"Playtime"
By: Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Yelara Zaneth
Dargus Kandran
Lerrah Breijal [NPC]

Location: Dargus' Cruiser - En Route to Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 28, 4ABY

***

Yelara Zaneth never could have imagined how divine being pampered was. Lerrah was a willing and capable servant, and her hands truly felt marvellous kneading loose the stiff muscles of her back. Making love to Dargus atop a wooden desk had its repercussions, and a sore back was one of them. Though, that didn't discount the ecstasy they'd shared in the act.

She sighed in contentment as Lerrah's hands moved lower. Her own hand caressed the girl's thigh, and she grinned her approval of Lerrah's technique. "Do you like serving me, Lerrah?" Yelara asked. She moaned quietly as a particularly tight knot unravelled.

"Yes," Lerrah said with a smile. "I like it very much. I hope I'm doing okay. Your muscles are very tight and it's taking a lot to work them loose. You are a very good mistress...not that I have much experience. But, you're not mean like those guards. And, you...your hands aren't rough when you touch me."

"Well, if you want," Yelara said, "I can tell the guards to leave you alone. But you have to promise not to misbehave. That's why Master Kandran has allowed them to take you, you know. It's his way of subjugating you. So, if you become insolent, I will be forced to let them have their way with you, just to keep you docile. Do you promise to be good?"

"I'll be very good," Lerrah said softly. "I promise not to misbehave, and I'll do whatever you or Master Kandran tell me. I'll be the best slave ever, I promise."

"Well, then." Yelara sighed and rolled over onto her back. She patted the edge of her bed and motioned for Lerrah to sit. "Truth be told, I really don't like knowing Master Kandran let's those men have you girls. It's disgusting. But you don't have to worry. You're safe now, Lerrah."

Lerrah moved onto the edge of the bed and sat as directed. "Thank you," she said. "I...I don't like being with men anyway. I-I'd never been until I came here...only other women. I don't think I want to be with a man ever again."

"Being with women is different, isn't it?" Yelara nodded ruefully and pushed herself upright. "I understand completely how you feel." She held open her arms for Lerrah and immediately she sank into her embrace. "It's more spiritual and fulfilling with a woman sometimes," she said while stroking Lerrah's hair. "She knows how you want to be touched, and where. But it's more than that, isn't it? She's a woman, so she knows exactly how you feel, and only she can really comfort you because she knows how she'd want to be comforted if she was feeling sad or disappointed or angry." Yelara kissed the top of Lerrah's head and all at once thought only of Kallia. "It just isn't the same without her," she whispered.

Lerrah clung even tighter to Yelara and nodded. "Yes," she said excitedly. "That's exactly it. It's so beautiful and blissful. And, she's so soft and smells so nice. And, she's always gentle when it needs to be gentle, but she'll be rough when she knows what I want. It's exactly like that. And, it's never the same without her."

"Are you talking about Maeren again?" Yelara repressed a grin and pulled back to look Lerrah directly in the eyes. "You miss her, I know, but I think I have a surprise that will make you forget all about her. Would you like to see it?"

Lerrah grinned, and then nodded. "Yes," she said and her face seemed to brighten. "I like surprises."

"I bet you do." Yelara chuckled and caressed Lerrah's cheek. She activated the intercom embedded in the squat bedside table and ordered her attendant to deliver the "item" sooner than scheduled. Within minutes, a gentle chime sounded within the room. "Enter," Yelara sang. She smiled at Lerrah and pointed to the doorway.

Lerrah grinned at Yelara, then turned her full attention to the surprise waiting for her in the doorway.

As the doors languidly parted, Yelara giggled softly at the gasp Lerrah let escape. "Go on," she whispered into Lerrah's ear. "Go see your surprise."

Shiv grinned back from the doorway, and was nearly knocked backward as Lerrah rushed to meet her. Their arms intertwined, and soon they were kissing each other deeply, the rest of the world forgotten for the time being.

Yelara laughed in amusement, and wistfully at the passionate display of the two reunited lovers. If only she could be in Kallia's arms now, but judging from their last encounter, she doubted she would ever be welcomed in them again. "Come, come, girls," Yelara called out gently. "Get inside before I'm unable to keep the guards at bay."

Shiv and Lerrah separated long enough to move fully into the room and farther away from the door. Lerrah turned to Yelara, a happy smile on her face. "I don't know how to thank you," she said. "This is the most wonderful. Oh, thank you so very much."

"Don't think this is only for you. I needed another servant." Yelara smiled warmly at her two girls and ushered them towards the bed. "But as long as you're both together now, you might as well enjoy it." She gracefully stretched out upon the bed and propped herself up on her elbow. "We need to discuss some things first, so have a seat."

Shiv nodded to Yelara. "Thank you," she said, and took a seat on the bed next to where Lerrah had just sat. They both turned their attention to their new mistress.

"Now, I want you to both know that just because I'm with Lord Kandran, I'm not the vicious, cruel bitch you might otherwise think me. I'm actually kind. Aren't I, Lerrah?"

Lerrah grinned. "You definitely are," she said. "You're the most wonderful slave mistress ever. At least, as far as I know. Like I said, I don't have much experience. But, you're making it nice so far."

