroom, she felt uninhibited and daring, but under the prying eyes of others, she became Nieme the kitchen rat who no one ever paid any heed to. She wouldn't feel so uncomfortable if everyone just stopped looking.

Kael turned toward the clerk who pushed their purchases across the counter to him along with the credit chip. After a brief exchange of thank yous, Kael picked up the packages and the chip, and turned to glance at Nieme. "Let's go home," he said.

Sudden relief washed over Nieme and she hurried to Kael's side. She stayed close by him as they made the trek back to the speeder. Her mood became light and carefree again and now, holding Kael's hand didn't seem so awkward. As her fingers laced with Kael's, she giggled and kissed him quickly on the cheek. "By the way... I love you too, Kael, my arozeil."

Hearing the word from her lips quickened Kael's pulse and sent his mind reeling with the sheer joy of having her in his life, in his heart, and forever by his side. He couldn't help stopping where they were, and turning to gaze into her eyes. Before he met them though, a sign across the street caught his eye, and it brought an even larger smile to his lips. "Before we go back...there's one more thing...Nieme..." He laughed softly and took a breath to steady himself. "Marry me. There's a place over there that can perform the service right away according to their sign. I want to be your husband..."

"What?" Nieme squeaked out partially formed questions and stammered incoherently. That she was caught offguard was apparent in her inability to speak and the trembles that shook her body. Her head grew light and she leaned against Kael as a crutch. She'd barely known him a month and already he was willing to spend an eternity with her. She loved him and was certain he loved her too, but she didn't know if she had the impulsiveness or courage to do something so spontaneous as join with Kael in marriage.

He'd called her his arozeil, and she wanted to be so, fully and completely. If she married him, she wouldn't have to worry any longer about his attentions straying to other women, or fear that his feelings for her weren't as genuine as she'd believed them to be. Looking back at the sign, she felt summoned towards it, offering the reassurance she needed that Kael truly was hers alone. She couldn't lose him ever, and she wouldn't.

Swallowing hard to try and moisten her parched mouth, Nieme turned back to Kael. She wanted to smile for him, but all she could do was gasp for air. "I-I-I...we should...but..." Nieme sighed and closed her eyes. She concentrated on how wonderful it would feel being married to Kael and how liberating it would be doing something she truly wanted to do without worrying about who would disapprove or criticize her for her decision. With Kael, no one's scrutinizing gaze would ever unnerve her, and never would she feel vulnerable again, especially standing by Kael's side as his wife. "Yes," Nieme verbalized breathlessly. "I...I want to marry you, Kael. I want us to be married."

Kael smiled softly and stepped closer to her. "I love you, Nieme," he said. He brushed a hand over her cheek and then kissed her trembling lips. "We can wait if you want though. If it's too soon, or you're not ready... We can wait. I just know my feelings, and I know they're not going to change. But, we don't have to now if it's too soon or stressful or anything like that. Are you sure you want to, Nieme?"

"Yes!" Nieme cried out emphatically. "I-I want to be your wife, Kael. I've never had a husband before so I want you to be my first--I mean...well...not only my first..." Nieme sighed then rushed into Kael's arms. "I only want you, Kael. I'll only ever want you. If it's going to happen eventually, why not let it happen now?" She looked at Kael with a gentle smile and said, "Please marry me, Kael. I want this more than anything in the world."

Kael kissed Nieme passionately, holding her to him as visions of their future flashed through his mind. "Let's go," he said. "Hopefully it will be quick so we're not missed too much." Taking her hand, he led her into the small building where they would step in as arozeils, and walk out two arozeils who also happened to be husband and wife.

"Arozeil, Part 2"
by Nieme Yaresh
Kael Selrid
Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Jae Dyn Brael
Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4ABY

***

As the speeder whizzed past the towering trees, it appeared as if Kael had quickly gotten very adept at handling the vehicle, but Nieme was too preoccupied to notice. Throughout the entire journey back, her eyes remained fixed to the thin, silver chain around her wrist which Kael had given her as a token of their union. That he wore hers as a symbol of his acceptance of her as his wife still made Nieme shiver with excitement. The wedding had been simple and with little pomp or ceremony, but all that mattered was that Kael was there and that he loved her enough to vow his eternal devotion.

With a soft smile, Nieme ran her finger along the bracelet. The man had told them the metal used to form the chain was a special type found only in the desert. The moment Nieme and Kael heard that, they thought it a fitting way to honour their love for eachother and as well as a tribute to their beloved home. They were born Kir'Thana, and it was a silent oath that all desert bred should stick together, even in matrimony. Although they did just that, for she and Kael, it was love that brought them together, their love for eachother being paramount to their love for the desert. Nothing else seemed as important as that. "Kael...I don't feel any different," Nieme said quietly. "I mean, I feel so happy but...it's like it's always been you and I, except now, there is no you and I, just us."

Kael glanced over at Nieme and smiled. "It feels right," he said. "Like this, officially together for always. From the first moment I met you, I knew I wanted this Nieme. When I followed you that night, and then after. I could only think of you and me, us. And, now it's real. When we get back, I want to take you into our room and make love to you. I want to be with you, join with your body as I've joined with your heart."

Nieme turned her loving gaze to Kael and felt lulled by his endearing sentiments. She shifted in her seat until she was pressed against him and resting her head upon his shoulder. "I didn't... I never thought I'd ever be with anyone, Kael. I thought I'd always be alone with only my thoughts to comfort me, but now I have you." She craned her neck up and kissed Kael tenderly on the cheek. "I'll always have you...I hope. I know I want you to always be there, but the voices haven't told me yet if that is to be."

Kael glanced down at Nieme and smiled. "Well, when the voices do speak again, I hope they have good things to say about us," he said. "I never want to go without you, and I couldn't bear it if we had to be apart." He kissed her quickly, then put his attention back to the path ahead of them. "So, we'll just have to never be apart then." He looked up ahead and grinned. "We'll be there soon. I wonder if the others have recovered yet."

Nieme sat upright with a sudden gasp. "The others! Oh, Kael...w-we aren't telling them are we? I mean...what will they think? Won't they be mad? Oh I really don't want Jae Dyn Brael mad at me..."

"I don't know if they'd be mad," Kael said with a frown. "But they may think that running off and getting married may interfere with our training. Maybe it'd be best to keep it quiet for now. At least until we can test the waters and see if they would be upset or wouldn't like us being married or anything like that."

"Oh, thank you, Kael." Nieme sighed and relaxed against Kael again. "We won't tell them anything. As long as we know we're married, that's all that matters." As the speeder came into the clearing with the temple at its centre, Nieme involuntarily tensed up. "What if they can just...sense it? Oh, they're going to find out, Kael, and then--" Nieme shot up again and shrieked, "They'll kick us out, Kael! What...what if they kick us out?"

"They won't kick us out," Kael said with a sly smile. "They need us, Nieme. They don't have anyone else to train. If they're going to make this Jedi Temple work, they need us here, married or not." He looked at her. "And, it's definitely married now. And, if they do kick us out, we go back to the desert and be happy together."

"The desert..." Nieme smiled wistfully. Staring out into the distance, her mind conjured images of rolling sand dunes she used to play on as a child. She and Kael were the desert; it was where they belonged. "We should make a visit soon. I think Orn would like that."

"And, there's definitely one person who shouldn't find out about us being married," Kael said with a laugh. "Though, I think under all his bluster he'd still be happy for us, especially now. Maybe after our training starts and we show them we can do this, they'll let us go visit." He pulled the speeder back over to where Liam had parked it before and shut down the repulsors. "I'd like to feel the heat again, and then see Orn's surprise when we walk into the Rhack."

"He'd be so happy! I bet he'd even make me cook a meal... I'd love that!" Nieme giggled excitedly and hopped out of the speeder. Once Kael had exited, she rushed over to him and lept into his arms. "When can we go? I'm sure we'd have to clear it with Jae Dyn Brael and Liam Zaneth..."

"As soon as possible," Kael said with a laugh. "Maybe a couple days. You and Liam go find the purple nymph. Then we train with them for a couple days, and then maybe they'd let us go to the desert for a day...maybe two. And, we can stay in the Star House. Or in yours."

"Ours, Kael. We share everything now." Nieme kissed him passionately and with overflowing desire. She couldn't remember the last time she was so happy...except when she and Kael had made love that morning. With a laugh, Nieme slipped from his embrace and skipped lightly towards the Temple. "Come on! We have so much to do, Kael."

After pulling their packages out of the speeder, Kael followed quickly after. "Let's go to our room," he said when he caught up to her just inside the doors of the temple. "And, after we take care of each other, we can go see if Liam's ready to go to find the nymph."

Nieme smiled bashfully and looked away from Kael. "We could take another--"

"There you two are!" Yelara strolled lazily along down the corridor with a lazy smile on her face and a happy bounce in her step. "Where were you? Liam and Jae Dyn have been waiting for you."

Kael stepped forward. "We, uh, we ran into the city. We saw the three of you were, um, busy...so we didn't want to disturb you. We tried to be very fast. They're not upset, are they?"

Yelara laughed slyly. "Oh, I don't know how they could be. They're both in a very good mood, so I think you two will get off easy." She strolled past them with a wistful sigh and called back, "They're waiting for you both in the training room. Have fun, kiddies!"

"Thanks," Kael called after her. "We should put our things in our room, and then go to them. We'll have to have that shower later." He kissed Nieme, and then took her hand as they started toward their room. Fortunately it was on the way to the training room.

***

When they arrived in the training room, Liam was pacing slowly on one side of the room, and Jae Dyn was standing on the other side. As the two padawans approached, they could see Jae Dyn glance toward Liam with a mixture of warring emotions on her face. Finally, she smoothed the tunic she wore, and turned to them.

"A little shopping trip," Jae Dyn said with a smile. "I'm sorry for our...display earlier. Sometimes, it's just very difficult to control some urges, especially between...between the three of us."

Nieme glanced sideways at Kael, knowing precisely what Jae Dyn was referring to. "It's alright, Master." She blushed gently and turned her gaze to Jae Dyn. "We don't mind. Anytime you and Liam need to...well...be with Yelara, we can leave. We had a good day." Feeling the bracelet around her wrist made Nieme grin. "A very good day."

Jae Dyn smiled and then stepped forward, the anxiety seeming to dissolve into nothing. "Very good," she said. "Are you ready to leave? We shouldn't waste any more time before searching for the purple nymph. Liam is ready to go if you are."

Nieme nodded quickly and smiled. "I'm ready. We'll find her, Master, and then you and Liam Zaneth will have three students."

Liam glanced at Jae Dyn, and then started toward them. "Let's head out then," he said with a smile to Nieme. "I'm positive with you helping me, that we'll find her in no time." There was a moment of awkward silence as he and Jae Dyn looked at each other, then he finally nodded. "Once you've taught him to sense the Force in others, start working on control. Tomorrow we'll have a session for the three of you in controlling both yourself and the Force."

"Good luck, Liam," Jae Dyn said, then she smiled. "May the Force be with you both."

With a nod, Liam turned toward the door and headed off toward the speeder.

Nieme glanced between Kael and Jae Dyn as Liam made his hasty retreat. She planted a quick kiss upon Kael's cheek, then began backing away towards the door. "Well, have...have a good day Master... You too Kael." Nieme giggled at Kael's fixed gaze and his crooked smile. The burning desire in his eyes was apparent, and made her flush and laugh even more giddily. Tearing her eyes from his, she turned and scampered after Liam.

Liam wasn't far down the corridor when he'd stopped to wait for Nieme to catch up. Once she was at his side, he gave her a smile and then started off toward the speeder again. When they got outside and into the speeder, he looked at her and grinned. "Please tell me you didn't have as much fun out shopping as the three of us did in the dining room," he said. "Let me tell you, Nieme, sharing a relationship with two women can be trying and fulfilling and stressful and delightful and a whole bunch of other things. But, I'm glad you and Kael had fun shopping."

Nieme looked up at Liam quizzically. "Well...thank you, Master." She slowly looked away, uncertain as to what exactly Liam was talking about, and sighed softly. "Relationships are strange to me still...but I know mine with Kael is wonderful. I love him and we're going to be together forever."

Liam looked at her and then smiled warmly. "It's the same way with me and Yelara," he said. "You're very lucky to have found him. You two seem perfect together. It may cause difficulties here and there through the training, but I'm very happy for you, both of you." He started the speeder's engine, and quickly spun them around and headed back toward the city. It would be good to take the Kestrel up...it'd been awhile. "You ready to see your homeworld from space? If you'd like I can fly us over Thanatos too."

Nieme's head shot back towards Liam with her eyes wide. "We're flying? You mean...w-we're going to be..." Her eyes slowly drifted up towards the top of the speeder's canopy and into the sky. "I've never flown before... Gods..." Nieme's wonderment was replaced with sudden fear and she looked quickly to Liam. "What if we crash!? What if...what if we get shot down or if...or if we hit an asteroid or something?"

Liam put a hand on her arm to calm her. "It'll be alright," he said. "I've done this thousands of times. We'll be going nowhere near anything that can shoot us down, and there are no asteroids, meteors, or comets within many millions of kilometers." He gave her a gentle smile. "Trust me, young padawan, nothing bad will happen to us."

His touch was not as comforting as Jae Dyn's but it still did assuage her fears somewhat. She took a deep breath and forced a tight smile. "I-I trust you, Master Liam Zaneth. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to me. I just...I've never been in space before. I've only ever been able to look at the stars from down below and now...now I can live among them." Nieme's smile became more genuine and filled with amazement. "I think I'll like that..."

"It's truly amazing up there," he said. "It stretches on forever. It's very awe inspiring to just float in the middle of it and contemplate just how vast it really is. But there are some beautiful sights out here. There's a particle fountain a few days from here. Maybe sometime, if you're feeling adventurous, we can take a trip out there, all of us, and watch it for awhile."

"I would! I would like that very much, M-Master!" Nieme stared up at the sky again with a beaming smile. "I bet Kael would like that too... I want to share everything with Kael. He's my arozeil, just like you and Yelara Zaneth are, and Jae Dyn Brael too."

As Liam swung the speeder into traffic now that they were in the city, he glanced at her. "I'm not familiar with that term," he said. "Arozeil?"

"Oh...it's a Kir'Thanan term." Nieme smiled dreamily as she looked at Liam. "It means 'chosen one', and Kael's mine, and I his. Just like Jae Dyn Brael and Yelara Zaneth are yours."

Liam laughed and shook his head. "I do care for Jae Dyn," he said, "but she's Yelara's arozeil. I've not known her long...and today... I don't think any of us intended for that to happen. Though, afterwards, Yelara actually seemed quite pleased. Jae Dyn and I are still not exactly sure what happened. It's kind of uncomfortable..."

"After what happened? You mean you and Jae Dyn Brael have never...before?" Nieme saw Liam's colours fluctuate, and from the slight blush in his cheeks, she knew he was somewhat uncomfortable and that was most likely with what he was implying he and Jae Dyn had done. "You and Jae Dyn Brael don't have sex? She's very beautiful... Don't you like having sex with her?"

"She is very beautiful," Liam said as memories of their bodies pressed together surged through him. "And, I enjoyed sex with her...but, we have been Yelara's, and not each other's. It was very unexpected, no matter how nice it was. If you were to ask me if I wanted to again, I'd be lying if I said I didn't. I think Yelara, Jae Dyn and I are all going to have to have a talk about what happened though. If Yelara doesn't like what happened, or Jae Dyn was uncomfortable with it...then I don't think we should again. Though, I must admit being with two people like that was definitely an experience. I don't think I could stop myself if the situation arose again."

"Oh, I know what you mean--" Nieme looked away quickly as she realized the impact of her words. It could only mean she had first hand experience, which would be an admission that she and Kael had in fact been together. It was true that they had been, but Nieme wasn't ready to admit that to one of her Masters. "All I...what I really meant to say was that... Well, she is very beautiful and I-I don't blame you for having sex with her." Nieme's breathing grew ragged and she took every effort to avoid gazing at Liam. "I mean...Yelara didn't look like she minded a bit... She seemed...very very happy, actually."

"Even with the baby, Yelara is as ravenous as she's ever been," Liam said. "And, I think she did like the thought of all three of us together. Though, I don't know what she'd think if Jae Dyn and I were to have sex without her around." He brought the speeder around and approached the main entrance to the starport. "We're nearly there. Are you ready to see the stars up close?"

A sigh expelled all of Nieme's anxiety, and mention of the glowing orbs of light brought a smile to her face again. "I can't wait, Master Liam Zaneth. I bet they'll be more beautiful up close then from a distance."

Liam slid the speeder into the parking stall and shut down the thrusters. "Let's go then," he said. "And, then we'll go find the purple nymph." He slipped out of the speeder, and once Nieme was ready, headed out to where the Kestrel was docked.

He led the way up the ramp and then into the cockpit. As he started up the pre-flight checks, he glanced at Nieme. "Go ahead and have a seat there," he said. "We'll be going up in just another minute or two. I haven't flown her for a bit, so I just need to double-check over all the systems."

With trepid steps forward, Nieme approached the seat indicated and sat stiffly in it. No matter how much she wanted to see the stars, she could do nothing to suppress her fears. She ran her fingers over her bracelet to soothe her restless nerves and smiled as quietly she repeated over and over, "Nieme Selrid...Mrs. Nieme Selrid...I'm Mrs. Nieme Selrid." A sense of calm washed over her, and Nieme's body sank back into the chair. Nothing could hurt her now that she was a Selrid; never again would she have to fear anything, not even space travel.

Liam dropped into the seat next to her with a smile on his face. He fired the thrusters and a rumble shook the ship. The repulsors came online, and pushed the ship up off the ground. Once the landing struts retracted, Liam pushed the ship upward. Once they'd cleared the rupulsor zone, he fired the system drive and they shot skyward. He angled their trajectory to take them over the desert and Thanatos.

"Mrs. Nieme Selrid, eh?"

Nieme had been gripping the arms of the seat as they rocketed through the sky, but her grip grew tighter upon hearing Liam's question. She hadn't realized her thoughts had actually been verbalized, but even if Liam had read her mind, he had heard her either way. Her eyes remained fixed to the deck below and she cycled through all the possible explanations she could give Liam, anything but telling him the truth. "I was...it was..." Nieme was soon becoming overwhelmed by anxiety and fear, but she managed to keep herself from crying long enough to squeak out a feeble explanation. "Wishful thinking...that's all, Liam Zaneth. I'm just...just plain, simple Nieme Yaresh...nothing more."

Liam reached over and put a comforting hand over hers. "Nothing plain and simple about you, Nieme," he said. "You're going to be a Jedi Knight, you're pretty, you have your arozeil, and you're staying in an old, abandoned temple with me and my two voracious lovers. Nothing plain and simple at all."

Nieme smiled bashfully as she looked at Liam's hand upon hers. "Thank you, Liam Zaneth. You...I mean... Thank you." Her attention was drawn to the suddenly changing landscape as the ship traversed across Tae'Karada. The tall metal structures of New Plouton were quickly replaced by the golden sands of the desert. Forgetting her initial fears, Nieme flew from her seat and peered out of the canopy at her precious desert home. "It looks so peaceful and beautiful from up here! Kael has to see this! He and I want to visit it someday soon." She turned her gaze back to Liam and asked hesitantly, "Can we, Liam Zaneth? Can we go back one day?"

Liam cast a glance at her, then smiled. "I don't see why not," he said. "Any idea when? Or is this just in general, you want to go back? We only left yesterday."

"I know... I guess Kael and I just aren't used to being away." Nieme sighed and moved slowly back to her seat. "Maybe after we've had some training, when we can protect ourselves better. The Feltreys don't like us much. They'll hurt us if they find us there again."

"Well, whenever you feel you're ready to go," Liam said, "just let Jae Dyn and I know. If it works in the schedule, we can give you a couple days. Perhaps you can make it a working trip, and search for others with strength in the Force. It'd be good experience for you. How does that sound?"

