"A Sudden Appearance"
Ithea Tass
Location: In Space
Date: Praeda 9, 4ABY
The woman stood in anger. First the pilot had admitted that he had erred in his jump into hyperspace and was having difficulties figuring out exactly where they had ended up. This had put them behind schedule by a week. Then, she had awoken to find no pilot on board and an escape pod missing.
She stared at the automatic controls. She dared not take them off for she had no idea how to pilot a vessel. This was her first time off planet and such skills were not needed in her compound. Her slaves were just about as useless. She stared at the approaching planet with a feeling of dread. She began to look around for some kind of manual or instruction piece but to no avail.
"Mistress, this is the comm system. Maybe you can get assistance from the planet?" Terane suggested quietly.
She cursed her lack of foresight. It would seem that the nightqueen was too afraid to face her in combat. She had arranged her demise on some foreign world far from home. She sat down in the chair and accessed the system the man had indicated. She was at least familiar with a comm system. Unfortunately, she had no idea what frequency the planet used. They shot past a large enforced ship. Small strange spider looking vessels began to flow from it.
"To anyone listening, I am in the incoming vessel. My pilot seems to have defected and I do not know how to land. Can anyone assist me?" Ithea tried several other frequencies and received nothing. She began to suspect that the pilot had somehow disabled the comm system as well.
A strange sense of calm settled over her. She knew it was not her time to die. She knew when she would pass and this was neither the time nor the place. She looked sadly at her slaves. It was not likely the same for them. "Terane, do your best to set this thing down somewhere other than a rock pile. I will be in my quarters." She got up and left, not acknowledging neither the surprise nor fear on her slaves' faces.
She entered her quarters and sat in the middle. She began to enter into a deep meditative state. If she could keep her body relaxed and flow with the metal as it touched down, perhaps she could survive with minimal injuries. She was used to various levels of pain and did not fear it. However, she did not know if the planet was the type to lend assistance and therefore did not wish to be incapacitated if possible.
The ship came into the atmosphere at a harsh angle. Her slave did his best to keep the ship's nose up and mimic the actions of the pilot. He knew his life depended on his success. As the land rushed up to meet them, he managed to figure out how to slow the ship. His success came too late as he looked up to see tree tops, his last conscious sight.
The ship tore a full kilometer strip through forest. Pieces of it scattered as it skipped and bounced along the treetops. When it finally came to a rest, most of the outer hull had been stripped away. The cockpit was completely filled with branches and the body of one impaled slave. The only sound as the debris settled was the creaking and groaning of the main piece.
"Someone Crashing In..."
by Admiral Tarkin - Imperial Sector General
Lieutenant Jaavs Korkov (NPC written by Tarkin)
Location: Imperial Outpost (formal Royal Palace), Arcadia
Date: Praeda 9, 4ABY
He was in the throne room, now remodelled to fit the Empire as well as Tarkin's desires and needs. From there he had direct contact with the Imperial Starships in the system, which included his Super Star Destroyer, the Nemesis. An incoming message arrived from one of the Star Destroyers.
"Sir, we picked up an incoming vessel going towards the planet at a large speed. It seems uncontrolled and has not responded to communication attempts," the Lieutenant said.
"What about scans for lifeforms?" Tarkin demanded.
"Well, at the high speed it becomes less exact, but scans indicate that there are 82% chances of lifeforms onboard. I have sent some TIE Interceptors after it, although the distance is quite large. I'm afraid they may not get there in time..."
Tarkin frowned. Could this be a Rebel suicide trying to get to the planet and maybe crash against the palace? "What is the trajectory to this incoming vessel?" Tarkin asked.
"Well, if the trajectory stands, sir, it will impact on the forest, far east from Arcadia... If I may say so, sir, it does seem to be uncontrolled and not an attack."
"No, you may not say so, Lieutenant. And I do not recall having given you permission for your opinion nor did I ask it. Your job is to monitor what comes and does not come through and stop anything that attempts to pass forcefully, which is the case, and which means you failed utterly," Tarkin reprimended Korkov.
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry sir..." Korkov excused.
"I will deal with you later," Tarkin said simply. "Right now, I want that ship traced and checked for survivors. If it changes course I want it vaporized! If it crashes, then bring any survivors to me. And bring the ship's data logs as well as I want them viewed. No more mistakes Lieutenant. Out!" Tarkin said as he cut the communication link.
He sat back in the comfortable throne and frowned. There was someone crashing in uninvited and the question of who was yet to be answered.
"Second Chances, Part 1"
by Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston
Location: Yallder district, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 9, 4ABY
***
"What the hell did I come for again?" Kaysa muttered under breath as she frantically paced around the bedroom. The hovercab was still waiting outside for her, and no doubt ringing up quite the tab. Then there was Zale, who was probably grumbling about having to wait for a woman, especially one who was supposed to be in his presence over 20 minutes ago. She could almost picture the discontentment on his face, and she swore she faintly heard his voice ringing through the room with a sarcastic comment about women never being on time.
Kaysa bit her lip and furrowed her brow as she concentrated on trying to find the reason she'd come back to her apartment in the first place. With a sudden yelp, she rushed across the room and rummaged through her drawers, pulling out the bottle of lotion she'd gone out of her way to come back and get. She laughed greedily to herself as she opened the bottle with a triumphant flick of her finger. She put the lotion on sparingly, then decided to put on an extra layer just in case. She'd never been to Thanatos, but if it was as arid and hot as reportedly was, her fair skin wouldn't stand a chance against the noon day sun if it wasn't protected.
The horn of the hovercab sounded loudly from below and Kaysa reacted by capping the bottle and shoving it into her purse as she rushed out of the bedroom and towards the door. She took a moment to make certain she had her credit slip on her, but abandoned the search. She'd just get Zale to pay for her.
Deciding she'd wasted enough time already, Kaysa stepped towards the door and watched it slide open with a hiss. Before she could complete her first step forward, she slammed into an invisible wall that knocked the air from her lungs and sent her head spinning. As her purse slipped from her hands, she stumbled backwards and gripped for something - anything to hang onto. "Oh gods," she said in a deathly whisper.
In the doorway, Merrick Braston, a ghost out of Kaysa's past and the last man she expected to see in her doorway, swallowed hard. He reached out a hand to help steady Kaysa, but she'd already found a table to do that for her. Just like she'd already found a husband. He hadn't seen her in four months. Four months of bleary-eyed drunken longing for the woman who had rejected him for his past. He had tried to drown himself in drink to deaden the pain. If it weren't for the moments of clarity when the alcohol had worn away, he might have managed it. At least for his head. His heart would never forget.
He looked at her as she fought to get her breath. She was white as a ghost and frightened. She hadn't expected to see him again. Hadn't expected to have to look upon him and see the scars she had put there. They weren't physical scars, but he knew she could see them. He knew she could see them as she looked into his eyes. Seeing her there looking at him almost brought the tears he had been crying for so long.
"I've come to say goodbye," he said, trying to keep the anger from his voice. "I'm leaving now. Congratulations on your engagement. I know I'm a little slow, but I haven't quite been myself lately."
The whites of his gray eyes were suffused with a cloud of pink and sunken into his tired face. They were surrounded by dark, black circles and appeared swollen as if he'd been crying for years or hadn't slept for just as long. His skin was pale and the stubble on his face looked itself as worn and ragged as his clothing. He hadn't bothered to comb his hair, nor had he bothered to press his clothing, which carried with it the distinct odour of dried liquor.
The first moment she'd seen him, she thought him a wraith come to damn her for all the cruel things she'd ever done, but once he spoke, she knew it was no figment of her imagination. She'd encountered this scene before, in her dreams, but instead of the gleaming, smiling face of the man in her visions, she was presented with a withered substitute who only harboured sadness in his eyes. If she hadn't heard his voice or smelled the liquor upon his breath, she would have convinced herself it was only a delusional hallucination.
She gripped the table as if it were tethering her to reality; she feared if she let go, she would fall forever into the darkness within her. She couldn't find her voice as she tried to speak, and her legs visibly trembled beneath her. Why now? Why did he choose to come to her now when she thought she had finally come to terms with his loss? This was her punishment, it had to be; merely looking at his dead eyes and ashen face was tearing her heart in two, and it was just what she deserved.