Yelara smiled as she cradled Lerrah's face. "I'm glad. But if you want it to continue to be pleasant, you can't let anyone know that I am allowing you two to be with each other. You see, the reason you're here in the first place, Maeren, is because I promised Keeve I'd convince you to give him another chance." She snorted wryly. "Frankly, I couldn't give a shit what that brat wants, but to keep the peace between us, I'll give him the illusion that I'm at least trying. So, while I'm doing that, you and Lerrah can spend as much time together as you want. She told me all about you, and being in love with a woman myself - one I was separated from at one time too - I sympathized with her and took the opportunity to reunite you two when it arose."

Shiv smiled. "Thank you very much," she said. "I...I like Keeve. He's a very attractive man now, but he's still a brat. He's selfish and controlling. And, thank you for this time together with Lerrah. I do wish I could be with Kaysa and Merrick again, but I don't know if that's possible. But, I can make it through with Lerrah. I almost forgot how much I loved her, until she came back to me. I can't believe how stupid I've been, about everything."

"Not stupid," Yelara corrected. "Just confused. I have been too, many times in my short life. It's easy for passionate people like ourselves to lose sight of what we really want, especially when our emotions drive us. But, you have to take time to truly discover what your heart is telling you or you'll only end up hurting yourself."

Shiv nodded. "My heart's telling me it'll be crushed if I give Keeve what he wants. I can't just love him. I can't stop loving Kaysa or Merrick or Lerrah." She slipped her hand into Lerrah's and smiled. "I don't work that way, and I can't be forced to. I'm afraid of what'll happen if I do."

"Well..." Yelara sighed and looked down at her hand stroking Lerrah's thigh. "I don't know if he'd hurt you, because I haven't really gotten a chance to assess his character. But he is temperamental and filled with a lot of rage and hatred. I think he's capable of it. He won't leave you alone until he has your heart and your devotion, Shiv. But, you'll have my protection no matter what. I want you to know that. I've been with abusive men before, and I wouldn't wish that kind of suffering on anyone."

"Thank you," Shiv said with a smile, and then reached out to cover Yelara's hand with hers. She grinned at Lerrah, whose leg both their hands rested on, and then at Yelara. "I think I'm going to like being your servant girl, my mistress."

"And I think I'm going to like having you two around to keep me company," Yelara added. "If you want, though, you can have some time alone. You two look like you could use it."

Shiv felt herself blush. "I'd really like that," she said. "The guards at my door...Keeve said they wouldn't, but they...they've been coming in during the night." She sighed. "I'd really like time with Lerrah if that's okay. Thank you so very much. You're a wonderful, kind person."

Yelara shifted onto her knees and planted a gentle kiss upon first Shiv's, then Lerrah's lips. "Will an hour do?"

They both nodded. "I think that will be plenty of time," Lerrah said. "Thank you very much, Yelara. I know that sometimes a slaves loyalty can be a problem, but we're going to be completely loyal to you. We're your girls, all the way."

Yelara laughed, almost bitterly. If only Liam had shared that mindset, she'd still have Kallia. She slipped off the bed and retrieved her deep blue, silk robe. "Use the bed if you so choose. Use any part of the room if you want!" She placed the robe on over her otherwise nude body, then tapped the door console. "I'll see you in an hour, my dears. Have fun." She blew them both a kiss, then slipped from the room, leaving the guard outside specific instructions not to enter her quarters under penalty of death.

Shiv and Lerrah nearly jumped onto the bed together, both laughing as they became acquainted with each other's body once again.

***

When the door opened to admit Yelara once again, Shiv and Lerrah were sprawled out on the bed together, holding each other close. Each girl wore content, happy smiles. It'd been a good hour. Shiv opened her eyes first and looked over at the doorway. She gave Yelara a happy grin. "Hi," she mouthed, not wanting to wake Lerrah by being too loud.

Yelara skulked into the room with an excited smile upon her face. She covered her mouth with a hand to stifle a giggle and gently sat on the edge of the bed beside Shiv. "How'd it go?" she whispered. "Was the hour enough or do you want more time?"

"It went really well," Shiv whispered. "And, I think that was enough time for now. If it's okay, I think we'll both like some time later on too. I think I wore her out." She looked down at Lerrah and then back to Yelara with a proud smile on her face. "Thank you so much."

"My pleasure," Yelara replied. "And I think we can make this a daily thing. You and Lerrah will be my personal servants, after all, and I imagine you'll be spending a lot of time in this room."

Shiv reached out and placed a hand on Yelara's thigh. She smiled as she looked up into her mistress's eyes. "You're going to make me fall in love with you," she whispered. "I can tell."

Yelara cocked an eyebrow at Shiv and gave her a crooked smile. "Is that so?"

Shiv smiled and felt herself blushing. "It is so," she said and shifted onto her side. "You're a very beautiful woman and you're so nice to us. Oh yes, I think it's going to be very difficult not to fall in love with you."

Yelara chuckled lowly and smoothed her hand over Shiv's bared breasts. "You form attachments to people so very quickly, Maeren. It leads me to wonder how truly pathetic Keeve is if he cannot secure the love of a woman who loves so easily."

Shiv thrust her chest out further against Yelara's touch. She smiled and then slowly allowed her hand to drift along Yelara's thigh, enjoying the touch. "He only cares about what he wants. And, he doesn't want me to love anyone else. I can't do that. I can't stop loving other people. Love is a beautiful thing, and it should be shared. Not jealously hoarded. He got upset that I wouldn't marry him. But, I'm not ready for that. I'm not ready to give myself to just one person yet." She looked up into Yelara's eyes. "There are too many people out there for me to love still."