Nieme laughed and just about flew into Liam's arms, but resisted the urge and nodded her head quickly. "We can do it, Liam Zaneth. After we find the purple nymph and get back to the Temple, I'll ask Kael. He won't admit it, but he'll be happy to see Orn again, as will I. Maybe during our stay, I can work in the kitchen again. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Liam laughed along with Nieme. "It would be," he said. "It'll be good for the two of you to get back to the desert a little. And, especially for you to get into the kitchen you love so much. It would be wonderful for both of you. As long as your training doesn't lapse, it should be fine." Liam shifted their course to take them up through the atmosphere and into space. "Are you ready to see the stars from space?"

Nieme shifted her gaze quickly to the canopy and smiled anxiously. The blue, Tae'Karadan sky slowly darkened until it merged with the blackness of space as she and Liam left Chimaeria behind. She gasped quietly as the dark backdrop became littered with pinpoints of pure, white light that glimmered and sparkled like the bracelet Kael had given her. Slowly, she rose from her seat, suddenly drawn in by the beacons of shimmering light that seemed to cast a soft glow on the cockpit. The ship lurched gently and Nieme yelped as she sat back down. Once the ship steadied itself again, she smiled excitedly at Liam. "Do you see them!? They're so much brighter from up here! Kael has to see this! Oh thank you for bringing me, Liam Zaneth. Thank you so much!"

"To see you this excited," he said with a grin, "it's my pleasure. What is sad is that when you get into the city, at night you can't see any of them. The city lights are too bright. But, then you come up here and nothing can obscure them. I'm certain I can bring you and Kael back up here if you both would like to take a little trip." He let the ship drift for a few moments, just floating in space. Then he turned them toward the shipyards, and cut the sublight engines to half power. "We'll be there soon. You can see it out ahead of us. The Drogen Shipyards. I met Yelara there, and so did Jae Dyn."

"Really? How did you meet? How long ago was that? Did you fall in love almost instantly like me and Kael?"

"It was pretty close to a year ago," he said. "And, it was pretty much instantly. The problem was that Yelara was involved with Dargus Kandran, and she was afraid to get close to me out of fear of upsetting him. She thought he could help her reach her goals, and he thought she'd make a nice trophy. She was there out of necessity, and couldn't get rid of him. We were finally able to be together for good when I took her to Corellia where her grandmother was sick. I almost lost her, but our love held out. Shortly after Corellia, we got married."

"She was with Dargus Kandran?" Hearing that her Master's wife was previously involved with Tae'Karada's most infamous crimelord managed to break Nieme's trance and pull her gaze away from the stars. "He was so...evil! Weren't you scared? Wasn't she? I mean...what if he had found out about you two? Wouldn't he have...wouldn't he have hurt you? Oh, it must have been so frightening!"

Liam nodded slowly. "It was very scary, that's why she kept me at a distance for so much of it," he said. "And, I wasn't scared for myself, only for what he might do to her. Fortunately, he's dead now. All that remains is the doubt of whose child Yelara carries. Not much longer left before that is revealed. I'm certain the baby will be mine, though Yelara's not so much... But for now, let's go find that purple nymph." He swung the ship in low, and brought it easily into the docking bay where he released control to the station computers to put it down in its assigned berth.

Nieme nodded slowly, amazed at how eventful her Master's life had been. It made him seem all the more wise to her and helped her gain more insight into who he was. It also explained a great deal about the inner turmoil she caught glimpses of from time to time...just like at that moment.

Just as the ship decelerated and inertia pushed Nieme forward in her seat, a wave of confused images and swirling colours suddenly invaded her mind and veiled her eyes. Nieme clenched her eyelids shut and placed her hands over her temples to steady the dizziness overcoming her and causing her to sway in her seat. She whimpered as she tried to will it away, to stop it from taking hold of her, but she was powerless to do anything but let it run its course, as it always did.

"Master?" she called out fearfully. "Something...something's--" Nieme cried out as the image resolved itself into the form of a face. He was looking at her with obvious lust in his eyes, and he ran a ravenous tongue along his lips, wetting them while bringing them closer towards her. Nieme struggled to slip away, but her back felt pressed against a cold, hard wall where she was trapped between the man's strong arms.

As his lips neared perilously close to hers, a purple hand came into view, an extension of herself, but not her own. With fingers gnarled, the purple hand slashed across the man's face, leaving behind trails of blood. The hungry grin once curling the man's lips deformed into a raging scowl, and in a blinding flash, a heavy hand bore down across her cheek. The impact threw Nieme from her seat and with a grunt, she fell prostrate onto the deck.

With the ship under the control of the station, there was nothing keeping Liam in his seat. He immediately dropped down to the deck next to Nieme. He pressed a hand to her head, and let some of the Force flow through him and into her. He felt her emotions calm immediately as he helped loosen the hold the vision had on her. "Nieme," he said calmly, "what did you see? Is it danger?"

The man looming over her became enveloped by a dense fog, until he was completely obscured from sight and replaced by Liam's glowing blue eyes and furrowed brow. "It's her," she muttered with a groan. "She's here." Nieme sat upright quickly and shrieked. "She's here and he's hurting her! Master Zaneth, she's here! We...we have to help her. Help her!"

Liam nodded, and quickly grabbed his cloak from next to where Nieme lay. "Are you okay to walk? Can you lead me to her?" He pulled on the cloak and helped her to her feet. He moved toward the exit with Nieme and opened the hatch and dropped the ramp. "You're sure you can do this?"

"I have to help her," Nieme said sternly. "I can do this." She clung desperately to Liam's arm. "I saw...I saw lights in the corner of my eye. Bright ones. They...they were pink and--and there was music. So loud...so deafening. His breath was...so..." Nieme shuddered and closed her eyes for a moment to deaden her senses to the rancid odour of cheap ale and sweat. "Do you know of any places like that?" she asked.

"I do," Liam said with a slow smile. The Kestrel was still being moved across the massive bay to her docking berth, but Liam had no more time to wait. It was nearly twenty meters to the floor of the bay, but they needed to save the purple girl, and fast. "Hold on," he added, and wrapped an arm around her. He waited for a spot where they weren't directly over another ship, and then stepped out into the empty nothingness.

"Purple Sunrise, Part 1"
By: Liam Zaneth
Nieme Yaresh (Selrid)
Dani
Shrezade Anoran
Various NPC's

Location: Drogen Shipyards and Tae'Karadan space
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

Twenty meters straight down. Liam heard Nieme's scream, muffled against his body as she clung tightly to his arm and chest. As they fell, he reached out with the Force and used it to slow their descent. What normally would have probably shattered leg bones was no more than a slight jar as his boots touched the durasteel deckplating. He took a moment to look down at Nieme, to make sure her panic didn't get out of control. He gave her a smile, and then looked around for the exit.

He took her hand and together they rushed toward the lift that would take them downlevel. He cast his mind back to his time here to figure out which of the bars would serve the type of clientele Nieme described. Once they were in the lift, he selected level 498, and the lift started down.

The trip seemed to take an eternity, and when it finally opened to let them out, they nearly ran with the impatience of being delayed.

"This way," Liam called, and they rushed off in the direction of Danebra's. If there were scum on this station that would try to force a woman into their bed--or a dark alley-- they'd find their watered-down ale at Danebra's. "Can you sense her?"

"I-I don't know. I don't know how!" Nieme stumbled as she tried to keep up with Liam's brisk pace. She attempted desperately to focus her mind despite the confusion of the entire situation, but only flashes of the purple girl appeared, too brief to see where she was or what new torture she was being subjected to. "Are we almost there?" she cried out frantically. "We have to hurry! She...she needs us."

"Just around this corner," Liam said. One hand held Nieme's, the other rested on the hilt of a lightsaber hidden beneath his cloak. He would avoid using the weapon here, especially with the Imperial presence down on the planet. Revealing himself to them now would only bring doom on all near him.

As they rounded the corner and approached the bar, Liam heard the cry from just beyond them. In the doorway, a few men lounged, laughing as they listened to the sounds of desperation. One of them shook his head, and said something to the others. They all raised their glasses and drank. The sight repulsed Liam, but he put it out of his mind. Rescue her before anything else, he told himself.

With Nieme still in tow, now nearly panicking since she could hear the pleading cries, they approached. As another cry made its way out of the alley, the girl seemed to surge forward, desperation driving her onward to save the purple nymph.

"Leave h-her alone!" Nieme sprinted down the narrow corridor, ignoring Liam's voice beckoning her to stop. The men's eyes synchronously shifted up towards her and upon seeing the small, unimposing girl rushing towards them, their laughter grew. Her valiant approach was fueled by the sight of the man from her vision straddling the purple nymph and trying to secure her flailing arms. With a cry to signal her coming, Nieme lunged at the man and both toppled over onto the deck. "Leave her alone! You're a bad man!" she shrieked again as she began pummelling the man with her fists.

With something that sounded halfway between a growl and the rumbling of a starship landing in a spaceport, the man easily tossed Nieme aside. "Wait your turn, bitch," he snarled. "I'll get to you when I finish with my purple prize here. Keep her warm for me, boys." He returned his attentions to the girl who was now trying to scramble away. His hand caught one booted foot at the ankle, and pulled her back. She screamed.

Liam pushed his way through the small crowd of men, and took his position in between all of them. "You will let the girl go," he said while fanning his hands hypnotically, "and leave this place at once."

The man looked between the purple girl, and Liam and then laughed. "You can have your turn too, little man," he said. "You just have to wait until we're finished with them."

Liam repeated the gesture. "You will let the girl go, and leave this place at once."

The man let go of the purple girl and stood up. He was taller and wider than Liam, and appeared to have more muscles than an average humanoid had any right to have. He stepped in front of Liam and looked down, a slow growl rumbling in his throat. His friends, all humans just laughed.

"Nieme take the girl and go back to the ship," Liam said. "I'll meet you there when I've finished with this one."

Nieme scrambled over quickly to the purple nymph and gently grabbed her arm. "We have to go," she whispered softly, trying not to attract the attentions of the drunken men. Touching the purple girl's flesh, flashes of her dream returned and Nieme gasped quietly. But, there was no time to be rendered immobile by the disorienting visions, so Nieme pushed them to the back of her mind and helped pull the girl to her feet.

Dani looked up into her saviour's eyes and smiled. "Thank you," she said softly, and then quickly scrambled to her feet. When she started to move, she realized her ankle where the brute had grabbed her was sore. She glanced back as all the men were now moving in a circle around the one man in the black cloak. Knowing there was nothing she could do against the four men in there, she allowed herself to be hurried away with the other girl. The one who saved her.

In the circle, Liam summoned the Force to himself, using it to increase his strength and agility. Against these four, he would need every edge he could give himself. The situation very similar to the one he faced when he'd first arrived on the shipyards nearly a year ago. Yelara's employees didn't appreciate him, and had attacked him when she wasn't around. It seemed like the denizens of the shipyards didn't quite believe in fighting fairly.

At once, he broke forward, and swept one of the four off his feet and then another. He could see Nieme and her charge limping away toward the lift. That was all the time he needed. He charged forward and the brute set himself to receive the charge, but it never came. Instead, Liam launched himself up into the air, and twisted right over the man's head. He landed easily on the deck, and quickly fled after Nieme. He wouldn't kill the men, but he would definitely file a report on them with the station administrator. Thankfully, Dargus Kandran was no longer around to get involved. He caught up with Nieme easy enough. "Is she alright?"

"I-I think so. Her...her foot." Nieme found the girl's eyes and looked at her worriedly. "Are you alright? We...we came as fast as we could. Please don't be hurt..."

Dani looked between the two and nodded. "I'll be okay," she said. "I think he just twisted my ankle, that's all. I'll be alright once I walk on it for a bit. Thank you for saving me. He decided he wanted me, but I didn't want him. He just felt so...I couldn't be with a man like that. He was nothing but darkness. I felt like I was being smothered by him. Yesterday, when I went with one of the guys on his ship, he was very nice and it was fun. I guess he talked, and that one decided he wanted to share a bed with me too." She took a breath and let it out. "My name is Dani."

Nieme smiled at her warmly. She recognized her face and the sweet voice she heard in her dream. She was the purple nymph and they truly had helped her. She looked up at Liam, gesturing for him to tell her that they came for a reason other than to save her from the men. "Can you feel it, Liam Zaneth? She...she's like us," Nieme whispered excitedly. "That's why she came to me. We...we need her."

Liam nodded to Nieme, and then turned to Dani. "My name is Liam Zaneth, and this is Nieme Yaresh. I won't go into the specifics about why we showed up here to rescue you yet. You have special abilities that you have not yet tapped, and I would like to train you to use them."

Dani looked confused for a moment as she looked between the two. "I don't understand."

Liam looked around to make sure they weren't being observed. "You have strength with the Force, Dani," he said. "I am a Jedi Knight, and Nieme is a padawan learner at the hidden Jedi Temple on Tae'Karada. You have the same power, and we can teach you to use it. I know it's a big decision, and we can give you the time you require to deliberate. I'll answer any questions you have about it when we leave this place."

Dani looked stunned for a moment, then she grinned. "Beats hanging around here," she said. "I'll go with you. After that encounter back there, I'm ready to move on to something less seedy."

"So you'll come?" Nieme's smile broadened and she impulsively wrapped her arms around Dani. She could do nothing to force back the memories associated with touching Dani, but her excitement was so overwhelming, Nieme continued to embrace her. Giggling, she pulled away and looked up into Dani's eyes. "We'll take you away from the beast. It...it isn't nice here. There's darkness all around...it's so thick. If I had to live here, I know I'd be scared alot."

"It's only really bad down here at the bottom of the station," Dani said as she wrapped her arms around Nieme, pulling her back into the hug and enjoying the heat of their bodies pressed together. "In the middle of the station, things are much better. I don't like going to the top of the station very much. That's where Shrezade is, and she's been upset with me ever since I seduced her head of security. He didn't resist at all, and he started flirting with me first. She just doesn't like me because I'm not pure and virginal. But, it'll be really nice to get away." She smiled as she looked into Nieme's eyes and felt a flush of desire run through herself. She let Nieme go, but the smile never left her lips or eyes. "I work down here which is why I'm down here most of the time. But, it sounds like I'll have much more fun at your Temple." She looked at Nieme, and her features brightened even more. "We'll be able to train together."

"And with Kael," Nieme added with a large grin. "There's only the three of us for now, but Liam Zaneth is going to teach us how to find more." The lift came to a halt, and as the doors slid open, Nieme slipped her hand into Dani's and looked back at Liam. "Where are we going, Liam Zaneth? This isn't where the ship is."

"Station administrator," Liam said. "I want to report what happened down there. I don't know if it'll do any good, but it needs to be reported."

"That'd be Shrezade," Dani said. "She's the station administrator. She tries to run a fairly tight station, but resources are small and it's really big. She's hired people to scour the lower levels, but the scum has learned to avoid most of them. There's this one absolutely beautiful bounty hunter she's got working down there who seems to be catching everyone. Oh, to see her walk by just sets every nerve in my body tingling." She glanced at Nieme as that same feeling washed through her. "I heard a rumour that things are gonna get pretty hot down there soon. I guess she found some new resources." She looked down at Nieme's hand in hers, and then up into Nieme's eyes again. She felt a great joy within her, and within Nieme as well. It was very nice to have a friend. "I'm looking forward to training. It'll be fun."

Nieme giggled gently as she happily walked along with Dani. She was more beautiful than she remembered her from the dream, and just as sensual. The revealing clothing she wore made Nieme blush just looking at them. Dani's top was similar to the one she wore, but the back plunged low and exposed a good deal of purple flesh. The extremely tight leather pants she wore hugged every curve, ones Nieme almost envied and coveted. For a moment, she worried that Kael would find Dani far too attractive, but remembering the bracelet she wore on her wrist, Nieme didn't feel very threatened. "We'll have to get you some new clothes if you're going to be training," Nieme whispered as she leaned towards Dani. "Maybe when we get you settled in, Kael and I can take you shopping. We like shopping."

Dani grinned. "I love shopping," she said softly. "Back on my planet, I had two closets full of clothes. I left most of them there when I left home though. But, I've still got a good collection of things. I don't know if I have anything appropriate for training in though." She reached out and brushed a hand over Nieme's shirt. "I love your shirt. And, the colour is very nice." After another couple steps, Dani glanced at Nieme once more. "Who's Kael? Is she still down on the planet?"

Nieme giggled and shook her head. "Kael's a boy. He's on Tae'Karada training with Jae Dyn Brael. You'll meet him though. I think you'll like him alot. You see, he was almost darkness when we found eachother, but then I helped him and now he's better. He's happy now."

"A boy," Dani said with a smile. "Well, happy is good. Happy is very good, especially after those brutes down below. I would love to go shopping with you and Kael, Nieme. I think we're going to all become really great friends." She brushed a hand across Nieme's cheek and then slipped it down into Nieme's hand. "I'm very glad you came here today. Thank you." She looked up and it appeared that they'd arrived outside Shezade's offices. She'd swear she could hear the woman yelling through the durasteel plated walls.

Nieme smiled at her new friend as they stopped before a pair of doors. "The minute we realized you were here, we knew we had to help you. We're supposed to help people; it's what we do, right Liam Zaneth?"

"Right," Liam said with a smile. "And, now we'll see what other help we can do by reporting those thugs." He entered the office and approached the receptionist. "My name is Liam Zaneth, and I'd like to speak to the station manager please."

Hajne looked up and immediately flashed the handsome man a large, goofy smile. "Certainly, sir," she replied nasally. She looked over at Nieme and the purple girl she recognized with a gentle, dry laugh. Shrezade would most likely have a fit if she saw the girl, but she punched at the intercom and called to Shrezade at any rate.

"Oh, bloody hell, Hajne, I'm busy." Shrezade's voice rang through the waiting room, conveying clearly her irritation. "Is it possible, for once, to lie and say I'm in a meeting?"

Hajne laughed uncomfortably as she watched Liam, but she cleared her throat and persevered. "But Mrs. Anoran, it's the purple girl from downbelow. She's with a gentleman and another young girl. They would like to speak to you."

Shrezade sighed sharply and cursed under breath. "Send them in, Hajne. Quickly before you waste anymore of my time."

Shrezade severed the connection abruptly and Hajne smiled up at Liam. "You may enter, sir."

Liam gave the woman a smile, and then moved past her toward the waiting office. He glanced back to make sure Dani and Nieme were behind him, and then entered.

The woman behind the desk was attractive, but she had a very severe look about her. Deciding he was here to report the crimes downbelow, and not ask the woman on a date, he put it out of his mind. "Mrs. Anoran," he said. "My name is Liam Zaneth, this is Dani and Nieme. Nieme and I just rescued Dani from a group of four thugs intent on raping her, and I just wanted to inform you so you can take the necessary action. I can give descriptions and details as to where the assault happened if you need them."

Shrezade's eyes looked past Liam and focused instantly on Dani. Her expression was one of disdain and moderate disgust as she scrutinized the purple girl's attire. She couldn't help thinking it was no wonder she was targeted by a group of rapists; dressed like that, she figured the girl was merely getting what she went out there to get: sex.

"You again," she said with a grimace. "You really expect me to believe this obvious fabrication?" Shrezade sighed and looked up languidly at Liam. "Sir, I don't know what your relationship is with this girl, but I think it my duty to inform you that she is a petty thief, and an all around nuisance to this station." As her eyes flashed towards Dani again, she caught her one hand clasping that of the smaller girl standing close to her. She was dressed no more conservatively than Dani, and soon, her mind began conjuring conclusions about what was truly going on in front of her. "Oh, I see," she said with a wry laugh. She sighed deeply and sat back in her chair. "Sir, if you think for one minute I'm going to allow you to compromise the integrity of this station by running your cheap prostitution ring here, then you haven't been here long enough."

Liam's eyes narrowed and he leaned forward. "Prostitution ring? Does your station run on wild fantasies? Do you have people that actually do deal with reports of criminal activity, or does everyone conjure up the wildest explanation they can think of and label it with that? No wonder the term drogen has been taken into local slang to refer to the lowest type of scum imaginable.

"Nieme is a student of mine, and we came here today because she's never been off the planet. As we were leaving the docking area, we heard Dani's screams where three men sat by while a fourth tried to remove her clothing so that he could rape her." He glanced back at Dani, her youthful body perfectly proportioned and the beauty nearly radiating outward. The clothing was chosen to entice and draw in people to share herself with. He glanced back at Shrezade and smiled. "Or perhaps you're one of those kinds of people who only extend your help to your own, and to hell with the rest. You run an entire station, and yet you only strive to make it safe for those you like."

