"Sowing the Seeds"
by Robin Black [NPC+]

Location: Thanatos Desert
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

Robin moved with a warrior's skill and prowess through the desert he had been in more than his fair share of battles to know how to use the terrain. His personal deflector shield hummed; he had taken the precaution of activating it. You never knew what would or could attack you out in the sticks. His blaster cannon was slung over his shoulder.

The collection point was an obvious ambush sight. There were two ridges on each side that surrounded the valley. The walkers wouldn't be able to come at the sight straight away; they would have to walk the length of the canyon. Robin smiled at his brother's ingenuity. With a wall each side higher than an AT-AT it would be easy to blow apart some of the bigger machines or at least cripple them by causing a rock slide.

Robin moved under each ridge and placed the charges. Then slowly he scaled the first side of the ridge. Placing the charges on both sides of the ridge took eight hours. By the end of it, Robin's short hair was drenched with sweat, and his muscles ached and pounded. It was now time to set up box 37. The mechanical unit which only Jack really knew how to use. It acted as a projector for energy fields, found on a old planet it utilised technology long since forgotten. He set up the box and activated it. Behind him a physical form of his ship flickered and appeared. He walked over to it and ran his hand along the ship's hull. It tingled like electricity but felt real enough.

He smiled. Job well done, he thought.

---

"Secret Lunch"
by Zale Tregat
and Ellemiek Vermolen

Location: A Yesrin Café
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

Zale Tregat stepped through the gate in the small fence surrounding the sidewalk café. He smiled as he spotted the blonde woman at one of the tables lining the side of the establishment and started toward her. They'd planned on meeting at his office, but the situation with Kandran as well as the Vrax Draydge problem had kept him from going outside. Kaysa was doing much better now, and with her feeling herself, it wasn't long before she practically pushed him out the door.

Shiv's first performance at the Palace of Stars had been delayed. Weibran wanted everything perfect, and he wanted his beautiful new dancing star to shine, so he wanted to have additional rehearsal time. Rumour had it that he'd called in a choreographer from off the planet to help Shiv through her first big number. She'd been beaming over it when she returned from her rehearsal last night. He was looking forward to that performance.

"Why hello there," he said as he reached the table. "I guess we're both busy people, but it's good we finally found time to sit down together. So, how have you been?"

"Busy!" Ellemiek smiled warmly as she motioned for Zale to take the opposite seat to her. "I was recently called to Coruscant and headed back only a few days ago. I've heard that your wife is okay. I'm glad for you and for her safety," she told him as she gazed deep into his eyes.

"Thank you," Zale said with a smile. "It can get trying at times because it's a very awkward relationship. She's got two husbands and a girlfriend besides. It's a good thing I like her other husband, or there would be serious problems. So, what was happening on Coruscant? Anything you could let me in on?"

She took a sip of her drink. "Well, the planets are mostly free now. Especially the core ones. There is a New Republic forming. But we still have some problems, namely a Grand Admiral Thrawn and Grand Admiral Tarkin of whom we have reason to believe that the latter is more dangerous considering that he has more resources and very well defended as well." She sighed then, looking up at Zale. "But that doesn't really concern you, and I don't want you to get bored! I was told to get some free time while here, since all I have to do for the next days is to keep an eye on the Imperial activity in New Plouton."

"Free time," Zale said with a smile. "That does sound nice. And, if you want to talk about work, it's alright. I'm a concerned citizen as well. It won't be long before Tarkin's eyes shift to opposition that isn't part of the Rebellion. I'm one of the higher profile crimelords on the planet, and I'm certain he won't turn a blind eye to me for long."

Ellemiek sighed and shook her head slightly. "I don't think he considers you a threat yet since he does have the means to finish you off. And as long as he doesn't get anyone in his way here in New Plouton, he should overlook you the same way he overlooks other things. But would he find you a supporter of the Alliance...then yes, you would be in danger." She then gave him a warm smile and took his hand. "But don't worry, I'd come to your rescue!"

Zale chuckled. "Oh my hero," he said with a grin. "Seriously, I am thinking strongly about supporting the removal of the Empire from this planet and support for the New Republic. Of course, to do that I'd probably have to legitimize some of my operations. I don't know, do you think going legit would suit me?"

"I think so!" She nodded happily. "It would certainly take away what I don't like about you!" she told him, although she didn't really think he'd act only under legitimate operations. Besides he had said some of his operations. "Tell me something, Zale, what type of government would you choose for Tae'Karada now that the High Prince and High Princess are gone? Who would you choose as leader for the people?"

"Perhaps the New Republic could help by assigning some sort of provisional government to the planet until the people of Tae'Karada could organize one of their own. For a planet like this, I believe a representative democracy would be the ideal form. I believe the hereditary monarchy on Tae'Karada is over, and we must have a new form of governing that gives all people a voice."

Ellemiek sighed and nodded as she took another sip of her drink. "Yes, I agree. But the royal family is not completely dead. You see, there was a member who acted mostly as the High Prince's personal guard but was also part of the family. One Alisson Blair. But we don't know where she is, although we know she is alive! I wonder if she would take the helm. If she's hiding until Grand Admiral Tarkin is overthrown. And I wonder if we'll ever be able to overthrow him..."

"It can be done," Zale said confidently. "I think if you try to put someone back on the throne, you'll have problems. First, I think that this woman will be contested. Second, I don't if that's the best form of government for Tae'Karada any longer. Especially after a high prince, and then the current resident dictator. Is another lone ruler really wise?"

"I'm not sure. The people did like the High Prince!" she said. "But either way, I don't think she wants it, so giving the power back to the people should come easy enough. Oh, I hope we can find peace for this system as we have for others!" she said. "But let's focus on other things more interesting. Things like...you!" She smiled.

"Like me?" Zale asked with a laugh. "Am I more interesting?"

"Than the Grand Admiral and fighting? Yes, for sure!" She laughed. "Plus, I don't know much about you except what I've read from our files. I was hoping to hear it from you sometime. To get to know the real you!"

"That sounds fair," Zale said. He gave her a disarming grin and leaned forward slightly. "So, what do you want to know, Elle?"

"What's it like to be a powerful man? I'm sure you're accustomed go getting things your way." She laughed mockingly, then leaning closer until her face was only a few centimeters away from Zale's. "No, seriously. What's your story?"

"Well, I love the power that I do have," Zale said with a smile. "But, I think I'm fairly good about not abusing it. When Dargus Kandran went down the first time, I decided I wanted to climb to the top of the pile. I've been feeling more out of sorts lately though. I don't know how much longer I can keep up the facade of a criminal overlord when I've got a family at home, so to speak. I have too many ties outside of the crimeworld, and those sorts of things can get them hurt. I couldn't do that. I wouldn't want someone to come after, say, you because of your ties to me. I couldn't live with myself if someone close to me was hurt because of me."

Ellemiek was startled when Zale gave her as an example since she hadn't foreseen that he could care for her in such a way. Of course, there was always the chance that Zale was just a womanizer, a charmer. "Your words flatter me, Zale," she told him, somewhat blushed from it all. "But there are enough that do want me gone as it is, so I got accustomed to it. No need to worry! I guess I've seen enough war for the both of us, so I want to spare you from it, meaning I'll always be here for you," she said shyly, not knowing what he would feel like, having a woman willing to protect him. "But it's very sweet that you don't want to harm your family and friends, and that you include me in it!"

"Of course," Zale said with a smile. "How could I not? I think you and I share a special kind of closeness, and I wouldn't want to lose that. And, I'm glad that you're willing to stand by me. I've got a lot of people who don't exactly want me to keep sucking air. But, I'm glad you're here and safe. I've missed you."

By now she couldn't help showing her blushed cheeks and she tried to cover them slightly with her hands as she smiled shyly. "Not more than I've missed you!" she answered. "After all, you're the one who ran out on me in the morning without even a goodbye kiss!"

Zale kissed her gently. "I hope that makes up for some of the lost time," he said. "And, I would have woken you, but I had to get to the office, and I was late as it was. I promise it won't happen again."

Ellemiek bit her lip and ran her tongue over it gently and smoothly. "Maybe next time I'll just grab you and kidnap you, take you to a far away system where it'll just be us!" she warned with a grin. "Then you would have nowhere to run off to."

"That sounds very nice," he said with an inviting smile. "Though, if I were to leave, I think Moril would be out of his league handling the everyday runnings of my businesses. He can handle things when I'm gone for a little while, but I don't think he's interested in taking over. But, I'm sure we can figure something out."

She made a sad face mockingly. "You're not telling me I can't take you away and keep you to myself," she said. "Not fair!" She then laughed. "But I guess if we can make small escapades once in a while it would be better than nothing! We'll have to plan one of those."

"I like that idea," Zale said with a smile. "And, I'm sure we can make it better than most everything else."

She smiled gently at him and wondered what it would be like to be off with Zale Tregat in a secluded planet, a place where they could be by themselves, without any people to watch or judge. Would he still be the same, or would he be worse...or better... She blinked as if coming out of her split second day-dream. "Hummm," she murmured. "I can imagine. I mean, Tae'Karada is a beautiful planet, but I've seen some places that just look divine. Almost too good to be true! Maybe we can share them sometime. Find our place together," she told him, even though she knew only too well that the chances of a man like him and an Alliance officer like her having a relationship were almost impossible. Besides, he was married!

Zale reached out and took her hands in his. "I'm sure we'll find a way to make something work, Elle," he said. "Even if it's only meeting like this. So, how long are you planetside for this time?"

"A couple of weeks." She sighed. "Then I have to go back to report to my superior officers. My orders are to report directly and not via messaging them. It is safer that way. So, I have to lay low for a couple of weeks. Maybe we can see each other sometime while I'm around?"

"You're not a telepath," Zale said with a smile, "because that's exactly what I was thinking."

"No, I'm not!" She laughed. "Zale Tregat, you are the worst womanizer I know!" she told him in between her laughter. "But I like you even so. So, what are you doing tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow night, Shiv has her first performance at the Palace of Stars," Zale said. "So, Kaysa, Merrick, and I will be attending that. I should have some free time the day after though. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful!" She smiled warmly. "There's a place that I want to show you. My favourite place in all the land of Tae'Karada."

"I'm looking forward to it," Zale said with a smile. "Can you give me any hints, or is it a surprise?"

"I'd rather it be a surprise!" she said with a small laugh, then looking outside. "It's getting late and I should be going," she added with a sigh.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Zale said. "But I understand. But, I'll see you again soon."

"You can count on it!" she said with a nod as she got up and leaned so that she could kiss Zale. Only this time she kissed him on the lips, her tongue finding its way into his mouth and rolling around his tongue. She groped his hair softly and as they parted their kiss she smiled warmly. "You can count on it," she repeated just before she left.

Zale watched her go and laughed softly to himself. "I will count on it," he said softly. He then dropped a credit slip onto the table to cover the cost of the meal, and strode away from the cafe.

---

"Renewal"
By: Nieme Yaresh (Selrid?)
Kael Selrid

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

It seemed the remotes and Nieme would forever be at odds, though the remotes managed to always win. She'd practiced diligently for an hour alone each day, trying to advance to the level Dani had excelled to so rapidly, but she had yet to deflect even one bolt from the remotes. The discomfort of being stung by the energy beams was overshadowed by the frustration of failing, no matter how hard she tried to succeed. Even now she was being bombarded with orange spears of light, and as fast as her lightsaber was swinging they still all hit her, or would have hit her if she hadn't manoeuvred out of the way.

With an agitated cry, Nieme commanded the remote to power down, then flung her lightsaber across the training room. She stared in bewilderment as the weapon came to a halt before it could connect with the wall, and simply remained suspended.

Kael stepped slowly into the room, his hand outstretched toward Nieme's lightsaber. There was a hint of a smile on his lips as the weapon slowly started flowing backwards. He let it twirl slightly, as a little flourish to his technique, and directed it back toward Nieme. He finally stopped it directly in front of her. Unable to hold it back, a grin appeared.

Nieme swiped at the weapon and muttered sourly, "Show-off." She attached the lightsaber to her belt, then gave Kael a wan smile. "How long have you been out there?"

"Just the last couple minutes," Kael said. "Your form is looking really good, Nieme. I think the problem is you're still hesitant to reach out with the Force."

Nieme laughed wryly and shook her head. "I am not. What reason would I have to do that?"

"Your visions," Kael said softly. "Your technique is really fast, but you're always behind the remote's blasts. Usually that implies that you're not trusting enough to the Force, and that you're reacting with your mundane senses."

With a sigh, Nieme turned away from Kael. "You know how bad they were, Kael. Sometimes I find my mind drifting, reaching out to what lies ahead in the future, and I get so scared that I pull back. I don't want the visions back, Kael. They're gone now and I want them to stay that way."

"You have control of them now, Nieme," Kael said as he looked around the room. "You can use them now if you try. Have you tried looking ahead yet? Have you tried testing to see if you can control them? You're stronger now, Nieme, and the only thing that holds you back is your hesitation. I've never seen you so confident or in control as you are now. It's...it's very nice to see."