Yelara smiled at Shiv as she untied her robe and let it fall open to give the girl free access to her body. "Dargus used to be like that. He murdered men he even suspected I'd been with, but he's changed now." She laughed huskily as Shiv's hand slipped between her thighs. "Keeve can change too, but he won't until it truly hits him that you won't be with him unless he changes. That's why you have to be firm with him and unyielding, Shiv. Don't give in to him even a little or he'll never change."

Shiv slid herself closer to Yelara and began leaving a trail of kisses along her mistress's arm while her hand worked between Yelara's thighs. "I won't give in," she whispered. "Lerrah will help me be strong. And, you. With you as my mistress, I'll be stronger too." She lowered her lips to Yelara's breasts, and suckled gently before pulling back with a smile. "That's a beautiful tattoo," she said. "I've got one too. Dargus gave it to me the first time he kidnapped me." She shifted so Yelara could see the one on her hip. "Despite it being forced on me, I think it's beautiful."

"And that brand? He gave you that too?" Yelara leaned forward and nibbled delicately on the scarred flesh on Shiv's neck.

Shiv nodded. "He did," she whispered. "Marking me as his. But, he gave me back to Kaysa for the spaceport. But, she tricked him. I've kind of gotten used to it now. We were supposed to get it removed, but we never did. I don't know if it's too late now or not." She leaned up and kissed Yelara fully. When the kiss broke, she returned her kisses to Yel's chest. "My tattoo's like yours, isn't it?"

Yelara gently pushed Shiv back to get a look at her tattoo. She traced the bird with her finger and smiled softly. "It's exactly like mine. I guess he missed me more than I imagined he ever could." Yelara gazed up inquisitively at Shiv and asked, "Do you think I'm disgusting for giving myself to Dargus? Should I be as repulsed by him as everyone else seems to be?"

"He scares me," Shiv said. "But, he excites me too. He's a very sexual man, and passionate. I don't think he's as good as Zale or Merrick, but he's a considerate and gentle lover when he wants to be. I don't think you're disgusting. And, I'd never admit this to anyone else, but there were parts of my previous captivity that I really liked. Being in Dargus's bed was one of those parts. He may be evil and wicked, but I don't think it's disgusting to desire him; he is desirable. If you're disgusting, then I am too."

Yelara cradled Shiv's cheek and laughed. "You're not disgusting. You're just a passionate woman, that's all. And he is an amazing lover, so there's nothing to be ashamed of, right?" She kissed Shiv tenderly, then pulled back and grinned. "Now, why don't you keep doing what you were just doing with her hand, and perhaps I can return the favour."

Shiv grinned and slid her hand back between Yelara's thighs. "I really like being your servant," she said. "It's very nice." She gazed up into Yelara's eyes. "I love you, Yelara. You're a beautiful, wonderful person, and I'm very happy to know you."

"And you're a beautiful girl," Yelara said with a sigh. She brought both hands to Shiv's chest and massaged her breasts gently. "You're a good servant. You and Lerrah both. I'll keep you two safe, no matter what. I promise."

"Thank you," Shiv said. "Can I--?" She looked down between Yelara's thighs and then smiled. "Can I...use something other than my hand?"

Yelara chuckled throatily and watching her leeringly, she reclined back on the bed. She spread her legs wide for Shiv and lightly caressed her mound provocatively. "Go on, then. Quickly before Dargus summons me."

Shiv wasted no time getting down between Yelara's thighs. It'd been some time since she'd had a chance to do this, well, other than the last hour she'd spent with Lerrah. Her tongue was expert as she sent waves of pleasure through Yelara, bringing out cries and yelps of delight. It was good to be able to thank her mistress properly.

"Oh," Yelara moaned, "it's no wonder Dargus retrieved you." She clutched at Shiv's hair and gyrated her hips rhythmically in perfect tandem with the bobbing of Shiv's head. "You're very good..." Yelara chuckled throatily and brought one hand up to caress her own breasts. She missed the touch of a woman, more specifically Kallia. But Shiv's was just as gentle and tender, though nothing could compare to making love with the woman she loved. Nothing could compare to Kallia.

Shiv peeked up to where she could see Yelara and grinned. "Lerrah taught me everything she knows," she said, and then quickly returned to her feast.

Yelara turned her head to where Lerrah lay sound asleep and stroked her cheek. "Thanks," she whispered to her, then gave a shrill cry to further express her gratitude to Lerrah. She kneaded her breasts more deliberately and licked her lips salaciously as if savouring precisely what Shiv was. "Oh, you good little servant girl. You're going to be rewarded for this."

The praise seemed only to urge Shiv on. She wrapped her arms around Yelara's thighs to keep herself from getting bucked off when the inevitable orgasmic thrashing started. If Dargus spent much time here, then she could see why he'd made Yelara his favourite. A part of Shiv would have gladly made Yelara her favourite too. But, she had too many favourites. Not that that was a bad thing.

