"A Friendly Bet, Part 1"
by Kallia Brael
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Kael Selrid
Oot Kovan
Kambra Gant [NPC]

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

Kallia watched with a slight smile on her face as Yelara fed Va'Lesh. She looked so content while he suckled at her breast, so radiant as their eyes met and they shared the bond of motherhood. She knew it scared both of them, but they'd get through this together. She imagined it wouldn't be easy, but they could at least learn how to raise their children together. And, she already had three months of practice with Yara.

Liam sat on the bed next to Yel with a hand slipped into one of hers. They looked so happy together, and so unaware of what lay ahead of them. Damn, she thought. Just stay away. She quickly brushed the darkling thoughts away and smiled. "You're taking to that like a mother of three months."

"Well it's not exactly difficult," Yelara replied. "I just thrust out my breast to him and he just lets pure male instinct guide his actions." She glanced at Liam with a loving smile and teased, "Just like his father and becoming so more and more each day."

"Just be glad Leshie doesn't have any teeth," Kal said with a grin. "Liam bit me last night. It was still sore this morning when I fed Yara. Fortunately she was content with the other nipple."

Liam laughed. "Well, you were the one who scratched me first. You should see my back."

Kallia just shook her head and laughed. "I don't even have the fingernails for that. Tell him, Yel. Tell him I don't have the fingernails to scratch like that."

Yelara lifted Kallia's hand and examined her fingertips. She glanced back at Liam with a smile. "Sorry...she's right. Those things have been worn down to nubs. You'll need better justification than that, Liam."

Liam just laughed. "I guess I got carried away," he said. "But, it's her fault for putting her nipple in my mouth in the first place. Besides, your nipples were all tired from Leshie. You know us men and our need for nipples. And, speaking of nipples, we should contact Oot today."

Yelara emitted a surprised laugh and playfully slapped Liam in the arm. "And I would like to know how Oot and nipples are even remotely related in your mind. I'm beginning to think you've reverted to the sex fiend you were so quick to label Kal and I at one time."

Liam laughed. "She's a woman," he said. "I'm sure she's got nipples. I'm not very familiar with Twi'lek anatomy, but I'm still sure she's got them. But, honestly, nipples really didn't figure into my thinking of Oot, but I figured it was a good tension breaking segue."

"Certainly," Yelara replied skeptically. "At any rate, I think Oot would be delighted to hear that I'm finally able to work for her again. I imagine I should probably get right on it now." She looked down into Leshie's sparkling blue eyes and said playfully, "Sorry, my dear, but mommy needs to build some high tech surveillance device for the local crimelord. You'll have to borrow someone else's nipples."

Liam smiled as his son gurgled happily. "How could I ever look at another woman's nipples when I've got those? Of course, my son is monopolizing them now, so I've had to make do with my wife's lover's nipples, but how could I ever?" He looked up at Yel and grinned. "Well, how about Kallia goes and makes sure Nieme has things under control with breakfast, and you and I can contact Oot about the progress with the surveillance?"

Yelara nodded in agreement and held Va'Lesh to her chest to rub his back soothingly. "Oh, and Kallia...make sure they don't make me anymore of that carbosyrup glazed Hojet. I just can't seem to stomach the stuff anymore."

Kallia laughed. "I noticed that last night at dinner when it all came back up and then over the floor. I've seen Nieme look pretty scared, but I don't think she's ever looked that scared. I think we got her to understand that it wasn't her cooking, just that you can't handle the carbosyrup anymore. Though, I don't think Liam's over the whole vat of that we have in the kitchen. I don't think we'll ever be able to get rid of all that."

"Well...I don't care what you do with it, just keep it out of my sight!" Yelara laughed as Leshie belched softly. "Like I said...more and more like you everyday, Liam."

"Tomorrow I'm going to teach him volume," Liam said. "By tomorrow night, I don't care where you are in this temple, you'll know when my son's finished his meal. That's my boy." Liam stuck a finger up toward Leshie's mouth, and the infant quickly closed his lips around it. He laughed softly as Leshie gummed at his knuckle. "He's a special boy."

"I know," Yelara said softly. She smiled at Liam and once again felt the overpowering joy that consumed her each time she held their son. "Let's contact Oot now so we can spend more quiet time with Leshie."

Kallia slipped from the room while Liam helped Yelara settle her clothing. Together, they left the main bedroom and entered the small office adjacent to it. A small desk was pushed against one wall, and on that sat a holographic communications suite. He led the way into the office with Yelara and Leshie following behind. "According to the information I have, we shouldn't have much difficulty in contacting her. With the data we're gathering, she mentioned in her last communication that she's keeping her fleet closer to Tae'Karada. I just hope she stays out of Imperial sensor range." He looked over at Yel and smiled. "Ready to show off our son?"

"My love, of course! He's going to be the most handsome child on Tae'Karada." She gently smoothed her hand over Leshie's head and laughed. "Look at that...look at how it picks up the light. I imagine his hair will be as red as my mother's was."

"Red hair and blue eyes," Liam said. "He's definitely going to stand out around here. And, with your looks, we're going to have to fight off the women. Well, the girls. He'll have to fight off the women himself. Though, given our appetites for things of that sort, we'll probably have to watch him carefully. When the lines start forming outside his bedroom, we know we have trouble." He looked down at Leshie who just looked up at him and made a burbling noise. "You're going to send girls and women swooning with your dashing good looks, aren't you?"

"Don't start getting jealous now, Liam. He may outcompete you eventually, but you'll still have Kallia and I...as well as Dani, it would appear." Yelara tried to conceal her grimace with a smile. "She's been very friendly with you lately. And I also notice she's taken to wearing her equadi...a lot."

"You noticed that too? She even showed up for training in it. And, made sure she was very close to me for our warm-up exercises. I have no idea what I should do. I guess I could talk to her."

"Well...I guess it's alright as long as it's harmless. And as long as your heart is securely mine...and Leshie's too." Momentary concerns of threat vanished as Yelara kissed Liam tenderly. She shifted Leshie to her other arm and nodded to the holovid. "Now for Oot. I always enjoy hearing people praise Leshie...even though he's too young to really appreciate it. I guess we'll just have to appreciate it for him, won't we, my little soul?" Yelara nuzzled Leshie's nose with hers and continued to coo at him in unintelligible gibberish.

As Liam started preparing the communications array, he glanced at Yelara and grinned. "So, have you thought about what you're going to do with all the attention Kael's been lavishing on you lately?"

Yelara stopped in mid-fawning and glanced at Liam with a wry smile. "He's only paying so much attention to me because of the baby. Do you blame him? Who wouldn't want to steal of peek of our precious boy?"

"Well, I guess we can't blame him for that," Liam said. "Though, it seems like he pays particular attention when it's time to feed Leshie. I don't think me and our son are the only ones attracted to those lovely nipples of yours."

Yelara sighed impatiently at Liam and pursed her lips tightly. "Like I said...he's only admiring the baby." She grumbled and held Leshie close to spare him witnessing her display of irritation. "Just get Oot on the comm, will you? We can discuss the matter of the lusting padawans after we deliver the news."

Liam laughed. "Put on a big smile, because we're going to be seeing Oot right about--" He tapped at a couple more buttons on the console, and the screen resolved itself into Oot's smiling face. "--Now."

"Liam. Yelara. It's so good to see you. Oh...oh my...oh, Yelara-- Is that--? Oh, I have to get Kambra!"

Yelara moved closer to Liam with Leshie resting in her arms and facing the empty screen that had held Oot's face for only a brief moment. She grinned expectantly, waiting for Oot and Kambra to come to the screen and dote over their new child. She shifted her eyes sideways to Liam and said between clenched teeth, "I only hope she doesn't send us carbosyrup as a birthday gift for Leshie."

"We'll deal with it," Liam said softly. "We've still got that thousand kiloliter vat you made me buy when we got here. We'll have to use it as fertilizer or something."

"Oh! A baby! Mesa so happy for you, Yelara! Mesa ecstatic! Oh! Isn't yousa the cute one! The baby has your eyes, Liam. Dat for sure! Kambra very happy for you! Very happy!"

Oot laughed as she looked at the baby. "He's quite adorable, Yelara. I think we're going to have to arrange a visit, if it isn't too much of an inconvenience."

Yelara's eyes flickered to Liam, but she hoped the reaction was subtle enough that Oot wouldn't notice. She didn't think Liam would appreciate an outsider knowing of the Temple's location, even if it was Oot. "We...we'd love for you to come see the baby! We'd have to get the apartment tidied up for your arrival but... Just tell us when and... That'd be wonderful!"

"Very well," Oot said. "I think our schedule will allow it within the next couple weeks. Now that we have seen him, I do hope you've given him a good name. A good child does need a good name."

"Actually, Liam came up with the name." She gazed down at Leshie with pride gleaming from her smile and said reverently, "His name is Va'Lesh. It's from the Old Corellian tongue." She glanced up at Liam and added quietly, "It means 'freedom.'"

Oot nodded. "I recognize the word," she said with a warm smile. "It is very appropriate. I am happy for both of you. I cannot think of two people more deserving to have such joy in their lives. And, two people who do such fine work. There are moments, Yelara, when I wonder if you made that device too well. There are things that I am finding out that I wonder if I should know them."

"It's nothing too troubling, I hope." Yelara looked down at Va'Lesh for a moment, envying his innocence and obliviousness to the pugnacity of the world he had been born into. An instinctive protectiveness was immediately called up in Yelara, and she embraced her child tightly. "If there's anything you need us to do, Oot, you know we're here for you."

"As long as your device keeps working, that's good for me," she said. "And, it's nothing troubling. Just, I'm learning more about Zale Tregat's sexual appetite than I'd hoped to." Oot smiled. "Though, his habits have shown me a number of exploitable holes in his organization that'll come in handy for me. I won't bore you with the details though. You are looking remarkably well. I look forward to spending more time with you and hearing all about Va'Lesh's exploits around your home. I hope you still have room there for a gift from a friend."

Oh gods, not the carbosyrup. "A gift?" Yelara raised her brow at Liam, then looked to Oot with a smile masking her apprehension. "Really, Oot, a gift isn't necessary. Liam's already spoiling the boy!"

"A child never has enough toys," Oot said with a smile. "And, I know of a few of my favourites from growing up on Ryloth. He's probably too young for sweets yet, or else I'd spoil him with those too. Though, perhaps his parents..."

"No sweets!" Yelara blurted out impulsively. Oot's face flashed with surprise and Yelara immediately corrected herself with a smile. "I mean...I'm making a conscious effort to regain my trim figure and I've a fond weakness for anything sweet." Yelara had to swallow the sickening taste of carbosyrup that rose in her throat as she uttered that final word, the one that summed up in full an accurate description of the saccharin sludge. "If you'd like to give Leshie a gift, I think that would be fine. You'd be his favourite auntie...you and Kambra both!"

"Mesa no auntie," Kambra said. "Mesa be favourite unco! Unco Kambra!"

Oot smiled. "No sweets, but we'll bring the gifts along when visit. We should probably get back to things here. We'll have plenty of time to visit soon."

"You have the frequency of Liam's personal comlink, right? You can contact us if ever you need our assistance. I would really like to get my hands into some technical work...if you need anything special." She laughed softly as Leshie burbled then yawned his tiny mouth. She held him up closer to the screen to give Oot and Kambra a better view. "Say goodbye to Auntie Oot and Uncle Kambra, my love."

Both Oot and Kambra laughed and waved at the baby. "We'll let you know if we have any other projects. I'm sure there is something that will be perfect for your talents."

Liam grinned. "Please, whatever you can have for her. I need something to keep her out of trouble when she's not taking care of Leshie." At Yelara's glare, he held up his hands defensively. "It was good to see you two again. We'll see you again soon." He slipped an arm around Yelara and kissed the side of her head while she made faces at their son.

"It is good to see you happy," Oot said. "Now, you must stay that way. We'll have to check on you often to make sure you are still happy."

"I plan on staying this way for a long while, so don't you worry about that." Yelara wrapped her fingers around Leshie's small, delicate wrist and waved his curled up hand at Oot and Kambra. "Be safe, you two."

With a final wave from the holographic representations of Oot and Kambra, and promises that they would stay safe, their images fizzled into nothingness.

Once they had disappeared, Liam gave kisses to both Yelara and Leshie and slipped his arms around Yel and just held her. "I don't think I've ever felt this content in my life. Almost as if things are normal. I know they're hardly normal. We're on a planet run by the Empire while secretly building a new Jedi order, but it certainly feels...good."

"Maybe it just feels that way because you've got your hands on my rear, Liam." Yelara laughed softly and pressed her cheek to Liam's. They swayed gently in each other's arms as if their joy had transformed itself into a sweet melody. Leshie lay cradled in her arms, which were seemingly moulded to his tiny frame. She kissed Liam tenderly upon the cheek and sighed quietly in his ear. "I love you, Liam Zaneth. I never would have found happiness if you hadn't walked into my life...or onto my flight deck."

Liam kissed Yel and laughed. "I think we'll have to find all those former workers of yours. If they hadn't tried to make me pay ten times the going repair rate, we may not have ever met. Though, I think they're all gone now. I killed most of them when they attacked me, and then that one guy disappeared off the station."

