Dusk and Dawn

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rOqp3N5Cfc[/media]​

Meaning. The galaxy is an almost infinitely large expanse, a disc within with quadrillions of lives start and end. Life, death, birth, marriage. From the dawn of time all those capable of sentient thought sought out a greater purpose - or perhaps it was because they sought out a greater purpose that they were bestowed with such levels of sentience. Some believed it was death in honor, warrior races that fought for glory to bring written immortality to their kin and leave themselves in the annals of time as martyrs, heroes, villains, but even recorded history faded into obscurity at some point. Others believed it was living a life of good - or arguably bad - choices, be those choices performed with the intentions of good or evil, but those who lived this way simply faded into obscurity and never reached any closer to that eerie than the fools that brought about their own demise.

For ten millennia - no, more - Braith dwelt in the realm of the living, locked in a limbo of life and simply ceasing to be. Like many others there was a time where she wondered if there was a reason for her being, a reason that her lungs inhaled and exhaled, that blood flowed through her veins, and why she could even comprehend her own thoughts. The force, of course, had been her first confidante, and though she'd peered into the swirling chaos that was fate she could not find a hint of truth, of meaning. Long ago she had understood that her title as a god was merely that, though her power perhaps did grant her such a likeness, and through this she knew that there had to have been something else to have brought about her existence, something higher, something divine. The only entity that could truly be everywhere and yet nowhere was the source of all of the power and knowledge in the galaxy - the force.

Yet when she looked into those swirling currents that appeared only as a single truth, one singular piece of evidence was more prevalent than the rest - the nature of their creation, of all creation. There is no purpose in breathing, in bleeding, in living and dying, than to rut, to grunt, and to breed more parasitic beings to inhabit the all-giving galaxy. Everyone, throughout the galaxy, are dying to live when all they live for is to die another day. For ten thousand years that thought festered in her head and she came to know it as fact, no amount of delving into the past through the force could change the solidity of that truth.

When her tomb had been opened, ten thousand and a quarter years later, and the Jedi Master Corvus Raaf stood above her prone and defenseless body there was no doubt in her mind that the mindless cycle would pluck her from its wheel and toss her aside as it had done to everyone else that had lived, breathed, and then died. She had felt the urge to kill, the rage and the vengeance, and though the Jedi denied even the slightest of her suspicions that day, there was no escaping the past. The Jedi, Corvus Raaf, had meant to kill her.

Why hadn't she?

---

It was dawn again - or was it dusk? - when Braith stirred in the sheets, wearing only the clothing suitable for sleep in her time to bed. Bluntly, she wore a shirt and nothing else. By her side was the beautiful enigma that was [member="Corvus Raaf"]. There was no doubt in her mind that she loved her, that it was reciprocated tenfold in return, and while she looked upon the peacefully sleeping Jedi those thoughts couldn't help but wander back into her head, only now there was an answer to all those years of searching, of questioning life itself. She sat upright, hands propping her up with her back against the pillow behind her, and smiled up at the ceiling. Here she had everything she could have asked for with happiness, love, and belonging. Sure, the physical pleasures that came with the emotional were much desired, but even if she had to remain celibate for all eternity, if Corvus remained at her side and shared the love she carried for her it would be an eternity worth living.

Life had its riddles, its tricks and its lies, even a truth in the eyes of the force could simply be an illusion, a misleading sign to bring about change. If she had found the purpose she'd been looking for in those dreams there would have never been a moment like this, never a woman like Corvus to sleep beside and hold. Darkness would have devoured her frozen heart and she would have ripped apart the galaxy before disappearing like the rest of the romanticists, just another name and just another story. There was no meaning in glory, none in honor nor evil or good. Life's only meaning was what one experienced along its dirt road. The beginning was a means to an end, and the end was to stop moving forwards. The only real meaning in life, the only real purpose, was to make the best out of what hell one was put into. And for the woman that had been raised as the harbinger of a planet's destruction, as the goddess of eternal night, who had been betrayed by her friends and deceived by her teachers, this new life was a welcomed heaven compared to that eon of confinement.

Looking down at Corvus with that same, thoughtful, smile on her lips, Braith leaned down and pushed the long locks of hair from her lover's face. Gingerly she pressed her lips to the woman's forehead and laid back down beside her, content. Soon, very soon judging by the restlessness of the Jedi's legs beneath the covers, Corvus would wake and the next day of their adventure in life would begin and she could think of no better way to spend the day than by this woman's side. If there was any purpose in her living, and meaning in this life, then Corvus was it.