"Thanks," she replied. She looked over her shoulder at Kael and smiled softly. "But I don't know if I can. What if...I get lost again? Kael, I'm afraid I won't find my way back."

"There are so many people here who will help you if anything happens, Nieme," he said. "I'll help you. If you want to try right now, I'll be here with you. I can...I can be here if anything goes wrong. But, I think everything will be alright. Things are different now, Nieme. Things are better for you."

"For both of us," she corrected as she fully faced him again. "You're different with Rae. You're happier. I'm glad you've finally found something to make you smile. It makes me happy too."

"And, I can't help feeling very happy whenever I see you with Dani," Kael said. "The joy in your face and in your eyes...I can't help feeling it myself. It usually makes me realize just how completely stupid I was, but I know that you're better with her. Your love is simpler, more complete. I think we had something powerful and strong, but it was very different. We did well, Nieme, both of us."

"We did," she agreed quietly. "I know things weren't always good for us, but we had some fun times, some happiness. You were the first friend I ever had, Kael, and you still are. Even after everything else, I've never regretted meeting you." Nieme laughed. "Now, marrying you, on the other hand..."

Kael grinned. "We were very impulsive, weren't we? I never regretted meeting you either, Nieme. I never regretted loving you. And, I don't regret the love I still feel for you, even if it's a little different than when we started. I am glad we are still friends, and I know we will always be friends. Nothing will ever stop that."

"Nothing...except maybe for the constant flaunting of your superior skills," she teased, gently punching Kael in the arm. "You're a great Jedi, Kael. You have to teach me a few things sometime."

"I would be happy to," Kael said. "And, I don't think they're superior skills, just more developed. I'm certain with a little work and a little confidence, you'll be better than I could ever be."

"Oh, no," Nieme said quickly. "Not ever, Kael. I'm not cut out for this. You are. I'll never be a true Jedi, not like you, not like Dani and Aurra. I think one day I'm just going to give it all up and become a cook again. I think I'm better suited for that."

Kael took a step closer to her. "Do you want to be a Jedi, Nieme?" Hesitantly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "What do you want?"

Nieme sighed. "I just want to do whatever makes me happy," she replied. "For now, being a Jedi has brought me some joy. Being with Dani has brought me even more." She glanced at Kael's hand then smiled up at him. "You feel wonderful, Kael," she whispered. "Even when we made love, you never felt like that. Imagine how glorious it would have been if you had."

A slight wash of colour crept over Kael's features. "It would have been very nice," he said. "I think...I think things would have worked out between us if I'd been like this then."

Nieme brought her hand to his and lightly brushed her fingers over it. "They would have. But you've got Rae now. You can have a fresh start with her and do it right this time. You deserve that chance."

Kael smiled as he reversed his hand and slipped it into hers. "I want you to be happy, Nieme," he said. "If there's anything I can do to make you happy, to help you reach your dreams, I want to help. You helped me out of the desert, helped me realize there was more. I want to help you to find that same kind of thing."

Nieme gazed down pensively at their linked hands, then looked up at Kael and grinned. "Help me train now? Go through some things with me. That should make me at least a little happy for a while."

"I would be happy to," Kael said with a smile. "Did you want to work with the remote? I could stand behind you, and guide you."

Nieme chewed her lip in contemplation, then nodded her head decisively. "I have to get this right, Kael, or I'll be scorched beyond recognition!" She laughed as she playfully rubbed her rear. "That thing has good aim."

Kael laughed. "It does, and I had my share of scorches when I first started out." He moved around behind her, slipped his arms through hers and gently placed his hands against the back of hers. He would help guide her as she moved, and hopefully in doing that, she would eventually gain the confidence to open herself up. It wasn't easy, but he managed to push the feelings evoked by their closeness from his mind.

Nieme sighed softly at the sensation of Kael's body ever so slightly touching hers. It brought back fond memories of their time together, and none of the bad ones, surprisingly. Taking a moment to steady herself, Nieme called upon the remote to activate its practice mode and soon it was lifting off the ground and ascending. "I'm not very good at this, so beware: You might get hit as much as I do."

"I'll take my chances," Kael whispered.

Nieme shivered slightly at the light touch of Kael's breath upon her ear, but as the sound of the remote charging up came, her mind snapped into focus. The first shot fired, and if Kael hadn't been there to control her movements, it would have struck her thigh. The next bolt came almost immediately afterwards, and with a quick parry of her lightsaber, thanks to Kael's reflexes again, it was deflected. "I'm scared to open my mind," she told him quickly before they sidestepped another shot together.

Kael brought his face along the side of hers, his lips close to her ear. "It'll be alright," he said softly. "I'm here with you. If anything happens, I'll be here. I won't let anything bad happen to you, Nieme. I won't let anything go wrong."

The urgency to elude the remote's shots was surprisingly forgotten as Nieme turned her head slightly towards Kael's face, his lips lightly brushing her cheek. "I trust you, Kael," she whispered. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, while their bodies moved as one to avoid and repel the orange bolts.

Kael couldn't ignore the touch of Nieme's body against his, her lips against his cheek, or the arousal that now flushed through him. They had been very close, and it was obvious that those feelings were not completely dead. But, as they had moved well together in a bed, they now moved well together against the remote. There was a part of him that wanted to stay like this for the rest of the day.

Even with her eyes closed, Nieme could picture the shots from the remote coming towards them. She could see precisely where they would impact and where she had to place her lightsaber to block them. She and Kael moved fluidly and with a surprising calm, a drastic change compared to her previous desperate and erratic movements. Alone, she was lost; with Kael there to hold her and guide her, everything became clear. She felt herself pressing closer to Kael, and his hips rubbing against hers. Nieme involuntarily moaned softly and moved her cheek against Kael's lips.

Without realizing it, Kael's arms had slipped down around Nieme's waist as he held her to him. Together, they still moved together, and not one blaster bolt got through. He found his lips brushing hers, and then seeking out her throat. Her body against his felt perfect, complete, more so than it ever had before. The way they moved together, the oneness he felt in those moments with her, it was beyond anything he'd ever imagined before.

Nieme gasped softly and breathlessly ordered the remote to power down. Once the device stopped firing, Nieme released her lightsaber and let it clatter upon the ground. Without opening her eyes, she quickly shifted around into Kael's embrace and opened her neck to his kisses. "I was doing well," she said. "Did you see?"

"You were doing great, Nieme," Kael whispered. "You were amazing. Your movements were fluid and graceful. You looked like a real Jedi."

"Only because of you." Nieme finally opened her eyes and looked upon Kael with gratitude, and yearning. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer to him. "I have to thank you now," she said silkily. "It's only right that I thank you for your help."

Kael smiled and then nodded. "It's only right," he said with a smile. "And, we have to do what's right."

Nieme's lips curled into a sultry smile as she extended her arm and used the Force to seal the training room doors. Once they had privacy, she brought both her hands up to frame Kael's face. "I still love you, Kael," she admitted. "I love Dani, but in my heart, I still love you."

"And, I could never stop loving you, Nieme," Kael said. "I know I hurt you, and in doing so I hurt myself. But, through all of that, and even with loving Raeila, I still love you."

"Then why did you hurt me?" she asked softly. "Why couldn't you just have loved me properly? Things could have been so different if only you'd been a little nicer to me."

"I was jealous," Kael whispered. "I wanted you all to myself, and I could just envision me losing you to Dani. I didn't realize that I was the one driving you closer and closer to her. I'm so sorry for that, Nieme. But, it did get the two of you together, and I don't think I've ever seen two people more happy than you two."

"But why couldn't I have been happy with you?" She pulled Kael into an embrace and nuzzled his neck with her lips. "How great we could've been together, Kael. Look how much I've accomplished just by being near you for a few minutes."

"I was stupid," Kael whispered. "I couldn't see how wonderful what I had was, and could only see the loss if I didn't hold you close. I didn't realize I couldn't hold you that close though. What we had was too fragile for that, too precarious. I see that now, but even with all the power I have, I can't go back in time and set things right."

"And we can't be together again?" Nieme nodded her head slowly and morosely. "I miss your touch sometimes, Kael. Like now. Just one smile, and I get so aroused. I think I miss that most."

"I miss your shirt with all the holes in it," Kael said with a grin. "And, waking up to find you watching me with that smile. When things were good with us, there was nothing that could ever be better." He brushed his lips against her neck, chin, and then finally her lips. "There are nights when I wake up still, and I have to remind myself that it's not you with me. Even though we weren't together long, we had something very special and powerful."

"You were my first. Of course it was special." She kissed Kael's lips slowly and tenderly, then pulled back, smiling at him. "I miss that shirt with the holes too. I'd never felt so wonderful in all my life, and you made me feel that way."

Kael brought a hand down to her side, and brushed his fingers over where the hole would have been had she still been wearing that shirt. "Did you get rid of the shirt? Or did you keep it for the memories?"

Nieme grinned bashfully. "How could I ever get rid of it?" She brought her hands to Kael's chest, then slid them down to the ties of his tunic. She searched his eyes to assess his reaction to her obvious advances. From his smile, she gathered that he was more than willing. "Do you have anywhere to be?" she asked. "Will anyone be expecting you for...say...about twenty minutes?"

"I'm not expected anywhere," Kael said. "Koran Darr and Liam were showing Raeila the communications systems, and they were just getting started when I left. I have another hour or two before anyone misses me."

Nieme giggled. "Oh, you've never needed an hour." She pushed his tunic back from his shoulders then raised the shirt he wore beneath to his neck. Giving him a suggestive smile, she pressed her lips to his bare chest and kissed it slowly, sensuously while her one hand dipped into his pants.

Kael moaned softly at her touch. A part of his mind smiled at the thought that she was much bolder and confident with her touch now. He let his hands explore her chest, one of them slipping beneath her tunic to explore the soft flesh concealed there. Oh how he'd missed his time with Nieme.

Moaning softly, she desperately pried open Kael's pants. With her hand around his erection, she pulled it free of his underpants and groped it expertly. She hadn't acquired much experience with men aside from her short time with him, but after being with Dani for so long, pleasuring others had become almost instinctual to her, and from Kael's moans, it was obvious she had definitely learned much from Dani. Nieme reached up and kissed Kael's lips passionately while together, they dropped to the mat below them. "You don't mind if I'm on top, do you?" she asked breathlessly.

"Gods no," Kael rasped as he successfully pushed his pants down with one hand and alternated between Nieme's breasts with the other. "I want to look up into your eyes while we're together. Oh, Nieme, I've missed you."

"You just missed the sex," she teased. Nieme pushed down her own pants to her knees, then rubbed her mound against Kael's erection. A tingle travelled rapidly through her body and Nieme whimpered loudly. Truth was, she missed the sex as well. She leaned forward and kissed Kael's lips tenderly, then chuckled lowly as she slowly crawled down along his body. Once her head was level with his groin, she gazed up at him and wrapped her lips around his erection.

Kael moaned once more and brought his hands down to tangle into Nieme's hair. "When you put it that way," he whispered, "yes. Oh gods, Nieme. You're...oh...oh gods..." He closed his eyes and let the sensations consume him.

She'd never before performed such an act on Kael, but from his reaction, it was clear he approved. A part of her couldn't help thinking that if she'd done this to him before, things would have been different. If she had been a more exciting lover, he would have felt more secure about her devotion to him. The more confident Nieme knew that nothing would have changed what happened between them. Both of them had to mature to the adults they were now to realize how destructive their relationship had been, and how beautiful it potentially could have been.

Nieme pulled her lips away to take a deep breath, then plunged Kael inside of her mouth again. She was enjoying showing Kael what he had been missing by pushing her away, and also enjoyed making up for lost time.

Kael's moans were growing louder as Nieme continued to pleasure him. He opened his eyes and looked down at her. She was intent on what she was doing, but every once in awhile she looked up, and when she did, he could see from her expression that she saw the approval in his eyes, saw the lust and desire, and without a doubt the love he felt for her, the love that never died.

Nieme's desire to fully be with Kael became more overpowering than her wish to impress him with her technique, so once again pulling her lips from his erection, Nieme scrambled up along Kael's body until her hips were level with his. She grinned at him tenderly as slowly she eased him inside of her. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and began swaying against him. "I love you," she whispered.

The feeling of being inside of Nieme once again was nearly overwhelming. He gazed up into her eyes as they moved together, moving as they had before, as if they belonged together. "I love you too," he whispered. He was amazed at how well their hips had found a perfect rhythm. It was almost as if they'd never been apart. He brought his hands up to frame her face. "You are truly beautiful and amazing," he said, "and I love you, Nieme."

"As you loved me before?" she asked. "Or differently?" She ran her fingers over Kael's lips and curiously studied his face as if she were looking at him for the first time. He was a stranger to her, the new man he was, yet she loved him as she always had. It was an odd sensation, yet strangely reassuring, for she knew the old Kael would never make another appearance and hurt her again as he had before. "Tell me how you love me, Kael," she whispered. "I need to know."