Yelara stiffened at recollection of Gin Toran and the torture he'd inflicted upon her. She remembered the blood, the scars, then Kallia making love to her for the first time. It was both the best and most traumatizing day she'd ever experienced. "I think we should hold off on the reunion." She managed a smile for Liam, then moved to his side and wedged herself under his arm. "Let's just go eat breakfast then we can start decorating the baby's room."

The sudden feelings Liam caught through the bond he shared with Yelara told him there was something about those men that still haunted her. He wouldn't pursue it now, but later they would have to talk it out. "I think that Nieme would have happily made a carbosyrup-free breakfast. I think when she first realized she was supposed to cook with it, she looked quite scandalized."

"Well, I can't believe I actually engorged that sludge. I'm surprised my teeth haven't rotted by now." Yelara walked with Liam by her side and holding her in a tender embrace. They headed toward the dining hall with Leshie still in her arms. "I should probably put him down with Yara. He looks like he's getting groggy."

"Well, he did have quite a meal before the call to Oot," Liam said. "Besides, I think Yara and Lesh need to spend more time together if they're going to be best friends. I just hope Dani's wearing something other than that equadi. There's just so much purple nakedness in the form of a nymphette that I can handle."

"Has she worn anything other than the equadi since we got back, Liam? Don't worry. If she does wear it, just gaze into your wife's...oh wait, there's purple there too. Sorry, can't help you, Liam." Rational thinking assured Yelara that Dani's attentions were merely the result of infatuation, but she couldn't deny that she was worried past events would repeat themselves. Yet, through their bond, Yelara knew Liam's heart was firmly hers and no matter how prone to his masculine urges he might have been, he wouldn't take that step again...she hoped.

As they passed down the corridor, Yelara and Liam stopped by Kallia's room to lay Leshie to rest in the carrier Kallia had surprised them with. He fell asleep the moment his head hit the soft pillow and they stepped lightly from the room so as not to wake him again. Over the past two days, Yelara had learned that getting Leshie to sleep was more of struggle than she'd thought it would have been, so these moments when sleep came easily to him were rare ones not to be intruded upon. Yelara slipped her arm around Liam's waist and rested her weary head upon his shoulder. "So, what do you have planned for today?"

"I'd like to swing into the city for some more supplies," Liam said. "And, Nieme's been asking to go in for some ingredients to this new recipe she's come up with. So, I imagine I'll head in with the three of them, since they seem inseparable these days, get the supplies, and then come back for some more training with them. After the training, I was thinking of spending some quality time with my wife who is really getting her figure back quickly."

"Stop it, Liam," she said with a smile. "It's only been two days. It'll be a while before I can squeeze into my leather comfortably again. I could go for very long walks through the forest to speed things along. And maybe Kael can serve as my escort," she added mischievously.

"Oh really? Well, if he doesn't fall over his own two feet while clearing any obstacles out of your way, I'm sure it will be a very pleasant walk. Perhaps when I go into the city, I can take Nieme and Dani, and leave Kael here to help you...with walking."

"Well, as long as Dani and Nieme are only helping you replenish supplies, I think that would be a wonderful idea." Yelara jabbed Liam in the stomach and rushed ahead of him towards the dining area. "And maybe I'll wear something tight and leathery. Maybe I won't wear anything at all!"

"Flirt!" Liam called after her while he followed. "You wouldn't be satisfied anyway! You know I'm the only man who could ever make you scream like that. I don't think he'd even know what to do with you!"

"We'll see about that, now won't we?" Yelara giggled and fled into the dining area with a squeal. She saw Liam following quickly after her and rounded the table to elude him. Her eyes caught a bottle filled with carbosyrup and, laughing wickedly, she took it up in her hand. "Keep away or I'll find a new use for this carbosyrup. Did you manage to get it out of your hair after all?"

"Don't forget what happened last night with the carbosyrup," Liam said, his taunts punctuated with laughter. "All that sweetness and goopiness, running over...your hand. Oh, and that smell. Carbosyrup definitely has that distinctive smell, doesn't it? Mmmm."

Yelara's stomach began churning and she felt her mouth filling with the acrid taste of her newfound hatred for carbosyrup. She covered her mouth with her free hand as she remembered the overly sweet smell of the thick liquid, which was soon accompanied by recollection of its taste that seemed permanently absorbed into her tongue. She shook her head in a pleading gesture to Liam, begging him to stop before she made a visible display of her dislike for carbosyrup. "I'm gonna be sick," she said in a muffled voice.

Liam quickly shut up, and used the Force to pull the bottle of carbosyrup from her grip before she dropped it and the situation became much worse. He stepped forward slowly, after setting the carbosyrup on the small table near the door. "I'm sorry, Yel," he said, his voice filled with genuine sincerity. "I knew it affected you, but I didn't realize it was this bad. I won't use carbosyrup as a weapon anymore...as long as you don't."

She took a deep breath and glanced at Liam with a sour smile. "Fine...truce. I'll just have to find something else to torture you with." As the words left her mouth, Dani and Kael walked into the room, which brought a mischievous smile to Yelara's face. "Yes...something else indeed," she said as she fixed her gaze on Kael, then shifted it back to Liam.

"You wouldn't dare," Liam said as he glanced at the two unsuspecting Padawans. Of course, Dani was wearing her equadi again, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. "If you do that, you know what I'll have to do in response..."

She gasped and playfully scowled at Liam. She moved from behind the table and keeping her eyes on Liam, she moved towards the two padawans. "Good morning, Dani." She swept her gaze past Dani and fixed her eyes on Kael. With a sultry smile, she greeted him. "And you look like you're doing very well this morning, Kael. Very well indeed..."

Kael nearly stumbled. "Thank you, Yelara," he said with a smile. "You're looking...oh very nice yourself. I think since the baby was born, you're starting to get back into a very nice shape...I mean, you're getting back into shape nicely."

Yelara smiled proudly at her minor triumph and glanced back at Liam momentarily. "I'm making an active effort to get back to my original form." She gave Kael a lopsided smile and took a step closer. "I was actually thinking about going for a walk in the forest today. Liam's going to be busy so I thought...maybe you'd like to accompany me."

"M-m-me? Uh, s-sure." Kael suddenly grinned. "Sure. I'd love to accompany you, Yelara. I think it would be very nice. Dani, Nieme and I have been spending some time out there, so I'm getting to know my way around. There's a really nice waterfall, and a lake. Oh, and lots of places to walk. I'll go with you. It'll be great!"

"Good! After breakfast, I'll go and change and then we can get on our way." She ran a hand along Kael's arm and held his gaze for a long while before laughing softly and moving back towards the table. As she passed Liam she whispered to him, "Beat that, Mr. Jedi Master."

---

"A Friendly Bet, Part 2"
by Kallia Brael
Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Kael Selrid
Dani
and Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

Liam grinned. "I shall," he said, and then stepped over to where Dani was setting out the place settings. "Good morning, Dani."

Dani turned and her eyes brightened when she saw Liam there. "Good morning, Liam," she said, a slight purr in her voice. "You're looking pretty amazing today. But, I've always had a weakness for leather. Though, I am really beginning to like the fabric this dress is made out of."

"I don't think anyone could wear an equadi quite the way you do," Liam said. "Very few women have the bodies or the confidence to wear the dress so comfortably." He met her eyes and for a moment, thought she was going to rush into his arms.

"Thank you," she said. "I get compliments often, but they're seldom as sincere as yours."

Liam smiled. "On the way into the city today, it'll just be me, you, and Nieme. Kael's going to be staying behind to...help Yelara with some things. If you don't mind, I'd like for you to sit up in front of the speeder with me and we can talk about your training."

Dani nodded slowly. "That would be good. I'd like that very much."

"Me too," Liam said as he held her gaze.

Without thinking, Dani reached up and brushed a hand over his chest. "I look forward to it, Liam," she said. "Nieme and I will be ready to leave right after breakfast."

"Good," Liam said, and then brushed a hand across the bare skin of one of her arms. He could feel her trembling through the touch. "You do look very beautiful in that dress...I just wanted to...let you know." With that, he slipped away and back to where Yelara was sitting. "Beaten."

She smiled at him sardonically and folded her arms across her chest. She pouted stubbornly at Liam and as Kael entered her field of view, she sat up straight and called out to him. "Why don't you sit by me, Kael? We can plan out our day together." She pulled out the chair next to her and patted the seat. "Sit. We have much to talk about."

Kael glanced between Yelara and Liam and felt the blood drain from his face. "Sure," he said slowly, and cautiously approached.

Once Kael was close enough, Yelara placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him down into the seat. She patted him on the knee as he settled into place, but neglected intentionally to remove her hand from his leg. "I really am looking forward to that walk, you know. The two of us, all alone in the forest..." Her hand slid higher along his thigh and she leaned in closer. "It would give us a chance to get to know one another a lot better."

Kael brushed his hand over Yelara's and shifted his eyes to hers. "I'd like that a lot," he said slowly. He shifted his hand over to her thigh and smiled. "I know some very nice...secluded places we can go to."

Yelara grinned, hoping Liam was witnessing her success and her triumph. "I bet you could show me a lot more than that," she said allusively. "I bet I could show you a lot too."

Kael's eyes shifted to Liam who seemed to be watching them, but unphased by what was happening. "I'd like that," he said as he looked back at Yelara. "I'd like to find out what we can show each other." He let his hand drift higher up her thigh as his desire seemed to burn even hotter. "We've developed some special...techniques in the desert that you might find to your liking..."

Yelara's face drifted closer to Kael's and she said in a sultry whisper, "I imagine I'd them very much--"

"B-Breakfast's ready!"

Yelara gave a startled gasp and pulled away from Kael as Nieme's sing-song voice rang through the dining area. The girl giggled as she set the plate of towering flatcakes upon the table. Yelara cleared her throat uncomfortably, but still managed a smile for Kael. "That looks really delicious, Nieme," Yelara commented while keeping her gaze on Kael.

Without taking his eyes from Yelara, Kael nodded slowly. "Yes," he said, "it does."

Dani slid into a chair next to Liam and grinned at him. The flowing gown finally settled around her and she reached out to pull a pitcher of juice closer, making certain to brush her arm against Liam.

Kallia stood back and watched the whole display with a grin on her face. This was going to get very interesting very fast. She moved to the other side of the table and took a seat. As she did, she glanced at Nieme. "Why don't you sit next to me this morning, Nieme?"

Nieme nodded happily in assent and set down the bowl of scrambled Dernian eggs in her other hand before taking her seat. "I...I made sure not to put carbosyrup into anything, Yelara Zaneth. I know it upsets your s-stomach."

Yelara frowned at the mention of carbosyrup and all thoughts of seducing Kael vanished. She sat back in her chair and wrapped her arms around her already churning stomach. "Thank you...Nieme. But I'd appreciate it if you refrained from even saying the word."

Nieme looked worried for a moment then nodded her head quickly. "I-I'm sorry. No more mention of carbosyrup." A look of anguish crossed Yelara's face and Nieme panicked. " I mean...oh...I'm sorry!"

"It's alright, Nieme," Liam said with a smile. "It's just that Yelara doesn't have the stomach for much anymore. She's just getting older now, and losing touch with certain aspects of her youth, such as being able to eat everything. And other things." He passed the plate of flatcakes to Dani with an alluring smile.

"You'd be surprised what I can eat, Liam," she muttered as she cast her eyes down towards Kael's lap. She sighed wistfully and turned her attention to Kael's face. She brushed her hand along his and asked sweetly, "Would you pass me the eggs, please, my dear?"

"Gladly," Kael said and quickly handed the eggs over to Yelara. "These eggs are the best, and you deserve only the best."

Kallia struggled hard not to laugh, but knew she wasn't succeeding very well. She turned her attention to Nieme. "You make marvellous meals, Nieme. It's surprising to find such skill in someone so young, but I've found that the universe is always surprising me. I imagine you're happiest in the kitchen?"

"Well...before I came here and before I found Kael and all of you, I was happiest there. But now it's just a fun hobby." She smiled shyly then spoke quietly to Kallia. "Today...will you teach me, Master Jae Dyn Brael? I want to learn how to be happy...I want to learn how to keep the visions away."

Kallia smiled. "I will teach you everything I can," she said. "When you return from the city with Liam, I will teach you to gain control of the visions. I'll teach you, so you can be happy all the time."

"And so everyone else can be happy too," Nieme added quickly. "Dani... I made her scared. She felt what I felt and it made her scared. I don't want anyone to be unhappy because of my visions. But we'll make them go away; you and I will make them go away."

Kallia smiled. "Everything will be much better once you have them under control," she said. "And, you won't have to worry about getting Dani caught up in them anymore."

Across the table, Kael was still trying to comfort Yelara after the mention of carbosyrup. As Yel slowly chewed her food, the youth was telling her about this one small cave he'd found out in the forest that he'd love to show her later in the day. "We'll need to bring a light with us, but it's very cozy inside."