Kaysa took in a deep staggering breath as he continued to stand there, merely staring at her with a peculiar expression. He seemed to be fighting an internal struggle with himself, and she thought it was most likely whether to leave her in her inconsolable state, or to wait for her to gather her resolve and speak. She tried to do just that and the more she tried to breathe, the harder it became.
She clenched her eyes shut to keep from having to witness the heartbreaking sight before her, and doing so helped her to finally catch her breath. "You...you were gone," she wheezed. She swallowed the knot in her throat and tried again. "I mean...I thought you'd gone."
Merrick shook his head and looked around. "Not physically," he said. "I figured it was time for me to go...go search for whatever. Me, I guess. I just wanted to see you one last time before I go. I hope you find happiness with Rennor Karradas. You looked like you were going out, so I won't hold you up anymore. Goodbye, Kaysa."
Panic hit Kaysa as she watched him turn. It was the day in the park all over again. The first time almost drove her mad and she was certain she wouldn't be able to handle it any better if it happened again. She managed to push herself away from the table and staggered towards Merrick. "Please...don't leave. Merrick, not like this. Please."
Merrick stopped and scrubbed a hand through his unkempt hair. He shook his head and turned back to face her. "How then, Kaysa?" he asked, the pain obvious in his face and voice. "Do you want me to stay here and watch you walk down the aisle? Wish you well as you go off to some pleasure planet for your honeymoon maybe? I can't do this." He watched her for a moment longer, and then looked down. "How Kaysa?"
"Merrick, it's not like that!" She reached her hand out to touch him, to caress his cheek, but the indignation and resentment in his eyes almost physically slapped it away. "My engagement to Rennor is only an arrangement. I...I don't care for him, Merrick. I was desperate. I needed something he had. Can you understand that? I don't love him and never will. Merrick...please believe me."
"Obviously he has something that I couldn't give you," he said, taking a step back. "You may not love him, you may not even like him, but you're still vowing to spend the rest of your life with him. If you want to spend the rest of your life with him..." He looked up at her and then shrugged. "I guess that's what you want. I hope your arrangement works out, Kaysa." His face was washed with the warring emotions boiling beneath the surface. As he stood there, it was obvious he was trying to keep control, to not break down. "I shouldn't have come. I'm sorry."
Her voice became no more than a squeak as she desperately tried to say something to make him stay. Seeing him now, standing there, she was certain she couldn't bear to watch him walk out on her again. She quickly began to realize how much she truly needed him, but didn't know how to express it to him. "Merrick, all he has to offer me is money. That's all I want from him. Merrick, please!" She lunged her hand towards him again, and this time made contact with his arm. She held it with a firm grip and vowed that no matter how hard he would try to pull free, she wasn't going to release her hold. "You came here for a reason other than to congratulate me, Merrick. You can't leave yet, not until you tell me why you came back here."
Merrick closed his eyes as his emotions threatened to overflow. He took a deep breath and then opened his eyes. "Because I love you. And, I couldn't leave this cesspool without seeing you one last time. Now, I can go. At least with the money, you can get something other than heartache. If I can think of anything, I'll send you a wedding gift. Hopefully it'll get through the Imperial patrols."
"No. No! You're not leaving like this." Kaysa continued to grip Merrick's arm and looked at him with an imploring gaze. "Just let me talk, Merrick. Please, if this is the last time we see each other, at least let me have a chance to say something...anything! Merrick..." Kaysa had to pause for a moment to keep her voice steady. She needed all her composure if she was going to get him to listen to her, and right now, he was being as stubborn as she thought herself to be. "I can't watch you leave like this, Merrick. Don't you even wanna hear what I have to say?"
"Does it matter?" he asked. "Will anything you have to say change our situation? You made your feelings about me quite clear in the park. But, if you want to talk, talk. I'll listen to what you have to say. My transport leaves in two hours. You have until then, I guess."
Kaysa would have allowed herself a sigh of relief if Merrick's tone hadn't been so cold and acrid. She would talk, say everything she'd rehearsed in the mirror numerous times in case her dreams ever came true and Merrick came back to her. She'd tell him everything, but she couldn't make him listen. Kaysa nodded her head slowly and motioned Merrick towards the couches in the living area. "Have a seat. Do you want anything to drink?" Kaysa gave a short, mirthless laugh. More alcohol was probably the last thing he wanted.
He shook his head. "No," he said. "After the last four months, if you were to cut me, you could tend bar off my blood." He took a seat on one of the couches and looked up at Kaysa. "I'm okay for now."
Kaysa took a seat across from Merrick, but fidgeted nervously. She had so much to say and all the words flew through her mind in a confusing mess. There wasn't much time and she had to choose her words carefully. If she didn't say the right thing, he would leave her again. She began wringing her hands roughly and both sat in silence, waiting for something to happen, something that would change everything for the best.
"I...I don't quite know how to begin." Kaysa laughed quietly to herself and shook her head. "If it's a snappy comment, I never have trouble finding the words, but the one time it truly matters, I have no idea what to say."
Merrick nodded. "I wish I could help you find the words, but I don't know."
"Merrick..." Kaysa's mouth hung open as her brain seemed to scramble for a way to express in words what her heart was urging her to say. She'd discovered months ago that she truly did love Merrick, but that didn't mean it could keep her from hurting him. It was a relief when she found out he'd gone; it meant she would have no opportunity to inflict any more pain on him than she already had. The realization came that she should have been saying all this to him, but she couldn't find the courage.
"I...I went to the White Noise, you know? I was just passing by one day and I found myself drawn inside." Kaysa cleared her throat and rose, instantly pacing nervously across the small area before the couches. "Chrik...he said you'd gone. I don't quite know what happened after that, but I ended up in your dressing room and..." Kaysa laughed wistfully and looked back at Merrick. "I kept hearing your voice singing to me. I could even smell your scent in the room. I thought I was going insane, but I knew I'd already gone insane long before that moment. I let you go didn't I?"
Kaysa averted her gaze quickly and hastened her movements to a frenzied pace. "I thought you were gone and I felt the emptiness in my heart growing. I knew it was because the longer I spent away from you, the more numb I became. I knew I only wanted to feel if I could feel those things for you." Kaysa stopped suddenly and let out a sharp sigh. She couldn't find the right words and she knew by the expression on Merrick's face that he had no idea what she was trying to say. She cursed under her breath for a few moments and let out an irritated grunt before looking back at Merrick. She shook her head almost apologetically and covered her face with her hands. "I'm sorry. I have no idea what I'm trying to say. I'm sorry."
Merrick watched Kaysa as she struggled with her words. He wanted to go to her, to tell her it was okay. But it wasn't okay. She was marrying another man. She was marrying another man solely because she wanted his money. He didn't know if she just wanted to torture him more by keeping him here, or if she really did care for him. Her words seemed to indicate that she might. But, what if she was just playing him like she was Rennor Karradas? He knew he couldn't endure the pain of heartbreak a second time. He wanted her to love him as he loved her, but didn't know if that was even possible. She knew he wanted her. She had to. Now it was up to her to decide if she wanted him. Would she be able to give up the money and everything else she craved? She was marrying a man she didn't love. So, it really said a lot about him since she refused to even associate with him.
What had he done so wrong? One lie. One lie had doomed him to this, and she had taken that lie and plunged it into his heart. He did not know what she wanted now. She didn't appear to know. He hoped that he could endure their time here together. He couldn't bear having his heart torn in two again.