"If you mean decent, law-abiding citizens who, in this deplorable age, still have morals and some sense of self-respect, then yes, sir, that is precisely who my efforts to clean up this station are meant for." Shrezade smiled tightly, as if the effort in doing so was almost painful. She folded her hands into her lap and glanced with disinterest towards Dani again. "You should be thinking of your future, young lady, and from what I've seen of your wretched, filthy ways, you're walking a path quickly veering you into a life of misery. Frankly, I think you're far too content giving away your body to the scum downbelow, so forgive me if I'm reluctant to believe you and your...employer's claim."

Dani rolled her eyes. "I only go where there's pleasure," she said. "Though, I doubt you'd know anything that. You feel like soured milk that's been left out all day. Besides, you should be happy. I'm leaving here. So, you won't have to worry about Chran sneaking me into his bed anymore. I don't favour downbelow, Reza; I favour who ever wants to share in pleasure. My head hurts when I go downbelow. At least if you go down there your emotions are your own. When I go down there, I feel what everyone feels. I usually have to bathe twice just to feel halfway clean again. You wouldn't understand though. I'm just pleasure-seeking scum, right?"

"How dare you speak to me so disrespectfully, you little slut." Shrezade rose stiffly from her chair and glared at Dani. The fact that she had referred to her using the nickname only Chran knew was direct evidence that he'd been sharing his bed with the whore, as she had suspected at any rate. She would have to reprimand him for associating with scum and not just by deducting credits from his pay. "You've been inhabiting my station for almost a year, wreaking havoc by prancing around offerring your body to any drunken, horny men looking for a quick screw with the station slut. It's people like you who have made this place almost uninhabitable, and if you hadn't seduced my head of security, you would be in a penal colony right now. Leave my station for all I care. I won't beg you to stay nor will I for one moment believe your false claims of rape. You would have gotten precisely what you asked for from those men if your pimp hadn't stepped in." Shrezade cocked her head up haughtily and languorously waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal. "Leave my station now, Dani. If I find you here again, I don't care which high ranking officer on this station you're sleeping with, I will have you arrested."

Liam stepped forward looming over the woman. "This place reeks of Dargus Kandran," he said. He looked around, and then turned his frosty gaze, blue eyes shining with a fierce light, back on Shrezade Anoran. He summoned the will of the Force around him, and bent it toward the intimidation of the cowardly woman sick with power he faced. "You most of all. In the future, when someone from this station or anywhere makes a move against me or mine, I will not hesitate to cut them down along with anyone else who gets in my way. And, that includes you. Try to arrest that girl when we return. Give me a reason, you arrogant, power-hungry bitch. Just one is all I'll need and then you can be with your husband for all eternity. We are leaving now. If anyone attempts to impede our progress, you will be holding a funeral for them tomorrow. Am I understood?"

With that, Liam turned and motioned for Nieme and Dani to follow him out.

As if pulled down by invisible hands, Shrezade fell into her chair with a grunt. She blinked dazedly at Liam as confusion clouded her mind, but what was clear was that the threats he'd delivered sounded less than idle. Shrezade feared no one and hardly ever took threats seriously, but his hypnotic blue eyes - looking cold as ice but burning her like fire - elicited in her a sense of uneasiness bordering on fear. "I...I understand," she whispered shakily. "Yes...yes of course."

Nieme held Dani's hand and watched Shrezade with a quizzical gaze as they stepped out of the office. She hurried Dani along and caught up to Liam. "Master...what did you do?"

"Something I wish I didn't have to do," Liam said. "It's a trick I learned a number of years ago. That woman uses intimidation to run this station. She has no tolerance for anyone who isn't like her, and that would include all three of us. After the things she said, I basically put her back into her place. We should be able to leave here unhindered." He stepped into the waiting lift, and punched in the code for the deck the Kestrel was on. He looked at Dani who looked miserable, and encouraged Nieme to see if she could cheer her up.

Nieme needed little motivation to wrap her arms around Dani and embrace her warmly, which she did. "Don't worry, Dani. We don't believe a word that woman said." She kissed her gently on the cheek, then smiled at her. "She was a mean lady. Nothing she could say could change my opinion of you. I know you're a nice girl, I just know it."

Dani looked into Nieme's eyes and smiled, the warmth coming from her new friend felt wonderful. She wrapped her arms around Nieme, and allowed herself to just be held in Nieme's embrace. "Thank you," she said. "I have slept with a lot of people here, but it's not like she says. It's just...it just feels good. What I do with my body is my choice, and if I give it freely, there's nothing wrong with that." She looked into Nieme's eyes, and felt her heart beat heavily against her chest. She knew she could easily get lost in Nieme's large brown eyes. They were so honest and caring. She could see in her friend hope and happiness, joy and love. She couldn't even begin to describe the happiness she felt at finding Nieme, or rather Nieme finding her. She closed her eyes briefly to just feel. She knew she could stay there like that for hours and days, just being held by Nieme. Finally she opened her eyes. "You have a very comforting embrace, Nieme. I like it here."

"You'll like it at the temple too," Nieme said softly. "Everyone's understanding and caring. It doesn't matter what you've done in the past; you can change, just like Kael did. You'll see, Dani. You'll be so very happy there." Nieme laughed gently as the lift came to a stop and the doors opened onto the docking bay. "Come on!" She slipped from Dani's arms and grabbed her hand. Giggling, she pulled her along as she scurried towards the Kestrel. "Liam Zaneth has a ship! We get to see the stars up close. Isn't that wondrous?"

Dani found it impossible to not giggle along with Nieme as they ran out onto the flight deck toward the ship. They got to the Kestrel well before Liam arrived and they scampered up inside to wait for him. Dani had been on ships before, but she still looked around with wide eyes. Nieme's energetic spirit was infectious, and she realized she longed to be with her. She'd follow her anywhere and do anything for the chance to be near her, to feel her. Nieme's emotions were pure and beautiful, and Dani found herself feeling nearly drunk on them. It was the nearest she'd ever been to bliss. "It's a beautiful ship," she said. "I've only ever really flown on really big capital ships. Nothing like this. I mean this one is practically intimate it's so small."

"Well, this is the first ship I've ever been on." Nieme pulled Dani into the cockpit with breathless laughter. "This is my first time ever leaving the planet and only yesterday was the first day I've been anywhere other than Thanatos. All this is so new to me."

"Thanatos," Dani said as she looked around inside of the cockpit. "That's one of the desert settlements isn't it? That's where you're from? I'd like to visit there some day. We didn't have any deserts on Zeltros. I wanted to visit Tatooine, but the ship I was on came here. And, here I am. I haven't been able to go down to the planet yet." She grinned and gave Nieme a conspiratorial look. "I want to get one of those dresses they're famous for."

Nieme's mouth gaped and she gazed at Dani in astonishment. "You do?" she asked incredulously. "But...have you seen them? I blush just looking at them! Oh you must be very daring. I...I don't think I could ever wear one. I mean, wearing this shirt was uncomfortable enough for me, but Kael said he liked it so..." Nieme laughed bashfully and looked down at the purple shirt pulled taut over her breasts and leaving her stomach exposed. "If he hadn't convinced me to, I would never have worn something like this. I just...I don't have it in me."

Dani smiled more seductively than she knew she should have. "You wear it very well," she said. "And, the shirt looks very nice on you, Nieme. You're a very beautiful person, and that shirt shows that off. Being able to wear that shirt gives you confidence in yourself, and that enhances your beauty more than anything else. When you feel beautiful, people see that. And, that shirt makes you look very good, very sexy...which is why I can see why Kael would want you to wear it."

Dani's compliments flustered Nieme almost as much as Kael's always did. Nervous laughter filled the cockpit and Nieme quickly looked away before her face flushed completely red. "I-I-I'm not as...as sexy as you are, Dani. I mean, even in my dream I saw how beautiful you were." Thinking about the dream only made her attempts at hiding her embarrassment futile. She couldn't help but blush uncontrollably as the memories of Dani's purple body swaying against hers, and their lips pressed together surfaced.

Nieme gasped quietly and moved unsteadily towards the nearest seat. She sank into it quickly and closed her eyes to steady herself. Dani was her friend, and even though it was only a dream, Nieme felt ashamed for remembering it, for even being able to dream up something so wrong. She rocked gently in the seat and thought about anything but her vision, but no matter where her mind went, it always strayed back to Dani's naked body against hers. "Jae Dyn Brael...she...she said she'd help me with them. She said she can help me get rid of the dreams. I-I don't like them. They scare me sometimes. Do...do you have dreams? Do you dream of things, things that are real?"

"I don't," Dani said as she sat down in the other chair. "Before I came here, I was with a woman who had them though. We were on a ship going to Tamarel with some supply parts they needed, and I'd only been on there for a week. We'd had too much to drink, and ended up in her bed. We were lying together, and all of a sudden she had a dream. The next day, one of the bulkheads on the ship ruptured, just like in her dream. It was very eerie."

The sound of boots on the ramp filled the ship, and a moment later Liam entered the cockpit. "The two of you have to be galactic-class sprinters," he said as Dani vacated the seat so he could fly the ship. "Is everything alright?"

Nieme kept her gaze on Dani, reviewing in her mind what she'd just said about being with a woman. She found the idea very strange, even though Yelara and Jae Dyn shared their bodies with eachother openly. It was a concept Nieme was having trouble grasping, but she knew she'd already accepted it. Finally snapping out of her ponderings, Nieme looked up at Liam and smiled gently. "Everything's fine, Master. I was just telling Dani about Tae'Karada. Can we show it to her now? And then when we get to the temple," Nieme said as she looked at Dani again, "I can show you to your room, then the kitchen, and the refresher... There are so many wonderful things you have to see!"

The sudden excitement that bubbled out of Nieme was wonderful, and Dani found herself nodding and giggling as she moved to the seat behind Nieme for the flight back to the planet. "I can't wait to see all of it," she said. "Oh, will my room be near yours? I've never lived close to a friend before, and that would be so wonderful."

Liam smiled and slipped into the pilot's chair. He started the preparations for departing, and was thankful they'd be gone very soon. It would be nice to get back down onto the planet.

"There's a room right beside mine. You can sleep there, only one room away." Nieme brought her knees up onto the seat and turned around to face Dani. "I-I've never had a girl for a friend before. I've never had a friend until I met Kael. He was my first, and you can be my second...if you want, of course."

Dani grinned. "I'd like that a lot," she said. "One room away sounds great too. That way we can visit each other and things, and we're just right there. I will be your second friend, and your first girl friend."

"I never thought of it like that...but you're right!" Nieme lay her cheek upon the top of the seat and smiled at Dani. "You'll have to teach me about what girl friends are supposed to do with eachother. I've never had one, so I'm not sure if there's anything special we're supposed to do. I'm sure you'll show me everything, won't you?"

Liam glanced over at the two young women, but said nothing. He'd have to talk to Dani about things later. He just hoped things didn't get out of hand. With the preparations finished, he gave control over to the station to get them out into space.

Dani, on the other hand, nodded vigourously to Nieme. "Yes," she said. "We'll have a lot of fun together, Nieme. It'll be great. We'll just do the normal things, and maybe make up a few things on our own." She shifted her eyes over to Liam and then back to Nieme. "But we can talk about that later."

"Okay. We have lots of time to talk." Nieme's eyes lit up and she almost bounced excitedly in her chair. "Are you hungry? Oh, please say you are! If you're hungry, I can cook you something when we get back. I'll make you some Hojet. Kael loves my Hojet."

Dani nodded. "Yes," she said. "I haven't really had anything to eat today. I was late to my shift, and I was only able to have a pastry at my break. I was going to get something...but that's when those guys caught me. And, then you guys came."

The ship shifted out into space, and Liam took over the controls. He adjusted the ship down toward the planet, and pushed the system drive to half power. The planet edged closer with each passing second.

"It's a beautiful planet," Dani said. "The mix of colours is unique. I'm sure it's just as beautiful on the surface."

"Oh, it is. You might not think so, but Thanatos is one of the most beautiful places on the entire planet. There's alot of sand, but it's the subtle nuances that make it beautiful. The tiny flower alone in the desert struggling to thrive, the stars at night shining so brightly, they light the desert as if it were day." Nieme sighed and closed her eyes to concentrate on the images of her home as they surged to the surface. "Me and Kael will have to take you there sometime, " she said dreamily. "You'd love it."

Dani caught the dreaminess from Nieme's emotions and smiled. "It sounds truly beautiful," she said. "I want to go. And, you can show me everything there. I'd really like that a lot. I wish I could show you Zeltros. Maybe someday I'll be able to though."

"I think one day, I'd love to travel the universe. Zeltros can be our first stop!" Nieme opened her eyes and stared back at Dani with a grin. "We're going to have fun, you and I; I can just tell. You'll like how the temple feels too. If you listen closely enough, you can even hear them singing to you. Everything sings in the forest and there isn't any darkness." Nieme outstretched her hand and placed it down upon Dani's. "I know how much the darkness hurts. You won't hurt anymore, Dani. You'll be happy. The darkness can't touch us there. You'll be safe."

Dani's face showed her relief as she smiled. "Escaping the darkness is wonderful," she said. "It feels much better now, now that I'm off the shipyards. Things feel lighter, more vibrant. Everything is much nicer now." She took Nieme's hand in hers and then brought it up to her cheek. She smiled as she brushed Nieme's hand against her skin. "You feel good, Nieme. Your emotions, I mean. I like being with you because you feel so good."

Nieme smiled shyly, then looked away with a gentle laugh. "You won't need me to make you feel good. When we get to the temple, everything will be so much better." As the ship began descending loftily through the atmosphere and towards the planet, Nieme pressed her hand to Dani's cheek for a moment, then pulled it away with a smile. She then took a proper seat in her chair in anticipation of their landing. She'd already been thrown about the ship once that day and she wasn't too anxious to slam against the deck plating again. "Before I forget, Liam Zaneth," Nieme said softly, "thank you for bringing us to the shipyards to find Dani. I'm so glad we found her."

Liam smiled and looked down at Nieme. "Once we knew she was in trouble, I don't think Jae Dyn or I could have ignored her," he said. "But, you are welcome. She will be a good addition to the Temple, and it looks like the two of you are fast friends already."

"Well, I'm glad. I think she'll be able to teach me alot." Nieme looked through the canopy expectantly, then turned to Liam with an anxious smile. "Are we almost there? I can't wait to show her around."

"Almost," Liam said. "We're heading into the starport now. And, then we just have the speeder trip back into the Temple." He swung the ship around, and it was only another minute before they were settled on the ground.

"Purple Sunrise, Part 2"
By: Liam Zaneth
Nieme Yaresh (Selrid)
Dani

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

As they headed toward the exit, Liam glanced at Nieme. "I just need to clear some things up with the dockmaster. I'll meet you at the speeder."

"Okay. Come on, Dani." Nieme hopped out of her seat and moved to Dani's side. She took her hand and began pulling on her arm gently. "I'll show you the spaceport and maybe while we're out there, we can see one of those dresses you wanted to wear." She led her down the landing ramp, barely letting it touch the ground, and pulled her hurriedly away.

Dani smiled and allowed herself to be led along. "It's all so...so big," she said. "I thought the cities on Zeltros were large, but nothing like this. There are so many people. It's kind of strange...that many emotions." As she looked around, she spotted a woman wearing one of the infamous Karadan dresses. "Nieme, there's one! That blonde woman over there."

Nieme found the woman Dani was referring to, and immediately she began blushing. "Oh my... She walks so proudly in it. I would be mortified if I had to wear one!"

"Not everyone is as comfortable with their bodies that they can walk around nearly naked," Dani said with a smile as she glanced at Nieme. "Though, even though you'd be mortified, you'd still be very beautiful wearing something like that. You have no reason to be ashamed of your body." She glanced back to where Liam was still talking to the dockmaster. "If it's going to be a few more minutes, maybe we can go get one. I don't know when I'd ever be able to wear it, but I'd really like to have one. That store over there looks like it sells them."

Still flustered from Dani's compliment, Nieme blushed even more profusely at Dani's suggestion. "You want to buy one?! You...you're going to actually wear it? I mean...well...of course you would look wonderful wearing one, but I can't believe you'd have the courage to. N-Not that I think you're a coward or anything! I think...you're very brave living on the shipyards so long by yourself." Nieme took a deep breath and smiled. "I think you're very brave."

Dani smiled warmly at Nieme. "Thank you," she said. "I think you'd look wonderful wearing on too. I imagine Kael would love to see you wearing one of those." She looked down at their hands still clasped together. "Do you want to come over while I try one on?"

"Uh..." Nieme laughed bashfully, but nodded her head quickly. "Well, I guess it would be alright. I couldn't let you take your first shopping trip alone."

"Great," Dani said, then glanced back where Liam was still occupied. "Let's go before he's done." Still holding Nieme's hand, Dani led the way across the street.

Once inside the store, she quickly found an equadi that she loved. It was varying shades of purple and violet, and suspected it would look perfect on her. She pulled it down from the rack and turned to Nieme. "Isn't it beautiful? I have to try it on. Do you want to come in with me, or wait outside?"

"Well...I don't know. As a friend, am I supposed to come in with you?" Nieme smiled at Dani to hide her uncertainty. "I don't want to be a bad friend. If you want me to come in...I'll come."

Dani grinned. "I'd love to have you come in there with me," she said. "And, then you could tell me what you think of the dress so I don't have to show it off to the whole store if it looks bad. Come on!" She took Nieme's hand again and led the way into one of the changing stalls.

She reached around to the back and unclasped the strap holding her top in place, and then unhooked the one at her throat. She pulled it away and set it on a shelf next to her. She pulled her boots off next and then slid out of the tight pants and set them up on the shelf as well. She looked over at Nieme who was looking at her with wide eyes. She felt herself blush slightly and then giggled at the sensation she wasn't used to. She realized that most of the embarrassment was coming from Nieme as she stared at Dani's now-naked body. "Too bad they don't come with instructions on how to put one of these things on," Dani finally said as she turned the equadi around.

Nieme was immobilized by surprise and fascination, until she finally snapped herself out of it and jumped into motion. "H-Here. I think it goes like this." Nieme apprehensively reached for the equadi and took it from Dani. She'd never been so close to a naked woman before, someone other than herself, and the sight made her completely sheepish. She laughed nervously as she undid the tiny clasps on the equadi and held it open for Dani. "Uh...slip in. I'll hold it for you."

Dani slipped her arms into the equadi, and then followed until she was wrapped in the gauzy fabric. She moaned softly and then looked at Nieme. "It's very comfortable," she said. "It's like wearing a whisper."

Nieme laughed as she stepped back and tried to keep her eyes from wandering to Dani's more private body parts. "That's an interesting way of putting it. Like a whisper... I like that!" Nieme giggled and for a moment let her eyes delve below Dani's waistline. She gasped softly at how truly sheer the fabric was and how much the dress really did reveal. From afar, the gowns didn't appear to expose as much as she now realized they did. Dani's purple flesh stood out even beneath the fabric of the same colour, and every curve stood out clearly defined. "Oh no," Nieme whispered, "I don't think I could wear one of these at all."

"How does it look," Dani asked with a grin. "You should really try one on, Nieme. Just to feel it. You don't even have to show anyone but me. Or I could even wait outside if you wanted. But you should really feel this. It's so...oh, the feeling is just amazing."

"I don't know... I mean, just seeing myself in this shirt got me all uptight." Nieme's eyes remained fixed to Dani's supple, delicately shaped breasts. She was far more beautiful than Nieme thought herself to be and she almost envied the endowments Dani had that she lacked somewhat. "I...I couldn't. You look far better in it than I will. It's...it's okay. Y-You should get it! It looks wonderful on you."

Dani stepped closer to Nieme and brushed a hand over her friend's cheek. "We'll never know who looks prettier if you don't try one on," she said. "I think you should, Nieme. I think you would look beautiful in one of these. Not that you need one of these dresses to make you look beautiful. I mean, you attracted me with just a look. If you don't want to try one on, that's alright. But, I still think you'd be very beautiful in one. You'd need one to compliment your eyes though."