"A light? Who needs lights?" Yelara ran her foot sensuously up Kael's calf as she placed another forkful of food into her mouth. "We'll just use our hands to guide us." She said this while smoothing her free hand along Kael's thigh and squeezing it firmly. "Hands are all we need."

Kael slipped his hand onto Yelara's thigh and grinned. "Hands are all we need," he said, and slowly let his hand creep up higher.

Yelara watched Kael's hand as it slid along her thigh. She looked to Liam and furtively stuck her tongue out at him as a sign of victory. Yelara let an accidental moan escape when Kael's hand slipped between her legs. She jerked in her seat to evade his frisky fingers and laughed nervously as all eyes turned in her direction. "Uh...a hiccup, that's all. Um...excuse me?" she offered as an apology, as well as a cover up for what was going on underneath the table and away from their eyes.

Kael looked up into her eyes and grinned. "Later," he whispered. He moved his hand back to her thigh, where he let his fingers continue caressing. His eyes went wide when he noticed Dani's hand in Liam's lap, and the noticeable lump she'd caused there.

Nieme looked around the table for a moment, noticing something strange going on but not certain what to think. She let the moment of awkwardness pass and said happily, "Does anyone want anything else for breakfast? I don't mind cooking something else. Kael...did you want some Hojet?"

Kael looked up at Nieme and his face brightened. "Yes," he said. "I'd love some Hojet." He turned to Yelara and grinned. "Nieme's Hojet is the best there is."

"I'll help you get it," Kallia said. "I really want to learn how to make it." And, I want to get Nieme out of here long enough for the other four to come to their senses before they do something that shatters the poor girl. "Come on, now you can be my teacher."

"Okay!" Nieme giggled excitedly and pushed back her chair. She looked around the table at Dani and Kael, both of whom seemed to be intently staring at Liam and Yelara respectively. "We'll be back soon," she said as she and Jae Dyn departed for the kitchen.

Before disappearing into the kitchen, Kallia cast a glance to Yelara and Liam and shook her head. She really hoped they knew what they were doing. She could see it in their eyes, and figured it was some sort of challenge for each. She just hoped nothing bad came of it. She just hoped that nothing got out of hand, especially not with the baby.

Yelara noticed Kallia's stern look and casually removed her hand from Kael's lap. "You know, I think I should go get ready for that walk." She rose stiffly from her chair and motioned Liam with her eyes to follow. Glancing down at Kael, she smiled sweetly. "You eat up. You're going to need to build up your energy for that walk." She shot him a wink and with a gentle laugh she started towards the doorway.

With a smile to Dani, Liam removed the girl's hand from his lap and slid out of his chair. He followed after Yelara until they were out of the dining room, and then he moved up to walk next to her. "Looks like you're doing well with Kael."

She looked down at the lump protruding from Liam's pants and grinned. "Looks like Dani's doing well with you." With a laugh, she punched him in the arm and started towards their room. "I'm going to win this you know. You haven't got a chance."

"Are you telling me you're unaffected by Kael's attentions? I saw his hands getting in close there, until you scared the poor boy away." He paused for a moment, and then laughed. "So, what exactly are you trying to win?"

Yelara stopped and gazed pensively at the ceiling. "Not exactly certain, yet," she replied. She shrugged her shoulders dismissively and continued forward with a laugh. "I'll figure that out when I win. And as a matter of fact, I wasn't affected by him in the least. He's gonna have to do better than that to seduce me."

"You're going to ruin that poor boy," Liam said with a laugh. "Just make sure you don't break Nieme's heart."

Yelara stopped again, but when she turned around this time, her face held no sign of amusement. "Is this wrong, Liam? I mean...it's just innocent fun, right? No one's gonna get hurt?"

"It depends on how far we take this," Liam said. "But, we're leading Dani and Kael on, even though they've been flirting with us. I don't know if one of them will be hurt in the end. We'll have to be careful."

"We will be. Besides, it's not like either of them are going to fall madly in love with us. They're mature enough to realize it's merely infatuation." Yelara smiled wanly, then started for the room again. "At any rate they both love Nieme and I doubt anything would change that. And I love you and you love me and we love Kallia so I think we can trust each other not to do anything too stupid."

Liam took Yelara into his arms and smiled. "Nothing too stupid," he said. "You know, I like this. You fit in my arms much nicer now. With Leshie in there, hugging you was a little cumbersome. But, everything fits now."

"Except my clothing." Yelara chuckled and turned to face Liam. She kissed him tenderly as they made their way to their bedroom, Yelara awkwardly walking backwards and Liam stepping on her feet from time to time. "Maybe tonight," she said between kisses, "we can make love. I think I'm feeling all healed up. We should make love, Liam."

"I'd like that," Liam said softly. "I do care for Kal, but I really want to be with my wife. I want to make love to you, and let you know you're still the woman who has completely captured my heart. No one else can come close." He kissed her and then grinned. "And, who needs to worry about clothes? You look perfect in or out of them."

"Well, for awhile I'll be spending a lot of time out of them. My maternity clothes are too big now, but my pre-pregnancy clothes are still too small." Yelara smiled excitedly and jumped up and down in Liam's arms. "I could go shopping! Maybe Kael can take me..." She laughed again and tugged Liam into their room. "I bet he'd like to watch me try on clothes."

Liam laughed. "I bet he would," Liam said. "But the way he was looking at you at breakfast, I think he'd be perfectly content watching you just sitting and doing nothing. Did you know, before he let his hand delve between your thighs, he actually looked over to me for permission?"

"And you gave it?!" Yelara laughed and moved away from Liam towards the closet. "Soon you'll be selling me off to the locals. Perhaps I could do the same for you." She glanced back at Liam with a grin as she rifled through the hanging clothes. "Oot has been wanting a night with you for a while. Perhaps I should loan you out to her after all."

Liam followed slowly after Yel. "Well, I wouldn't make it sound like I was selling you off," he said. "I figured, if I said no to him, he would have pulled his hand away, and I don't think the boy would have looked at you again. But, if you want, I can go tell him to stay away from my wife, and then I'll win this little bet we have going." He paused for a moment. "Twi'leks learn some special pleasure techniques, don't they?"

"I wouldn't know, but I'm certain you'll find out when I sell you to her." She chortled jeeringly as she finally pulled out a pair of pants and a lightweight top, both made of a resilient material that would stretch to fit her figure. "You know," she said as she turned towards Liam, "I think until I get slim enough again, I might consider wearing an equadi. Would Kael... I mean, would you like that." She gave him a sarcastic grin, then moved past him towards the bed to lay down her clothes.

"Well, considering the glances I've noticed him giving Dani in hers, I think he'd like you in one. You know, I don't think I've ever seen you in an equadi either. Though, with just all of us around here, you could just forgo clothes all together if you wanted. Nieme may be a little startled and mortified, but I don't think any of the rest of us would mind."

Following Liam's suggestion, Yelara stripped down bare and turned to face him with her hands on her hips. "Is that what you want, my love?" Yelara edged slowly away from the bed, eyeing Liam with a mischievous gleam. With a sudden laugh, Yelara evaded Liam and rushed towards the door. Before Liam could reach her, she flung it open and stepped out into the hallway while taunting him with laughter. "You shouldn't make such suggestions to your impressionable wife, Liam!"

Liam laughed and followed after her. "Just don't catch a cold," he said as he reached the door. "And, if either Kael or Nieme passes out, you have to put clothes back on. I don't think Nieme would be able to handle the sight of a naked person just wandering around. And, Kael would just go into overloaded lust shock, and be gone."

"Fine, I'll make a deal with you: I won't frighten your padawans, and wear clothing if you promise to...well...not sabotage my chances of winning the bet. That means no scaring Kael with menacing glares or doing that thing where your eyes glow. Deal?"

"Deal," Liam said with a grin. "Because I think if you walked into that dining area like that, you'd win without a fight. So, I think it's best that you put some clothes on and at least make this fair."

Yelara laughed with what could only be described as triumphant glee. She sprinted back towards the door and jumped into Liam's arms, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist and kissing him fervently. "I'm gonna win," she sang. "And I don't even have to be naked."

"Oh," Liam said once his lips were free, "if you want to win this, you will have to be naked. I'm gonna be the one who wins. And, I won't even need to use any Force powers to do it! Now, get in there and put some clothes on before you send Nieme into a coma."

"That's your fear of defeat talking, my love, but I shall do as you wish to assuage those fears so you don't start brooding." Yelara slipped from Liam's arms with another kiss, then skipped lightly towards the clothes she'd laid out. The game was seemingly fun now, but Yelara knew its outcome would have a far greater impact for her than for Liam. She couldn't tell him it was a test, one she'd been meaning to give him since he began taking on Padawans. Through it, she would either prove her insecurities false, or give even more credence to the paranoid thoughts drifting through her mind.

---

"A Friendly Bet, Part 3"
by Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Kael Selrid
and Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

The small group gathered outside of the temple at the speeder as Liam, Dani, and Nieme prepared to head into the city for some supplies. Dani had also mentioned something about needing to purchase a few things for herself. Liam stood in front of Yelara while Dani, Nieme, and Kael all huddled in a small group nearby. As Liam stood holding Yelara's hand, he could hear Dani's distinctive laughter as the trio talked about something. He could only guess what it might be. He smiled at Yel. "I'm going to have my hands full today, and I think you are too."

"Are you saying you can't handle it, my love?" Yelara raised an eyebrow at Liam and smiled haughtily. "Does that mean you're dropping out of the bet?"

"Oh, I can handle it," he said. "I just thought that things may get too hot for you here with Kael. I just wanted to give you one last chance to back out. I wouldn't want for you to get in over your head."

"Gods, Liam. I can handle myself. I've been with men before, remember?" Yelara slipped from behind Liam, who was no doubt trying to give himself the advantage by blocking her from Kael's view. She looked up at him for a moment and sighed. "Maybe you'd like a chance to back out. Dani is pretty alluring and you might not be able to resist."

"She's very alluring," Liam said with a grin, "and I will be able to resist. I won't be backing out. I'll be...I'm going to be doing whatever our bet is with Dani. So there!"

Yelara smiled slowly, but only felt bitterness as her suspicions began taking shape. "Fine...you do that, Liam. And I'll be doing...other things with Kael." She turned away from Liam and set her eyes upon Kael, but then her focus shifted to Dani. She was enticing and irresistible, it would seem. For Liam's sake, and for the sake of her sanity, she hoped he could resist. "So, shall we get going then?" she asked with a glance back in his direction.

"Yes," he said, "so we have time for us later." With a grin, he slipped around to the other side of the speeder. Before he slid inside, he blew a kiss to Yelara. "I'll see you soon, my love. Be good."

"You too," she said more seriously than she'd intended. She forced a smile for Liam, then quickly turned away and started for the group of padawans. The charm was instantly turned on as she sauntered over to them with a sensuous smile meant only for Kael. "Is everyone ready to go?"

Kael felt his face go red at Yelara's attention, but he seemed to keep his calm. "I think so," he said. "Nieme and Dani were just about to get into the speeder." He looked at them and grinned. "I'll see you guys later." First, he kissed Dani, and then Nieme. "I'll see you when you get back, my love. And, do you think you can get the...uh, you know?" He nodded his head toward Dani, hoping Nieme would understand what he was talking about.

Nieme frowned for a moment, then comprehended Kael's meaning and nodded quickly. "I-I'll do my best. And I'll even make it a surprise." Nieme giggled bashfully and scurried along towards the speeder.

Yelara smiled silkily and slipped her arm through Kael's. "Are we done here? I'm really looking forward to that walk."

Kael shifted his gaze to Yelara's and smiled. "I'm more than ready for that walk." He started leading them away, pausing momentarily to wave to Dani and Nieme as the speeder disappeared down the path. "So, is there anywhere you'd like to go first? We can go see the waterfall if you'd like."

"I could tell you an interesting story about a waterfall involving Liam and I...but I don't think you'd wanna hear about that sort of thing." She leaned in closer to Kael and brushed her lips against his ear. "I'd rather show you," she whispered. "I bet I could show you a lot if you let me."

Kael smiled and glanced at Yel. He could feel a shiver radiating from where her lips touched and it felt wonderful. "You can show me whatever you'd like," he said. "Maybe we can show each other a few things." In a fit of daring, Kael returned the gesture and brushed his lips against Yelara's ear. "Would you like to go reminisce at the waterfall?"

Yelara looked up into Kael's eyes, filling with lust as they walked. In them also, she saw her chance to achieve something she thought she never needed before, but now knew she wanted: revenge. She loved Liam, enjoyed the happiness they now had, but there were matters that still gnawed at her and she would put them to rest today if she could. She trailed her fingers lightly along Kael's arm and smiled. "Let's go visit those waterfalls. Then perhaps, we can find a secluded spot somewhere to become better...acquainted."

Kael slipped an arm around Yelara and shifted his body closer to hers. Together they walked up toward the top of the waterfall where he paused briefly so they could watch the water crashing down into the small lake below. As they stood there, a fine mist brushed over their bodies, cooling them from the exertion of the walk.

"Down this trail," Kael said, pointing to the trail that wound its way down the hill, "is the lake down there, and then that cave I mentioned earlier. And, I believe there are plenty of secluded spots all over down there. We could take our pick."

