"Deprived Depravity, Part 1"
By: Kaysa Zenarr
Merrick Braston
Chrik [NPC]

Location: White Noise - Yelldon, New Plouton; Yellvin, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 6, 4 ABY

***

After twenty minutes of having to listen to Chrik rebuking the chef on the consistency of last night's mousse, the man finally stoppered his mouth with another cigarra and ceased interrupting Merrick's rehearsal session. Kaysa sighed sharply and shot the man an irritated glare before redirecting her attention to Merrick upon the stage. It wasn't often that she got a chance to sneak away from all her work and responsibilities to take time for herself, and with this convenient free time, she chose to spend it falling right back in love with Merrick.

Even though the White Noise was closed to customers during the day, and his only audience was her and a few bustling employees, he still sang every note with as much feeling and passion as if he were singing to a full crowd of fans. She was entranced by the way each word he expressed was done so as if it were an integral component of the song, and when Merrick composed songs, that's what each word truly was. If he didn't pay attention to phrasing or the flow, or if he even rushed past an insignificant, monosyllabic word that would normally contribute nothing to the comprehension of the song, the integrity of the entire piece would begin to weaken and the rapture he held his audience in would be lifted. Merrick Braston would then become nothing more than an amateur street musician looking to make an easy cred. Merrick Braston would then no longer be the genius artist he was and the man she loved.

Kaysa sighed as the song ended and sparse applause came from unseen hands spread about the large hall. She ignored them all and simply gazed at Merrick, waiting for him to finally open his eyes so she could see the love he held for her in them.

Once the last strains of the baitar had faded, Merrick slowly opened his eyes. He took a breath and let it out. He looked around the room and found Kaysa, her smile telling him everything he needed to know about the song he'd just played, her eyes saying everything he could feel in his heart about their relationship. He slipped off the stage and approached slowly. He slid into the chair opposite hers at the table and took her hands into his. "Hello, my most beautiful fan," he said. "I hope you enjoyed the rehearsal. Tonight's show is going to be dedicated to you." He leaned close. "And, I have a new song I wrote for you I'll be performing for the first time tonight, especially for you."

"Well, then I guess I should make every effort to be here tonight." Kaysa closed the distance between their faces and kissed Merrick tenderly. "I've missed you," she said softly once their lips parted. "I had the urge to just stop by and see you today."

"I'm very glad you did," Merrick said. "I've always dreamed of that. Playing on the stage, singing my heart out, and then you walk in." He smiled, and felt himself blushing. "You want to get out of here for a bit? We could go grab some food, walk through a park or two, and just play insanely in love people for the rest of the day."

"Yes!" Kaysa replied emphatically. She pushed back her chair and rose. Taking Merrick's hands, she pulled him to his feet. "Today is just for us, Merrick. No distractions...just you and me."

"Just you and me," Merrick echoed. "We'll do everything we want to do." He slipped his arms around her and kissed her deeply. "Chrik, Kaysa and I will be going out now. I'll be back before the show."

"Good," Chrik said. And, then he went back to his work.

Merrick chuckled and drew Kaysa along with him toward the door. "Shiv's doing better today? She seemed to be doing well this morning when I left to come here. She was working on that painting of us again. You know, it's not even finished yet, and we look good."

"Of course we do," Kaysa said confidently. "I think it's that look in our eyes Shiv says we get whenever we look at each other." She looked to Merrick, seeing precisely the look Shiv had spoken of, and shrugged her shoulders innocently. "I really have no idea what she's talking about..."

Merrick laughed. "Neither do I," he said, and then kissed her again. He slipped out of their embrace and led the way out of the door and into the warm morning sunshine. "I think we should find a nice sidewalk café. It's too nice a day to spend it inside a restaurant." He glanced at her and grinned. "And, maybe sometime soon, me, you, and Shiv can pack up a lunch and head into one of the parks for a picnic. I think an afternoon away from the rest of our lives would be a good thing." He leaned over and kissed her. "But, some other time."

"I agree. I mean...of course I don't mind sharing you with Shiv. We love her both and we're not complete without her, but..." Kaysa sighed and avoided Merrick's gaze so he couldn't witness the twinge of guilt pass over her eyes. "Sometimes, I just want things the way they were before, Merrick. I want to recapture those times when it was just you and me, and life was so much less complicated."

"Just you and me today," Merrick said. "Today things will be as they were. And, we are complete without Shiv. It's just that we both love her, and she is very dear to us. She will have to fend for herself today, because you're mine." He led them up the walkway to a small restaurant with chairs and tables set up outside with a few patrons occupying them. "How's this one look to you?"

"Nice and intimate. Just like the one we almost desecrated one night almost a year ago." Kaysa smiled wistfully as she lay her head upon Merrick's shoulder. "Can you believe it? I've known you for a year-- Well, a few months out of the year when you weren't drinking yourself sick over me. It seems, though, as if I've known you for so much longer."

Merrick led them to a table, and then held Kaysa's chair for her. "Such a gentleman," he said, "I know. And, it does seem like longer. We've grown very close in the time we've known each other. But, I think there is some distance still between us." He slid his chair closer to hers. "I think we can close that distance today."

Kaysa nodded her head morosely. She too had felt a rift growing between them. With having to discuss measures for warding off Dargus' revenge, and mentally preparing herself for the arrival of her son, there hadn't been time to truly be with Merrick emotionally and physically. Frankly, she was beginning to feel the expanse dividing them becoming larger. "I'm sorry," she said solemnly. "I wish I could just better organize my time. I mean, you, Shiv, and...now Zale... It's just so hard, Merrick. But that's no excuse. I should make the time."

Merrick smiled and slipped an arm around her as they sat there. "That's what today is, my love," Merrick said. "It's the time for you and me to be together, to grow closer again -- closer than we've ever been before. And, there's nothing that will stop me from loving you, nothing at all. And, I wish every minute could be with you, but I'll be happy with whatever time we can find together."

The waiter came by and placed menus before them with a false smile. He quickly scrawled their drink orders on a padd and disappeared with a brisk nod. Kaysa glanced at her menu, feeling no signs of hunger at all. She picked at the hem of the napkin folded over the eating utensils and gazed thoughtfully at the prism of colours cast upon the table by sunlight shining through an empty goblet before her. "I'm gonna ruin everything, aren't I, Merrick? I added more strain to our relationship by marrying Zale and when Keeve gets here..." She clutched the napkin between her trembling fingers and whispered, "Please tell me I'm not gonna lose you, Merrick. I...I have to know."

Merrick reached out and took her hands into his. His gray eyes found hers and he smiled warmly. "You are not going to lose me," he said. "Not marrying Zale, not bringing your son here. Nothing is going to lose me, Kaysa. You are stuck with me for the rest of our lives."

"But...you don't feel betrayed, do you? I shouldn't have been with Zale behind your back. I should have discussed the marriage with you before I ran off and did it. There were a lot of things I should have done that I didn't do, and now I'm left to worry whether all that will come back and hurt us in the future."

Merrick leaned close and kissed her. "You shouldn't have married him, or slept with him," he said, "but you and I are still together, are enjoying a nice, very civil, very love-filled lunch together. We'll be fine, Kaysa. I understand why you married him, and I know why you slept with him. And, I'm okay with it. As long as you and I are doing good, I'm fine."

"You don't know, Merrick," she said grimly. "You've no idea why I was with him. You couldn't possibly know why, that time when Shiv was gone and when you and I couldn't..." Kaysa shook her head slowly and looked away from Merrick's eyes, which always so clearly expressed pain and sadness...and disappointment that Kaysa couldn't bear to see. "I went to Zale. I went there, while you were at the White Noise thinking it was over between us. I went to him, and I slept with him, Merrick."

Merrick nodded. "It doesn't mean there's anything wrong between us...or that anything was wrong between us. We lost our girl, and it affected both of us. She is tied to us, and it hurt us both. Plus, Zale's Zale. I can't imagine anyone being able to resist him."

Kaysa cocked a suspicious eyebrow at Merrick and said with a smile, "Not even you? I saw you two wrestling the other day. I thought you looked like you were having far too much fun."

Merrick laughed. "I don't know," he said. "I guess we'll just have to see how unresistable he is, won't we?"

"No you don't, Merrick! I don't know if I trust you two. The next thing I know, you and he will be following mine and Shiv's example." Kaysa laughed softly and slipped her hand into Merrick's. "You'll always be my first love, Merrick. Don't ever doubt that."

Merrick raised Kaysa's hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "I could never doubt," he said. "We may not spend all of our time together, but just one look from you and it's like we've never been apart. I could never doubt what we have, Kaysa."

"Well," Kaysa said with a conspiratorial smile, "if you ever are in doubt, I want you to know that if you'd asked me to marry you before I asked Zale...I would have accepted."

Merrick grinned. It was several long minutes before he said anything, and when he did, it was with a quiet voice. "Well, maybe when Dargus is out of the way, and there's no danger, maybe we can work something out. You're the only woman I would ever want to marry, Kaysa. But living with you, and loving you is enough for me."

Kaysa nodded her head slowly and chewed her lip to keep away tears caused by sudden shame, disappointment, and utter humiliation. His delayed response and his almost evasive reply was enough for Kaysa to know that marriage definitely wasn't something Merrick was interested in...not even with the woman he said he loved. "Well..." she said after a deep breath. "I guess it's a good thing... Maybe we oughta thank Zale for accepting my proposal. Saved you from having to eventually do something you obviously don't wanna do."

Merrick suddenly looked as if he was in great pain. He shook his head, but no words would come out. "No," he said. "No, it's not like that, Kaysa. I love you more than anything. I...I wanted to. I would have...but, I can't now. So living with you, and loving you has to be enough." He shook his head and looked away. With one hand, he massaged at his eyes. "I--I--I love you, Kaysa. You can't believe that I wouldn't want to marry you. Please don't say you believe that. Please tell me you don't believe that."

Kaysa turned her face away so the single tear that managed to escape wouldn't belie to Merrick her reply. "I...don't believe that. I'm sorry, Merrick. I'm just...I guess I'm being overly sensitive today. Let's just order and...just forget about it."

Merrick shook his head. "I'm sorry, Kaysa. I didn't mean to...to imply. I just...I just don't want to dwell on the fact that I wish I were the one. I guess I was just trying to be strong. According to the stupid laws here, Zale could have two wives, but you can't have two husbands." He reached out tentatively and took her hand. "I wish we could change that though."

"Then tell me something," she said as she turned to face him, not caring that now her tears were in full view. "If things had been different, would you... Would you have asked? If I weren't married to Zale, and if Shiv weren't in our lives...would you have asked me to marry you?"

Merrick met Kaysa's gaze and nodded. "Yes I would have," he said. "I wasn't sure if you would have wanted that, but I would have asked. I think I would have asked even with Shiv in our lives."

Kaysa's mouth twitched into a tense smile and she nodded her head uncertainly. "Okay, Merrick," she said quietly. "I shouldn't have brought it up. It's not important anyway. We don't...we don't need to be married to love each other or be with each other." She laughed dryly. "It's never stopped us from having sex before, that's for sure."

Merrick nodded. "No," he said. "It hasn't." He looked around for a server and motioned the man over. "We should order."

The waiter approached with datapadd in hand. He took both their orders, then offered them the wine list. Kaysa flatly refused and sent the waiter away red-faced and with little expectation of receiving a tip of any kind from them.

"I never really liked wine anyway," Kaysa commented quietly.

Merrick leaned close, and pulled Kaysa to him. Once her face was near enough, he pressed his lips to hers. After several long moments, he pulled back and smiled. "Better than wine anyway," he said.

Kaysa laughed softly and felt her cheeks growing warm. Even after all the time they'd been together, he still managed to fluster her. "I want this to be a good day, Merrick. I don't wanna fight, I don't wanna bring up subjects that only cause pain... Despite how complicated everything is, I just want us to be happy. Are you happy, Merrick? The truth now. Are you?"

"Right now, I'm very happy," Merrick said. "With you, I've never been happier. There are times when I do get down, but I have my music to help me there. And, I have you and Shiv. Even with everything else that's happened, yes." He took her hands into his. "I want you in the first row tonight, so I can see you there, and I can sing the song directly to you."

"And make all the other girls in the crowd jealous?" Kaysa grinned slyly as she leaned in towards Merrick. "I think I'd enjoy that."

Merrick grinned. "I was hoping you might," he said. "After the show tonight, I want to do something fun. Something fun, that doesn't also involve getting arrested for lewd behaviour in an elevator. If you had your choice of something to do after the show, what would it be?"

"Well, I..." Kaysa furrowed her brow with deep thought. "Anything...anything at all? No matter how extravagant?"

Merrick grinned. "No matter how extravagant," he said. "And anything at all."

Kaysa grinned slowly and lightly trailed a finger along the curve of his lips. "I want you to send a hoverlimo to our door at precisely 7:30. Inside it, resting upon the seat, will be the most expensive dress you can afford, waiting for me. The limo will drop me off at the front of the White Noise where I'll have front row seats to see Merrick Braston, live." She brushed her lips against his, her smile growing larger. "After that, Merrick Braston's going to come to the bar and see the most beautiful, sexiest brunette he's ever seen sitting there, sipping a fruit juice. Of course, he'll use some corny pick-up line on her, and she'll laugh, then he'll ask to buy her a drink - another fruit juice, mind you - and she'll accept. She'll tell him her name and that it's an honour to meet her favourite musician, then he'll ask her if she wants to dance." Kaysa kissed him softly and whispered, "I wonder if she'll accept..."

"That sounds like a very nice night," Merrick said with a grin. "I guess there's only one way to find out if she accepts or not. I'm going to have to make a few calls before 7:30, but I think we'll still have plenty of time for us today. I imagine when all the other women see Merrick Braston dancing with her, they'll all be terribly jealous. I hear he's supposed to be quite the sex symbol, but I also hear his eyes don't roam...too far. At least as far as that pretty blonde that shares his bed occasionally. Though, it's said that no one can resist her...just like I can't resist that beautiful, sexy brunette."

"Maybe she can give you a little preview now of what to expect when you take her home tonight," Kaysa said silkily. Her hand slid along his thigh and her lips found his. "We haven't had the house to ourselves for a long time, you know. I'm not really hungry...not for lunch, anyway."

"We could skip out on lunch," Merrick said. "We could head back to the house, and send Shiv out for a bit. Or, we can go have fun at your office. I've always wanted to check out your back room."

The waiter approached with their meals, but before he could lay them down, Kaysa pushed her chair back with a reverberant grind and stood. She pulled Merrick up with her and waved away the waiter imperiously. "We changed our minds. Just charge it to the White Noise." Kaysa moved through the chairs with Merrick and grinned salaciously. "Let's just hope we make it to Zenarr Inc., my love."

"Box it up, and send it to Chrik Grolog there. He'll pay for it. Just tell him it's from Merrick." Merrick patted the waiter on the shoulder. "It's his favourite." With that, he took Kaysa's hand, and they rushed out onto the street again. "We'd better hurry before we have to use an alley or someone's front porch."

Kaysa squealed with laughter and shouted, "Why not? We've never tried that before either."

Merrick grinned. "So, which would you prefer? The alley, or a stranger's porch? I think either could be fun, very fun as a matter of fact."

"The office," Kaysa amended. "This time, I want it to be just you and me, Merrick. But maybe if we're daring enough, afterwards, we could grace this entire city with our cries of passion."

Merrick hurried his pace with Kaysa. "Maybe we can borrow someone's porch on the way home tonight. Though, I don't know why we'd want to when we have our very own hoverlimo."

Kaysa cooed and her lips found Merrick's neck. "What about the sexy brunette?"

"She's very sexy," Merrick said with a grin, and then turned his lips to find hers. "And, if you keep kissing me like that, we'll never make it. Maybe you could...could just put your hand down my pants." He grinned. "Maybe we could run. It's only a few blocks more, right?"

Kaysa heeded Merrick's suggestion and crammed her hand into his pants. "Oh, who knows," she replied. "But I think...I think we should run." She stumbled to a halt and flattened herself against Merrick. Her kisses relentlessly met his lips and neck while her hand groped within his pants. "We really should run, you know."

Merrick slipped his arms around Kaysa and pulled her to him. "We really should run," he said, then kissed her. "But, I really don't think I can run with you doing that down there. I think that was a bad suggestion if we want to run. If we don't want to run, I think it was a very good idea. How bad do we want to get to Zenarr Inc?"

"In relative terms?" Kaysa asked breathlessly. "As in, how bad do we wanna get to Zenarr Inc. compared to how badly I want you right now?" She stifled a moan as her hips pressed against Merrick's, and her pumping hand stimulated equally both herself and Merrick. "I think you know the answer to that, Merrick."

"Then we really should get out of the street here," Merrick said between moans. "Let's--there...over next to that store there." He reached down and opened his pants to give her better access. "And, in times like these, the skirt is my favourite article of clothing." As they moved, he started hiking her skirt up higher.

"And in times like these-- Oh, just shut up Merrick and kiss me with that beautiful mouth of yours." Kaysa didn't know how they managed to make it to the back of the store without tripping over each other's feet, but they did. Not bothering to check for onlookers, Kaysa pressed Merrick against the wall and shot him an alluring smile. "Would you care to do the honours?" she asked as her gaze drifted to the skirt that was now clear above her waist.

Without hesitation, Merrick kissed Kaysa, and then slid himself inside her. They both moaned, and it wasn't long before they'd managed to find a rhythm. "Oh gods, I love you," he rasped. "Oh god how I love making love to you."

"I bloody hope so, Braston." Kaysa covered his mouth with hers, but even then her cries carried through the air clearly and volubly. "And screw marriage," she groaned after finally regaining her faculty of speech. "We don't have to be married to do this."

---

"Deprived Depravity, Part 2"
By: Kaysa Zenarr
Merrick Braston
Maeren Shivral
Gladyne Faeg [NPC]

Location: Yellvin, New Plouton
Date: Niothe 6, 4 ABY

***

"Yes, Milvin," Gladyne Faeg said over the comm, "I want three of those dresses. No, not those lewd things. No cleavage, very little skin. What kind of hypocrite would I be if I sold those things here? But yes, three of them. Dear gods, what is that noise?" Gladyne looked around. "It sounds like someone's being assaulted outside. Listen, let me call you back. I need to make sure it's not one of those hideous gangs."

With that, she slid out of her chair and moved to the back of the store. She peeked out the door, careful not to get herself injured, and what she saw there almost made her faint. She held back her gasp of shocked revulsion and pulled back inside. Two bodies writhing in some sort of carnal ritual, grunting and groaning, screeching and screaming.

"Not outside my store," Gladyne muttered to herself as she backed away. She went immediately to her comm unit and placed the call she had been dying to make for so long. They would see justice in this city, and she'd be the one leading the charge. The moral decay would stop here.

***

It only took a few minutes for the morality guard to show up after Gladyne's call. With a triumphant smile, she waited at the back door of her store until the captain gave her the signal.

Then, with righteous vigour, she threw the door open and stepped out. She nearly cried out in alarm when she saw the man's penis disappearing into the woman, such a lewd and vulgar display. The woman's shirt was pulled up around her throat to allow the man to suckle at her breasts. The whole scene left Gladyne wanting to throw up.

"Your little lewd display is over now," Gladyne cried out. "You have contributed to the moral decay of this society for the last time. Arrest her captain!"

Surrounding her were a dozen guardsmen from the New Plouton Morality Guard, and they had caught two hedonists in the midst of their copulation. It would be a true victory today.

"Stop this fornication at once, and put your hands where we can see them!"

Kaysa pulled her lips away from Merrick's and turned her gaze to the group of men in uniform doing everything in their power to keep their eyes from drifting to her bared chest or Merrick's protruding penis. Pushing her way through the crowd, was a little, old woman whose sneer Kaysa recognized immediately. "Gladyne!" she cried out with a large smile. "How are you doing these days? Oh, Shiv wanted me to thank you for that dress. She said she's never gotten so many offers of sex in her entire life!"

"Well, I'm sure I'll catch your slutty, little trollop one of these days. At least this time you're doing it right, with a man. Women should not have sexual relations with other women. But, the Morality Guard will help you purify those unsavory feelings you've got, both of you."

"Oh dear..." Kaysa emitted a series of tsks and shook her head gravely. "My husband is not going to like this one bit. He's expecting me in his bed in an hour." She looked to Gladyne, a smirk curling her lips. "He says I'm to deliver a child within the year or he'll divorce me. So...if you'll just let us go this time..."

Gladyne crossed her arms over her chest and gave Kaysa a hard gaze. "You should have thought about that before you started fornicating behind my store. We're going to lock you away for a very long time."

"Look, I'm Merrick Braston," Merrick said. "This has to be just a big misunderstanding. I work over at the White Noise. I'm a singer. Why don't we just forget about this? It can just be a warning this time, and we'll never do this again. I'll get you some tickets for the show, and everyone's happy."

Gladyne stepped forward. "Are you trying to bribe us? You are a celebrity, sir, in the public spotlight. You should know better than to behave in this manner. No, you're going to be spending a night in a Morality Guard cell."

"Together? Ooh!" Kaysa ignored the large gathering of men surrounding them and resumed kissing Merrick's chest and neck sensuously. "Looks like we'll get to finish what we started after all, Merrick."

Two of the guards stepped forward and pulled Kaysa and Merrick apart. "You'll be in separate cells," one of them said. "Now, come on." As they started marching them out toward the street, the captain started reading off the list of violations of the New Plouton Morality Code that they had broken. "Your jokes will cease soon enough when you're locked inside your cell."

"I spent almost two weeks in Throntas, buddy. This will be nothing compared to that." Kaysa winked at Merrick and blew him a kiss. "Besides," she added as she displayed her hands, "I've got these to keep me company during those lonely nights. The cells are sound proofed, are they not?"

The guards said nothing as they led Kaysa and Merrick away. They kept them separated, so they couldn't talk quietly, and when Merrick tried to call out to Kaysa, one of the guards hit him with the butt of a blaster.

***

It took an hour to process both Kaysa and Merrick through the Morality Guards detention facilities. A half hour after that was finished, Kaysa was placed in front of a comm. "You have five minutes for a call."

"Why, thank you so very much," she replied with a wink. "So...how's my boyfriend doing? Has his lump gone down?" Kaysa laughed silkily. "You know which one I mean..."

