"Dark Side/Light Side"
By: Elisia Melouet - Padawan Learner
Kace Mordin - Jedi Master

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 8, 3 ABY

***

Kace and Elisia stepped out of the airspeeder. They were back at the shipyards. It was where Kace's ship was, and the place where he felt most comfortable training her. He thanked the man who piloted them there. It wasn't his fault he worked for a slimeball like Kandran. Dargus probably had something over the man's head, and forced him into something close to slavery.

As they walked away from the speeder, back toward Kace's ship, he smiled and looked down at Elisia. "I want you to know, I am very proud of you. I am very very impressed, and am very pleased to be your teacher."

They hadn't said much on the trip here. She was surprised to see they were back where they started from. She knew he wasn't upset at her, she had sensed it. But proud? "Why, what did I do?" she asked carefully. She was not used to approval.

"Dargus offered you quite a bit back there," he said. "I am very proud that you had the strength to refuse. It was a test of sorts, not one planned, but a test nonetheless. You have shown me your dedication to be trained, and you opted to not venture down the easy path. The dark side lies down the easy path, a journey of darkness and corruption. Once you begin, it's very difficult to get off. It would be bad to begin your journey by taking that route. What I will teach you is a balance. The dark side is filled with pain and suffering, and a lot of it is your own. I have travelled that path. It is not a pleasant one." He smiled again. "It's a long answer, but I was pleased with your decision to continue your training."

She smiled. She had never passed a test before. "I am glad I pleased you. But, isn't this where we just left?" She did not understand why they were back.

He nodded. "It is," he said. "My ship is here, and the rest of my things. Without the danger of Dargus searching for you, I do not feel staying here will be a problem. However, if you'd prefer to live on the planet, I can arrange that."

"No..." she answered hurriedly. "I do not think Kandran would stay away if I was not with you." She didn't want to mention she was always afraid alone.

He nodded. She was intelligent. She would learn quickly. "Okay," he said. "There is someone I am watching out for here, so if you don't mind staying, then we can either stay in my ship or my apartment."

"Wherever you choose," she said quietly. It had already been a full day. For some reason, holding the necklace had left her feeling tired and empty.

He nodded. "Okay," he said. "Well, for now, let's go back to my ship. I doubt you are still hungry, but I would like to grab a bite to eat. And, I think we should talk about some things."

She nodded. She still had her container of food that she had held tightly throughout the trip as if someone would take it from her. She followed Kace back through the station and to his ship. It was hard to believe that barely 48 hours had passed since he had first found her.

Once they were inside, Kace removed his cloak and set his lightsabers aside. He moved to the galley and began preparing himself for a meal. He looked up and watched Elisia every once in awhile. "Do you want to talk about who you're looking for?" he asked.

"It is a long list," she said, sliding into a seat. "Two are on top. My mother and the bastards that sold her," she said fervently. She missed her mother so much. She had gone back once, but her mother had been sold again.

He nodded. "If you want," he said, "I can help you find them. I am very good at finding people. I used to do it for a living. I would be happy to help you there. There is another I have a feeling I will need to track down soon, but that is another matter. But, I will help you. I can even teach you how I do it. The skills are useful."

"Really? I would like that. I would like to find her if she still lives. As for the pirates. I have never forgotten their faces. I can draw them still," she said with conviction. She thought for a moment. "Can you read my letter?" She had never dared give it to another person before.

"I think I can," he said. "I speak and read a few languages. If it is written in one of them, I should be able to."

She reached into her boot and reverently pulled out the letter. She pushed it across the table. Her hands shook as she let go of it. It was all she had left of her mom.

Kace carefully picked it up and looked at it. He recognized the words. He looked over the top of the letter at Elisia, her attention focused on him. He knew this must be a very powerful moment for the young girl. He could feel her excitement as if it were his own. He started reading the letter:

To whom may ever answer this letter:

Let it be known that the girl by the name of Elisia is my daughter and heir. I ask that she be escorted to the sixth royal house of Melouet. There, you shall be rewarded for returning this princess to her safety and home.

As to myself, I am being held by Lord Inden Faust of Tatooine. Please be sure that this letter accompanies my child that I may be delivered from my imprisonment.

Princess Tetiana Melouet of Alderaan, Sixth Noble House Of Melouet

He looked across the expanse separating them. He re-read the letter again, just to be certain. "Your highness," he said, his expression plain. He didn't think he could have been more impressed after her actions earlier. "Alderan doesn't exist anymore, but I will help you find your mother. I will reunite you with her."

Elisia sat stunned. She knew her home world had been destroyed. But her mother was a princess? Visions of a childhood full of light and beauty flashed through her mind. Why didn't she remember more? "I-I would like that. Though I truly doubt she is alive. I have not seen her since I was six," She admitted slowly. Tears filled her eyes. "I could never figure out how to get home. When I finally convinced someone to take me, it was gone."

Kace moved over next to her. "For now, this will be your home," he said. "And, we will find your mother if she's still alive, and the two of you can make a new home. Rebuild your house. If your mother is alive, we will find her. I promise you that, Elisia. And, we will find you a home as beautiful as Alderaan was."

"I am so glad you found me," she whispered up to him. "If Kandran had found me first, I would not have resisted," she said, confessing how hard it had been for her to walk away from things that seemed somehow familiar and that she had wanted.

He hugged her gently, hoping not to scare her by doing so. "I am glad I found you too," he said. "I know I can help you. I will train you, and we will find your parents, and the pirates. And, I will help you get back the life taken from you so long ago."

Elisia stiffened at his touch at first. But she sensed no threat and relaxed a little. She had not be comforted since she could remember being at her mother's knee. "I will not disrupt other plans? I would not wish to burden you," she whispered, turning her lips nearer to his ear.

Kace shook his head. "You'll never be a burden," he said. "And, any other plans I have will have to include my student. Don't ever think of yourself as a burden or a bother. If I didn't want you around, if I didn't want to dedicate myself to training you, I would not have accepted you as my student. But, I did accept you as my student, and did so willingly. And, in the short while we've known each other, I have not regretted that decision, and do not believe I ever will."

Her smile lit her face and she hugged him fiercely back. "Thank you! I know you will not regret it. I have learned everything ever put before me," she answered with great enthusiasm. Realizing the intimacy of their position, she flushed and pulled away.

He took a step back, hoping he hadn't gone too far. He cleared his throat, and focused his attention on the food that was nearly ready. He could not deny that she felt good in his arms like that, but she was his student. And, it was not appropriate for them to be quite that close. And, he'd already told her he wouldn't do anything like that. At least he knew it would not go beyond an embrace. "I know I won't," he said, dishing out the food. "I know you will be as good a student as any Jedi Master could ever hope for."

Elisia was silent, trying to take in all the information she had gained that day. Her life had changed suddenly and for the better. Maybe fate really did take part in one's life. She pulled the letter back over to her, staring at her mother's words.