"Then let's." Yelara laughed as she pulled away from Kael and walked briskly ahead of him down the trail. She was feeling immensely carefree with her movement now unhindered by the former load she'd been carrying in her belly. Being able to frolic with her arms swinging and her back free of pain, she regained the sense of youthfulness she thought she'd lost while carrying Leshie. "Come on!" she called back to Kael. "Can't keep up with me?"

"I'm right behind you," Kael called, as he bounded down after her. As they reached the bottom, Kael stumbled into Yelara. As they both teetered, he slipped his arms around her waist to steady them both. Once they were in no danger of falling over, he took a moment to look around. "It's beautiful down here, isn't it?"

"It is," Yelara replied as she took a look around. "The spray from the waterfall's made it much cooler." She shifted her sultry gaze back to Kael and said huskily, "I could use a bit of cooling down. I'm feeling a little...warm right now."

Kael let his hands trail up Yelara's arms. "Anything I can do to help?" Kael asked. He pressed himself closer to her until the length of his body was against hers.

"I think so," Yelara purred as her hand went to Kael's chest. Their eyes locked in a lustful embrace until Yelara laughed and pushed herself away. "You can help me cool off in the water!" Yelara shrieked with fitful laughter and fled towards the lake. The longer the game went on, the more prominent became her reversion to that youth she'd ceased to become almost a year ago. More than she was enjoying Kael fawning over her, she was thrilled by the chance to regain even a moment of her adolescence.

With a laugh, Kael followed quickly after her. He couldn't remember a time when he'd had so much fun. Times with Nieme were fun, but she was far too shy and inhibited to let herself go the way Yelara did. He liked that with Yelara, which made him enjoy her company even more. His thoughts focused on Nieme for a moment, and he felt a pang of guilt at what he was doing here with Yelara. He pushed it away just as quickly as another voice in his mind told him that she'd suggested this. And, if Nieme could have fun with Dani, then Kael could have fun with Yelara. He really wanted to keep having this fun with Yelara. "One thing," he said with a grin. "I don't really know how to swim...so, you'll have to make sure I don't drown."

"Oh, can't swim," Yelara said with a pout. She slowed to an amble as she approached the lake's edge. She took a deep breath and looked out upon the glistening surface of the pristine lake. "Don't worry," she murmured, "I'll keep you safe." Her senses were overwhelmed by the beauty of the surroundings and despite her determination to carry out her charade to its culmination, thoughts of her time with Liam on Turren rose like the mist from the cascading water. They were happy then and happy now, but Yelara had too many haunting memories and dark thoughts that needed to be put to rest before true happiness would come for her. "Let's go for a swim," she uttered absently. She turned back towards Kael and managed to force an enticing smile onto her face. "Clothed or unclothed? Your pick, my treat."

Without a thought, Kael quickly started removing his clothing. He couldn't imagine going into the water fully clothed, especially since he was wearing leather pants. As he dropped the last of his clothes to the ground and looked up at Yel, he had to make considerable effort not to look at the rather embarrassing condition of his groin. "I guess unclothed," he said. After a moment, Kael grinned. "Did you need any help?"

"So chivalrous..." Yelara remarked. She stepped closer to Kael with her arms outstretched to the side. She gave him a smile of encouragement, then closed the short distance between them. "Disrobe me, Kael."

Kael needed no more encouragement as he quickly pulled Yelara's shirt off and dropped it into the pile with his clothes. He gazed for a long, lustful moment into her eyes and then slid her pants down over her hips. He easily slipped one foot out of a boot, and then the other, and then finished pulling the tight fabric off and deposited it with the rest of the clothing. When he stood again, he felt his heart pounding against his chest. Then, he took Yelara into his arms and kissed her.

She greeted the kiss with pure, carnal passion and gripped his shoulders to steady them both. Her lips sought his roughly and desperately while her nails drove into the delicate skin of his back like talons. As she kissed him with their naked bodies pressed together, she imagined if it had been that way with Elisia and Liam. Was it as primal and frenzied as their moment of passion was, or did they hold and touch each other tenderly as two lovers would? The thoughts only fueled Yelara's fears and paranoia, also flaring the lust she felt as their tongues danced. "Show me the cave, Kael," she said breathlessly. "Show it to me now."

Kael nodded dumbly, and took Yelara's hand and led her toward the dark secluded spot he'd been planning to share with Nieme. But, Nieme insisted on going everywhere and doing everything with Dani. He was surprised she hadn't asked him if Dani could join them in their bed. "Right behind these trees," Kael rasped as he slipped under the branches, careful to hold them out of the way for Yelara to come through. Once they were at the entrance to the cave, he pulled her to him again, and kissed her fiercely. The need with which she responded, only fueled his desire and need. When the kiss broke, he took her hand again, and led Yelara inside.

"Are you sure there aren't any strange creatures in here?" Yelara laughed and moved behind Kael as he led them inside. She trailed kisses along his shoulders and back while pressing her breasts to him to accentuate the experience. "Ever been with anyone before, Kael? Anyone other than Nieme, presuming you two have been together, that is..."

"The only strange creatures in here are us," Kael said as he turned back to Yelara. "I checked it out the other day, and there's nothing in here. Well, except us." He pulled her to him and kissed her roughly again. "I've been with others," he said. "There were actually quite a few back in Thanatos." He lowered his head to kiss her throat and chest, and then he moved down to kiss across her breasts. He straightened again and pulled her to him, sliding his prick between her thighs to brush across her mound.

Yelara sighed and reached down to run her fingers along his hard shaft. With her free hand, she reached back to pull her hair loose from its tie. She shook out the curls of raven hair and let them settle upon her shoulders. "I can tell you're very experienced," she commented softly. "The way you touch...the way you kiss... You're a sexually driven being. I know you crave it like you're craving me." She kissed him firmly upon the mouth, nibbling on his lower lip gently while she wrapped her hand around his shaft. "Show me how truly experienced you are, Kael," she whispered. "I won't tell; I promise."

Kael shifted his lips while Yelara guided him to her entrance. He kissed her once more, and then as the kiss broke, he gazed into the shadows that were her eyes. He could just barely see the glints of violet, beautiful eyes in which he'd seen her desire for him. He plunged himself inside of her. He heard himself moan, or maybe it was Yelara...possibly both of them together. But, once he was all the way inside her, he pulled out, and then set up a rhythm. He couldn't remember a time when he felt this aroused, this excited. No woman had ever affected him the way this secret tryst with Yelara was. Kael smiled as he realized he'd get to finally use some of the things he and Raeila had shared again; he had a feeling Yelara would like them as much as he did.

Yelara clawed at Kael's back and grinned as she gazed fixedly into his eyes. She felt disconnected from her inner voice admonishing her about her actions, but its tiny whispers still reached her frenzied mind. Yelara didn't want to listen to what they had to say. Yelara didn't care. This would be her only chance to retrieve some of what she'd lost by marrying Liam and then giving birth to Leshie. Kael was her one link to the youth she'd been forced to abandon, and through their frantic act, she hoped to shed the regret of loss and pull herself from the depression she felt she was drowning in.

Yelara's moans echoed through the small cavern, then a harsh, throaty laugh followed it as she gripped Kael by the shoulders and pressed him to the rugged stone wall. "Is that all you've got, Kael? I thought you were gonna show me something new."

Kael laughed. "Oh, you want something new, do you?" He shifted positions again, and knew by the sudden loud moan from Yelara, that he'd succeeded. "How's that?" He quickly turned them around and pressed Yelara against the wall. He felt his climax approaching, but quickly adjusted his rhythm to keep it at bay, while continuing to drive Yelara toward her own climax. As he felt her orgasm about to hit, he slowed enough to drive it back a few strokes, and then shifted them around and down onto the ground. He'd already dragged a bed of leaves into the cave, but since Nieme didn't want them, he'd share them with Yelara. Once they were settled, he resumed his previous rhythm to bring Yelara racing back toward her climax.

Yelara blinked away her sudden surprise at Kael's mastery then cried out and dragged her fingers through the soil beneath while she writhed in ecstasy. No matter how much guilt she'd be feeling afterwards, the pleasure was too great and was all she focused on. She thrust her hips forward to match Kael's rhythm, but she grew desperate and her motions erratic as she attempted to bring the climax nearer. Their panting breaths and their ecstasy-tinged groans reverberated through the small, darkened cave and were mingled with the ambient thundering of the falls outside.

She hoped this was punishment enough for Liam, for how he'd betrayed her, for how he'd stolen her youth by giving her Va'Lesh. She hoped she could convince herself that this was what he deserved after the moment of passion ended...an end which was approaching fast. Words eluded Yelara as she clutched Kael again and dragged her nails across his back, no doubt leaving visible marks of their rough, bestial union. "Do it, Kael," she groaned volubly. "Now...please!"

With a lust-filled cry, Kael let himself go inside Yelara. Their cries merged until it sounded as if one voice cried out with the pleasure they were sharing. It felt like the moment stretched on into forever, but then slowly, the euphoric bliss of their union started to fade, leaving Yelara and Kael clutching at each other. He held her tight to him as they lay together for several moments afterwards, until he finally found the strength to look into her eyes again. "That was beautiful too."

Yelara lay breathlessly, ignoring Kael, whose presence had now become unnecessary and superfluous. He had served his purpose and had given Yelara the victory she'd strived for, but there was no time to bask in it before the inevitable guilt settled in. She looked up into Kael's languid eyes and with a tight smile, she gently wriggled out from under him. She got to her feet, standing on legs that were still weak from the overwhelming rush of ecstasy, and started for the entrance of the cave. "Come on," she called back to Kael. "We should wash off the evidence."

Kael just stared. Finally, he found his voice. "What? We just-- And, now you--" He watched her for another long moment, as her smile suddenly took on a more malicious meaning. She'd used him. She was trying to get something from him, and now that she had there was no need for-- "Why?"

"Why what?" Yelara turned around. She squinted in the darkness to find Kael's face, but his voice conveyed clearly his confusion and disappointment. "Kael...why what? Why can't we cuddle and share a tender moment? Why am I in such a rush to eliminate all signs that we've been together?" Yelara gave a short laugh and stepped back into the cave towards Kael. "You have Nieme, Kael, and I'm married with a lover on the side. You can't possibly believe either of us have room for another lover, do you?"

Kael guickly got to his feet and took a couple steps forward. "Then why do this at all? Why, Yelara? You've got a husband and a lover on the side. Why go through this with me? If you just wanted a quick screw, you've got Kallia and Liam. Why do this to me? We were good together, and you know it. You liked what I did to you; I could hear it in your voice. No one will find us out here. Kallia's inside watching the babies, and Liam, Dani, and Nieme are all in the city. We've got hours out here if we want it. Do you want it? Or is this part of some other plan you guys have concocted?"

"What are you talking about, Kael? Does Liam look like the type of man who'd send his wife on a mission to have sex with a student in an attempt to entrap him?" Yelara laughed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Kael...I did this on my own. I came here because..." She looked down as she shook her head slowly. With a soft sigh, she continued. "I'm just a kid, Kael. I don't wanna grow up as fast as Liam expects me to or anyone expects me to. I may have a child, but it's not fair that I should have to grow up just to raise it." She gazed up at him again with a rueful smile. "So I guess I was using you in a way. I needed you to make me feel young again. And you did, more than you know." Yelara figured the partial truth would suffice for Kael. She had no intention of telling him all her motivations and didn't think he needed to know.

Kael stepped closer and tried to find her eyes with his. "I understand," he said. "I was forced to grow up really fast when I took over as the leader of the Feltreys. I was suddenly responsible for the whole gang and keeping them all alive. I had to stop being reckless and...grow up. Before I was supposed to. And, I think I made it worse when I came here. The day...the day Nieme and I went into the city...we, uh, we got married." He held up his wrist with the wedding bracelet. "Please don't tell anyone else about it. We're trying to keep it a secret. But, with the gang and that, and...everything else. You were freedom from that, being with you was complete freedom from all the burdens. Probably like I was with you." He took a breath, and then continued. "If you ever want to be a kid again, to just let go and be wild...I'm here if you want me."

Yelara's mind had retreated after Kael showed her his marriage bracelet, which added more guilt to that she was already feeling. Somehow, it was different having an affair with a man who too was married. With Nieme merely his girlfriend, Yelara didn't feel she was doing anything too depraved, but now, she'd seduced Kael into breaking a sacred bond and threatened to destroy it. "You're married?" she whispered incredulously. "Oh gods..." Yelara turned away slowly and shook her head to try and negate the truth of what she'd just heard. She walked slowly out of the cave and into the sunlight, still shaking her head and trying to dispell the mounting disgust she was feeling towards herself. "Why didn't you tell me?" she said in a horrified whisper. "You should have told me, Kael..."

"Because if I told you, you would have stopped," he said. "And, I didn't want to stop."

Yelara spun around to face Kael in utter confusion and disbelief. "What? Don't you care, Kael? She's your wife! If she finds out, this will destroy her. We can't... We can't do this again, Kael, no matter how much you want to and no matter how much I think I want to." Yelara's stomach churned and filled heavily with regret. She sluggishly dropped to the ground and pulled her knees to her for comfort. "I didn't mean for this to happen," she whispered. "I only wanted him to hurt, not anyone else..."