"The same, and different," Kael whispered. "My feelings are still so strong, so much for you, and yet it's different. I know you're with Dani, and that's fine. That's what makes you happy. That's what I want now, Nieme. I love you to the point of wanting what you want for your happiness. It's not selfish need or desire, I want to be your friend and to share something we never did before. I love you the same, but differently."

"I know," she said. "It's the same for me." Nieme sucked in a sharp breath as the sensations within her reached an intensity. Her fingers closed around the fabric of his tunic and she crushed it in her hands. "You're so bright," she sighed. "But not too bright. You're...you're just right, Kael, and I love you for it."

"Thank you," Kael whispered. "Thank you for helping me to get her, and...and for being someone I can love and care for and be a friend to, and for everything you are. Oh gods, Nieme, I love you and I always will." He could feel his climax nearing, and he could tell by the way she was breathing, the way she moved, that she was close as well.

Nieme groaned and rocked faster against Kael, wishing to once again bond with Kael as only two lovers could through an act of pure passion. "Raeila has it...within her to be a great person," Nieme said in a voice thick with arousal. "You can make her that person." She took in a shuddering breath then cried out softly. "Just like I tried to make you."

"I will," Kael said through clenched teeth. "I'll help her be a great person, Nieme. I'll help her become a person who you could be friends with. All of us will be friends together. We'll all be a family."

"All sharing one bed?" She laughed huskily. "She won't ever find out about this...Kael. Not ever. I swear."

"No, not sharing one bed," Kael said with a laugh. "But, we'll all be friends. We can be close, and care for each other. I'd like that very much. We're better, all of us, when we're not upset. I want it like that always."

"Me too," Nieme said quickly and with much effort. She pressed her lips firmly to Kael's again, then smiled at him and whispered, "Now shut up and make me come so I can make you that Hojet you like so much."

"It will be my pleasure," Kael said as he sped up his thrusting. Then he grinned. "And, yours too."

Nieme giggled, then quickly a moan rose from her throat that turned into a sustained cry as Kael truly did infuse her with pleasure. She closed her eyes and threw her head back, preparing herself for the rush of ecstasy that would fill them both. With a final deep thrust, their bodies tensed and locked into a pose depicting pure sexual fulfilment and the culmination of the passion for each other they had no idea still resided within them. As Nieme and Kael's joint cries cut out, her body went limp and she collapsed onto him. "Oh gods..." she whispered. Too weak to move, to kiss the man she realized she still loved, Nieme simply lay atop him and savoured the warmth of his body pressed to hers. "I didn't know," she managed. "I didn't know...about us...about this. Didn't know I still needed you like this, Kael."

"I didn't...either," Kael whispered. "I didn't realize we could still be that....that powerful together. More powerful. I mean, Rae knows how to touch me and I react to her, but what does it mean if you can do the very same thing to me? Our love didn't end, Nieme. I don't think it can end. We...we do still need each other, we need the love we still have for each other."

Nieme finally managed to raise her head and looked Kael in the eye. "I know the love's still there.... But how can we continue to share it? We...we've both moved on. This...shouldn't even have happened, no matter how wonderful it was. Kael...can we really be together anymore?"

Kael looked up at Nieme and sighed. "I don't know if we can," he said, "no matter how much I want to. But if there is a way for us to be, then I'm sure we will manage it."

"We have to at least stay friends, Kael," she told him. "I love Dani so much, but with you.... It's so different. You make me feel more confident and stronger." Nieme kissed his lips lightly, then whispered, "I need that. I need you."

"We'll get what time we can together," Kael whispered. "It may not be much, but we'll always have our friendship. We'll make it work, Nieme. I don't know how, but we will make it work."

"And even if it doesn't," she said, "at least we'll have this moment to remember." Nieme brought her lips to Kael's again and gave him a slow, loving kiss. Even then she felt her betrayal to Dani strongly, but still she could not stop herself. "How about some Hojet now?" she asked him with a gentle smile. "You can even help me out in the kitchen."

"I'd like that," Kael said with a smile as he gazed up at Nieme. Oh, if they'd been like this before... He knew he had betrayed Raeila by being with Nieme again, but he was certain that when he assured Rae that he was still her arozeil and they would be married, then perhaps any problems would be avoided. In the end, it would be best that she didn't find out at all. "Come on, let's go see if I've still got the touch with Hojet."

"As you have with me?" Nieme laughed softly and managed to get to her feet, even with her pants bunched around her ankles. With a giggle, she reached down and pulled them up, and only closed them after giving Kael a final glance at what was underneath. "You coming, Selrid?" she asked as she coyly backed away from where he still lay.

"Already did," Kael said with a grin to match hers. "But, gladly." He quickly got to his feet, pulling his pants up as he did. By the time he caught up with her, he was completely presentable again. "All set."

They walked close to one another towards the door of the training room, and with a sly grin at him, she extended her arm and called her lightsaber into her hand using the Force. Once she'd clipped it to her belt, she slipped her arm through Kael's. "Now, we're all set."

"Impressive," Kael said with an approving grin. "I think you'll make a great Jedi Knight, Nieme."

"We'll make great Jedi Knights," she corrected. "Together, I know we'll accomplish great things, Kael. The visions wouldn't have led me to you if that wasn't true. We were meant to be together, Kael. We have to be."

Kael smiled and kissed her gently. "Yes we are," he said. "And, now we're meant to share a big plate of Hojet and then relax somewhere comfortable. I can talk to Rae, but how about all of us going into a club some night this next week?"

"We could do that," she replied. Her hand smoothed over his chest as she added, "But only if I get to dance with you."

"I think that can be arranged," Kael said with a smile. "Though, you may have to allow Raeila and Dani to dance together as well. But, I think that'll be fine."

"Good," Nieme said cheerfully. "I can't wait to get my hands on you again." She giggled at Kael and distracted him with a punch in the arm as she pulled away and scampered down the corridor. "Come on! Let's see you show off after I beat you in a race!"

"Hey!" Kael laughed and then sprinted after her, but as usual, Nieme was the quicker one.

She had started out the day frustrated and nearing despondency, but a few minutes with Kael, and she found renewed confidence in her abilities, and was confronted with a strange turn of events that would no doubt affect both their futures. It could lead to devastation and sorrow for all, or more happiness than any of them had ever experienced. All she knew for certain now, though, was that this was as it should have been between them before, and that the gods were blessing them with the chance to do it over again. Hopefully they'd get it right this time.

---

"Distant Hearts, Part 1"
by Keeve Zenarr
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston
Zale Tregat

Location: Dargus's Ship, and Kaysa's Apartment
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

After eight hours of podracing simulations, Keeve was finally allowed a moment's rest. It wasn't a tedious or laborious exercise, for it represented the exhilaration he would experience once his pod was constructed, so the exciting prospect to come overshadowed any of the boredom; it was the training his mind to function at the high speeds at which a pod flew, and coordinating his reflexes to respond quickly enough that was draining. That was what was exhausting, mentally and, consequently, physically.

Imola had passed him in the corridor leading to his quarters and, as usual, flashed a lustful gaze in his direction along with a subtle jutting forward of her breasts, which he'd come to recognize as an offering of her body to him. Never once had he accepted, nor had he wanted to. Shiv was still and always would be on his mind, and no other appealed to him the way the intangible memory of Shiv did. He was convinced now that he would never overcome the loss, and no amount of nights spent with Yelara could ever change that. With a heavy sigh mirroring the weight of his heart, Keeve slumped down onto the bed and closed his eyes.

The persistent, yet unobtrusive beeps originating from his comm unit prevented him, however, from finding sleep. Grumbling irritably, Keeve sat upright and turned the vidlink display upon his nightstand towards him. He had no idea who would be sending him messages, especially since the shipwide communication systems allowed anyone on board to contact him directly at any time if necessary. Too tired to reason it all out, Keeve tapped in his access code and waited a short moment for the message to download.

There was no indication of who had sent the communication, and running the message through a series of checks, he failed to trace the coordinates from which it had been delivered. Still exhibiting some of the curiousity he had had as a child, Keeve set aside his suspicions and apprehensions, and activated the message. All sign of fatigue dissipated quickly enough upon seeing and recognizing the face that resolved on the vid display. He swung his long legs over the side of the mattress and shifted closer to the screen.

Her face was as beautiful and her smile as radiant as he remembered them to be, and despite the hint of sorrow in her eyes, they too were still enchanting. Her gleaming blonde hair hung loosely, just as he liked it, and fell upon her delicate shoulders while the golden waves framed her face. The sight of her took his breath away for an instant, then a smile touched his lips to match the one she was giving him. Keeve brought his hand to the display and lightly ran his fingers over the image of her lucious, soft lips. "Maeren..." he whispered. He didn't for a moment wonder how she had managed to get a message through the ship's secured communications network, he only concerned himself with the woman he loved and how he had more than just a memory of her now.

Shiv's lips began to move and her sweet, lyrical voice caressed his ears. Keeve found himself trembling with excitement as he listened to her speak, just as she had in his dreams, and now he hoped she would say the words he'd been longing to hear. But he knew she would never give up Merrick and Kaysa, not for him, but he would always continue to hope that day would come.

"Hi Keeve," she began. "I bet you're wondering how I got this message to you. Well, that's my little secret, but I think you'd probably be successful at getting me to reveal it. I miss you, Keeve. It wasn't until I got back here that I realized just how much I do love you. I've been drawing a lot of pictures of you, of us, of things that relate to us."

On the screen a picture of the two of them standing side by side, with her hands laced with his, appeared. They both looked very happy and content to be together. Another image came up, similar to the one she had drawn of him when he was still a little boy. He wasn't a boy in the picture anymore, and he looked much more heroic than that drawing had made him appear.

The drawings were amusing and heartwrenching to look upon, but at least they showed Shiv had been thinking of him. It made him believe there was some chance left for them after all.

"I couldn't not send you this message. I had to or else I would have gone crazy. I do love you very much, Keeve. I just want you to know that and that I'm thinking of you a lot. I was really scared recently because Vrax nabbed Kaysa. I know you don't like her and you're probably happy at what Vrax did to her, but I hurt him back. I wish you could love her, Keeve. If you could hear her and see her, maybe you'd understand. You mean everything to her. She loves you so much and is so sorry for what she did. She wishes she could just have a second chance." She sighed. "But, I don't want to talk to you about her. I want to talk about us. I want to see you again, Keeve. I just want to see you again and I want to be held by you. I wish we could do that. I don't know how, but maybe it can happen. If you want to get in touch with me, send messages to Stiletto and I can get them. And, I have some more pictures for you, but I'll send them in my next message. I love you, Keeve. I hope you're okay and everything's alright. I love you. Bye, Keeve."

"No," he heard himself say. "No, wait, Maeren." He reached for her face again, but before he could touch the screen, she vanished from his life again. "Maeren!" His fist clenched and he cocked back his arm to take out his frustration on the display, but instead, he opened his hand again and let it fall into his lap. He couldn't have the real thing, but if he destroyed the vidlink, he wouldn't even have a computer generated substitute.

Was she trying to torment him? She was so far and neither of them would have the opportunity to see each other in the flesh again, so how could she send him a message like that and, knowing Shiv, expect it to bring him joy? The only thing she accomplished was aggravating the tear she'd left in his heart when she first left, though he knew her intentions were good ones.

She'd left him the coordinates at which to contact her, but he couldn't do that yet, no matter how fervently he desired to. The chance to speak directly to her and admit that he still loved her, and thought always of her, it was almost overwhelming. But his restraint held out and instead of returning her message, Keeve sighed wearily and reclined upon the bed.

He pressed the heels of his plams into his eyes, and amongst the glittering stars against the darkness there, he still saw Shiv's face. There was no escaping her, just as he had known there wouldn't be the moment he separated from her for the last time. He wasn't sure how much longer he could survive the assaults to his heart that befell him everytime he thought of Shiv, every dream he had of her.... But even if she returned, nothing would change. They'd argue, he demanding for possession of her whole heart while she insisted that was something she could never give him. It wouldn't work, not like that, and if he made that call to her, it would begin anew. His sanity couldn't withstand another round of that.

So, he resolved himself to forget her, though he knew that was impossible. If she sent another transmission, he would delete it without viewing it...if he could resist the temptation of opening it to see her face one last time. She was a part of his life he wished to excise, and he could only do that if he avoided any reminder of her. But how could he banish the memories ingrained in his mind? He would have to try or his life would be filled with depression and grief for the rest of his days. With as horrible as he was now feeling, he hoped those days weren't too great in number.