Kaysa continued to cover her face with her hands. Merrick was so silent, she had no idea if he was still there, or if he had slipped out through the door. Her words weren't making an impact and the moment was quickly slipping away. If he left, it would be forever this time, and Kaysa couldn't quite grasp that. Forever meant she would never see his face again, never taste the sweetness of his lips. She would never hear his hauntingly beautiful voice singing her to sleep while she lay in his arms. The thought of spending the rest of her life without Merrick was almost as torturous as standing in the middle of the room not able to find the words that would make him stay. The hopelessness she felt became overwhelming and her body shook as tears consumed her. She was losing him and she felt powerless to stop it. "That day in the White Noise," she began, not knowing whether or not he was even still there, "I cried. I sat in your chair and cried. It truly hit me then, that you were gone and that I'd driven you away. In that moment, I realized how much I wanted you, how much I needed you. I was just too stupid to realize it while you were still around." Kaysa swallowed back the tears that were choking her words and slowly lowered her hands. She stared at the ground and spoke again quietly. "The first night I met you, I was so angry with you. I was angry because I realized that, despite struggling against it, despite forcing myself to ignore it, my heart had already decided that it belonged to you."
Kaysa took a deep breath and slowly raised her eyes. She knew this was her last chance and she had to say what she'd always been meaning to say, what she'd dreamed of saying to him for so long. "Merrick...I want to help you finish that song." Her eyes finally locked with his and a gentle smile softened her tense features. "I love you, Merrick, and there is no way in hell I'm letting you go."
Merrick took a deep breath and looked up at Kaysa. As his eyes met hers, all the love he felt for her seemed to fill him. "I want to be with you, Kaysa," he said. "I want to love you, be inspired by you, and dedicate every love song I write to you. It was stupid of me to keep my past from you, but I didn't know what else to do." He stood up. "I love you, Kaysa. I never stopped loving you, and I never will. I don't want to leave; I want to stay here with you. I want to wake up in the morning, and have your face be the first I see in the day. I want to never go to sleep again worrying about where you are and if you're alright. I want to love you with all my heart."
Panic was quickly rising within her, accompanied by a sour taste in her throat. She felt like turning and running, or vomiting again like she had the last time he professed his love for her. Looking at his frail body, she knew his heart was just as fragile. If she overreacted this time, if she pushed him away to a safe distance, she would end up pushing him completely out of her life. She was tired of doing that. She was tired of trying to control her life, trying to force it to take the shape she wanted it to instead of for once, letting it run its own course.
She didn't want to be afraid anymore, especially afraid of opening her heart to someone. If she wanted Merrick, she would have to fight against that fear with all the strength of her being. Most of all though, she wanted to love Merrick as much as he deserved. She wanted all the emptiness, the hatred...she wanted it all to just go away.
Her gaze faltered for a moment as the tears clouded her vision. She wanted to be in his arms tonight and tomorrow night and for as many nights as were left before she breathed her final breath. She wanted to love him until her dying day. "Merrick... Oh gods. None of that matters. Your lie was nothing compared to what I've done to you."
Kaysa finally let the tears run freely as she rushed into Merrick's arms and wept loudly into his chest. "I love you. I've always loved you and I always will. I don't care how frightened hearing myself say that makes me; I won't push it away. I won't push you away. I'll never push you away again."
Merrick opened his arms to her and pulled her close. He could feel his own tears falling down his cheeks as he held Kaysa with all of his love. "I'll never leave you again, Kaysa," he said. He brought a hand up to raise her chin. He smiled at her with a warmth he hadn't felt in so long. And, then he kissed her.
"Second Chances, Part 2"
by Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston
Location: Yallder district, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 9, 4ABY
***
No matter how many strangers' lips had touched her own, no kiss took her breath away as utterly and completely as Merrick's had just then. She wrapped her arms around him almost protectively, determined not to let him slip away again. As she surrendered herself to the kiss, she felt the warmth that had been visibly absent from his body return. Nothing mattered but being there with him. She knew from that moment on, she would do anything to protect what they had together, and would sacrifice everything to be with him. As her lips parted from his, she glanced up into his eyes and saw the light in them burning brightly again. "Oh, how I've missed those eyes," she said dreamily.
Still holding her close, Merrick smiled. "And these eyes have definitely missed you," he said. "I think I've found the inspiration to finish that song. And, I can feel so many more waiting to be written. But, we have each other now."
"Gods...I'm so sorry Merrick. I didn't mean to hurt you. I never should have overreacted that day. I don't care what happened in your past. We've all made mistakes and deserve a second chance - I know that better than anyone." Kaysa ran her hand along Merrick's stubbled cheek and couldn't resist kissing him again. "I want to tell you everything, Merrick. I want to explain everything to you. I want you to know why I am the way I am and why I drove you away. Does it matter to you? Do you want to know?"
He pulled them down onto the couch together. "Of course it matters to me," he said. "And, I want to know everything you want to tell me. We both get a second chance." And, then he kissed her again.
Sitting there, cradled in his arms, Kaysa knew he was the one she wanted to tell everything to. He deserved to know after he, and she had to start trusting him with her secrets if they were ever going to make it together. "Only one other person knows about my past, Merrick, and that's only because he found out by accident. After that, I had to tell him everything. But with you, I know I want to tell you." Kaysa tightened her embrace around Merrick and used his proximity to give her strength and courage. She would need it if she was going to get through this without regressing to an inconsolable sobbing heap.
Kaysa found her breathing becoming ragged and her body had already begun to tremble. If this was any early indication of how she would be by the end of her story, she knew it would not be pleasant. "I'm scared, Merrick," she whispered as she buried her face into his chest. "I'm scared of facing it all over again."
Merrick pulled her closer to him. "I'll be with you through it all, Kaysa," he said softly. "No matter what happens or how bad it gets, I'm here with you now." He kissed the top of her head as she hid her face. He closed his eyes and thanked every power imaginable for the chance to be with her again. "Take your time if you need to, and I don't have anywhere else to go as long as I'm with you."
Kaysa felt all the tension and fear drift away as Merrick's words gave her comfort. She was slowly beginning to believe he never would leave her; every time he had, he always returned. Kaysa looked up at Merrick and the gentle smile on his face gave her all the encouragement she needed.
Where to begin? At the beginning, she told herself. And hold nothing back. "I was 16 and I still had that wide-eyed innocence about me. I always had such high ambitions for myself. I wanted to find someone to love me, have children with, build a home and a life with him..." Kaysa paused for a moment and clenched her eyes shut against the sudden surge of emotions. "I was so optimistic that finding love would bring me happiness, that I gave my trust to the first man who came along, the first man who offerred me everything I yearned for. I was a fool," she said bitterly. "He swept me off my feet, said he would take me to places I'd never been before. He told me I would never want for anything in the world, so...I married him."
Kaysa remained silent for a long moment. She thought back to the day she and Cadwin exchanged vows, when he promised to love her forever and be there for her until the end of time. Kaysa had no idea Cadwin's definition of eternity was 6 months. "He left me, Merrick. I gave him everything, my entire being, all my love and he left me without even a note, not a single word. I thought I hadn't done enough to make him want to stay. I kept telling myself I should have fought harder... If I deserved his love, he wouldn't have left me." The bitter tears she'd cried the day Cadwin left sprang from her eyes again. They stung just as much this time. "He left me, Merrick. I loved him so much even though he was so horrible to me. He promised me everything, and left me with nothing. I was such a fool..."
"No," Merrick said gently, "you weren't a fool, he was." He caressed her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "There are a lot of people out there who will prey on others for whatever reason. It doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. He was the one."
"I've been convincing myself of otherwise for so long, that I don't know if I can ever make myself believe that. That's why I pushed you away, Merrick. I have lived so long believing I was the one who pushed Cadwin away that I guess a part of me needed to continue believing it. So, I've been going through life keeping everyone at a distance, making the lie all the more real for me." Kaysa covered Merrick's hand with her own and brought it to her lips. "I drove you away Merrick because I was afraid no matter how hard I pushed, you wouldn't leave. The lie I've been so content with believing for so long would have been shattered. What could I do then? I'd been living my life based on that lie... How else would I live after that?"
"Try to find the happiness you've been missing," he said, "instead of continuing to deny it. What about now? Are you ready to move on? I'll help you catch up for lost time."
Kaysa shook her head almost wildly and gripped Merrick's hand tighter. "I...I don't know, Merrick. I want to be with you, I know that. But I don't know whether I can change that mindset. I mean, a part of me is still convinced I was the one who drove Cadwin away. Unfortunately, I've been listening to that part my entire life. I want to move on...but it's gonna take time, Merrick."