"I love her," Kael said flatly, and then moved to the ground next to her. "But, she's got her fling with Dani, so why can't I have one too? And, no one has to find out. It'll be our secret. No one will ever know, and if they do...if they do, then we just point to everything else and say, so why can't we? You can't just give your heart to one person, so why should I? And, if not my heart, then my body. You're a beautiful woman, Yelara, and the thought of being with you...it affects me. You're married to Liam, but you still share your heart and body with Kallia. If we want to be together, where's the problem in that? When we agreed to marry, we had no idea where our hearts would lead us in life, or who we'd be attracted to. We can't know those things. And, even though I'm married to Nieme, I can't deny my attraction to you." He cautiously slipped his arms around her. "Yelara? Who did you want to hurt?"

Yelara stiffened and glanced sideways at Kael. She dismissed his question with a shake of the head and murmured, "No one..." His justification for their actions today were valid ones, but they didn't apply to why Yelara was sitting naked in Kael's embrace. She was content giving her heart to just Liam and Kallia; it was merely a crusade to gain understanding and insight into why Liam did what he did with Elisia, and the only way to comprehend that was to experience it for herself. But Yelara was realizing she was getting far more out of this experience than she'd wanted or bargained for.

---

"A Friendly Bet, Part 4"
by Liam Zaneth
Dani
and Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

Liam swung the speeder into the parking structure and found a vacant stall. He shut down the engines and opened the canopy. He climbed out of the speeder and waited for Nieme and Dani to climb free. In her equadi, it was more difficult for Dani to remove herself from the back of the speeder, but Nieme had insisted that the girl sit in back with her. "Okay, did you two want to come with me, or did you have your own things you wanted to do?"

Nieme looked between Liam and Dani as she stammered in an attempt to concoct an excuse so she could get away. She promised Kael she'd purchase the pleasure toys for Dani, and she knew they wouldn't be a surprise if Dani was there while she bought them. "G-Go on ahead without me. I have some things... I need to..." Nieme laughed nervously and began backing away from them. "You two go on. I'll m-meet you back here in an hour. Is that okay?"

Liam and Dani watched Nieme go, and once she was out of sight, Dani slipped her hand into Liam's and looked up at him. "We're getting supplies?"

Glancing down at their joined hands, Liam nodded. "Yes," he said. "Mainly food, and a few other things we need for the Temple. It's this way."

She fell into step beside him, making sure her body was as close to his as she could make it and not trip them both up. They crossed the parking structure easily enough and found themselves at a bank of lifts. As they waited, Dani smiled at Liam again, and tried to close the distance between their bodies even further. She gazed up at him with obvious lust and longing in her eyes.

Liam was suddenly surprised as her hand covered his groin and started massaging gently. "We were interrupted at breakfast," she said with a sensuous smile. "I hate leaving things unfinished, Liam."

He cursed the involuntary reaction her touch invoked, but was grateful when the lift arrived. He stepped inside, with Dani still pressed against him. He realized the folly of the move as soon as the doors closed, leaving him in a closed, confined space with a very sensuous and lust-filled young woman. The worst part of it was the lust for her he could feel within himself.

She moved around until she was fully in front of him, grinning at him. Before he could stop her, she was kissing him. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her close as they kept kissing. Suddenly, his eyes opened wide when he felt her hand deftly open the front of his pants and pull him out into the open. He moaned softly as she started massaging him, her hand sliding up and down his shaft. The kiss ended, and he moaned again as she slid down the front of his body until she was on her knees in front of him.

When she suddenly took him into her mouth, he heard himself gasp and moan. His head lolled back against the back of the lift as she started working him with her lips and tongue. "Oh gods," he murmured.

***

On the harsh streets of Thanatos with murderers and rapists rampant, Nieme felt more safe and secure than she felt walking through the crowded streets of New Plouton. She was still a stranger to her surroundings and frankly had no idea where she was headed. She stopped for a moment and looked back to get her bearings. The speeder was no longer in sight and Nieme panicked for a moment. She had hoped to use it as a landmark with which she could find her way back if she got lost, but now she only had her instincts to guide her. She thought about turning back and trying to retrace her steps, but if she didn't come back to the Temple with Dani's surprise, Kael would be disappointed. More than anything, she hated upsetting Kael and wanted to do everything she could to gain his good favour. Nieme took a deep breath to calm herself and continued onward, looking for the shop she'd spotted one day with Kael.

She tried to weave her way through the crowded sidewalk without tripping and getting trampled on. Everyone seemed to loom above her like the towering monoliths lining the streets, and Nieme made herself even smaller by shrinking away. She was pushed and bumped aside by the many passersby. A particularly large man stepped in front of Nieme and started towards her blindly. Nieme gasped as he towered over her and threatened to stomp on her like a giant nerf. She quickly jumped out of the way and escaped the crowd, only to place herself into even more perilous danger. A blaring horn sounded from out of nowhere and Nieme gave a start followed by a shriek as the roaring speeder veered around her, barely missing her. She stood frozen on the roadway as speeders rushed past her, sounding their startling horns and passengers spewing angry curses. Her legs refused to function as she faced her looming death.

"Hey, kid!"

Nieme gasped as she was plunged backwards into the thick crowd again. She was gripped by the arms and spun around to be reproved by a tall man. None of his chides reached her ears which were rendered deafened by the thundering of her heartbeat in them. With a whimper, she managed to wriggle free of the man's grip, and fled through the crowd.

She no longer thought about Dani's toys or Kael's disappointment; her sense of self-preservation kicked in and all she could think about now was finding her way back to the speeder, back to the Temple and back to Kael's arms. She wanted to be anywhere, as long as she was out of reach of the raging beasts roaming the streets.

***

Liam heard himself moan again as a ripple of pleasure swept through his body. He opened his eyes and moved his hands down to run them through Yelara's hair. But the hair his hands found wasn't Yel's long black, but long and purple. Oh gods, he thought. "Dani," he said, his voice a hoarse rasp. "Dani, stop. We can't do this. Dani, please stop. I'm married, and I can't do this to my wife, not like this."

Dani had managed to stop herself, and now was looking up at Liam. There was understanding in her eyes, and the hint of tears. He reached his hands down to her and lifted her from her knees. "I'm sorry," she said. "I thought, you wanted..."

Liam smiled. "If my situation were different, I would welcome it. But, I can't do this to Yelara, or Leshie, or Kallia. I'm sorry for leading you on like I did. I didn't think it would go this far. Though, for what it's worth, you're good."

Dani shrugged. "We get lots of practice on Zeltros. Pleasure capital of the galaxy."

Liam pulled her to him, and kissed her gently on the forehead, and then on the lips. "It's alright, Dani. Why don't you go try to track down Nieme and see if you can help her out."

Dani nodded and then quickly stepped away and re-settled her gown. "Yelara's lucky."

Liam smiled. "I'll have to take your word for it."

The doors opened and Dani stepped out quickly. "I'll see you in an hour, Liam. I'm...I'm sorry."

She turned away and hurried off down the street. From the way she held her body, Liam had the aching feeling that she was crying. "Damn," he muttered to himself. He watched her for a moment, then he started off toward the store.

---

"A Friendly Bet, Part 5"
by Yelara Zaneth
Kael Selrid
Dani
and Nieme Yaresh-Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

Yelara waded in the lake with the water lapping at her skin and managing to soothe her rampant fears and anxieties. She watched Kael from the corner of her eye and noticed him keeping his distance. The mess she'd caused was becoming worse the longer the game went on. She'd intended only on gaining retribution for Liam's betrayal, but in the process, a more complex and convoluted situation had arisen. She couldn't deny that she'd enjoyed being with Kael on a physical level, but she hadn't anticipated his marriage to Nieme. It wasn't fair to have her dragged down into this; she was sweet and innocent, and finding out that her husband had cheated on her would break the poor girl. But she needed this. Yelara knew she had to clear her mind of the residual doubts, the resentment, the disappointment. All those things had been bred when Liam took his padawan to his bed, so she hoped to eliminate them by doing the same. The only problem was, she'd bred even more of those dark elements through her actions and all were now directed towards herself.

As the water gently rippled from Kael's movements, Yelara turned around and sighed. He said he wanted more moments like these and for the pure enjoyment of it, Yelara wouldn't mind either. She moved through the water carefully and approached Kael whose back was turned to her. Even from afar she could make out the discoloured lines of abraded flesh she'd caused in the throes of passion. She always was very expressive during sex. "We should cleanse those," she said softly as she stopped before Kael. "Let me." She took up water in her cupped hands and let it cascade down Kael's back. She repeated again and again, mostly to make the awkward situation less so.

Kael sighed softly as the water washed away some of the fiery sting of the scratches down his back. "Thank you," he said softly. "It's been awhile since that's happened. My second-in-command in the gang, his sister did the same. I'd almost forgotten what it feels like. It's probably really strange, but I like it."

"Well, I'm glad I could give you at least something to remember our experience by." Yelara smoothed her hands over his back and found herself gently kissing his wounds. "If you like it so rough," she said while administering her mouth's healing touch to his scratches, "then why are you with someone like Nieme? She's timid and gentle... Have you two even had sex, Kael?"

"We have," Kael said with a moan. "With all the trouble the other day with Dani, I was upset, and was pretty rough. Nieme didn't like that. I love her. There's something in her gentleness and innocence that clicks with me. I guess because I'm not gentle or innocent, it's sort of like a gentle, innocent extension of myself. But, I guess I do miss the more voracious and wild sex." He turned slowly and looked at Yelara. With a gentle smile, he took her into his arms and just held her. "I guess I like it both ways, and I did have that with Raeila, but she'd never give me her heart. With Nieme, she doesn't like the rougher things, but she willingly gave me her heart." Finally he laughed softly and shook his head. "I guess I'm pretty confused."

"You just want the best of everything, that's all," Yelara replied gently. She allowed herself to be held and continued blindly washing water over Kael's back. "I love Liam and I love Kallia, but there's still a tiny piece of satisfaction that eludes me. I think it's that way with everyone. No one's truly happy, because true happiness only comes when the struggle ends. If the struggle ends," Yelara said as she shrugged her shoulders, "then life's not worth living."

"So, I guess we just look for that satisfaction where we can find it," Kael said. "I imagine it would be so much easier to find one thing you like and want on the first try, something that satisfied every need you have...but that would be really boring. I hate being bored." He said nothing for several minutes while just gazing into her eyes as she gently splashed water over his back. Finally he smiled. "I know I didn't scratch you, but is there anything I can do to help?"

Yelara thought about asking him to massage her sore breasts, but figured that would lead to only one thing. Instead, she pulled away from him and moved towards the water's edge. She stepped out of the lake and sat upon the grassy bank, gazing at Kael. "Come out here and keep me warm. We have to dry off before we can put our clothes back on."

Kael followed after her and climbed up onto the patch of grass Yelara had stretched out on. Hey lay down next to her, and folded her into his arms to keep them both warm. "So," he finally said, "what do you think about the two of us taking more walks from now on? To help you get your figure back." Before she could respond, he put his lips next to her ear. "Though, if you ask me, there's absolutely nothing wrong with your figure."

Kael's flattery worked well enough on Yelara and she laughed softly while her cheeks took on a rosey hue. "Keep talking like that, and I think these walks could become a daily event." Yelara sighed as she rested her head upon Kael's chest and smoothed her hand along his cheek. "We...we could try it out. I mean, I like talking to you, Kael. I can confide in you about things there's no way I'd ever tell Kallia or Liam. Besides, I think we understand each other alot. We're very alike in many respects. I'm glad about that."

"Me too," Kael said with a smile. "I've never really talked much with people. Being in a gang, especially a gang in Thanatos, you tend to jump into a fight before you jump into talking to anyone. And, my friends have always been other gangers. But, I can talk to you. I feel like I can say anything and it's alright. I don't think I've ever had a friend I could do that with before; it's nice to finally have one." He leaned close and brushed his lips over hers. "I want to try it out and see what happens. It feels like, at least right now, what we have here is something that I haven't had before. Have you ever played one of those games where you have these little pieces of a picture, and you have to arrange them so they show the whole picture? Sometimes that's how I view myself, like one of those games. And, I feel like with you, I can fill in a couple of those pieces I couldn't arrange before."

"And what about with Nieme?" Yelara asked gently. "You love her, you married her... Do you see some of those pieces falling into place when you're with her?"

Kael smiled. "A lot of pieces fall into place when I'm with her," he said. "Though, her pieces and your pieces aren't quite the same. But, yes, they do fall into place. Dani even puts a couple pieces into place. I still think she's trying to woo Nieme, but I don't think she'll steal her from me. I think she'd just want to share. But, I guess a lot of people represent a lot of pieces."

"I get that," she said softly. "I don't think all the pieces are quite in place yet for me. Maybe that's why, subconsciously, I came out here with you today." Yelara looked up into Kael's eyes. They always seemed to look so pensive and rueful as if he were searching for something but had yet to find it. She was searching too, and together, they might be able to find what eluded them. "Kiss me, Kael," she said softly. "Kiss me and then take me to the cave again. I want you to take me there again."