Dani's touch felt familiar and although awkward, Nieme didn't shrink away from it. She remembered from her dream how Dani's touch had elicited such desire in her; there was no reason she could be afraid of something that felt so good. She looked up at Dani with a smile, and looking at the equadi, she couldn't help thinking how much Kael would enjoy seeing her in one. "I...well... It couldn't hurt, could it? I mean, I don't have to wear it out. I can...I can just buy one and...well...wear it in private. Right?"

"Exactly," Dani said with a grin. "Did you see one out there you liked? Or did you want me to come out and look with you? And, then we'll have to come back later so I can get some clothes to train in. I don't think this would work very well."

"No, not at all," Nieme said with a laugh. "Kael likes to stare far too much and, well, if you wear one, he won't get much training done." She looked back to the door of the stall, then back to Dani with an almost apprehensive smile. "An equadi... I'm so nervous. Should I get a red one? Or...maybe blue? Oh no, no, not blue. Maybe a pink one?"

Dani opened the door and motioned for Nieme to follow. "Why don't we just go look and see what's there," she said. "It'll be easier to look at the colours and decide which you like." She took Nieme's hand and led the way out to the rack with all the equadis. As they looked through the thin gowns, she could feel people watching her. Mixtures of jealousy, arousal, and approval seemed to permeate the air. She smiled and kept looking. She knew she'd probably be one of the most beautiful people on the entire planet, but it wasn't something she could help. She knew most would claim her conceited for admitting that, and secretly they'd admit it themselves. It was simply a matter of biology and physiology...or something like that. Dani'd never cared much for the scientific side of things. She just knew that the people of Zeltros were beautiful, desirable, and she was one of them. She was glad to have the knowledge that there were others from her world far more beautiful than she, otherwise she knew she'd be a conceited, arrogant bitch just like Shrezade. But, as it was, she was content with her beauty, knew how to use it to get what she wanted, but didn't take advantage of that. She was just another person...just another person everyone stared at. But, she was used to it. It was one thing all Zeltons faced when they left their homeworld, and they were all taught to deal with it.

She knew that Nieme didn't like being stared at so she stayed close to her to help her decide on an equadi. Dani pulled out one that was a beautiful mixtures of reds. "It's like a sunrise," she said as she held it up. "What about this one, Nieme?"

"Oh..." Nieme's breath caught as she looked at the gown, one just as beautiful as the dress she'd bought for Kael. Looking at it now, she knew she had to buy the equadi for him too. She gazed up at Dani with a smile, then looked down at the gown again. "Do you think it's my colour? I mean...it's so beautiful." She could feel the eyes watching Dani, and rightly so, but attention always made Nieme uncomfortable. If they were watching Dani, they would be watching her, which only triggered her self consciousness. "Why don't we...let's just buy it and I can try it on at the...when we get home. Liam...he'll be waiting for us anyway."

"This is important," Dani said with a smile. "You can try it on while I switch back into my other clothes. You want to make sure it fits before we leave. You want it to be perfect for that special moment. And, it is beautiful...just like you. The match is perfect. Come, let's go try it on."

Reluctantly, Nieme followed Dani back to the changing stalls while the eyes of the other customers followed them. "I...do I have to come out and show you? I mean, not that I mind showing you. That's what friends do, isn't it? I just...I don't think I could come out here with all those people watching us."

"I can come in," Dani said. "Unless you don't want me to. That way you don't have to come out here where anyone else can see you. That way, it's more private and special. If you want me to, I can help with the clasps like you did for me."

Nieme looked down at her equadi, then shrugged her shoulders and smiled at Dani. "Well...I guess you could come in. You're my friend and...it's what friends do...I guess." Nieme laughed nervously as she slipped into the stall and stood at the far end, waiting for Dani to enter. She still wasn't comfortable disrobing even in front of Kael, but Dani was her friend, and the last thing she wanted was to discourage Dani or hurt her by refusing to change in front of her. Nieme figured it was what friends did, and more than anything she wanted to be just that with Dani.

Dani entered the stall and closed the door behind her. She looked up at Nieme and smiled, and then started working at the clasps so Nieme would be able to easily get into it. Once the dress was ready, she glanced at Nieme again. "You are going to look amazing in this."

"I...I guess." Nieme laughed uncomfortably as she looked at the dress, opened and ready to embrace her naked body. With trembling hands, she reached down to the zipper of her pants and slowly slid it down with a nervous laugh. "Won't...won't it be cold? I mean...aren't you cold wearing just that?" Once her pants were unzipped, Nieme awkwardly slipped them down and stepped out of them. She felt bare even though her panties were still covering her, but she knew she still had to remove her top, and there was nothing underneath it to cover her breasts. "What about the sun? I know if women were to wear those in Thanatos...they'd get burnt very badly...I think."

"You won't have to worry about sunburns if you are only going to wear this indoors," Dani said with a smile. "But there are lotions you can buy that will protect you from that. And, anyone that wore a dress like this in the desert would just be asking for whatever happened to them." She took a step closer with the dress. "And, it is a little colder than with my clothes on, but not much. The temperature is quite comfortable actually. And, you won't be wearing it for very long. Just long enough to try it on and see how you like it."

Nieme played with the hem of her shirt and shrugged her shoulders. "Well...you're right...I think." She cleared her throat softly and slowly turned away from Dani. Her body shivered gently as she lifted the bottom of her shirt and trepidly slid it higher. Once it was clear of her head, she held it to her chest and casually covered her breasts with them. She turned back towards Dani with a gentle laugh and extended one arm through the opening in the equadi while keeping her other hand on the shirt covering her chest. "It...it feels light. I'm not...not that cold yet."

Dani held the dress for Nieme's other arm. "I can hold your shirt for you while you put your other arm through," she said. "And, if you want I can close my eyes, but from what I can see, you don't have anything at all to be ashamed of, Nieme. The dress is very lightweight. It practically just floats around you." She held out her hand. "Hand me the shirt and we'll see just how much more this dress enhances your beauty."

Nieme lowered her eyes to the shirt still concealing her breasts. She didn't want Dani to think she was afraid of her or give her any indication that she didn't want her as a friend, so with a nervous giggle, Nieme let her shirt flutter to the ground and slipped her other arm into the gown. She looked up at Dani while quickly clasping the dress closed, but as she looked down again, she panicked momentarily and crossed her arms over her chest. The dress truly didn't cover much and through the thin fabric, her nipples, hardened by the chill and anxiety, jutted out and were clearly visible along with the rest of her body. "Oh my... It's so... It doesn't hide anything, does it?"

"Not at all," Dani said with a smile. "Here." She moved closer and helped to adjust the dress. After a moment, she stepped back and smiled at Nieme again. "You are ravishing, Nieme. The way your eyes sparkle in the light, and the...you are beautiful." She knew her desire was burning in her eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest as she could only gaze dumbly at her friend. She brushed a hand down Nieme's side and then over her stomach, but she couldn't take her eyes from Nieme's. "It's like when you were born, they took all the beauty and warmth of a sunrise and gave it human form."

Nieme blushed and shook her head quickly as she laughed. "That's so... Thank you. You have a wonderful way of putting things. It's like...like listening to a painting." The warmth of Dani's hands bleeding through the fabric made Nieme's body tense. She laughed nervously and dropped her hands to her sides to furtively brush Dani's hands away, forgetting all about concealing her exposed breasts. "Do you...do you think I should buy it?"

Dani grinned and nodded. "Yes," she said. "I think it looks so beautiful on you, Nieme. It makes you so...well, no, you're that way already. It just enhances it." She pulled her hands away and looked at Nieme. "You do have a beautiful body, you know. And, you should never feel ashamed about it. If you don't buy that dress and take it home with us, then it should be thrown away or burned or something like that, because it's made for you and only you."

"Well...I don't have to wear it out in public. And it is very beautiful..." Nieme glanced down at the dress as she ran her hands lightly over the silky material. "Oh...it feels so...so..." Nieme laughed excitedly and all inhibitions faded away as the smooth material sent tingles through her body. She sighed softly and closed her eyes while her fingers trailed across her stomach, then lightly over the tops of her breasts. "I have to buy this," she whispered. "He'd love it."

Nieme's words confirmed for Dani that she had feelings for Kael, and she smiled at the knowledge that she'd just helped Nieme in her seduction. As Dani watched Nieme's hands brushing over her body, it sent tingles through her own. She could feel Nieme's arousal, and it only served to heighten her own. She realized that her own hands had taken up the same dance as Nieme's, even though the steps were different. The touch was exquisite, and the vibrations of feeling she was picking up from her friend had her body flushed with arousal. She kept her pheromones in tight control, not wanting to use them here or around Nieme. "I love it too," Dani murmured.

"Oh dear..." Nieme laughed, breaking the moment of tense silence as the two caressed their own bodies. "We...we should get going." She quickly bent over and began gathering her clothing. Her body felt extremely warm, the same kind of heat generated whenever Kael would touch her. She didn't think a simple dress could elicit such arousal in her, but its light touch against her flesh was sensuous, and it was then that she realized why all the women in New Plouton wore the equadi. She looked up at Dani with a smile and slid on her pants. "Are you...you're going to wear it out? I mean...I don't think Liam Zaneth would mind."

Dani grinned seductively and looked down at herself and then back up to Nieme. "Do you think I should? I mean, do you think the others at the Temple would be alright with me showing up dressed like this? The only problem is this dress...it's, well, it's getting me very aroused and wearing it too much longer without some kind of release, and I'm going to explode."

Nieme looked stunned for a moment then stammered nervously. "You...you could wear it...but if-if you don't want to..." She laughed awkwardly and quickly turned away to replace her equadi with the purple top she'd been wearing. She understood the sensations Dani was experiencing, for she too was feeling them, but being this close to Dani while the two of them were very aroused didn't bode well for Nieme. "Did...did you want me to leave so you can change? I don't mind..."

"No," Dani said with a smile. "You can stay if you want to." She deftly unhooked the clasps holding her equadi in place and let it flutter to the ground. After a moment of just standing without anything touching her skin but the cool air, she glanced at Nieme. "Are you and Kael together?"

Nieme's face brightened as a smile engulfed it. She pulled her shirt the rest of the way down and turned to face Dani. She gasped quietly at her sudden nakedness, but looked to the ground and laughed softly. "Kael's my arozeil. He...he loves me." She looked up at Dani with her eyes beaming and her nakedness no longer bothering her. "When you meet him, you'll see what a wonderful person he is. He was darkness, but I helped him and...and he's all better now."

Dani felt the love Nieme held for Kael flow from her and she smiled. "I can't wait to meet him," she said, hoping her own voice sounded as bright as Nieme's. "I--I guess I should get my clothing on. While Liam Zaneth may not have minded me wearing the equadi out there, going completely naked would probably be frowned on." She pulled her pants from the shelf where she'd placed them, and then started pulling them on. She didn't want to despair at Nieme's words, but it was difficult. Perhaps the love they shared was like on Zeltros. When she turned back to Nieme, she guessed that their relationship wasn't an open one. Which would leave her alone. As she turned and grabbed her top, she knew that her change in mood was noticeable, but hoped that Nieme's love for Kael would keep her from seeing the dejection. She didn't want to burden her new friend with her hedonistic wants and needs.

Nieme gazed with an inquisitive frown at Dani, whose bright colours suddenly dimmed. She placed her hand lightly on Dani's shoulder and took a step closer. "Are you alright? You're not sick are you? Tired? If...if you're tired I won't show you around the temple today. We can do it tomorrow. I don't mind."

Dani sighed softly at Nieme's touch. "No," she said with a smile. "I'm feeling okay. And, perfectly fine for a trip around the temple. I'd love to spend more time with you, Nieme," she said. "It's just that I was realizing that...that everyone at the temple already has someone else. I don't mean that I want to be involved in a relationship, but I'm used to being with people. My people, the Zeltrons, are empathic, and we thrive off of the emotions around us. Some of the best emotions to feel are pleasure, so we've based our culture around that. The people of my planet are very sexually free, and we share ourselves willingly. For the most part it was nice on the station because there were lots of people there, and not all of them were bad. And, the ones that did want to be pleasured helped to keep the emotions of those who wanted to hurt away. But, I think it's going to be difficult for me to go from a place where I could find pleasure wherever I looked, to someplace where there will be none for me."

Nieme nodded her head slowly and smiled apologetically at Dani. "You won't be alone, though. I mean...I'll be there...and then there's Jae Dyn Brael and Yelara Zaneth... There's lots of people at the Temple. You'll never be lonely." She tried to hide the confusion over her inability to comprehend Dani's need to feed off sexual energy as if it were sustenance, but she did understand the desire to have someone, just like she had Kael...which seemed to be the source of Dani's sadness. If she and Kael hadn't been married or if she weren't certain of his love for her, Nieme knew she'd be paranoid about Dani taking him away from her. With Dani's allure, she would have no trouble, and if she wanted, she could still try to do so. Nieme sighed softly and embraced Dani, who appeared to desperately need a comforting touch. "Don't worry. We still have many other students to search for. You'll find someone. I'll even help you."

Dani melted into Nieme's embrace and smiled warmly at the offer of help. "Thank you, Nieme," she said softly. "You're the best friend I've ever had. You're very giving and warm, and for someone like me...it's a very beautiful thing. If only you weren't already involved with Kael... I would so have liked to share myself with you. You are so beautiful and giving, and it would have been wonderful and fulfilling."

Nieme's smile slowly retreated and her mouth gaped slightly. She didn't understand before, but now Nieme realized it wasn't Kael Dani was upset about...it was her. Suddenly very aware of Dani's bare breasts pressed against her, Nieme pulled away awkwardly and focused her eyes on the floor. "I...I think we have to go now. Liam Zaneth...he's waiting." Nieme stayed where she was and decided to wait for Dani to replace her top before making a move the door. "We'll...we'll find you someone, Dani," she said softly. "You'll be happy. I-I know you will."

Dani only nodded as she pulled on her top and then picked up the equadi and her boots. She gave Nieme a half smile, and then pushed the door open. She took her purchase up to the counter and let the woman tally the charges while she pulled on her boots. "And, that one too," she added, indicating that Nieme's equadi should be put on her credit chip as well. Once the purchase was completed, she took their now-wrapped packages and started toward the door. Once they were outside and moving across the street toward the speeder, she glanced at Nieme again. "I'm sorry," she said. "I shouldn't have... I'll keep my distance from now on. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or anything."

"No, Dani," Nieme pleaded. "I...I want us to be friends. I won't feel uncomfortable; I promise." She gave a reassuring smile to Dani, then slowly slipped her hand into her new friend's. "I know what it's like to be alone. You just didn't want to be alone. It's okay; really, it is. I mean...don't you want us to be friends?"

Dani smiled and looked at her friend. Yes, she was a friend. There was no doubt about it at all. And, even if Nieme had no interest in affections with Dani, they would at least be friends. But, oh how she longed to hold Nieme, to feel the warmth coursing through her, to feel the pulse of Nieme's arousal as they kissed... Dani took a deep breath and let it out. "I do want us to be friends," she finally said. "More than anything, I want us to be friends. As long as you don't mind a friend who is attracted to you... I can't deny who I am or what I feel. I will never force you, Nieme, but I have to tell you that I do love you."

"You..." Nieme swallowed back the gasp that threatened to force its way out and felt all the blood drain from her face. She stared ahead in complete shock and disarray. She'd known Dani for a matter of two hours and just as quickly as they had become friends, Dani had fallen in love with her, which was incomprehensible to Nieme. Kael and she had fallen in love with eachother quickly as well, but they were meant to be; the dreams told her so. But she'd had a dream about Dani too, and in it, they appeared to be more than just friends.

Two women in love was a new concept to her, and she'd only become exposed to it through Jae Dyn and Yelara, but Nieme didn't know if she could do that. The matter was a moot one at any rate. She and Kael were married and she knew she wouldn't give that up for anything, not even by allowing their relationship to exceed friendship to make Dani feel better.

"I-I think... I think we have to be friends, Dani," Nieme said after catching her breath. "Kael and I... I love him. I...need to be with him." Her eyes sank as the knowledge that she was hurting Dani almost pained her and saddened her completely. "I'm sorry, Dani. I don't know if it's right. I...I'm not used to having friends and being in love. I'm not sure how it's all supposed to go. Should I...should I love you back? I mean...is that what I'm supposed to do right now?"

"You love me if you feel like loving me," Dani said. "You can't force that kind of thing; it just happens. I've never been in a relationship with just one person before. On my planet, when two people love each other above all others, they'll bond to each other and start a family. But, even when they're bonded, they'll be with others. I've loved a bunch of people, but I've never found someone I've wanted to bond with." She looked at Nieme and then gave an embarrassed smile. "Though, if you were a man, I would want to bond with you. I still haven't fully understood the custom of sharing with only one person. To me, that's like picking one food and only eating that for the rest of your life. But, I guess most people don't experience things like I do, only other Zeltrons. Everyone's emotions feel different. So if you and I were to make love, it would feel different for me than if me and...that woman over there were to. Or the same with two men. I guess it's a difficult concept coming from such an open society. I guess I'll have to get used to it though since I'm living here now. Though, I would have given anything to be able to kiss you and hold you in my arms for an entire night."

"I...this is so strange to me," Nieme said almost dejectedly. "You're used to being with so many people, and now you have no one to be with...in that way." She looked to Dani and frowned solemnly. "I know what it's like to want to hold someone, but have them out of reach. Since I was a child, I've wanted to hold my parents, but I didn't know where they were. It made me so very sad..." Nieme smiled wanly and without a moment's hesitation, embraced Dani again. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to be sad too. If you want to hold me or even kiss me on the cheek, I want you to. You're my new best friend, Dani, and more than anything, I don't ever want you to be unhappy. I know what it's like to feel what people feel, and if you're sad, I will be too." Nieme gently kissed Dani upon the cheek then looked at her with a warm smile. "Please be happy, Dani. I'll do everything I can to make you not feel so sad."

The urge to kiss Nieme's lips was almost too powerful, but Dani was able to force herself to resist. She brushed her lips against Nieme's cheek. Just holding was nice. Standing on the edge of the street near the speeder, just in each other's arms. "I don't want to be sad," Dani said and then opened her eyes again. "We'll be friends forever," she said, and her smile grew bigger.

Nieme laughed lightheartedly as Dani's aura flared with bright, vibrant colours again. It filled her with such joy to see her new friend content again, and knowing how horrible she felt when Dani was sad, Nieme endeavoured to do anything she could to keep Dani from feeling dejected again. "Oh, we're going to have so much fun, Dani! I just know it." Nieme giggled and hugged Dani even more tightly. "We're going to do everything together and it's just going to be so wonderful."

Dani couldn't help the giggles that rose up inside herself with Nieme's. The feeling that Nieme wanted to spend so much time with her was wonderful. She still held hope that eventually Nieme would want to have a closer relationship. Until then though, just her presence was enough. As their bodies were pressed together, Dani realized that she didn't know another time in her life when she'd been this aroused. But, the changing room had sparked her desires, desires that Nieme had already set smouldering. She felt Nieme shift against her again, and then she let out a moaning laugh. "Oh, when we get to the temple, I'm going to need a little bit of private time in my room. Nieme, my beloved, you have gotten me all worked up."

Nieme laughed, but wasn't quite certain what Dani was referring to. Still, though, knowing Dani was happy gave her reason enough to laugh. She pulled away and gave Dani a beaming smile. "Well, while you have your private time, I'll cook you some dinner. Then we can all eat and talk and it'll be so exciting. I want to introduce you to everyone! I still think you'll like Kael. He's fun and always makes me smile."

"Then I'm sure I'll like him too," Dani said. "And, I'm really looking forward to your cooking. It'll be so wonderful." She kissed Nieme's cheek again and then grinned as she took her hand and led the way over to the speeder. She noticed that Liam was just coming out of the spaceport. Before he got there, she turned to Nieme. "When we come back and get me training clothes, and probably some other clothes too since I only have what I'm wearing and the equadi, I'll need to get some other things as well. I don't know how well I'm going to be able to handle being celibate."

"Um...okay." Once again, it eluded Nieme what Dani was referring to, but she complied happily and with a smile. Upon Liam's approach, Nieme smiled even more brightly. "We're ready to go, Liam Zaneth. Dani and I bought some...things, but I think we should go now. Dani says she wants some private time and I need to cook some dinner for us all. It's a special day today." She looked to her purple friend and smiled warmly. "We found Dani, after all."