***

Smothered and trapped was how she felt, and in the endless darkness, she could find no escape. Her groans were the only pleas for help she could utter, and the writhing, jerking twists of her body were the only movements she could manage. Had he tied her down again, and the bonds were restricting her ability to get up and run away? But why couldn't she speak? Why couldn't she cry out? The room was empty now, but he'd be back. She wasn't afraid, though; a part of her knew he couldn't hurt her anymore. Somehow, in the cold darkness, all alone, she was still safe.

Throughout her body, relaxation pervaded and she desisted her feeble struggles. Instead, she sighed and allowed her body to melt into the soft surface beneath her. Her hands slipped free of the shackles, and when before she'd been pinned down by the oppressive force of gravity upon her fragile form, now she felt weightless. Why did she feel so safe, so liberated? She didn't care why; she only knew that she hadn't felt that good since...since he got a hold of her. But that was of no concern to her anymore. He couldn't touch her ever again.

She freely rolled over onto her side and nestled her cheek to the elevated, firm mound next to her. Her arms encircled it, and her leg slid up and down against it rhythmically, soothingly. She moaned softly and pulled herself tightly to the form. It anchored her in the otherwise abysmal darkness, and gave her the support she needed to feel safe.

She was filled with an even greater sense of comfort as her name wafted gently towards her and lightly brushed against her cheek, her lips, her chest. She sighed contentedly and pressed her body closer to the long, sturdy support. Her mound brushed against it, and the sensation brought a moan from her lips. She pushed her hips into it and twined her leg around the form to keep the enticing feeling from waning. Yet again she heard her name and opened her mouth to reply, but only a soft whimper escaped.

A gentle breeze swept the hair from her brow, then touched her cheek and shoulder. She shivered with delight and her eyes fluttered open and closed. She frowned slightly though, for where there should have been darkness, she saw light. Again she quickly opened and closed her eyes. It was the same. But where was the dark hole she was trapped in? And why was the breeze brushing against her cheek so warm? She didn't want to know, and she feared opening her eyes to find out would shatter the comforting, pleasurable illusion. So, she clenched her eyes firmly shut and groaned a protest.

"Kaysa," the voice whispered again. The voice belonged to Zale Tregat. He and Kaysa were in the bed they were sharing. He wasn't quite sure where Shiv was, and Merrick was at the White Noise again. It left him and Kaysa alone together, and it had been a nice night. They'd both been asleep before her movements woke him. "Kaysa, that's...what the hell are you doing?" He laughed softly, amused. "Kaysa, that's my leg you're...oh my. Well, I guess it's alright for now." He reached down and brushed his hand through her hair once more, and then slowly brought the hand down along her face to caress her cheek, her lips. "You're safe here my love."

"I know," she sighed. She risked opening her eyes again and this time, in the light, she saw the blurred visage that, after a few blinks, resolved itself into Zale's smiling face. She rubbed her cheek against his leg, which she now realized she was clinging desperately to and rather indecently as well. A warm blush coloured her cheeks and with a nervous laugh, Kaysa pulled away. "Sorry," she muttered sleepily. "I just... Dream, I guess."

"Well, it looked like a very nice dream," he said. "Or, at least from here. My leg liked it anyway. You wanna come farther up here?"

Kaysa laughed softly and pulled herself up into Zale's arms. She brushed her lips against his chest, then lay her head upon it. "What time is it? I feel like I've been sleeping forever."

"It's almost midnight," Zale said. "Not forever, but a few hours. What was your dream about?"

Kaysa shrugged slightly. "Don't really remember. All I know is that I felt very safe." She gazed up at Zale and smiled. "I think I know why. Were you and Merrick with me the whole time?" Kaysa frowned as she glanced over her shoulder. "Where is he anyway? You didn't try to sneak your hand down his pants again, did you?"

"He's at the White Noise. He went over a couple hours ago for a late night gig. We were both here for a bit, and then it was just me."

"Just you? Is Shiv gone too?" Kaysa sat up quickly and looked down worriedly at Zale. "You didn't let her go out alone, did you?"

"I think Shiv's in her room working on a portrait," Zale said. "Last I saw, she had a holo of you, and she was working at a sketch. I may be crazy, but you may have a surprise waiting for you in the morning."

"I like surprises...sometimes." She chuckled and curled up against Zale once again. "I'm glad you've been staying with me," she said. "I need you here, Zale."

"I'm going to stay here with you for as long as I can," he said. "The office in the spare room is coming along. It'll allow me to keep in contact with the office, right from here."

"But you'll have to go back sooner or later." Kaysa frowned. "I'll have to go back. I can't stay locked up in here all the time. I have to go out more often if I'm going to get over my fears."

"Maybe we can work at it together," Zale said. "Slowly work into it. Maybe I can do some work with you at Zenarr. Ease into the change, so to speak."

"Oh, you'd get sick of me," she said playfully. "It could be very bad for our marriage."

"Oh would I," Zale said with a laugh. "What would you be willing to wager? And, you can't go out of your way trying to make me sick of you, or I really will have to take Merrick up on those repeated offers."

"No you won't," she said confidently. "Though, I imagine you've got to find satisfaction with someone. I'm not sure when I'll be ready to be with anyone, Zale. Aside from my slightly arousing dream, I still get scared."

"And, that's understandable," he said. "Don't worry, Kaysa. I'll be fine. Nothing will fall off if we're not intimate for awhile. Holding you is enough to keep me content. You're the only one I want."

"No one else even tempts you?" She peered up at him and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Not even Merrick?"

"Well, Shiv does sometimes, and Merrick only does when he does that pouty thing with his eyes. But, when it comes down to it, you're the only woman who has ever been able to fully capture me. Not Merrick, not Shiv."

"I guess I made a good choice in marrying you then," she said. Kaysa turned onto her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows. She cradled her face in her hands and regarded Zale inquisitively. "Zale? What happens if one day.... What if I were to die? Would you find someone else to be with?"

"I don't know," Zale said after a few moments thought. "I imagine eventually I would, but I would need to work through grieving. It's hard to say from here. I would move on when I felt I was ready to move on, whenever that may happen."

"I just want you to know that it's okay if you do move on," she told him. "I want you to be happy, and if finding another woman to be with will give you that happiness, then I want you to do it, Zale."

"I won't know that until I'm there," Zale said. "But, when I am ready, I will move on knowing that's what you want for me. And, I want you to know the same thing of me. If something ever happens to me, go on being happy with Merrick and Shiv...and if you do find someone else, know that you have my approval as long as he can make you happy."

Kaysa sighed as she reached out one of her hands and pressed it to Zale's cheek. "I don't know if I could. No one could ever replace you. Not Merrick, not Shiv.... There will never be another man like you, Zale. That's why I'm glad I have you and didn't succeed in pushing you away."

"That makes two of us," Zale said with a smile. "How about we make a pact, because I think it's going to be very difficult to go on if the other ever dies. We're going to do everything we can to stay alive and together, absolutely anything."

"Deal," Kaysa said with a warm smile. "And we have to promise to tell each other absolutely everything. Though, I seem to be the one who likes to keep secrets from you. Like...the little escape route in my office."

"Yes," Zale said with a smile. "That was quite sneaky of you. And, I do have a secret...do you remember the day you fought with me and Merrick, and then went off to kill Dargus Kandran and Merrick flipped me over a table?"

Kaysa sat up and grimaced at Zale. "How could I ever forget that day? I was so stupid...."

"So was I," he said. "Very stupid. I...I didn't realize it at first, but after Merrick stormed off and I was lying on the table... Well, there was a pain. I haven't told Merrick because he'd feel awful...but... Forks hurt, especially when they're jammed into your back. I'm fine now though."

Kaysa chewed her lip, but it was no use. She exploded with laughter and lightly slapped Zale's thigh. "Oh, my poor love! Let me see." Kaysa tugged on Zale's arm to force him onto his stomach. "Just lie down and let me take a look."

Zale smirked and shook his head. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he rolled over so Kaysa could examine his wound. "It was only a fork, so it's small...but still..."

Kaysa ran her fingers over the strong, defined muscles of Zale's bare back until she came upon the four symmetrical, round scars on his right flank that were clearly made by the tines of a fork, just as Zale said. "Well...if anyone asks, just tell them I got a little carried away during sex and took a bite out of you."

"Either that or we were having dinner, couldn't hold back, and forgot to clear the table before. You were on top."

Kaysa giggled and slid herself atop Zale's waist. "Like now?" She smoothed her hands over his back, from his waist, up to his shoulder blades then down again. Her hands worked soothingly and delicately over his muscles, and from his gentle sigh, it was clear he was enjoying it. "Have I ever given you a massage before? I can't seem to remember."

Zale moaned happily and shook his head. "No," he murmured, "you haven't. Oh that's good. Oh you're damn good."

"It's the least I could do for my caring husband who has to put up with a difficult wife." Kaysa gathered his plaited hair and draped it over his shoulder to clear it from his back. Once his neck was exposed, she leaned forward and kissed his nape while her hands continued kneading his back expertly. "At least this will give you some incentive to stay with me while I recover."

"Oh," Zale said softly, "it's a very good reason. One of the best reasons short of...well, the other things we do that feel very good."

"We'll do those again soon, my love," she assured him. Kaysa kissed his nape again, then moved her lips to his shoulder, and then his neck, until they were brushing against his ear. "Just think of it this way," she whispered. "The waiting will make it even better once we actually do it."

"Much better," Zale whispered. "Have I ever mentioned that your hands are amazing? Oh gods, you keep that up for much longer, I'm going to explode...but please don't stop!"

Kaysa chuckled and moved her hands to his shoulders. She massaged them sensually and to add to Zale's arousal, she began gently swaying against him. Yes, it was torment, but it certainly was amusing for her. "Enjoying yourself, my love?"

"Oh quite," Zale said with a happy groan. "Oh, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to see if Shiv is available when you get done if there isn't any...release in this."

She laughed. "I knew you couldn't hold out." Kaysa pulled her hands away and crossed her arms over her chest as she stilled her body. "You're sex deprived. Admit it! You just can't help it. You need sex, and if I can't give it to you, you're going to go elsewhere for it."

"Oh, I can hold out as long as you're not working me up," Zale said with a laugh. "When you're feeling better, how about I get you all worked up and see how long you last before needing release?"

Kaysa ignored his offer and removed herself from his waist to kneel at his side. "And what about other women? They don't work you up to the point where you need release?"

Zale let out a frustrated growl and rolled over to face her. "Other women don't work me up," he said. "You're the only one, Kaysa. Alright? Why this sudden...? Kaysa, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," she said with an innocent shrug. "So...Shiv doesn't work you up then?"

"Shiv is attractive, wild, and fun," Zale said. "But for all that, she's not you and she doesn't come close to affecting me the way you do. So, does Merrick work you up?"

Kaysa grinned. "Of course he does. He's my husband. Does that bother you?"

"What bothers me is that you have three lovers, two of them husbands, and you expect me to only desire to have sex with you. Shiv is allowed to have sex with both you and Merrick, not to mention Moril. She's still putting off Lerrah, but I don't know how long that will last. Again, you're perfectly fine with your other husband being with either you or Shiv or both. But, then we get to me. You throw a fit if I look at another woman."

"I do not!" she protested. "And...that's not how it is. I mean..." She sighed and pursed her lips sourly. "Is there someone you want to have sex with? Is that why you're so upset?"

"No," Zale said. "There's no one else. The only other person I'd be interested in having sex with would be Shiv, but that's only because of how close we all are here. You're the only one for me, Kaysa. But, if you do get me all worked up, then I'm all worked up. I can't just stay like that. But, for you, I will."

Kaysa giggled and once again sat astraddle Zale's waist. "You're so testy, my love." She leaned forward to kiss him lightly. "No need to get so agitated. I'm just playing with you...just the way you like it."

"Oh, you'd better be careful, my love," Zale said with a laugh. "If you're not careful, I may be unable to control myself, and you may find yourself on the business end of some fingers intent on ticklings!"

Kaysa shrieked and quickly pinned Zale's arms back before he could carry out his threat. "Save it for your mistress, Tregat."

"Oh," Zale said with a laugh, "last time I did that, Shiv nearly cut my fingers off." His eyes went suddenly wide and he gasped. "Oops...I shouldn't have said that." He grinned, and then laughed once more.

As humourous as Zale thought himself, Kaysa wasn't the least bit amused. Instead, her face flushed and her stomach became unsettled when afflicted by the images flashing through her mind, the gruesome memories of Shiv's brutality, and especially the blood, all brought on by Zale's innocent joke. How could so much blood come from such small wounds? How could Shiv have been the one to shed it? Kaysa's body quivered violently and her grip on Zale's wrists tightened in response to her rising queasiness. He was right; he really shouldn't have said that.

Zale looked up into Kaysa's eyes, the fear in his eyes very clear. "Oh gods, Kaysa, what did I say?"

"Nothing," she whispered breathlessly. She swallowed back the growing tightness in her throat and closed her eyes to force away the frightening memory. "Just... I just don't feel well." She smiled tightly at Zale and slid off his waist to curl up onto her side upon the mattress. "I'll be okay."