Kaysa looked almost worriedly into Merrick's eyes and said in a pleading tone, "You'll wait for me, won't you Merrick? You won't get fed up and just leave, will you? Merrick, I don't know if I could survive watching you leave again. Please don't leave me."
Merrick looked at Kaysa with a puzzled expression. "Wait for you? I want to help you through this. We can do it together, Kaysa. You can't go through a change like this alone. You need someone to help you. I'm here with you if you want." He shook his head and sighed, then glanced back at her. "I mean if you keep doing things to push me away, I don't know. A remwig is the most loyal pet in the galaxy, but even it will leave its master if it's mistreated."
"I don't do it intentionally, Merrick," Kaysa said desperately. "I don't try and push you away. It...it just happens. I want to be with you. I want to have at least the chance to be with you, Merrick." Kaysa lowered her head and whispered, "I can't lose you again."
Out of self pity, out of hopelessness, Kaysa's body shook as it became wracked with sobs again. Merrick's words were making her realize how fragile things still were between them and she feared they were a portent of things to come if she didn't try and change. If she pushed, he would run again. She was far too good at pushing and needed to learn how to rid herself of that wretched talent.
"You don't know how you've changed me already, Merrick," she spoke, her voice cutting through the sobs. "Those days we spent together, you had me re-evaluating the way I've been living my life. I wanted to change then too, but I didn't know how and I still don't."
Merrick pulled her closer. "I'll help you," he said. "We'll figure it out together. Don't try to do this on your own, Kaysa. We can do this together, Kayse. We can do it." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I don't think I could handle losing you again."
"No," Kaysa said with a short laugh, "apparently not." She looked up at Merrick's dishevelled hair and his sunken eyes, and couldn't help but be pained and amused by his appearance all at once. "I want to do this with you, Merrick. I know with you by my side, I can do this, I can change." Kaysa laughed again and tugged gently on Merrick's wrinkled shirt. "And talking about change, I think you need one. Gods, what did you do to yourself, Merrick? You look horrible."
Merrick laughed. "This," he said with a laugh. "I basically gave up. I don't know how much I drank in the last for months, but most of the time is just an alcohol-induced blur. I think I can get myself to clean that up now too."
"Well, come on then." Kaysa slipped off the couch and gazed down at Merrick with a smile. "Why don't we get started on that now? I've got some soap, lots of water, and a few clean towels. Let's get you cleaned up." Kaysa held out her hand and waited expectantly for Merrick to take it. "Don't be shy. I promise I won't peek while you undress."
Merrick laughed. He took Kaysa's hand and stood. "A shower will be good." As she led him toward the shower, he laughed again. "So, you won't peek while I'm undressing, but you didn't say anything about when I'm showering."
Kaysa attempted a laugh, but the topic of discussion was quickly approaching an uncomfortable theme. She hadn't thought about it before, but she had no idea if, when the time came, she could consummate her love for Merrick. They'd come close so many times, only to have their desires quashed by Kaysa's fears. She thought things would be different now, but she couldn't know until the situation arose. Avoiding it for now, however, was most likely the safest course of action.
"Um...I'll give you some privacy while you shower. The towels are in the cupboard and...and the soap...it's...uh...it's in the shower already. I'll be in the bed-- I'll wait for you in the living area. Do you need anything before I go?"
Merrick wondered at Kaysa's hesitation. He figured it was the same old problem. He'd never wondered if that would be a problem if they got back together. He never figured he'd get the chance to find out since he didn't think he'd ever see her again. But, now here they were, and once again she was showing the same reluctance. "No," he finally said. "I think I'm alright." He stepped inside the bathroom, glanced back at Kaysa with a smile, and then closed the door.
A moment later, the water started and the sounds of Merrick showering drifted out to Kaysa in the other room.
For a moment, she wondered if she'd be able to do it, if she could stop herself from driving Merrick away. She knew she loved him more than any man she'd ever known, and yet she still couldn't overcome her fear of intimacy with him. A sudden foreboding seized her and she looked quickly back towards the bathroom. He was here with her now, but if she refused to trust him, he would walk out the door and never turn back.
Kaysa hesitantly ventured through the doorway of the bathroom and was submersed in a dense cloud of steam. It was what she wanted and what he wanted, yet she was denying them both satisfaction because of her cowardice. It was the first step that needed to be taken in order for she and Merrick to have any chance of making it, and she so desperately wanted their relationship to work.
"Merrick?" she called out softly as she approached the shower door. "Merrick, are you almost done?" She pressed her hand against the fogged glass of the door and felt her body trembling as if the temperature in the room had suddenly dropped. She was deathly afraid and had no idea why.
From inside the shower, Kaysa's voice startled him. He glanced toward the fogged up glass separating them and smiled. "Yes," he said. "Just trying to get rid of the overwhelming smell of alcohol. I shouldn't be more than another five minutes."
Kaysa's breathing became almost ragged and she stepped away from the door. Her trembling hands went to her shirt and she tried to regain control of her dexterity as she began undoing her buttons. She wanted to be with Merrick - she didn't doubt that - but whether she would be able to give herself to him without turning him away in fear again, she didn't know. She had to try though. For their sakes, she had to at least try.
Kaysa's shirt finally drifted to the ground and her shorts quickly followed. She was nude and vulnerable now; she became even moreso as she placed her hand upon the door again and slowly slid it open. She couldn't bring herself to look up, to look into those gray eyes that would be glossing over her body. If she looked into those eyes, she knew she would lose control and would tremble even more violently. For a woman who had been with countless number of men, Kaysa was nervous as hell. "Merrick," she said simply, her eyes still watching the water disappear down the drain.
Merrick wiped the soap from his eyes and then opened them to see Kaysa standing there. He nearly dropped the sponge he'd been holding. "The water's nice," he said with a smile. "But, not as nice as seeing you there." He took a hesitant step toward her. "Hi there."
Kaysa almost unconsciously took a step back, but the veracity of the feelings in her heart pushed the urge to flee far from her mind. She wouldn't make the first move, but she wouldn't resist him either. "I just...I thought I'd help you along a little." Kaysa laughed uncomfortably. She glanced up at Merrick for a brief moment, but quickly looked away. The desire in those eyes were consuming her and only increased her sense of anxiety. If she looked at them for much longer, she was afraid she would lose her nerve.
She swallowed back the rising fear in her throat and trepidly reached her hand out to touch Merrick's chest. The sensation of her fingers touching his bare flesh was almost overpowering. She closed her eyes as a yearning and desire sparked within her; she took a deep, staggering breath and hazarded a step forward. "Are you as afraid as I am, Merrick?" she whispered.
"I've been dreaming of this for four months," he whispered back, the words almost lost in the sound of the water cascading over their bodies. "I'm scared, but elated. I've never been quite this nervous before. At least not when showering." He took a step closer to her. They were almost touching. Hesitantly, he reached his hands out, and brushed them over her arms. The touch sent a surge within him and his breath caught in a gasp. His hands brushed over her again, more firmly as if he feared if he didn't actually touch her she might disappear. He smiled as he looked at her downturned face.
Kaysa had to take a moment to gather her resolve again and to catch her breath. She ran her hand along his chest, and stopped it over where his heart was pounding against his chest. He was as nervous as she was, and most likely because he wasn't certain if she would actually go through with it this time, or if she would deny him again...and herself.
"I want this, Merrick. I've always wanted this. I just don't trust myself." Kaysa finally raised her head and looked into Merrick's eyes. Her other hand instinctively went to his cheek and she caressed it tenderly while trying to resist the urge to pull away. "If I falter, Merrick, don't let me fall. Just hold me, and I know I'll have the strength to go on."
"I'll always be here if you fall, Kaysa," he said. "And, I'll never stop holding you." He let himself take the final step forward and his arms slipped around her. "I love you."