The man sneered and then walked toward the control box. "What code will you be connecting to?"

Kaysa chewed her lip and deliberated. She had two or three choices, all of whom would break into a fit of laughter when she told them where she and Merrick were and why. She decided to go with the one who would find it the most amusing. "Yesdol 2391."

With a grumble, the guard plugged the numbers into the computer. The system started making the connections necessary, and he slipped out the door leaving Kaysa alone in the room. A moment later the connection was made.

The sweet, sing-song voice of her precious nymph almost lured Kaysa closer to the comm, with her prepared to plant a tender kiss upon it, but with the amount of trouble she was already in, she realized empassioned kissing of mechanical devices would only reinforce, in the Guards' minds, how truly incorrigibly depraved she was. "Shiv...dear?"

"Hi Kaysa," Shiv said with a big grin. "I thought you were out for some nookie time with Merrick today. I was just finishing up that painting of you and Merrick. It's going to be so amazing when it's all done. How are you?"

Kaysa sighed wistfully. "Oh...unsatisfied. Shiv...you still have access to Merrick's personal account, right?"

Shiv nodded. "Yes, I do," she said with a grin. "But, I've been good. You want me to go get him a surprise present for you?"

"Not exactly... This'll kinda be a present for both him and me." Kaysa laughed softly, then sighed airily. "Shiv...how would you like to gain our eternal thanks by coming down to the Morality Guard headquarters and bailing us out?"

"Oh Kaysa, you sassy little love biscuit. You and Merrick were naughty weren't you?" She giggled. "I'll be right down. Do you know how much yours and Merrick's bail is?"

"Well, considering that the fine accumulated is directly proportional to the severity of the offense, I think an even 3000 creds should do it."

Shiv grinned. "I'll be there as soon as I can," she said. "It'll probably take me about ten minutes to get the credits, and another ten to get there. I should be there in a half hour...is that okay?"

"That's fine, my love. Just watch out for Gladyne. I hear she's scouring the city for you."

"Gladyne? You pissed off Gladyne again? Oh Kaysa, I love you! I wish I could have seen her face." She giggled again. "I'll be there soon."

Kaysa laughed and made a kissing sound for Shiv. "I love you too. Now get your cute ass over here fast!"

"Oh, my cute ass is on its way. Give Merrick a big kiss for me. Oh, and since you're in morality central, suck him off for me too."

The guard approached the control box and Shiv's giggles were abruptly cut off. Kaysa glared at him playfully. "Can I see my boyfriend?"

"No," he said. "You're going back to your cell. Fraternizing in this facility is forbidden."

Kaysa pouted and idly traced a finger around the curve of her breast as she watched the man. "I promise we'll behave. You can even watch."

"If your behaviour continues in this manner, we will be forced to add more charges. You will spend the remainder of your life in a cell here."

Kaysa threw up her hands in a cry of defeat and frustration. "What is wrong with you people? You think by locking people away like this, you'll eventually neutralize the entire planet's collective need for sex? This planet's foundation is built upon lechery and lasciviousness. I, for a fact, know that the first real High Prince had a harem of women he dressed up in skimpy gowns and paraded around the city. I doubt he was ever hauled to the local Morality Guard station."

"We stand against the public lewdness you exhibited today," the man said. "And we would have hauled the High Prince in if he were still alive. We don't care if the first High Prince wasn't hauled away, we weren't there to do it. But we are now. And, we have the authority to enact justice where we see fit."

"For a nice, hefty fee, of course." Kaysa frowned at the man with utter disdain and stubbornly made her way with him towards the cells. "And I suppose it also gives you the authority to bash an innocent man in the head with a blaster rifle. Merrick's a powerful man, you know. I wouldn't be surprised if you were shut down for this."

"He was arrested. He was instructed not to speak. He spoke. We were within the limits of our rights. And, while he may be powerful, we have funding through the Tae'Karada government. And, this organization has the full backing of the new Imperial regime."

"Yeah, well when the Empire falls, I'm afraid you'll be out of a job." Kaysa tapped her forefinger against her chin as she appraised the corridor. "You know, I think when Merrick buys this place and turns it into a brothel, I'll paint the walls a lovely shade of pink. Hot pink."

The man laughed. "Of course you will," he said. "Now, get in your cell before I have to charge you with something else."

Kaysa complied with a polite, mocking curtsey. She sidled into the cell and heard the force barrier erected behind her. She turned back towards the guard, and with a flare of pent up mischief she lifted her skirt to him and hollered, "Tell Gladyne I said 'hi'!"

The man gave her a scandalized look, shook his head, and then turned down the corridor muttering angrily to himself.

***

Twenty minutes later, another guard showed up at her cell door. "You have a visitor," he said. "We're still deciding on what your bail will be set at."

"A pretty lady like me?" Kaysa laughed throatily and slinked towards the barrier. "I would think you would all be sad to see me go."

"If you mean exhibiting lewd habits and overt sexuality, then yes, like you," the man said. "This way." It was obvious that he wasn't pleased with Kaysa's visitor, or the fact that Kaysa would not be spending a night in her cell.

Kaysa jauntily skipped down the corridor ahead of the guard, but once Shiv came into view, she broke loose and rushed towards her. "Shiv!"

Shiv turned at the sound of her name and squealed with delight. She wore the dress she'd purchased from Gladyne's store, what little of it there was. She held her arms wide as Kaysa rushed into them. "Oh I missed you," she said, and gave her a large kiss.

Her hands explored Shiv's flesh, which came aplenty through the revealing outfit she'd chosen. "Oh, my girl..." Kaysa's eyes wandered over the dress, and she chuckled gently. "I think Merrick's definitely gonna be glad to see you."

"In this dress, there's lots of me to be seen," she said. "You should have heard all the whistles out on the street when I was coming here. I was feelin' very sexy, let me tell you. And, those repressed guys out front, the morality ones, they were taking a look too."

Kaysa cast a stare at the officer and grinned smugly. "Now...where's Mr. Braston? It's not fair to deprive him of the sight of this beautiful creature."

The guard nodded. "I'll send someone for him," he said. "We allowed you to see the girl since you called her. But, we wanted to make sure the cred transfer happened before we brought him out too."

Kaysa nodded and pulled Shiv aside. "You got the creds, right, Shiv? You didn't go out and splurge by buying another skimpy dress, I hope."

"Nope," Shiv said with a grin. "I came straight here after changing. And, I brought six thousand, just in case."

Kaysa chewed her lip worriedly, then nodded her head. "That might be enough...barely." She turned back to the guard with a condescending smile and said, "We can proceed with the bail transaction, and have Mr. Braston brought to us right away."

"We can start," the man said. "Mr. Braston will be on his way. And, I'll have our financial administrator begin the transaction."

"Fine," Kaysa muttered sourly. She returned her attention to Shiv, and instantly, her mood brightened. "Oh, you should've seen Gladyne's face, Shiv! She was mortified and disgusted and shaking her fist at us like she did that time she chased us out of her store."

"Really? Oh I wish I could have seen it. I wish she could see how her dress looks on me. She hates us, doesn't she? Oh, I love making people like her hate us. Makes me want to go have sex in her store again. Messy, loud, multi-orgasmic sex."

"Shh...not so loud my love." Kaysa giggled and whispered into Shiv's ear. "The word 'sex' has been outlawed within this facility. It's been replaced with the word 'fornication.' Same meaning, just different connotations to them, I guess." She slipped her arm around Shiv's waist and moved beside her to keep watch for Merrick's release. She sighed impatiently. "Where is he? Do you know they were rude enough to interrupt us during a tender moment? We were on the brink of having one of the best orgasms ever, and they just pry us apart."

"How dare they!" Shiv glared at the guard. "Is that legal? I mean, I figured on this planet, an orgasm would be a sacred thing. Once you get close enough, you just can't stop it. I can't believe they'd do that, especially to you and Merrick. I think I should get a sign, an equadi, and go march around outside proclaiming the injustice of it all."

"Oh no you don't, you little scoundrel. I don't want to have to come back here to bail you out this time." Kaysa pushed Shiv's hair back over her shoulder and gave another irritated sigh. "Why are they taking so long? Merrick has a show in a few hours and he also had some plans to make. They'll be impossible to arrange now."

"I wouldn't do it now," Shiv said with a giggle. "It'd be later. But--"

Before she could continue, the door opened and one of the guards marched Merrick into the room. "Here's the other miscreant."

"Hey! That's not a miscreant," Kaysa protested. "That's a Merrick."

Shiv squealed happily. "Merrick!"

Merrick's smile grew even bigger. "Kaysa! Shiv!" He rushed forward and pulled each of them into his arms. "I've got an inspiration for a new song!"

"I really don't think we need this incident recorded for posterity in the form of a song, Merrick." She ran her fingers lightly along the swollen bruise on his forehead, then shot a penetrating glare at the guards. "Are we free to leave?"

The guard paused for a moment, and then nodded. "You are free to go," he said. "Just don't let this ever happen again. The consequences for repeat offenders are quite severe."

"That's only if we get caught." Kaysa just about stuck her tongue out at the man as she, Shiv, and Merrick headed for the exit. "I guess our day was a bust, Merrick. We'll try again the next time my schedule isn't so busy."

Merrick smiled. "I like the sound of that," he said. "For now, why don't the three of us go grab a bite to eat, and I'll make a few calls, and then Kaysa and I can have our night."

Kaysa frowned as she looked to Shiv, then to Merrick. "But...Shiv... It wouldn't be fair even though... It just wouldn't be fair."

Shiv moved closer to Kaysa. "If you and Merrick want to go out tonight, that's fine with me," she said. "I'll just do some painting. Besides, you two deserve a nice night together. And, then maybe the three of us can go out another night...like tomorrow. But, if it's okay, I can go for some food now...if you guys are hungry for food that is."

Kaysa looked at Shiv with a crooked, restrained smile, then she kissed her adoringly. "Of course I'm hungry. And tomorrow night, it'll be the three of us...and maybe Zale. He needs some love too."

Shiv grinned and slipped her hand into Kaysa's. "I think he needs some love too," she said. "And, tonight, I'll even sleep in my own room. You guys can have the night all to yourself." She looked at Kaysa and Merrick and winced. "Can I come to the show tonight though? But, I'll head home by myself after. I won't interfere. I just want to see Merrick's show, and keep Kaysa company in the audience." She looked up at Kaysa. "And, if you don't want me to, that's fine too. I know you guys need your nookie time."

Kaysa smiled ruefully and nodded her head. "Shiv...of course you can come. And of course you can sleep in our bed tonight." She sighed softly, but didn't let either Shiv or Merrick see her disappointment. "You can even stay after the show. I wouldn't feel safe sending you home alone, especially not with the Dargus threat. You're staying near me, Shiv."

Shiv smiled. "You and Merrick need your time," she said. "I'll just stay home. Zale's people are all over the place. No one will be able to get to me, and I'll just work on more art. You and Merrick need the night, and you and Merrick get the bed together tonight. I'll stay in the other room, and that's alright. It's for you guys."

Kaysa pressed a hand to her temple and massaged it slowly. It seemed there was no way to escape feeling guilty one way or the other. If she didn't find time to be with Merrick alone, she'd feel guilty for being so busy and neglecting him. If she left Shiv behind, she'd worry all night whether she was alright or not. She laughed wryly and shook her head. "This is stupid... Look, Shiv, you're coming tonight whether you like it or not. I don't need to have Merrick all to myself. It's not as if we don't see each other everyday." Kaysa pressed her finger to Shiv's lips to silence a budding protest. "It's alright. We'll have a wonderful evening, Shiv. So, stop being so silly!"

"Only if that's what you want," Shiv said. "I don't have to go if you guys had plans." She slipped into Kaysa's arms. "If I'm going though, I should probably wear something different."

Kaysa laughed, but feigned appraisal of the dress before shaking her head. "You're right. That's only appropriate if one intends on attracting the attention of the Morality Guards. But, Merrick can get you something, I'm sure."

Merrick glanced at Shiv's dress and grinned. "I don't know, I think she looks nice in that."

"Of course you would," Kaysa accused playfully. She'd always been good at masking her true emotions by displaying other false ones, and this situation was a prime example of that. She smiled and joked along with them, but within her was a ball of regret and disappointment ready to shatter. She would have to accept that there was no more she and Merrick, not without adding Shiv to the equation. It would take her time to truly get over it, but she resolved herself to start trying from then on.

Shiv took Kaysa's hand and put it into Merrick's, and then marched on ahead of them. "Come on, let's go get some lunch. I'm buying."

"With Merrick's money, I suppose." Kaysa smiled and glanced at Merrick askance. "An hour together, just you and me. That's gotta be a new record that I don't think we have any hopes of breaking."

"I think we did pretty good with that hour," Merrick said. "I think we should try for another hour one of these days. If we're really feeling lucky, we can try for two."

"Very funny, Merrick. Frankly, I don't find our inability to actually spend some quality time alone together very amusing." Kaysa sighed and rested her cheek against his arm. "I think it's actually kind of discouraging. Not that I mind sharing you with Shiv, as I said. But... Well, no point in dwelling. It's not a big deal anyway...really."

Merrick glanced at her. "Yes it is a big deal," he said. "If it weren't you wouldn't even be talking about it. We need some time for ourselves, and we'll have it. We'll just need to find out when we can. And, I think Shiv wants us to have time for us too. I think if we talk to her ahead of time, she'll be fine with it."

"Of course she will be. Shiv would do anything for us. That's not where the problem lies, Merrick. It's with me, feeling guilty for excluding either you or her in anything I do." Kaysa stiffened and attempted to find some calm within herself. "We'll find time, if it's available. Otherwise, we'll just have to accept that we don't have time alone, and that it's not a big concern."

"We'll make it work," Merrick assured her. "I think we're pretty good at making things work, and we'll definitely have this one taken care of. That's what I like about us...well, one of the things."

"And what are the other things? Our amazing sex drive?" Kaysa laughed. "Or perhaps our public displays of nudity?"

Merrick laughed. "Well, those are two of them," he said. "There are so many things about us though. Like the way...like the way I don't think we've ever been able to finish a meal in a restaurant together, and always have to rush away to have sex."

"Oh, yes...that." She wound her arm around his and sighed as she watched Shiv frolicking ahead of them and certainly drawing attention to herself. "So...I guess tonight, Merrick Braston's gonna be going home with two ladies after the show. A sexy brunette and a boisterous blonde. You celebrity types have all the fun."

Merrick laughed. "Well, I seem to recall the last time we were together, you were having quite a bit of fun too," he said. "So, it's not just the celebrity types, is it?"

"Well...then celebrity types and their groupies." Kaysa grinned smugly and asked, "How's that?"

"The groupies are very important," Merrick said. "A celebrity is nothing without his groupies, but he has to be very selective about them. And, he can't have too many or the others get jealous."

Kaysa pinched his arm and laughed. "Very jealous! You do not want to see Kaysa Zenarr scorned, Merrick Braston. It isn't a pleasant sight."

"Well, I will just have to do everything in my power to keep from making you jealous," Merrick said with a grin. "And, we'd better hurry up and catch Shiv before she's had an affair with the entire city in that dress."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about her," Kaysa said. "She only ever does what I do. So, if I were you, I'd keep a closer eye on me than Shiv." She slipped away from Merrick with a laugh and sauntered towards Shiv, exaggerating the sway of her hips to taunt Merrick. She slipped her arm through Shiv's as she caught up to her, then called back to Merrick, "Now, I'd worry."

"I'm worrying," Merrick called as he hurried to catch up with them. "Now, don't you two get arrested by the Morality Guard again."

"Oh, we won't," Kaysa replied as she slipped her hand onto Shiv's rear. "But just in case..." With a giggle, she veered Shiv towards one of the many eateries lining the street and disappeared inside.

***

"We have five minutes before we have to leave," Merrick called out as he moved back to where Kaysa and Shiv were getting ready for their night out. "You two are almost ready, aren't you?"

"I'm trying," Kaysa protested, "but Shiv keeps coming over here and trying to sneak her hands up my dress."

"I'm just checking to see if you've put your panties on yet," Shiv said. "You know we can't throw them on the stage if we don't have them."

"Well...we'll keep a pair in our purses. So now you can stop sticking your hands up my dress!" Kaysa laughed and moved from the refresher into the bedroom. She stopped short as her eyes fell upon Merrick. She let out a low whistle, then sauntered over towards him. "Oh my... And which lady's eye are you planning on catching tonight, Mr. Braston?"

Merrick grinned as he turned around for Kaysa. "There's this beautiful, sexy brunette," he said. "And, I was really hoping to get her to come home with me tonight. Do you think I stand a chance?"

"Hmm...I think it all depends on what you have to offer her." She slowly circled around Merrick, appraising his attire, but paying far more attention to his rear than anything else. "You know...I think she might go for you...especially after she's gotten a few glasses of...fruit juice in her."

"Oh, I think I might be in for quite a night then," Merrick said. "Do you think she'd appreciate a guy who'll sing to her as they lay in each other's arms?"

Kaysa looked down to hide her grin, then cleared her throat and neutralized her expression as the charade continued. "I guess some women go for that," she replied while still circling about Merrick. "Is it just the singing or do you play too?"

Merrick followed Kaysa with his eyes while he tried to hide some of his grin. "Well, I'm pretty good at playing. What's the point in singing if you can't play it too?" He reached a hand out to brush over her abdomen as she passed around him again. "It's very important in life that you have some sort of playing."

Kaysa trailed her finger across Merrick's broad shoulders and whispered softly into his ear. "I think the sexy brunette likes playing. Perhaps you could offer your services as a playmate..." Her lips brushed against his neck and she finally stopped before him with a crooked smile. "I bet she'd like to play a game or two with you."

"I bet she knows some fun games," Merrick said.

Her hand was flat against his chest and falling lower towards his waist. "Oh, she knows plenty," she replied with a silky smile. Her hand rested lightly on his groin as she stepped closer. "I bet there are even some games you've never played before."

"Hey you two," Shiv said as she came into the bedroom. "You're going to get all messy and we'll all be late. And, I think Chrik will be very mad if someone's late getting on stage. Come on, come on, we've got to go."

Kaysa's gaze never left Merrick's until she was physically torn away from him by Shiv. She stumbled into motion and stared back at Merrick with a dreamy smile as she was led out of the bedroom.

"You two will have plenty of time for that when we get home," Shiv said. "Now we have to go. I heard the hovercab driver guy honking his horn. Come on, come on. Hurry hurry, you silly lovebirds."

"I'm coming," Kaysa said with a laugh. "It's just, Merrick and I were discussing this sultry brunette he's had his eye on, along with her sexy blonde friend."

"Really," Shiv said with a large grin. "I like brunettes too. And, sultry is very nice. I've always liked sultry." Shiv hurried out of the bedroom and toward the kitchen. "You two wait by the door, I have something for us. Something that all good dates should have."

A moment later, Shiv screeched and let out a string of curses that a hardened spacer would have blushed over.

Kaysa looked to Merrick with a puzzled, worried expression, then she quickly made her way towards the kitchen. "Shiv! Shiv, are you alright?"

"Oh no," Shiv kept repeating over and over. When Kaysa got into the kitchen, Shiv was standing in a large puddle of juice that had also splattered all over her dress. "It's-- Oh, it's all ruined." She turned to Kaysa and frowned, then thrust out two small boxes, the third of which was at Shiv's feet. "For you guys. It's this flowery thing that I thought would look nice."

Kaysa took the two boxes and placed them upon the counter. She visibly assessed the damage done to Shiv's dress and sighed gravely. "Well...go on, Shiv," she said as she shooed her away with her hands. "Go and change. The hovercab's waiting."

Shiv started into the bedroom, but stopped when she saw the chronometer. "Oh no! You guys have to go. Merrick's gonna be late. Go ahead without me. It's alright, Kaysa. It's my own fault for being so clumsy. Go!"

Kaysa stepped forward. "It's okay, Shiv. Merrick can go ahead of us. We'll just comm for another hovercab. Just...hurry and put something on."

Shiv hurried back into the bedroom, stripping off her dress as she did. She moved to her closet and rifled through all of her clothes. "I don't have anything else. That was the only dress that even looked nice. Just...just go without me. I'll be fine here. Go. I don't have anything left to wear, Kaysa. Just...you have to go."

Kaysa stood in the doorway of the bedroom and watched Shiv with a suspicious smile. "Shiv...what's going on?" The hovercab sounded its horn again. She looked back towards Merrick and told him to go down and wait for them. Her attention returned to Shiv, who was still wearing a wonderful imitation of a pout. "So...you're not coming?"

Shiv tried not to grin, but it was difficult. "I don't think I can, unless the White Noise is getting very lenient with their dress code."

Kaysa sighed and shook her head. "You're a crafty little thing, Shiv." She laughed softly and took a step forward. "Thanks," she whispered. She placed a kiss tenderly upon Shiv's lips then started out of the bedroom. "I owe you one, my love."

"Have a good night, Kaysa," Shiv said. "You'll have to tell me all about it tomorrow."

Kaysa walked briskly into the living area, still shaking her head and chuckling. She made a quick stop to the kitchen to retrieve the two boxes Shiv had purchased for them, then hurried towards the door. She rushed through it, hollered an 'I love you' to Shiv, then made her way to the ground level. Merrick was standing outside the hovercab with his head in the passenger side window. He was squabbling with the driver, most likely about the delay, but what interested Kaysa more was the pleasant view of his rear she got while he leaned over. "Merrick! Let's go!"

Merrick glanced back at Kaysa and laughed. "So, she convinced you to let her stay home so you can have me all to yourself tonight, eh?"

She shrugged and handed him one of the two boxes. "She said she couldn't find a dress. She convinced me of nothing except that you're going to be late if we don't get moving. So...hop in."

Merrick slid into the hovercab, and offered Kaysa a hand as she climbed in. "Have I mentioned that you look beautiful and sexy tonight?"

"Save it for the brunette, Braston." Kaysa took her place beside Merrick, and the hovercab departed the moment her door closed. "Flowery things," Kaysa said as she nodded to the box in his hand. "Shiv got them for some odd reason."

Merrick opened his box, and inside was a single flower. He smiled and looked up at Kaysa. "It's a trithin," he said. "And, all the thorns have been removed." He looked up at Kaysa, his eyes filled with all the love he felt for her.