Until she had met Corvus, Braith had never truly lived, and now she realized that, understood that.

To love, that was the meaning of life - the greater purpose.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Meaning. To Corvus this meant nothing more than two things. The Jedi Code and serving the Republic.

They say a four-year old is too young to make life decisions. Yet Corvus made a commitment to not only join the Corellian Jedi but to turn her back on her family. The Green Jedi permitted her to stay at home if she wanted, but to the child that wanted to be a Jedi more than anything in the world, she believed in the no attachments aspect of the Code to the extent that she was prepared to never see her parents and siblings again.

Ten years later she was on Ossus — her parents thought she was dead and she naively had no concept they were even thinking of her and that she should tell them otherwise. For a decade she’d devoted every waking minute to the Order. No days off, no skipped lessons, no parties, excursions or time-off. If she wasn’t sleeping she was learning. For the young Jedi it seemed entirely normal.

Now at the Academy, she continued as before. Labelled the cold-fish as she had learned to shut down all emotions given she was a natural Empath and could not cope with the volume of feelings otherwise — she’d broken hearts apparently but was unaware. One classroom was destroyed due to the fact she was unable to see other’s affection for her. But not once did she think what she was doing was wrong. Worthy of reflection or change.

And in time she’d progressed towards becoming a Knight and there came that first meeting with Silara. A passing encounter, no more. yet Corvus sensed there was more, not knowing the Sith felt the same, albeit not of her own accord.

Their paths crossed again of course. Yet Corvus the Jedi felt only compassion for the Sith. Did she sense the goddess inside, guiding Silara from afar? Or did Corvus have feelings for the Vahla? Given Corvus’ inability and unwillingness to access her emotions it will remain a question never answered.

Yet as Corvus encountered Silara towards the premature end of her life, that chemistry was so powerful that she allowed the Sith to get her to open up to her emotions. Or was it Braith? Or both? Or neither? At the time it was too confusing. Did she love Silara, or Braith. Or once again both, or even neither?

And when Silara died, Corvus was truly conflicted. Would she hate the goddess for allowing the Sith to die? Or love the goddess for reaching to her from her state of catatonia? All she was sure of was that she needed answers.

Many she spoke to as she prepared to leave for Pax Insul believed she was going to kill the goddess. For revenge? For a belief she was some Dark-sided devil? All possible. There was a weight of expectation on the Jedi. She would be judged for sure.

And surely she was the same person that, at four years old, turned her back on her entire family? To embrace Braith had to be the ultimate betrayal of them, didn’t it? To kill the goddess was entirely the logical outcome of the meeting, wasn’t it?

So why did she kiss her instead?

###​

Corvus slept fitfully. Maybe she was frightened she’d wake up and it was going to be a dream? A fairy-tale even? For every culture had stories of beautiful princesses tricked into a magically induced sleep that only a righteous and worthy saviour could break.

And Grand Master or not, Corvus did not see herself as worthy. Not for the goddess that lay beside her. Worse still, too many people had judged the object of her affections in a negative light — and would no doubt continue to do so. Her link to Silara would only magnify the confusion.

It was dawn again - or was it dusk?

She felt Braith stir in the sheets but as much as she wanted to was up fully, sleep took her again. So she allowed her thoughts to turn into dreams. A lifetime with Braith. Ten thousand years would be idyllic, but she’d settle for a human’s lifespan if it could be with Braith.

Yet the dream turned to a nightmare. Life without Braith? This is why Jedi were forbidden relationships in the olden days. And in her dream she argued with herself. Pointing out all the Jedi she knew who were married — with children even. If they could be a Jedi and a partner, why couldn’t Corvus.

Her legs fidgeted under the covers. Somehow they'd transferred into the main bedroom during one of the lulls!

Corvus was a simply soul. To date she’d relied on the Code and the Force. Life was easy as a result. Braith was a complication — but what a beautiful one.

In her dream, Braith was staring at her and she felt her touch on her cheek. And then her soft lips on her forehead. In her dream as in real life, Corvus smiled, revealing her characteristic dimples.