Without another word, Kael pressed his lips to Yelara's and kissed her deeply. As they kissed, he managed to get himself to his feet with Yelara in his arms. He walked slowly up to the cave, and entered. Once inside, he did as Yelara had asked, and took her for a second time. It was fortunate that the roaring of the waterfall drowned out their impassioned cries.

***

Frightened and lost, Nieme burst through the thick crowd and managed to find her way into a deserted area of the street. She pressed her balled up hands to her stinging eyes and wiped away the tears. She was still lost, but at least she didn't have to fight her way through the ocean of passersby anymore. She recognized nothing about the area she was standing in and felt certain she would never find her way back to the speeder.

Feeling helpless and scared, Nieme pressed her back to the wall of the building behind her and slid to the floor. She placed her face into raised knees and wept quietly, thinking she'd be lost forever. She was getting hungry and cold, which only intensified her sense of panic. "Oh, Dani," she sobbed. "Where are you?"

"Nieme? Nieme!?" a voice out on the street called. Every couple moments, the call was repeated, and each time it was a little closer. "Nieme!"

Thinking her mind was deluding her, Nieme ignored the voice calling her name. Yet again and again, the soft, sweet voice called to her until finally, Nieme looked up. She searched up and down the street to find the source of the voice...Dani's voice! Nieme sprang to her feet as her purple friend slipped out of the crowd and into plain view. "Dani!" Nieme ran over frantically to her until finally her arms were around Dani and she was embracing her desperately. "I was lost and then I thought I'd never find my way again. Oh thank you for coming. Oh thank you, Dani..."

"I'm here now, Nieme," Dani said quietly as she just held Nieme to her. "It's all okay now. Liam's off buying things now, so I'm here. I was so stupid, Nieme. I was so stupid. But, it's okay now. Why don't we go buy some things? I think I want to get some other clothes other than this equadi. And, some other things too. Let's go find a clothes store, okay?"

Nieme looked up at Dani, and along with the subtle waves of disappointment she felt coming from her friend, her eyes and her voice conveyed her sadness clearly. "What happened, Dani? Why are you so unhappy?"

"Liam was flirting with me earlier, and when I was flirting and more back, he seemed to like that. So, when we were alone, I tried to do more. I tried to--" She looked at Nieme, and wasn't sure how much of what she'd done Nieme would understand. "I tried to use my mouth on him, down there. But, I shouldn't have done that. He didn't get upset, but I shouldn't have done that. I was so wrong. I thought he wanted that, but then he stopped me. I wanted to do that for him, to show him that I wanted him. I wanted to give him pleasure, but he didn't. I--I guess I'm unhappy because I misjudged everything."

Nieme looked down and couldn't help but be affected by Dani's dejection. It permeated her and made her akin to her friend's sadness as if it were her own. She held Dani even tighter in the embrace and kissed her lightly upon the lips. "Don't worry," she said soothingly. "He...he won't be mad. Besides, he's not that h-handsome anyway. We'll find you someone better, Dani. Someone much better."

Dani brightened immediately. "Thank you, Nieme," she said. "He is very handsome, but there are still lots of other handsome guys out there." She kissed Nieme again and held her friend close. "If only I could have you. You'd be perfect. Let's go find a store for clothes."

Nieme giggled, then gasped excitedly. "Oh! I know a better store. I tried to find it before, but I got lost and I never got there. Maybe together, we can find it. I think you'd like it...I really do."

Dani nodded vigourously, and then slipped her hand into Nieme's. "Together we can do it, Nieme. Together, I know we can find it." With that, they started out towards the nearest grouping of shops.

---

"A Friendly Bet, Part 6"
by Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Kael Selrid
Yelara Zaneth
and Kallia Brael

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

After searching at length for a shop that sold the particular specialty items Nieme wanted for Dani, they finally came across one half a kilometer away and nowhere near in the direction Nieme had set out upon the first time. It was just as she remembered it from when she and Kael had first come across it during one of their shopping excursions. They'd never actually delved inside, but peeking through the part in the red curtain hanging over the display window, they knew the store had everything Dani would need to satiate her hunger.

Perusing the items on the shelf now, Nieme realized there was a much wider selection of items than they'd glimpsed through the window that day. Looking at the moulded penises, so life-like and standing permanently erect, Nieme found herself blushing but unable to look away. She knew her mouth was gaping, but it was more from intrigue rather than shock; she'd gotten over that a moment after entering the store when she emitted a gasp loud enough to disturb the other customers. Dani, however, seemed excited as she pulled Nieme along through the shop. Nieme had her explaining the function of some of the items, and it seemed she knew everything there was to know about them. "Oh my..." Nieme whispered. "What's that one for?"

Dani giggled. "That one is for two girls," she said. "It's almost like a girl and a guy. But, this would strap on here, and then...it's just like normal. I've only ever used one once, but it was very nice."

"Well...hmm..." Nieme hesitantly ran her finger along the shaft of the phallus, but pulled it away and giggled. "It almost feels real. But Kael's is warmer." Nieme blushed again and quickly scampered over to the next set of displayed items. On the table sat what looked like more penises, but without the straps attached. She picked up one of the items and turned it over in her hand as she examined it. "How do those ones work? I mean...how do you put them on? There's no--" Nieme yelped and quickly fumbled as she replaced the item atop the table when it began vibrating and emitting repititious, droning undulations. "What-- Oh dear..."

"That one," Dani said, "is for using on yourself, or myself. Or whoever. The vibrations help the stimulation." She giggled. "Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me show you how they all work, or else I would. Oh, those there are for boys who don't have someone. They just...you know, right into there."

Nieme nodded her head slowly as she gazed in wonderment at all the tools available to satisfy the sexual urges of all those without someone to share their bed with. It was a strange, unusual world to Nieme, but it was Dani's world and as a friend, Nieme wanted to become acquainted with it. "So, what are you going to buy? I-I can help you pick some things out and then...well...maybe at the Temple you can... Well...I can see how you use them."

Dani looked at Nieme and grinned. "Sure," she said. "I'll show you how to use whatever you want to know about. I've still got lots of money on my credit chip from when I was working on the station, so we can just get a bunch of them. I don't think you can ever have too many toys." She grabbed a basket from the front and quickly started piling in a bunch of the toys. Anything Nieme had seemed interested in, and the things that Dani knew she herself liked, all of it went into the basket. "There," Dani said. "I think we have a good selection there. And, we can always come back and get more."

"Kael wanted it to be a surprise for you, but I think if I'd come here on my own, I would have had no idea what to get." Nieme waited with Dani by the counter as the clerk began scanning through their purchases. She still gawked in amazement at the toys Dani had chosen and was anxious to get back to the Temple and discover how they were truly used. "With these," she whispered to Dani, "you won't need Liam Zaneth. He wasn't right for you anyway. Too...too bright. It's not good when people are too bright. It's easy for them to hide that way."

"Yelara always talks about him brooding too," Dani said. "I don't like guys who brood. They're not as much fun as the guys who just love having fun. And, while the toys don't love having fun, they never brood and they never complain. And, with these, I won't need boys for awhile. Though, the emotions while making love are really the beautiful part. But, your emotions are beautiful too, and I'll just be with you."

Nieme smiled and slipped her hand into Dani's. "I'll always be here and I'll never brood or do anything to make you unhappy. And who knows, maybe today while we're shopping, we can find someone for you, someone to live with us at the T-- at home."

Dani grinned. "That would be really nice," she said. "Though, if we don't find someone, I'm content enough right now. Especially with you and Kael as my friends." She grinned at the shopkeeper and held up the bundle of toys she'd just purchased. "And, I've got my new friends here too." As they started toward the door, Dani's face brightened even more. "There's something else I want to get while we're here, another toy."

"Another?" Nieme looked surprised for a moment, then let her face relax into a bright smile. "Alright. But it looks like you've gotten everything already."

Dani grinned. "It's a different kind of toy," she said. "Come on, I saw a place down the street that sells what I'm looking for." With Nieme's hand in hers, Dani led the way out onto the street again and down toward where a lot was filled with speeder bikes and swoops. Dani turned to Nieme and grinned. "I want one," she said. "And, then when we come into the city for dancing, we don't have to sneak the speeder out."

Nieme gawked at Dani, then turned her gaze slowly to the rows of bikes before them. "Do you even know how to ride, Dani? And...and how will you pay for one? Oh...do you think you should? I mean...aren't those things dangerous?"

Dani grinned. "Only if you don't know what you're doing," Dani said. "And I grew up riding them on Zeltros. They're actually pretty easy, once you know what you're doing. I made all the boys jealous because I was better than all of them. And, I have enough for one...and I'll still have some money left over."

"Really? I don't think I've ever seen that kind of money ever!" Nieme laughed and appraised the speeders again. She pictured herself riding on the back of one through the forest and through the trees. She would do this with Dani. She wanted to do everything with Dani. "Let's get one," Nieme said with an excited giggle. "Let's get one and let's ride back to the Temple on it!"

Dani let out a squeal of delight, but quickly turned away from the speeder bike dealer. "Let's go get me something else to wear first," she said. "I really don't want to wear this equadi on that thing. I have a feeling, I'd lose it before we got back to the Temple; and while I don't exactly mind being naked, I'd rather not go riding on a speeder bike that way."

Nieme agreed with a delighted squeak and pulled Dani along by the hand. "You deserve to spoil yourself today. And I'll spoil me too!"

"We both deserve much spoilage!" With giggles that drew attention from passersby, Nieme and Dani raced down the street to find Dani a new set of clothes more suitable to riding a speeder bike through the forest.

***

"No," Kael said as he and Yelara slowly meandered their way back toward the temple. "I think the stinging has gone down some, especially once I got used to the shirt against my back. I guess we got a little wild down there, didn't we? I think you just bring out the animal in me."

"I can see that," Yelara said as she examined the scrape on her elbow. "Just try and keep your shirt on until the scratches heal. The last thing we need is anyone getting suspicious. That means training with your shirt on!" Yelara laughed and playfully pushed Kael. "I don't care how many women you want to flaunt your bare chest to, you will keep your shirt on until you're healed."

Kael laughed. "Don't worry," he said. "I tend to heal quickly. In a day or two, you'd never know there was a scratch. Though, in the future, maybe we should try harder not to break skin if we can restrain ourselves. And, if Nieme asks about the scratches, I'll just tell her I was showing you one of the caves, and I accidentally banged against the wall when a systa bat flew out."

Yelara raised a skeptical eyebrow and laughed. "And she'd believe that without question? Those are clearly scratch marks... And if Liam asks me where I got all the scrapes and bruises, I'll just tell him we had mad, passionate sex and things got a little rough."

Kael stumbled. "I really hope you're joking," he said. "I'm too young to die. And, I have a feeling if Liam knew that you and I were having wild rambunctious sex, he'd be a little upset. If that happened, I think you'd have to visit me in the hospital while I recovered from having all of my anatomy reattached."

"Don't worry, Kael, I'm not some malicious, conniving bitch. Just because I'm cheating on my husband and my lover doesn't mean I can't be trusted." Her wry smile was a manifestation of the bitter taste rising from her stomach, but she forced it down just like she was trying to force down her guilt. Liam had a lot to be guilty about too, so Yelara figured she deserved to do something underhanded for a change.

With her hand in Kael's, they trampled through the leaf-littered floor of the forest. She'd lost complete track of time, but it was bound to happen when one was preoccupied with sex, as well as talking and getting to know a new sexual partner. "So...you were really five when you lost your parents? And you had to live all alone on the streets? Gods...I don't think I would have survived that. I'm lucky I had my grandparents when my parents died. Not that I turned out any better for it, but it still helped."

"Well, I did have the gang to help me through the worst of it," he said. "But, it wasn't easy. And, the foster home they put me into was...well, I already told you about that. All in all, I think I turned out alright all things considered. Though, I can't imagine what it would be like to have to... I mean, to be forced to sell yourself like that. In Thanatos, Raeila made the choice on her own. But to be forced to do that because a bunch of..." Kael chuckled softly. "I guess both of us took our knocks from life."

"Well, after a while, you just grow to accept your lot in life. I did what I had to do to survive. I'm not ashamed of what I had to do...not anymore. I survived, didn't I? That's all that really counts..." Yelara sighed wistfully as they walked in silence for a time along the path leading to the Temple. "So what about this Raeila?" Yelara asked quietly. "Was she...someone you loved? She sounds like she was a pretty wild girl. And it sounded like the sex was good too."

"Sex is one of Rae's passions in life," he said. "And...I don't know if I loved her. I don't think I ever let myself fall in love with her, because I knew she couldn't love me back. I guess if she was more open, I probably would have. But, I doubt I'll ever see her again. I've got Nieme now, anyway. And, you. I've got the women who I have given my heart, and the one to whom I can confide my deepest and darkest secrets."