***

Kace finished eating and looked up to watch Elisia for a moment. She looked tired. He wasn't sure how far they'd be able to get in training today. They would accomplish something though. Yet, as he thought back over the last several hours, he realized they'd accomplished more than he thought they would.

"How are you feeling," he asked. "I don't want to push you too far today, so I need to know what you feel up to."

"I don't know. I am not sleepy. But I feel sort of empty," she admitted. She was still hanging onto the container she had taken from Dargus and had been staring at her mother's letter.

He frowned. "How do you mean empty?"

"I don't know. I usually feel this tension coiled up inside. I felt it till I held Kandran's necklace. But now, I just feel empty." She looked up at him. Her eyes were large and showed the complexity of emotions raging through her.

He wanted to move closer, but decided maintaining a distance might be better...after earlier. "Can you still feel the Force?" he asked. He took the fork he'd used to eat his meal and placed it in the center of the table. "Can you reach out with your senses, and feel the fork there?"

"Feel the fork? I can see the fork but feel it with my senses? " She looked at him like he was nuts. But then, she had never tried to feel something not alive before and she had only just realized that what she had was something more than wishes.

He took a step closer. "Close your eyes," he said quietly. "And, with your mind, concentrate on the fork, and then reach out as if to touch it."

She did as he directed and pictured the fork and then tried to touch it. Her brow creased with concentration. She finally sighed. "I can't." She looked at him more closely. "But I can still see your colors."

"That's good," he said. He looked down at the fork and opened his hand. The fork rose off the table and floated into Kace's palm. He gave her a warm smile. "You will be able to do that soon. And, you will be able to sense the things around you, be able to touch them with the senses you have not yet used. Do you want to try more today, or should we wait until tomorrow? I leave the choice to you."

She watched in astonishment as the fork floated into his hands. "How do you know I will be strong enough to do that?" she asked, her head cocked in the inquisitive manner that had become a habit.

Kace grinned. "Because I can feel it inside you," he said. "You are very strong. All you need is the training to be able to use what you already possess."

"Why are your colors swirled?" she asked, watching him. "Most people's are light or dark but yours are confused." She didn't know how else to explain what she could see. And she had always been afraid to talk about it before.

"When I started my training as a Jedi," he began, "I was a good student, and a good kid. When I was in my middle teens, I was seduced to the dark side of the Force by a man named Darth Vader. He offered me riches and power beyond my dreams. I went with him, and accepted what he had. I became a very bad person, evil beyond anything I'd ever thought possible before. I killed men without remorse, and worse. A couple years ago, I still don't know how it happened, but I was given a second chance. I saw what I had done, the pain and suffering I had caused. Since then, I have been trying to redeem myself for the things I did before. I have a long road ahead of me, but I'm sticking to it. I think that's why my colors are swirled."

"Can you see people's colors?" she asked. Before he could answer. "What is the dark side? Is it just doing bad things? What if someone deserves death? What if they are evil, is it still bad? " She fired the questions at him one after the other. She had so many questions bottled up inside.

He smiled. "The dark side is a path of suffering and violence. It is composed of greed and hate and anger; all the emotions one would consider bad fill the dark side. The light side is compassion and love and tolerance. If the greater good is served by a man's death, then the death may be warranted. The key to the dark and light sides of the Force is motivation. If your motivations are for greed, or the pursuit of power, or something similar, then you walk the path of the dark side. And, yes, I can see people's colors."

"Why did you leave the dark side? Power, money... these don't seem like bad things." She thought of all that Dargus Kandran had, the power that he wielded. She did not understand how this could be bad.

He nodded. "Power and money aren't bad things in themselves. It's how I was getting that power and money that was. I was killing men for the crime of being able to control the Force. If I were still evil, I would have killed you. When you use your money and power to oppress people, then it is bad. Dargus uses his power and money for himself, and to hurt those he does not like. He uses fear and deceit to get what he wants. He doesn't face his opponents, he sends his minions to do that. There are good ways to do things, and bad. I am not as rich as Dargus, but I am far from poor. My time serving the Emperor left me with plenty of money."

"So would getting revenge on the pirates who took my mother be evil? Would it be dark?" she asked with concern.

Kace shook his head. "Not entirely," he said. "Your actions are being driven by love. And, I will make certain you atone for any wrongdoing. I would never wish to deny you the revenge you have sought for so long. Anymore than I could stop myself from seeking it from those who turned me into what I was. You will be okay in this, I will make certain of that."

"What is the harm of walking both sides? I mean, does one have to be light or dark? I would think the better path would be to choose either as the situation warrants," she said with confusion.

Kace smiled. "You are going to make a fine student," he said. "And, a fine gray Jedi. The key is maintaining a balance, and not letting one side dominate. I have found that it is best to be as light as possible as much of the time as possible, but then dark when the need is called for."

"I take it a Jedi - one trained in light - would not agree," she said tentatively.

He shook his head. "No," he said. "Though, there are times when actions that would be unthinkable in the light must be taken. But, as I see it, always for a greater good."

"I have heard the stories of light Jedi's versus dark, does that mean both would hate you?" she asked with concern.

He half-nodded. "Yes and no," he said. "The dark jedi, if they are aligned with the Empire, want me dead because I turned against them. The light Jedi, if there are any left, would try to bring me back fully into the light. I don't want to fight the light Jedi, so I don't think it would come to that. Except for Vader and Palpatine, I believe I am stronger than the remaining dark Jedi."

"What if I like this dark side?" she asked. Her question was just one of curiosity and a need to understand.

Kace chewed on his lip for a moment. "I don't know," he said. "If that is the path you decide you wish to travel, then you would be better off with Dargus Kandran. And, if you choose darkness, at some point we may have to face each other." And, I do not believe I could bring myself to kill you, he thought.

"In other words, if I chose that path, we would then be on opposing sides? I do not understand how one can walk such a fine line without succumbing to the pull, the need to strike out or the need to take what one wants?" She was silent for a moment, though he could tell she was struggling too and was not finished speaking. "I - I would not like it if we became enemies."

"Neither would I," he said softly, knowing that if it ever came to that it would be his life that would be lost. "The pull is strong, and it requires careful vigilance to stay where I am. I have tasted the darkness and every night as I sleep I see the faces of all those I cut down without mercy. My own master first among them." The last words were forced, and held great pain. He blinked slowly and then looked at Elisia. "It can be a terrible thing to know the pain and suffering you have caused others. I don't want to oppose you, but you are the one who must choose your path. I can show it to you, but you are the one who must walk it."

"Then that is what Kandran wants? He wants me to walk this dark path. To want vengeance and power, but to what end?" She did not understand what that would gain him. "He could not control me if I was strong, could he? Wouldn't I just kill him?"