The vibrant blue flower seemed to emit a radiant glow throughout the interior of the hovercab. She reached out and ran her fingers along the soft, velvety petals. It had become emblematic of how far she and Merrick had come together, and how their love had persevered through even her most stubborn, vindictive hours.

She scooped the delicate flower into her palm, cradling it as she brought it to her face. She nestled her nose into the soft petals, which bounced gently as a droplet of tears she hadn't realized she was shedding fell upon them. She gazed up at Merrick, her smile filled with ardent love and tenderness, then brought the flower to the lapel of his jacket and pinned it on. "Perfect," she said quietly.

Merrick looked down at the flower pinned at his breast, and then up to Kaysa. He could feel tears in his own eyes. "Yes," he said, his eyes never leaving hers, "definitely perfect."

And it was. The hovercab seemed to float gently towards the White Noise and the sounds of traffic outside were but quiet murmurs detracting nothing from the placid calm Kaysa found gazing into Merrick's eyes. The cabby had to literally snap his fingers in front of their faces to break their trance and tell them they'd arrived. Merrick secured the other trithin into Kaysa's hair, and together they stepped out of the cab. First one shout arose, then others joined in until a clamour arose and fans waiting in line amassed towards Merrick and Kaysa. The door attendant spoke into a comm device, and soon, security personnel joined him in attempting to divert the swarm away from Merrick Braston. Girls were calling out his name and men were asking for autographs, yet through all the commotion, Kaysa and Merrick's focus never once strayed from one another.

The security personnel managed to repel the fans and escort Merrick and Kaysa to safety through the backstage entrance. Merrick asked one of the guards to inform Chrik that the show would be starting late, then he slipped into his dressing room, away from prying eyes and screaming fans, and got reacquainted with the sultry brunette wearing a blue trithin in her hair.

---

"Pleasure Girls, Part 1"
by Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
and Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 6, 4ABY

***

The spray from the waterfall against her sun-ravaged skin was soothing and invigorating. Standing at the edge, she yearned to immerse herself in the pristine reservoir below where the rushing waters drained and produced the billowing, white mist that rose above and shrouded her in comfort. She smiled softly as his arms encircled her and he spread light kisses upon her neck and shoulders. Her naked form pressed back against his and a kindled yearning arose within her. His hands explored her flesh delicately and tenderly. He whispered words of affection and professions of everlasting love to her, and once again, she experienced what true love was.

She turned slowly, motions fluid and dreamlike, until she faced fully her first love, her arozeil. The darkness had been banished and his eyes were clear and bright as she'd always imagined they would be, as she'd always hoped she could make them. His smile carried with it only warmth and joy, something she knew he would recapture. "Oh, my arozeil," she whispered upon the breeze. "I knew you'd come back." The touch of his lips upon hers imbued her with passion and desire, and happiness she'd expected only to find in her dreams, but she'd found it with him.

"Kael... I knew you'd come for me." Her words were lost to the thundering falls, but she could express in a kiss more than she ever could with sentiments. "Kael..." she murmured dreamily. "My love..."

"Yes, my love," he said to her as he traced a hand down her naked side. "Yes, I'm back with you now. Come to me, make love to me. Make love to me, and everything will be right again."

Nieme sighed wistfully and buried her face against his neck. The blood flowing through his veins throbbed against her delicate lips and reinforced the urgency with which she desired to strengthen the bond that jealousy had broken. As he lay her back upon the plush grass, she kissed him fervently and whispered against his flesh that he would always be her arozeil, and she would always love and cherish him. "I want to make love to you, Kael. I want to show you that everything's alright now."

"This way," he said. "Climb up on top of me. Make love to me this way. Just position yourself above me, and then slide me inside. Come to me, my love."

Nieme nodded her head languidly and gracefully pushed Kael onto his back. She gazed into his eyes and gently caressed his cheek as she lay atop him. She sighed and a shudder ran through her flushed body as they joined. Her movements were confident and she swayed against him with an ease and certainty that had been almost foreign to her before.

Something nagging had threatened to intrude upon their tender reunion, a gentle stirring of doubt and fear within her warning her that was something amiss, but Nieme pushed it aside and continued making love to Kael. "Like this, my love? Just like this?"

"Yes," he said. "Exactly like this. This is perfect. You're doing wonderful, beautiful. That's my beautiful girl."

The praise motivated Nieme to give herself over entirely to the act. She kissed Kael more boldly, and cast off all inhibitions. She allowed her passions and the ecstasy arising within her to direct her movements. Her moans were lost to Kael's...a voice that was his, but somehow not his own. The hands caressing her suffused flesh were as familiar to her as the rhythm of her heart beating in her chest, but there was something vaguely disturbing about the manner in which he touched her, the particular way his hands roamed over her breasts. She tried to mask her anxieties with a smile, but a frown crept through, one she could see reflecting in Kael's brown eyes.

She trepidly kissed him again, confusion filling her mind. There was something wrong, and Nieme couldn't identify what it was. She never ceased swaying against Kael, yet her rhythm faltered for a moment as the colours swirling around him suddenly changed. They weren't bright and warm as Kael's had been in their happiest hours; the colours were dark and ominous, and he suddenly exuded a dense wave of unsettling emotions that chilled Nieme. "K-Kael? What...what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, my arozeil," he said. "Everything is perfect. Everything is beautiful and free. Just a few minutes more, my love. Just a few minutes, and we can find our release together. Oh my arozeil, we're so beautiful together."

Nieme's moans had now become frightened whimpers. Where she had found love in Kael's eyes before, she only saw malice. Her stomach began churning with the sickening waves of emotions emanating from him. "I...I want to stop, Kael. Please...please..." She stopped swaying against him and began pulling away. "I'm sorry..."

His hands caught her and pulled her back. "No," he said. "We have to keep going. We have to finish this. It's important. We have to do this, Nieme. We have to! In order to save us, we have to!"

"But...I don't feel good, Kael!" Nieme struggled against the arms encircling her waist and holding her to him. She writhed not in ecstasy, but with an intense need to escape the detestable sensations twisting her stomach and pulling her into darkness. "I have to...I have to get away, Kael... I'm afraid!"

"You're not going anywhere," he yelled, and then quickly pulled her back down onto the bed. He pushed her face down, and mounted her from behind. "I told you we weren't finished yet. I told you, now we have to do it this way. I didn't want to do it this way, but you've forced me."

The sounds of the water cascading down the cliff vanished and the refreshing spray that had once caressed her skin was replaced by hands roughly kneading her buttocks. She screamed, a sound muffled by the pillow pressed to her face. Anger, lust, violence was all she sensed now from the voice shouting above her cries. She jerked forward on the bed to evade the source of the agonizing pain being inflicted upon her. Where did Kael go? Had Ferrig overpowered him and killed him? The thought frightened Nieme into a series of even more piercing cries and into a fierce struggle to escape her tormentor.

Her hands flew wildly in the air, searching for flesh to claw at or hair to grasp and pull. The more she screamed, the less able she was to breathe. The pillow provided no source of fresh air, and soon her head became light and dizzy. She hoped for unconsciousness now, especially with the unbearable pain spiking through her. She managed to drag her nails across a patch of soft flesh, but she soon realized that it was her own skin she was peeling away and she cried out. "Stop it! Pl-- Please!"

"This is your life now," Ferrig roared as he continued pumping himself inside her. "Shut up, bitch, and stop crying." He grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. "Get used to this, Rat, because you're never getting away from me. You're my fuck slave, and if you don't start acting happy, you'll be the whole gang's fuck slave!"

Nieme's struggles became feeble with her waning strength. The pain combined with her dwindling supply of oxygen began robbing her body of consciousness. She groaned and wept convulsively into the pillow, calling out Kael's name, and pleading with Ferrig to stop. She felt herself going limp and her eyes threatened to roll back into her head and search for the darkness beginning to engulf her mind. "Stop..." she mumbled. "I... Stop..."

Ferrig felt Nieme going limp beneath him, but didn't slow his thrusts. Instead, he shifted them on the bed until her head was out over the edge of the bed and she could breathe again. "Enjoy it, Rat, or next time, I'll take your other hole."

Air rushed into her lungs and Nieme gave a startled gasp. Awareness returned, as did the sound of Ferrig grunting and the sensation of fiery pain ravaging her. Her screams filled the room now and seemed to encourage Ferrig into hastening his pace and taking her even more roughly. She was delirious with agony and heard herself calling out Kael's name, begging him for help. He gave no reply and Nieme was left with only a sense of utter hopelessness.

With a loud grunt, Ferrig released himself into her. He remained where he was, laying on top of Nieme for several minutes before pulling out. He moved up to the head of the bed. "Okay," he said. "Clean me up."

Nieme struggled to lift her head and once she did, she was faced with Ferrig's cock thrust towards her. She shifted her gaze to his eyes and with strength inspired by panic, she clambered back away from him. Her hoarse, frightened breaths were interrupted by sobs as she scrambled frantically away from Ferrig until she found the edge of the bed and tumbled off it. "Please! I-I'll do anything else...just please not that!"

Ferrig followed Nieme off the bed and pulled her up. "You will do that," he snarled, and then tossed her onto the bed. "You better fucking get good at it, like that purple bitch. You'll be sucking a lot of cocks while you're here, Rat, so you better get good at it now!"

Nieme shook with choking tears and trepidly knelt before Ferrig. "P-Please..." she whispered. She hesitantly pressed her hands to his chest and forcing back her disgust, she kissed his neck gently. "Anything but that... I-I'll be only yours, Ferrig." She kissed him again as her hands began roaming along his chest. "Just yours...and you can have me anytime you want. Just don't give me away to them...and don't make me do this."

"You do this," Ferrig said, "and I'll strongly consider not giving you to them." He reached down between her legs and gently caressed her. He knew she was frightened out of her mind; and frightened out of her mind would mean he'd have to just beat her until she did what he wanted. However, he had a suspicion that if he were gentle, she might actually be willing. "Come on. It's not as bad as you think. And, next time, I'll actually make it pleasurable for you."

Nieme cringed at Ferrig's invasive touch. She looked up at him with eyes washed over with tears, hoping the sight of her sorrow would cause him to become sympathetic and perhaps exempt her from having to perform the demeaning act. "I just...I wanna go home... Please. I didn't do those things to Kael. I didn't poison him." Nieme sobbed aloud and kissed Ferrig desperately in supplication. "I'll make him come back! Just let me go...and I'll make him come back to you. Please!"

Ferrig sat down and pulled Nieme into his lap, using as much tenderness as he could. Fortunately, on occasion, Raeila did like tenderness. "Did you know that that's one of Kael's favourite things? My sister, Raeila, she used to do that to him all the time, and he loved it. I bet when you go back to him, he'd love you even more if you did that for him." He kissed her gently, comforting her fears. "You can practice with me, Nieme. I can help you to learn all the things Kael loves, and then he'll love you even more."

Nieme shrank away from Ferrig's caresses, but there was no pain where she expected it to be, and after the exhaustion she was suffering, she gratefully relaxed into his embrace. "He...he does love me though. Kael... He married me because he loved me." She sobbed gently against Ferrig's chest and knew she'd sacrifice everything to have it Kael comforting her now. "I tried to make him happy," she whispered dejectedly. "But...he was so mean. I-I don't know what I did wrong. What did I do wrong?"

Ferrig held her close, and caressed her body as she sobbed against him. "Lovemaking was always very important to Kael," he said. "Perhaps your inexperience drove him away, made him upset. I can teach you to be a better lover, to become more expert at pleasing a man, and then Kael will love you again. How does that sound, Nieme? Would you like me to help you get Kael to love you again?"

"I...I don't know. I mean...yes, I want him to love me again." Nieme gazed up at Ferrig again, his sinister intentions not truly masked by the smile on his face. She looked down again and slowly slid off his lap. "I...I want you to help me," she said timidly. "But...can you close your eyes? I-I don't know if I can do it if you're looking... Please?"

Ferrig smiled. "If I can't see you, then I can't tell you if what you're doing is right," he said. "You don't have to look up at me, Nieme; though Kael really likes it if you make eye contact with him while he's in your mouth. Please, Nieme. Please do this for Kael." He reached out and brushed her cheek with his hand. "Please don't make me do something neither of us will like. Do this, and I'll even let you see your purple friend tonight."

Nieme was in the mental process of devising another way of convincing Ferrig to let his guard down for a moment in order to attempt an escape, but all thoughts were diverted upon mention of Dani and the possibility of seeing her friend. "You'll...you'll let me see her? Is she alright? Oh please...please don't hurt her!"

Ferrig cupped her chin and then kissed her. "I won't hurt her," he said. "And, I promise you that. But, I don't know about my sister. She may do something to hurt her. Now, I don't want to see you upset, my sweet Nieme, so if you don't make me upset, I'll do everything I can to keep her safe from harm. Is it a deal?"

Nieme wasn't naive enough to believe that Ferrig's assurances were genuine, but she'd failed in protecting Dani before, and if there was a chance to redeem herself now, she was willing to take it. Tears formed anew in her eyes and descended her cheek, as she did onto her knees. She gazed up at Ferrig, wishing it truly had been Kael before her.

Her eyes found his erection, but she gasped and looked up, meeting his gaze. "Help me," she said softly. "I-I don't know what to do. I want to keep Dani safe, anything to keep her safe. Please help me so I can keep her safe."

"Kiss it," Ferrig urged. "Use your lips and tongue. You can slowly work it into your mouth." He shifted his hips closer to her mouth. "Just remember what you saw your friend doing yesterday, and do that. Don't worry, I won't let anything bad happen to you. And, if you're good, I'll be really good back."

She shook her head involuntarily, and her tears came freely, but she didn't run away or refuse Ferrig, not when Dani's safety was at stake. How trustworthy he was, Nieme questioned, but she knew there was no other options. Gazing up at him, as he had told her to do, Nieme leaned forward and reluctantly kissed the tip of his penis. Seeing the approval in his smile and in his eyes, Nieme wept quietly and proceeded to do what was necessary to help Dani, and in some isolated part of her mind, take the first step in trying to get Kael back.

---

"Pleasure Girls, Part 2"
by Dani
Raeila Mullerin
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
and Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 6, 4ABY

***

Dani lay on the floor at the edge of Raeila's bed. She'd slept fitfully, and felt like she had sand covering her entire body. All clothing had been taken away from her, including her sandals. Her night had been very busy as Raeila forced her to please the Feltreys in the main room of the house. She'd lost track of how many of them she'd pleasured. She still remembered Pack. He was as large as Raeila had said, and had taken great delight in making use of the new pleasure girl. She knew she didn't want to make Raeila upset with her, so she made use of all the skills she'd learned on her homeworld. She was exhausted at the end of the night, but not a person was left unsatisfied. Then Raeila had brought her into the bedroom, chained her to the foot of the bed, and left her there.

She could still feel the sticky secretions covering her body, but she ignored them as she finally stirred awake. Her body was still slightly sore, but she had to endure. And, she had to please Raeila to keep Nieme and herself safe. She had to please Raeila.

"How's your jaw?" Raeila moved silently and casually into the room until she was looming over Dani. "Is it sore? Now, I don't wanna hear you complaining. I let you sleep in so you could build up your strength. Frankly, I think I'm being far too kind to you, Purple." She crouched down before Dani and cradled her chin in her hand. "Aren't ya gonna thank me?"

Dani looked up into Raeila's eyes. "Thank you," she said gratefully. "I'm not too sore. I won't complain."

"Good. Now..." Raeila rose and moved to the foot of the bed. She removed the chain attached to the bed and wound it tightly around her hand. She tugged on it roughly to jerk Dani to her feet. "Hurry up! We need to get you fed. You're to be this afternoon's entertainment and I want you ready by the time the boys get back from their supply run."

Dani quickly scrambled to her feet, a muffled yelp the only sound of torment from the collar around her throat as she was pulled up. "I am ready," she said softly. "I will do anything to please you, Raeila."

"Of course you will, Purple." Raeila shortened the length of chain by twining it further around her hand. She jerked Dani closer until their faces were barely touching and Dani could see the mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "If you disappoint me today, you'll pay for it. I swear. I'll make Pack take you up the ass, and I'm sure you can imagine how painful that will be."

Dani nodded quickly. "I want to please you," she whispered. "I'll do everything I can to make you pleased." Pack in her mouth was fine, but back there... She suppressed a shudder at the thought and looked into Raeila's eyes plaintively. "I'll be very good for you."

Raeila caressed Dani's cheek affectionately, then let loose a laugh that echoed through the tiny room. "Oh, you'll be good. I'm certain of that. You'll have no choice but to obey." She turned away imperiously and led Dani along. An idea suddenly dawning on her, Raeila glanced back over her shoulder. "On second thought...on your knees. I want you to crawl for me, my little pet."

Dani nodded, and then got down onto her knees. When Raeila started moving again, she crawled along behind her. Every once in awhile, as the chain was jerked, she would speed up her pace. Below her as she crawled, the tears mixed in with the dirt of the floor. She had to be good though; she couldn't complain.

"Ferrig!" Raeila led Dani along carelessly through the dwelling. She stopped before the door to the room she frequently shared with him and pushed it open. "Well, isn't this quite an entertaining scene..." She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the doorframe with an amused smile on her face. "Seems the Rat is pretty good with her mouth after all. I guess she learned that from you, eh, Purple?"

Dani looked into the room at Nieme pleasuring Ferrig and felt her anguish rise. She wanted to go to Nieme, to protect her and make her feel safe, but she knew she couldn't. "She didn't learn it from me," she whispered softly. "I was only with her intimately once, and it was just the two of us. She's doing really well, isn't she?"

"That remains to be seen, Purple." Raeila stepped forward, tugging on the chain to move Dani along. "Is she as talented as she appears to be, brother?" She laughed mockingly as Nieme gagged and pulled away quickly to cough violently. "I guess you're too much for her, Ferrig. Gonna go easy on her?"

Ferrig looked up at his sister and smiled. "She's actually doing really good when she doesn't try to take too much of me at once," he said. "I think it won't be long and she'll be a real expert." He stopped to moan and then quickly moved his hands to help guide Nieme's head. He looked down to Raeila's pet and smiled. "So, how's Purple doing?"

Raeila shrugged dismissively and finally flounced onto the bed next to Ferrig. "She's gonna put on a show for us today. The boys are gonna love it 'cause they get to participate. You think the Rat would like to watch?"

"A show? I think the Rat would love to watch," he said. "They're very good friends, and I think she would be devastated if she weren't allowed to watch. I can't wait to see Purple in action again. She was quite amazing last night. Did you count how many guys she had total?"

"I think on the whole, she's had everyone but you, Ferrig." Raeila languidly glanced down at Nieme and laughed. "Although, the Rat appears to be serving your needs adequately enough. Planned on what you're going to do with her yet? You said she'd bleed, Ferrig. You said she'd pay for taking Kael away. She looks like she's having far too much fun to me."

Ferrig reached down and brushed a hand through Nieme's hair. "She's doing very good right now," he said. "Right now, I'm training her. This is her first time sucking cock, and she's becoming quite the expert. After she's trained, who knows what'll happen with her." He looked down at Purple and then up to Raeila. "So, have you had her yet?"

She motioned Dani over with her finger and studied her radiant, purple flesh intently. "Not yet... I want to make her nice and pliant before I let her go anywhere near my more...valued possessions." She slid to the edge of the bed, and jerked Dani forward between her spread legs. "When I'm good and confident she won't go biting anything she's not supposed to," Raeila continued while stroking Dani's breasts, "then I'll let her have a taste. Would you like that, Purple?"

Dani looked up at Raeila and moaned softly. "If it would please you, I would like that very much," she said, her voice just above a whisper. "I would never bite you, ever."

Raeila grinned at Ferrig. "Is your little pet as polite and obedient as mine? Punishing the Rat was so very fulfilling. Slapping that soft, resilient flesh... She didn't even bleed, Ferrig. That's gotta be convenient."

Ferrig glanced down at Nieme and smiled. He would have a nice surprise for her soon. "She was a little wilful earlier, but I think we've come to more of an understanding as you can see. As long as she keeps being a good rat, then I won't have to punish her. But, if she displeases me, I'll definitely punish her. But, she's doing very good now."

Nieme's eyes faltered from Ferrig's gaze and she looked to Dani. She could sense her friend was as frightened as she was, but she appeared to be masking it much better. Her concentration was lost and she accidentally took in too much of Ferrig. She gagged again and pulled away. She coughed furiously and looked up at Ferrig, expecting to see the disapproval in his face. She was tired and disgusted. Nieme refused to go on. "P-Please... I... Can't I stop? Please, Ferrig. No more..."

"Just a little bit more," Ferrig said, urging her back to taking him into her mouth. "Just a little more and you're all done."

"I-I can't," Nieme sobbed. "I feel sick... I don't like it."

Raeila tsked as she petted Dani's head adoringly. "Looks like somebody's being defiant. I think we might have to make the Rat perform instead of Purple. I'm sure she'd get more use out of it and it'd certainly tame those insolent tendencies of hers."

Dani looked up at Raeila with a frightened look. She didn't want to see Nieme punished like that. She knew whatever they forced her to do, she'd probably done it at least once in her life already. But, not Nieme. She turned her gaze to Nieme, pleading with her silently. Nieme couldn't be punished like that, couldn't be made to perform.

Ferrig looked down at Nieme. "That wasn't the answer I wanted to hear," he said. "Finish this immediately, or I will-- or I will have to let Raeila punish you, and I'll keep Purple in here with me for a few hours."

Nieme wept furiously and shook her head wildly. Dani shouldn't have to suffer because of her; there was already too much guilt weighing upon her. Raeila was gentle compared to Ferrig, and even though she found herself unable to bear the torment any longer, she refused to let Dani face the same. "Ferrig..." she groaned in despair. She choked and shook with tears as she crawled closer to Ferrig. She implored him one final time with her eyes, but she saw that he wouldn't be so easily placated. Silently sobbing, she resumed pleasuring Ferrig, hoping it would be enough to satisfy his desires for but a little while.

Inside, Dani felt like she was crumbling, but she sighed with relief when Nieme resumed her task. She looked up at Raeila, gazed into her eyes for a moment before moving to press her lips to the girl's inner thighs. She left gentle, tender kisses as she gazed upwards to search for approval.