Yelara clawed at the silk sheets of the bed and with as loud as her cries were, she was surprised Lerrah hadn't awakened. Kallia's name was on the tip of her tongue, ready to be vocalized, but there was no point in wasting her breath, for she wouldn't hear. In that moment, she missed her lover more than she had in two days. But a visit from her wouldn't be welcomed, not with how disgraceful her departure had been.

The throbbing pulse between her legs intensified and Yelara felt blood rushing to her face. She clenched her eyes closed and moaned more shrilly and frequently as her climax approached. "Keeve's a fool to push you away," she groaned breathlessly.

Shiv was moaning along with Yelara while her tongue coaxed the climax onward. It wouldn't be long now before it hit with the force of a sun exploding. If Keeve didn't treat her right, this is exactly what he'd be missing.

Yelara's cries became disrupted by an intermittent beeping arising from her bedside table. She flashed an angry glare at the comm device, then ignored it. Her breathing came faster and more shallow as Shiv worked relentlessly between her legs. She felt the dam prepared to break and give Shiv a reward for her masterful work, but the comm refused to be silent. "Oh gods," she whispered in combined agitation and ecstasy as she groped for the comm. Finally, the beeping stopped. "What!?" she hollered breathlessly. Her moans soon followed.

"Yelara, my love," came Dargus's voice. "I was just checking to see if you were interested in something to eat. I'm having the chef prepare something for me, and I just thought... What are you doing? What is that sound? Is everything alright, my love?"

Yelara stifled another cry, and keeping her lips sealed tightly closed, uttered a nonverbal affirmative. Shiv, the ravenous creature, persisted in pleasuring her, making it difficult to suppress the gentle moans rising in her throat. "My love, can I get back to you?" Yelara managed, a soft cry sneaking its way out.

"Yelara, what is going on in-- Oh. I see. I hadn't realized when you asked for servants that they would attend to...to the intimate details of your life. You do realize how upset Keeve will be if he were to find out about this, don't you? Not that his anger would have stopped that little minx from diving between your thighs. Yelara, we need to talk."

"Not now," she replied quickly. "I'm busy." She threw her head back and screamed, then erupted into a fit of breathless laughter. Oh, how she missed Kallia. "Just a little while longer. Please, Dargus. Almost done... Please." Yelara's hips jerked forward abruptly and her cries became prolonged and increasingly louder. "A little...more-- Oh gods!" Her entire body went rigid as she was consumed entirely by a vast wave of ecstasy. She crushed the silk sheets in her fists and writhed uncontrollably. "Oh don't stop!" she shrieked.

Dargus grumbled something into the comm, but Shiv had no idea what it was as she didn't let up. Her mistress commanded her not to stop and she wouldn't. She held on with everything she could while Yelara screamed and thrashed on the bed. She was so beautiful, especially like this. Oh gods, she thought. Being with Yelara and Lerrah could actually make my time here bearable. But never forget Kaysa and Merrick. Enjoy your time with Lerrah and Yelara, but don't lose sight of your other loves.

Yelara's screams crescendoed until they too reached a climax in time with her own. Her body arched off the bed and suspended in place until she finally fell back onto the bed with a long, deep sigh. Gentle spasms shook her body and with a satisfied grin, she looked down upon Shiv. "Okay, my little slave girl. You can stop now."

Shiv came away from Yelara, grinning up at her. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of delight and lust.

Next to them, a soft giggle sounded and Lerrah opened her eyes. "You know," she said, "you two are loud. So very good, but loud. How's a girl supposed to get any sleep with you around?"

Before either had a chance to respond, the door slid open and Dargus was standing there with his arms crossed over his chest.

Yelara grinned lazily at him and with diminished strength, pushed herself upright. "Care to join us, Master Kandran?" she asked. She laughed huskily and traced circles around her hardened nipple.

"Gladly," Dargus said with a smile. Any anger he may have been feeling seemed to vanish. He signalled for a guard to close the doors as he moved over and settled himself onto the bed. "The three of you look very nice there." He leaned forward and took Yelara's nipple into his mouth.

As exhausted and spent as she thought she'd been, Yelara found enough strength to brush her fingers through his black hair and moan quietly. "Well, this is quite a change." She winked at Shiv and Lerrah. "The Dargus Kandran I used to know would have tossed me halfway across the room by now. I think I rather prefer this new model."

"I don't like it that you were in here having sex without me, but the offer to join you and two additional young, attractive women is too tempting. They seem to have both taken quite an interest in you however. Maeren appeared to be working some sort of magic spell over you with her tongue. However, I have a feeling that Lerrah might be feeling left out."

"Well, then." Yelara pulled Dargus' head up by his hair and smiled silkily. "Perhaps my two slave girls can find a quiet little spot elsewhere while I take care of my dear Lord Kandran."

Dargus smiled, looked at Shiv and Lerrah, and then nodded. "Okay," he said. "They can go somewhere else to be together, and we'll give your bed a workout. It's probably not a good idea for them to go wandering too far. I have a feeling if Keeve found them we wouldn't be able to get him under control for a month. What if they just go over to the couch, and we'll stay here?"

"So this is the little matter you needed to discuss with me?" Yelara chuckled and languidly waved Shiv and Lerrah over to the couches.

"It's about Va'Lesh. According to Kallia, he seems to have come down with something, He won't eat. She says...she says he's not even grabbing for Yara's feet."