Liam smiled. "Well, climb on into the speeder, and we'll be off," he said and moved around to slide into the pilot's side of the speeder. As they arranged their packages, he watched and then smiled at them. "I guess the previous owner was murdered by his fianc�e recently, so things at the space port are up in the air. I had to sort out the details for berthing the kestrel there."

Dani slid into the back seat of the speeder and frowned. "Murdered? That's terrible. Especially when it's the woman he was planning to bond with. There was never anything like that on Zeltros."

Nieme too couldn't comprehend how one could ever take the life of their arozeil. Never could she imagine doing such a thing to Kael, and hearing about such a disheartening event suddenly filled her with a longing to hold him and be with him. "We should go now," she said quietly. "I'm...I'm a little tired."

Once they were both in the speeder, Liam started the repulsors and sped away from the starport and the city. Dani, despite the gloom caused by the news of the starport owner's death, watched out the window with a cheerful expression. The city was still magnificent, and she loved seeing all the styles of equadi. Finally as they moved away from the city and into the forest, her excitement changed to the new type of landscape. It'd been a long while since she'd seen trees of any kind, and the beauty of the forest was breathtaking. She turned to Nieme at one point and smiled. Soon she would be in her new home. Unfortunately, it came with its drawbacks. She'd figure out a problem to the no sex part...she had to.

"Purple Sunrise, Part 3"
By: Liam Zaneth
Nieme Yaresh (Selrid)
Dani
Kael Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple - New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

"It's magical, isn't it?" Nieme said with a smile. "We should take a walk in the forest sometime...if you want, of course."

Dani grinned and nodded. "It's very beautiful," she said. "I'd really like that. I haven't seen trees since I left my home, so it's very nice to see these. Have you been out in them yet?"

As she finished the question, her eyes were immediately drawn to the large structure ahead of them. Her eyes went wide and she couldn't help leaning forward to see it. "The temple," she whispered. "It's beautiful too, Nieme. I'm really going to like it here."

"Wait until you see the inside. I haven't seen everything yet, but Master Jae Dyn Brael told me there's a wonderful terrace overlooking the waterfalls." Nieme smiled and covered Dani's hand with her own. "You and I should see it after dinner. I want to show you everything, Dani."

Dani held her gaze in Nieme's for a long moment, wishing things could be different between them. "I want to see everything," she said, and then with a giggle, started trying to hurry Nieme out of the speeder so they could go see things. "I want to see the waterfalls, definitely. After dinner." She grabbed their packages on the way out, giggling happily as she and Nieme tumbled out into the clearing.

With a laugh, Liam went on ahead into the temple to tell the others.

Nieme was breathless with laughter as they bounded into the temple. The high pitched giggles resounded throughout the hallway and most likely roused any souls seeking rest within. "Come on! I'll show you to your room." Nieme pulled Dani along down the corridor, not stopping for anyone or anything as she took her new friend towards the sleeping chambers. "There are lotsa rooms. You can pick whichever you want."

"One next to yours," Dani said as they ran along. "That's still okay, isn't it? If I have my room next to yours?"

"Of course! This way at night, I can sneak over and we can talk all the way into morning." Nieme slowed down her sprint and looked back at Dani with a large grin. "This is the room I share with Kael. I used to be in this one here, but...well...Kael and I prefer to sleep together." Nieme giggled and her cheeks began to blush as she remembered why they enjoyed sleeping in the same bed together. She pushed open the door to Dani's room and gestured her inside. "The beds are very comfortable and warm."

As Dani looked wide-eyed around the room, she grinned. "Sleep is best when you can share it with another warm body," she said. "But I'd love it if you could sneak in here at night." She set the packages on the floor and moved over to the bed. "It does look comfortable."

"Nieme, you're back," a voice from the hallway said. "Did you find her? Did you find the purple nymph?"

Nieme spun around quickly and hurried over to the one person above all others she couldn't wait to see. "Kael!" She ran into his arms as he appeared in the doorway and embraced him tenderly. "We found her!" Overcome with joy, she kissed him deeply on the lips, then pulled away with a laugh. "Come on, I'll introduce you."

Kael laughed along with Nieme and motioned for her to lead the way into the room. He wrapped an arm around her waist and moved with her. As they stepped, he realized just how much he liked how they moved together.

Inside the room, Dani looked up as Nieme and Kael appeared. She smiled brightly as she felt their love overflowing into the room. She grinned at Nieme and then glanced to Kael. They were beautiful together. She stepped away from the bed and realized that Kael was almost gawking at her.

"Dani, this is Kael, the one I was telling you about." Nieme looked up at Kael and excitement suddenly lit up her eyes. "We went to the shipyards and when we got there, me and Liam jumped...and oh, it was so high! And then...and then we found her and then there were these men. They were bad men, Kael...very bad--and then I ran and I tackled this big, enormous man to the ground and...oh, I was so scared but I had to save her. And then he threw me and then Liam...you should have seen it! Oh, it was amazing, Kael."

Kael laughed and turned his attention to Nieme, glad to have his eyes pulled away from the gorgeous creature Nieme had brought home with her. "It sounds like you had much more excitement than I did today," he said. "But, I'm very glad you're both safe. And, I'm glad to have you here with us, Dani. I'm sure we'll be training together. Not to mention living next door. If you ever need anything, Nieme and I are always around, and always willing to help a friend."

Dani grinned. "Thank you," she said. "And, I just want to say that you are very lucky to have Nieme as your chosen. She's been a very good friend to me in the short time that I've known her. I hope the three of us can be good friends. And, good Jedi Knights." She grinned again and then laughed. "You should have seen her. So valiant rushing in to save me."

"Well, I couldn't let those bad men hurt you. I had to save you--I had to save her, Kael." Nieme giggled as the bags from the short shopping trip caught her eye. She stood on the balls of her feet and cupped her hand around Kael's ear as she brought her lips to it. "Dani helped me pick out a surprise for you," she whispered before giggling again. She stepped away from him with a large grin, then looked to Dani. "Do you want us to leave you so you can have your private time?" she asked, hoping Dani would wait until later for a tour.

Dani smiled and then nodded. Feeling the waves of arousal coming from both Kael and Nieme was having quite the effect on her, and the time in the changing room with Nieme flared in her mind. She knew she was looking at the pair with lust in her eyes, and didn't know how long she could last. She stepped forward, still grinning. "Yeah," she said. "I'll need...my private time. I'll see you later at dinner. Come get me when it's ready, okay?"

"Great. And then Kael and I can give you the tour and we can visit the waterfalls!" Nieme giggled as she moved to Dani and embraced her. "Thank you for the shopping trip," she said quietly. "I can't wait till Kael sees his present." She kissed Dani quickly on the cheek, then moved towards Kael and picked up the bag containing his surprise gift. She held it tightly closed so Kael couldn't sneak a peek, then scampered to his side with another giggle. "We'll...we'll see you soon, Dani. I'm really, really glad you're here."

"Me too," Dani said with a smile. "It was really nice to meet you, Kael. I'll see you two later. I can't wait to see the waterfalls, or to taste the wonders that you'll make us for dinner."

Kael smiled but kept his thoughts to himself. He turned his eyes to Nieme, knowing he shouldn't be looking at Dani. He was just happy that he and Nieme would be able to slip into their room alone. He wanted to make love to his wife, and to force Dani's beauty out of his mind through the love he felt for the woman who had claimed his heart. While Dani was beautiful, she could never steal him from Nieme. "Ready, love?"

Nieme nodded excitedly and tugged on Kael's arm as she backed away hurriedly. "We'll...we'll see you later, Dani. I'm so glad you're here... You're my first girlfriend. Oh, there's so much I want to show you and do!" She giggled as they continued backing away into the hallway with Kael now tugging on her arm and trying to drag her away from Dani. "I'll see you later, Dani!" She waved at her and finally disappeared into the hallway with Kael, still giggling as they departed.

Dani moved to the door and waved as Nieme and Kael disappeared down the hall. With a flourish, she blew Nieme a kiss and then pushed the door closed with a giggle.

Kael watched the exchange with an amused smile, and once Dani's door was closed, he laughed. "Your new girlfriend, eh?" Kael said with a grin. "Not trying to mimic Jae Dyn and Yelara, are you?"

Nieme looked panicked for a moment, then shook her head vigorously. "N-No! No, Kael. It...it's not like that. She's just my friend. She's...we aren't...no, not like that."

Kael laughed and pulled Nieme into his arms as he pulled them both into their bedroom. "I know that," he said. "I was teasing you, my love. But the way she was looking at us. Ferrig's sister used to get that look. Dani needs a man in a big way. Right now, as I bring you in here to make love to you, I imagine she's just on the other side of that wall pleasuring herself with her hands. She was practically writhing out there, and the pure lust in her eyes..." He laughed and then kissed Nieme passionately. "Poor girl. Too bad we're both very taken."

"You mean...that was the private time she was talking about?" Nieme giggled bashfully and the familiar blushing of her cheeks ensued. "Well...she comes from a very strange planet. The people there...they enjoy being with others. She was very unhappy when she found out there would be no one here for her. But I'm doing my best to make her feel happy again."

Kael pushed the door closed and then drew Nieme along with him toward the bed. "Well, I'm sure she'll be able to satisfy herself with her hands," he said. "But, right now, I'm going to satisfy you in every way a husband should satisfy his wife. I love you, Nieme." He kissed her again. "I'm sure she'll be happy once she finishes in there. And, right now, I intend to make you very happy too."

"Wait!" Nieme slipped coyly from Kael's embrace and slowly edged her way backwards. "You have to turn around and promise not to peek. I don't want you to ruin the surprise!"

Kael grinned and then turned around for Nieme. He put his hands over his eyes to add to the effect, and then waited. "I really missed you, Nieme," he said. "I think I can kinda detect someone who has Force abilities now, but it wasn't easy. I got upset once when I wasn't getting it. Yelara had been cleaning the table...there was carbosyrup everywhere. You know how Jedis can move things around with their mind? Well, I almost hit Yelara with a sponge. I didn't mean it though!"

Nieme laughed as she set her bag down and pulled out Kael's surprise. "So training went okay then? Oh, to be able to make things fly like that. How did it feel? I can't wait to start my training!"

Kael laughed. "Well, I wish I could remember how I did it," he said. "I was so frustrated that I couldn't detect the Force in Master Jae Dyn, that it just happened. Yelara laughed about it, especially when she threw the sponge back at me. I just wish she'd wrung it out first. For a pregnant woman, she's got a good throwing arm and great aim."

Nieme couldn't stop laughing at Kael's recountal of his mishaps during training, but she still managed to slip on the equadi without a sound. Her laughter helped to drown out the gentle rustling of the material and once it was finally clasped, she turned around to face Kael. She opened her mouth to say it was alright for him to peek, but she remembered one minor detail she'd forgotten and quickly took care of it. Carefully, she slid down her panties and pulled them off. With a giggle, Nieme flung them at Kael and as they landed directly atop his head, she realized her aim wasn't that bad either.

Kael laughed when he felt the soft bundle hit him on his head. "Looks like your aim isn't so bad either," he said, and pulled them down. When he saw what they were, his eyes widened in surprise. He quickly turned around and his heart nearly pounded its way out through his chest at the sight of Nieme standing there in the beautiful gown. His eyes and face lit up, and his desire flared hotter than he could ever remember it. He took a step forward and tried to make a sound, but all that came out was a stuttering moan. After a moment, the synapses of his brain got things under control, and he realized he could form complete words again. "Beautiful," he said. "Really. It's. Very beautiful. Oh gods." He'd have to work on complete sentences later, but at the moment there were other matters that needed attention.

"You...you like it?" Nieme laughed bashfully and looked down at the sheer, red-hued gown. "Dani helped me pick it out. She...she suggested I get it and then I thought that maybe you'd like it. I-I know how you like to stare at the women on the street who wear these things so...I just thought you might like it on me." She looked up at Kael hesitantly and asked quietly, "Do you like it on me?"

Kael's grin seemed to grow and he nodded vigourously. "Very much," he said. "You're beautiful, Nieme. Oh wow. You're...I'll have to thank Dani for this." He laughed. "I don't even want to know if she got one. It's beautiful, Nieme. It's...you look amazing."

Nieme had to cover her cheeks with her hands to hide the dark flush that had consumed them. She giggled sheepishly and finally gathered the nerve to look up at Kael. Seeing the desire burning in his eyes only worsened matters and Nieme resorted to embracing Kael just to hide her bared body revealed beneath the equadi. "Dani...she has a purple one, but she...she said she didn't feel right wearing it in here." She laughed excitedly and looked up at Kael. "I hoped you'd like it. I-I wasn't sure, but I am now. I love you, Kael. I wanted to make you happy in celebration of our wedding. Are you happy? I am, so very much. I like being Nieme Selrid. I like it very very much."

Kael kissed Nieme, pulling her to him as tight as he could without crushing her. "You've made me very happy," he said with a laugh. "And, I think if Dani wore an equadi here, she'd probably have Master Jae Dyn and Yelara very upset with her." He kissed her again. "I like it very, very much. You are the most beautiful wife ever."

"And I imagine you're the best husband ever. I...I love you, Kael. I never expected that I could be this happy." Nieme kissed Kael tenderly, and moaned softly as the hardness in his groin pressed against her mound. "Is...is your lump all ready?" she asked with an anxious smile. "I mean...it's been an hour, right?"

"It's definitely been an hour," Kael said with a wicked grin. "And, my lump is all ready for you." Her body so close to his in the flimsy fabric of the dress was nearly too much. "Why don't we go try out our bed?" He brushed his hands over her breasts and then down across her belly to lightly touch her mound. "I want to show you how much I missed you today."

"I want you to show me too," she whispered. She closed her eyes and sighed at the exhilarating waves of arousal that his touch elicited. "I want...I want your lump in me, Kael." She opened her large, brown eyes and gazed up at Kael with an obvious yearning. "I like how you touch me, Kael," she said timidly. "No matter who might think you're some violent, angry ganger, I know how truly gentle you are. You've a gentle soul, my love."

Kael lifted Nieme into his arms and carried her to their bed. As he set her down, the fabric of the dress billowed out around her and set his heart racing again. He kissed her slowly and tenderly as his hands explored her body, as just her presence sent his pulse racing and his desire burning like a star. He loved her more than anything and everything, and could not imagine his life without her in it. Together they were everything, and as he slipped free of his clothes, and she from hers, he vowed to always make her feel as special as she made him.

And, without another word, they made love in the billowing cloud of a Kir'Thanan sunset.

"Steaming Passion, Part 1"
by Kallia Brael
Yelara Zaneth
Dani
Nieme Yaresh (Selrid)
Kael Selrid
Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

Kallia watched the trio of youths nearly run out of the dining area, intent on racing to the waterfalls. She smiled and then turned to Yelara who had a similar expression of mirth on her face. They sat alone, since Liam had gone to set up the training for the next morning. She knew that he was still uncomfortable about the encounter that morning. She had to admit that she wasn't exactly at peace with the sudden threesome they'd found themselves in. She had been prepared for it, and had expected it eventually. Not in the middle of the dining room, practically in front of their students. But, she couldn't deny that the experience was fulfilling. And, Yelara's boasts about Liam's capabilities as a lover were quite accurate. She smiled at the memory, and felt her cheeks flushing with colour.

She shook her head and looked at Yelara again. "Those three have bonded quickly," she said. "And, I have a feeling we're going to have to keep our eyes on Dani or else we're going to have a second little grouping like ours here at the Temple."

Yelara's smile was at once proud and sly as she stared back at Kallia. "She's trouble, that's for sure. I should know, after all; I was just like her when I was her age. I like her alot."

Kallia laughed. "I don't think it's possible to not like her," she said. "We'll have to watch her, I think. I know what kind of trouble you get into now, and I think with her looks... You're going to have quite the rival there, my love. And, I fear for the day when the two of you team up to wreak havoc together. I will say for certain it's never going to be dull around here."

"Oh, come now, Kal. I'm not a child anymore. My days of wreaking havoc are over." She looked down at her distended stomach and soothingly ran her hands over it. "Besides, even if I wanted to cause trouble, I'm physically incapable of doing so...unfortunately."

Kallia moved closer to Yelara and kissed her gently. "You and I both know that the only thing keeping you from causing mischief is that little bundle of joy you've got growing in your belly." She brushed a hand lovingly over Yelara's belly and then looked up into her eyes. "Once you've had your baby, I think you will be beautifully terrible."

Yelara smirked at Kal and shook her head slowly. "No...by then, I'll have new responsibilities. I'll be forced to grow up, no matter how hard I try to resist it. Besides, Liam likes the playfulness, but with all the duties he has running this place, I doubt he'd appreciate me running rampant and causing trouble." She gave a resigned sigh and shrugged her shoulders. "It's ok. I've had plenty of time to revel in my youthfulness. It's about time I grew up. I just...I didn't think it would happen when I was only twenty-four."

Kallia slipped her arms around Yel and kissed her slowly. "You are who you are," she said. "And, Liam and I both love who you are. If you try to change that because you think you have responsibilities now... I have a baby now, Yel, and this morning I had wild sex with the woman I love more than life and her husband. If you become as dour and moody as Liam, I swear I'll have to try seducing Dani for a little fun in my life."

"Hey!" Yelara cradled Kallia's face and kissed her deeply. She pulled away with a mischievous smile and gently tugged on the loose strands of Kal's hair. "You do that and I won't let you play with Liam anymore. You two... Let's just say you appeared to be enjoying yourselves earlier. Were you enjoying my husband? Don't lie now!" Yelara laughed and kissed Kal quickly on the nose. "You appreciate my choice in men, don't you?"

Kallia grinned and then pulled Yel into her arms, her lips seeking out those of her love. They kissed deeply. When Kallia pulled away, her eyes were focused on Yelara's. "Your husband is amazing," she said. "And, it was very enjoyable. Maybe tonight...after our Padawans are all tucked into bed, the three of us can have a recap. It was so wonderful to have a man making love to me who was there because...because of something other than a quest for power and control. You are very lucky, Yel. And, I guess, as long as you don't mind sharing, I am too."

"As long as you two are comfortable with it, so am I. I want us all to be happy." Yelara sighed and nestled her head into Kallia's bosom. "It was strange at first, watching him with someone other than me, but then I remembered that the two bodies writhing before me were those of the two people in this universe I love more than anything. After that, I embraced it. And..." Yelara sighed and looked up at Kallia with a rueful smile. "It's good for him, you know? He...he needs to be with someone who can... I'm not the most mature person, Kal; I know that. I guess if he can share himself with you, be with someone more on his own level, then he'll be happier. I know I can't make him completely happy. I know that...I can't entirely hold an intelligent conversation or be insightful... You can. He...he needs that. That's why I'm glad you're here. He needs someone like you around."

Kallia smiled. "You're as mature as you need to be," she said. "You don't have to go through your life with the stoicism of a Jedi Master. And, that's why I love being with you, and I think it's the same for Liam. You're alive, Yelara. Whenever I'm near you, I can feel it. And, you make me feel alive. Liam and I can talk about Jedi things and politics and all that, but with you we live." She kissed Yel again. "And, don't sell yourself short on your insightfulness or intelligence. I wouldn't love you the way I do if I didn't think you were smart as well as beautiful and playful. And, tonight I can't wait to get the two of you into bed so I can show you my playful side."

Yelara laughed as she ran her finger along Kallia's arm. "Are you sure you can wait until tonight? I think you're liking this whole threesome thing. I know I am." She reached behind Kallia's head and gently loosed the tie holding her hair in place. She ran her fingers through the long, brown locks of hair and whispered, "I've always loved your beautiful hair. It always smells so wonderful, even after training. Is it some effect of giving birth to a child?"

Kallia grinned. "I don't think it has to do with having a baby," she said. "Maybe I know that you like it, so I do what I can to make it extra nice for you." She kissed Yelara's throat and then gazed up into her eyes. "Want to go find Liam?"

A shuddering breath signalled Yelara's arousal and with a smile, she nodded her head quickly. "I would. Oh gods, more than ever, I do." She allowed her hands to wander down to Kal's breasts and gently cradled them. "I'm glad I'm not a child anymore," she whispered. "If I were, I wouldn't get to do this."