Raeila sighed with pleasure involuntarily, yet still smiled her encouragement for Dani. "I didn't know Purple would be so affectionate. I didn't even have to punish her, surprisingly enough." She laughed huskily and brushed her hand against Dani's cheek. "She could teach her friend much, I think."

"Looking at her, it looks like she's enjoying herself," Ferrig said. "I think you have quite a treasure there, little sister." He watched as Dani trailed her kisses closer toward Raeila's mound. "I definitely think she should teach the Rat a few things."

"After the show." Raeila moaned quietly, but she overcame her carnal urges and pushed Dani away. "Not now, pet. I said you'd have to save your strength, and believe me, you'll need it." Taking a moment to compose herself, Raeila rose from the bed and regarded Ferrig impatiently. "Can you hurry the fuck up, Ferrig? You know how I hate to be waiting, especially for the entertainment my pet is going to provide us with. Blow your load into the bitch's mouth and let's go!"

"Just a moment," Ferrig said as he felt his climax building. He continued guiding Nieme's head with his hands, careful not to choke her. "Almost-- Oh gods..." With a thrust of his hips, he expelled his seed into Nieme's mouth and down her throat. "Oh yes--"

Nieme's body flinched and she felt her stomach reflexively trying to purge its contents, and those Ferrig discharged into her mouth. She gagged and choked, but Ferrig prevented her from pulling away. For the second time that morning, she felt her eyes rolling back into her head and her consciousness slipping away. She couldn't think of a punishment more cruel than this, and felt even more guilty for Dani having to go through it herself...all because of her actions.

"Oh...disgusting, Ferrig! She's gonna puke everyway!" Raeila grumbled irritably and began pulling Dani out of the room. "Meet us outside, Ferrig. Then I'll discuss my little planned event."

Ferrig pulled slowly out of Nieme's mouth. "We'll have to work on that part," he said softly as he tried to comfort her. "You did good, except for that bit of defiance. I'll have to think of a reward for you, Nieme."

Nieme slumped to the ground and heaved, but she resisted the urge to vomit upon the floor. She spit out what was left of Ferrig's secretions, then began weeping again and rocking gently with her arms around herself. "Let me go..." she whispered thickly. "For my reward...please let me go."

Ferrig started pulling on clothes while he glanced down at Nieme. "If I let you go," he said, "your friend would be here all alone. And, I have to keep you safe here for Kael, Nieme. I have to teach you to be a perfect lover for him, so that he'll want you back." Once he was dressed, he moved back over to her and helped her to her feet. He gave her a soft, sensual kiss. "It won't be long until you're as sensual and enticing as Purple." He kissed her again. "Come along, Raeila's going to have Purple perform for us."

"N-N-No, wait!" Nieme pulled back, closing her eyes to shut out the deafening sound of her heartbeat and to banish from her mind the curious, unpleasant taste in her mouth. "Let...let Dani go then. Keep me here for Kael...but let her go. She didn't do anything. She doesn't even know Kael!"

"I'll plead her case to Raeila, but I can't make any promises." He took Nieme into his arms. "I don't know what Raeila's response will be, but I'll try to free Purple for you, to make you happy. I don't think I'll be able to do anything until after her performance though, but then I'll try to get her freed for you. How does that sound?"

Nieme gazed up into Ferrig's eyes, and they seemed far too blinded by lust for power and dominance of her to hold any compassion. He was lying, she knew, manipulating her desperation, but there was nothing more she could do besides beg and hope he suddenly developed sympathy enough to let them go. "Th-Thank you, Ferrig. I'll do whatever you want if you just...just promise to try and free Dani."

"Now, let's go catch up with Raeila and Purple," Ferrig said. "My sister has something fun and wonderful planned for your friend, and we don't want to miss that."

"Can...can I have something to wear...please?" Nieme bowed her head in humility and trembled in Ferrig's embrace. "I'm so...so cold."

"We're in the desert, Nieme," Ferrig said. "If you'd like, I'll keep you warm." He gave her a gentle kiss. "I'll make sure you stay warm, my darling one."

Nieme nodded her head slowly, accepting all Ferrig offered her. She had no choice but to. She had little hope that he was going to set Dani free, and even less hope that she would leave him as she had once been. Already she could feel her subconscious sanctuary calling to her and proffering safety, comfort, and deliverance from the subjugation Ferrig was forcing upon her. She resisted, but found herself succumbing to its lulling beck. Ferrig would have her compliance and obedience, but only because she would no longer be there to defy him. Not her mind anyway.

"Come on," Ferrig said, and then led her out into the hall where Raeila and Purple were waiting. He looked at the girl chained at Rae's side and decided that he would have her later, and he would have to give his sister the Rat. All in all, it would be a good bargain.

"It's about time, Ferrig. Let's go get our pets fed and while we do that, I can discuss the events for this afternoon with you." Raeila grinned slyly and nodded to Nieme. "I guess she's eaten enough already. And surprisingly, she looks pretty satisfied. I knew you could break her in, Ferrig, but she's not crying enough. I wanna see tears and hear begging."

"Later this afternoon, my dear sister," Ferrig said. "And, I'm sure it will be beautiful. I am thinking she needs to be shaved, like Purple."

Nieme gasped in surprise and stepped back from Ferrig. "I...I don't want that. Not...please... I'll be good, Ferrig--"

"Wait...she's calling you 'Ferrig'?" Raeila laughed cruelly and narrowed her eyes at Nieme. "You're his slave, bitch. You don't address him in that manner." She sighed irritably. "Ferrig...are you going to correct her or must I?"

Ferrig smiled and turned back to Nieme. "Perhaps you should correct her, my sweet sister," he said. "I'll hold Purple's chain."

"N-No!" Nieme scrambled backwards with her arms held up to protect her face as Raeila, without hesitation, handed Ferrig Dani's chain.

"Don't worry, Rat." She grabbed Nieme's wrists and pulled her close. "Ferrig wants you alive," she whispered.

Nieme shook her head slowly, pleading with tears and trying desperately to pull away. "I-I won't do it again...I promise."

"Somehow, I don't believe you, Rat. Now, Kael may have fallen for the innocent, naive, little kitchen girl routine, but this is Raeila Mullerin you're up against now." In her eyes, Nieme saw only deep rooted hatred, pure and perpetuated by jealousy and scorn. Nieme stopped struggling and stared into the raging fury in Raeila's eyes. In them, she saw her death as well, if Ferrig would allow it. She meant nothing to him and had no illusions that she ever would, but for now she was needed and therefore not expendable. But it didn't exclude her from any punishment they wished to inflict upon her.

She barely saw Raeila's hand rushing towards her until she stumbled backwards and slammed with a thud into a wall. Once her vision settled and returned, she realized there was no time to brace herself before Raeila's fist impacted with her jaw. Nieme emitted a choked cry before her legs crumpled beneath her and she fell to the especially hard floor.

"Can I make her bleed, Ferrig?" Raeila hissed. "Can I drag my fingernails across her pretty face? Do you think Kael would still like her even after I disfigure her beyond recognition?"

"Only a little," Ferrig said. He had pulled Dani's face up, and he kissed her. "Very nice. For an alien bitch, you're not as bad as I expected."

Dani whimpered, but returned the kiss. "Thank you," she whispered.

Nieme cried out and clutched her stomach as Raeila thrust her foot into it. She rolled upon the ground in pain, but by the sound of Raeila's laughter, she knew she was finding only amusement in her agony. "Kael was a fool!" she hollered. "He was a fool to leave me...for someone as weak as you!" Raeila's comments were punctuated by kicks to Nieme's back and face. She clutched her hair and dragged her along the ground, Nieme feebly kicking and clawing at Raeila's hands. "He was only using you, Rat." Hair was being torn loose from her head and the taste of blood grew more prominent as she sucked on her numb lip. "He only wanted to see how long it would take him to get you to spread your legs."

Raeila pulled Nieme to her feet, and if she hadn't been clinging to her hair, Nieme was certain she would have fallen again. "He's not coming for you, Rat. He's coming for me. He doesn't love you." Raeila's smile was ice, yet her eyes burned with a sinister gleam. Nieme heard herself weeping, but the pain was drawing all her focus and she was aware of nothing more. She saw Raeila's free hand disappear behind her back, and when it appeared again, a glistening, ragged-edged knife was clutched between her forefinger and thumb. "Should I label her, Ferrig?" she asked as she waved the knife around Nieme's face. "Just so everyone knows she's yours..."

Ferrig could feel Purple's panic. Tears streamed down the girl's face and it brought a smile to his. "I don't think she needs to be marked like that. Maybe we can give her a tattoo later, both of them. For now, kiss and make up. And, I want to know what you have planned for Purple."

Raeila held the knife menacingly close to Nieme's face a moment longer, enough to capture the fear in her eyes and sear it into her memory. She retracted the blade back into its palm-sized hilt and returned it to her pocket. "You know," she whispered as her lips brushed against Nieme's and smeared the blood across her trembling mouth, "it's better this way, Rat. Kael would have only hurt you eventually. He's a Feltrey, through and through. He belongs with us." She pressed her lips to Nieme's and kissed her roughly. Nieme whimpered and quivered uncontrollably. When Raeila finally pulled back, she released the grip on her hair and let Nieme sink to the ground to weep without interruption. "Now, you will address me as...Mistress. What do you wanna be called, brother?"

"Call me Master, Rat," Ferrig said. "And from now on, you are Rat, and your friend is Purple. Dani and Nieme don't mean anything anymore. If I catch either of you referring to yourselves or each other as anything else, then you will both be punished. Now, let's move. You both need some food other than cum."

Raeila started towards Dani, delivering a swift kick to Nieme's side for good measure, then retrieved the chain from Ferrig and began pulling her towards the designated kitchen. Nieme sat huddled on the floor, coughing fitfully and holding her tender side. She looked up at Ferrig, bleary eyed, and hoped he would at least show her enough mercy to help her clean her wounds. "M-Master Ferrig..."

Ferrig squatted down next to Nieme and sighed. He cupped her chin gently and then gave her a tender kiss. "Come on," he said, "let's go get you cleaned up, then we can get some food in you."

Nieme nodded solemnly and used what little will and strength she had to push herself to her feet. She lurched for a moment, until her roiling mind settled, but her equilibrium had yet to return. She fell into Ferrig and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck to keep her from toppling to the ground again. "I'm sorry, Master Ferrig. I...I'm sorry."

"It's alright, my little Rat," Ferrig said, and kissed her again. "Let's go get you cleaned up, and then everything will be much better."

Nieme whimpered quietly and nestled her cheek against his shoulder. "I didn't mean to offend you...Master. I-I was scared...that's all."

"You can make it up to me later," Ferrig said with a smile. With that, he took her back into his bedroom, and set her in front of the small cabinet with healing supplies. As she started working on the wounds Raeila had given her, he slid down until he was kneeling in front of her, and then slowly closed the distance between his face and her mound.

Nieme tensed and the balled up cloth she had just grasped hovered over one of her wounds as her hand stopped in mid-air. The soft moan she emitted was unintentional, as was the spark of pleasure Ferrig was delivering to her. She knew she should have been revolted by the intimate, unwanted touch, but her mind looked back upon the time Kael had pleasured her in the same way, and she could do nothing but find enjoyment in the act.

She closed her eyes and responded to the call of the voices from within her sanctuary. They transported her to the waterfalls again, where Kael was waiting for her with a tender smile. Soon, he was between her legs as Ferrig was now, but his touch was real, and Ferrig was but an awful memory. Her hands gently rested upon his head as she reclined back onto the lush grass cradling her. Every cry and moan echoed off the canyon walls, and all she felt now was Kael's love filling her. "I knew you'd come again," she whispered. "Oh, Kael, my love... I want to stay here forever."

Ferrig did not play along as Kael this time. Instead, he focused everything on giving Nieme nothing but blissful pleasure. He knew by the sounds she was making he was succeeding. The girl did have a beautiful voice when she cried out in pleasure.

The spray from the falls cooled down her body, which was burning intensely now. She professed her love to Kael again, and begged forgiveness for leaving him. She did this while writhing upon the grass, but unable to squirm very far. The chair in the room rocked as Nieme arched against it, but she felt only the soft grass against her flesh, and smelled only the sweet mist of water flowing gently on the breeze and not the antiseptic odour of ointment.

Her cries rivalled with the thundering waterfalls and her joy in being with Kael again enraptured her. She tensed and raised from the grass as a final, ecstasy-rousing jolt rippled through her. A long sigh escaped her lips, and her body seemed to deflate until she was flattened upon the grass again. She stroked Kael's hair lazily and whispered softly his name. "Kiss me, my love. Hold me and kiss me now."

Ferrig wrapped Nieme into his arms and held her close, comforting her as Kael would. After several minutes, he kissed her and then gently coaxed her back to the reality she shared with him. "Come on, my darling little Rat, we have to go now. If you're very good today, I'll do that for you again later. Give the pleasure to you, rather than expecting you to give it."

Nieme was thrust from her serene haven and from Kael's embrace. She gasped and darted her eyes frantically around the room to clear the haze from her mind and regain some sense of where she was. When she did, she whimpered grievously and trembled with a longing to return to Kael in that place he shared in her mind. She was pulled out of the chair by Ferrig, and no matter how repulsed by his touch she was, her arms desperately clutched at his clothing to keep her from faltering. "I'll be good...M-Master. You won't even know I'm here...just like a little Rat."

"That's a good girl," Ferrig said. "Let's go find Raeila and Purple." Before leaving, he gave her a kiss, and then strode off in search of Raeila.

---

"Pleasure Girls, Part 3"
by Dani
Raeila Mullerin
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
and Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 6, 4ABY

***

"Come on, boys! Gather around. Oh, Pack put that fucking barrel of ale down! Gods...all you think about is getting drunk and laid." Raeila ushered Dani outside, walking her with a leash as she crawled upon the blistering sands like the obedient pet she was. "Sit here in the shade. Don't want you singeing your purple flesh. Ferrig! Where the hell are ya!"

It was a moment later when Ferrig walked outside with Nieme hurrying along behind him. "I'm here," he said. "I had to teach the Rat a little lesson. But, I'm ready for the fun to begin now."

"Good." Raeila waved everyone over towards her, then tugged on Dani's chain to bring her into view. "Everyone shut up... Would you shut up!" Once the residual murmurs died down and Raeila had silence, she smiled brightly. "In honour of our new arrivals, I would like to propose a little event to celebrate." Muttering arose within the congregation of gangers as curiousity in them all was piqued. "Dani here is going to perform for you all. Wouldn't you like that?" As she expected, cheers rose and lewd comments flew from the gangers. Some even gestured obscenely, but she hushed them all and continued. "Now, Purple, dear, you have a say in this. It's your choice but..." Raeila's grin became devious and her unimpassioned gaze turned to Dani. "If you do this, you'll get to spend a night with your precious Rat. If you don't...I throw you to the boys and let them have their way with you. So...you gonna perform for us, or you gonna disappoint your Mistress?"

Dani nodded. "I will perform, my Mistress," she said softly. "I want to please you, so I will perform for everyone."

"Oh, I am so pleased," Raeila replied condescendingly. Her attention was immediately back towards the crowd and she paused for effect, as well as to contain her own bubbling excitement. "You heard her, boys. Purple's gonna give us some entertainment." She glanced down at Dani with a sinister gaze and said in an eerie voice cutting through the dead silence, "Prepare the gauntlet, boys."

Ferrig approached Raeila with Nieme right behind him. When he got to her, he gave his sister a large smile. "This should be very fun." He turned to Nieme, and gave her a smile. "Rat, suck Purple's pussy while they set up the gauntlet." He then turned his attention back to Rae. "Very nice. If she does it, she's dead for a day. If she doesn't, she's with the gang all night. I imagine she won't get any sleep."

Nieme hurried towards Dani as Ferrig and Raeila conversed and laughed, undoubtedly at something about their situation they'd found amusing. Once she reached Dani, she fell to her knees and embraced her tightly and desperately. "Oh, Dani... It's so horrible. I love you, Dani. Please be strong."

"I'll be strong," Dani whispered. "I'll be very strong for us. I'll save you from this, Nieme. I'll get us out. As long as they don't do anything that hurts, it's alright what they do to me. I have more sexual experience than all of them. I can do this. But, you need to keep safe. You can't upset them. Maybe they'll let me help you learn how to suck off a man. That would keep them happy, and from hurting you."

"Rat! Get your fucking face between that bitch's thighs right now, or you're going through the gauntlet too!!"

Nieme's lips trembled and she shed tears for her friend again and everything she was being subjected to. She kissed her softly and slowly lay her back upon the shaded sand. "I love you, Dani." She gazed up at her, as Ferrig had taught her to do, then buried her face between Dani's legs.

Raeila laughed jeeringly at the display, and that laughter turned to squeals of excitement as the gangers began returning with their shocksticks in hand and lined up along the sand. "She won't die, will she?" Raeila asked casually and expressing irritation at the thought of having to stash Dani's dead body if she didn't make it through the gauntlet.

"I don't think she'll die," Ferrig said. "Though, looking at her, I don't think she'll be much use to anyone for a few days when she gets out the other end."

"Well...we can tell them to go easy on her if they want to benefit from her services anytime soon." Raeila squinted her eyes and surveyed the two lines of men with sticks gripped in their hands. "Looks like they're ready... Shall we do this now, brother?"

Ferrig motioned toward where Dani was writhing in the sand. "It's your show," he said. "You get first hit, I'll take last."

Raeila smirked and quickly waved over one of the gangers. She pulled the shockstick from his hands, then bent over and picked up the end of Dani's chain. "Come along. It's time for the show." She jerked Dani into motion, and Nieme tried desperately to cling to Dani's hand until Raeila saw and kicked it away. She hauled her over to the two rows of men, then released the chain from her collar. "Get up," she ordered coolly. "Now, behave, pet, okay?"

Dani got to her feet awkwardly and then nodded. "I will behave, Mistress," she said softly. She looked down the row of men with sticks in their hands, sticks that glowed with energy, energy she knew would hurt terribly. She could feel her body trembling in anticipation of what was about to happen. She wanted to turn to her mistress and beg to have sex with them all instead, anything but the pain. But, she knew doing so would bring displeasure. "I am ready, Mistress."

"Mmm... I do like you, Purple." Raeila ran her hand against Dani's cheek and kissed her gently. "Now," she whispered, "run." She pulled back and jammed the crackling tip of the shockstick into Dani's thigh.

Dani cried out as the electricity arced around her thigh. Despite the pain, and the terror, Dani did as she was told, she ran down through the column of lusting gangers. None of them expected her speed, and a number of them missed with their sticks. But, some did get through, striking Dani's back, buttocks, sides, and thighs. She could hear her own screams in her ears as she staggered forward. Finally, it was only Ferrig in front of her. She tried to rush past him, but his stick lashed out and touched off another arc across her stomach. She continued forward despite the pain and then collapsed into the sand, sobbing piteously.

Raeila had stormed over to Dani to chastise her for the inadequate performance, but as she crouched down to tug on Dani's collar a wave of pheromones managed to overcome the desensitization of her nose, despite the ephreda balm she'd applied. Instead of clutching at her collar with the intention of choking her, she cradled her face and kissed her deeply. "Precious Purple," she purred. "It didn't hurt that much, did it?"

Dani sobbed, but returned her mistress' kiss. She clung to her tightly, longing to have comforting arms around her. "It was painful," she whispered. "I hope I was alright. I ran like you said, but they hit me with those sticks. It hurt, my Mistress. But, I'm starting to feel better now."

"They were supposed to hit you, Dani. That was the whole point." She smoothed her hand over the top of Dani's breasts while her other hand went between her legs to try and dispense some comfort to her pet. "I've got it in my right mind to have you do it all over again, you know. Would you like that, Dani?"

Dani whimpered at the thought of going through that torment again and moaned at the touch between her thighs. "I would if it pleases you, my Mistress," she said. "I would do whatever you wish of me."

"Anything?" Raeila raised an eyebrow and cooed as her hand kneaded Dani's breast. "It would please me more if you came to my room and remained there with me for the rest of the day and night."

Dani nodded. "I will do that," she said softly. "About N-- Rat, Mistress...? You said I could be with her tonight, but I'll be with you. Would I be able to be with her tomorrow night then, Mistress? I would like to teach her how to please a man with her mouth so she doesn't upset the Master anymore. If that is alright with you, Mistress."

"Oh...I don't know, Purple. I'm not certain if I could bear to part with you." She pulled Dani into her arms and to her feet. "If Ferrig thinks she needs the practice, then you may go to her. If not...then you're mine always, Purple."

"Yes, my Mistress," Dani replied softly. "I am yours, always."

"Good..." Raeila glanced at the gangers, rubbing their groins as if trying to relieve an ache caused by Dani. She looked to Ferrig and smiled. "Perhaps the Rat would like to make our boys feel not so left out." She kissed Dani tenderly and began leading her away.

Ferrig glanced between Nieme and the rest of the gangers. "They're feeling a little left out since Raeila took Purple away. Make them feel better, Rat."

Nieme looked up from her hands, where she'd buried her face when Dani was thrown into the gauntlet. The tears distorted her vision, but Ferrig's cold stare still penetrated through the haze. She shifted her eyes to the dozen gangers who were already undoing their pants and approaching her. "M-Master...please...no..." She looked frantically around the yard, searching for some place to hide where they would never find her and eventually forget about her. She struggled to her feet and stood stricken until her impulses started her legs pumping and she ran to wherever they took her.

"Big mistake, Rat," Ferrig called out. "Get her boys. When you catch her, it's a free for all!" And, then he too rushed after Nieme.

Jeers and whoops spurred Nieme forward faster. She looked back in terror as the gangers launched forward like a pack of hunters chasing down their prey, the Rat. She wailed in beseechment for mercy, something she knew she'd never receive, but desperation motivated her to do so at any rate. The heated sands burned her feet and shifted beneath her, making her escape difficult to accomplish. A hand brushed against her arm and Nieme cried out again. She surged forward towards an approaching fence that served to secure the perimeter of the compound from intruders, and also preventing Nieme from escaping. Her fingers latched onto the holes in the fence and her feet thrashed beneath her to find some purchase. She scrambled upwards, but her feet kept slipping out from beneath her and left her dangling. The shouts grew louder and more deafening, yet as futile as her attempt seemed, she tried to regain her footing again.