Yelara kept her facade of disinterest and impassivity firmly in place, but there was a part of her deeply ingrained motherly instincts that screamed at her to run to her child and make everything better. Her hatred for Liam, however, transcended any tenderness she felt for her child and unfortunately for Leshie, he was suffering for it. If so, she told herself, then why am I scared out of my mind? Yelara pulled her robe closed and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "Has a doctor assessed him?"

"I had a doctor check on him, but he's still waiting for the tests to come back. He told Kallia to get some food into him, but she's doing the best she can. She nearly threw one of my men from the room with the Force yesterday. The doctor said he'll suckle for a minute or two and then stop. We tried giving him some milk we created using a sample from you, and he won't even touch that. I'm sure the tests will come back alright. Kallia's scared though. It's understandable since Yara is in the room too. I thought about ordering the doctor to put helping the child ahead of everything, but I figure since it's Leshie, and not Yara, the need wasn't as pressing."

"You fool," Yelara hissed. "If that child dies Liam will feel it. Do you want to die so soon?"

"You've already told me you wanted the child dead," Dargus said. "I figured if he gets sick and dies, we don't have to actually kill him later. If you want though, I'll have my people work harder to get him well again." He shook his head. "Besides, it's Liam's child. We want him to hurt."

"Yes, I realize that but not this soon. We kill that child now, it's over. We have an empire to build and we can't exactly do that if you're dead. You really have no sense of timing, Dargus." Yelara pushed herself to her feet and aggressively tied her robe closed. "I'm going to go visit the child. Maybe the sight of his mother will make him feel better."

Dargus watched her stand, but remained on the bed. "When you're done there, I'll have lunch waiting for us in my office if you'd like," he said. "And, I'll have the doctor rush those reports. I'll see you soon, my love."

Yelara cast aside her anxiety for a moment, the one that was making her so unnerved, and smiled for Dargus. She leaned forward and placed a tender kiss upon his lips. "Save some lunch for me. I'll be there when I can."

"Take whatever time you need," Dargus said softly. "Good luck, my love. I know this must be difficult, but we'll get through it."

"Not difficult," Yelara assured him. "Just what needs to be done to hold off Liam Zaneth's wrath for now." She kissed him again, deeply and with some of the passion he had inspired in her, then pulled back with a laugh. "Hold onto that feeling. There'll be more when I get back." Blowing a kiss at her girls, Yelara strolled towards the door with hips gracefully swaying beneath her silky robe and her tangled mass of raven curls brushing lightly against her back.

Dargus watched her go, and then finally stood. He glanced over at Shiv and Lerrah, oblivious to his presence, and strode toward the door. "Just be glad I'm a man of my word," he said softly, "or else the three of us would be having a good time right now." With that, he left the room and headed back toward his office.

---

"Motherly Love"
by Yelara Neerou (though technically still Zaneth)
and Kallia Brael
with Yara Brael [NPC]
and Leshie Zaneth [NPC]

Location: Dargus' Cruiser - En Route to Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 28, 4ABY

***

Yelara steeled herself for what she would be greeted with once she reached Kallia's quarters. It wasn't so much Leshie's condition that she worried about - although as his mother, she should have been more concerned for the welfare of her child than she was - it was the disapproval and pain she would see in Kallia's face that would be difficult to confront. Dargus Kandran had been their enemy for so long and both had vowed to hate him for as long as they breathed, yet she was now sharing a bed with him and all the luxuries he provided her. The worst part of it all was she was enjoying every moment of it. That was the worst betrayal, and the worst heartbreak she could inflict upon Kallia. Perhaps if she helped Leshie through his sickness, she would regain a piece of Kallia's heart.

Yelara once again tightened her robe as she approached the guards standing outside Kallia's room. All of Dargus' men seemed to instantly go erect whenever a woman passed, and it wasn't as if they were deprived of them either. All the slaves were free for the taking, except Kallia, of course, and now Shiv and Lerrah, but it didn't stop the horny bastards from trying.

"Did you see that baby sucking away on her tit?" The guard rubbed at his crotch and chuckled. "Oh, I'd like to get a little bit of that for myself."

"She's older than some of the other girlies, but man does she make up for it in the looks category," the other guard went on. "You wanna try sneaking in tonight? When she's asleep? I think we can take her together."

"Boss says she's off-limits."

The younger of the two laughed and nudged his partner's arm. "Oh, come on. I just wanna taste."

Yelara, who had heard their conversation from halfway down the corridor, wasn't laughing. "I suggest, gentlemen," she announced in a loud, commanding tone, "that you forget all about this foolish scheme of yours." She stood before them, arms crossed over her chest and a look of pure disdain directed at them. They, in return, scanned the length of her body and grinned. "Now, open that door and if I hear you speaking like that again, or even thinking about entering that room without permission, I'll make sure Lord Kandran knows all about it. And I don't think I have to tell you what the consequences of that will be."

The guards' features hardened and the smiles quickly faded. With a dutiful nod, the younger released the locking mechanism on the door and both stepped aside to allow Yelara entry. Taking a deep breath to gather her resolve, Yelara stepped through, truly afraid of what she'd find within.

On the bed, Yara was on all fours, as much as she could manage, watching Kallia where she paced. In her arms was Leshie. His body seemed listless, and he was uninterested in the nipple she offered him. A sob was wrenched from within, and she held him tighter, willing some of her strength to him. "It's gonna be okay, Leshie," she whispered. "I promise it will be okay. They'll find out what's wrong and they'll make you all better. Then you can play with Yara again. It'll be okay, my little darling."