Kallia grinned mischievously. "I love it when you do that," she said. "And, you do realize that it's just you, me, and Liam in the Temple, right?" She slowly started unbuttoning her top. "Would you like to go give Liam a really big surprise?"

Yelara moved her hands to Kal's buttons and smiled at her silkily. "Here...I'll help." Once the buttons were undone, Yelara pushed apart Kallia's vest and brought her hands over Kallia's breasts. "I'm glad Liam has someone pleasant to look at. You know, you get him all worked up. Just the sight of you..." She leaned over and planted a tender kiss upon each of Kallia's nipples, then moved her lips to the hollow of her neck.

Kallia grinned as she started helping to free Yelara from her dress while moaning softly. "Now he has two someones," she said with a wicked grin. "Once we get our clothes off, we need enough self control to go find him. I can't wait to see the look on his face when we show up looking for him."

"Correction," Yelara said as she freed her arms from the sleeves of her dress. "Looking for him while we're naked." She giggled excitedly as she pushed herself to her feet and let her dress fall to the floor. She pulled Kallia up with her and kissed her deeply while unfastening her pants. "Come on. There's a chill in the air and I think we need Liam to help warm us up."

Kallia giggled and stepped out of her pants and quickly pulled off her boots. "You know, I do believe this place has a draft," she said. "I definitely think I need those big strong arms of his around me to get my blood flowing." She kissed Yel and grinned. "It's a good thing your husband is a big guy with arms big enough for both of us."

Yelara looked down at her swollen belly and laughed. "You mean, three of us." Without another word and only fits of laughter, Yelara took Kal's hand and pulled her along excitedly. "I hope he's not too busy for his girls."

"Well, if he is too busy for us, I say we just move to the side and make love right there," Kallia said. "If he's busy, I don't think he'll be for long. And, something tells me that one look at us, and he'll be ours. Then again, could it be any other way?"

"No...this is how it should be. This is how it'll always be, Kal." With their loose hair streaming behind them, they sped down the corridor, laughing and shrieking with excitement. If that didn't grab Liam's attention, their naked bodies bared to him in offering would definitely do the trick.

***

The sun sinking lower felt wonderful on Dani's skin. She couldn't remember the last time she'd seen the sun or smelled trees and flowers. It was all so beautiful and alive. She knew she probably looked like she'd never seen a tree in her life, but walking along with Nieme and Kael, she fit right in. Everything was wonderful and new for all of them. She could still feel the warm glow of their love for each other. At least it had softened somewhat from earlier. While she'd been on her bed trying to find release from the feelings Nieme had filled her with, they had been only a few meters away on their bed making love. It was very powerful and had left Dani feeling like she'd had too much spice. But, now it wasn't quite so overwhelming.

She put her face to a flower on the side of the trail and inhaled deeply. The deep red petals tickled her nose and cheeks, and the scent almost left her lightheaded. "It's all so beautiful," she said. "I wish I could move out here to live. Or at least stay out here for a short time. Maybe a night. It's so beautiful, isn't it?"

"Oh, it's wonderful!" Nieme gazed up at the pastel sky and sighed. She closed her eyes and immersed herself completely in the beauty of the moment. The sun was still lingering on the horizon and casting its orange hue upon the clouds. Hidden in the trees, birds sang their gentle lullaby and amplified the mystical qualities of the forest. It truly felt like a sanctuary now and she hoped no one unworthy ever tread there. "It's so peaceful here," she whispered. "It's...it's a dream."

Kael glanced down at Nieme's face and saw the peace reflected there that he saw all around them. "It's hard to believe that with all this out there, those people in the city choose that life. To be surrounded by constructed monstrosities with their foul air and frenetic pace... I'd rather be here."

Dani smiled. "The cities have their uses, but you're right. Why would anyone choose something so claustrophobic and oppressive when this is so close?" Her eyes widened with pure wonder as the waterfall came into view. She rushed forward and closed her eyes as she stopped near the edge. She could feel the cool spray as it misted over everything. She opened her eyes and just stared. "It's...it's beautiful. Look at all the colours. Just imagine what it'll look like during the sunset...or the sunrise! Oh Nieme! Kael! Look!"

Nieme's eyes flew open and she gasped at the startling beauty of the cascading, glistening water tumbling over the cliff. She stepped closer as if entranced and gazed down at the rushing waters filling the reservoir below. She glanced at Dani, whose body was swaying like a leaf in the wind, and placed her hand lightly on her shoulder. "Not too close," she whispered. "They haven't taught us how to fly yet."

Dani glanced at Nieme and then grinned. She took a step back from the edge and grinned happily. "It's beautiful," she whispered. It seemed like many minutes of just watching when she pulled her gaze away and noticed Nieme and Kael holding each other and kissing, their focus only on each other. Finally they pulled apart and looked at the waterfall again. Kael glanced at Dani and she gave a sheepish grin and quickly averted her attention. She'd been caught staring.

When she turned away though, she'd spotted a trail leading down toward the small lake below. "Hey," she said and pointed. "I think it goes all the way down." She started toward it, careful not to slip on any loose dirt or rock. "I want to see the bottom," she said.

"B-Be careful." Nieme took Kael's hand and smiled at him as she started after Dani. She moved hurriedly to catch up with Dani, and once by her side, she slipped her free hand into her friend's. "I've never seen real water before. Well, besides in the refresher, but I've never seen it in...well...a lake or anything."

With Nieme's hand in hers, Dani felt like she could fly. "The water is beautiful," Dani said. "Have you ever been in it? Not just standing under the water of a shower, but immersed yourself in it? It's so beautiful." She looked down at the water and then at Nieme. "Want to learn to swim? When I was a girl, I went all the time. Oh it's so nice, especially during the summer months."

"Swim?" Nieme looked up at Kael apprehensively, then to the water with a sudden sense of anxiety. "I've...I've never been in water like that before. Only the shower...in the refresher." She looked at the placid, gently stirring waters and slowly moved towards them. She crouched down before the edge and dipped her hand into the cool, clear water. "Oh...it feels so nice!" She looked back at Dani and Kael with a grin. "I would like to learn how to swim. But...but what do we wear?"

Dani grinned. "Well, I wasn't planning on wearing anything," she said with a mischievous grin. "But you can wear your undergarments if you'd like. Or nothing." Dani reached up and unclasped her top and let it fall away. When she unhooked the back, she grabbed it before it could flutter to the ground. She moved back to a rock and lay it atop it. Without preamble, she pulled off her boots, and then the tight leather pants she wore and put them with the top. She turned back to Nieme and Kael. Nieme was staring in shocked silence, mouth moving but no sound coming out; Kael was staring, shocked as well, but with admiration in his eyes.

Kael glanced at Nieme, and then at Dani's very naked body. As the purple youth gave them an impish grin, he tried to return it, but with his anxiety twisting in his gut, he wasn't quite sure what to do. He turned to Nieme and gave her a questioning look. He figured she wouldn't remove her clothing, and if she didn't neither would he. If they needed to, they would cuddle on the shore and watch Dani swim.

"If you two come in, I'll see you out there!" With that, she sped toward the water and leapt in.

"We...we can't let her go by herself...can we?" Nieme looked at Kael with uncertainty, then down at her clothes with a laugh. "Well...you've both seen me without my clothes on before..." She giggled nervously, but began undoing her pants at any rate. "Are you... Do you want to come in, Kael? We can learn together."

Kael looked at Nieme, and then at Dani who was watching both of them from the water. When Kael looked at her, just the sight of her nearly took his breath away. It wasn't fair that a single woman, and hardly even a woman at that, could be so beautiful. He'd been around enough to at least be able to make a decent guess of a woman's age, and he knew that Dani couldn't be any older than Raeila...if she was that old. He didn't know what species she was, but it was unbelievable. As he looked at Nieme, though, he knew that not even Dani's exotic, exquisite beauty could ever change his heart for Nieme. He grinned at his wife, and then nodded. "Might as well learn now, and she looks like she knows what she's doing." He pulled off his shirt and tossed it back near Dani's clothes, and then pulled off his boots. After adding them to the pile, he glanced between the two women, and then stripped off his pants.

If felt so strange to be standing in the open without a stitch of clothing on except for his marriage bracelet. But, as he stood there watching Nieme removing her clothing, he grinned. "Need any help, my love," he whispered.

The sight of Kael's naked body still surprised her and made her giggle but she could do nothing about her permanent bashfulness. "You can let me lean on you while I slip off my pants." Nieme placed her hand on Kael's shoulder and smiled at him as she carefully slipped one leg, then the other out of her pants. She opted to keep her panties on for the lesson, but she had no choice about her breasts. As she slipped her top over her head, she felt her entire body blushing. "We...we should go in now, I guess."

Kael kissed Nieme and held her to him before looking at Dani. The girl motioned them into the water. "We should go in," he said, and cursed himself for the salacious thoughts going through his mind. Nieme's nearly naked body pressed to his wasn't helping matters much.

Dani grinned, and then looked away. She didn't want to stare at Nieme's chosen, and she knew that Nieme wouldn't want to be stared at. So, out of the corner of her eye, she stole glances until they were in the water. She swam over to them and grinned. "Swimming is actually easy," she said. "The one thing to remember: whatever happens, stay calm." She gave them a quick demonstration in floating, and using their bodies to move in the water. "Now, come a little deeper, and try floating."

Nieme remained close to Kael and gripped his arm tightly as they moved trepidly deeper into the pool of water. "If I fall you promise not to fall too? I mean...you can't rescue me if you're drowning too."

"I promise," Kael said with a confident smile. "And, even if something happens, it looks like Dani knows what she's doing. I don't think she'd let anything hurt us. And, I know I won't let you get hurt." He kissed her quickly. "We're fine, my love."

Nieme nodded her head, but her anxieties still displayed themselves in the form of her fingernails digging into Kael's forearm. They finally managed to reach where Dani was, and compared to their awkward movements, she moved about gracefully in the water like a sea nymph returned to her native sanctuary. "How do you do that? Oh, it must feel wonderful to just let the water pick you up and take you away like that."

"Once you've done this enough," she said with a smile, "you'll be able to move like this too." She shifted back until her body floated on the water. She glanced at Nieme and Kael with a grin. "You two try."

Nieme gazed at Dani's exposed body gracing the top of the water's surface, then looked back at Kael with a laugh. "Should I...should I try? You can hold me up and...I'll try. Then you can try!"

Dani let herself sink back into the water and faced her two students. "It's very easy once you get the hang of it," she said. She nodded to Kael.

At Dani's nod, Kael turned to Nieme. "You float, and I'll hold you up if I need to." He looked slightly uncomfortable for a brief moment, and then grinned. "And, then you can hold me up while I float." He shifted over closer to her and readied himself for her to float to the surface.

Dani's face, as she watched them, was glowing with a mixture of pride and enjoyment.

Clinging even more desperately to Kael, Nieme began reclining back. Her eyes looked frantically around as she tilted backwards and the water disappeared while the sky came into view. She let one foot float freely in the water, but couldn't bring herself to let the other one follow. "Is...is this how?" Before Dani could respond, Nieme shrieked as her other foot slipped and she was left thrashing about in the water. She tried desperately to level herself like Dani had, but her fear set in and she attempted, rather, to regain her footing. "Kael!" Her cry was cut out by the water flooding into her open mouth as her head submerged beneath the surface. She flailed her arms and managed to plant her feet on the slippery rocks below, only to have them slip out from under her again.

Kael's panic was nearly as great as Nieme's, and he frantically tried to grab her or catch her or anything to get her back above water. Dani on the other hand, moved quickly and she slipped her hands around Nieme's body, earning herself an elbow in the side and an arm across the face. She quickly hauled the still-thrashing Nieme above water, and started swimming back to the shallows, making sure Nieme's head stayed above water. "Shhh...it's alright, Nieme," she said, but the girl's fear was too strong. "Nieme, you're safe. Everything is okay now." She pressed her lips to Nieme's head, hoping the gesture would calm her. She closed her eyes as an internal debate flared briefly through her mind, and then she made her decision. To help calm the panicked Nieme, she used her pheromones to ease the fright.

Nieme's tense body melted in Dani's arms, and her head fell limply back upon Dani's chest as a wave of serenity washed over her like the lapping water of the lake. She moaned quietly as her body reacted to Dani's touch the way it did whenever Kael was near her. Her breasts felt heavy upon her chest, and the familiar tingling between her legs arose and quickly began growing into a gentle throbbing. "Oh...Dani," she whispered breathlessly. "Oh...thank you."

"You are very welcome," Dani said softly as she eased Nieme's legs down toward the bottom of the lake. "You gave me a fright. Even in shallow water, there is danger. You're safe now." She could feel Nieme's arousal, and it started her own going. "Can you stand? We can go back to the shore if you want to sit up there." She released her hold and quickly moved around to face Nieme, searching her face. "I would hate myself if I lost my saviour. There would be no one to save me from the bad men anymore."

Nieme's mouth hung open as she desperately tried to take in air. The fright and the unexpected arousal she'd felt made her breathless. She looked up at Dani with a strange desire to touch her and be near her, but she had no idea where it had come from. "I...I want to stay in here with you," she whispered softly. She felt her hand rising slowly in the air and coming down gently upon Dani's chest. As her fingers brushed lightly along Dani's breasts, she felt an odd sense of detachment from her body, yet still, the touch made her crave more contact with Dani. "I want to try again," she said again. She moved closer to her purple friend until her arms were encircled around her, and their bodies were pressed firmly together. "If you hold me, I won't fall."

Desire flooded through Dani, and she clamped down hard to keep the pheromones in check. She'd only used a scant amount, but it was apparently affecting Nieme greatly. She held Nieme close, and longed to kiss her. But, she was suddenly very aware of Kael standing in the water watching them. He was frozen in place, unsure what was happening between the two girls. She could feel the mix of anger and confusion. Dani nodded slowly to Nieme. "I can hold you," she said gently, her words caresses, "unless you'd rather have Kael hold you. I'll still be near though." She looked into Nieme's eyes, and couldn't help adding, "Very near."

Nieme nodded slowly with her eyes fixed to Dani's lips, so supple and seemingly drawing her in closer. She had the urge to touch them with her own, but slowly, the sudden arousal she'd felt began fading and the wonderful warmth that had filled her escaped into the surrounding waters. With a nervous laugh, she gently pulled away from Dani and tried to clear her mind of the fog clouding it. "I...I think I should just..." She clenched her eyes shut for a moment and opened them once her confusion dissipated. "Maybe I should sit out for a while. Just until I warm up again. You...you and Kael can keep swimming though. I won't mind."

Dani nodded. "Okay," she said. "We'll just be out here then. We won't be far." She pushed out over to Kael who was glaring at her. With a start, he suddenly surged over to where Nieme was. Dani flinched at his passing as if struck by a physical blow. She sobbed once, but then took a calming breath. She turned back to watch them, almost calling out that she'd be swimming...but then decided to just swim. She fled off toward where the waters above fed the small lake.

Kael approached Nieme slowly, cautiously. "Nieme? My love? Are you alright? Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine...I think." She looked around her surroundings as if suddenly forgetting where they were and what had happened. "I...I must have swallowed more water than I thought." She shook her head slowly, then turned away from him and moved sluggishly towards the shore. "You...you go and have fun. I'll just... I'm going to lie down."

"I'll lie down with you," Kael said, moving along behind her. "Dani's doing fine on her own, and I don't know how to swim anyway. I'd just be too concerned about you to concentrate on that even if I let her try to teach me. I'll stay with you...if that's alright."

"Yes...it's fine." Nieme climbed out of the water on shaky legs and moved carefully to her clothes. Despite her body still dripping with water, she picked up her shirt and slipped it on over her head. It soaked up all the excess liquid on her body, and the once purple shirt became a shade of black. Still disoriented from what she'd just been through, Nieme climbed atop the large boulder standing near the edge of the water and curled up on it. It had absorbed heat from the sun and was now warm to the touch, which was the perfect thing needed to heat up her trembling body.

Kael moved and sat next to the rock and looked up at her. "What happened between you two? She looked like she was about to kiss you. I mean, really kiss you...like I kiss you. I mean, you already said she'd seen you naked...and now that? Is there something I should know about, Nieme?"

"What?" Nieme sat up and shifted around to face Kael. When she did, all her confusion and fear about what had just happened manifested itself as an angry scowl directed at Kael. "She's my friend! Can't I have friends, Kael? She was helping me. I was scared and she was making me feel not scared. If you're going to be so jealous then...then maybe I don't want to sleep in your bed anymore!"

"What would you do? Sleep in hers?" Kael closed his eyes and wished he could take the words back. His head sank, his shoulders drooped, and his whole body seemed to wilt. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. It's just...it's just the way she was looking at you. That's the way I'm supposed to look at you. Not other people, and certainly not other girls. I'm sorry, Nieme. I guess I just saw you two...and it was upsetting to see someone else holding you like that."

"Well if she wants to hold me, to make me feel safe, then why can't she?" Nieme glared at Kael and became even more agitated by his presence. She felt confined and confused; even the sun beating down upon her back was making her restless. She looked towards Dani watching them from the water. Her colours had dimmed and looking at them made even Nieme sad. Her gaze shifted back to Kael again, but it hadn't softened at all. "And if I want to sleep in my friend's bed, then there's no way you can stop me."

Nieme scrambled off the rock and once her feet hit the soft forest floor, she looked up at Kael again. "I won't let you keep me from making her feel not alone. I won't let her be sad because you want to stick your penis in me all the time. I won't!" Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed up the path, leaving her pants behind, as well as Kael and Dani.

Kael watched Nieme for a moment, then growled and started pulling on his clothes. Once he was dressed, he moved to the edge of the water where Dani was slowly approaching. His eyes blazed with the anger he was feeling. "This is your fault," he rasped. "You did that to her. You better-- Just-- Just stay way from her! She's mine, and you won't steal her away from me! You may be beautiful and exotic, but she loves me and I won't let you hurt her! Us! Just...just stay away!"

Before Dani could open her mouth, Kael had turned and fled up the path after Nieme. She slowly pulled herself out of the water and moved to the rock where Nieme had been sitting. The emotions that had swirled around Kael like a stormcloud felt like the dark oppressive feeling she got whenever she'd gone into Danebra's, like being smothered by a heavy blanket. But, now, sitting on the rock alone she was left with only her own feelings and emotions. She'd hurt Nieme, and hurt Kael even more. All she wanted was to love her friend, but knew Kael would never allow that. She felt the first tear fall and caught it in the palm of her hand. It looked so lonely sitting there all alone. With a sob, she allowed herself to shed friends for the single droplet.

"Steaming Passion, Part 2"
by Nieme Yaresh (Selrid)
Kael Selrid
Dani
Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

Despite the tears blinding her eyes, Nieme managed to find her way back to the temple. The sun had already set and the chill of the night air was made worse by the scant clothing Nieme wore. She'd fled without her pants and her shirt was still wet, but none of that mattered. She still couldn't comprehend what had transpired between she and Dani in the lake, but despite being frightening and confusing, Nieme had enjoyed the sensations coursing through her, even if it was wrong to feel that way about a woman as well as a friend.

Once she burst through the doors of the temple, the silent sobs she'd been emitting now resounded and echoed off the walls. Her bare feet smacked against the floor and her wails trailed behind her as she made her way aimlessly through the hallways. Kael was wrong to try and keep she and Dani apart. He didn't understand loneliness; he'd always had his gang while she and Dani had had no one. Dani needed her and she'd sworn to be her friend and keep the sadness away. She wouldn't let Kael prevent her from doing that.

Happening upon the door to the bedroom she shared with Kael, Nieme pushed through it and slammed it shut behind her. She put the latch on it so if Kael did try and come in, he wouldn't be able to gain entry. He couldn't control her and if he tried, he'd be sleeping on the cold floor in the hallway.

Kael burst into the temple like a thunderstorm and made straight to his and Nieme's room. He saw that it was closed and sighed. At least she was in there. Now maybe they could get the foolishness taken care of. He grabbed the handle and pushed...but it didn't budge. She'd locked it! The love of his life and the woman he'd married earlier in the day had locked him out of their own room. "Nieme," he called. "Come on, Nieme, open the door. We need to talk about this. Just let me in so we can talk. At least let me get some clean, dry clothes."