"Kandran is a difficult man to kill," he said. "He keeps himself well guarded, and he has his ysalamiri. As long as he wears that necklace, you cannot directly affect him with the Force. And, if he can give you something you want, that is how he would control you. He will never trust you, despite what he says to the contrary. Did you notice how he stayed close to you when you held his ysalamiri? When you become stronger, he will trust you even less. He is a resourceful man with great wealth and power, and when he turns the wealth and power to something that he desires, it is often hard to resist. I do not know what he would offer me if he really wanted me as his puppet. I cannot think of anything he could give me that I want. I sense that he would try to use you as a weapon, a weapon to kill those he wished killed and intimidate those he wishes intimidated. And, he would offer much to get that, far beyond the things he offered you today."

"So he wants a weapon?" she said thoughtfully. She could give him that for wealth. She did not understand the harm in that. But she also knew that Kace thought this was a bad thing. She looked at him for a long moment. "If he could...if he did offer you something you wanted that badly, would you take it?"

Kace watched her. "No," he said. "I don't think I would. I want to earn my victories, not have them handed to me. I also don't like the price Dargus' gifts come with. I served a master before as a weapon. My job was to kill those who threatened his position. When I turned away from the darkness to embrace the twilight where I am now, I swore I would never kill for another. When I kill a man it will be for my reasons, not because another ordered me to do so. I will not serve another in that way again."

She was silent. She was absorbing the wisdom of his words. She personally didn't see the problem with killing a person if they deserved it. But what if a master ordered the death of one who did not? That would make her no better than the pirates who had taken her mother. She very carefully set the container of food in the middle of the table and let go of it.

Kace smiled. There was something significant in her gesture. He slid his hand forward and covered hers with it. "I promise you, while I don't have as much wealth as Dargus Kandran, I do have enough for both of us to live very, very comfortably for the rest of our lives. I will provide whatever you need. If you want beautiful fancy clothing, or the finest foods, or the fastest starships, I have the means to acquire them. You will never go hungry, you will never go without a comfortable bed, you will never go without. I am your teacher and your friend. I will teach you all I know of the Jedi arts, how to find someone you seek, and how to read. If there is anything you ever wish to know beyond these things, all you need to do is ask. Everything I have, everything I am is available to teach and guide you on the life's journey you are taking."

She looked at him for a long moment. "I do not deserve such dedication, but I will try to be worthy of it. Be careful what you promise though. One day I might ask you for more than you are willing to teach." Her eyes met his with firm determination.

His eyes seemed to glow just a bit brighter. "I am fully aware of what I promise," he said. "And, I would be a poor teacher were I not dedicated to my student. We will see where we go from here. Some day you may ask for more, but we are not there yet. Some day you may kill me as I killed my first master, but we will deal with that if it happens."

He looked into her eyes. "You do realize I was fully willing to die today, to protect you from falling into Dargus Kandran's grasp. Part of it is for selfish reasons. The woman I love has been claimed by Dargus. He promises to help her avenge her parents deaths at the hands of the Emperor. As I've seen though, he only takes her to his bed and has his way with her. Because she feels she needs him to achieve her goals, she refuses my love and continues to go to his bed. You are strong in the Force, and by selflessly training you, I may come closer to redemption, to being able to sleep a peaceful night without my past haunting me. I train you for you, not for myself. But, Dargus is different, he wants your power to serve him. I could not allow him to have that. He would rob me again of something I seek. I don't know if training you will bring me what I've been trying to find, but it's a chance I'm willing to take. And, I want you to learn to use the power you possess." He pulled his hand back from hers and looked away. "I don't know if any of this makes any sense to you, because it really doesn't to me."

She sat watching him for awhile. "It makes sense. I am well aware of the dedication you have chosen. Most men would have handed me over at the first sign of a credit, let alone trouble." She stood up. "You should go talk to her. I will be okay. I can go look for clothes that actually fit, with your permission that is." She looked up at him. He had said he could provide, so here was his chance. "Trust me, as long as the owner of the station is not looking for me, I can take care of myself. Remember the ship tech?" she said to his concerned expression.

He smiled. "Yes," he said. "I remember. I can't go talk to her. Nothing will come out of it, not with Dargus still around. But, if you want to buy clothes, I won't object." He pulled out his credit chip and handed it to her. "Just make sure to leave some money in there." He gave her a warm smile. "And, nothing would make me turn you over, not even if it were the key to my redemption. I'll be here when you get back."

She took it as if he had just given her the key to the world. No one had ever trusted her with their credit chip. She held it in both hands reverently. "I won't buy much. But if I am going to train, I need something more suitable," she said with a smile. "I won't be more than an hour." She hopped up, clearly excited and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you!" She practically skipped out of the ship.

Kace watched her go with a smile. He could feel that what he was doing was the right thing. He felt it with every part of his being. Protecting Elisia, training her, all of it was the right thing to do. And it was right regardless of what he got out of it. She'd been put through all imaginable hell in her life, and she deserved a chance to rise above that. He would do everything he could to see that she got the chances she deserved.

---

"Breakfast At Horlan's"
By: Dargus Kandran - Crimelord, Kandran Syndicate
Elisia Melouet - Urchin
Kace Mordin - Traveler
Kalan Gesh [NPC]

Location: The Horlan Hotel - Yallder, New Plouton
Date: Selene 8, 3 ABY

***

Dargus looked down at the dead bodies at his feet and sneered. They let the girl past them and onto the planet, and had paid for their failures. They would be an example for the rest of his people. "Teethrio," he called, summoning one of his many droids. "Get me Kalan Gesh on a secure comm." The man was the head of the Tae'Morad, and owed Dargus several favours.

"How can I serve you, Lord Kandran?" Gesh asked.

"I have just sent you the image of a young girl. I want her found. She is currently with a man you might be interested in as well. They fled Drogen, and are on the surface now. You would be best to search for them around hotels and hostels."

Gesh frowned at the image and then looked back at Kandran. "And, the reason for your interest?"

Dargus thought about it for a moment, shifting for possible reasons why he would want her. "Glitterstim," he said. "She has smuggled glitterstim onto your planet, and I believe she means to sell it. She also has several charges of trespassing, theft, and assault on my station. I don't want her to get away. You might want to block off the spaceports as well. They may try to flee the planet. And, if you let them get away, I will be very displeased."

"We will turn New Plouton upside down. As soon as we find her, we'll contact you through the shadow channel."

Dargus nodded. It was a private channel established for himself, the Tae'Morad, and the High Prince to communicate without fear of eavesdropping. The high prince had been against it at first, but he had come around quick enough. It was good to have a monarch in the pocket. Dargus smiled. Blackmail was such a wonderful thing.

***Five hours later***

The Tae'Morad finally tracked the stolen speeder bike to the Horlan Hotel in the Yallder district. Upon Dargus Kandran's order, three hundred Tae'Morad surrounded the building. Portable shield generators blocked the doors and windows. There would be no way for anyone to go in or out without their approval.

Dargus stood next to a Tae'Morad captain along with the wookiees and several of his own guards. "Have you contacted them?"