Ferrig reached her first and grabbed onto her leg as she was climbing up. "Do you want to escape, Rat? To get out of here and leave Purple behind? You have to stop being defiant if you want me to protect you from them. I can protect you, but you need to be a good girl. Do you want to get away or do you want me to protect you?"

Nieme looked down at Ferrig, watching as her tears fell and rushed to the sands below her. Her desperation had caused her to forget that if she left, Dani would still be there, all alone and forced to pleasure all the gangers on her own. At least if she was there, she could relieve some of Dani's suffering and be there to comfort her when there was a chance. "You...you won't let them have me, Master? I-I don't want them... O-Only you, Master Ferrig. Please..."

"You have to make me a few promises, and I'll make you some," he said. "I won't give you to all of them like Purple was last night, but I may let one or two have you in private as long as they don't hurt you. And, I'll always be there. But, you have to promise me to do everything I say without hesitating. And, you have to do everything you can to please me the way Purple does with Rae. So, if I ask you to suck me off, you do it without hesitation and you do everything you can to enjoy it. And, if you really want to get on my good side, you'll do it without me having to ask. Now, do you agree?"

Nieme's eyes wandered to the swarming gangers who were salivating and rubbing themselves in anticipation of what Ferrig had promised them of her. She whimpered and thought of Ferrig's proposition, then thought of the alternative if she refused. Grudgingly, she began descending the fence, trembling more the lower she went until finally she was a convulsing mess standing before Ferrig. "I-I promise, Master Ferrig. I'll try to be good. I'll be...good for you, Master." Sobbing quietly, Nieme reached out and lightly brushed her hand against Ferrig's groin, trying to do as he'd asked...trying to please him. "I promise..."

Ferrig leaned down and kissed her. "Let's go somewhere private and you can keep that promise."

Nieme nodded her head solemnly, but as her gaze caught the still approaching gangers, she yelped and flew into Ferrig's arms for protection. "Don't let them have me...please," she pleaded. "I have to...to pleasure you now, Master. Just you."

Ferrig smiled and held Nieme's naked body to his. "Change of plans, guys," he said. "I caught her, she's mine tonight. If you want to go on a raid and bring one for yourselves home tonight, you've got my permission. Go find something sweet and succulent, just like my little Rat here." He kissed Nieme again as she rubbed herself against him. "Come on, my sweet little girl, let's go be alone."

She panted and whimpered gently while spreading kisses along Ferrig's neck and face. She trudged clumsily through the sands, clinging to Ferrig tightly and trying to do anything to please him. Yet all the kisses he gave him, weren't meant for him. It was Kael's lips she imagined, his body she writhed against. Only him, her, and the falls. This, she knew, is how she would survive this, the only way she could bear to do the things Ferrig asked her to. She would return to the waterfalls and to Kael. She knew she might never be able to escape it, that place that offered so much comfort, but at least some of who she was would survive this torment, and it was certainly better than reality. "I love you, my arozeil. I want to make love to you... Only you...for always."

---

"Pleasure Girls, Part 4"
by Dani
Raeila Mullerin
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
and Ferrig Mullerin

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 6, 4ABY

***

Dani slipped onto the bed as directed by Raeila. The pain of the ordeal outside had reduced her body to a dull throb now. She turned back toward Raeila and gave her the meekest look she possibly could. "I am only yours, my Mistress," she said. "I want to serve you and make you happy. I want to make you happy." If she could make Raeila happy, maybe she could be happy...and maybe she could spend time with Nieme.

Raeila looked at Dani with disinterest, but her smile held mischief and lust. "A large feat for such a small creature." She stood at the edge of the bed and crooked her forefinger towards herself slowly to bid Dani forward. "You'll disrobe me, then you'll pleasure me. If I'm not satisfied, I won't be happy, which means neither will you be."

Dani nodded and quickly came forward to Raeila. "I will do as you wish, my Mistress." She slowly started pushing Raeila's top up, kissing her way along as the fabric lifted higher. She continued kissing her chest and stomach until the top fluttered to the floor. Then Dani switched her attention to Raeila's pants, opening them slowly, and using her lips and tongue to heighten the experience. She then helped her mistress down onto the bed and moved between her legs. She looked up into Raeila's eyes before she started. From the very first touch, it was obvious that her mouth was expert and she was quite talented at this sort of thing.

"Good, my pet," she whispered. She squirmed slightly under Dani's touch, but she was accustomed to suppressing her arousal, which came in handy in her profession where the more spent she was after visiting a customer, the less able she was to pleasure another customer, and that meant less creds. Forcing herself to be unaffected by them saved her for the next customer and the next... Now, it would save her from showing a moment of weakness to Dani. It was difficult to subjugate a slave when their Master was far too easily pleased. "Is that all you can do, Purple? Don't you know any special moves or techniques?" She laughed sharply as she grabbed a handful of Dani's hair and pulled up her head. "Show me something new or you're going to suffer."

Dani whimpered as she saw the scorn in Raeila's eyes. She felt hot tears burning down her cheeks. She nodded vigorously and then quickly buried her face between her mistresss' thighs. She used every trick she could think of, every ounce of talent she could find within her. She knew she was good, but somehow she wasn't even affecting Raeila.

Raeila bit back a moan and guided Dani's mouth by swaying her hips rhythmically. "You know," she said shakily, "if you're really good, I might just keep you all to myself." Her breath caught in her throat and her body jerked forward, but she clenched her eyes shut and composed herself before continuing. "I'll have to beat you from time to time, though...just to make sure you stay in line. Would you like that?"

Dani paused for only a fraction of a second to reply. "If it pleases you, my Mistress," she said, then quickly returned to pleasuring Raeila.

"What if..." Raeila sighed and once again pulled up Dani's head so she could look down at her. "What if I wanted to beat you now, Purple? While you suck me, I whip you, slap you around...would you like that? Yes or no, Purple."

"I would like that if it gives you pleasure, my Mistress," Dani said softly. "I am empathic, and I feel what pleases you, what gives you pleasure. If whipping me gives you pleasure, then yes."

Raeila pushed Dani away with her foot then laughed. "Go into the closet. There's a belt in there, a thick one. Get it out for me."

"Yes, my Mistress," Dani stammered, and then rushed to the closet. She came back a moment later and handed it reverently to Raeila. Once Raeila had the belt in her hands, she returned her attention to between her mistress' thighs.

Raeila grinned as she ran the belt over Dani's back, caressing her purple flesh with it. "What colour does your skin turn when you bruise, Purple?"

"Darker purple," Dani whispered. "Sometimes reddish. Bad ones will turn a very deep blue, almost black."

"Hmm...I think I'll be shooting for black tonight." Raeila slid the belt through her hand and already felt her arousal rising at the thought of flagellating her purple pet. "Now," she whispered, breathless with anticipation. "Don't bite." The thick leather belt arced through the air, cutting through it with a shrill whistle until it cracked upon Dani's back. She moaned in response and felt her hips swaying gently with the first signs of ecstasy. "Shall I whip you again, Purple?"

The pain of the whip barely registered against the overwhelming wave of pleasure coming off Raeila. She felt her own body react instantly, and she moaned deep into her Mistress. "Oh goddess," she whispered. "Yes, please, Mistress. Again." She wrapped her arms around Raeila to hold herself in place during the whipping.

"That's what I like to hear..." Raeila tightened her grip on the belt and flattened it against Dani's back, then her rear. With every flinch of Dani's body, Raeila moaned louder and writhed more vigorously. "Does it hurt, Purple?" she asked thickly. "Hm?" She whipped her again, each time harder, and each time inspiring more pleasure in herself. She massaged her breast with her free hand and her other trembled with the strength of her grip on the belt. "Cry out for me, Purple. Oh gods...do it now."

Dani did, she cried out with the ecstasy of Raeila's emotions-made-her-own. Her body was trembling with pure lust and need for release, release she was finding between her mistress' legs and in the thick leather strap against her back. She cried out praise of her Mistress, of the pleasure she was giving her, that she could give her. That she was crying out in her native language and basic didn't even occur to her, lost as she was to the raging emotions within her.

"Oh, that's my good pet." Raeila groaned and thrust her hips gently forward. She brought the belt back down upon Dani's back, faster and harder, synchronizing her motions in time with the belt's. "Make your mistress happy, Purple." She cried out and kneaded her breasts roughly while her head lolled from side to side against the pillow. "Do you like being punished, Purple?"

"I love being punished when it gives you pleasure, my Mistress," Dani moaned. As the belt slapped down against her back, she cried out again. She cried out her devotion to Raeila, and cried out again before returning to pleasuring.

Raeila arched off the bed and whipped Dani with relentless speed and intensity. There was no pause between when the belt hit her flesh and Raeila recocked her arm for another blow. Her hips jerked violently forward until at least she cried out with her release. "Oh gods...oh gods, Purple!" She groaned gutturally and threw the belt aside. She reached down and pulled Dani into her arms, kissing her desperately. "You little bitch. Why didn't you tell me you could do that?"

"I didn't know I could," Dani said breathlessly. She returned Raeila's kisses with equal passion. Her arms circled Raeila and she clung to her mistress with every ounce of energy in her body. She wished for release but knew she couldn't ask for it. If her mistress willed it, then she would get release. In the meantime, she was content to remain in Raeila's embrace, kissing her with the desire she still felt filling her.

"You'll sleep in my bed from now on, Purple. Of course, I'll have to still share you with the others or they'll get jealous." Raeila wound her legs around Dani and ran her fingers lightly along her arms. "You liked the beatings, didn't you?" she whispered. "And you liked the gauntlet today too. I think you like pain, Purple, and that means I like you."

"Thank you," Dani whispered, and kissed Raeila. "Thank you, my Mistress."

"You will stay with me tonight." Raeila smiled and slipped her hand between Dani's thighs from behind. "Or would you prefer to be with the Rat? Is that what you truly want?"

Dani moaned at Raeila's exquisite touch. "Oh," she gasped. "I should be with my Mistress tonight. While I would like to be with the Rat tonight, I would not wish to displease you." She gently pushed back against Raeila's hand, nearly intoxicated with the feelings. She wanted to be with Nieme, wanted to give her love the comfort she needed; but what Raeila offered her was too much to pass up. "I will stay with you, if that is alright, my Mistress."

"Oh, quite alright. In fact," she said as she slid her fingers within Dani, "I would have been pissed if you had decided otherwise. Now," she whispered silkily, "you're going to scream for me. I own you, Purple, and you will do as I say."

Dani moaned loudly, and then threw her head back as Raeila's hands started their own expert treatment. It was not long at all before Dani was screaming again.

***

As Ferrig and Nieme lay together on his bed, he laughed at the shrill cries coming from next door. "Your friend is quite the screamer," he said. "I bet she's quite adventurous in bed." He kissed Nieme. "I'm sure within you is a little reisacat struggling to get out. You just need confidence in yourself, Rat. I hope I can give you some confidence. Are you feeling more confident in your abilities as a lover?"

Nieme gazed up at Ferrig doe-eyed, and stammered nervously. "I want to be...M-Master Ferrig. I can be...if you teach me."

"I'll teach you my little Rat," he said. He reached over to the table next to his bed, and grabbed a leather pouch. He pulled it back and started working with it. After a couple minutes, he had a cigarra in his hand. He glanced at Nieme, and then lit it and took a long drag. He held it for a long moment before exhaling. He could feel it working immediately. "Here, try this."

"I...I don't think I should, Master. Kael tried to teach me once..." Nieme looked down and shook her head. "I wouldn't want to disappoint you, Master Ferrig."

"Come on," Ferrig said gently. "Try it. It's better than that shit Selrid smokes. It'll make you feel very nice too."

Nieme swallowed back her anxiety and reluctantly pulled the cigarra from Ferrig's fingers. She placed the end of it between her lips, and looked to Ferrig for encouragement. She recalled Kael's brief lesson to her on how to smoke a cigarra, how it's inhaled and taken into the lungs. She did that with Ferrig's cigarra, this time not choking or coughing on the smoke. Holding it in her lungs, Nieme felt her head suddenly spinning and her vision being dotted with glimmering specks. A wave of shivers travelled along her body until she finally expelled the smoke with a forceful cough and stared in awe at the billowing cloud as it drifted away. Her head still felt light and her body tingled. She giggled quietly as the tingling found its way between her legs and tickled her lightly. Before Ferrig could pull the cigarra from her fingers, she took a second puff from it, then lay back upon the bed and closed her eyes as she surrendered to its magical touch.

Ferrig slid closer. "You like, I see," he said. He kissed her throat. "It's a special blend I have made. It's called Rosata, and it's a type of spice. It'll make you feel really good. And, it should also make you feel a little frisky, I hope you don't mind."

Nieme shook her head lazily and sighed as the smoke gently washed over her face. She had taken three more drags from the cigarra before her body began feeling weightless and the tingling between her legs grew to a nagging ache. "I-I like this, Master Ferrig." She opened her eyes and at first Ferrig's face was a swirl of colours and contorted shapes, but soon, it focused enough for her to be able to locate his mouth, which she kissed deeply and needfully. "Master," she whispered desperately as her hips swayed forward and her breasts grew heavy. "I want to please you...I think." She kissed Ferrig again and her mind began to spin with the lust swimming within. She dragged her leg along his as she gazed up at him with a pleading smile. "I should please you...shouldn't I, Master?"

"If that's what you want to do," Ferrig said softly. "Yes, please me, Nieme." He brushed a hand along her side and then over her breasts. "If you want to please me, then you may."

"But...but how, Master?" Nieme's face contorted into an expression of confusion and worry. "I...what would please you best? Please tell me, Master. Is it like this morning? Would you like it again like this morning?"

"Yes," Ferrig said. "Like this morning, my beautiful little Rat. Like this morning would be beautiful."

"Like...like this morning..." Nieme frowned, then her expression changed to one of worry. "I can't...remember what happened. I was at the waterfalls...I think. Kael was there..." She cocked her head to the side and asked inquisitively, "Is that what you want? Would you like me to take you to the waterfalls, Master?"

"Make love to me, Nieme," Ferrig whispered softly. "Take me to the waterfalls, and make love to me."

Nieme gazed at Ferrig thoughtfully for a moment, then sighed and nodded. "Okay." She clumsily slipped onto Ferrig's waist and studied his face with eyes narrowed warily. "Do you think...do you think Kael would mind if I took you to the waterfalls?" She spread kisses across Ferrig's chest and blindly reached down to grope for his cock. "Will he be mad?"

Ferrig kissed her tenderly. "Kael's my best friend," he said. "I think he'd be happy that you took me there. When he was here, Kael and I shared everything."

"You did?" Nieme's face alit with a smile. She raised herself from Ferrig's waist and came down again upon his cock. She whimpered quietly and clenched her eyes closed for a moment before opening them again. "As long as he won't be mad..." she whispered as she began swaying against Ferrig. "I-I don't like it when he's mad at me. It's scary sometimes. He gets...all dark and...it makes me feel sick. If you think he'll be mad...please don't tell. Don't tell him that I showed you our special place."

"I don't think he'll be mad at all," Ferrig said as he moved his hands to Nieme's hips to guide her motion. "He'd be happy for us, Nieme. And, he'd be extremely happy that I'm helping you to learn these things. He wouldn't be mad at us for this, not mad at all. And, he'd be happy that you shared your special place with me."

Nieme nodded her head quickly then emitted a moan. "He wasn't...so happy when I was scared and tense." She closed her eyes and quickly, she and Ferrig were transported to the waterfalls. She was relieved to see that Kael wasn't there, but still wasn't comfortable with bringing Ferrig to their private sanctuary. "He would get mad, you know," she groaned. "He...he was mad because I didn't want to get pregnant...but I...I didn't want to talk to the man at the counter," she said shrilly. She hastened her motions, which were helped along by Ferrig's. "I like having his lump in me..."

"What about mine," Ferrig asked. "Do you like my lump, Nieme? And, if Kael gets mad, I'll keep him from hurting you. I won't let Kael hurt you anymore."

"I..." Nieme's face took on a grim expression of sadness. "He hurt Dani before...and he scared me. He...he was rough and mean. He wanted to do things I didn't want to do." Nieme's head lolled back as the effects of the spice mingled with her arousal and caused bliss to replace her solemnity. "I don't want him to hurt me again," she whispered breathlessly. "Me or Dani. But...you'll protect us, Master... I know you will..."

"I'll keep both of you safe," Ferrig whispered softly as he moved his hands to her breasts. "You'll always be safe with me, my darling. You never have to be afraid with me around. I want you to cum for me, Nieme; I want you to show me your devotion and cum for me. You and me, we're going to share bliss like you've never known before, and it will be beautiful!"

Nieme nodded her head in obedience and coordinated her movements with Ferrig's until they were perfectly synchronized. Her head swam from the spice and her heart pounded furiously in her chest like the rushing waters tumbling down the cliff they were perched upon in her mind. She placed her hands atop Ferrig's as he kneaded her breasts and guided his caresses. She opened her eyes and was blinded at first by the sunlight glaring down at them, but soon she grew accustomed to the intense light and saw Kael approaching them slowly. She smiled at him tenderly and expectantly, hoping he would be proud of her and happy that she was doing everything she could to become the perfect woman he'd always wanted.

Before she could call out his name, however, her rampant emotions converged into a single, intense spike of pleasure then sent her voice travelling through the air in a deafening cry, one that overpowered the thundering of the falls. She swayed her hips against Ferrig's at a painfully rapid pace until she slammed into a wall of pure ecstasy and collapsed upon Ferrig in complete exhaustion. Her body rose and fell as she attempted to catch her breath, but she managed to keep her eyes open in search of Kael. She found him again, but it was as if a stormcloud had moved in above his head and blotted out all the sunlight so none was shining upon him. His features were but shadows and undefined, then her worst fear became realized. He turned his back on her. Nieme's face contorted in anguish as she muttered his name. He never replied or turned back, simply disappearing into the darkness. "No..." she whispered fearfully. "No! Come back!" Nieme sat upright and reached out for him, imploring him to return to her. "I'm sorry I showed him our secret place, Kael! I'm sorry! Please!"

Ferrig's release was powerful and he was lying listlessly on the bed, running his hands over Nieme's body when she suddenly jerked upright. He tried making calming noises. "What is it, my beautiful little Nieme? What's wrong? Kael's happy for us. He's--" He looked up at her and realized: the girl was completely nutty. "He's not here with us right now, and that's why he's upset, Nieme. He wishes he were here with you and me, so he could share his love with you, like I am. I'm sure he's on his way though, coming here so we all can be together. He just wishes he could share with us, that's all."

"No!" Nieme hollered frantically. "He...he was mad again! He looked at me...then he went away. I said I'd save him from the dark...but he went there because of me!" She sobbed and pulled away from Ferrig. She scrambled off the bed and ran towards Kael, desperately wanting to find him but so afraid of going into the darkness. "Kael! I'm sorry! Come back... I need you!"

Ferrig pulled himself from the bed and moved after her. "Nieme," he said, "he's not there. You're seeing things. Kael isn't there, and he's not mad. He's my best friend, and he's happy for us." He turned her to face him and then stooped until their eyes were level. "Please tell me you believe me," he said. "You have to believe me, Nieme." He pressed his lips to hers. "And, if he is mad, then I'll protect you. But, just in case, maybe you and I should find our own secret place."

"But I don't want protection from him!" Nieme shouted back. She wriggled in Ferrig's hold and looked back longingly at the impenetrable darkness that had enveloped Kael. "He needs help! Why can't I go to him? Kael!" She looked to Ferrig, eyes pleading and her muscles tensing as she tried to free herself from his grip. "If we go to our own secret place, he'll never be able to find me even if he wanted to! He'll be lost, Ferrig! He's...he's your friend. You don't want him to be lost...do you?"

"No," Ferrig said. "Of course not. Maybe after we spend some time in our secret place, you can spend some in yours with Kael. When Kael gets upset, you can't pull him out of it; you have to let him work it out on his own. But, he'll get through this, and he'll be just like he always was. Come back to the bed with me, Nieme. We'll have more spice and then fall asleep together. And, maybe while we're there, he'll come back."

Nieme's eyes grew wide with sudden hope and she allowed her body to relax against Ferrig's. "You're right... I-I know he's stubborn. He'll come back. I just...I have to let him calm down." She murmured inaudibly as she rested her head upon Ferrig's shoulder and her body went limp in his arms. "He just needs to visit the darkness from time to time," she mumbled. "But he always comes back to me. Always..."

Nieme was very light, and Ferrig had no difficulty lifting her into his arms and carrying her back to the bed. He set her down gently, whispering softly into her ear. "Would you like more spice? I have a different kind of spice you might like to try."

She nodded her head lethargically, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling above, and her mouth moving with silent murmurings. Despite Ferrig's assurances, she still searched for Kael, peering into the darkness and seeking any sign that he was near. "Come to me, my love," she sang softly. "You can have some spice..."

Ferrig pulled a small blue tablet from a small box and moved closer to Nieme. "Open your mouth," he said. "I've got something else here for you, something I think you'll like."

"Is it...is it beebleberries?" Nieme languidly shifted her eyes towards Ferrig's hand and smiled. "Is it ripe? I-I've never had beebleberries before, but if you pick them when they're not ripe, they taste sour. I-I don't like sour things."

"It's not beebleberries," Ferrig said as he moved his hand closer to Nieme's lips. "And it's definitely not sour. Open wide and see for yourself."

Nieme pouted and muttered in disappointment, "But I wanted beebleberries..." She sighed wistfully but did as Ferrig asked and opened her mouth. She ran her fingers along his hand and stifled a series of giggles. "I want to make a beebleberry pie one day..."

"I'm sure it would be very delicious," Ferrig said. "Now, put this in your mouth and suck on it. It'll make you feel very good, blissful. It'll be like you're eating beebleberries."

She closed her mouth around the tablet and trapping Ferrig's fingers between her teeth. She sucked on them as he instructed, then giggled uncontrollably and released Ferrig's fingers. The tablet was rolled around in her mouth as she attempted to extract the tangy flavour from the tablet. "What does it do?" Nieme asked. Her body began squirming as the potent substance the tablet was composed of diffused into her blood stream and began delivering its effects. "It...it doesn't taste like beebleberries...or what I'd imagined they tasted like."