Yelara couldn't help the sudden lump in her throat that formed upon witnessing the scene before her. She realized then that she was still human even with as much hatred that filled her now. She stepped fully into the room and the doors hissed closed behind her. Kallia would never forgive her if Leshie died. In fact, she didn't know if she could forgive herself. "Is he any better?" Yelara asked gently, noticing irritably the thickness in her voice.

Kallia squeezed her eyes shut, spilling tears down her cheeks, and shook her head. "He's been like this for two days," she said softly. "At first, he just stopped eating. And, then...he...he just got all listless. Sometimes he'll watch Yara, but that's all. Oh gods, he has to be okay. He has to get better. Oh gods, little Leshie, be okay."

"He'll be fine," Yelara said curtly, her voice providing no comfort. She strode into the room and stopped before Kallia and Leshie. She examined the child for but a moment before she became unable to look upon him any longer. "He's sleeping, that's all. Look at him. He's fine. Babies sleep a lot. Don't worry about a thing."

Kallia looked up at Yelara and her eyes hardened. "He's not fine," she said, an edge creeping into her voice. "He won't eat. He doesn't cling like he used to. He's not fine, Yelara." She turned away and moved to the other side of the room.

"Well what do you want me to do?" Yelara hollered at her. "The doctors don't know what's wrong with him, so how the hell are we supposed to help him?"

Kallia turned to face her former lover. "You don't care anymore," she said. "So what does it matter? I'll do what I can to...to make him comfortable. You don't have to worry about us in here. I imagine it will be Yara next, and then me. But, what does it matter? You won't look at him, you won't hold him. I can feel your revulsion whenever you even look in his direction." She closed her eyes and turned away. It was clear from the way she trembled that she was crying.

"I came here to see how he was doing, didn't I? Doesn't that tell you something?" Yelara pressed a hand to her forehead to ease the sudden throbbing there. Pretending to be absolutely unfeeling was difficult to maintain, but she needed to do it. She needed Kallia to hate her to make the separation easier on her lover. "Look," she said with a sigh. "I'll hold him if you think it'll make him feel better, okay?"

Kallia approached slowly, unable to meet Yelara's gaze. It was difficult to do, but she managed to pass the infant to his mother. "I'm so scared," she whispered.

"Don't worry," Yelara replied, finally giving Kallia a gentle smile. "I'll make it good again, Kal. He'll be fine." She reluctantly gazed down at Leshie and at once was filled with the same fear Kallia felt. His tiny chest rose and fell much too slowly to be normal, and his tiny arms rested limply by his sides, while his legs simply dangled over her right arm. The colour in his cheeks was pallid and showed no hint of the rosy tinge they used to bear. His eyes didn't open once during the time she held him, nor did any other part of his body move. He didn't even make a sound.

Gazing upon him now, she didn't look at him as Liam's child and, hence, an object of hatred; he was her poor, sweet Leshie grown sickly simply because she resented his father. Yelara choked back a sob and looked up with pleading eyes at Kallia. "What do I do? Kallia...tell me how to save him. Oh gods, tell me."

Kallia moved close, her arms circling Yelara and Leshie. "Love him," she whispered. "He needs the love of his mama. He needs to be loved by you, Yel. Please love him. Please don't turn your back on him. It's not his fault. He's just a little baby. We have to love him. Please love him, Yelara." She rested her cheek against Yelara's throat, not wanting to let go. "Love him, Yelara."

Yelara took in a shuddering deep breath, but it did nothing to push back the sob that came from her lips. "Why did he have to have his father's eyes?" she whispered. The tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped from her chin onto Leshie's still, pale face. She leaned forward and gently kissed the salty tears from his cheeks, then brought him up against her chest. "Oh gods... I'm so sorry, Leshie, my boy. Please forgive mama." She wept sorrowfully and buried her face into Leshie's shoulder. "Oh, please forgive me, my sweet child."

Kallia held tight to Yelara and gently let her fingers play with the soft, red hair on Leshie's head. He was such a beautiful little boy. With mama's love, he'd make it. He had to. Please make it, she silently urged him. She trailed kisses around Yelara's throat, unable to stop herself from expressing the love she felt that would never wane. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.

"For what?" Yelara lifted her head from Leshie's shoulder and regarded her lover quizzically. "Kallia, you don't have to apologize for anything. It's me, I know that. All of this is my fault, but Liam is at the root of the problem. He hurt me, Kal, and that can't be forgiven." She looked to her child again and fresh tears sprang from her eyes. "Unfortunately for Leshie, he looks far too much like his father and that's not a reminder I need right now."

"But Leshie needs your love, no matter how much Liam hurt you. You can't abandon your baby because your husband hurt you. Leshie didn't do anything wrong. You have to love him." She kissed Yelara, tenderly and passionately. "He needs you, and I need you."

"Oh gods, Kal..." Yelara sighed and pressed her forehead to her lover's. "I've missed you so much. I couldn't stop thinking about you since the other day. But as long as I'm with Dargus, we'll keep fighting each other. I don't wanna fight, Kal. Please don't fight me."