"We know which room they occupy, but we have not roused them yet."

Dargus smiled. "Wake them."

A few seconds later the vidcommunicator in the room of Kace and Elisia was buzzing. Elisia still slept, but Kace sat on his bed in deep meditation. The sentry droid had alerted him to the presence of the guards outside as the Tae'Morad surrounded the hotel. They'd been found. His eyes opened as the vidcomm buzzed a third time.

He approached the terminal and activated it, not surprised at all to see Kandran on the other end. "Yes?"

Dargus was taken aback to see Kace Mordin on the screen, but he masked it well. "You up for a breakfast? Just the three of us? Me, you, and the girl. No weapons. I will have my ysalamiri necklace though. So, we have breakfast and chat while three hundred Tae'Morad wait for you to twitch. You won't twitch on me, will you, Mordin?"

Kace glanced at Elisia's bed and then back to the screen. "Give us fifteen minutes," he said. "We will meet you in the lobby. And, you had better be alone." Kace snapped off the connection. Damn, he thought.

He moved to the large bed where Elisia was curled into a ball. He reached out and brushed her short blonde hair off her forehead. We will make it out of this, he told himself. He shook her gently, "Elisia," he said, his voice soft. "Wake up."

It had been the first time in a long time that Elisia had not had nightmares. But she still was startled at the touch and voice and started awake. Her eyes flew open fearfully as she instinctively scrambled backwards.

"It's just me, Elisia," he said. "Everything's okay. I'm not going to hurt you."

"I am sorry, you scared me," she said her eyes confirming her response. "Is it time to train already? We just went to sleep?" She looked around worriedly. She was a little disoriented.

"We've actually been sleeping a good part of the night," he said. "But, it wasn't enough. I will find a nice bed for you to bounce on and then sleep in tonight. But, now we have a problem. Kandran managed to find us, and he's downstairs. He says he wants to talk over breakfast. I do not trust him and I will not let him take you. You are my student now, and I will not allow anyone to take you from me. I will keep you safe, I promise you that. When we are down there, stay close to me and tonight you will sleep in the softest bed you will ever know." He put his hand on her arm. "We will survive this together."

She nodded. If she couldn't trust him, then she would never trust. "Yes Master." She said willingly as she scrambled up to put on her boots. He had given her a command and she would prove that she could do what she was told.

Kace watched her for a brief moment. He would need all his focus today. He allowed himself a smile as he moved to where he'd put his own things. He pulled on his shirt and jacket before pulling on his boots. He slipped both lightsabers to the back of his belt where the cloak would hide them. Dargus demanded no weapons, but Dargus would have an army outside. Dargus would have a ysalamiri around his neck. And, Dargus would break a call for parley if it served his purposes.

Kace trusted himself to act calm under pressure, he knew that Dargus Kandran could not. He'd heard too many stories and read too many accounts of the Kandran temper. He knew too much to be able to put his trust in the crimelord.

He would not put Elisia's life in danger. At least, no more than it already was. He turned when he was ready and regarded her with an appraising look. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. "But shouldn't I stay here? I mean, wouldn't it be better if he doesn't see me?" She realized that she had forgotten one thing as she waited for his answer and turned and picked up the small pack of clothes. She retrieved her worn letter and shoved it down into her boot. She went nowhere without it.

Kace frowned, wishing that her suggestion were possible. "I don't want to be separated from you right now. Besides, if I met Dargus in the lobby, he could easily send a squad of guards to retrieve you. I hate putting you in danger by letting him near you, but he wanted a meeting between the three of us. Keep your distance from him, and don't let him touch you. He'll probably try to tempt you with riches and luxury. Do not succumb to his promises. While I do not possess his wealth, I will make sure your basic needs are never lacking, and more than that if I can. I will train you and protect you from those who would use you for their own ends. I will be your guide and your friend on the journey we will take. And, I will never ask you to be someone you are not." He checked the time and saw that they were running short. "We must go meet him now. If we get out of this with our lives, I will see that you have a hot meal and a soft bed tonight. And, tomorrow, I will begin training you."

She looked at him stunned. It was the most honest promise she had ever been given. "Okay," was her only answer. She took a deep breath and cleared her mind of the thousand thoughts threatening. She concentrated on being young and her demeanor changed as did her posture. Once again, she seemed the young urchin he had found amongst the containers, just cleaner. She held out her hand tentatively.

Kace took her hand and looked around the room. He could see nothing else they would need in their encounter with Dargus, and nothing that they would need if they were forced to leave it behind. He took a deep cleansing breath and let it out. His mind snapped into focus. He glanced down at Elisia and smiled.

He led the way out of the room and down toward the lobby. As they neared the lobby, Kace gave Elisia's hand a reassuring squeeze. He looked down at her. "Ready?"

"I feel like I am going to a firing squad," she whispered. "But I am ready as I will ever be. If he speaks to me, should I answer?"

"As long as you are careful," he whispered back. "And, we will be fine. I won't let anything happen to you." He reached out with his senses and knew Dargus was out there; he could feel the dead zone where the ysalamiri repelled the Force. If we need to, he added, switching to telepathy, we can communicate through our minds. If, when we are with Dargus, you have any questions, think them to me. I will make sure we are out of range of the creature so our powers still work.

"Let's go," he said.

Elisia took a deep breath and followed him. She didn't know what this Kandran man wanted but she could sense that it was not for trumped up charges.

Kace and Elisia stepped around the corner and into the lobby. He let his senses search the room for any of Dargus' men hiding inside. There were none. They approached the crimelord carefully.

"We're here," Kace said.

"Good morning," Dargus said to them. His smile was in place, and he motioned them forward. "Shall we eat? I'm deeply sorry for waking you. I promise I won't harm you. I'm really a gentle man." He glanced at Kace and dared him to deny it. "I am. Can we eat? I'm famished." He looked at the girl. "I'm Dargus Kandran," he said slowly. She was extremely attractive, but she didn't quite look like the image he had of her. He wondered if Mordin pulled a trick on him. "What's your name?"

Elisia looked up at Kace. She would not answer unless he gave her permission. She was now his padawan.

Kace made sure they were fifteen meters from Kandran, just to be safe. "Her name is no concern of yours, Dargus," he said, casually. "She is my student, that is all you need concern yourself with." He glanced at a menu, and then around for someone to take their order. There was no one. "You didn't gather the Tae'Morad guard around this hotel to have a chat. Why are you here?"

"She's your student? Very good. That pleases me. She deserves a good teacher." He turned to the girl, and then spoke slowly again: "He will be a good teacher. But, he can't take care of you like I can. I can make all your dreams come true. I can. If you dream something, I will make it happen for you. Would you like that?"

His gifts come with a price, Kace spoke into Elisia's mind. Mine don't. "Thank you for the offer," he said. "We will consider it. If you don't mind though, we do have a lot of training today."