"I love you too, Merrick. That's why I'm so afraid right now. I know myself, I know I'll try and push you away again." Kaysa pressed her lips to Merrick's chest and wound her arms around his waist. "I don't want to push you away this time, Merrick." She looked up into his eyes again and gave him a tender smile. "I want to make love to you knowing when I wake up in the morning, you'll still be there by my side. Make love to me, Merrick. Just take me in your arms, and love me."
Merrick pulled Kaysa close and kissed her. The embrace felt so perfect, so right. In it, he felt freer than he'd ever felt, more in love than he could have ever imagined. His body pressed against Kaysa's was magnificent and amazing. Everywhere she touched against his body seemed to flare with a myriad of feelings. And in the midst of it all, his emotions churned with the love he felt for her. He let his hands slowly explore her body as they kissed, loving the sensation of her skin against his touch. Finally the kiss broke and he looked into her eyes. "I'll never leave you, Kaysa. And, I will love you always."
Kaysa nodded her head solemnly then lay it upon Merrick's chest. "I want to believe that, Merrick, I truly do. It's just gonna take...time." She slipped her hand into Merrick's as the water rained down upon them, and looked up at him again with a longing that replaced the hesitation in her eyes. "I want to do this, Merrick. I know that now. Take me to bed."
"Second Chances, Part 3"
by Kaysa Zenarr
and Merrick Braston
Location: Yallder district, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 9, 4ABY
***
Merrick helped Kaysa out of the shower and grabbed towels to dry them both off. After a few moments, he gave Kaysa a smile, and then scooped her into his arms. Still smiling, he carried her into the bedroom. He laid her down onto the bed and climbed up onto it with her. He kissed her slowly, on her shoulders and neck and then up over her chin to her lips. He looked into her eyes, a look filled with his love for her and everything they could be together. "Are you ready?" he asked gently.
Kaysa took a deep breath and hoped Merrick wouldn't notice her trembling. She remembered being this nervous when she gave herself to Cadwin for the first time. The difference was, Cadwin was her first partner ever. She was far more experienced now, yet she still shrank back when Merrick touched her, despite how much she enjoyed it.
Kaysa's fingers swam through Merrick's damp hair and she felt her body visibly reacting to his touch, as was his to hers. She timidly reached up and pressed her lips to Merrick's, pulling him down on top of her as they kissed. They'd both wanted this for so long that to resist any longer would bring almost physical torment. She could feel Merrick's hardness against her thighs and almost whimpered as she anticipated it entering her. She looked up at Merrick and nodded her head. Her smile gave him all the indication he would need of certainty; she wanted to share herself with him completely and there was no holding back this time.
The excitement building up so much inside of him was almost too much for Merrick. His lips continued to trail kisses across her face and shoulders; he closed his eyes and almost laughed with a giddiness he couldn't remember ever quite feeling before. He opened them, a big smile on his face as he looked into Kaysa's eyes. They had wanted this from the beginning, and the moment was finally there. A part of him screamed to hurry, before the chance was taken away. But, another part told him to savour each movement, each moment.
Slowly he eased himself inside of her. As she surrounded him, he felt himself gasp as she did. The sensations within were like every dream he had ever had about their union, and then more. He started a slow rhythm and each movement filled him with pleasure like he'd never felt before. "I love you, Kaysa," he whispered again. "With all my heart and soul, I love you."
Kaysa moaned quietly and stared deeply into Merrick's eyes. The comfort she found in them caused the trembling to subside and she concentrated only on expressing her love for him through her actions. Abandoning her fear and uncertainty, and giving herself completely over to the act would make the moment even more precious.
Kaysa matched Merrick's rhythm and never once tore her eyes from his. Her hands caressed his face and lips, and she brought her legs up around his waist. She wanted to make every part of herself contact his, so that they could truly become one together. "Gods, I've never loved anyone as I love you, Merrick. I didn't know it could feel this way," she whispered before the growing sensation of pleasure stole her voice from her and replaced it with a gentle moan.
As they continued to make love, Merrick wished that the moment could last forever. Everything felt perfect, and they were finally together. And, they were so much in love, that it practically hurt. "It's a beautiful feeling," he said, regretting the approaching climax. He slowed himself to keep it away for a little while longer. He wasn't quite ready for their first time to be over. "We have a lot of time to make up for, Kaysa. I think this is an amazing start." He moaned gently and almost laughed again at the sheer joy he felt. "So this is what it's like to feel alive."
Kaysa's tension released fully and she smiled at Merrick before closing her lips around his. Their joint moans became one as their mouths remained sealed together. She wanted to reach out with her mind and suspend time so the moment would never end, but a quickly rising sensation within reminded her that the end was soon approaching. But it wasn't the end. This would be a beginning for both she and Merrick, and she soon found herself welcoming the oncoming release. Once they got through this, they could rest assured that they'd gotten past the first obstacle; it would be a symbol of their newfound union, one that should have occurred long before now.
Kaysa's body tensed and she kissed Merrick with even more passion. They both knew the moment was quickly slipping away and tried to savour every last bit of it for as long as it lasted. Kaysa tried to contain her moans, but they broke free and filled the room as she pulled her lips from Merrick's. She kept her eyes focused on his and moved synchronously with his movements, anticipating them before they happened. Knowing someone as intimately as she was beginning to know Merrick made the act even more fulfilling and gave it an even greater purpose. It was an expression of their love as well as a merging of their two bodies and minds. She realized then that she would never feel anything comparable to this with anyone else for as long as she lived.
Merrick realized that in his entire life he had never had as fulfilling a sexual experience as he was having just then. And, as much as he wished to live in that moment for an eternity, he realized he could no longer stay his climax. He let out another moan, followed by one from Kaysa. "It's time," he said. And, then it was an explosion of pleasure that seemed to carry them both off to another world entirely. Their cries mingled as they clutched tightly to each other in the midst of the shuddering climax. Finally, they collapsed against each other. "Oh my," Merrick managed after a moment.
"That's all?" Kaysa said in a breathless whisper. "I would have at least rated that an 'oh wow'." She smiled at Merrick with all the love she could pour into it and pulled him into a tight embrace. She didn't want him to leave, not ever; it was what she feared the most now but if she held him, he couldn't go anywhere. The tears of joy she'd been saving for so long finally spilled from her eyes and she kissed Merrick desperately on the face and neck. "You're staying, aren't you? You're not leaving yet, right?"
Merrick returned Kaysa's kisses. "I'm not leaving ever," he said. "As long as you want me, at least." He wrapped his arms around her. "I'm staying with you, Kaysa. I never want to be apart from you again." He kissed her more passionately, clinging to her tightly. "And, that was definitely a very big oh wow."
Kaysa laughed softly and held onto Merrick as if he would be whisked away like a cloud caught in a breeze. She hadn't realized how much she missed him until she had her arms around him for the first time in four months and now that they'd been together, she knew she was forever bound to him. "It's still day you know," she said gently. "I would be content just laying in bed all day and night with you. Merrick, I don't ever wanna fight again. I never wanna do anything to risk losing you. I'm so sorry I did that to you, forced you to confront painful memories like I did that day in the park. Forgive me, my love."
"Definitely forgiven," Merrick said. "We can stay here wrapped in each other's arms under your sheets forever and I'd be a happy man. Though, I think eventually we'd start to smell a little, and then there's the hunger. But, the shower's just right over there. And, we can order in." He smiled into her eyes. "I haven't played in the last four months. What would you say to tomorrow night, you come watch Merrick Braston's return to the stage at the White Noise?"
Kaysa laughed jubilantly and kissed him quickly on the lips. "I definitely wanna be there! I want a front row seat and a backstage pass to Mr. Merrick Braston's dressing room. That is if Chrik hires you back on. He was pretty pissed when I spoke to him last. He thinks you stars are all arrogant and self serving...which is true," she said with a sly grin.
Merrick laughed. "Well, I'll have to be nice to him. I think he'll be open to the idea, but he might ask for a more strict contract this time. And, you have a front row seat and a backstage pass. And, after the show, I'm all yours to go somewhere, or come back here, or whatever. Though, I think it'd be best that we avoid the rougher bars."