"But do you like how it tastes," Ferrig asked as he traced his fingers along her jaw. "It's supposed to make you feel good. Do you feel good, Nieme?"

"I feel... I feel like the clouds have swooped down and scooped me up." She closed her eyes and moaned softly. Her body writhed on the bed as if even the touch of the sheets was causing her arousal to rise. "It feels nice, Ferrig. It feels...like when Kael would stick his lump in me." One hand slid along her stomach, caressing it lightly. The other went to Ferrig's hand. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist and began guiding his hand to her swelling breasts. "I really like beebleberries..."

"I like beebleberries too," Ferrig said as his fingers brushed over her nipples. He started massaging her breasts as she writhed, uncontrollable lust building inside her. "You're a very good pleasure girl, Nieme. You're the best I've ever found, but I'm going to help you become so much better. When men see you, their cocks will be instantly erect and you'll make women wet with desire for you. You will be so sensual that people will notice you, will desire you. And, you will have the skill to lead them all to instant, mind-blowing ecstasy."

"But...I can't bring them all to the secret place," Nieme whispered. "Kael will be very mad." She moaned softly and gyrated her hips against the hand she'd slipped between her legs. "He'll never come...out of the dark then."

"We can have a new secret place for them," Ferrig said as he lowered his lips to her breasts. "So you'll have the secret place for Kael, and then for them. Do you want that, Nieme? Do you like the idea of being able to get men all aroused and lustful the way Purple does, the way Dani does? You could be like her in that way. Would you like that, Nieme?"

"Dani's so beautiful," Nieme purred. The tablet had completely dissolved, leaving Nieme with the overpowering ecstasy and bliss it injected straight into her marrow. "I could be like her? I could make men swoon with just my smile?" She ran her fingers through Ferrig's hair and jutted her breasts towards him. Her other hand continued self-stimulating her, but she found it inadequate to quash her desires. Only Ferrig had the tool to accomplish that. "It would make Kael love me more... He wouldn't be so mean if I could...better make him happy."

"Exactly," Ferrig whispered as he alternated his mouth between her breasts and her lips. "He'll love you even more, more than you ever thought possible. You would be like Purple, Nieme. We can give you the practice you need here. We can help you be exactly what Kael wants, what will drive him crazy with desire for you. Just one touch will send his mind spinning, and his cock will be hard as a duraplast pipe all for you. Think of it, Nieme."

"I am," she said dreamily. "And it's so wonderful, Ferrig." She removed her hand from between her legs and groped between Ferrig's. Her entire body was acting of its own volition, while her mind was afloat with ways she could get Kael to love her more. "Teach me, Ferrig," she entreated him breathlessly. Her hips swayed forward in the air, reaching out to contact anything that would make the dull ache go away. "Teach me how to be the woman Kael wants."

"Make love to me, Nieme," Ferrig whispered. "Use your entire body to make love to me. Your mouth, you hands, your cunt, your breasts, everything. Make love to me." He kissed her. "Start first by sucking me like you did this morning, then once you think I'm ready climb onto me, and slide down onto my cock. You have to be confident in what you do. When you want to do something, do it; don't hesitate." He kissed her again. "Make love to me, Nieme."

"I want to," she whispered. She kissed Ferrig's chest and neck while gently pushing him onto his back. "I want you to help me make Kael so very proud." She pulled herself atop Ferrig, kissing his lips and rubbing against him with the length of her body. "Maybe he'll come out of the dark if he sees how good I'm being." She slid down slowly, trailing kisses along Ferrig's body as she went, until she was faced with his erect, throbbing penis. Laughter bubbled within her as she gazed at it and ran her fingers along the shaft. "Kael's lump is different. But it doesn't taste like beebleberries." She placed a light kiss upon the tip of Ferrig's and giggled. "Neither does yours."

Ferrig moaned. "Kael would be very proud of you, Nieme," he said. "You're doing very good. I think after this you deserve a big bowl of beebleberries. We can share them together in here, in our secret place." He smiled at her. "I think you're gonna be better than Purple, Nieme. Much better."

Nieme squealed with delight. "Beebleberries... Oh, I like beebleberries." She moaned excitedly as her mouth placed kisses all along Ferrig's shaft and her hand once again slid between her legs. She'd never felt so disoriented and blinded by desire before, and despite the nagging fear in the back of her mind, she continued pleasuring Ferrig. "I'll make that pie I told you about," she whispered. "It'll be so sweet..." Nieme wrapped her lips around Ferrig's penis and proceeded to cater to his needs as she had that morning. Her own body writhed as she sought to her own arousal, yet she focused on making Ferrig proud of her so she could show Kael how good she'd become for him.

She gazed up at Ferrig, as he'd told her to, and in his eyes saw all the approval she needed. A newfound confidence reinforced her motions and she pleasured Ferrig as if ravenous. All she could think of as she took him into her mouth was all the things she could do with fresh, plump beebleberries, and how she could lure Kael from the darkness with a beebleberry pie.

"Oh yes, Nieme," Ferrig moaned, "you're going to be an excellent pleasure girl. Oh Thana, you've definitely improved since this morning. And, I can see by the look in your eyes that this time you're enjoying yourself. That's very good, very beautiful."

Ferrig's praise motivated Nieme and heightened her own arousal. She pleasured him frantically, hoping to receive more words of approval. She needed to make beebleberry pie for Kael and if she didn't impress Ferrig, she would have no beebleberries to bake with. The hand between her legs sped its motions, bringing out moans from Nieme, but she was determined not to remove her mouth from Ferrig's shaft until he was completely satisfied.

Ferrig's hands found Nieme's head and helped to guide her along his shaft. His climax was nearing and he knew he couldn't hold back any longer. He made it a few moments more before he cried out and released his seed. "Oh...Nieme...you are....you are very wonderful. You will make the perfect pleasure girl; you already are. You'll get a very large bowl of beebleberries, my sweet. My beautiful pleasure girl...so wonderful."

Nieme didn't gag or choke this time. Instead, she allowed herself to relish in the physical manifestation of Ferrig's ultimate approval, then cried out with her own climax and collapsed with her head resting in Ferrig's lap.

"Kael's getting pie," she drawled dazedly. "Beebleberries... It's okay, Kael," she said with a giggle. "You can come out now. Don't be afraid. Ferrig's gonna let me make you a pie."

"Come here, my girl," Ferrig said. "Come to me, and let's rest. Then, after we've rested, we can go make that pie for Kael."

"Yes, Master." She crawled like a stalking reisacat to Ferrig's side, then curled up beside him. "I think Kael will let you have a piece of pie." Her body still felt overwhelmed by the spice she'd unknowingly consumed, but the exuberant euphoria she felt surpassed any confusion she might have experienced about what was happening to her. Her eyelids began weighing down over her eyes and her body felt heavy with approaching slumber. She still giggled quietly and kissed Ferrig's salty flesh as if the taste she'd had of him wasn't enough. "You can teach me more tomorrow...Master. I want to learn so much from you. So very much..."

"And, I want to teach you so much," Ferrig whispered as he enfolded Nieme into his arms. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't imagine the joy and elation he felt. He had Kael's kitchen rat in his bed, willingly. She'd just sucked him off and enjoyed it. Things were going good, and he knew Raeila would be very upset with how attached he was becoming to the girl. But, he would deal with his sister tomorrow. Though, from the sounds still coming from the other room, Raeila was quite attached to Purple too. He sighed and allowed himself to drift off to sleep, content with the decision they'd made to hurt Kael through his woman.

---

"Peacemaking and Parties, Part 1"
by Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Laedra Vorrel
Kallia Brael
Oot Kovan
Va'Lesh Zaneth
and Yelara Brael

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 6, 4ABY

***

Liam rolled over in bed only to be stopped by Kallia's body. As he shifted back toward Yel, he became aware of the soft chirping sound coming from the other side of the room. He opened an eye and frowned. "Leshie," he said sleepily, "stop making bird noises. Mommy, daddy, and Auntie Kal are trying to sleep."

The sound didn't stop. After a few more moments, it got quite insistent. "Leshie, please be quiet. It's not time for a nipple yet."

It wasn't until he heard the baby gurgle that he realized the other sound wasn't coming from the crib. Suddenly, he realized what it was: the comm.

Who would be trying to contact them at this ungodly hour? He slowly started trying to crawl over Yelara. When she let out a squawking sound, he realized he wasn't doing so well at getting out of the bed. "Oh, oop, I'm sorry, love. Comm. Just trying. Need to answer."

Yelara moaned something incomprehensible and batted lethargically at Liam. She yelped again at a misplaced elbow driven into her breast and sat upright with a droning groan. "Liam! What... I don't want any carbosyrup." She blinked in confusion, then flopped back down and buried her head into the pillow again with a sigh.

"The comm," Liam said to the pillow. "I'm just trying to get to the comm. Why won't our son answer it?"

Finally, with a heavy thud, Liam found himself on the floor next to the bed. "It's alright," he called. "I'm alright. I'm not hurt. Ow." With considerable effort he pushed himself to his feet and stumbled across the room to the comm unit. He went to touch the button to receive and laughed. "It's Oot," he said. "Oot's calling us."

"Oot?" Yelara sat up again, tottering in disequilibria with her eyelids blinking languidly and her hair flattened askew where her head had met the pillow. "Well...tell her... Tell her..." She groaned and began shoving Kallia. "Kallia...wake up. Oot's calling us...and you have to tell us to tell her to leave us alone so we can sleep."

Kallia slapped at Yelara's hand. "Leave me alone," she said. "Oot isn't calling me, she's calling you. You tell her to leave us alone. I'm trying to sleep."

Over at the comm, Liam hit the receive button on the unit and a holographic image of Oot Kovan suddenly was hovering over the table. He grinned at her. "Oot. Do you have any time what idea it is? I mean-- You get the idea."

Oot glanced at Liam, and she smiled. "I am going to assume that you just woke up. And, it sounds like Yelara doesn't appreciate my wake up call either. I do partially apologize for waking you up," she said as her eyes seemed to take him in hungrily. "I'm calling because I would like for you to accompany me to a party being thrown by one of the Tae'Karada crimelords. He's an ineffectual man with no idea what he's doing, but he's organized a masquerade ball for all the influential people in the system. I sent a message to your apartment, but you never responded to it. I noticed that you read it yesterday, but I hadn't heard from you...so now I'm calling. Kambra would stand out too much at an event like this, so I would like for you to act as my date and my bodyguard."

Liam nodded. "I see. I'd need to talk it over with Yelara first though."

"Yelara's indisposed," Yelara called out overly loud. "She's-- Kallia, stop hitting me!" A playful scuffle arose in the background, ending with a shrill cry from Yelara and a thud accompanied by a grunt as she toppled to the ground. "That wasn't nice, Kal... And stop laughing!" Yelara crawled laboriously to Liam's side, then pulled herself up into view with support from the table. "Oot," she said with a worn smile. "Do you have any idea... You asked her that already, didn't you, Liam?"

Liam nodded. "I did," he said. "Did you know you're naked, my love? You might want to put some clothes on before talking to Oot."

Yelara's eyes were fixed on Oot, whose smile was slowly growing and from whose throat a chuckle was rising. Her mind was too focused, however, on processing her mortification to be offended by the gentle laughter. She screeched and ran behind Liam, using his body to hide her exposed form. She poked her head through his arm and smiled bashfully at Oot. "Uh...morning...Oot--" Yelara's eyes flashed from the screen back to Liam and she laughed softly. "Liam, dear...I don't think it's me Oot's smiling at."

Liam looked down at Yelara. "Huh?" Then he saw it, just dangling there between his--. Something not right about... "Oh." He looked up at Oot and smiled sheepishly, a bright crimson blush covering his face. "Uh, sorry about that."

"Oh, believe me Liam, no problem at all."

Liam reached out slowly to the desk and picked up a datapad. He manoeuvred the datapad until it was covering him sufficiently. "Yelara, dear, Oot was calling to invite me to a party with her. I guess a fellow crimelord is having a big masquerade bash, and she wants me there to act as her bodyguard."

"You?" Yelara laughed abruptly and patted Liam on the arm affectionately. "I don't think she really meant that, Liam. You would be there to merely give Oot something pleasant to stare at...and grope. Shall I get the shackles ready for you, Oot?"

Oot laughed softly. "I think shackles would be good," she said. "And, I promise to get him home to you at a decent hour. I imagine the party will be fairly boring, but I'd like to have someone there with me who will look good on my arm."

"Well, I'll make sure he wears something other than black leather for you...although I'm not sure he owns anything besides that." Yelara slapped Liam on the stomach and shrieked abruptly and excitedly. "We have to take you shopping! Oh, we haven't been shopping in ages, Liam!"

"I'd love to go shopping with you again," he said with a grin. "Should we bring Kallia with us? If we did, we'd have to bring the babies. Should we make it a trip for all of us?"

"Yes!" Yelara giggled and scurried back to the bed to rouse Kallia. "Come on!" she said as Kallia protested. Yelara clutched her arm and proceeded to drag her from the bed, whether she wanted to wake up or not. "You have to meet Oot, Liam's slave mistress."

"Okay, okay," Kallia finally said. "I'll come meet Liam's-- Liam's what?"

Yelara thrust Kallia's naked self to the forefront. "Oot, this is Kallia. I think I mentioned her to you. She's my lover...and now Liam's lover as well and Leshie's auntie." Yelara yelped and rushed away, gently calling out to Leshie, and leaving Kallia and Oot to get acquainted...personally this time, rather than visually.

Kallia smiled at Oot. "It's very nice to meet you, Oot Kovan," she said. "I usually wear more clothes than this, but Yelara didn't allow me time to throw something on. I hope you'll excuse my nakedness."

Oot returned Kallia's smile. "There's nothing wrong with nakedness on a body such as yours," she said. "Not that I think you should wander around like that all the time. Though, you would fit in quite well on Tae'Karada."

Kal laughed softly and slipped her hand into Liam's.

"Your calls are always so much excitement for us," Liam said. "Yel can't contain herself. I imagine she'll be here in a moment with Leshie."

"Oh, so insightful, Liam." Yelara, as foreseen by Liam, appeared in front of him and Kallia, holding Leshie at arm's length towards the holographic image of Oot. "Say hello, Leshie!" The baby gurgled and squealed happily as he watched the fluctuating image of his honourary Aunt Kovan.

"Oh, he's getting so big," Oot cooed. "Oh, he's just darling, Yelara. And, he's definitely taking after you and Liam...well, except for one thing. He does have the decency to be dressed when greeting guests." She laughed and shook her head. "It seems as if everything is going very well. Hello, little Leshie. Hello my little felgreth."

Yelara smiled proudly and pulled Leshie against her chest to kiss him tenderly. "He's getting so big so fast. I've told Liam we should have a holoportrait of him taken...but it's just been so busy around the-- Just so busy that there hasn't been time." She stepped back to join her nude companions. "You and Kambra still haven't come to visit. Perhaps you can stop by the apartment beforehand and we can just catch up...quickly of course."

"Of course," Oot said with a laugh. "We would love to stop by the apartment to visit with you two and Leshie. And, perhaps you can have the holoportrait made when you go shopping for Liam's new clothing." She watched them all for a moment, and then smiled with true affection. "You all look very happy. It pleases me to see you like this, Yelara. It makes me happy as well."

"I'm glad we could spread so much joy throughout the universe," Yelara said playfully. "But truly, Oot, it's good to know you're doing well and that you're content. And if you need even more happiness, feel free to use Liam any way you wish to achieve that. I'm certain he wouldn't mind...right, my love?"

"Oh, not at all," Liam said. "I am just happy to be used however all of you see fit."

"I am very glad to hear that," Oot said. "I can think of a number of uses for which you would be perfect. He does still look good in leather, right Yelara?"

Yelara chuckled huskily and replied, "Oh, yes...still very good. I'll dress him up in leather from head to toe for you. But a masquerade ball? That means he'll need a mask, and it certainly would be a shame to cover up that handsome face."

"A small mask," Oot said. "So it's still a mask, but doesn't obscure anything that shouldn't be obscured."

"That's more than you can say for that datapad," Yelara muttered as she glanced down at Liam's surreptitiously concealed assets.

Liam glanced at Yel and grinned. "Did you want a peek, my love," he said with a grin. "Am I being too modest?"

"Not at all, my love. However, Leshie is still very impressionable... I think seeing my breasts every day is doing enough damage as it is."

"He likes your breasts very much," Liam said. "Though, I guess the one who should really be worried is Yara. They'll be growing up together, and I imagine Lesh will have difficulty not falling for those big brown eyes of hers."

"Just like I fell for her mother's." Yelara smiled warmly at Kallia, but she remembered they weren't alone and had been neglecting their holographic guest, so she politely returned her attention to Oot. "Well...when should we be expecting your visit, Oot? You will bring Kambra, won't you? I'm sure Leshie and Yara both would adore him."

"The party is on the seventh, so tomorrow night I will stop by your apartment. I do apologize for the short notice. I look forward to seeing you there, and I look forward to meeting you in person Kallia."

"I look forward to meeting you as well," Kallia said. "I promise to be more dressed when we meet as well. Until now, I have heard nothing about you, so I am sure I'll have all sorts of questions for you."

Yelara laughed uncomfortably and glared at Kallia. "Thank you for that, my love. If Oot weren't so understanding, she might begin believing that we're ashamed of our befriending a crimelord."

There was a long moment of silence. It was finally broken by Oot, who said, "Perhaps I should let you get about your day's activities. And, I will see you soon. We have so much to catch up on."

"And we will, very soon. Until then, tell Kambra we say hello and Leshie too!" Yelara laughed and brought Leshie towards the image again to wave at his Auntie Kovan. "Bye Oot. We'll see you soon. Say bye, Leshie!"

Oot waved and said her goodbyes, and the holographic image slowly faded into nothing.

Once she was gone, Kal glanced at Yelara and laughed. "You never told me you were friends with a crimelord."

Yelara blinked in rapid succession and slowly turned to face Kallia. "Well...we are. B-But Oot isn't a regular crimelord. She's...nice and..." Yelara sighed and wrapped her arms protectively around Leshie, to shield him from her next statement. "She helped us kill Dargus."

Kallia smiled and brought a hand to Yelara's cheek. "Then she's definitely a good person, and I'd be glad to call her a friend."

"I know you'll love her when you truly meet her, Kal. She's done so much for us." Yelara laughed and added, "So, I guess it's only fair that I loan her my husband for the evening."

"You're not really going to--" She glanced at Liam. "You're not gonna let them...you know. Right?"

"Kallia!" Yelara looked insulted for a moment, then she smiled. "It's all in jest, Kal, a little ongoing inside joke we have. Besides, I'm not even certain if Liam's into Twi'leks...are you, my love?"

Liam laughed. "Oot may be a very attractive woman, but she doesn't do anything near what the two of you do for me." He slid his arms around both of their waists. "You two are all I need."

"Good. Now make sure Laedra knows that too." Yelara cringed at the reminder of what she'd promised to do today. "Do I have to talk to her now? I can...I can do it after shopping or...something."

"Do it before," Kallia urged. "And, if you'd like, I can come along with you." She kissed Yelara. "In case you need strength, or someone to kiss your neck to distract you." She smiled. "It'll be fine, my love."

"I guess so..." Yelara sighed and marched stubbornly towards Leshie's cradle to lay him back down. "I mean...what if I talk to her and discover that I really do just...hate her? I want to be nice to her for you two - for all of us. What if I just...can't?"

Kallia followed Yelara to Leshie's crib and smiled over into the one next to it where a pair of large, brown eyes stared back at her. "Hello, my little one," she said and moved over to gaze down at her daughter. She could feel tears forming in her eyes, and she laughed. "Sometimes, looking at Leshie, does it just...hit you? How wonderful?"

"Everyday," Yelara replied softly. She lightly ran her fingers through his ruddy hair and smiled. "I didn't think I'd ever be a mother. I didn't even think I'd find one man I wanted to be with forever. But I guess that just goes to show you how little control you have over the course your life takes." She slipped her arm around Kallia's waist and kissed her gently. "If I'd had control of my life, I might never have been on that station, never have met you or Liam or had Leshie... Things would have been a lot different, and far less happy than they are now."

"Well, I guess we have to be thankful for the uncontrollable things in life," Kallia said. "And, we'll see how things go with Laedra. If you do hate her after this, then we'll have to figure out what to do."

"I won't hate her, Kal. I don't think I ever really did. She just... Her presence brought out some insecurities in me that I'd been repressing. They had nothing really to do with her." Yelara laughed ruefully and shook her head. "I really want to apologize to her. I don't like this feeling. I don't like knowing I was so awful to someone for no real reason."

Kallia kissed Yelara gently. "Well, now you can talk to her, and maybe become her friend. She's very much like us, actually. Do you want to go talk to her now? After we get dressed of course."

"I'll get dressed and go on my own, this way she won't think you guys put me up to it. I want her to know I'm doing this of my own volition and because I want to." Yelara kissed Kallia tenderly upon the cheek and said, "Of course after I dress. Although..." She laughed softly and brushed her fingers lightly across Kallia's stomach. "If it doesn't go well the first time, I'll try again without my clothes on the next time."

Kallia smiled. "Oh you little vixen," she said. "I think I'd want to be there for that."

"Of course you would... I'd be insulted if you didn't." Yelara laughed and slipped away to retrieve some clothing. "Are you and Liam going to go start breakfast?"

Kallia smiled. "We don't need to," she said. "Yesterday when he went in to get that second speeder, and Laedra got all those flowers, Liam also picked up four droids. Two of them have special culinary programming packages, and the others are maintenance droids with a few additional auxillary programs. So, they do the cooking from now on, and I can have them start if you'd like. Do you have any preferences, my love?"

"Cooking droids? Why didn't anyone tell me before?" Yelara slipped on her pants and glanced over her shoulder at Liam. "My love, do you think they have any anatomically correct droids? One that, perhaps, could take over breast feeding for me? It would leave my breasts readily available for...other things."

Liam grinned and took Leshie from his crib. Together they both watched Yelara for a moment, conferring silently between each other. Finally, Liam looked up. "We both agree, Leshie and I, that you have enough breasts for each of us. One for me, one for him. It actually works out really well. And, when he finally goes to solid food, and he will be going to solid food...right, little guy? When he does, everything will be back to how it was before. Though, it may be possible to have a droid to watch over the babies when we are otherwise indisposed."