Dargus' features hardened as he looked at Kace. "I suggest you have some breakfast then. It's free. You can have anything you want from the menu." He turned to Elisia again, again his words coming slow. "Would you like that?" To Kace, he said, "I realize she's your Padawan, but she has a criminal record. And, since you helped her escape, you're an accomplice. Three hundred Tae'Morad are itching to blow your head off outside. Cooperate with me and you live. I wish the girl no harm. I don't care about you. While they may follow the High Prince's orders, I have bought their loyalty. Every man has a price, even the Tae'Morad. Even you. Now, look at the damn menu, and have something to eat. Let's be friends, why don't we?" He smiled at the girl again. "Now, what is your name, sweetie?" He shifted his eyes to Kace. "Let her speak."

Kace regarded Dargus Kandran with cold eyes. "If I agree to work for you, you'll drop your interest in her and let us go?"

"No," he said. "But I will not harm you. No I won't. C'mon, what's your name? You can tell Uncle Dargus."

"No," Kace said, his eyes never leaving Dargus. "My padawan will have no association with you. Your charges are fabricated, and you know it. If you will not accept my offer, drop your interest, and let us go, then we are finished here."

"Those men outside are quite loyal, and deadly. They could tear you apart before you can hurt one of them. And, if you hurt me, you will never leave here. I just want to be her friend, that's all. Just friendship. I understand she is your student, but she needs help in other ways." He sighed. "When she is with me, you can be too. So you can make sure she's nice and safe, you mother bantha? Does that make you feel better?"

Kace's eyes narrowed, the blue glowing softly. He turned his attention to Elisia. I will not decide this for you, he said to her mind. I promise you I will provide everything you will want or need. But, I cannot speak for you in this. If you wish to speak, you may. I would not feel right deciding this for you.

What choice does he give us? Better to make a deal with the devil and break it later then to die now. She said. She peeked around Kace at Dargus. "Ifn you only wants what is best for me, how come you make up lies about me?" she asked, her lips pouting out. "And don't say ya didnna cause I done nuthin wrong sides stowen away."

"That was most unfortunate," he said. "But, I know that Kace, he doesn't like me at all. He thinks I'm a bad man. But, I wanted to help you, and those stories I told about you were the only way I could get the guards outside to help me stop Kace from making the biggest mistake of his life. Now, I can give you everything you've ever wanted. You just have to be my friend."

A young man, apparently frightened out of his mind, approached with a datapad in hand. "May I take your order," he asked, his voice cracking as he did.

Dargus smiled at the young girl. "You may have whatever you want from the menu," he said. "Anything at all. You can even have one of everything if you'd like. You'd like that wouldn't you?"

And, he still lies to you, Kace pathed to Elisia. He put out warrants for your arrest long before he knew we were together. When he saw me on the vidcom this morning, he was surprised. He did not know I was assisting you until he got here with the army outside.

Kace laughed. "You trumped up your charges before the girl and I met," Kace said, his voice calm and measured. "Even with your ysalamiri, I can still tell when you're lying, Dargus. It's when your lips start moving. Why do you want to help her, Dargus? What's in this for you?"

Elisia decided not to waste the offer for food and ordered a huge stack of ham and pancakes and milk. She waited for Kandran's response with interest. She sat down and began to play with two forks. But her eyes were alert and she was listening intently.

"I just want the girl's friendship," he said. "And, perhaps when she sees the kindness I can show her, she might even learn to care for me. I saw that she was in a poor state, and I just want to help her. Can't a man help another person? You teach her to be a Jedi, and I'll give her everything she's ever dreamed of. You'll never go without again, little lady."

"I ain't a lady. My name is Elisia," she said with a small pout. "And Master Kace says I not want for anything now? I don't need a house. What's a kid gonna do with a house?"

"Why don't you come see my house, and then you can see what you're missing in life. It's a grand spaceship that travels around the planet. Some have said it is like a palace. And, then you can see what I can give you. Oh, and your master is welcome to tag along if he'd like."

"And if she doesn't want to go with you, Dargus," Kace asked, his eyes flaring a bright blue at Dargus' insult. He offered a silent prayer that he wouldn't lose a second woman to Dargus Kandran. He knew that Yelara was out of reach and unattainable now. And, now he was trying to sink his claws into Elisia. He wasn't satisfied with what he had and always wanted more. Kace did not think that the crimelord would accept an answer of no. If he fell true to form, he would extort it from her. Force her to go see what she's missing before she decides. He wasn't sure if Elisia had the strength of will yet to turn that down. He sensed her excitement earlier, and wondered if she could resist the opulence placed before her. He did not want to train her beneath the shadow of Dargus Kandran's feigned generosity. He did not want to know the pricetag associated with these gifts. "What do you do if she does not wish to go with you?"

"I go where my master says is best." Food arrived and she dug into it much as she had when Kace had first met her. She did not seem to care about the conversation around her. "When you quit lying, perhaps I will listen," she said with a cocked head and then crammed her mouth full.

A spark of pride went up like a firecracker inside Kace as he watched Elisia. She would be a fine student indeed. Kace kept himself from smiling as he turned his attention back to Dargus. "Now, it is to you, Dargus," he said. "Will you drop the false charges you have brought against her?"

"Of course I will," he said. "If Elisia agrees to come see my home. With you at her side, of course." He focused his attention on her. "I have spoken true. I only want to help you and give you everything you've ever desired. I offer you no deceptions, but I do put all of your dreams at your fingertips."

Do we have a choice? she asked Kace but she looked at Dargus. "Yah you said that. What ya ain't said is why. Never met a guvnor yet that took an interest in a street brat for nuthin," she said through a mouth full of food.

"Oh, because of your potential, Elisia," he said. "You have much potential, and I hate to see that wasted. Absolutely hate it. You will achieve greatness in this life, and I just want to be a small part of that. That's all. I just want to see you reach your potential."

There is always a choice, he pathed back to her. "Potential for what, Dargus? What do you want her for? Don't go altruistic on us, it doesn't suit you. If Elisia does not wish to go with you, will you drop your charges and let us leave? Or will you force her into this against her will? With her best interests at heart. You say you want to help her. Will you force her to accept this, even though she wants none of it, with whatever strings you've attached? You'll force her into this against her wishes. Is that what you think help is?"

Elisia, are you strong enough to do as he says, Kace asked in his padawan's mind.

Yes. Elisia had never seen a palace from the inside. A part of her really wanted to go, but Kace had said this would be bad. She frowned and looked up at him from where she was eating. "Make the bad men outside go away and I will go see your palace. But you musts give me something as well to you as the freedom you wants from me, even just a little while," she said licking her fingers.

"Very well," Dargus said. "Consider them gone. And, now, what is it you want from me to earn your trust?"

She looked at him intensely. She got up and moved to him, feeling Kace tense behind her. "Your pretty necklace," she breathed quietly, just out of arm's length.