"Dammit, Kaysa," Zale growled, "stop hiding from me. What the fuck did I say?"

Kaysa buried her face into the pillow and shuddered visibly as the wet sound of Vrax's fingers dropping into puddles of blood upon the floorboards resounded in her mind. "Y-You weren't there," she whispered hoarsely. "You didn't see it. You didn't see what she was capable of. The blood.... I can't-- Just please don't make me talk about it."

Zale nodded, and was able to piece the rest of what she was saying together. "I'm sorry, Kaysa," he whispered. "I didn't mean to make you think of it. I didn't mean to bring up those memories. Oh gods, Kaysa...I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault," she said shakily. She turned her head towards him and smiled wanly. "I have to get over it sooner or later. You did nothing wrong."

"Still, to have that memory," Zale whispered. "To know in your heart and mind, that your precious girl has a darker side." He shook his head, not wanting to say anything about his own dark side that Kaysa had never witnessed.

"You should've seen it," Kaysa continued absently. "The way she brutally attacked him... The rage in her eyes and.... I just knew she wanted to kill him. She would have, and I would have been forced to watch it."

"And, if you'd been in her position, what would you have done to Vrax, Kaysa? What if it were Shiv he'd been holding captive? What would you have done to him?"

Kaysa's mouth twisted into a sneer. "I would have killed him with my bare hands."

"And, yet you find fault with her attempt to do the exact same thing. I would have done the same thing to him, Kaysa. I think Merrick would have as well. We all would have killed him just as brutally or more so than Shiv would."

Kaysa sat upright and shifted around angrily to face Zale. "I didn't say I found fault! It's just that...there was so much blood...and just with everything else.... And besides, who says I wouldn't react the same way if it had been you or Merrick?"

"Even though you yourself would do the exact same thing," Zale said. "Why does what she did upset you so much, Kaysa?"

"I don't know," she said curtly. "It just.... It's sickening. She's my girl, my star, and that she's capable of that...." Kaysa sighed and hung her head low. "With everything that's happened lately," she said softly, "I'm beginning to feel as if I don't even know her anymore...or that I never did. She's been keeping things from me, like her love for Keeve, and it makes me paranoid. I begin to wonder how much more she's withholding, how much more I don't know about her."

"There's only one way to find out," Zale said softly. "And, if she had a son and you were in love with him, while you were in love with her, would you be hesitant? You should talk to her though, Kaysa. You should find out the things you don't know, and set your mind at ease. She loves you more than anything, and would never do anything to hurt you. I have a feeling she'd be tearing herself apart right now if she knew that you felt as you do about what she did to Vrax."

"I did talk to her," Kaysa said. "Just...not about that. And I won't, either! If she knew how I felt, do you know how hurt she'd be? I can't. I can't do that to her."

"Okay," Zale said with a nod. "But, if it gets too bad for you, I will get more insistent. But, for now, why don't you slide back into my arms and we'll forget all about that."

Kaysa chuckled softly and shook her head. "You just want another massage."

"Well, not another," Zale said with a grin. "You never finished the first one."

"Then lie down," she told him with a silky smile. She pressed her hands to his chest and gently reclined him back. "I'll finish what I started." Kaysa slung her leg over his waist and sat down upon him. "Ready?"

Zael moaned and allowed himself to nearly melt into the bed. "Oh, I'm more than ready," he said. "Work some magic, and I'm forever yours."

Kaysa smiled. "I thought you already were. Or is there something you're not telling me?"

Zale chuckled. "Oh, well, sometimes it's good to make sure you don't get a big head. And, I am yours forever. Don't ever forget that, and don't ever doubt it. Now, use those beautiful hands to make me putty."

"Gladly," she replied just as she laid her hands upon his chest and began smoothing them over his hazel flesh.

---

"Distant Hearts, Part 2"
by Keeve Zenarr
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston
Zale Tregat
and Maeren Shivral

Location: Dargus's Ship, and Kaysa's Apartment
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

"Putty yet?" Kaysa whispered.

"Oh, so very close," Zale whispered. "Almost there. Just a little more of that."

"You're not gonna make a mess, are you?" she asked.

"I'll be good," he said with a laugh. "I'll just...oh, that's good. That's...oh wow..."

There was a gentle, scratching knock at the door. There was only one person either of them knew that had such an unobtrusive, quiet knock.

Kaysa laughed softly. "Yes, Shiv, you can come in," she called out.

The door opened a crack and Shiv peered inside. She smiled as she saw Zale and Kaysa on the bed and slipped inside the room. "Hi," she said. She was carrying a large drawing pad as she crept to the edge of the bed. "I wasn't able to sleep, and I was working on a drawing, and I thought I'd come say hello."

"We were just talking about you," Kaysa said. She patted the bed and motioned Shiv over. "What are you drawing this time?"

Shiv crawled up onto the bed and moved over next to Kaysa. "Just a drawing," she said, and then turned the pad out for Kaysa to see. It was a drawing of Kaysa and Keeve together. They were both looking out at something, contentment in their eyes. They sat comfortably together, and there was a seeming peace between them. "It's my hope."

Kaysa's attention shifted completely to the drawing, unfortunately for Zale who would once again be missing out on the rest of his massage. The tears washing over her eyes were ones of joy as she reached out and touched her boy's face with her fingers. "Oh...Shiv," she said softly. "It's...it's wonderful." She looked up at her girl and all memory of the horrific confrontation with Vrax disappeared in an instant as she pulled Shiv into her arms and embraced her. "Thank you, my love. You don't know how happy you've made me."

"Oh, I think I'm feeling some of it," Shiv said with a sob-filled giggle. "I was drawing some other pictures, and I had to do that one. I've got some other sketches in my room too. I started drawing, and everything just...just worked. And, seeing the look in your eyes and your smile, it's perfect. I love you, Kaysa."

Kaysa sighed and kissed Shiv lightly. "Do you want to stay in here with me and Zale? We weren't doing anything important."

"I'd love to," Shiv said with a wide smile as she moved even closer to Zale and Kaysa. "It's nice to be near warm bodies while sleeping."

Kaysa giggled. "Oh, Zale's is nice and warm. I've been heating him up quite effectively."

Shiv grinned and brushed a hand over Zale's chest. "Oh, he looks nice and warm. I think I'm going to like sleeping in here tonight."

"Well, if you two need to be alone to...cool off, I can leave," Kaysa said. "I can go make a comm to Merrick at the club."

"You don't have to," Shiv said. "I just want to snuggle right now anyway. Maybe we can all just curl up together on the bed like reisacats."

"Zale, a reisacat?" Kaysa laughed and looked down at him. "Come on, big man; purr for us."

"How can I purr when you've stopped massaging me?" Zale asked with a laugh.

"Oh, stop begging," she said with a dismissive wave. Kaysa slipped off his lap and sat upon the mattress beside Shiv, eyeing the drawing still in her hand. "Is he really that handsome?" she asked.

"And then some," Shiv said with a smile. "It's much better in real life because he's so alive and vibrant. He's a very beautiful person, Kaysa. I think you'd be very proud of him."

Kaysa smiled wanly. "Except for the fact that he hates me. He really is a smart boy if he does. And even smarter to love you."

Shiv smiled. "Well, just wait, after a little time with him, I'll have him loving you too," she said. "I know I can do it too...as long as I get a chance to be with him."

Kaysa wasn't certain what the odds of Shiv ever seeing Keeve again were, but she'd say anything to see her love smile. "You'll be with him again, Shiv. You'll see."

"And, so will you," Shiv whispered, "and we'll all be together again. I promise."

Kaysa smiled tightly then kissed Shiv's brow. "Of course we will be, my love. Now, put the drawing away and slip under the covers before Zale steals them all...again."

"Is he still doing that? What you have to do is poke him in the ribs when he does. One poke and he gives them all back. It's kind of funny."

Zale looked at Shiv and laughed. "You are strange, child."

Shiv giggled as she slid beneath the covers. "And, that's why everyone loves me so much."

"Even Weibran the Hutt?" Kaysa asked as she moved under the covers.

"Oh, he loves me because I dance so nicely," she said with a giggle. "I went over there today and I got fitted for some costumes. I'll be starting dancing day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I get to work with a choreographer on some dances. Most of it is just going to be whatever I want to do, but they're gonna polish me up with a professional."

Kaysa slipped her arms around Shiv and nuzzled her lips to Shiv's neck. "Maybe day after tomorrow, I could come watch you dance. Would you like that?"

Shiv squealed with delight. "Oh that would be so great! I would love it if you could come, Kaysa. Oh, that would make everything absolutely perfect and wonderful! And, I'll do a special dance just for you."

"A special dance just for Kaysa? I guess that means you'll be showing everyone your breasts then."

Kaysa blindly reached back and swatted Zale's arm. "Jealous, aren't we?"

"Not jealous," Zale said as he rubbed his arm. "It's just that whenever Shiv does anything special for you, it usually involves her getting naked in some way. I was just saying..."

"Oh, you're always 'just saying'," Kaysa retorted. She turned her back on Zale and curled up against Shiv. "I'll be there, my love. I'm sure Merrick will want to come too. And who knows? You might become so famous, Keeve will hear about it wherever he is and come all the way to Tae'Karada to attend one of your shows too."

As if her smile weren't already bright enough, the thought of Keeve coming to see her dance brightened Shiv's smile even further. "Oh, I think that would be the most wonderful thing ever," she said. "I think he'd like me dancing. It'd be very nice. If Zale's really nice, maybe he can come too, but with his manners, I don't know."

"He shouldn't be allowed to interact with anyone in the outside world," Kaysa teased. "Sometimes, I'm surprised he even knows how to bathe himself."

"Sometimes it's nicer to just help him bathe," Shiv said, and then quickly added, "Not that I know anything about that!"

Zale just shook his head and smiled, silently plotting his revenge for the spurious comments against his honour. Or, he could just tickle them both.

"If you ignore him," Kaysa whispered, loud enough for Zale to hear, "he just goes away."

Shiv giggled and slipped her arms around Kaysa. She closed her eyes and sighed happily. "This is really nice," she said. "Kaysa, when Lerrah gets back, can the three of us go out for lunch and some shopping? I want the three of us to be good friends."

"You want us to be good friends so I'll let you sleep with her." Kaysa smiled knowingly. "That's what you mean, isn't it?"

"No, I want us to be good friends because she's a wonderful person," Shiv said. "I don't know if we're going to ever be anything more. I still love her, but we both know we've moved on. And, she's got a crush on you."

Kaysa cocked an eyebrow at Shiv. "She does?" She couldn't help blushing. "Oh, you're lying."

"Before she left for that run to Corellia she told me," she said. "We stayed up all night talking, and...and we were talking, and we agreed that nothing would probably happen because of me, you and Merrick. We...well, she told me that I had very good taste in girlfriends. And, the more we were talking, she said that she thought you were very pretty and she knew why I felt the way I did."

Kaysa giggled, as much as she told herself it was a childish thing to do, but it was quite amusing finding out such a thing. "Well...she's pretty too and if I were a true lesbian, I'm sure I'd have an enormous crush on her."

Shiv grinned. "Oh, you're pretty lesbiany, you know," she said. "And, besides, if you're attracted to someone, you should be with them... I don't think you should discount loving someone because they're a woman or a man when you find you're not usually attracted to them. If you're attracted to someone, you're attracted to them. Just don't tell Merrick that, or he'll be all over Zale."

Kaysa snickered, then looked over her shoulder at Zale and back again to Shiv. "All those two need is a little encouragement. They're shameless." She sobered her expression then, and cradled Shiv's cheek in her hand. "Really, Shiv, if you want to be with Lerrah, we can work something out."

Shiv nodded slowly. "Okay," she said. "Thank you, Kaysa. I love you so much. But, I do want us to be friends. We can do that, right?"

"I'm not going to start telling you who you can talk to. So, yes, you can be friends."

"Us, Kaysa," Shiv said with a smile. "You, me, and Lerrah. But, don't let on that you know about her crush. She'll kill me, or at least start telling you all my naughty secrets from when I was a kid."

Kaysa slipped her hands beneath the covers as she chuckled throatily. "I just might have to do that then."

"Oh you wouldn't! Kaysa you can't! Lerrah knows all my secrets from back then! Oh, she has so many embarrassing things to say about me! Kaysa!"

She simply chuckled and covered Shiv's mouth with her own to cut off any further puling. Even while kissing her, Shiv still continued to whine, until Kaysa dipped her hand between Shiv's legs. With a grin, she asked, "All better now?"

"Oh," was all Shiv could say as she arched her body against Kaysa's touch. "I guess it won't be that bad afterall."

"I'm glad you concur." Kaysa kissed Shiv once more, then pulled away and smiled. "Sorry, don't want to get you too worked up. Soon, though, my love. Very soon."

Shiv reached up and kissed Kaysa. "I can hold out," she whispered. She smiled and kissed Kaysa once more. "I love you, Kaysa. I'm glad I get to sleep in here with you two tonight."