"I just don't see how," Kallia whispered. "He's evil, Yelara. He's an evil man. But, I won't fight you. I can't fight you. I need you, my love. I need you to be with me, to love me."

"Then let me come visit you every day." She glanced down at her child, still resting motionless and unresponsive in her arms. "And Leshie too. I don't want him to die, Kal. As much as I hate his father, I don't think I could ever forgive myself if he died." Yelara buried her lips in his thick, red hair and kissed her child tenderly. "Mama's here, Leshie. You can get better now."

Kallia watched the two of them for a moment and smiled. "I think he shifted," she said. "More than he has before. I think he knows his mama's here."

"You think?" Yelara studied Leshie expectantly, but his eyes remained closed and his body motionless. The only sign of improvement came when she felt his little hand grab weakly onto the fabric of her robe. Yelara could only laugh and weep with pure joy. "Do you see? Look, he's clinging to me. Should I try and feed him?"

"Yes," Kallia said excitedly. "Come over to the bed. Come sit down and feed him on the bed. Yara will be so happy. Oh gods, Yel, he's responding."

Yelara and Kallia settled onto the bed after Kallia scooped Yara up into her arms. The little girl squealed and reached out for Leshie's foot, trying in her own way to bring him around. The scene made Yelara's heart ache. She pushed one side of the robe off her shoulder to reveal her breast and with anxiety waited for Leshie to accept it. "Come on, my little boy. You've always liked my nipple. Don't go getting modest on me now," she whispered affectionately.

She cradled him in one arm and gently caressed his cheek with her other hand. Softly, she began humming the lullaby he liked to listen to while he fed. It worked. Reluctantly at first, he nuzzled his lips to her nipple without taking it. She kissed his forehead and whispered quiet words of encouragement into his ear until finally he began suckling. Yelara held her breath, hoping he wouldn't drink for a time, then reject her as he had Kallia. After the first minute, though, Yelara's confidence grew. He recognized her touch, the taste of her milk and her breast, and when he gently tangled his stubby fingers into her hair while he fed, she knew he was going to be alright. "Mama still loves you, little Leshie," she whispered happily. "I do. Don't forget that again, my little love."

Kallia set Yara in her lap, and let her daughter play with Leshie's feet while he ate his fill. "He's so beautiful," she whispered. She raised her eyes to meet Yelara's and smiled. "I love you, Yel. I want to spend as much time with you as I can. I hate being apart from you."

"I'll stay here tonight then. I'll tell Dargus I need to make sure Leshie's okay, and I'll stay here with all three of you until morning." Without disturbing Leshie's feeding frenzy, Yelara leaned over and kissed Kallia deeply. Shiv had done well in abating her urges, but one touch from Kallia's lips, and her desire intensified again. Only her love could truly quench it. "I missed the taste of your lips," Yelara said with a sigh.

"And, I missed yours," Kallia whispered. "I know you have to go back to him, but I want you here with me, with us, as much as you can. It's not exactly lonely in here with the two babies, but I need you, Yel. You're my love and the light in this darkness. I love you so much."

"Even though I'm giving myself to Dargus?" she asked. "Even though I'm doing everything in my power to kill Liam? Can you still love me, knowing that?"

"I'm trying," Kallia whispered, and looked away. "He doesn't deserve death for this Yel. That's too extreme. That's what Dargus did before. Someone crossed him, and he'd kill them, or rip their arms off. Liam may have been incredibly stupid, but he doesn't deserve to die for it."

"You only view it that way because you've never been betrayed by the man you love. You've never given your heart completely to a person, then have them turn around and destroy it by lying, by cheating, by abandoning you." Yelara closed her eyes against the pain. "You don't know how it feels."

"No, I haven't," Kallia said. "He didn't have a chance to lie or cheat because he was killed before I could fall in love with him. I've been abandoned, and just looking at Koran Darr...it brings it all back. And, you didn't give your heart to him completely, Yelara. You gave part of your heart to me. Maybe he felt abandoned and betrayed. I don't know. But, he doesn't deserve to die for it."

"What?" Yelara narrowed her eyes at Kallia and kept her voice in a whisper to keep from disturbing Leshie. "Why the hell should he feel betrayed? He's the one fucking that whore; he's the one who turned his back on his wife and child because his dick wasn't satisfied with my cunt alone. Stop making excuses for him, Kal. He's the one who's brought this on himself."

Kallia closed her eyes and bit her lip. She couldn't hold back though. "His dick wasn't enough to satisfy you," she whispered. "You needed me too, Yelara. You couldn't live without me. And, he had to share you with me. I'm not trying to defend him, but he doesn't deserve to die for this. He doesn't deserve to die."

Yelara looked absently down at Leshie, trying to dismiss Kallia's point, no matter how valid she knew it to be. Her mind was made up, and things were already being set into motion. It was too late to stop it even if she wanted to. "It was different for you and I, Kal. I told him about you, I gave him a choice. He accepted you into our lives. He, on the other hand, hid his relationship with Laedra from me." She sighed. "Besides, Dargus will kill him no matter what. There's no stopping him."

"And, what if Dargus isn't strong enough to stop Liam? Dargus hasn't been training as a Jedi for very long. How much time did Liam spend as a Dark Jedi? I have a feeling we may be seeing the return of Kace Mordin. And, I don't know if Dargus can stand against that."