"When we reach my glorious ship, you shall have it," he said.

She laughed. "I didn't grow up without sense. You wouldn't has to keep it once we was on your hidden ship. Let us go. Let me learn and if you keeps your word I will come see your palace in my time." She stepped back to Kace. He did not trust her, so she did not trust him.

"I trust you, Elisia," he said. "It's your guardian I have the problem with. As soon as this goes to you, he'd probably jump at the chance to kill me regardless of all the assurances I've given you." He shook his head. "But, to show my good faith, and put my life in your hands." He removed the necklace and slid it to Elisia. "There you go." He smiled knowing that all he needed to do was stay near Elisia, and Kace wouldn't be able to hurt him.

Elisia snatched the necklace. But she immediately felt cut off from Kace and she could no longer see the swirling blackness that surrounded Kandran. She stepped backwards. "I keep my word. I will hold this till you release us and I will see your palace."

Kace winced and stepped close to Elisia, within the radius of the ysalamiri. Not having contact with the Force was disconcerting, but he masked it well. He put a hand on her shoulder and nodded, a smile and approving look appearing. It disappeared as he looked away, toward Dargus. "Let's go," he said.

---

"The Grand Floating Ship"
By: Dargus Kandran - Crimelord, Kandran Syndicate
Elisia Melouet - Urchin
Kace Mordin - Traveler

Location: Dargus' Floating Ship
Date: Selene 8, 3 ABY

***

Dargus' air speeder settled to the landing deck smoothly. The canopy opened and they all climbed out. They crossed the bay and entered the ship proper. With a feral smile, Dargus led them through a long corridor past many ornate fixtures and other signs of his opulent wealth.

They entered a vast room with mirrors covering nearly every surface. The floors appeared to be white marble lined with violet veins. From the ceiling, golden chandeliers cast light down into the room, leaving no shadows. The room shone with a brilliance that nearly forced them all to shade their eyes, but it perfectly displayed just how rich the decor was. This was the room Dargus used to impress, and it appeared to be doing its job. And, this was the poorest of what he had planned to show Elisia.

Elisia stared around utterly amazed. Even her slave master had not had such finery around her. Her eyes misted up as she remembered a home that had once been fine and full of light. She clung more tightly to Kace's hand. She had not let go of him since taking Dargus' necklace. Having gotten used to the mental connection, she was afraid to let go now physically.

Kace let his eyes wander over the interior of the room. He couldn't help wondering how much the credits used to build it out to Dargus Kandran's opulent specifications could have helped the rebellion and the fight against the Empire. He had to wonder if the room made Dargus feel better about himself. He had to wonder if all the pain and suffering he'd caused were quenched by standing in the splendor of what his ill-gotten wealth could buy him. If that was what it took to scrub the pain of past deeds way, Kace knew he would have to learn to live with it all. And, perhaps through teaching Elisia about the Force and how to use it, he could silence, even just a little, the screams he heard in his dreams.

"Follow me, Elisia," Dargus said. "There are many splendid things for you to see here. This is just the beginning." With a grand flourish, he led the way into what appeared to be a library. Vidchips and monitors filled all the walls. He handed her a datapad and a handful of specially selected chips. "For you. And, if you ever want to read, you will find anything you want here. I have collected every work I could find and have it here. Please look around and enjoy yourself."

Elisia flushed in embarrassment and handed them back to him. "I can't accept these," she murmured. She looked around the room with longing. It was clear in her eyes that she wanted to very very much.

Kace looked around the room, his expression unreadable. His eyes followed the rows of texts, up one wall and down the next. He had known that Kandran had money, and lots of it. He had done his research in the time he'd been on the shipyards. The crimelord was playing the game as he expected he would. And, he was tempting Elisia just as Kace knew he would. And, he had a feeling each room would bring a greater temptation than the last. He only hoped Elisia was strong enough to resist the offers. He did not know if he could teach her with Dargus standing in the shadows.

"You can't," Dargus asked with an expression of feigned shock. "Oh, but you must. I have selected them for you. They're yours. Oh, you can't read. Well, I have something to take care of that too." He pressed a button on his belt. A door at the end of the room opened and a golden droid entered the room. "A protocol droid for you. Yours to name, and it can teach you to read as well. Anything you want to learn this droid can teach you."

Elisia looked up at Kace with concern, a growing fear on her face. She shrunk back against him, overwhelmed at the sheer generosity that this man, Kandran was offering her. She pinched herself to make sure she was awake. For a child whose life had been filled with nothing but want and starvation, she didn't know how to refuse the gifts and yet feared them nonetheless. In her limited experience, men wanted one thing when they gave so much. When Kace had asked her if she could handle it, she had basically no idea what was being asked. Now looking at all the splendor around her, she felt small and insignificant. She remembered the man in the brothel who had offered her a beautiful ring when she had first met him. She had made the mistake of merely reaching out and taking it. She buried her face against Kace's side.

Kace put a protective arm around Elisia. With her holding the ysalamiri, he could not calm her telepathically. He hoped she trusted him enough that his touch would not drive her away. "It'll be okay, Elisia," he whispered gently. "Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. It will help calm your emotions."

Kace met Dargus' eyes, his own seeming less blue, less vibrant standing so near the ysalamiri. "Keep the droid and the datapad," he said. "I am her teacher, and I will teach her what she needs. Not your droid. Now, let us move on so you can continue your temptations to try to woo her to you. Perhaps the next room will have a starship for her, or a credit chip with an unlimited balance? Or, piles of gold and clothing of every style she could imagine? We need nothing from you, Dargus. We will pay our own way, not float by on your credit chip. Do you have more to show us without you trying to seduce her with your gifts, or is that all this is?"

"And, it will take you years to teach her what that droid could teach her in one," he said. "Why keep that from her? She needs that education to survive in this galaxy." He made a show of looking at Kace and shaking his head. "This may be all quite overwhelming. For that I am sorry, but you deserve it. I have prepared a room filled with clothing. And, I have taken the liberty of opening an account with the First Chimaerian Bank in your name with a balance of two hundred thousand credits. And, you have a speeder bike and modified YT-2400 freighter." He gave her another of his smiles to entice her. "But I have one last surprise for you, my dear. Come this way."

He led then down another hallway that opened into his formal dining room. It was easily the most exquisite room in the entire ship. The table in the center was easily ten meters long and it was entirely covered with every food his servants could fit on it. He had her now. Perhaps if she worked out, he could get rid of Yelara and her insolence. He would miss the sex, but her defiance wouldn't be missed at all.

"With money comes power, and my power allows me anything I wish. I can give you anything you want. If you see something you want, I can buy it for you. If you wish to go someplace, I can take you there on the fastest ships. If someone bothers you, I can have them killed in an instant." Dargus' mind raced to find something to entice her, draw her in. She had no parents. Possibly an orphan, who might wish to be reunited with those she lost. "I have the resources to give you anything. Money, power, anything. I have a stable of bounty hunters at my disposable. If you were ever wronged, I could have them find that person, whoever they may be, and bring them to you."