"Well, if you're in here to sleep," Zale interrupted, "then you'd best stop talking. Sleeping is difficult when your mouth is moving."

"Don't be so rude, Mr. Zenarr," Kaysa chided. "You're just jealous, again, that Shiv's getting more attention than you."

"Damn right I am," Zale said. The stern look on his face was marred by the laughter in his eyes. "Before your trollop showed up, I was getting lots of attention here. And, now, I have to listen to the two of you flirting with each other."

Kaysa turned to face him and frowned. "Well, if you weren't so demanding, you'd be getting some flirting too!"

"Well, how long was I just lying here doing nothing?" Zale asked. "There was no demanding going on. You two were just ignoring me. I bet if I didn't say anything, you would have forgotten I was here."

Kaysa leaned forward and grinned. "I almost did."

"I figured as much," Zale said with a nod. "Well...I just hope Merrick gets home soon."

"Oh, I really think not!" Kaysa took his face into her hands and kissed him deeply. Once the kiss broke, she asked coyly, "So you were saying?"

"Oh, hello my love," Zale said with a wicked smile. "I was just saying how beautiful and entrancing you are, and how lying here in the bed with you is one of the highlights of my day. To be in your presence, to have you close and in my arms. This is bliss."

Kaysa smiled. "You lying fiend," she whispered fondly.

Zale laughed and slipped his arms around her. "I may be lying," he said, "but it's all the truth."

"What in the world are you talking about?" Kaysa chuckled and shook her head slowly. "You're almost as strange as Shiv is."

Zale chuckled and brushed his lips along Kaysa's chin. "I am, aren't I? I think it's too much exposure to her that's doing it. I'm surprised it hasn't happened to you yet. And, Merrick. I think he's far worse than me."

"You're just saying that so I'll ignore him and pay more attention to you." She tilted her head to one side to accomodate Zale's kisses. "Stop that," she told him half-heartedly. "You'd do anything to get me...well...into bed."

"Actually," Zale said with a low chuckle, "you're right. So, now that I've got you in bed, what shall we do?"

"Well, I don't know," Kaysa replied as she passed her fingers through Zale's braided hair. "I think I know what you've got in mind.... Shall we ask Shiv for advice?"

"Oh, I think that sounds like a very good idea," Zale said with a smile. "I think we should talk to your dearly loved trollop."

Kaysa giggled, mostly from Zale's lips tickling her neck. "So, what do you think we should do, Shiv? Should I kick Zale out of bed so we can be alone in peace, or should I let you give the guy some release, finally!"

"Oh, I don't know," Shiv said, peering over Kaysa's shoulder at Zale. "Do you think he deserves some release? I mean, he's said some very strange things. Do you think he deserves a reward for that?"

"Not at all," Kaysa declared emphatically. "His strangeness must be corrected, and that can't happen if it's encouraged through rewards. No, I think we should leave him unfufilled. Don't you think, Zale, my obedient love slave?"

"Oh," Zale said quickly, "I definitely think I deserve fulfillment and reward. I'm a good person, and I wasn't entirely strange. I mean, look...okay, don't look. It's...I think she should."

Kaysa tsked at Zale and pressed a finger to his lips. "I think she shouldn't. I think this forced abstinence is good for you. It'll teach you some discipline."

"I already have discipline," Zale said. "Shac'tae is all about discipline. I have discipline coming out of my pores. Zale Tregat is synonymous with discipline!"

"More like 'crazy'," Kaysa quipped. She patted her lover's cheek, then rolled over onto her side, with her back to him. "My love," she said to Shiv with an airy sigh. "Never get married...twice."

"Oh," Shiv said, making a show of rolling her eyes, "I don't plan on it. Once would be more than enough. I don't see how you can do it."

"Especially with this one." She jerked her thumb back towards Zale, and mimicked Shiv by rolling her eyes too. "He's so needy."

Shiv gave a heavy sigh and peered over at Zale. "Oh, I can't imagine what he'd be like without you keeping him in line," she said. "I think, with a few exceptions, you've got him trained nicely. Now, all you need to do is break him of that habit of begging."

Kaysa smiled sagely. "But it's the making him beg that succeeds in keeping him in line. You should try it with Moril sometime. You'll have him trained in no time at all."

"Oh," Shiv said as if she'd just received a bit of news that made the whole universe make sense. "Moril's actually pretty well trained, you know. He's much better than this oaf."

"Really?" Kaysa glanced back towards Zale and smiled slowly. "I might just have to give him a try myself."

"Oh, I think you'd be very satisfied," Shiv sounded. "You'll get to find out what a real man is supposed to be like, that's for sure. Oh...and, he's very considerate and not needy at all. He won't stop until you're satisfied. None of this 'me, me, me' stuff."

"Are you listening to this, Zale? Seems I might have to take on another, more worthy husband very soon."

"Oh, I'm listening," Zale said. "I just want the two of you to remember that I taught Moril everything he knows."

Kaysa looked over her shoulder at Zale with a mischievous smile. "Well, we'll see about that, now won't we?"

"Oh go to sleep," Zale said. "Your taunting will get you nowhere."

Shiv giggled. "Come on, Kaysa. Snuggle up with me, and we'll make Zale jealous. And, tomorrow, I'm going to draw you another picture of Keeve, and you can keep it with you always. I think I may even be able to make it into a holograph."

Kaysa placed a kiss upon the tip of Shiv's nose, then embraced her lovingly. "Thanks. I'd like that. Maybe you can even draw a family portrait."

Shiv grinned. "Consider it done," she said as she snuggled closer to Kaysa. "This is nice, Kaysa. I like being here close to you. It's okay, isn't it?"

Kaysa stroked Shiv's hair and sighed. "Yeah...it's okay, Shiv. Everything's okay now. So, sleep, and I promise that tomorrow will be even better."

Shiv smiled happily and closed her eyes. Kaysa was getting back to being herself again, and the happiness was fulfilling. If this was even close to what tomorrow would be like, Shiv would be very very happy. There was only one other thing that would make her happier, and that would be to snuggle close to Keeve as well. In her mind's eye, she could see him, watching her. She could only wonder if he was laying in bed now as well, thinking of her. Was he missing her as much as she missed him?

If the fact that Keeve could barely lay still in bed was any indication, then he was certainly missing Shiv dearly. He sighed and slung his arm over his eyes to block out the vision of Shiv standing naked and smiling before him. He wouldn't have a good night's rest again unless he could be with her at least one last time, hold her and love her the way she wanted to be loved.... But he wouldn't get the chance if he continued to cower on Dargus' ship, and ignored Shiv's transmissions. He had to make one last effort to speak with her, in one form or another.

With a surge of determination, Keeve sat upright in bed and shifted around towards the vidlink unit atop his bedstand. Just one last chance, that's all he wanted. If he could tell her how he felt - truly how he felt, there might be a future for them after all. After punching in the coords Shiv had left him for the Stiletto, Keeve gathered his thoughts while the pre-recorded message played. Once it had ended, he found he could do nothing but stare blankly at the screen. What could he say? What was there to say?

After a few moments of uninterrupted silence, Keeve touched his fingers to the screen, where he imagined Shiv's face would be. "Maeren?" he began hesitantly. Keeve sighed and looked away, hoping the tears in his eyes wouldn't be visible to her once she played the message. Collecting himself, he gazed up again at the screen and gave Shiv a rueful smile. Again able to speak clearly and without the risk of choking up, he finally admitted aloud to himself and to her what had been plaguing him since the day she left, what had been keeping him yearning for her all that time: "My love...my Maeren.... I miss you."

---

"Lightsaber Practice"
by Aurra Sgall - Jedi Padawan
Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Alisson Blair - Jedi Knight

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 9, 4 ABY

***

Aurra was more accustomed to wielding her lightsaber now than she ever had been before. It came better and more strongly, yet easier, with every passing day. She was now able to deflect all the shots from the practice sphere without too much trouble, and foresee the shots before they were fired as if something gave them away, as slight as it might be.

Kal'Aran watched his padawan in a most content manner and yet he paid attention to her every move and helped her out with some commands, such as relaxing and not tensing the shoulders. But overall she was quite gifted and he had no doubt that soon she would master her weapon.

When the training was off, the twi'lek girl placed her weapon safeguarded and turned to the door as she heard someone come inside the trainig area. It was Alisson.

"You are getting better everytime I see you!" she said with a nod and a smile.

"Thank you, Master Blair." Aurra bowed. "I try to get better, and it is good to feel that commiting pays off with good results!"

Kal'Aran had stepped behind Aurra and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Yes, it does. And I am proud of your improvement over the past few days! Perhaps you ought to start training with two spheres..." he said with a smile. "And your physicals are also wondrous!"

"You flatter me Master Kal'Aran..." Aurra smiled with a soft laughter. "But I am still somewhat green in a certain way and I know I have much to learn still! But I hope to learn it all and become better and better."

"And that I am sure you will," he nodded. "But today we will finish training with a little lightsaber fighting okay? Something new, so I want you to be careful of your movements so you don't get hurt or hurt others, even though I want you to strike without fear and precise. Just control your movements, okay?"

"Yes, Master, I will do my very best!" she promised as she ignited her weapon, upon seeing Master Kal'Aran do the same, while Alisson watched. The blades crossed in the tips, and she decided to move first, pressing his blade out of the way and moving sideways to strike at his arms. Alas, he wasn't even there when she did and was out of the way, his weapon circling hers. She lost control but tried to keep a grip, but it was too late and her weapon was tossed out of her hands.

Kal'Aran pulled her weapon back and gave it to Aurra with a smile. "What did you do wrong?" he asked.

"Besides striking first you mean?" she asked mockingly knowing that it had been her first mistake. "Honestly I don't know. I guess in the end I tensed too much..." she said.

Alisson moved closer and nodded in concordance to what Aurra had just said. "That's true, but you also used movements that were too wide. If you are striking you have to watch your opponent. If he's stronger you have to be faster. If he's faster you have to try and be both fast but strike slightly stronger. And if he's both things then you're in trouble!" she laughed.

"I see..." She nodded happily. "Again?" she asked her Master, only to have his consent, the blades meeting themselves once more. In Aurra's mind were the words that Alisson had just said. The key, to read the opponent.

Alas, even taking that in mind she was not good enough for Master Kal'Aran, who once more took advantage of her mistake, which this time was to move too fast, a mistake that got Aurra off balance. Kal'Aran had moved in and from the side would have caught her if he was really fighting.

Again Alisson commented. "Don't try so hard, Aurra, but rather keep yourself loose and relaxed and trust the Force to guide you the same way you do with the training spheres. You will see that it makes you more alert. But keep an eye on your opponent still and do remember that it is his shoulders that give away the attack!" she told the young twi'lek, only to see her nod.

Kal'Aran then smiled gently to his padawan. "You are doing very well! But try this... If you keep your lighsaber closer to your body you will find that you can make faster movements. However, you will lose some of the strength..." he explained. "One more time!" he said confidently, knowing that Aurra would soon master all these exercises.

The blue skinned girl nodded with a warm smile and got herself ready once more. This time she was even more confident, but relaxed as well. She closed her eyes for some brief few seconds and felt the Force, her Master, Alisson and all life that spun around them. With a swift movement she parried the attack that came at her easily, as if she'd known it would be there just like in the sphere training. After that it took her a couple more blocks until she saw an opening for a strike. Of course Kal'Aran blocked her attack long before it would strike.

He safeguarded his blade, only to see Aurra do the very same thing. He smiled and placed his arm around her and she could see that Alisson was also content with her performance. "You did wonderfully! I'm sure that you will have no difficulty in this as well!" he told her.

"Thank you, Master!" she smiled happily. "But you were only fighting. What about using the Force to pull or push during the fight?" she asked, knowing that it was well possible.

"One step at a time my young Padawan." Kal'Aran smiled warmly. "Soon enough you will learn that and I am sure you'll have no dificulty to defend yourself from that nor use it to your aid!" he told her confidently. "Now why don't we go and have a meal? I'm getting rather hungry after the exercise!" He laughed softly.

Alisson smiled and agreed, so the three of them went to the kitchen to make something, or better yet, see if Orn could get them something...

---

"Ancient Writings"
by Kal'Aran
Quinlan Vos
and Koran Darr

Location: Jedi Temple
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

"Well my friend, I am confident that we are following the righteous path," Kal'Aran said. "Things do seem to be getting more composed and with time peace ought to overcome. Especially with the new Padawans!"

"I am more reluctant. Although we do seem to be going in a right direction, I cannot stop to wonder about the way these new Padawans are taught," Quinlan said simply.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that the old Code is gone. It is no longer the same pattern for all Jedi actions. This I see in some of the Padawans, especially in the girls," Quinlan commented, then stopping and turning to face his old friend. "Not Aurra Sgall."