"And if that happens," Yelara said quietly, fearfully, "what will you do, Kal? He'll be your enemy too, then. Will you oppose him as Dargus means to? If Kace Mordin does return, you might just need Dargus' help to stop him."

"I can't stand against him, Yelara," Kallia whispered. "I can't stand against Kace and expect to live, especially if he's fully embraced the dark side. Dargus will die, Yelara. He's got too many people aligned against him. And, Liam or Kace or whatever you want to call him won't let him live this time. And, I'm scared."

Yelara too felt that same fear Kallia was experiencing, but more so because she was soon to become his empress, and his enemies would no doubt become hers. Including Kace Mordin. "I'll keep you safe, Kal," she muttered distractedly. "You and the babies will always be under my protection. Don't worry about a thing."

"And, you can protect us from Kace if Dargus can't?" Kallia shook her head. "As long as I have you here, that's what I need. If he eventually kills me, then so be it. But as long as I have you now."

"Kallia, stop it!" Yelara shrieked. Leshie shifted restlessly in her arms and whimpered at the disruption. She caressed his cheek to soothe him, then suppressed the terror Kallia had evoked in her. "He will not kill you. Dargus will stop him, Kal, and if not, then the Jedi will. Please don't be like this. Please stop frightening me!"

"I'm sorry," Kallia whimpered as she held Yara protectively to herself. "It's just that I'm scared. It doesn't matter anymore. Nothing matters anymore. Either Kace will kill us or Dargus will. It doesn't matter. I'll just stay locked in my room with my babies. I'll be safe here with them until the end."

"Kallia," Yelara whispered. She looked to her love with a fresh layer of tears coating her eyes and tightly grasped her chin with her free hand. "Kallia! Stop this. I will not lose you to fear or despair. Dargus won't touch you and I will kill Kace myself before I let him near any of you. Trust me, dammit. Why won't you trust me?"

"I don't want him to die," Kallia sobbed. "I don't want Liam to die, Yelara. He doesn't deserve to die for this. Not for this. He should hurt. You being with Dargus will hurt him. But he doesn't need to die."

"But don't you see, Kal? If he finds me with Dargus, he will become Kace Mordin. After that, he will need to die to keep us all safe." Yelara loosened her grip and slid her hand onto Kallia's cheek. "Either way, Kallia, he must die."

"We can save him," Kallia whispered. "We can make him come back to the light. We can't kill him, Yelara. It's not right. He doesn't deserve it." She sighed and looked up. "I hate him for taking part of you from me, but...but I also love him, Yel. I don't want to see him die. Please..."

Yelara sighed and slipped her arm around Kallia's waist, pulling her closer. "For you, my love, I'll make you a promise. Dargus will no doubt lure Liam here with the intention of killing him, but I know Dargus and I know he will keep Liam alive long enough to break his spirit. In that time, I will speak with him, Kal. I do hate him too...but I still love that bastard." She paused to kiss Kallia's cheek then continued. "If during our discussion I no longer feel I can go through with his death, Kal...I'll stop it. I'll fix everything and no one will have to die. Not Dargus, not Liam, not any of us. Is that enough, my love? I'd do that for you. All for you."

"Thank you," Kallia whispered. "Thank you, my love, my Yelara. Everything will work out fine. I know it now. Everything will be okay again. And, I'll never lose you. Ever."

Yelara laughed softly. "Of course not, my love. No matter how much distance separates us, you must know I'll always come back to you. I love you, Kallia Brael. I would die inside without you."

"Just make sure there isn't a lot of distance separating us," Kallia said as she adjusted Yara in her arms. "I couldn't live without you nearby."

"I know what you mean. I feel it too. But...being with Dargus takes my mind off of it. Though, he never could make up for you, Kal. No one ever has or will."

"I don't have a Dargus in here," Kallia said. "When you're here, all I have is caring for the babies and the walls. There isn't much to help me take my mind off it when you're not around."

Yelara brushed her lips against Kallia's cheek and sighed softly. "I'll be around more, though. I promise. I'll visit everyday, my Kallia. You won't be lonely anymore."

"Thank you," Kallia whispered. "And, Leshie can be happy again. He won't miss his mommy anymore." She looked down at him and laughed. His eyes were open now and looking around. She couldn't help laughing when he kicked his feet out.

"And his mommy won't be stupid enough to blame her poor child for the crimes of his father." Leshie burbled as he detached his mouth from her breast and fussed in her arms. She drew him up against her chest and patted his back soothingly, remembering quickly how truly fulfilling motherhood had been for her, and making clear to herself how foolish she'd been to give it up. "We can make everything feel almost normal. If we're together, maybe it can be."

"Can you lie with me for a bit? I want to feel you in my arms. I want to touch you and remind myself what it's like to be loved completely."

"Have you forgotten so soon?" Yelara smiled warmly at Kallia, and with her child still in her arms, she reclined back on the bed. Once Kallia was lying beside her, she kissed her slowly and tenderly, trying to ease away any lingering fears or apprehensions Kallia might have had about their relationship and the future in general. With one kiss, she hoped to make everything as close to normal as she could, in spite of all they had and would go through. She didn't want to think of death or separation, even though they were both likely outcomes for the future; she only wanted to love Kallia as she always did, and assure her that not even Dargus Kandran could make her feel otherwise.

---