"Hardly dark, but still nothing I'd want to confide to someone I didn't trust." Yelara gazed at Kael with a queer smile as conflict arose in her mind. She wasn't ready to tell him everything, even if she had already shared more with him than she'd shared even with Liam. There were some things she needed to keep enclosed safely within her, but some things were begging to be set free. "I had someone like Raeila in my life too. He was someone I thought I could love, someone I desperately wanted to love... He wasn't a nice man, but I tried to love him still. He exploited and manipulated me; he beat me and just hurt me in every way a person could possibly be hurt, yet I still kept searching for a reason to love him." She laughed ruefully and lay her head upon Kael's shoulder. "He said he loved me," she whispered. "And I thought that after that, I could be happy with him despite all he put me through. Now, I know that if I'd stayed with him, I would be dead inside right now. He tried to break me so I would be more compliant with his wishes; I was rebellious even then. All the scars have healed today, but a part of me still wonders whether I could have changed him if I'd just loved him. Wishful thinking, I guess..."

"There are some people who just can't love," Kael said. "Though, I think it's their own doing that they can't. Either that they feel they can't because of things that have happened, or they're so bitter that anything like that just doesn't happen. I don't think Raeila ever allows herself to feel close to anyone but her brother. I think a lot of times it's because they're afraid of getting hurt, either for the first time, or because it's happened before." He looked at her and smiled. "I think you're in a pretty good place now, though."

"How so? I've just finished committing adultery with one of my husband's students." Yelara glanced up at Kael and smiled wanly. "Hardly a pretty good place...for any of us. I mean, if he finds out, I can't exactly predict what he'll do to you. He was...a violent man before I met him. Who knows when that side of him will suddenly reappear, which is why he's so unpredictable."

"I know," Kael said softly. "I've known what could happen from...from when I first realized I was attracted to you. But, without risk, what's the point? If there were no risk involved in...what we share, then I think it wouldn't have been as powerful as it was. And, even though you committed adultery with one of your husband's students, I committed adultery with my teacher's wife." He couldn't help grinning. "You know, Yelara, we are both quite naughty."

"I know. Isn't it just so exciting?" Kael and Yelara finally entered the clearing where the Temple stood, still walking hand in hand. She smiled mischievously as she glanced sideways at him and said, "And how naughty am I again?" Before he could answer, Yelara pulled him towards her and wrapped her arms around him. One hand went to his rear, where she gripped it firmly, and the other went to his groin. She pressed her lips to his and kissed him roughly while trying to suppress her giggles.

Kael wanted to tell Yelara just how naughty she was, but with her lips pressed to his and her tongue dancing inside his mouth, not to mention her hand massaging his groin, he didn't really feel like talking. He moaned as they continued their rough treatment, nearly stripping out of their clothes for another quick roll through the leaves. It was dangerous where they were, right in visible sight of anyone who happened into the clearing. Just as Kael slipped a hand under Yelara's shirt, the screaming of an engine approaching shattered the moment.

Yelara pushed Kael away, far enough so his proximity to her wouldn't rouse any suspicions. She quickly straightened her clothes and was in the process of running her hands through her hair when the cavalry burst into the clearing. The speeder hovered five meters above the ground and upon it sat Dani and what appeared to be Nieme. The way she wove the vehicle through the trees was impressive and alluded to the probable fact that Dani had driven one before. "Naughty enough for you?" Yelara muttered to Kael with a grin.

Kael laughed and glanced at Yelara. "Have I mentioned that I really like naughty?" he asked, his grin mischievous. As Dani slowed the speeder to a stop, he led the way forward, and grinned when he heard Nieme's giggles from the back of the speederbike where she clung to their purple friend. "You two look like you're having too much fun," he called out.

"D-Dani bought it just today! Isn't it wonderful?" Nieme waited for the speeder to descend and once it was hovering only inches from the forest floor, she slid off and ran towards Kael. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, clutching his back and kissing him timidly. "You can have a ride too," she said as she looked up at him.

Kael tried to keep from wincing as Nieme hugged him tightly. "I'd love a ride," he said with a grin. "You two look like you were having fun. And, you certainly did some shopping. That's quite a package you've got there."

Nieme suppressed a giggle, then elevated herself upon her toes and cupped his ear with her hand. "It's the toys. Dani helped pick them out. You should see them...so strange." She giggled nervously upon remembrance of the penises and vibrating mechanisms she saw and handled. For a reason she couldn't comprehend, Nieme desperately wanted to lock herself away in her chambers with Kael in her arms. "Uh...are you and Yelara Zaneth done with your walk?"

Kael grinned and then nodded. "We're just getting back," he said. "I showed her the waterfall, and then we just walked around and talked...and stuff. It was good. I think it's helping her get back in shape after the baby. So, you and Dani had fun? You didn't just leave Master Liam, did you?"

"Oh he...he had things to do. But we left him a message...well Dani did on the canopy." Nieme covered her mouth as she giggled boisterously. "She wrote it in lipstick," Nieme whispered as if Dani had performed some shocking deed.

Kael laughed. "I'm sure he'll love that. I imagine he'll have to wash it off before he drives the speeder home. Though, it would be funny if he left it there. So, you guys got a speeder bike? That's really great. Is it fast? It looked like you were having fun. I'm really glad you were having fun."

"It was so fast and at first I was frightened but then after a while, after I saw how good Dani handled it, I wasn't afraid anymore. It was so high too! Oh, I felt like I was--."

"Kael." Yelara delicately placed her hand atop Kael's shoulder and leaned in close to his ear. "I think I'm going to shower," she said in a voice only audible to him. "Sure you won't join me?"

Nieme watched curiously but without concern. All she could think about was going back to their chambers and snuggling next to Kael.

Kael glanced at Yel, then back to Nieme. "That sounds so wonderful," he said with a wide grin. "I have to help Yelara with something now. When I'm done with that, maybe we can get really close and you can tell me all about it. How's that?"

Nieme sighed, but kept her smile large and bright while trying to hide her disappointment. "O-Okay, Kael. Dani and I can look at her toys for a while." She hesitantly reached up and kissed Kael upon the cheek. "I'll be in Dani's room when you're ready." With another resigned sigh, Nieme turned and trudged along toward Dani solemnly.

Kael felt a pang of guilt as he watched Nieme's dejected progress toward Dani. Yelara's touch against his arm brought him out of his thoughts. And, he realized that Nieme would be locked away in Dani's room looking at sex toys. Probably more than looking, he told himself. She can have her sex toys, and I can have mine. With a grin for Yel, he followed her inside. "Fortunately," he said once they were inside, "she has Dani to keep her company."

"You sure she'll be okay? I mean...she doesn't suspect anything I hope."

Kael shook his head. "No," he said. "She doesn't suspect anything. She thinks I'm helping you, but she doesn't realize I'm helping you shower. She'll be fine. She and Dani will go into Dani's room, and they'll just play around with the sex toys Dani bought."

Yelara shrugged her shoulders and continued along towards the refresher. She maintained somewhat of a distance from Kael, in case Kallia was looming about and caught on to their little scheme. "Look," she whispered conspiratorially. "I'll go on ahead and start the shower. I'll leave the door unlocked and in a while, you can just slip on inside. How does that sound?"

Kael smiled. "I'll head that way in a couple minutes," he said. "I'll see you then. And, save me some hot water." With a quick glance around, he blew her a kiss and added, "I'll see you soon."

Yelara laughed as she strolled away from Kael with a lighthearted bounce in her step. For the first time in many months, Yelara felt like she'd finally reclaimed her youth, and with the abandon she found in being with Kael, she knew this time, she could retain it indefinitely. She hummed a high-spirited tune as she rounded the corner of the hall leading to the refresher. It was her second day on the shipyards all over again as she collided with the lithe figure of Kallia. "Sneaking up on me?" Yelara asked playfully after she recovered.

"I just put our children down for a nap," Kallia said with a grin, "and I thought I'd try to find you. For a moment there, I thought you and Kael had walked all the way into the city. I take it by that invigourated look about you, it was a good walk. So, where were you off to, my love, and do you mind a little company?"

"It was a good walk...as far as walks go. I got a little scraped up when the branches of the trees brushed against me." Yelara wrapped her arms around herself to secure her resolve and keep her body from displaying mannerisms that would no doubt betray to Kallia her anxieties and the fact that she was no doubt lying. "I...I was just off to take a shower actually. I don't think Leshie would appreciate sucking on an uncleanly nipple."

Kallia took a step closer. "Are you up for a little company in there," she asked with a smile. "Or, are you too tired from your walk for a little help?"

Yelara laughed to disguise her sudden apprehension. Kael would be in for quite a surprise if he found both she and Kallia waiting for him in the shower...not that that would stop him from joining them. "Uh...shouldn't...shouldn't someone watch the babies? I just wouldn't feel right leaving them all alone with no one to tend them. One of us should be out here just in case."

Kallia smiled and then gave Yel a quick kiss. "A good idea," she said. "Though, next time you get in that shower, you're not getting off so easily. I want to make sure you're washing all the places that need to be washed." She grinned, and kissed her lover again. "I'll see you in a little bit, Yelara."

"Give Leshie and Yara a kiss for me." She smoothed her hand over Kallia's cheek and without further idling, Yelara slipped away and continued her seemingly treacherous journey to the refresher. She allowed herself a quiet sigh of relief, but realized there would be many more close calls like that one and others in which Kallia or Liam weren't so easily influenced.

***

With the package in one hand and her folded equadi in the other, Dani led the way back into the Temple. She and Nieme walked side by side, while Dani told Nieme of her first experience with a vibrator. "After that, I swore never to try taking one apart again. It practically rocketed across the room. I think if I weren't so startled, I would have been laughing much more. You don't have to worry though, they're not actually dangerous. Just when you try to take them apart, and don't really know how to put them back together."

Nieme nodded her head dumbly as she listened in horror to Dani's seemingly traumatic encounter. After hearing about it, she wasn't so certain if she wanted to ever go near one again. "So...does it go...inside you? Does it hurt? I mean, when Kael stuck his p-penis in me the first time, it really hurt at first, then it didn't hurt anymore. But I imagine if it did hurt you wouldn't like them so much."

"Well," Dani said, thinking for a moment, "the very first time, like when Kael and you had sex, that can hurt. But, after that it doesn't. And, it doesn't with these. It actually feels very nice. I think you'd like it, especially if you like being with Kael."

"I don't know... It scared me to just touch them. Oh they just look so real! I bet Kael would blush if we showed them to him." Nieme sighed. "I wonder what he's helping Yelara Zaneth with. It sounded very important."

"I'm sure it's something about recovering from having a baby," Dani said. "We can find out later when he gets back. And, you can try to make him blush when you show him this!" Dani quickly pulled out one of the large, realistic-looking phalluses from the packaging.

Nieme squealed and erupted in a fit of laughter as she hurried down the hallway to escape the massive instrument of pleasure. Up ahead, she spotted Kael heading away from her and called out to him. "Kael...wait!"

Kael turned around, startled. "Nieme!" He laughed, thankful he hadn't been heading into Yelara's room yet. "Yelara had to take care of something in there she was...too modest for me to see. I was just about to head in there. I thought you two were heading for Dani's room to marvel at her new collection." He glanced at Dani's hand and his eyes widened at the sheer size of the penis being brandished there. "Oh, I see you already are."

"Aren't they amazing, Kael? They look funny too, but Dani says they serve another more important purpose." Nieme smiled at Kael. "Uh...how long will you be? I haven't really seen you all day and...I want to...well...see you."

Kael pulled Nieme into his arms. "I shouldn't be too long," he said. "And, then I'll have lots of time to...see you." He kissed her, a long, slow kiss. "I'll be with you before you know it."

The kiss melted away all of Nieme's disappointment and she was filled with rapt serenity. "Later then," she said with a wistful sigh. She gazed dreamily up at him and a tremour of excitement ran through her at the prospect of having Kael all to herself in only a short while. No power operated sex toy could replace the joy Nieme felt as she watched Kael and awaited the moment when his hands would smooth over her flushed, naked flesh. "Come on, Dani," she said as she fumbled blindly to find Dani's hand. "Let's go find a place to put your toys." Finally finding Dani's hand with hers, Nieme gave Kael a hastened kiss and started down the corridor, still gazing at her lover.

Kael watched Dani and Nieme down the hallway. He gave them a slight wave, and then blew a kiss before they were out of site. Once they were gone, he slipped into the room after Yelara.

As they walked, Dani grinned at Nieme. "Well, you won't be needing any of my toys, but I sure will." She sighed wistfully. "They'll never replace an actual lover, but they'll do for now."

"Well...let's go to your room and we can play with them...but not in that way u-unless you want to." Nieme smiled with pride as she said, "I have to keep myself rested for when Kael gets back. I think he's going to show me a new position."

Dani laughed. "Well, unless you want to watch me masturbate with my new collection, I can wait until later," she said. "Do you know what position he's going to show you? I have never been able to pick a favourite. I like almost all of them. Though, not the detached ones. For me, I want to have a connection to the person I'm making love with." They slipped into Dani's room, and she immediately went to the bed to spread out her new purchases.

"I really don't know what he has in mind. Nothing like the last time." Nieme moved into Dani's room and sank into a chair by her dresser. "He likes to try new things. I mean...I guess he needs some way to keep things interesting." She shrugged her shoulders and gave a plaintive sigh. "I think I bore him. I'm not experienced and he's used to being with women who...well...who know what they're doing."