"Yes, I have noticed this also. Alas, I must wonder if the times are not of change. After all, it is a new age and perhaps new additions to our code should be placed," Kal'Aran said, as he thought about it. Would it be time to revise the Code? And if so, what kind of revision should be done?

"Perhaps... But one must be careful. We all know the responsibility of children by those strong in the ways of the Force. One must be ready to do so first," Vos reminded his friend. "Caution would be advised in that same matter. But this is not my main preoccupation. I fear more the unsuppressed feelings in which they deal, especially feelings of love which they confuse with sexuality, and fear and hatred," he added with a frown as he had known them as well in his time.

Kal'Aran placed his hand on his friend's shoulder and nodded in consent. "I know what you mean, but we must have faith that even Liam Zaneth who has passed those paths has better judgement when the time comes. And I hope that the new Padawans learn it just as well."

"Indeed... It is a cold place and the feeling is most empty. I still feel it myself sometimes. It will never truly leave you," Quinlan warned. "And it is a battle that you will have for the remainder of time. But I am hoping that the Sith are no more, now that Sidious and Vader are gone."

"Yes, let us hope so." Kal'Aran nodded. "Now, I hear that Koran Darr is deciphering some codes off some walls and I thought we might be of assistance. Let us go offer him our aid."

"Very well," Vos agreed simply.

***

Once they got there they saw Darr. "Good morning, old friend. We heard about this place. What are your best conclusions so far?" Vos asked with a smile and a bow.

Koran looked up at the two Jedi Masters and chuckled. "My best conclusions," he began, "are that these people should have left us more information. I wish that Laedra were still here. She has a real talent for deciphering these markings. I believe that it is definitely certain that the former inhabitants of this Temple were Force-users, but not Jedi specifically."

Quinlan frowned. Force users but not Jedi? Could there be another organization that was a Force using one? Maybe one previous to the Jedi or the very first to achieve control over the Force. It was clear that it could not be the Sith as the whole location was on the good side of the Force stream. "Do we have a timeline yet?" he asked.

In the meantime, Kal'Aran watched the markings. They didn't resemble anything he'd ever seen before so it was hard to tell what they meant. "Have you been able to decipher anything yet?" he asked. "Do we have a key for these markings?"

"Before Laedra had to leave," Koran said, "we'd begun to develop a key, but with recent activities, nothing more has come of it. Now that she's back, I'm sure we'll have a much greater chance of finding something. We believe much of the rooms on the floor above bear markings holding some religious significance, or at least a system of beliefs and ideals. Our time in New Plouton's libraries garnered us a few more texts with language for use as a reference. So, to answer your question, not yet, but hopefully soon."

"I see," Quinlan said. "Do you mind if I try?" he asked as he meant to use his power to see and feel through objects. Perhaps this way he could grant an advantage in getting the key.

Koran stepped back and motioned toward the wall he'd been examining earlier.

Quinlan stepped up towards the wall and stretched his arm to touch it as Kal'Aran made not a single sound and merely watched patiently, with his arms folded. He had seen this many times before and knew the strong power it was, and yet it amazed him still.

The Kiffex Jedi Master touched the wall and closed his eyes, concentrating to see what he could see and feel whatever was to be felt through the wall. To see its past... A flash came to his eyes and he saw people as if they were there at his side. Human looking people with dark skin, as if burned from the sun. Dressed in their simple robes they were working on the wall.

For Quinlan, this was as if seeing with his bare eyes. As he looked around, even though with closed eyes in his own timeline, he could see that they all had bare faces and heads and a small indistinguishable symbol tattooed onto the sides of their skull. They moved with graceful and fluid movements and seemed to glow with an inner peace as they worked on their carvings. But, even though their fluid grace did not appear to be enhanced by the Force, the place itself was filled with it, as if the walls were filled with the life energy of the Force.

Quinlan Vos breathed deep and let go off the wall. He opened his eyes slowly and turned around to face his friends. He told them exactly what he had seen and had felt, which only seemed to add up more questions than answers.

"Perhaps you can make more sense than us with the aid of these informations, Koran?" Kal'Aran asked hoping that indeed Koran could after the search he had done so far.

Koran nodded and stretched his back. "With Laedra back now, she and I will be spending more time trying to decipher the markings. Perhaps your insight will be of some assistance. I shall keep the both of you posted."

Kal'Aran nodded in consent. The four of them were sure to work faster, and with Quinlan's ability they could gain a lot more from it. "Very well. In the meantime perhaps we can discuss padawan training?"

"Indeed," Master Vos agreed with a slight nod and a sincere smile. "It has come to my attention that you currently have three padawans. Well, the two girls and Laedra Vorrel," he said. "Not that I don't trust you to be able to take them all, but perhaps we ought to follow a same path in training so they all become just as good and have equal opportunities?"

"All three are special cases," Koran said with a nod. "However, Liam has offered to assist in the training of Nieme and Dani."

"I see," Kal'Aran said with a smile, although he too had some questions, answers to be found. He folded his hands, his arms down and relaxed. "Tell me Koran, do you believe the system should be kept?"

"The system taught here is much different from that which we learned in our time!" Quinlan added before Koran could answer. "But times are also different, making it clear that new modifications should be taken under serious consideration. Yet, I find Nieme and Dani too physically close to one another, which by times brings them to act without proper care. What is your insight of this as their current teacher?"

"Nieme and Dani are still somewhat wild," Koran said. "However, they know when to act as they should, when to restrain actions that would otherwise be out of place. They are both emotional, physical people. Do you believe Nieme and Dani should be separated? Do you believe we should chastise them for the love they feel for one another? Do you believe they should be reprimanded and punished for breaking from the old Code?"

"Not at all!" Quinlan stated. "I believe we should be the ones to change the code to allow it. After all, it is my belief that they would do so anyway, even if our protocol had it otherwise. It is best if we all know rather than have secrets..." he said.

"I agree," Kal'Aran followed. "Even when I trained Alisson, I was confronted by these same points. She was part of the royal family who favoured open sexuality, you see... And even in spite the Jedi Code was taught I had to grant some slack as you do with them. But I fear that they grow too attached to each other... Look at Liam. He fights himself to keep as balanced as he may be over Yelara leaving with his son. Had he not taken this path and had a relationship, a wife, he would not be in this dilemma now..."

"And perhaps she is his balance and thus he needs her still, now more than ever," Quinlan argued. "But if not for her, perhaps his balance would be something else?!" he asked in a rhetorical way. "Do you favour the changes in the Code? Not all the Jedi Code, mind you... Just reviewing loving aspects with care."

"I believe that we must adapt to the changes in the nature of the galaxy. The Jedi Order was founded on centuries of history and tradition. Palpatine destroyed all that, and now to propose such restrictions again, on a Jedi Order that has not known them, may breed only trouble. What do you suppose Liam Zaneth would do if we were to tell him he must divorce his wife? Or what would Nieme and Dani say if we told them they must no longer be together? The same with Kael and Raeila. They know that their duty is to the Jedi Order, but can we tell them to deny their hearts? If we do, will they resent us for it? They do not have the training or discipline of the old Order to deny their heart's desire. I could not demand it of them anymore than I could demand that they cut out their own hearts."

"Then you agree with us," Kal'Aran concluded. "The Code should be reviewed and new rules applied!" he said. And it was true. Never could they expect the new ones to change their very nature, and he himself knew that he acted as he did because he had never known another life. "It is settled then that one may choose his or her path, even if it involves loving relationships. I am glad this is settled. I am sure they will like to know that neither of us oppose their relationships," he smiled.

"Especially Nieme and Dani who are obviously fond of each other." Quinlan laughed, a rare occasion for the Jedi to be seen laughing outloud. "I don't think they like me too much over a quarrel when they slipped into the city at night and got into a fight... I caught the girls when they arrived here and reprimanded in a rather harsh way!"

"I've also heard whispered rumour of a deathtrap you enjoy using for training," Koran said with a chuckle. "I don't think that has helped your reputation any either, Old Man." He looked around the room, and then back to Quinlan and Kal'Aran. "Times are definitely changing, and we need to be accepting of them. The Jedi won't be what they were before, but I hope together we can make the Jedi into something greater."

"The deathtrap you refer to is a training room and it has only been used once. It is similar to the basic Jedi trials of the old days and Laedra ran it once by following my lead... The room has been locked since," Quinlan explained. "But it would not kill her since even the blades were protected against slicing. I just never let her know about that," he smiled. "Anyway, I hope that this new Order grows stronger than it ever was in our time!"

"Yes..." Kal'Aran agreed. "I am confident that we will succeed. The ancient writings in the old Jedi Code are most wise, but we need to adapt and adjust to the new days by using our knowledge and experience. But let us go now... No more can we do here for now. Let us go eat something!" he smiled.

Koran smiled. "Food sounds like a marvelous idea," he said. "And, I've been in here long enough, that I could really use some."

"Well, let us go then!" Kal'Aran said gently as they all left the room and headed towards the kitchen for a meal, leaving behind the markings that still held some answers to be discovered. But for the time being not even the right questions had been asked, for they knew not what the markings meant...yet.

---

"Flirting with Disaster, Part 1"
by Nieme Yaresh (Selrid?)
Dani
Kael Selrid
and Raeila Mullerin

Location: Jedi Temple and Trancemania
Date: Eos 9, 4ABY

***

Nieme was still beaming from her afternoon with Kael, which had unfortunately ended after he decided he needed to pay Raeila a visit before she became too suspicious. A part of her was grateful they had been forced to separate, for just one look at him had her desires flaring again and filled her with the need to physically be with him. They had had a close call in the kitchen, with Kael getting frisky just as Orn decided to drop in. But, Orn was more surprised to see them interacting so amicably than to notice where Kael's hands had momentarily been. He didn't intrude upon them for too long before he left again, laughing and shaking his head in disbelief. That left them free to cook, and Kael free to return his hands to her chest.

She never even imagined until this day that they would reconcile their previous relationship; she always thought they'd just move past that and become good friends, but now she could easily see them renewing their marriage, and truly living as husband and wife again. It all seemed so simple and idyllic, but there were two things standing in their way: Dani and Raeila. Nieme groaned miserably at that thought. They could never make it work, not without hurting Dani and Rae. Before, she would have revelled in the pain she could have caused Raeila by admitting something like Kael's unfaithfulness to her, but she'd grown to like Raeila in the short time the girl had lived in the Temple, and now she felt horrible for doing with Kael something that would no doubt injure her permanently if she discovered the truth. But, she loved Kael. She couldn't just deny her feelings for him for Raeila's sake, and Dani's; it would be too unbearable.

Nieme turned down the next empty corridor and followed the lovely, serene emotions of her Dani enshrouding her body. Her link to Dani was always present, and their feelings always shared among one another through the Force. Nieme had made certain to sever that connection when she was with Kael so Dani would not feel what she was feeling at that moment. It would have all but given away their secret.

A wide shaft of amber sunlight burned upon the floor from the open gateway that led out to the courtyard. She already smelled the sweet fragrance of flowers lingering in the air, and knew it to be Dani's scent mingled with the dragonias Liam Zaneth had recently planted. When she stepped into the opening, she looked out upon her lover skipping lightly along the path, with her face upturned toward the pastel sky. The pang of guilt she felt was almost physically painful as she realized how cruel it was to betray Dani the way she had...and would most likely continue to do. Sighing softly, Nieme closed her eyes and leaned against the edge of the frame of the gateway.

Dani was in mid-skip when she sensed Nieme. She grinned, and then adjusted course abruptly. With a giggle, she skipped her way towards Nieme. "Hello, my beautiful love," she said happily. "I was just out here enjoying the fresh air and thinking about you. And...I have a surprise for you later too!"

Nieme smiled at Dani and greeted her with an embrace. "It's not a surprise if we've already done it."

Dani giggled. "It's a different surprise, my love," she said. "But, in order to do it, I'll need a baitar."

"I think...Kael has one." Feeling her guilt rising upon mention of his name, Nieme quickly pulled Dani into a deep kiss. Nieme had to make certain there wasn't a doubt in Dani's mind about her feelings for her, and that she was completely unaware of her feelings for Kael. Finally breaking the kiss, Nieme smiled warmly at Dani and brushed her fingers through her violet hair. "I love you, Dani. I just felt like telling you that."

"I know," Dani said with a big smile. "I can feel it. And, I love you too, Nieme. Which is part of that surprise later. Well, not that I love you. But this expression of my love for you. So, how have you been? How'd your training go?"

Nieme cleared her throat and moved away from Dani to leisurely walk the cobbled path. "It went...fine. K-Kael actually helped me. I think I'm getting better."

"Really? Oh, Nieme, that's wonderful! See? You can be a good Jedi! And, we're going to be great Jedi together. You and me, my beautiful arozeil!"

Nieme laughed softly and turned to face Dani, continuing backwards down the path. "Not quite yet, Dani. I think I have a long way to go. A few more sessions with Kael and I should be an expert...I think."