"Liam, we discussed this already. I refuse to have droids handling my child. And," she said, pausing to pull her shirt over her head, "I don't want him to start calling some G-40 series droid 'mommy'. Somehow - and, I mean, I could be crazy - but that just seems a little disturbing to me, my love."

"Then," Liam said with a grin, "no, we cannot have a droid take over breast feeding Leshie for you. Now, they are remarkable at cooking -- the droids, not your breasts -- so I say we all head to the dining area and have ourselves some breakfast."

Yelara moved to Liam's side and made faces at Leshie. "I'll meet you two there. I'm going to go talk to Laedra first." She laughed as Leshie smiled at her and affectionately tickled his belly. "If you hear screaming, that's just me and Laedra participating in a hair-pulling match."

Liam laughed. "If you need us to save you, just shout. We'll come running. Hopefully things will go alright though." He gave her a kiss. "She's a nice woman, and I'm sure it'll be fine. If things get too bad in there, just lift your top...that'll stun her long enough for you to get away."

"Thank you for your invaluable, sexist advice, my love." She kissed Leshie's pudgy cheek, then placed one upon Liam's lips. "Please get dressed before you do irreparable damage to our poor child's mental stability."

Liam moved past Yelara, after handing her Leshie, and started pulling out clothing to wear for the day. As he did so, Kallia slipped her arms around Yel and grinned. "I think it'll be fine. And, then the three of us can be friends, and we can go on with life at the Temple. Next week I'm going to have to go back to Thanatos to check on Nieme and Dani. They seemed very happy when I was there."

"That actually reminds me... I meant to sit down and have a talk with Kael." Her eyes flicked over to Liam, but she looked away again before the tension in his muscles became visible. "He...uh...he's not too happy with what happened, as you can imagine. But if they're content, I'm not sure dragging them back here is a good idea. Do we even know why they left?"

"No," Kallia said. "No one's saying a thing about it. I figure it's something between the three of them, a fight most likely. Hopefully things will work themselves out with time. I know firsthand that a fight like that doesn't mean the end."

Yelara smiled gently and pressed her cheek to Kallia's. "You don't know how glad I am about that." She trailed her fingers lightly along Kallia's arm. "But I'll talk to him and see what I can find out. It probably wouldn't be a good idea yet, but maybe after enough time has passed, you can take Kael with you to visit them. If they get talking again, I'm sure they can work it out."

Kallia nodded. "I know Nieme would like that," she said. "The girl, even after everything that's happened, still loves him like you wouldn't believe. It's very cute, but she could get hurt really bad. I want to be careful with them from now on. But, I think it can work if we go slowly."

"For their sake, we should try. And for our sake," she said as she pulled back, "I'd better go talk to Laedra. Then I'll meet you two in the dining area. If Laedra joins me, that should be indication enough that things went well."

"I'll see you soon," Kallia said, and kissed Yel. "And, I need to get dressed. May the Force be with you, Yelara. You have two Jedi as lovers, and I'm sure it must affect you somehow."

"And you're not talking only about the amazing sex, right?" She laughed and strode towards the door with a grin. "I promise to be good...as much as possible, of course." With a wave, she slipped out of the room and left her half-naked husband and her naked lover listening closely and expectantly for the screaming to start.

***

Yelara figured it had been a good ten minutes since she left her room to travel to Laedra's, and she still hadn't reached it. Kallia had certainly done a commendable job of isolating Laedra from the rest of the occupants of the Temple, as well as eliminating any chance of confrontation. Yelara, however, was there to deliberately confront Laedra, but she hoped it turned out to be a peaceful encounter rather than contentious.

She whistled a cheerful tune, which echoed resoundingly loud in the empty, expansive corridors. She knew what she had to do, and knew she would have to place her stubborn jealousy aside, as well as her impetuous tendencies, if she was to succeed. For Liam and Kallia, she wanted to. For her own sanity, she needed to.

She approached the final turn and began counting the doors, looking for the tenth one Kallia had indicated as belonging to Laedra. The tenth door approached, and Yelara almost turned back. She was worried that once she looked upon Laedra, her hatred would rage and there really would be a hair-pulling match. Her love for Liam and Kallia persevered and soon, she was standing directly before Laedra's door and knocking upon it. At first, there was no answer. She knocked again. Yelara hesitantly grasped the latch on the door and slowly pushed it open. "Hello? Lae--"

Conjoined screams of surprise echoed through the corridors before Yelara had barely stepped foot into the room. "I'm sorry!" Yelara apologized profusely and backed out of the room briskly while Laedra swiftly grabbed a robe and shrouded herself in it. "I-I knocked, but...and then...I just... I'm so sorry."

"Yelara, it's quite alright." Laedra moved forward, recovering herself from the shocking, and uncomfortable moment. "I was meditating. I didn't hear you..."

Yelara backed into the far wall of the corridor and leaned against it while she composed herself. "I didn't... Do you...always meditate in the nude?"

Laedra smiled bashfully and looked away. "Only when I'm not expecting visitors." She laughed softly and motioned Yelara forward. "Would you like to come in? Have a seat maybe..."

"Actually...I will." Yelara cleared her throat and took a step toward Laedra...now that she was fully concealed. "There's something we need to discuss, Laedra. Something about my...treatment of you."

"I see." Laedra nodded and stepped aside for Yelara to enter. "Please. I have been meaning to speak to you as well, but I didn't think it the wisest measure at this time."

"That would be entirely my fault," Yelara said with a tight smile. She took a seat upon the chair offered by Laedra and watched as the Jedi moved a distance to her bed. A wise precaution, Yelara thought, considering how aggressive I was toward her. "Look, Laedra...I was completely out of line when we first met. I-I...I shouldn't have acted so rudely and childish, and I'm sorry."

"There is no need to apologize, Yelara. I too may have acted somewhat...insolently."

"No," Yelara said abruptly. "It wasn't you. It had everything to do with me and my jealousy, as well as some insecurities I haven't yet been able to shed."

Laedra nodded her head sagely and smiled. "You believe I intend to pursue your husband."

Yelara blushed in shame and sighed. "I do...or at least I did." She stood up suddenly and compulsively began pacing the room.

Laedra followed her visually with an amused smile and realized why Liam loved her. She was spontaneous and lively, as well as a little neurotic. He, on the other hand, was calm and rational, complimenting Yelara's impulsive personality perfectly. "Believe me, Yelara, I have no intention of coming between you and Liam."

"I know that," Yelara cut in. "You just...there are some things about our past that just make me so paranoid sometimes. I'm not sure how much Liam's told you about our courtship, but it was short and messy."

"I was not aware of that. Liam and I haven't spoken much on such matters."

"Well, that's because it's not the most pleasant time to revisit...for either of us. I mean, I was involved with an abusive man who refused to let me go. Liam and I managed to get away from him and marry." Yelara stopped in front of a window looking out upon the forest and reminisced about all she and Liam had been through. It had seemed like such a long road then, but now, it merely amounted to barely a year's time. She sighed and pressed her hand to the glass for some sense of comfort. "He had a former student - Liam did."

"A student? Before the Temple?" Laedra asked. "He...never mentioned that."

Yelara laughed dryly. "I didn't really expect him to. It didn't last very long. She was a teenager by the name of Elisia. Their relationship was a rather complicated one and quite unstable. He met her when relations between him and I were fluctuating... I was a mess and pushing him away, and he was so alone..."

Laedra sat in silence as Yelara paused for reflection. She didn't require a complete summary of the events of their past to deduce what Yelara's words implied. She folded her hands into her lap and asked carefully, "Yelara... Why is he no longer training Elisia? What happened?"

Yelara struggled against the tears those difficult times dredged up. "I just... I pushed him too hard," she whispered sadly. "He needed someone. I wasn't there for him and the future for us didn't look promising. She was there and she absolutely worshipped him. Why wouldn't he go to her?"

It was quite clear now, and the reality shocked Laedra. Liam had obviously overstepped the bounds with his student, something seriously frowned upon by all Jedi teachings and codes of conduct. She masked her alarm and disapproval with an understanding smile and slowly rose. "And that is why you felt threatened by my presence."

"Yes," Yelara replied thickly. "I'm so sorry, Laedra. It had nothing to do with you. I saw you and I immediately thought back to the day I found out about him and Elisia and I...panicked." She turned around to face Laedra, her face sunken with despair. "I promise I will never behave so rudely towards you again, Laedra. You don't deserve to be treated like that...and I should be mature enough to direct my rage to those who really merit it."

"There is no need to apologize any further," Laedra said as she stepped towards Yelara. "I believe I understand. I can only keep assuring you that Liam is merely a friend and an associate. Nothing more will ever come of it."

"I believe you, Laedra. I don't think I ever truly thought anything would happen but...when my paranoia is sparked..."

Laedra laughed softly and placed her hand upon Yelara's shoulder. "You can trust Liam, Yelara. Those times sounded very stressful, but the fact that you two came through it together says much about the strength of your bond. I am not saying you don't have the right to be paranoid, but perhaps it is misplaced now."

"You're right," Yelara agreed. "He loves me and Leshie both very much. And he's certainly put up with a lot from me, yet he's stayed. I do trust him, Laedra, I just... I guess it takes time for wounds to heal. This wound is just taking much longer to mend."

"Well...you and Liam have your entire lives together to mend things completely. And I wish you good luck with that."

"Thank you, Laedra." Yelara sighed. "I'm so glad I came here to talk with you, Laedra. I needed to clear this up with you and I hope there are no hard feelings."

"None," Laedra replied without hesitation.

Yelara smiled and glanced at the door. "I...should let you finish what you were doing. Besides, I think Leshie's expecting breakfast soon."

"Very well, Yelara. I hope to talk again very soon."

"Me too."

Laedra escorted Yelara to the door and held it open for her. "If you could," she said before Yelara had a chance to get too far, "please tell Liam I would like to speak with him during his first free hour."

Yelara nodded and backed out into the corridor. "I will. He's actually in the dining hall now if you wanted to catch him before we left for town."

"No, that's quite alright. I must finish my meditations."

"Well," Yelara said, "I'll tell him then. You...have a good time meditating. And...if you want to avoid further unexpected intrusions, I recommend you lock your door."

Laedra laughed. "Thank you for the advice. I will speak to you soon, Yelara."

"I'd like that." Yelara grinned amiably and waved at Laedra as she started down the corridor. "Happy nude meditating!"

"I... Yes, thank you, Yelara." Laedra paused for a moment, then laughed softly and stepped back into her room. The smile, however, faded the moment her door was fully closed. Apparently, Liam had kept much from her, either intentionally or mistakenly. She didn't think, though, something as serious as intercourse with a student could be so easily overlooked.

Laedra slipped off her robe and let it flutter to the ground. Liam would have to be questioned on the issue and Laedra, being his superior, would have to assess whether any reprimands would be made. She settled to the floor and reassumed her meditative position. She would seek guidance from the Force and the teachings of her Master to help her resolve what steps to take. It appeared Liam's eyes hadn't strayed only to her; it was beginning to seem a quite common thing for him.

Laedra sighed and focused only on the Force. It wasn't yet the time to decide if she'd truly been wrong about Liam, if her trust had been misplaced. That time would come when she confronted him, and if she was met with only lies and excuses, she would then have all the answers she required.

---

"Peacemaking and Parties, Part 2"
by Liam Zaneth
Yelara Zaneth
Laedra Vorrel
Kallia Brael
Va'Lesh Zaneth
and Yelara Brael

Location: Jedi Temple, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 6, 4ABY

***

The breakfast had gone well, but Liam didn't quite like the tone of Yelara's emotions when she'd told him Laedra wanted to speak with him. Their chat seemed to have gone well otherwise. As he approached Laedra's quarters, he realized they really needed to move her closer to the rest of the Temple. A person could get lost out here, and not be seen for years.

Finally he reached her door and knocked at it. He couldn't help wondering what the problem could be.

"Liam, you may enter," Laedra's voice called out from within the room.

Liam pushed the door open and stepped inside. Laedra sat in the centre of the room in a meditative position. He moved to stand before her. "Yelara mentioned you wished to see me."

Laedra nodded her head subtly and took a deep breath to break from her meditative state. Following a few moments of deep breathing, Laedra bowed low with her forehead brushing against the stone floor, then sat up and finally rose. She barely offered Liam a glance as she gestured to the chair near him. "I thank you for being so prompt, Liam."

"I came here as soon as I finished my breakfast," Liam said. He took the offered seat and turned to her. "What is it you wished to see me about?"

"I spoke to Yelara this morning," she said as she settled upon her bed. "She's a pleasant woman...when she isn't threatening to inflict violence upon you."

Liam smiled. "She is," he said. "And, I've been party to those threats as well. I hope everything went well, and that we can have peace here again. And, we can move you into rooms that don't require a speeder to reach in a timely manner."

At any other time, Laedra would have smiled at Liam's amusing remarks, but she found nothing comical about what Liam had failed to mention to her. She held his gaze fixedly and began frankly by asking, "Who is Elisia, Liam?"

Liam allowed her to see the mild surprise in his eyes, and then he pushed it away. "Elisia was a young woman I met on the Drogen Shipyards one day roughly a year ago. She was Force sensitive, and on the run. Dargus Kandran had taken a special interest in her, and I offered to see her to the planet below where she would be safe. It didn't work out that way, and by the end of that encounter, I had agreed to train her as a Jedi." Now the uncomfortable part. "We got much closer than teacher and student are supposed to get. In the end, it came to a choice of deciding between Yelara and Elisia; I chose Yelara, and Elisia vanished."

Laedra raised an inquisitive eyebrow and asked, even though she knew the answer, "After you took her to your bed, correct?"

"Technically," Liam said, "it was her bed, though the end result was the same. Yes, she and I were intimate."

His indifference caused her calm, emotionless mask to contort and change her visage to one of disbelief and disdain. "A teenaged child? Your student? You realize what you've done, yet you behave as if it is a matter not worth concerning yourself over. Liam...I don't think you understand how disappointed and shocked I am by this. You broke the bond between teacher and student, one that is almost sacred and the very thing that's held the entire Jedi Order intact since its inception. Do you find what you've done amusing, Liam?"

"It is a part of my past that I regret, Laedra," he said. "A very small part of a very large past that holds many regrets for me. Yet, I am not the same person I was a year ago; I have grown as a man and a Jedi. You make it sound as if the events with Elisia happened just last night instead of a year ago."

"Only because you seem unrepentant about what you did. You were her teacher and she placed her trust in you. You stepped over the line, Liam." Laedra stood up slowly and approached him with a grave expression. "This was not something you should have kept from me. If you are to be training Padawans in this facility, it was your responsibility to inform your superiors of your past transgressions. It would have allowed us to decide whether you were fit to take on another student. How could you keep something like this from me, Liam? I mean...was this the reason those two girls fled to the desert?"

"Nieme and Dani left the Temple because of a fight with Kael, not anything having to do with me," Liam said. "While Dani did make advances toward me, I stopped her and that was the end of it. What do you expect of me, Laedra? I have already repented for that transgression, I'm not about to do so again every time someone mentions Elisia's name. I said nothing because I try to think as little as possible about that incident. With a few exceptions, it was not a good time in my life. I said nothing because I am not that same person." He paused and looked at her. "But, I see you've already made up your mind about me. I will accept whatever judgement my superiors deem necessary."

Laedra took another step forward and shook her head profusely, surprising even herself. "Liam... I...it's just that I don't understand why you didn't tell me. I know there are certain things we all wish to keep private, but this shouldn't have been one of them. I trusted you, Liam. You should have told me."

"I wasn't trying to hide the information from anyone," Liam said. "I'm not proud of what I did, but I'm not going to hide from it either. I said nothing, because I didn't think to say anything. To me, while it goes against the Jedi Code and everything we strive toward, it no longer seems relevant to who I am now. I don't feel as if I'm struggling quite so much to find my way back to the light. I feel as if my journey towards knighthood is nearly complete, and I barely recognize that person who inhabits my memories now."

"I understand, Liam and I'm proud of what you've accomplished." Laedra knelt before his feet and placed a hand lightly upon his knee. "I just wish you would have trusted me enough to tell me. I would rather have found out from you than someone else. It...made me feel as if you were deliberately hiding things from me. It hurt, Liam."

"I would never do that, Laedra," Liam said softly. "I wish I had thought to say something, and I would have. I wouldn't have hidden something like that from you, not deliberately. It wasn't a trust issue, it was that my mind rarely ventures back to Elisia... I trust you implicitly."

"And I want to continue to trust you, Liam. Please, don't ever do anything to make me doubt you again." Laedra rose slowly and looked down upon Liam with a gentle smile. "I won't interrogate you on this matter any further. I know nothing like it will happen again, Liam. You love Yelara far too much for that...I presume."

"Well, that and to take advantage of a student like that would break the trust necessary between student and teacher, and it's unacceptable behaviour for a Jedi Knight."

Laedra nodded her head and sighed. "I never doubted that you were ignorant to the teachings of our Order. I will not reprimand you for this, Liam. And since the girl is nowhere to be found, it would be wrong of me to punish you without fully knowing the situation. Without the girl's testimony, there is no way to settle this matter justly. Besides, Yelara explained how difficult those times were for you. I can not find fault in you for trying to seek some sort of comfort, even if it was with a student."

Liam smiled. "I cared for her," he said. "But, it was a difficult time, and when I think back on it, what I did to her was unfair and wrong. I was projecting my feelings for the woman I couldn't have, Yelara, onto her." He shook his head and sighed. "I'm surprised I even made it through those days."

"You're stronger than you think, Liam. That's why you survived." Laedra paused in silence for a moment, then lent her hand to Liam. "I thank you for coming by. I imagine you can't wait to be rid of me for the day after this."

"It's nice to be challenged from time to time," Liam said. "It's a good thing, especially when I don't crack under that gaze of yours."

Laedra laughed and attempted to casually let her offered, yet refused hand fall to her side. "I'm not that intimidating, I hope. But perhaps it is a good test of your composure, if you can hold my gaze for more than two seconds without cowering."

Liam laughed softly. "I think I can manage now," he said. "My composure is intact." He held out his hand to her. "You were going to help me up?"

"I realize how traumatizing an encounter with me can be so..." Laedra placed her hand into Liam's and smiled. "Yes, of course I'll help. I'm always willing, Liam."

Liam allowed her to help him to his feet, the tug she gave him bringing her up even closer to him. "I'd always appreciate your help," he said, looking down at her.

Laedra was caught in his gaze, unable to look anywhere but into his hypnotic blue eyes. There was very little distance between them now, and their hands were still clasped together, tethering them to one another. She slipped her fingers through his and saw her free hand flatten lightly against his chest before she realized what she was doing. "I'm always here for you, Liam," she said softly. "Anytime you need to talk...stop by. I would enjoy that."

Liam nodded. "I will," he said. "Now, I'm going to a party tomorrow night, and a friend requested, as a personal favour, that I act as her bodyguard at the event. So, Yelara and I will be heading into the city to pick up something for me to wear. If things went alright with Yelara, maybe you'd like to join us..."

Laedra took in a staggering deep breath and stepped back, placing much needed distance between them. "It would be an imposition. I couldn't." She glanced down at their hands, fingers still laced, and calmly pulled hers away. "Although she and I are reconciled, I still think my presence would be met with something less than excitement."

"Well," Liam said with a gentle sigh, "I do hope that the two of you someday reach the point where you are more comfortable in each other's company. I think the two of you could be good friends, if that's what you want."

"Of course, Liam. I want things to go smoothly around here, and befriending Yelara seems to be one way to do that." Laedra gently cleared her throat and stared in awkward silence at the floor. She caught a glimpse of her robe beginning to open and reveal an indecent amount of chest, so with a nervous laugh, she clutched the white fabric and bunched it closed. "You...should probably get going before she gets the wrong idea."

"Don't worry," Liam said with a smile. "I think things are better between us now, and I don't think she'd think ill of me being here with you. Besides, she knows I have my shirt on."

"Which is probably a very good thing considering..." Laedra smiled at Liam, a knowing smile for what was implied by her hanging statement. "She knows I meditate in the nude. Which means she might have concerns about that. And when she left me I was meditating so..."

"If she asks, I will tell her you were wearing your robe the entire time," Liam said. "Perhaps we can do some sparring later on. It's very seldom that I get to go up against an actual person during my training."

"I would enjoy that. I believe training with remotes is hardly very challenging. I found myself unprepared the other day with the huntress and it could have cost me my life. I do not want that to happen again."

"I'm sure all of us can get lots of practice here now," Liam said. "With you, me, Kal'aran, Jae Dyn, and the Padawans, I'm sure we can have frequent sparring sessions."

"I have yet to meet this Kal'aran," Laedra said, drawing her robe up to her neck to further conceal herself. "I'm certain I shall very soon, though. But for now, you must be getting back to your wife. I shall...perhaps start on the garden until you return."

When Laedra tightened the robe around herself, he quickly looked away. She was an attractive woman, and he enjoyed flirting with her, and knew that things had come very close to going over the line on a number of occasions. And, that fair bit of skin that had been exposed before she closed the robe was very nice indeed. "I think that would be a great idea. I know Yelara had some ideas in mind, but I don't know how solid they were. Perhaps the two of you can confer on the garden...as a means to get closer and possibly become friends."

"That sounds like the perfect opportunity to become better acquainted with her." Laedra smiled and knowing they could stand there all day making small talk and avoiding the real reason Liam didn't want to leave - as she didn't want him to either - she ushered him towards the door. "I hope you have a wonderful day, Liam. And tell Jae Dyn I hope to see her later on in the day, as well as Yelara."

Once Liam was in the hall, he turned back to Laedra. "We'll be leaving within the hour. If there's anything you want us to pick up in town, let us know."

"I have everything I need right now. But thank you for asking." She watched Liam for a moment, smiling and finally releasing the taut hold on her robes. She was enjoying this game she and Liam were playing far too much, and knew better than to pursue a man such as she was, especially a married man, but her desires seemed to be winning out over common sense and restraint. "After training, I was wondering if you could see about my window. It seems drafty."

Liam glanced into Laedra's room, toward the window and then back at her. "I'd be glad to," he said softly. "After training, we can just come back here together...and, I'll take a look at it." He took a step back and smiled. "And, now, I need to get back before I do something that will get me into very big trouble. I'll see you soon, Lae."