"I think you're right. I'd much rather have you uninjured for our...nocturnal activities." Kaysa smiled and ran her fingers along Merrick's spine lightly. Her lips only left his face to make speaking easier, but the moment she completed her statement, she quickly resumed pleasuring him with kisses. "Merrick?" Kaysa began hesitantly. "I'm not sure if you wanna go into this now but...what was she like? Your...ex. What happened Merrick?"
Merrick took a deep breath and let it out. "In the beginning, the relationship was very good. She was an artist, a painter. She was a very artistic and passionate woman. We'd known each other casually for a year before we started dating. I was already the big music star, and she was coming up in the art scene on Cadikaar. I was very much in love with her, and she was with me. After a couple years though, things started to change.
Somewhere along the way, she got involved in drugs, and managed to keep her habit hidden from me for about four months. When I confronted her, a lot of things were said, including the other guy she'd been seeing. I guess he had good connections for Spice, and things happened between them. I got upset. I wanted to cool off, so I went away. I walked and I went to a bar and played. Anything to get my mind off it." He closed his eyes as the memories came flooding back. "I thought I was calm, but when I got back to the house...when I got back, they were there together. I said some things I shouldn't have, and he got upset. He punched me. Nearly broke my jaw. I had a hold-out blaster I carried with me just in case. In a blind rage, I pulled it and started shooting. I don't know what happened. I hit him in the arm. I would have hit him in the chest, but she ran to him. And, she... I didn't want to hurt her. It just happened. And, she got in the way. It wasn't supposed to happen. She died on the way to the medical facility. We'd been so happy. It all just crumbled."
Kaysa tightened the embrace she held Merrick in and soothingly stroked his hair as she gently rocked him. "Oh gods, Merrick. I had no idea..." She kissed him tenderly on the lips and cradled his trembling form. He'd been hurt far worse than she had, yet he had found the courage to open his heart again, while she was still trying to get used to doing so. "You don't still blame yourself, do you? I know it's hard to believe, but it wasn't entirely your fault, Merrick. A person can only be pushed so far... I learned that painfully well when I pushed you away."
"I don't blame myself anymore," he said. "Things just got very twisted and out of sorts. Fortunately, my music was good therapy. Music is always good for getting things out and looking them over and coming to grips. It still hurts to think about it, but I think for the most part I've gotten through it. I've thought a lot about it over the last four months, after the park. And I'm still okay, even better now that we have each other. Truly have each other."
"I'm so sorry about that day, Merrick. I didn't mean to dredge up such painful memories. I had no idea you'd suffered; I thought I was the only one, so that gave me the right to completely disregard your feelings and give myself over to self pity." Knowing about Merrick's tortured past and what pain he'd lived through, she realized she loved him even more than she thought possible. "You do have me now, Merrick. I want you to know that. We'll have each other for as long as the universe permits. Gods I love you, Merrick."
He smiled and held her closer. "And, I love you," he said. "And, I hope the universe is feeling very generous in regards to us. I know I want to have you in my life for a very long time." He kissed her and then just smiled as he looked into her eyes. "It was generous to give us back to each other at least."
"No, that was your doing, Merrick. If you hadn't come here today... I'd hate to think what would have happened if you hadn't. My only guess is that we would never have seen each other again, and that thought truly frightens me." Kaysa gazed at Merrick silently for a moment, then a smile slowly grew upon her face. "That song you were writing...have you got enough inspiration to finish it yet?"
He kissed her and then grinned. "I have enough to finish that one and many more besides. I hope to play it tomorrow night, and dedicate it to you. If you don't mind that is."
Kaysa couldn't contain her elation and shrieked with happiness as she toppled Merrick onto his back. "Of course I don't mind!" She straddled his waist and bombarded his face and neck with kisses. "I want everyone to know you're taken. I don't care how many groupies you disappoint...you're mine and I'm yours and tomorrow night I shall be there to witness as you announce that to everyone in the White Noise."
Merrick laughed. "Consider it done and dedicated," he said. "And, then after, we can have a private celebration of my return to music and our future together." He kissed her again and again, delighting in just how well they went together. He'd felt a deep connection to her before, but that one paled compared to his feelings for Kaysa now.
Kaysa lay atop Merrick and pushed his hair away from his face as she gazed at him dreamily. "I want to remember you like this always. I don't think I've seen you so happy, and I like it." She could feel tears glazing over her eyes again and laughed gently. "I must look so ridiculous. I have no idea why I'm on the verge of tears. I'm just...I'm so glad you're here with me right now. My life was heading down such a turbulent path until you came through that door today. Now, things don't look so bleak. I actually believe happiness isn't so unattainable anymore."
Merrick smiled again, his own eyes shining with tears. "I think together we can find the happiness that's eluded us. I know right now I definitely feel it. We belong together, Kaysa. You and I, we are meant to be."
"I feel that too, Merrick. I'm just afraid I'll do something to screw it up again. You must know I don't do things to intentionally hurt you, Merrick. It's just this stupid defense mechanism I've got that has me programmed to push people away when they threaten to get too close."
Kaysa saw the tears forming in his eyes and truly realized how much being together meant to him, and how much pain she would inflict upon him if she ever drove them apart again. A part of her said to just let him go before they invested too much time and too many feelings into the relationship, and although it might hurt less if she let him go now, she knew it was already too late. She didn't want to give up yet; she had to try, if not for her sake, but for Merrick's. For him, she would do anything.
Kaysa kissed Merrick with all the love and tenderness she could pour into it. This was right, so right and she knew it. She'd never felt so content just being with one person before. "You have to believe in me, Merrick," she whispered as her lips brushed against his. "You have to believe I won't try and hurt you, even though I may. Can you still be with me, knowing there's a chance we could end up right back in that park again?"
"We'll figure out what to do if we get there again," he said softly. "As long as this is what you want. As long as you want us to be together, and to try finding happiness in each other's arms and hearts." He gazed into her eyes for a long moment. "I'll believe in you with all my heart, and if we want to we can get through anything."
"I want to, I do. I've nothing to lose, and everything to gain. I will try, Merrick. It's gonna be hard trying to restrain my fear and instinct to run when things get too intense, but if there's a chance this could work between us, I'm gonna have to face that fear."
Kaysa slipped off of Merrick and lay by his side, pressing her naked body to his. "I wanna do this everyday. I don't want a day to go by where I can't just be with you, even if it's only for a brief, fleeting moment. I want to spend the day with you tomorrow, Merrick. You and me wandering through New Plouton, talking, and laughing, and holding hands, then going home together and making love until the sun comes up the next morning. I want everyday to be like that."
Merrick kissed Kaysa, his happiness unable to be contained. "I want that too," he said. "It sounds like everything I've dreamed about for us." He was quiet for a moment, thinking about their future together and where it all may lead. And, then the happiness seemed to flag. "What about your engagement though? I mean, what kind of future can we have if you're going to be marrying someone else? And, what about going out in public?"
Kaysa's heart sank and all her idyllic plans for them seemed to fade. "I'd almost forgotten about him," she said quietly. She sat up and brought her knees close to her chest as the warmth drained from her. "I hate Rennor. I don't feel anything for him and it disgusts me knowing I have to share my body with him."
For a moment, she almost considered Zale's offer to have him killed off, but then she'd have to live with the moral ramifications, as well as the legal ones. She and Merrick could never live in peace if she was accused of being a murderess. She pushed that thought quickly aside and looked down at Merrick. "I...I'm going to try and find a way out of this, Merrick. I promise you. For us, I will search for some way out of this mess I've gotten myself into. If he does find out about us, who cares? All I am to him is a possession and I think it's about time he learns that he won't ever exclusively own me, nor will he ever have my heart." She ran her hand along his cheek and smiled tenderly. "You've already secured that for yourself."
Merrick smiled, and then leaned close and kissed Kaysa. Whenever they touched, he felt like electricity shot through him. "I have a very good lawyer if you need the legal advice or anything," he said. "And, I'll be with you through it all. We can do it together."