"It's wonderful to hear, my beautiful star," Dani said. "I'm glad that you and Kael are getting along well. Though, maybe not well enough to accompany us down to the waterfalls."

Nieme's face paled slightly and her heart dropped into her gut at Dani's comment. Could she know? She yelped softly as the back of her knees hit the bench and she dropped down onto the seat. Looking up at Dani, she gave her a sheepish smile. "N-Not the waterfalls," Nieme stammered. "But...but he does want us to go to a club with him and Rae tonight. Did you want to? If not, you and I can stay in our room and you can show me that surprise. I mean, it might even be better if we didn't go. Rae and Kael could have some time alone together."

"Oh! If they want to go, let's! After...after the attack, I could use some good dancing. I'll give you your surprise before, but let's go dancing, Nieme! Please?"

Nieme stifled a sigh and nodded. "Okay. We can go. If that's what you want, my love, then that's what we'll do."

"Of course it's what I want," Dani said with a smile. "I want to dance close and frenetically with you. I want our bodies gyrating together to a pounding beat while we sip Steaming Passions together."

Nieme's enthusiasm stirred and she finally found herself looking forward to the evening, especially with the pleasing picture Dani was painting. "Oh, what should we wear? Definitely something sexy."

"Oh! Extremely sexy! Something that shows lots of skin, maybe even more than is respectable. And, we should get some of those sparkles we got last time. Lots of people had those, and they were so great under the lights." She wrapped her arms around Nieme from where they sat. "What about a little oil to make us all shiny and slippery, something exotic and arousing."

"Oh gods...definitely yes," Nieme whispered. She brushed her lips against Dani's and let out a shaky breath. "And when we make love afterwards, imagine how wonderful it will be sliding so easily against each other. It'll be perfect."

"Oh Nieme, I think I'm going to have a really difficult time not making love to you while we're dancing," Dani whispered, her voice husky with arousal. "Make sure you dress for it...and maybe we can slip off somewhere private."

Nieme nodded dumbly and took in a deep breath to settle herself. She knew her hands were sliding up Dani's thighs, towards her stomach and then her breasts, but once Dani got her worked up, it was always difficult to stop herself. "Oh, Dani...I want to slip off somewhere private with you now."

"Let's go down near the waterfall," Dani said breathlessly. "We can strip off all our clothes and...oh goddess, let's go, Nieme!"

"Fine, but we have to be back before it gets too late." Nieme pulled Dani into a desperate kiss and hastily began tugging at the ties on her tunic. She definitely didn't want to wait for the waterfall.

Dani quickly looked around, satisfying herself that there was no one else around the garden. "It's too far," she whispered, then began helping Nieme with the ties to the tunic.

Nieme giggled. "I thought so too." Dani's purple breasts were revealed to her soon enough, and just as quickly, Nieme leaned forward and began feasting upon them. She wrapped her arms around Dani's waist and pulled the two of them to the plush grass below. "Was this your surprise, my love?"

"No," Dani whispered between moans. "No baitar. I'll show you before we go. This...this is a good surprise though. I like this."

"You always do," Nieme purred. She flattened herself atop Dani and kissed her lover tenderly. Her day with Kael had taken much energy out of her, but for Dani she would make a full effort to satisfy her completely. She slipped a hand into Dani's pants and massaged her sensually, while her other hand caressed Dani's cheek. "I love you," she whispered.

Dani moaned with satisfaction. "I love you too," she whispered. "Now, my beautiful star, make love to me and I'll try not to scream too loud."

"You'd better scream loudly," Nieme told her. "I'll be disappointed if you don't." With a large, salacious smile, Nieme slid down along Dani's body, and set out to make her cry out until her voice was hoarse.

***

It hadn't taken long for Kael to find Raeila after parting with Nieme. He only wished the nagging ache that had centered itself in his heart would go away. He silently crept up behind her while she was studying one of the books she'd been given, and then slipped his hands over her eyes. "Guess who," he said in a low, gravelly voice.

Raeila giggled and set down her book. She placed her hands over the ones she had grown to know as Kael's, but even if she hadn't been so familiar with them, the horrible job he was doing of masking his voice gave his identity away. "Master Darr? Is that you? I thought I told you that we couldn't meet today. Oh, if Kael finds out...."

"Don't worry," Kael continued, "I have him doing some very, very deep meditation right now. He won't be around for another hour or seven."

"Seven? Hmm...well I guess that will have to do." She grinned happily and pushed Kael's hands down. "Wait a minute," she said curiously. "These aren't Koran Darr's big, manly hands." Raeila shifted around to face Kael, and feigned a look of shock and surprise. "Oh, Koran. What's happened to you? I really do prefer the old look." With a laugh, Raeila threw her arms around Kael's neck and kissed him tenderly. "It's about time you came to me, my love. I was really missing you."

Kael laughed and returned her kisses passionately. He did still love Nieme, but it was so different than his love for Raeila. As much as he cared and desired Nieme, he knew his need and love for Rae would never fade. He was surprised, after his encounter with Nieme, just how much passion flooded into him. "I was really missing you too," he said, realizing it to be the truth with the sudden stiffness in his trousers. "How have you been doing? It appears that Koran and Liam were keeping you busy. Reading, even."

"Well, I was mostly looking at the pictures," she admitted. "But they showed me how to work the comm systems and the computer.... Then Koran Darr tutored me a little on reading and writing. It's hard, but I think I'm going to get the hang of it really soon."

"That's great," Kael said with a wide smile. "You should talk to Nieme too. She's great with reading and things. I bet she'd be a great help." He realized what he'd said too late, but managed to keep it from showing on his face. "I think you could learn a lot with her teaching you."

Raeila looked down and shrugged. "I don't know... I think I'd be too ashamed to take help from her. I mean, aside from admitting I'm not so bright, I think it's still a bit too soon for me to be asking her for help, especially after what I did."

Kael kissed her once more. "Well, maybe in time," he said. "Until then, I'll try to help you too...even though I'm probably only a little ahead of you. Oh, how would you like to go into the city for some dancing tonight?"

"Dancing?" Raeila's face lit up and a large smile stretched her lips. "Oh, that would be wonderful. Just like we used to do in the desert. You, me, and music. Perfect."

"Is you, me, Dani, and Nieme going into the city alright?" he asked with a hopeful look. "It'd be you and me dancing, but the four of us would go together. I have a feeling once they get on the dancefloor, Nieme and Dani will forget the rest of the world exists...just like you and I will."

"Well, I guess it's fine," Raeila replied. "I think it'd be good to get away from the Temple for a while...for all of us. Maybe me and Nieme can even talk a little more. I think that's a wonderful idea, my arozeil." She pressed her lips lightly to Kael's again, then gasped softly and pulled back. "Wait... I don't have anything to wear, Kael! Everything I own is...not very nice. Except for that dress you bought me, but I doubt that would be right for dancing."

"Do you think you can borrow something from Dani?" Kael asked. "The two of you are about the same size. I'm sure she's got something that would look amazing on you...like about everything she owns."

Rae blushed slightly and smiled bashfully. "I'll go ask her. When do we leave?"

"Nieme didn't say," Kael said. "But, I imagine within the next couple hours. I think she went to look for Dani. Should we both go, and then you can go with Dani to get something to wear?"

Raeila had something else on her mind for idling away two hours, and she'd been waiting for it all day, but Kael seemed so excited about the prospect of the four of them going dancing, that she wanted to look perfect for him when they did; that meant spending their free time getting an appropriate outfit from Dani. "I can go on my own if you want to rest. I imagine training is more tiring than learning to read and use a computer."

"It's tiring," Kael said with a smile. "But, I haven't had enough time around you today. Unless you don't want me to go with you, I want to spend a little more time with you. And, if I can encourage the three of you to hurry, perhaps you and I can have some spare time for...other things."

Glad that Kael had managed to read her mind, Raeila bounced happily and kissed him firmly. "We'll hurry. Oh, we'll be very quick, Kael. Why don't you stay here, and I'll go to Dani on my own? This way you can rest up."

"Very well," Kael said with a grin. He kissed her once more. "I'll see you soon, my love. If I'm not here, I'll be in our room."

"Okay." Raeila stepped away from Kael and headed to the door. With a little wave for him and a giggle, she slipped away and hurried towards Dani's room.

Dani and Nieme's room was still located in the more isolated part of the Temple, so getting there was quite the trek. Raeila always got an eerie feeling walking alone in this section of the corridors, especially in the evening. She had no sensitivity to the Force but even she could sense something was there.

And then...it moaned.

Raeila slowed to a halt with a quizzical expression on her face. Again, a prolonged cry echoed through the corridor. Rae turned her head in each direction to pinpoint the source of the sounds, though she already had a clear idea of who was making them and why. With a large grin, Raeila continued down the corridor, following the sounds as she went.

It didn't take long to come upon the courtyard, where the cries of ecstasy peaked in volume. She didn't want to disturb Dani and Nieme so she simply poked her head through the opening and watched them from a distance. Dani's purple skin was radiant even in the growing darkness. She could barely make out Nieme, but she had no doubts the girl was there as well. Dani's moans increased in intensity and her body writhed frantically upon the grass until her graceful body arched clear off the ground and a glorious cry filled the air. Raeila couldn't help but be affected by the scene and felt her cheeks flushing, and blood rushing to her breasts, hardening her nipples. She took in a shaky breath and watched as Dani's body slowly relaxed and Nieme slipped into her arms. Reluctant to intrude upon their tender moment, Raeila smiled softly at the sight and silently receded into the corridor.

Dani sprawled back onto the grass with a large smile on her face. With her arms splayed out, she gazed lovingly up at Nieme. A hint of something tugged at her senses, and she smiled even broader. "Oh my love," she whispered. "We have a watcher." She then turned her head in Raeila's direction. "Come on out, Raeila, my dear, it's okay."

Not getting too far in her retreat, Raeila timidly stepped into the opening again and awkwardly waved at them. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was...I was just walking by and.... I didn't see anything. I swear."

Dani grinned up at her. "I think you did," she whispered. "But, that's okay. I don't mind being seen, and I don't think Nieme does either. Do you, my beautiful star?"

Nieme smiled up at Raeila, a bold smile that expressed her satisfaction with the newfound knowledge she now held that Raeila was just a shy little girl who was easily flustered. She almost felt it her duty to be with Kael; he needed a real woman, and Nieme would be that for him. "I don't mind at all, Rae," she told her. Come and have a seat." Nieme sat up to bring her naked breasts in full view of Raeila. She giggled softly as the girl's cheeks turned another shade of red.

"I-I was looking for you," Raeila said as she trepidly approached them. "Kael said we were going to a club and...he told me you wouldn't mind lending me something to wear." She stiffly sat down upon the bench, a good distance away from the two naked girls. "Do you mind?"

Dani grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "I wouldn't mind at all," she said. "Nieme and I are going to be very sexy tonight, and you can too. Come over here with us." She smiled warmly and motioned her closer. "You don't have to be shy with us, Raeila. We're your friends."

Raeila's eyes fluttered towards Nieme, then back to Dani. "I know. It's just...this is a private, intimate thing. I just don't want to impose. You know, I can just meet you at your room. Why don't I do that?"

"Come over here, silly Raeila," Dani said with a gentle smile. "It's alright, I promise. We're finished with our intimacy, and now you're here with us. What's the matter, Raeila? You're not imposing or intruding, and everything is fine. Come sit with us for a little while before we get you your clothes. It's alright."

"I-I am sitting," Rae said. "It's okay. Don't worry about me, Dani."

Nieme smiled at Rae with a slightly predatory gleam in her eye. "Yeah, Dani. She's alright." She rose from the ground, completely bereft of clothing and with the last rays of sunlight reflecting off the glistening sheen of sweat covering her nude form. "It's not like she hasn't seen us naked before," Nieme added as she slinked towards Raeila. "And it isn't the first time she's seen us have sex either. She likes watching us, I think." Nieme's smile grew larger as Raeila demurely looked away from her and nervously chuckled as Nieme sat down beside her on the bench. "Don't be shy, Rae," Nieme whispered. She rested her hand on Raeila's thigh and caressed it lightly. "We like being watched. Don't we, my love?"

Dani smiled and crawled forward toward Raeila. "Very much," she said. "It's alright to enjoy it or to be aroused by it. I think most people are...and it's okay."

Raeila gently pushed Nieme's hand away as it slid farther up her thigh and smiled uncomfortably at the two. "I really do like you two, but...I really didn't mean to watch. I would prefer if...if we could just be friends. Please?"

"I know you enjoyed what you saw," Dani said softly. "And, it's okay, Raeila." She then covered Nieme's hand with her own and smiled. "Let's go find her those clothes, Nieme."

Nieme nodded and with one last, enticing smile for Raeila, Nieme slipped off the bench to retrieve her shed clothing. Raeila let out a small sigh of relief and quickly rose. One look at Dani's lavender, bared body, and Raeila's discomfort returned. "I'll meet you in