Elisia's eyes grew wide at the amount of food. She moved away from Kace and walked along the table. It would have fed all the children on Tatooine for a week. Dargus' words struck home. "Find anyone?" she asked tentatively, turning to look at him.

At her question, Kace felt a sense of dread descend on him. He couldn't help wondering that he had just lost her. He kept it from his face, but he had a strong suspicion things just turned in Dargus' favor. He kept his eyes on Elisia as she walked beside the table, Dargus' seduction pulling at her.

Got her, Dargus thought with triumph. "Why yes. Find anyone you wish. My bounty hunters are quite good, I assure you."

She looked at Kace and then at Dargus. One was offering to train her to use her wishes. The other was offering to give her the means to find the pirates and maybe even her mother. But one she could trust, what of the other? "What do you want from me if I accept your gifts? All things have a price?" Her demeanor as a young child was lost in her greed for revenge.

Kace frowned, allowing his displeasure to show plainly to all. He will claim no price, he thought to himself, but that is only what he says now. The silver-tongued snake will extract a price eventually, that is certain.

"Only your loyal friendship," he said with a sickly sweet smile. "Just your friendship, that's all I desire." He approached her, his arms open to her.

He had the walk of a predator and she took a quick step back. "Fine, my friendship. I promise nothing more. But first, I will answer only to Master Kace as his Padawan and his wishes are mine. When I have finished my training, we can speak of such gifts again. I will take now only what Master Kace says I truly have a need of. Is this agreeable?" she said, a sharp intelligent edge to her voice. He could tell she was close to bolting in sheer terror. For some reason, though he had not raised a hand, he frightened her.

"My ship is yours, Elisia," he said. "You can have any of this anytime. And my friendship is yours whenever you desire it." And, even when you don't, he added with a viperous smile.

She nodded. "Master?" She would only accept what he would allow. At the same time, she was hoping he would let her accept at least a little. However, she would trust his judgement.

Kace looked at her. He didn't need to be inside her mind to know how much she wanted what Dargus was offering. She didn't know the price of accepting those gifts. Not Dargus' price, only Dargus knew that. She didn't know that if Dargus won this battle she would receive no training, not from Kace. Dargus Kandran spoiled everything he touched, and he would not try to train her after Dargus worked whatever manipulative scheme he had planned.

He would make it up to her. "We will have to discuss your generous offer, Kandran," Kace said. "We will contact you when we have reached a decision. I don't believe we will have any trouble reaching you."

"As I said, I am available to you anytime, my dear. Please don't hesitate to call on me." He looked at Kace with an expression of disgust. "Either of you. We are friends now, Elisia, you and I. You must never forget that. And, anything you want a wish fulfilled, just let me know." He smiled, knowing he was drawing her closer. "Would you like to stay for awhile? Perhaps sample some of the desserts?"

She had already stated that she would only accept what Kace would allow. Her eyes met his with an intense longing. The food smelled so delicious. Her mouth watered just with the aroma of it.

Kace looked at Elisia, wondering if, after all the food she'd eaten only a short time ago at breakfast, she'd still want more. "We can stay for a short time if you are still hungry," he said. "Otherwise, I think we have your training to plan and start. I would like to get some of that done today."

Elisia couldn't help it. There was food here that she had never hoped to taste, let alone have unlimited access to. She began to sample from various dishes put before her, leaving the two men to converse between them. She moved away from them and they were free to speak without her hearing. She was too absorbed in the delights crossing her tongue.

"You can take any of this with you," Dargus said. "And, then you'll have it whenever you grow hungry."

Elisia smiled a delighted smile and continued tasting. She would taste everything and then decide what she would take. She made it to the far end of the table where there was a container to put things into. She looked like a small child in a candy shop.

Kace glanced between Dargus and Elisia. "We have food, Dargus," he said. "We don't need yours. She will not need to worry where her next meal is coming from, and she will have plenty of it."

"True," Dargus said with a sneer. "I'm sure you have food, but the girl deserves good food not whatever it is you buy for her. She shall have the best gourmet foods available in all of the outer rim. And, from me, she shall have it whenever she wishes."

Kace returned the smile. "You are correct," he said. "She will have the best foods, but they will not be coming from you." He turned to his student. "Elisia, we should leave now. We should begin your training."

"Yes master," she answered promptly. She covered her container and clasped it tightly. Habits on the street instilled, one did not leave food behind if possible. She walked over to Dargus and handed him his necklace. "A first act of faith, sir," she said softly.

"You will never be able to give her the things she deserves. You must see that. You cannot give to her as I can. But, I wish you the best in her training. Really. I do. And, Elisia, anytime you wish new clothes or better food or even better company, you know how to find me."

Kace glanced at Elisia to see that she was ready. "While Elisia is my student, keep your distance. I do not need you disrupting the balance. If she wishes to associate with you after she has been trained, that is her choice. But, not before."

Elisia moved back to Kace's side. She did not understand the power play going on between them, but she did note it.

Dargus only smiled his viper's smile. He knew how to get to her now, and get to her he would. "My pilot will return you to the hotel, but if you wish a more permanent residence, I can purchase her one. A big one. Let me know."

Kace smiled as he glanced back to Dargus. "Thank you," he said. "We will let you know." With that he turned, and with Elisia, left Dargus' palace.

Dargust watched Elisia and Kace depart. And, he would be damned if he heeded Kace Mordin's warnings. He was Dargus Kandran, and he would do what he pleased when it pleased him. A man didn't have power like his and then take orders from a man like that. No, Dargus would see Elisia again. It wouldn't be long before he tempted her to him and his ways.

---

"Lessons"
By: Elisia Melouet - Padawan Learner
Kace Mordin - Jedi Master

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 8, 3 ABY

***

Elisia had the most fantastic hour of her life. Every shop seemed tripping over her to serve her. Finally she found a shop with the type of clothing she had always wanted to wear and had feared to do so. She looked in the mirror at the tight pants. They were made of a material that gave her freedom of movement and yet showed her curves to advantage. For a top, she had chosen an off the shoulder white top and a black leather jacket. She turned in the mirror with a smile. She did not look like a little girl anymore. She suddenly found herself very glad. She blushed as she realized that she wanted Kace to see her as something more than a child. She turned to the store clerk. "I like this one," she said. "I will wear it out."

Her hair had already been styled and she even had indulged in some cosmetics. The clerk had said they suited her so well that she had given them to her for free. Elisia had never heard of such generosity but was having such fun that she didn't argue. So far she had barely touched the credits that Kace had given her.

She picked up her old clothes; she would keep them for working out. She looked in the mirror again still not believing her own reflection. Returning to the counter, the clerk took her clothes and put them in a bag. Elisia handed her Kace's chip. The clerk smiled and handed it back. "Your credits are no good here, child."