Nieme had her face buried into the pillow of the bed, but tore it away to holler back at Kael. "You don't want to talk! All you want to do is tell me who I can be friends with and what I can and can't do!" She whimpered loudly, but managed to find a voice with which to shout at Kael again. "You made her sad! She...she only tried to help me and you made her colours all sad!"

"Only tried to help you into her bed," Kael said through the closed door. "She was trying to seduce you, Nieme! She was trying to take you away from me. What kind of friend is that? That would take away his wi-- his arozeil. She's just a hedonistic slu-- girl...trying to turn you into a lesbian like her!"

"Stop it!" Nieme flew off the bed and rushed to the door. "S-Stop saying those things about her! You...you don't understand. She's alone. She just wants someone to not make her alone anymore." Nieme glared at the door, a gaze filled with such burning anger it threatened to consume the door in a smouldering conflagration. "She's not the one stealing your wife, Kael," she rasped. "You're driving her away all on your own."

Kael felt his heart lurch. "No," he whispered. "Oh gods, Nieme. Please no. I don't mean to. It's just that...just that I'm scared. I don't want to lose you. But the way she looked at you... It scared me, Nieme...because you were looking at her the same way..."

"I-I didn't, Kael. I didn't mean to. I was...I was so scared and then she touched me and then...I wasn't scared anymore and it felt so strange..." Nieme pressed her hand to the door for support and sighed softly. "She made me feel safe, Kael, that's all. I don't...I'm so confused. I don't know what happened, but I do know I don't want to be with her like that. I'm not...not a l-lesbian."

All the confusion and anger and fear she'd been feeling culminated and finally ripped from Nieme her resolve. She whimpered quietly and felt her legs melting beneath her as she slid to the ground. "I...I don't want to lose you, Kael." She sobbed and pressed her cheek to the door, wishing it were Kael's hand cradling her face. "I love you, Kael, but you were so mean and cruel... Why do you have to be that way?"

"I didn't mean it," Kael said softly. "I didn't want to hurt you... It's just...I was scared... She did something to you, Nieme. She had to have done something to you to make you look at her like that. Please, I don't want us to fight. I want us to be together. I just don't want her to try to steal you away from me. I don't want her to...to make me feel like that..."

Nieme trembled from the chill of sitting on the cold floor with a scant amount of wet clothing on, and combined with the shuddering sobs, she desperately needed someone to hold. She slowly reached up to the latch on the door and unlocked it, then she pulled it open. With the tears still streaming down her face, she looked up at Kael with her quavering arms outstretched. "Kael...please..."

Without hesitation, Kael quickly pulled Nieme into his arms as she wrapped hers around him. He kissed her face and lips, needing to hold and touch, to let her know that he loved her more than anything in life. They belonged together, and nothing anyone else could ever do would interfere with that. Nieme was his, and he hers. Dani might have been beautiful, but she wouldn't steal his wife away from him. He wouldn't let it happen. And, he would make sure that Nieme saw exactly what Dani was doing. She'd see that her friendship was just a ploy to steal her away from him. He wouldn't allow that to happen. He knew who he wanted, and he wouldn't split his love away from Nieme and she wouldn't split hers from him. They were meant to be. And, he would do anything to make sure they were.

"I'm sorry, Kael," she whispered as she surrendered to his touch and his kisses. "I was bad... I didn't mean to be so bad." She pressed her body to his and moaned at the hardness that greeted her. "Kael...I want to be with you," she whispered desperately. Her hands slipped down to this pants and with trembling hands, she tried to force them open. "I'm yours, Kael. I'm only yours. Please, see that."

Kael pulled them both into their room and closed the door. He kissed her passionately as he half-carried her to the bed. Her hands were fumbling with his pants and his frantically tried to get her shirt off. With his other hand, he slipped his fingers down between her legs and brushed them over her mound. Dani wouldn't do this to her. Nieme would know that only he could make her feel like this. Dani may look at her with desire and passion, but only he could act on that desire. Only he could give her the bliss of their union. He was the only one!

Nieme's body tensed and her hips jerked forward against Kael's hand. She moaned entreaties to him and her body physically conveyed them through her swelling breasts and her writhing hips. Despite the frenzy that suddenly sent her thoughts awry and had rendered her hands uncooperative, she managed to pull open Kael's pants and push them down. "Kael...oh please. I'll be good." She kissed him desperately on the lips and neck while begging him with her flushed body to secure his hold on her. "I'll be so good, Kael. I-I won't ever... You'll have me always."

Once Nieme's hands were freed from his pants, he was able to get her shirt. The thin purple fabric was stretched taut against her body. Purple just like Dani. He grasped a handful of the fabric in his hand and pulled it away. The tearing sound filled the air, mixed with their moans. Once free of the oppressive garment, he moved his lips to her breasts, feasting on them hungrily. He threw the torn shirt behind him and lifted Nieme onto the bed. He climbed after her, devouring her with a ravenous appetite. "I love you, Nieme," he moaned and pulled her panties away. "I love you." He entered her with a grunt and cried out at the union. She was his!

Nieme winced at the sudden pain arising from her mound. His thrusts were desperate and rough, and with every one, a new spike of pain devoured more of the pleasure elicited by the act. Her moans were mingled with pain-filled groans and whimpers as Kael's weight was bared down upon her and his violent thrusts seemed to abrade her insides. She writhed on the bed, more in an attempt to wriggle away from Kael rather than to physically display her ecstasy.

"Kael..." she whispered with a sob. The tears fell again as they had earlier, but these ones were filled with the sudden terror and fear she felt at Kael's aggressive ravaging of her body. She tried to find her voice under all the cries of pain and sobs she was emitting; she wanted desperately to make him stop, but with the wild look in his eyes and his frantic motions, Nieme wasn't even certain if he was still conscious of what was happening. He seemed entranced by a need, a need to have her all to himself and to reinforce to her that she belonged to him. What frightened Nieme the most was that she desperately wanted to be his, no matter what, and even in this erratic state, she loved him more than ever.

Kael could hear his cries ringing in his ears. Nieme's cries seemed far away, distant against the pounding of blood, the need to win her back. She said she was his, but he needed to feel it. Words were too easy. They needed to feel the connection they shared. With a final cry, he released inside her. Once his body, tense with his climax, finished, he collapsed against her. He then kissed her. "I love you, Nieme. I love you, my arozeil, my beloved."

Unable to do anything but whimper a reply, Nieme turned her head away from Kael and wept quietly into the sheets of the bed. She was his, utterly and completely, and no matter how frightened she was of him at that moment, she knew she would never leave him and could never stop loving him. "I...I'm yours, Kael," she whispered in a shaky, thick voice. "I'll always be yours, my love."

Kael pulled her into his arms as he slid to the side. "And, I'll always be yours," he said softly. "Shhh...it's okay, my love. Everything is okay now. It's okay, Nieme. Everything is okay. Oh my precious darling. Everything is good now."

She sought warmth in his embrace, but all she found was her flesh rebelling at his touch. His breath upon her face made her cringe, and his words brought a bitter taste up into her throat. Still, she could not deny that she loved him dearly. The nagging pain in her mound remained as a reminder that she was his and no matter what he did to her, she wouldn't abandon him.

Through the blinding tears, the remnants of her tattered, purple shirt melted into view. Kael despised Dani with a ferocity, but Nieme could not abandon her, just as she could not turn her back on Kael. If the pain was necessary to relieve the tension Dani's presence caused in their relationship, if Kael needed to ravage her body to quell his insecurities, Nieme thought it her duty to surrender to Kael's fury. She had to maintain the peace and keep their relationship harmonious. She would take up that burden, no matter how painful it was. She would bear the weight of the world for Kael, for his love. Anything for his love.

With a gentle sigh, Kael closed his eyes and held Nieme close. They were perfect together, and he felt it every time they held each other. Their love was strong, unbreakable...just like the spirit of the desert. They were perfect.

No matter how unwelcomed his touch was now, Nieme knew she would lay in his arms, allow him to comfort himself by possessing her through his embrace. The dreams had told her they were to be together, and she'd learned to place her faith in those insightful portals to the future. Looking back upon the dreams, she knew being with Kael was right and in her heart, she did love him. Now, she had left only to convince her heart that the fear she was feeling wasn't doubt or uncertainty and that her relationship with Kael was truly nourishing and healthy. If so, she thought, then why does it hurt so much?

***

As soon as the setting sun had dried the water from her body, Dani had pulled her pants and top back on, then gathered her boots and the clothes Nieme had left behind. As she sat in her own room, she could feel the waves of intense emotion coming from the other room. She knew that Nieme and Kael were in there together. She could feel the primal sexuality permeating the entire corridor. The first thought that came into her mind as she slipped into her room was of animals rutting. The thought of Nieme alone in there with Kael brought more tears to her eyes as she quickly fled to the security of her bed.

It was some time later when she heard the gentle scratching taps at her door. She looked at the small clock next to her bed and realized she'd been asleep for some time. She slipped from the bed and approached the door. Quietly she pushed it open, and saw Nieme standing there. Her eyes met the large brown pools of raw emotion staring up at her and she felt her heart try to wrench free of her chest. She opened the door wider, and motioned Nieme to come inside. "I brought your things back with me," she said softly as she pointed to the pants neatly folded with Nieme's sandals resting next to them. "Would you like to sit down?"

Nieme nodded solemnly and hesitantly moved into the room. "I...I'm sorry about Kael. He...he was just upset. But...we worked it out. We...things are better now. They're..." The tears she'd been denying herself spilled over and her body gently shook with the force of the suppressed emotions. "Everything's so... I don't understand what's happening."

Dani moved close to Nieme and hesitantly took her into her arms. "Things got very strange out there," she said, trying to keep her voice as soothing as possible. "I didn't know that he'd be as upset as he was. I think he was afraid I'd take you away from him. I'd never want to do that. I'd never want to take you away from him. I'd never try to stop anyone's love like that. I love you, Nieme, and want to be with you, but I would never want to hurt your relationship with Kael."

Finally being in a comforting embrace was an immense relief for Nieme, who sank into Dani's arms and lay her weary head upon her shoulder. "I know that. Kael...he just gets worried, I guess. I was...I just didn't know what was happening. I felt so strange and...Kael, he thought you were trying to turn me into a lesbian. You're my friend, though. Why doesn't he understand that? He was so mean..."

"He loves you, and he's afraid I'm going to steal that love from him. I would never try to turn you into something you don't want to be Nieme. While I do want to love you as fully as he does, I would never force that on you if you didn't wish it. In the water...I--I did something I shouldn't have done. My species, Zeltrons, we have a special pheromone that we can use...and I tried to use it to calm you down. I don't know why it happened the way it did, but I think it not only calmed you, but aroused you. I didn't mean to do that...I just wanted to calm you down and stop you from panicking any more. I don't want to steal you, whatever my feelings are."

"Pheromones? Like...like an insect?" Nieme looked up at Dani quizzically. "I felt so safe in your arms... The pheromones didn't do that. I mean, you're not using them now and...and I feel so safe." She smiled gently at Dani, then embraced her firmly again. "It doesn't matter what you did; Kael shouldn't have done what he did. You were just trying to help me. He...he was so..." She shuddered as she remembered the frenzied look in Kael's eyes and the pain he'd inflicted upon her. "Oh gods, Dani," she whispered, "it hurt so much. Why did he have to be so mean? Why did he have to do that to me?"

"He hurt you? During sex?" The pain that showed in Dani's features was clear. That someone would use sex as a means to hurt went against everything she believed in, and to know that that was done to a friend and someone she cared deeply about, loved, was too much. "Oh gods, Nieme, I'm so sorry. It's just wrong to do that. Sex is a beautiful thing, not a weapon to get your own way. How could he even--? And, he loves you?" She kissed Nieme's forehead and held her tight. "I didn't mean to arouse you with my pheromones. It was only to smooth away the panic. Not to comfort. I think you feel comfortable with me because we're friends, and because I care for you very much. I want you to always feel safe around me. I want you to always feel loved."

"I do feel safe around you." Nieme looked up at Dani and smiled warmly. "You're my best friend, Dani. And the pheromones felt...nice. I just...I was so confused, but I'm better now. I don't mind that you did that. Kael did, though. He didn't like it at all. I think...I think that's why he did what he did. He was afraid of losing me to you. I don't think he meant to hurt me...I don't think. He was trying to love me, to make me see that he loved me. Still...I didn't like it though. That's why I came here. I..." Nieme sighed. "Can I sleep here? I-I can take the floor but... I don't want to be there with him, not yet."

"Of course you can," Dani said as she brushed her lips against Nieme's cheek. "And, you can sleep in the bed with me. I promise I'll only hold you close...as long as you don't mind." She smiled. "And, I loved how you looked at me in the water." She felt her cheeks darken, and then she giggled. "Do you feel like you could sleep now?"

Nieme laughed softly and shook her head. "I'm not tired at all. I just thought... Well, there's nothing much else to do around here at this time of night. Everyone's sleeping so I just thought... I don't want to wake them up by wandering around the temple."

Dani grinned. "Want to go into the city? There are clubs and places. We could go and listen to music and dance. Maybe have something to drink to unwind. Then we can come back here and fall asleep together. You'll probably want to sneak back into your room and put some clothes on other than that shirt. I heard a guy on the station talking about a club that would be perfect tonight. Not too rowdy and not too dead."

"You mean...go out alone...out there?" Nieme chewed her lip and tried to push aside her anxieties. The only thing holding her back was how upset Kael would be if he found out she'd snuck out to go dancing with Dani. She wanted to be a good friend to Dani, though, and allowing Kael to dictate her actions would mean she and Dani could never be friends or even acquaintances. With a smile, she looked up at Dani and whispered excitedly, "I'll get my shirt. I'll get one for you too if you want. This is going to be so exciting! I-I've never done anything like this before."

Dani grinned, feeling Nieme's excitement like a warm pulse of energy. "I'll just wear this. I have to get new clothes tomorrow, so I might as well get my use out of my one outfit." She hugged Nieme before her friend headed toward the door. "I'll meet you back in here, and then we can sneak out."

Nieme nodded her head quickly and rushed out of the room with a quiet, gleeful squeal. Her bared feet made little noise as she sneaked down the corridor and carefully into her room. Kael was still soundly asleep and hadn't appeared to have shifted positions since she left. The fight they'd had was exhausting and their post fight union was strenuous as well, both emotionally and physically. Nieme, however was energized by the anticipation of going into the city with Dani and having real fun with her new friend.

With sounds no louder than a whisper, Nieme raided her new stock of clothes and pulled out one of the new tops she'd bought. She knew Kael would be angry if he found out about their proposed nocturnal activity, but she needed this. She needed something to take her mind off the doubts she felt as she stared at Kael now. It would help her love him better if she could only shed the uncertainty.

As quickly as she had come, Nieme slipped out of the room and rushed back into Dani's. "I got it! And he didn't even stir." She picked up the pants Dani had retrieved for her at the lake, then began pulling them on. "Oh this is going to be so wonderful, Dani! Do you think we'll get caught? Oh I do hope we don't get in trouble."

Dani thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. "I don't think so," she said. "We'll get back well before anyone wakes up, and we'll just slip back into my room. No one will even know we've been gone." Dani quickly pulled her boots on then looked at Nieme. "Are you ready? We're going to have so much fun, Nieme. Just you and me. Have you ever danced before?"

"Oh no, never. In Thanatos, there weren't very many nice places for girls like me to dance in. Besides, I wouldn't have had anyone to dance with." Nieme shed the large shirt she'd taken from Kael's pile of clothes and stood before Dani with little inhibitions or anxieties. She'd gotten comfortable in front of her friend far quicker than she had with Kael, and standing with her chest bared to Dani, without apprehensions was liberating. "I've...I've never had a drink before either. Does it taste alright?"

Dani smiled warmly at Nieme and then nodded. "A lot of them do," she said. "We can start you out with one of my favourite drinks. And, we can just go from there. I imagine with the two of us dancing together we may get a lot of attention; but, I'm only dancing with you tonight. And, I'll teach you everything I can in one night." After running a brush through her hair, she stepped closer to Nieme and let her fingers brush against her friend's navel. "We'll have fun tonight, Nieme. We'll have wonderful fun together dancing, drinking, and just being together. After today, we both deserve to be very happy."

Nieme giggled and took a step forward to embrace Dani, but instead decided to place on her shirt first. For a moment, Dani disappeared behind the red fabric of her top, then her smiling face reappeared as she pulled the top into place. "I've never done either before...dancing and drinking, I mean. Kael tried to teach me how to smoke a cigarra once... I didn't do so well." Thoughts of Kael and the happier times they shared together filled Nieme with a sudden sense of longing to retrieve those precious moments. Instead, she would create happier ones with Dani tonight. "Well...let's get going before someone wakes up and catches us in the act."

Dani grinned and then slipped her hand into Nieme's. "Let's go have fun," she said. Together, they slipped out of Dani's room, and then out into the night.

"Steaming Passion, Part 3"
by Dani
Nieme Yaresh (Selrid)
Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 24, 4 ABY

***

Dani's handling of the speeder was much better than Kael's. She navigated the path back into the city easily, though not quite as adeptly as Liam. Once into the city, it took about ten minutes of looking before Dani spotted the place she'd been told about. She found a place to stow the speeder and then slid out into the street. When Nieme joined her, she once again slipped her hand into her friend's, and together they set off toward what looked to be a good party.

When they entered, the music was perfect and there weren't too many bodies crowding the floor. Together they approached the bar and Dani ordered them each a Mintaran Sunflower. Once the bartender handed them their drinks, Dani led Nieme away from the din and to a somewhat quiet table near the edge of the place. She handed Nieme a drink with a large grin.

"Tell me what you think," she said.

"Oh...okay." Nieme took the drink in both hands and looked down into the fizzing, yellow liquid. She inhaled some of the fragrant aromas rising from the glass and giggled softly. "It...it tickles." She looked up at Dani, smiling, then wrapped her mouth around the straw extending from the glass. With slight hesitation, Nieme drew the liquid into her mouth and sighed as it disappeared down her throat. "Oh...that's...it tastes so wonderful! D-Do you want some?"

Dani grinned and then pointed to her own glass. "I got one for myself," she said. "Unless you want to share that one..."

"Oh...I didn't realize..." Nieme laughed bashfully and looked down into her glass again. She took another long sip of the drink and coughed as the fizz tickled her throat. "Is this...does this have alcohol in it? I don't even taste it. I mean, when I used to work at the Rhack, drunken men used to come in all the time and they didn't smell very good. But this doesn't smell bad at all. It smells...it's nice."

"The fruit juices hide a lot of it," Dani said as she slid her chair closer to Nieme. "Which is why you have to be careful with these. You don't taste the alcohol in them, so it's easy to just have too many because they taste so good. I'm not sure about the people that get drunk all the time though. I think it comes out in their sweat or something. Nothing worse than having someone who's all sweaty and drunk pawing at your body. Not only are they just smelly, but they have no manners." She sipped from her drink and closed her eyes while savouring the flavours. "I can't remember the last time I had one of these. There's another one that we'll have to try later. It was actually first made on Zeltros. They call it the Steaming Passion, and it's amazing. It's fairly potent though, so we shouldn't have more than one." She took another sip and then grinned happily at Nieme.

Nieme nodded her head, then tilted her head to the side as she gazed at Dani inquisitively. "It...it didn't bother you to share your body with...with all those strange men? I mean...I could barely let Kael touch me without my getting frightened, and I love him. But all those men... I guess...I just don't know how you did it."

"There aren't many inhibitions on Zeltros," Dani said. "Because my people are all empaths, we've sought for many generations to make life on Zeltros as peaceful as possible. It was found early on that most people tend to be happy when having sex or sharing in some pleasurable act. So, it wasn't long before life on Zeltros was set down the path of pleasure seeking. I can feel your emotions as if they are my own; now think of a whole planet like that. No one works on Zeltros. Life is one great party with drinking and sex and food and music and art and everything you could ever imagine to keep everyone happy and content. Because when one person on Zeltros is unhappy, everyone around him feels it. So, seeking that same thing is sort of bred into me. I don't go with bad men, but if I like a man, like how he feels, then I'll share myself with him to touch that blissful pleasure during the height of lovemaking. And, it's the same with women." Dani smiled at Nieme. "I'm not shy about who or what I am. Some people would call me a slut because I'm so free with who I'll share myself with. But, they were raised differently than me...and most who think of me that way probably only have their own emotions to worry about. I'd rather have sex with a depressed stranger than sit there feeling their depression.