She didn't require clarification, and knew too that Liam was right in rushing off. Her mannerisms and furtive displays of flesh were all meant to lure him to her, and although a part of her wanted to believe it was all playful and somewhat unintentional, she knew her advances were for the most part deliberate.

Laedra stood in the doorway watching Liam with her heart thrashing in her chest. She rejected the idea of meditating once again to get Liam off her mind; it was no use anyway. One look at him, and all the urges came back. She laughed softly and turned back into her room, thinking that repairing her drafty window to keep the cold out might be a mistake. A cold breeze was just what she needed to silence her burning desires.

***

On the way back to the dining area, Liam had had to stop moving for a minute to let his racing heart slow to a more normal pace. Finally, he continued on. He found both Yelara and Kallia feeding the babies. "Save some for me," he said as he entered the room. They both looked up and he moved to sit next to Yelara. "You mentioned Elisia to Laedra," he said. "She wasn't happy about the news, but things are alright now." He gave Yelara a kiss. "Thank you. And, I mean that. I wouldn't have said anything to her because I just don't think of Elisia very often anymore...but I'm glad that you told her, and that she knows now."

"You're not mad?" Yelara sighed deeply. "I was so worried, after I left her, that she'd tell you and you'd be so angry with me. I didn't even realize I was telling her until it all came out. I'm surprised she didn't scold you about it. I would have thought something like that was seriously frowned upon by her."

"It is, and she did try to scold me," Liam said. "Though, I think she agrees with me that I'm not the person that did that anymore. At that time, my beautiful soon-to-be-wife hadn't yet saved me from the darkness, and helped to pull me further into the light yet."

"That's the lame excuse you used?" Yelara teased. She smiled to convey her jest, then kissed Liam lightly upon the cheek. "Well, I hardly take credit for that. Half the time, I frustrated you so, I'm surprised you didn't turn completely to the darkness."

Liam laughed. "I just explained things to her, and she understood. She still doesn't approve, but she doesn't believe I'm going to do it again. I think things are going good so far. Oh, and she wants to do some of the gardening, and I told her to talk to you since you had some ideas for outside too. I figure, if you want, it'll give you two some time to get to know each other."

"Yeah...I think that would be alright. I hate to admit it because that would mean I was wrong before, but she's nice." Yelara giggled and tapped Liam's arm excitedly. "Did you know she meditates in the nude? I accidentally walked in on her and... Oh, Liam it was the funniest thing ever!"

Liam laughed and nodded. "Yes, she mentioned that. Fortunately when I got to her room, she was still wearing a robe. And, she is very nice. I think she's going to fit in nicely here. I have a good feeling about the future."

"Including that masquerade ball?" Yelara cradled Leshie against her chest and rubbed his back soothingly. "You better watch out for Oot. I have a feeling she'll take any chance she can get to lure you to her bed, my love."

"The only thing I'll do in her bed is make sure there is nothing there intended to kill her," Liam said. "And, I think I can keep Oot at bay, though it may get tricky at times. We'll see how it goes. I'll contact you frequently to keep you informed if you'd like."

"No, it's alright," Yelara said with an effectual sigh. "You go and have fun, mingling with important people and having sex with our dear friend Oot. I'll just...sit here all night and watch Leshie sleep."

Liam nodded, kissed Yel on the cheek and grinned. "Well, as long as you don't have any problems with that. If things go well, maybe next time you can join in. You never know."

"Well, as long as you're having fun, I don't see why Kal and I can't have any." She glanced sidelong at her lover and smiled slowly. "We'll find something to do to pass the time, I'm sure."

Kallia grinned. "Oh, I have no doubts we can come up with something to do. And, you know, Laedra will be here too. Maybe the three of us can...you know?"

"Hmm... She did look quite sexy with nothing on." Yelara glanced back at Liam with a sly grin and added, "Perhaps we could show her some of Dani's toys. Do you think she'd enjoy that?"

"I already offered them to her if she needed them for anything," Kallia said with a grin. "She declined, but I think if we're persistent enough we might be able to get her to join us. When I went to her the other day, I think she might have liked looking at me too. So, we've got our evening, and Liam has his. I'm sure Oot will be...satisfied in her selection. Though, I don't think she can be nearly as satisfied as us."

Yelara arched her brows at Liam and asked, "So, are you certain you want to attend that party after all?"

Liam raised an eyebrow as he looked at them both. "I don't know," he said. "You are making it very tempting to stay here instead. I'd have to find a way to make it up to Oot though, since I already agreed." He looked at the two of them. "I think I've trapped myself into a corner now."

"Well..." Yelara began as she ran her hand along his thigh, "I could put Leshie down, and Kal could put Yara down, and perhaps you can get yourself out of that corner by means of sexual favours."

"I think that sounds like a marvellous idea," Liam said as he lowered his lips to Yel's throat. "Should we retire to our bedroom?"

"I thought you had to go shopping, my love?"

"Well, I do need something to wear so Oot can try to seduce me," he said. "I should probably avoid things that will be...too nice looking."

"Oh, who are you kidding, Liam! Anything you wear will make you look sexy." Yelara grinned and nuzzled her nose with his. "That's why I married you."

"Oh yeah," Liam said with a grin. "Well, get the babies, and let's go into town. I think this should be a family outing."

Yelara held Leshie aloft above her and said in the silliest voice ever, "Now did you hear that, Leshie pooh? Daddy says no more nipple for you until we get him a nice, sexy outfit for his crimelord girlfriend, Auntie Ootie."

Liam, despite his Jedi training had a very difficult time keeping a straight face. "That's right, kiddo," he said waving a finger in front of Leshie's nose. "You're gonna have to go awhile without any nipple, just like daddy."

"Oh no!" Yelara continued, "Looks like Daddy's all jealous of his wittle baby boy! Well, he won't have to pout for long because mommy's going to give him a treat when we come back from town. Isn't that right, Daddy?"

"That's right," Liam said, changing to a funny voice. "And, then wittle baby Leshie will get a treat too."

Next to them, Kallia laughed. "Do you two mind," she said with a grin. "I'm trying to watch Yara's sugar intake, and you two aren't helping."

"I consumed over a tonne of carbosyrup when I was expecting Leshie, Kal, and he's alright, isn't he? A little sugar isn't going to hurt her." Yelara pressed him close to her again and kissed the top of his head. "Don't be so paranoid, Auntie Kal."

"You may have consumed that much, but carbosyrup isn't quite as concentrated as you and Liam talking in funny voices and gushing over that cute little baby of yours." Yara's big brown eyes were gazing at both Liam and Yelara, when she suddenly burst out into a fit of giggles. Kallia couldn't help laughing. "Oh, it's a losing battle. You two are going to spoil these babies with silliness."

"And toys!" Yelara laughed and pushed back her chair. "Come on. Let's go buy some right now." She handed Leshie to Liam, then stood up and straightened her clothing, along with covering the breast Leshie had been feeding from.

Liam took the baby into his arms, and continued making cooing and gurgling noises as he bounced him gently. Kallia stood with Yara, and returned her breast to the inside of her vest. "One thing about these vests," she said, "they're great for a quick feeding. So, let's get out of here before...before we do something that'll keep us here for a few more hours."

"Like what?" Yelara asked with the most innocent smile she could feign.

Kallia grinned. "Well, it deals with us putting our babies down for naps, and disappearing into some secluded part of the Temple with Liam for lots of moaning, screaming, and other assorted hedonistic endeavours."

"Oh...well that's what I thought you meant." Yelara quickly, yet carefully, took up Leshie into her arms and laughed. "We can't do anything naughty if we're each holding a child. I think this is the only way to keep us from acting on our urges. We should maybe have them permanently attached to our torsos. It would allow us to certainly get a lot more done around here while we're not doing anything related to sex."

"How about we all try to control our urges, each of you holding babies to help, and we rush out to the speeder to get away. It's not like we can have sex in the middle of a store." With that, he took Yelara's hand and started toward the door. "It's the only way."

"Come on, Yara," Kallia said as she hurried after her lovers, "you're gonna help mommy control her naughtier urges. Now, stop laughing at me, my little darling. I can't wait to see you holding back against Leshie's blue eyes and that smile that's like his father's. Just you wait, Yara, you'll see how difficult it is."

It was a frantic libidinous rush to get outside, but they managed to get there without needing to stop in one of the vacant rooms.

"Okay," Liam called, "everyone in the speeder!"

"Oh, Leshie," Yelara groaned as she hefted the weighty child up higher. "That's it...no more breastmilk for you. It looks like daddy and auntie are in luck after all!"

Kallia laughed. "Looks like you're going to have to start some weight training to carry him around anymore," she said. "I'm sure once you wander around the Temple a few times with him in your arms, you'll have no problem tossing landspeeders or arm wrestling Wookiees."

"Or overzealous lovers who can't restrain themselves," she retorted with a smile and a wink directed at Kallia.

"That's your own fault for being so damn sexy," Kallia said with a wink in return. "And, besides, last night, you're the one who scratched me!" She slipped into the speeder as Liam stood watching them with rolling eyes. "You did too, you big oaf. And, I think I have one of your fingerprints on my left breast."

"Please don't get me started about fingerprints," Liam said. "Both of you in before I give you each some fingerprints to talk about."

"Idle thre--" Yelara yelped and gave Liam a hurt expression as she rubbed the spot on her rear where his hand had made firm contact. "Not nice, Liam!"

"Oh you love it," Liam said with a grin. "Now get in there, or you won't get any more of those!"

"Hopefully an idle threat," Yelara muttered with a salacious smile as she slipped into the speeder.

Liam slipped behind the controls and fired up the repulsors. "Let's go get me some clothes, the babies some toys, and whatever else we can think of when we're in the city. I hope they're ready for us." He spun the speeder around, and pushed it off down the path toward the city. He had a feeling that no one was ready for the three of them together.

---

"New Rules - Part I"
By: Admiral Tarkin - Imperial Sector General

Location: Imperial Outpost, former Royal Palace, Arcadia
Date: Niothe 6, 4 ABY

***

He was sitting down frowning. High Princess Kalaira had not only been able to avoid questioning, but she had somehow managed to escape. No, be rescued was more like it. Someone had killed the Red Guard who was at the brig and set her free. The question remained. Who and with whose support...

A Red Guard came in and bowed at Tarkin respectfully. He knew the Admiral would not like the news. "I have a report ready. It seems someone came in through secret passages and was able to pass as a guard and set the High Princess free."

"What!?" Tarkin burst. "And how is it that there was no previous knowledge to these secret passages? How were they able to escape?" he demanded.

"Their escape route was similar to the way that the rescuer came in. We have information that it was just one other woman with old Jedi weapons... We did not know of the passages because there are no charts to them," the Red Guard replied.

Tarkin got up. "One woman was able to rescue the High Princess, all by herself?! Incompetents!" he shouted furiously. "I want these passages scanned thoroughly and I want no more mistakes. I don't care where they are at but block them all. Leave nothing!"

The Red Guard nodded in concordance and left. Tarkin then called in to have his liaison report on the most recent activities. A short bulky man came into the room with a datapad. "Sir, you called?"

"I want you to send out a message to all the bounty hunters on the planet, that I will personally pay the one who delivers High Princess Kalaira, dead or alive, the sum of one million credits or any equivalent they desire... But keep it as much low profile as possible," he ordered.

"Yes, sir... Anything else?" the liaison asked.

"What do the most recent reports show?" Tarkin asked.

"Well, we just learned that a local crimelord is going to throw a party for all the other crimelords. One of the invitations has come in your name, sir..."

"What?! This ignorant crimelord is inviting me to join those who dwell in crime?! He insults me! I shall not attend, but ironically he just provided me with a golden opportunity to cease all crimelords at once. Have a squadron storm the place and arrest them all in the name of the Emperor!"

"Yes, sir!" the liaison replied, a small wicked grin on his face, as he enjoyed hearing Tarkin's plan. "I shall get on it."

"Dismissed." Tarkin waved as he sent the short man off. This could yet turn out to be not-so-bad. He had lost the High Princess, but if things went well, he would gain her back. And as for the party, a perfect way of getting rid of most criminal activities on Chimaeria all at once...

---

"Making Friends"
by Aurra Sgall - Jedi Padawan
Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Laedra Vorrel - Jedi Knight

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Niothe 6, 4 ABY

***

Aurra was walking about. She and her Master had already settled in and she had just been given some leisure time, provided she did not leave the Temple, since she had finished her training for the day. It was almost late afternoon and the skies were in a beautiful orange colour.

At the distance, the young Jedi pupil saw someone she had not seen around before. It was a woman who was dressed in Jedi robes as well. She was meditating, Aurra could tell. But nonetheless the young Twi'lek approached her and stared at the other woman.

When Laedra opened her eyes, Aurra smiled and tilted her head. "Hello... I'm Aurra Sgall. Who are you?" she asked the woman.

"Laedra Vorrel," she replied, adding quickly, "You are Master Kal'Aran's Padawan, are you not?" Laedra smoothly rose and studied the young Twi'lek with a curious smile. "You are young... How old would you be, Aurra Sgall?"

Aurra looked up at the woman and studied her very briefly. "I am 15... I had not seen any other Jedi dress in the proper attire since Master Kal'Aran!" she said. "Things here are so very different from what I learned from before. Not at all like Masters Yandoor and Hefta!"

Laedra's smile was one of nostalgia as she motioned for the young girl to join her in a promenade. "You trained with Master Yandoor Lugoth? My Master mentioned him to me at one time. He spoke highly of the man and his abilities. You are very lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him."

Aurra looked down, rather sad. "Yes, I believe I am. And if not for that huntress I would still be... She killed them both. If not for Master Kal'Aran I would not know what would have become of me!"

By then Kal'Aran had shown up from behind Laedra. "You must be Laedra Vorrel," he said. "I see you have met Aurra Sgall." He smiled gently.

Showing humility and dignity, Laedra bowed at the poised man before her. "I have been meaning to meet with you, Master Kal'Aran." She straightened up and smiled at him. "I was just speaking with your Padawan. I have much I wish to discuss with you."

Kal'Aran nodded simply. "Very well... May we then take a walk, perhaps?" he invited.

"Certainly. Your Padawan may join us, if you wish. I, in fact, would enjoy hearing her opinion on several matters."

"Of course..." Kal'Aran agreed as the three of them began to walk slowly along the Temple gardens. He could easily guess what brought this conversation up as he too wanted to discuss the matter further himself. But before he could say anything Aurra spoke.

"Things here are very different, aren't they?" she asked. "Not at all as it was before for myself... What about you? What do you think? Was your training to become a Jedi as it is here?" she asked Laedra.

Laedra could do nothing but laugh gently at the girl's wide-eyed enthusiasm. "You are right, young Padawan, things are quite different now. I trained in isolation with my Master, I went through the Trials, but unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to take on a Padawan of my own and become a true Master. But you, Aurra Sgall, will get that chance here." Laedra smiled warmly at the girl and added, "You are lucky, in a way. You will have the opportunity to train just as your predecessors did, in a Temple, with other students about, learning from each other and away from the distractions of the outside world. I almost envy you, young one."

Kal'Aran nodded. "Indeed you are lucky Aurra. It is a great step forward that a new Temple is arising and hopefully soon enough it will function at its fullness and a new Jedi Order will defend peace once more." He then turned to Laedra. "But what troubles your mind, tell me..."

Laedra frowned slightly and nodded her head. "I know Liam and Jae Dyn are quite capable Jedi and I also believe they will do well in training the Padawans, but they have unorthodox ideas about how to train the children and how to run a Temple. I have already conflicted with them on many subjects. I would merely like to know I am not alone in this, Master Kal'Aran. I want to return to the old ways, and I'm hoping your goals are the same as mine on that subject."

Kal'Aran had seen this matter coming up, as he too wanted to know Laedra's opinion. "Indeed, Laedra, I do agree with you... Their ways are quite unorthodox. However, one must consider that neither one completed their Jedi training with a Master to accompany them." He sighed. "I have discussed this matter somewhat with Jae Dyn and even she seemed to agree that neither she nor Liam are ready to master a pupil. That is why I am to ask an old friend to join us, as well as my former Padawan..."

"Alisson is to join us?" Aurra asked with a smile.

"Humm..." Kal'Aran nodded. "I would hope it so."

"I think that would be wonderful," Laedra said. "It would certainly be nice to have more teachers. I know Jae Dyn and Liam would be quite capable teachers, but they too are still learning. I believe participating in the students' training would be helpful in their own education, but taking on a Padawan solely by themselves was something I advised Liam and Jae Dyn against. Especially Liam. I gather you know about his past..."

"Yes, I have heard." Kal'Aran nodded. "Indeed it is not wise for one who was once a Sith to train Jedi, even if he has abandoned that part of his life... Actually there are other things as well, like their open ways about feelings and sex," he added, noticing that Aurra was somewhat confused. Kal'Aran sighed. "I am not stating that we should not feel or neglect our feelings, but one must master them well to keep their heads clear, or one might become jealous and envious, which leads ultimately to the dark side. What do you think Laedra?"

"I believe, as well, that being a Jedi is about controlling our emotions and not acting on them. That is what separates us from the Sith. But that we allow ourselves to feel is also what demarcates the line dividing Sith and Jedi. There are certain emotions we avoid, while others, such as love - which can certainly lead to such things as jealousy - but which are sentiments we perhaps should not completely shun." Laedra looked down at Aurra and smiled at the young girl, wondering if she should really be exposed to conversations regarding sex. "They are quite rambunctious in their sexual affairs, Master Kal'Aran, and perhaps they should be more discreet about it. I have mentioned it to Liam, and I believe he feels the same way, but we can not deny him intimacy with his wife..." Laedra cleared her throat and added, "Or Jae Dyn, for that matter."

"I am not asking for celibacy..." Kal'Aran stated. "I am quite aware that in Chimaeria there is an open mind regarding intimacy, but if my former Padawan Alisson can live up to the Jedi ways then perhaps so can Liam and Jae Dyn. I am not asking for him to leave his wife but solemnly to use discretion and not to teach those ways to the younger ones... Control, Laedra, control is what I ask."

"And I believe Liam seeks that as well, as does Jae Dyn. But, they have been without leadership or peers for so long, that I believe it has been hard for them to follow the old ways and principles." Laedra smiled and once again looked upon Aurra, an idyllic symbol for the future of the Order. "Their indiscretions can only benefit your training, however, Aurra. How better to learn right from wrong by looking upon your elders and avoiding the mistakes they have made? But you should not be afraid of making your own, mind you. After treading upon a path for so long, we sometimes lose our purpose, but after stumbling then feeling that drive to persevere and continue, we soon remember why we chose that path to begin with. So, do not be afraid to falter, Aurra Sgall. In the end, you will be better for it, just as Liam and Jae Dyn will be."

Aurra smiled. Laedra was nice and had a certain aspect of care about her. "I hope to learn all the best parts from you all... And all I can promise myself is that I will do my best to honour the Jedi ways," she said eloquently. "I am sure that with your guidance, Masters, this Temple can arise to become what it was meant to be," she added.

Kal'Aran placed his hands on the girls shoulders and smiled. "Let us hope things are indeed so. Looking at you I have hope of better days, Aurra. You are still young but have the spirit of the wisest... I am sure you will do well."

"I agree, especially after having benefited from the training of such respected Masters as Yandoor Lugoth and Master Kal'Aran here." The young girl's cheerful expression seemed to grow somber upon mention of her deceased Master. Laedra sighed and lowered her head in a gesture of apology. "I really am very sorry about your loss, Aurra Sgall. I too have encountered the huntress and barely escaped with my life. That you did as well must be a sign that you are destined for greatness, young one." She shifted her gaze to Kal'Aran and added, "She is on Tae'Karada, as you may or may not know. None of our kind is safe while she continues to hunt us. I don't understand this grudge she holds. Why does she hunt us so, Kal'Aran?"

Aurra looked down. "She did not want to kill me because I was still much too young and not a Jedi. She said she would kill me when my training was complete... But I did not know she was here on this system."

Kal'Aran squeezed Aurra's shoulder slightly in a reassuring way. "I myself have crossed paths with her more than once, one of which was here on this system. The first time I saw her I was still a Padawan. I was quite lucky myself to escape with my life." He sighed before continuing. "I do not know why she hates us so, but she has been hunting us long before even my time. From what I know she was a Jedi Padawan turned rogue. For some reason she holds some kind of grudge and has set a path to kill all Jedi. But she is no Sith... But I agree that she must be stopped from killing more. We should warn the others about her."

"I have already told Liam and Jae Dyn of her existence. We can only hope she has found a new hobby and desists hunting our kind down. I suppose if she doesn't," Laedra went on as the three stopped beneath the overhanging branches of a tree, "we should think about searching for others of our Order and bringing them to the Temple, if only to keep them safe from the huntress. And do not worry, Aurra," Laedra said to the young girl, "you're safe here. The huntress won't be able to hurt you anymore."

Aurra nodded in consent. She feared the huntress and wondered whether they would ever meet again. She hoped not.

Kal'Aran turned to face Laedra. "Perhaps I ought to contact Quinlan Vos and Alisson then, although in Alisson's case I know she is currently protecting the High Princess."

"The High Princess? I had thought I'd heard she was deceased? At any rate, if Alisson does need a safe haven for the High Princess, the Temple is always open, of course. What better way to return to the Old ways by aiding those in dire need?"

"I am not sure where she took High Princess Kalaira, but I trust Alisson to make the right choices..." Kal'Aran said. "As soon as I talk to her I will make the invitation to have her Majesty amongst us. In the meantime I should talk to Liam and Jae Dyn, so that I can go over to Tatooine to invite Quinlan to join us."

"Very well, Master Kal'Aran. I did so enjoy our talk. And with you, Aurra Sgall," Laedra said as she looked again upon the young Padawan. "I know you'll make an honourable Jedi one day." She bowed to Kal'Aran, then to Aurra, who she managed a smile for to make the gesture less formal. "I hope to speak to you both again soon."

Taking her leave, Laedra turned and started back down the garden towards the Temple, hoping Kal'Aran had much success and that they would have two more teachers at hand very soon. Overall, Laedra felt good about the potential of the new Order they were building, especially with young Aurra Sgall as its future.

---