Elisia frowned. She had no other credits and didn't know how to pay for the clothes.

The clerk smiled indulgently. "Go, enjoy. Consider it a gift of the station for bringing us good luck."

Elisia looked at her as if she were nuts but was not going to argue. She took the bag and hurried back to the ship.

Kace heard the ramp drop and footsteps climbing up into the ship. He sensed it was Elisia and smiled. He looked up as she appeared in the doorway of the main cabin. His eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hairline, and he wasn't quite sure if his jaw was hanging open or not. He smiled and nodded. "You look great," he said. "Wow...I mean really great."

She spun around in delight. "I do, don't I?" She laughed with glee, her hand running through her now more stylish hair. "I have never had SOOO much fun." She skipped over to him and handed him the credit chip. "Thank you thank you thank you." She practically skipped to the galley to grab a piece of fruit.

Kace returned the chip to its holder. "Well, I'm sure we can arrange more trips like this if you want," he said. "Though, I'll need to clear out some of the storage space on the ship for your new clothes." He grinned. "Which won't be a problem at all."

"Actually, I only bought this one outfit," she said with a smile. She wondered what he would say when he realized that she had only managed to spend four credits.

"And, you're satisfied with just that one outfit? I mean, it is a very nice outfit. One that definitely looks very nice on you." Get back on track, part of his mind told him. "I just figured if you had so much fun buying that outfit, you'd want others."

"I am sure I would. But I told you an hour and it was close to being over," she pointed out. "Besides, I felt a little giddy. Too much of a good thing and all." She sat down beside him, her legs coming up as her arms went around her knees. "So do Jedis have to do anything special before we go to bed?" she asked, half teasing, half serious.

He looked down at her, not quite understanding what she meant. "Well, they don't really have to do anything if they don't want to," he said. "I guess it's all a matter of personal preference. Why do you ask?"

"I was just curious. Every time I wake up, you are staring at the back of your eyelids." She cocked her head and waited for an answer.

He laughed. "Oh that," he said. "That's just a meditation exercise I do. It helps me focus my thoughts. It allows me to calm my mind, and hear the will of the Force. I can teach you if you'd like. Whenever you feel you're ready."

"I am not tired. So whatever my master wishes to teach me," she answered somewhat saucily. "Or I can go to my room and get out of your hair."

He looked at her askance. "You're not in my hair," he said, with a smile. "So, would you like to learn to move things with the Force when you want to?"

"Actually, if I have a choice. The first thing that comes to mind is reading and counting. I don't know when I am being cheated if it is written down and not spoken." This concerned her greatly.

He nodded. "Reading and counting it is then," he said. "I'll be right back." He moved off to the ship's library and downloaded a few of the more basic language learning texts to a datapad. He returned and sat next to Elisia. "We'll start with reading."

He began going through the first lesson with her. It was fairly simple, but effective. He remembered going through the same texts with Tal Dan. He had a feeling that Elisia was going to be a much better student than he ever was.

His prediction proved true. By the time they had finished, she already had a grasp on the idea of letters and sounds. She looked up at him. "How long will it take to be able to read? I mean, I know they all are letters and they all have sounds, but they still look like jumbled heaps," she said, frowning at the data pad.

"I imagine you'll have it down pretty good in another lesson or two," he said. "The letters and sounds all come together to form words. Once you know the combinations of sounds that make up most words, then it should be fairly simple to put everything together. You are a very fast student, so I think you will have no problem learning to read. Or write."

"Write?" She had never thought of writing. She could copy these letters. She could draw, she could copy these letters. "Do you have paper?" Paper was a luxury that a street urchin NEVER saw.

"I do actually," he said. "I'll be right back."

He returned a moment later carrying a small stack of white sheets of paper. He handed them to her and returned to his seat. "That's all I have, but we can get more."

She handled them as if they were priceless treasures. "And pencil?" she breathed rather than spoke. Her eyes were large and she stared at the crisp whiteness in awe.

He held out the pencil that had been sitting with the paper. He couldn't stop himself from smiling, as he looked at her face.

Of all the things she had been given so far, this was the best present of all. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. She took the pencil carefully and began to draw frantically. A woman's face took shape very quickly on the paper. A slow tear fell down Elisia's face as she added quick deft touches to the beautiful woman's face. She did not look up until the drawing was complete. She stared at the picture, elated that she could still remember. She used to draw it in the dirt of the streets.

Kace's eyes never left Elisia as she concentrated on her drawing. When she finished, he let the silence linger for a moment before speaking. "Your mother?"

She nodded. "I used to draw her all the time. But I gave up not long ago. I figured I would never see her. Besides, I had to quit drawing, it became...frightening."

"She's a pretty woman," he said. "As I would expect a princess to look. And, we will find her." He looked back down at the drawing. "I see where you get your beauty from." The words were out before he could stop them. He cursed himself for the lapse. "Why did drawing become frightening?"

Elisia didn't notice his reference. "It wasn't this drawing. Sometimes I would draw from the heart and then..." She took a deep breath. She knew he would not think her crazy. "Then they would come true," she whispered.

He thought about it for a moment. "I've heard of that happening before," he said. "Though, it was a very long time ago. There are many talents that have been lost through the ages. It's possible that you possess one of them."

"I don't like it," she said. "It makes me feel like I make it happen," she said worriedly.

He put a hand on her shoulder. "We'll see what we can do with your training," he said. "I'll do some research into the talents, and see what I can find out. We should be able to control it."

She looked at the paper; to her it was an enormous stack. "May I keep this to practice my letters?" she asked reverently. She was finally tired.

Kace smiled. "Of course you can," he said. "And, if you need more, just let me know. I'm sure one of the shops around here sell paper."

"You are my angel. That's it, heaven finally sent an angel to rescue me." Her eyes turned to him with naked devotion.

He smiled, and knew his face was reddening. "Someone must have sent me to you," he said. "I am glad I got there in time. I never thought I would be anyone's teacher, but I like the idea now."

"I know," she said with a smile. She got up and kissed him on the cheek. She gathered her paper and pens along with the data pad with the letters. "I will go to bed now, it has been a long day."

"It has been, hasn't it," he said. "Hopefully we won't have any more like this for a long time. I am certain you will be going to bed very tired from now on, but the emotional tension of the day won't be quite as high. Good night, Elisia. You've done very well today. I am very proud."

She smiled and slipped from the room. It was amazing in how short a time it had been, that his approval meant so much to her. She spent another two hours dutifully copying letters before falling into her bed too exhausted to dream.

Kace spent the next several hours working on the repairs he'd been neglecting. He was happy the ship had exceptional sound baffles. Elisia would hardly notice that he was doing anything to the ship. When he was finally done, he returned to the main cabin and fell asleep on one of the couches. It had been a very long and exhausting day. He was glad it ended the way it did; there were moments when he wasn't quite sure. But at the end of it all, he was certain he could fully trust Elisia.

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