Dani looked up from the large phallus she'd been examining and frowned. "But he loves you so much," she said. "I mean, when he's around you, I can feel his love for you. And, each time you're with him, you get more experience. And, you know how to kiss. You're really good at that. And, you can dance now too!"

"I would hardly call it dancing. Besides I haven't done it since that other night..." Nieme smiled and sat up straighter in the chair with renewed excitement. "We should go again! Really soon. And Kael can come and then you can teach him too!"

Dani giggled. "We should! We could all go dancing together! And, more Steaming Passions! It'll be so great. Maybe later tonight, we can sneak out and go in to that club again. We can do more dancing. Kael can come along, and we'll have so much fun!"

Nieme sprang from her chair with a squeal and flew into Dani's arms. They hopped about gleefully with their arms encircled. "I'm so glad we came here. I'm so glad I dreamt about you and about Kael and the Temple. There wouldn't have been any Steaming Passions if I'd stayed in the desert!"

"Well, I would still be on that icky station with smelly, nasty men wanting to have a good time with me. But you saved me, and now we get to have Steaming Passions together." Dani giggled as she hugged Nieme to her again, and then gave her a kiss. "You are the most wonderful person I've ever met, Nieme. You really are."

"And aside from Kael, you're the funnest person I've ever met." Nieme placed her lips to Dani's ear and whispered, "And you taste better than Kael too. But don't tell him that!"

Dani grinned and felt herself blushing. "Thank you," she said. "I like the way you taste too. I think you're my favourite. And, you can taste me whenever you want, Nieme. Especially if I'm better tasting than Kael." She kissed Nieme again, savouring the distinct flavour that was her friend. "I wish we could sleep together like we did that first night, but I understand."

"Well...it doesn't mean we can't just be in eachother's arms. I mean...Kael's busy with Yelara Zaneth right now... I bet he wouldn't mind it if we just took a small nap."

Dani grinned. "After that speeder bike ride, I could use one. Come, my beautiful star, let us curl up together on my bed. We can take a nap until Kael returns." She pulled Nieme along with her, pausing briefly to move the package of toys to the floor next to the bed. Then, taking Nieme's hands again, she climbed up onto the bed.

Nieme curled up beside Dani and wrapped her arms around her friend. She sighed contentedly as she became awash with tranquility. Everything seemed so uncomplicated and less strenuous when she was with her flower. "Dani," she whispered hesitantly. "Is it... Is it alright if I think I love you? You're my best friend...it's right to love you, isn't it?"

The joy Dani felt was nearly overwhelming. She thought her face would split in two with the smile that was there. Before saying anything, she gently kissed Nieme. "Yes," she said. "It's alright to love me, my beautiful star. Because I know I love you. If you feel that you love me, then there's nothing wrong with that at all. It's wonderful."

Nieme sighed as if a weight had been released from her chest. "Oh, I'm so glad! You make me so happy and you always make me feel uplifted and we always have fun..." She smiled at Dani, whose eyes sparkled with welling tears. "You're my best friend and I want to love you. I want to make you feel as happy as you've made me." Without trepidations, Nieme lightly pressed her lips to Dani's and held them there as she fed from the swirl of joyous emotions emanating from her. Being filled with such bliss was exaltant and made Nieme even more certain of her love for her friend. "You still taste so wonderful," she whispered with a sigh.

"Thank you," Dani said with a smile. "I will always try to taste good for you, Nieme. I've never had a friend like you, Nieme. It's so wonderful to feel like this. Being with you...it feels wonderful, and is almost as good as sex...and better in some ways. We have to always be together, you and me. It will be so great."

Nieme muttered a response that got lost in a weary yawn. She kissed Dani's neck softly as she snuggled closer to her friend. She'd never known anyone who could evoke such comfort in her, other than Kael, but oftentimes she sought comfort from distress he'd caused in her. At least now, she had another pair of arms to seek solace in.

"Let's sleep now," Dani murmured. "And, before you know it, Kael will come sweeping in here to take you back to your room."

---

"New Mastery"
by Liam Zaneth
Kal'Aran
and Aurra Sgall

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4ABY

***

As Liam Zaneth stepped out into the bright sunlight filtering through the New Plouton skyline, he secured the bundle with supplies for the temple on his back. He wasn't sure how often the trips into the city could happen once they had more Masters and Padawans. He started back toward the speeder. The thought of returning to his wife and newborn son brought a smile to his face, but it quickly vanished when a tremor in the Force brought his attention to a crowd of people standing nearby. He shifted his gaze over each individual, and finally came to the source; an older man stood with a young Twi'lek girl. He stopped and watched them for a moment, wondering if they would notice him.

Kal'Aran and Aurra Sgall, his new Padawan, were near the market, getting some supplies. The girl's new Jedi Master had contacted her former Padawan and they were using her apartment as she was out of town at the present moment. Kal'Aran suddenly felt a presence in the Force. But he was not too alarmed as it was no Sith or even darkforce. So there was no danger of it being the Jedi Huntress. Kal'Aran wanted to make sure no confrontation came between Aurra and the Huntress, not before Aurra Sgall was ready.

Kal'Aran knew that his Padawan might as well have felt the presence, or maybe not as she had yet to learn a great deal of things. He nodded to the girl with a small smile and they made their way, passing right next to the man that was watching them. The Jedi Master stopped and looked into the man's eyes, as he knew he was not suffering a menace from this man.

"May I ask why you are watching us, friend?" he asked simply.

Liam's eyes flicked to the other pedestrians manoeuvring around himself and the two other Jedi. "I thought you looked familiar," he said. He saw the look of recognition in the older man's eyes. "Apologies for my rudeness. I did not wish to bother you or your student. In fact, I should probably be returning to my own student."

The girl looked at Liam and then at her Master. She knew that this man in front of her was a Jedi as well. "Are there many?" she asked. She was somewhat confused. She thought the Jedi to be few.

Kal'Aran set his hand on the young girl's shoulder and nodded. "Midi-chlorian is present everywhere. It lives in accord with all living things and bonds life together. Some have a higher level than the others. These may be Force sensitive and trained in our ways. It seems we have found another, my young Padawan."

Kal'Aran then turned to Liam. "No offense was taken. I do not believe I have met you before but if we ran into you, then perhaps the Force wanted it so... So as we crossed paths perhaps you would grant us a little bit more of your time and share a meal? If you are not alone then I would like to know more."

Liam smiled. "A meal sounds like a good idea," he said. "Two of the three Padawans are in the city with me now, though they are purchasing supplies and other necessities. I have time now to share a meal with you and your Padawan, and we can discuss the current state of things here and elsewhere." Liam motioned for the two to follow him as he led the way toward a small café down the street. "My name is Liam Zaneth," he said.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Liam Zaneth," Kal'Aran said. "I am Kal'Aran and the younger one is Aurra Sgall, my Padawan. But I am intrigued. You said three of your Padawans?" he asked.

Aurra Sgall was intrigued. "You mean you have three Padawans? I thought the ways of the Jedi only allowed one Jedi to have a Padawan..." she said.

"The rules of the Jedi Council are only carried by those who belonged to it in the old Republic days," Kal'Aran explained. "But, yes, that was a rule in the Jedi code of the old days. But perhaps that is misjudging words," he said with a gentle smile. "Please tell us more..." he asked of Liam.

"It is one of the rules of the former Council that I wish I could adhere to now," Liam said. "Currently, there is myself and another who are capable of teaching a Padawan learner. However, in my travels, I happened across another who is sensitive to the flows of the Force. We have taken her into our care and have been teaching as we can. As soon as someone who can take her as their Padawan shows up, then Dani will have a dedicated Master. The other Jedi Knight I mentioned is Jae Dyn Brael, and together we have formed a new Jedi Temple to the east of the city. It is in a secluded part of the forest where no advanced scanning can penetrate, and the Force willfully keeps out any without pure intent."

"Tal Dan's apprentice?" Kal'Aran said in surprise. "I am surprised to find her here in Chimaeria. I do not know her personally but I did know Tal Dan, and knew he had taken under an apprentice of the name Jae Dyn," he said. "And a Jedi temple is most surprising. Would it be possible to see it?"

Liam studied Kal'Aran for a moment. He felt no threat from the man, and knew that there would be no trouble in allowing him to see the Temple. And, he realized that bringing Kal'Aran into the Temple could only strengthen the new Jedi Order he was trying to build. They needed everyone they could. Finally, he nodded. "Very well," he said. "I have a speeder this way. Nieme and Dani should be returning to there soon, so perhaps we shall meet them as we're arriving."

"Very well then." Kal'Aran nodded. It had been a good thing that he had met other Jedi, although this seemed more a new type that arose with different principles. But with new times and younger ones that was to be expected. "Let me pay for our meal..." he said as he placed some credits on the table for the waiter to pick up.

Aurra got up and smiled. "I am eager to find out what the other Padawans are like. Are they my age?" she asked. "I wonder what it was like for them and what kind of influence the Force has on them. My former Master, Yandoor, used to say that each Jedi has both equal and different abilities to others..."

Liam smiled. "The others are a few years older," he said. "Though, Dani may be closer to your age. I think the best answer to your questions, though, will be to meet the others."

With that, Liam led the way to the speeder. He had anticipated waiting there for Nieme and Dani to show up, but upon reaching the speeder he found a message written in a flowing script across the canopy of the speeder. It was written in purple, and he had a feeling it was Dani's lipstick. The message was simple: Dani had bought a speederbike, and she and Nieme were heading on back to the Temple ahead of him. He laughed softly to himself, and then quickly cleaned it off.

Once the writing was cleared away, the trio climbed into the speeder and sped out of the city toward the Jedi Temple hidden in the forest east of New Plouton.

---

"The Temple"
By: Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
Aurra Sgall - Jedi Padawan
Kallia Brael - Jedi Knight

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 2, 4 ABY

***

As he and Aurra got out of the speeder with Liam, they were both quite impressed. Kal'Aran could tell that indeed the place was blessed with the Force. It seemed it was rich in something. Something other than just life. The currents of the Force seemed to blend in with the building structures, almost as one.

Aurra found it most pretty, and then they were shown around and introduced to another Jedi, one called Kallia, who would show them more, as Liam left. She smiled to the other woman, although she found it odd that she looked different from the Jedi she was more accustomed to.

"This is a most pretty place!" she said. "I would like to see more..."

Kal'Aran nodded at the other woman. "I am Kal'Aran and the young one is my Padawan, Aurra Sgall."

Kallia smiled and offered a slight bow. "Welcome to you both," she said. "My name is Kallia Brael, though you may also call me Jae Dyn if you'd like. Would you care for the grand tour?"

"Yes please!" Aurra said, quite eager to find out more about the most beautiful place. She wandered around to see more, but never quite going away from her Master.

As they started to walk, Kal'Aran took Jae Dyn's side. He looked at her. "So, you were Tal Dan Laeken's Padawan..." he said. "I knew him from the older days of the Republic."

"He was a very good man," Jae Dyn said with a nod. "It was a great loss when the Empire cut him down. The times have become so dark for the Jedi, darker than I know Tal Dan ever thought they could become. I only hope that we can build a Temple worthy of all those of us who died. It will be slow to rebuild, but if we can find enough who can teach..."

"Let us hope to see better and more civilized days..." Kal'Aran agreed. "The Temple is indeed a blessed one. Perhaps one used long before even my time. Nothing can be said for sure, except that the Force flows quite well within these walls..."

Meanwhile, Aurra kept close enough and viewed all that could be seen. She found the Temple most beautiful and quite peaceful. She was dazed at the location and wasn't paying too much attention to Jae Dyn, except to keep close, as she rather liked seeing more than anything else right now.

Kal'Aran then stopped and turned to face Jae Dyn. "One thing does trouble me some, I must say... I am sure that you will understand, as you were probably raised in the old Jedi Council ways. I cannot fail to see that your teaching system is rather different than that of the former Jedi Council. Even with Liam, I can sense that there is another side he fights..." he said hoping that she would comment.

"Liam is returning to the Light," Jae Dyn said as they walked. "He was also a student of Tal Dan before he was swayed to the dark side." She looked around the Temple, and then sighed. "We are doing what we can with what we have. There have only been two of us, and neither of us have attained the rank of Master. The truth of it is that neither of us have officially been named Knights. I was the closest to my completion, but I was never given the Trials. Liam was taken earlier, and never completed training as a Jedi Knight. He does what he does out of instinct and based on my advice." She turned to Kal'Aran. "That makes your presence here that much more vital."

"I see your point..." Kal'Aran said thoughtfully. "But something I have come to learn is that time, effort, and will makes one readier than expected. The Jedi Order was about keeping peace. Chosen ones had to pass certain tests and get ready when they would go for the Trials. You never did... Neither did Liam. Or so you say..."

He then sighed and placed his hand on her shoulder with a nod and a smile. "I am sure you faced many great dangers, many fears. What the Trials are indeed about is dominating your fears and making sure that the one being tested masters the necessary skills to be a Jedi. I feel that you have no