Kaysa nodded her head and allowed herself to slip into Merrick's arms again. It wasn't only Rennor she had to worry about, but Zale too. She'd blown off her meeting with him, but she couldn't exactly run out and comm him. She didn't want to rouse Merrick's suspicions, nor did she want this tender moment to suddenly end. She didn't want to think about it now, but she wondered if she would be able to let Zale go; she also wondered how enraged he would be if she dumped him.
She had to get rid of Rennor. She was already trying to juggle too many things at once and sooner or later, it would all come crashing down on her. First, Rennor, then Zale...if she could bring herself to do it. She had to test the waters with Merrick first. Her pain had disappeared the moment she fell into his arms, but if it returned, she didn't know if Merrick could make it go away. Zale could.
Kaysa clenched her eyes shut and banished those thoughts for now. She would deal with that when the time came. She couldn't think about it while she was laying in Merrick's arms; she didn't want her flesh to appear cold to his touch, not when there was only warmth in her heart for him. "I still want to watch you at the White Noise tomorrow night. I don't care if Rennor finds out I've been blowing him off to go see my famous boyfriend play at a nightclub. I only care about being with you."
Merrick smiled. "Boyfriend, huh?" He kissed her gently, then nuzzled against her throat. "I like that. And, before that we can just be together, and go shopping, and do whatever we feel like doing. I think I'm going to need to get something new to perform in tomorrow night. Maybe you can help me choose something."
Kaysa laughed and wrapped her arms around Merrick's waist. "We don't exactly have good luck in shops, but I think this time will be different. I still have that dress you bought me, you know. Maybe I'll wear it tomorrow night to the show." She raised a hand to Merrick's cheek and laughed again.
"And along with the new outfit, I think you could use a shave and a haircut, even though I think the rugged look is very sexy on you."
Merrick ran a hand along his cheek, and then moved it to brush across Kaysa's. "Well, then maybe I'll have to take care of that," he said with a grin. "Though, maybe I can do some experimenting soon. I've done it before with my image, but not in the last few years. That is unless you think my image is fine the way it is."
Kaysa gazed into Merrick's eyes with a smile and said, "You're perfect, Merrick." Her eyes lingered on his for a moment longer before their lips met and she kissed him. She never wanted their lips to part and was almost intoxicated by the amount of love she could feed off his lips alone. She'd never known such joy before and her only fear now was that it would end all too quickly. Life without Merrick now would be pointless, but with him, it was glorious transcendence.
The kiss sent such passion through her, one that could be requited but never fully quenched. She slipped onto Merrick's stomach as the desire once again coursed through her, as well as the need to sate that desire. She looked into Merrick's eyes with renewed yearning, then gently took his hand in hers and brought it to her breast. She smiled at him as she squeezed his hand, her breast being cradled in response. "I want to make love to you again, Merrick. Do you think you can take it from here?" she asked coyly as she motioned her eyes to their hands working together on her breast.
"I think I can," he said as he leaned forward and kissed her other breast, sucking gently on the nipple. He looked up into her eyes, and felt his own arousal rise. "Do you want to be on top this time?" To her nod, he reached down to position himself so she could easily slide back onto him. His heart was beating madly in his chest and he couldn't imagine ever finding happiness and joy like he had with Kaysa. He never wanted their time together to end. "I want to be with you always, Kaysa," he whispered.
She let a gentle moan drift from her lips as she swayed against Merrick, but with no desperation or frenzy in her movements. She had to cherish every moment she could spend with him, for eternity just didn't seem long enough for her. Her eyes softened and she ran her fingers along Merrick's face, tracing them over his eyes and nose and mouth. She would know every nuance of his face, just as she would learn everything there was to know about Merrick Braston. "You're a part of me, Merrick. I'm never letting you go now." She leaned over and kissed Merrick while continuing her sensual movements. "I'm yours, Merrick. Always," she whispered, then pressed her lips to his again and let their passions mingle, possessing their bodies and allowing their love to take flight.
"A New Formed Jedi - Part 1"
by Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Alisson Blair - Jedi in training
Location: Alisson's Home, Yesdol District
Date: Praeda 9, 4 ABY
Kal'Aran returned home with some goods. He had an encounter with quite the enemy who he had forgotten long ago, and who he wished he had not met ever again. Daemor'rah was a known Jedi Huntress and she was fierce and dangerous. Even though long before his time she had murdered several of them. And yet she was still alive and on the very same planet. A fact he did not like as he knew she would pursue him now that they had met.
Alisson saw immediately that something was wrong, that something troubled her master. As he sat in a large chair she kneeled before him and looked up and deep into his eyes. "Master Kal'Aran, something is troubling you, I can feel it... What happened out there?"
Kal'Aran looked down at Alisson. He was indeed disturbed as he remembered when he was yet a Jedi Padawan and saw the Huntress Daemor'rah for the very first and last time before now. "Know that we face a new enemy I thought long lost at a time when Sith were yet to rule..."
"What do you mean a new enemy?!" Alisson asked. She did not understand and Kal'Aran had never before said much about the old days except for the wise teachings she was to learn in her training in the ways of the Force.
"Long before even my time there was a girl who turned her back on the Jedi Counsil and became our sworn enemy. Not a Jedi nor Sith she vowed to kill every last one of us. It is said she was trained by a long lost race called the Anzati. According to what is told, she was very strong with the Force and knows our ways as well as others. She hunts Jedi and Sith and keeps their weapons as trophies..." Kal'Aran told Alisson.
"But what has this to do with now?!" she asked, even though she almost expected what was yet to come.
"I saw her only once, when I was yet a Padawan" Kal'Aran told Alisson. "She murdered some right in front of me, and I was lucky to outlive that encounter..." he sighted. "She is here now, still alive and we just crossed paths. I am afraid she will not stop until she finds me, and when she does she will find you too. Be careful Alisson, this one is a better trained assassin than you might think."
"Well then I guess we better train harder to make sure we don't get sloppy..." she stated strongly. "But first we must eat something. I am afraid I'm not that good a cook, but I will try to make something out" she promised.
"No, no, let me do that" Kal'Aran said as he got up, forcing a small smile. He knew some things about cooking and preparing food, so he prepared them a quite tasty meal. In the end he nodded to Alisson. "Tomorrow we head to outer West for a better training grounds" he told her, not saying that once they left that location she should already be a fully trained Jedi. Fact was nothing more could Kal'Aran teach Alisson. The rest she would learn by herself.
"Dark Alliance, Part 1"
by Ithea Tass - Dark Witch
and Admiral Tarkin - Imperial Sector General
Stormstroopers Johansson & Tulksor (NPCs written by Tarkin)
Location: Chimaedal Forest (far East from Arcadia)
Date: Praeda 9, 4 ABY
Ithea could barely see. She groaned and put her hand to her head. It came back wet. As she had thought, it was not her time to die. She knew that help would come. Why hadn't she known about the plot in the first place?! Sometimes, foresight was useless. Her thoughts drifted away as blackness claimed her once more.
The Imperial pilots had made their way as soon as Tarkin had requested it so. An Imperial Lambda Class Shuttle was sent to the zone as were two Imperial Speeder Bikes to make sure of the vicinity and provide with ground support. The scenery was that of quite a violent crash and only one person was on sight.
"TK-124 to LCS Guardian. I see someone near the crashsite. TK-125 stay sharp and close in on target!" one of the Imperial Stormtroopers on the Speeders said.
"This is LCS Guardian. Copy that information. Secure the area for landing and check target clear..." the pilot requested.
As the Stormtroopers got near Ithea, they had the guns from the Speeders pointed at her. "This is Lieutenant Johansson at the service of the Galactic Empire. Please identify yourself!" he demanded.
Ithea groaned. "Don't shout. I am Ithea Tass, Mistress of Commerce for Dushoulle."
She did not indentify herself as a nightsister. Most would not know what that even was. The sight before the Lieutenant was quite horrid. He could tell that it was a woman by voice and build. Her seductively cut robe left little to be imagined as well, especially torn as it was. Her face was smeared with white paint, mixed with blood. Her eyes looked like they had been rimmed with blood as well. Her hair was long and loose, a wild mass of forest debris, black hair and blood. As she finished speaking the woman dropped to her knees, hand to her head. "I have six slaves with me, or I did." She gasped out. "They are harmless."