"I'm not ashamed to be unclothed or to have people admire my body. I'm not ashamed to share myself intimately with a man or woman who wants to find pleasure in my company. But that's how I was raised. You come from a different culture and haven't experienced things the way I have, and since you are just finding out about things now...of course it's uncomfortable. Most new things are. Except for Mintaran Sunflowers!" Dani took another sip and then beamed with happiness. "You know something else? I know that you were less fearful in my room when you took your top off than you were in the changing room. That's a good sign. It shows that you are more comfortable in that situation. I imagine if we were to go home, we could probably both slip out of our clothes and stand there in front of each other...and it'd be okay." Dani brushed her hand across Nieme's cheek. "It just shows that you are getting more comfortable with the new things you're experiencing. Would you believe I was absolutely terrified the first time I had sex? I was. They had to give me two glasses of wine just to get me relaxed enough to let him touch me."

"Really? You? But you're so... You're nothing like me. Me...I get afraid of my own shadow sometimes. You're fearless." Nieme laughed softly. "And I think I feel so comfortable around you because you're my friend and you're a girl. I know with you, you'll always be gentle and I don't have to be afraid." She looked away bashfully from Dani's warm gaze and slipped her mouth around her straw again. When she tried to draw out more of the sweet liquid, only a slurping sound was made. She looked down in surprise, then laughed. "I guess...I finished it off while I was listening to your story. Can I try one of those Steaming Passions? I really want one of those."

Dani nodded and quickly finished her drink. She took Nieme's hand and together they went up to the bar. This time, instead of ordering the drinks, she turned to Nieme. She gave her an encouraging nod, and motioned with her eyes to order the drinks for them.

Nieme stared dumbfounded at Dani, then back to the bartender peering down at her with a surly expression. She shrank back under his scrutinizing gaze and stammered nervously. "I...could I...p-please..." Nieme took a deep breath and looked at Dani imploringly. She was met with a bright smile of encouragement and a gentle squeeze of her hand, which relaxed her instantly. With a smile, she looked back to the bartender and ordered quietly, "T-Two Steaming Passions...please. A-And make mine extra steamy."

The bartender was taken aback for a moment, but then the scowl he had for all of his customers turned into a sudden smile followed by a laugh. He slapped the counter once, and then gave Nieme a wink. "Two Steaming Passions, one of them extra steamy, coming right up."

As the bartender went to fix their drinks, Dani squeezed Nieme's hand again. "Perfect," she said, obvious pride bubbling over as she watched her friend. "I'm glad you feel comfortable with me Nieme. You have no idea what a dream you are. Your emotions are...they're just beautiful. And, it makes me want to be around you more because of that. I'm so happy to have you as a friend."

The bartender returned with their drinks and Dani thanked him. They headed back to the table together and sat again. "I'm so glad we did this," Dani said. "This time, just the two of us...it's nice to just be with a friend."

"I've never had a friend before, but this is wonderful! I've never laughed so much before. We have to do this again. I...I like your colours. They're so nice and not too bright. It hurts when someone's too bright, like M-- like Liam Zaneth, but that's only because he likes hiding things." Nieme sucked on the straw of their new drink, and once she swallowed down the pink liquid, her eyes grew wide and a large grin spread across her face. "Oh...wow! This is...it's so..." Nieme took another long sip of the drink, then giggled. "Are you sure we can't have more than one of these? It's so good."

"If we have too many of them, we are going to get so drunk," Dani said with a giggle. "I think you might be able to have another, but we shouldn't do any more than that. We have training tomorrow, and we don't want Liam Zaneth to be upset with us. One more, but after we dance." She sipped her drink and beautiful memories of home painted themselves in her mind. She smiled when she saw that Nieme was with her in the memories now. She opened her eyes again. "We'll definitely have to do this again. It'll be our time away from everything else... I think everyone needs that once in awhile. And, friends need time to just be friends."

"We have to do this again. With all the training we'll be doing, we'll need some way to wind down." Nieme took another long pull from the straw, finishing off most of her drink. With breathless laughter, she took Dani's hand and slipped off her chair. "Come on! You have to teach me h-how to dance." Walking unsteadily, she led Dani towards the dancefloor and weaved her way through the people with boisterous giggles. "We're going to get crushed in here!"

"Then you'll have to stay close to me," Dani said as she let her body start moving with the music. She pulled Nieme close until the lengths of their bodies were nearly pressed together in the throng. She kept her eyes focused on Nieme and could feel the lightheaded euphoria of the alcohol in her system. Another Steaming Passion and she'd fear for what little inhibition she had.

She helped Nieme with moving her body to the music, using her hands to guide Nieme through the moves. Clumsy and uncertain at first, but each time Dani's hands guided Nieme, she picked up more of it. "There's nothing formal out here," she said. "Just let yourself do whatever feels right. Like this..."

Dani's body seemed made for dancing as her lithe form seemed some sort of conduit for the music. Around them people couldn't help looking as she moved, seductively, sensuously, but the whole of her attention was on Nieme. As Nieme started slowly picking up on the scandalous movements, Dani beamed with pride and elation. She didn't care who saw her, watched her, or desired her; tonight was for Nieme, for their friendship. "You're a beautiful dancer," she whispered to Nieme as they danced close. "I definitely want to come dancing with you again, Nieme!"

"Oh, me too, Dani. Oh, definitely." She smiled up at Dani dreamily and sighed softly as she lay her head upon her friend's shoulder. The heat emanating their bodies mingled and made the effects of the Steaming Passion even more potent. Her head felt extremely light and the room was beginning to spin, but she was filled with a sense of euphoria and cheerfulness she'd never experienced before. She'd never been drunk before, but she liked it. "This feels so nice," she said softly. "I feel so...free and liberated. Oh, dancing is so wonderful."

Between the drink and the closeness to Nieme, Dani was feeling the buzz of slight inebriation. And, she loved it. As the song came to an end, she held Nieme to her as the rest of the dancers vacated the floor. "I love how we move together, Nieme," she said. "Dancing with you is...it's beautiful. For awhile there, I was actually following your moves, instead of you mine." As they slowly made their way back to the table, Dani giggled and hugged her friend again. "We have to sneak out more often."

"Let's see how well we do with sneaking back in before we plan anything." Nieme laughed gently as she once again pressed her body to Dani's for support and nestled her face into Dani's neck. "It's so nice not to be so uptight and nervous. I-I've always been a nervous person but it's only because I'm not used to being around people. But I like being around you. I-I like being around you alot..."

Dani smiled and closed her eyes as they held each other. "I like being around you too, Nieme. You're the best friend I could have ever hoped for in life. I know we'll always be friends. Always. I think it was meant to be. Us as friends, I mean. I...I think we're very good for each other. And, I want to always be around you, Nieme; and I want you to always be around me."

"We will be. I...I won't let Kael keep us apart. I love him, but I won't let him boss me around." Nieme moaned softly as she shifted against Dani's body and felt their hips rubbing together. The sensation was heightened by all the alcohol and excitement of the moment until Nieme found herself slightly aroused again. "Just...just because he's my husband doesn't mean he can keep me from being with my friends. He has no right..." she whispered absently.

"Your husband," Dani said with a grin. She could feel Nieme's arousal mingling with her own, and it felt wonderful. She could feel her body flushing slightly as she and Nieme clung to each other, their bodies working to heighten the touch. "Oh wow, Nieme. I didn't realize that...that your relationship was..." She giggled. "Well, I am very happy for the two of you...at least, I'd be more happy if he hadn't been so mean to you. And, a husband should never...should never ever hurt his wife, especially not in their bed. Even a husband has no right to demand that you can't have certain friends. He may not like me, but you're still yourself. You can have your own friends, and he'll just have to accept that. You're his wife, not his droid."

"That's right!" Nieme looked up at Dani, then erupted into a fit of giggles. "If I were his droid, he wouldn't want to stick his penis in me so much." The spinning room caused her to sway back and forth against Dani, simulating motions she experienced with Kael during their lovemaking. The entire situation made Nieme blush, but there was nothing she could do to steady herself, except press her body to Dani's again. "He loves me, you know," she whispered softly. "But...he gets mad at me sometimes. I make him mad. I don't mean to, but..." She sighed deeply, then giggled again as she looked up into Dani's violet eyes. "Your skin...does it taste purple?"

Dani just gazed at Nieme for a moment, before she slowly lowered her face to Nieme's and brushed her friend's lips with her own. After the first tentative touch, she kissed Nieme more firmly before pulling back. Her heart was pounding and if she weren't clinging to Nieme, she figured they'd both fall over. She smiled at Nieme. "So...purple?"

Nieme kept her eyes closed for a moment to savour the strange tingling running from her mouth to the rest of her body. She took a deep breath and ran her tongue lightly over her lips, which curled into a smile as she whispered, "Flowers... You taste like sweet smelling flowers." Slowly, her brown eyes opened and gazed up dreamily at Dani. "Purple flowers. You'll be my purple flower, Dani. Always so sweet and beautiful. My purple Dani..."

Dani smiled. "I'm yours, Nieme," she said. "I'll always be your friend...and I'll always be here for you...no matter what." Dani giggled. "And, I think I'm always going to be purple too!" She kissed Nieme once more. "Did you want to get one more drink before heading back? I think we'll have to go soon though. We don't want to get back too late. But, maybe we can sneak out again tomorrow night."

"Oh, we must. I...I want to have another Steaming Passion. And then I want to dance!" Nieme giggled as she pushed away from Dani and began twirling around the floor, humming an off-key tune she'd made up off the top of her head. She stumbled about but managed to stay on her feet as she continued to dance clumsily. "Come on, my purple flower! Let's dance our way home."

Dani giggled and followed Nieme's moves as they danced toward the bar. She signalled the bartender for two more Steaming Passions, both of them extra steamy. They held on to each other while they waited for their drinks, and Dani found it impossible not to kiss Nieme again. It was difficult not to, especially when Nieme looked at her the way she did.

Once they had their drinks, they made their way back to the table to drink. Instead of sitting though, they managed to cling to each other, dancing as they did, while they drank the thick, frothed beverage. "I have to find the recipe for this," Dani said. "And, then when you sneak into my room at night, and we stay up talking...I can make us some on the nights we don't go out!"

"And then we can dance until the sun rises. You can tell me stories about your home and I...I can teach you about the stars!" Nieme kissed Dani excitedly, then took a final sip to finish off her Passion. "I know all their names. Oh, I want to lay under the stars with you, Dani, and show you them all. It would be so beautiful..." She turned her gaze up to Dani, and with a gentle smile, she ran her free hand along her cheek. "So beautiful like you, my flower."

Dani smiled and felt her cheeks flush a darker purple. "Thank you," she whispered softly. "If I'm your flower, then you are my star. Shining brightly and warming me with the soft glow of your spirit. And, so very beautiful, Nieme. Both inside and out. If Kael knew what a beautiful, beautiful person you truly are, he'd never treat you the way he did. If he could see you as I do, if he could feel you...he'd never say a harsh word or hurt you in any way." Dani felt the tears shining in her eyes, and then she laughed. "One more dance before we go, my beautiful shining star?"

With a content sigh, Nieme lay her head upon Dani's shoulder and whispered softly into her ear, "Anything for my flower. I'll always have a dance left for you." She moved her lips to Dani's cheek and rested them there as they swayed slowly along the dancefloor, moving to the tempo of the gentle, glorious music forming in their minds.

For the first time all day, Nieme was content, but it wasn't in the arms of her husband as she would have thought; strangely enough, it was in those of a woman who was merely a friend. Her love for Kael wouldn't wane, but her affection for her new friend was beginning to grow stronger. Despite being filled with immense joy, Nieme couldn't help feel a twinge of fear within her. If the love for a friend who had been a stranger only earlier in the day could threaten to overshadow her love for Kael, then perhaps their love for eachother wasn't as strong as she'd thought. Once again, the doubts were creeping into her mind, but now, more than ever, Nieme believed she truly did have a reason to worry.

As they gently moved in time with the music, Dani could feel Nieme's apprehension and fear. She held her friend closer, hoping that her embrace would comfort. She had a suspicion the relationship they were building was the cause, and it was Nieme's relationship with Kael that was the main source of the fear. He had gotten upset at the sudden closeness she and Nieme had experienced, made worse by Dani's rescue of Nieme in the water. And, then when he'd returned to make up with Nieme, he had been rough...and hurt Nieme. And yet they were still very much in love. But she fears falling in love with you, Dani told herself. She fears what falling in love with you will mean for her relationship with him. Dani sighed softly and pulled Nieme closer to her. They would have to talk later. They would need to talk about their relationship and Kael. There had to be a way to make it work so that everyone would be happy. And the thought of happiness made Dani smile. She'd never been as happy as she'd been since meeting Nieme. "You make me happy," she whispered softly into Nieme's ear.

"I'm glad," Nieme whispered back with a sigh. "We'll all be happy. I'll make it work and then all our colours will be as beautiful as yours." Most of all, though, she hoped Kael didn't stumble into the darkness. If he did, she feared she would be tempted to follow him. She swore she'd always be with him and never leave his side; unfortunately, that meant following him into whatever dark abyss his jealousy led him to. "We should go," Nieme said quietly. "My flower, I think I need to sleep in your arms."

Dani smiled down at Nieme as her friend gazed up at her. She kissed Nieme once more, before releasing the embrace of their dance. With one arm around Nieme, they slowly started out toward the speeder together. It was a good day, a very good day, despite Nieme's fight with Kael. She truly hoped that they'd figure out the problem. Though, she knew that she was the problem. Kael felt threatened by her, and he was taking out his anger on Nieme. With a soft sigh, Dani decided she'd have to talk to Kael, to let him know that Nieme was his and that she would never want to steal her away.

They slipped into the speeder together after another shared kiss, and then Dani turned the speeder for home.

***

The trip back to the temple hadn't gone quite as smoothly as Dani had hoped it would. She hadn't had much alcohol at the club, but what she had consumed had been very potent. If it weren't for seeming amazing agility, she imagined they would have smashed into a tree or worse. But they made it back, and with the heavy buzz and tipsiness of drinking, neither worried about the near misses on the way back. Next time, Dani told herself, let the speeder's autopilot drive.

They slipped back into the temple soundlessly and crept along the walls to where her room was. The light under Nieme's door was still dark, and Dani sent up silent thanks to whichever power was watching over them. They slipped into her room, and she pushed the door closed behind them. The tension of having snuck all the way back in was nearly too much, and both had to stifle the giggles fighting to bubble their way out into the silence of the sleeping temple.

Sleep, Dani mouthed and then quickly divested herself of the top she wore. Removing her boots was more difficult as her balance seemed to fail when she lifted one foot. With silent giggles, she finally managed to get first one boot, then the second free. With a look at Nieme, who was watching her with that still-dreamy look, Dani grinned, and then stripped off her pants. The bed was bathed in the soft glow of starlight coming in through the window above the bed. She smiled at the thought of sharing the bed with Nieme, under the glow of stars. As Nieme was roused out of staring, Dani stepped over while her friend removed her shirt. "We're not going to have as much time for sleep," she said gently, "but it will be enough. Especially in each other's arms."

"I'm not tired anyway," Nieme mumbled as her heavy lids began closing. She fumbled with the button on her pants, then giggled helplessly and moved sluggishly towards the bed. "I'll leave them on," she slurred as she fell back upon the bed. She closed her eyes, still giggling, then opened one languidly and stared up at Dani. "Unless you wanna help me..."

Dani grinned. "I'll help," she said as she moved close to Nieme. Despite the alcohol, her fingers were still nimble as she unbuttoned Nieme's pants. She quickly slipped the sandals from her friend's feet and set them aside. Next she pulled off Nieme's pants and set them aside. "There you go, my beautiful star," she said. "You can sleep comfortably now." She trailed a finger along the waistband of Nieme's panties, and then grinned. "Come, my love, let us sleep."

Nieme groaned softly as she rolled over on the bed until she was on the opposite side, making room for Dani. "Tomorrow morning...I'm going to make us the most wonderful breakfast. Except...I'm not feeling so good anymore." She looked up at Dani, and managed a smile despite the gentle churning in her stomach. With a giggle, she opened her arms for Dani. "Sleep with me. Keep me warm, my flower."

Dani smiled and slipped into Nieme's arms. "That does happen sometimes with too much to drink," she said. "Maybe laying here together will ease the discomfort." She slipped her arms around Nieme's body. She pressed her lips to Nieme's throat, gently trailing kisses up to her jaw. "You'll be more comfortable sleeping if you get rid of your underwear. You don't have to if you don't want to...but I think you'll be more comfortable."

"I think..." Nieme giggled as Dani's lips tickled the delicate flesh of her neck. She reached down to the waistband of her panties and began clumsily tugging at them. "In...in the desert, I never bothered with panties." The boisterous giggles never ceased and only grew in intensity as she brought her knees up towards her and tried to push away the thin, white undergarment. "We didn't have much water...and it would have gotten very...unpleasant if I'd walked around with week-old panties on." She laughed uncontrollably as she desperately kicked at the panties entangled around her feet, but she finally managed to loosen them and tossed them onto the floor. "So..." she said after recovering from her struggle with the panties. "No panties in the desert. I...I only wear them here because... Well, I don't really know why." She wrapped her arms around Dani's neck and pressed her now naked body against hers. "No more panties in the forest either! Who needs them... Not me!"

Dani giggled and pulled Nieme to her as she felt the desire burning hotter within again. "I can't remember the last time I wore them," Dani said with a grin. "My pants are a little too tight, and they'd stand out like...well, like something." She giggled and then pressed her lips to Nieme's again. This time as they kissed, Dani couldn't help brushing her tongue over Nieme's lips and against her tongue. She wouldn't do anything more than that, she promised herself. She wouldn't go anywhere Nieme didn't want to go. When the kiss broke, she smiled into Nieme's eyes. "You are a wonderful kisser. I could just lay here and hold you and kiss you for hours."

"Kael says I'm a good kisser too." Nieme's smile slowly faded and with a gentle whimper she lay her head upon Dani's chest. "Kael... He'll be very angry if he finds out what we did tonight. Promise you won't tell him. He'll be so mad at me...at you." Nieme sighed deeply and lightly ran her fingers along Dani's purple stomach to settle her restless anxieties. "Don't tell him. I...I want to be with you again and if he finds out...he won't let me see you anymore."

"We won't say anything at all to him," Dani said, running her fingers lightly through Nieme's hair while trailing the other up and down her back. "We'll be able to be together again," she said. "We're best friends, and best friends have to do things together. It'll be okay, Nieme." She kissed Nieme's forehead. "Maybe tomorrow night, instead of sneaking into the city again, we can sneak out into the forest and lie underneath the stars. I'd like you to teach me all their names."

Nieme's smile returned and was just as bright as before. She looked up at Dani and said softly, "I want to teach them all to you, and I also want to name one after you. Would you like that?"

Dani's embrace tightened with the joy that filled her. "I would love that," she said. "That would be so wonderful, Nieme. And, I want to name one after you. And, maybe we can have one star that's our star. It's not too much to want three stars for us is it? There are so many out there. I can't imagine anyone being upset over us having three of them."

"No one ever pays attention to them anyway. And I doubt the stars would mind..." Nieme giggled and kissed Dani gently upon the lips. "We can have as many as we want, just until the sunlight steals them away from us. But at night, they're completely ours, just like at night, we belong to eachother." With a gentle sigh, she rested her head upon Dani's bosom again and closed her weary eyes. "I think it's time to sleep, my beautiful purple flower."

Dani smiled and folded Nieme into her embrace. "Sweet dreams, my beautiful star, my solstir'il," she said. She closed her eyes and sighed with contentment. She knew that tonight she would find the most pleasant sleep she'd ever had while entwined with Nieme under the starlight that was theirs. She knew that she could never be as happy as she was with Nieme...ever.