"TK-125, check out the wreckage..." Johansson ordered. He then dismounted his Speeder and pointed his blaster at the woman who was now on her knees. He didn't want to give in as it could be a trap. He decided to wait for the other Stormtrooper who had gone inside to check the wreckage.
As the other one came out he nodded to his superior. "Sir, all the other ones were dead. All but one who was gasping in blood, but he had no chances of survival and is now dead as well. I have the main computer's data" he informed.
"Very well Tulksor" the Lieutenant nodded. "TK-124 to LCS Guardian, the area is secure. You may land as requested." He then turned to Ithea and decided she was in no state to attack and the wreckage seemed of «natural causes» and not something planned as a chance ambush. Perhaps taking her back to the Palace for proper interrogation was the correct thing to do... As soon as the Lambda Class Shuttle touched the grounds he addressed the woman. "Come with us please. You will be escorted to our Outpost" he told Ithea.
Ithea struggled to her feet though it was clear that the effort cost her. She followed the man to the ship and to what ever fate the NightGoddess had planned for her. For now, she was content to let someone else be in charge, even a man.
She boarded the Lambda Class Shuttle and was taken to the region of Arcadia, into what used to be the Royal Palace, and was now the Imperial Outpost in the Planet. There, as soon as it touched down the landing platform, Ithea was escorted by a small garrisson of Stormtroopers into the Palace where she was conducted onto the Throne Room where Tarkin stood, guarded by several red-troopers.
"I take it you were the sole survivor of your crash..." he said as he got up. "I am Admiral Tarkin, and it is I who run this system as well as many others in my cluster. May I ask the ourpose of your coming here?"
"I believe the purpose was my death" She answered. Her chin came up imperiously. "It was not my intention to be anywhere near your planet."
"I see..." Tarkin replied cooly. He could see that this woman had much more to offer than what what she showed. He decided that he would not treat her as prisioner but as guest instead. "Guards, take her to some clean quarters and make sure she gets everything she needs..."
He then turned to her. "You will be escorted and have what you shall need at disposal. Please, let me have you here as my guest. Once you are more confortable we will talk again. I am sure there is much to discuss..." he told her. And with that she was escorted, this time by two red-guards, to her quarters.
"Dark Alliance - Part II"
by Ithea Tass - Dark Witch
and Admiral Tarkin - Imperial Sector General
Ka'rin - Imperial Servant (NPC played by Ithea)
Te'leia - Imperial Servant (NPC played by Ithea)
Location: Admiral Tarkin's Star Destroyer, orbiting Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 9, 4 ABY
Ithea was attended to by a healer and then two servants helped her bathe and untangle her hair. Fortunately, she was found only to have minor injuries. That evening, she would spend some time meditating to increase the healing process. The two women sent to attend her were very efficient. Ithea was not used to female servants and often found herself wanting to say something. She finally decided she must treat them as captured slaves, that would be easier.
Her room was much more embellished than she was used to. The bed was large enough for her and six or seven slaves. It was very plush. How did they keep their mental disciplines in such abject luxury?
The one named Ka'rin helped her to braid her hair and even managed to find the required red ribbons to lace it with. The other, Te'leia, found her the makeup and a black dress. It was more clothes than Ithea was used to but it would do. At least the bodice was cut in a deep V. She took her dagger and split the side seams to mid thigh to afford her the look and the mobility that her position required.
Ithea sat down. "Te'leia, cover my face with the white face paint."
"But Madam, you have a beautiful face, you should not cover it," the girl began.
Ithea looked at her and Te'leia felt her breath cut off. She began to claw at her own throat to draw breath. "I do not make requests twice and I do not explain myself." She released the girl.
Te'leia scrambled to apply an even coat of the white paint. Then Ithea moved to a mirror and applied the red eyeliner and painted her lips black. The last part of her make-up was a single small red star on her left cheek. She stood back and looked. It would do. She moved to the door and waited. Ka'rin, realizing what she wanted, moved to open it for her. She did not want the same treatment as her friend had received.
Ithea stepped out where two men dressed in red were standing guard outside her door. "I will see this Admiral Tarkin now. Take me to him," she ordered.
The guard, used to orders and force users, answered. "Yes Ma'am, he is expecting you. This way." He marched off, not looking to see if she followed.
As she entered the throne room, Tarkin turned to face her, but did not bother to get up. She was diferent and the difference was not a slight one at that. She was no longer looking bruised and battered. Wonders of being taken care of.
"I trust everything was to your liking?" he stated. "If I may say so, you do look better now than before. Now, please enlighten me as to your presence here in our planet," he said rather coldly.
"I am Mistress of Commerce from the planet of Dushoulle. I was soon to challenge for the position of Night Queen. I believe my predecessor just tried to remove me from the picture. I awoke from sleep to find the pilot and his man gone and the ship headed on a direct course for your planet. I, nor my slaves, were versed in piloting a ship though one of my slaves did attempt to stop its direct impact. I fear his success was limited to myself." She had seen the ship and knew only her purposeful use of meditation and relaxation had saved her life. "I wish to be returned to Dushoulle." Ithea had no idea that she was very very far from home.
"Return to Dushoulle?!" Tarkin replied. "Do you really believe I have nothing more to do than attend your needs my dear? I fear you mistook me... However, as you put it so eloquently, you are Mistress of Commerce, and therefore that point might interest the Empire. The question is what you have to offer in return."
He got up and turned his back on her. "Or you do have the choice of going into New Plouton and trying to pay someone to take you that far... I am afraid it is a very long distance though. I trust you can afford a trip to such a far away system as Dushoulle?!" he said as he turned to face her again. "If not, you have two options. You can either request a Crimelord to have you taken there. I hear we have a Hutt in New Plouton running his bussiness. Or you can stay comfortable here, and if profitable, I will personally see to it that you are taken to the other side of the Galaxy safely enough."
Ithea did not answer for a long while as she digested the information. She doubted the credits for the transactions she had been ordered to make would still be accessible, therefore she did not have the credits to pay for transportation. "What would you wish of me if I were to stay here?" she asked carefully. She tried to probe his thoughts but found he was a stronger mind than Dushoullian slaves.
"I was hoping you could enlighten me as to that aspect... As you said earlier, you are Mistress of Commerce. And as of my knowledge, you are also a Dark Wtch, trained in certain... skills, are you not?!" Tarkin replied. "I could use your skills, and grant you power in return as well as a safe trip back to Dushoulle."
"I am not used to serving men. On my planet, men serve the sisters," she said carefully as to explain and not offend. "I am not sure I would be good at it. As to my skills, I am next in line for the title of Night Queen, or I was till she tried to cravenly dispose of me." Her last words spoken with much venom.
Tarkin crossed his arms. "Fascinating... Well, here people are used to being seen as alike, locals that is. But utterly I am the one in charge of running the planet for the Empire. I do not need you to serve me, don't put things that way. I will help you in return for a certain favor, or favors. It is not everyday that one crosses paths with someone whom has training in the arcane arts... I for one can offer you power! Unlimited power."
He caught her attention with that. "I have power, what kind of power do you offer? And what kind of favors would you wish?" She moved closer, her posture less defensive. Her eyes sparkled with the universally recognizable emotion... Greed!
It was obvious to Tarkin that the subject was of her interest. "I thought power was never enough. Never too much to have..." he said. "I feel that you can grant me more than I already have and through me you can obtain power and resources to rule your world too."
"I would be interested in this," she answered carefully. "But I need slaves to attend me. I prefer males."
Tarkin grinned. "I will see what I can do about that. Male slaves should not be too much of a problem. And in long term objectives, you may repay me for my hospitality with things I may need, giving power and a safe trip home as well in return. I am sure an alliance will be at hand once I aid you in overcoming this Nightqueen and taking her place."
"Indeed, you will find that I am quite generous with my allies. You will forgive me if I make errors till I become used to working with a free male." She bowed only slightly. "You will forgive me if I withdraw, I am still not truly healed from my experience." She turned without waiting for permission and returned to her rooms.