Corvus dreamed she was lying in a casket. She’d been asleep for ten thousand years and that kiss was the one that woke her. Braith was as surely her saviour as the other way around. From that moment on, Corvus’ happiness would not be measured by what happened in her own heart but in Braith’s. She was her heart..her pulse.

In Corvus’ eyes, she was an ordinary young woman, a Jedi — no more and no less. Yet when Braith looked at her, she became something special. For her ‘chuisle’ clearly saw something more than Corvus did when she stared into the mirror. It was as if Braith’s beauty was reflected by the Jedi. Those scars she was suddenly conscious of were immaterial. With Braith she could be herself and not found wanting.

Maybe the Force gave a helping hand, but suddenly Corvus’ eyes opened. There was that grin again, she could feel it as surely as Braith could see it.

“A credit chip for them?” she said. It didn’t need a Force User to know Braith was deep in thought. “Or a kiss if you want to keep them to yourself.”

A matter of weeks ago, Corvus would have told you she had the perfect life and would have given no credence to an argument otherwise. Now? She would laugh at her former self.

The Jedi believed that when they died, they simply re-joined the Force. But if heaven existed…Corvus was already there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqwFmiYGyUg

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17gwTConxB0[/media]​

Those eyes, even just after waking, were enough to make Braith's heart skip a beat and her stomach turn somersaults. She could have gone into detail on how gorgeous that smile was, but she was already melting into the bed by her side, arm draping over her best friend. Those thoughts, just councils on the past, seemed to fade away the moment Corvus spoke, and an ounce of guilt just for even looking back at such an uncertain time crept into her soul. Tenderly she moved her left hand to push away some of the Jedi's hair from her forehead, smiling softly and slowly blinked as if still deep in thought. "I was thinking back to the moment I first saw your eyes with my own, and how lost for words I was." She replied quietly, seemingly content just being together with Corvus. The surface - her expression - told of a woman so calm and blissfully happy with everything in her life now, and truly she was, but just below that was the boiling curiosity - why had Corvus accepted her feelings, surely anyone else would have been mad for being manipulated so well? But those thoughts were pushed aside, they didn't really matter, Corvus had taken her in and that was really all she needed.

"Are you ready to get up, or should I give you a minute?" Braith asked while she leaned forwards a bit, pushing the covers off of her as she tried to sit up. She glanced around for her clothes, realizing she'd only had the one pair she'd worn when Corvus had picked her up. Her expression, of course, translated this revelation as amusement - she was sitting in bed without a stitch of clothing and she had nothing to change into at the moment. She let out a steady sigh and smiled, tilting her head to the side and looking towards Corvus with her eyebrows arched. "It looks like I don't have any clothes to change into, do you have anything more liberal than your robes I can borrow?" She asked with a smirk - realizing she'd have to borrow something from the Grandmaster, at least for now, and quickly found picturing herself wearing Corvus's robes to be humorous at best.

Without waiting for a response, of which she was sure would be coupled with a joke of some kind, she pulled the sheets fully away from her and got up from the bed to look for something to wear - immediately walking right to two identical robes that hung beside each other and broke into laughter. "Really? Really? Is this one for parties and this one," Braith said while she giggled at the lack of variety, holding up one robe first and now the other, "For council meetings?" Her playful banter and joking was all in good fun, of course. "Don't you have anything less restrictive, like - I don't know - shorts?" She asked with an exasperated sigh and roll of her eyes.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfbBqBOSXlU

Waking up – and the first thing you see is Braith – just how perfect was that? And the first thing you hear and the first thing you touch…Corvus could feel herself blushing once more.

In many ways Corvus was too naïve to consider the fact she would be seen by Braith in a vulnerable way. Corvus’ inevitable bed hair, the wrinkles where she’d laid on a pillow. She was way too much in love to even consider Braith having any flaws. For Braith was faultless – and therefore lacked any imperfections. And Corvus’ broad smile reflected this viewpoint.

As Braith pushed hair away from Corvus’ forehead, she felt her heart flutter. The touch was still electric. And she listened to Braith’s words. Corvus remembered how nervous she had been when she’d met her sleeping princess. A flash of guilt flitted across her mind when she remembered she’d wondered if the encounter was a trap. But she relaxed when she remembered she didn’t care. To meet Braith was always worth the risk. Corvus simply had to know the truth…and what a glorious truth it transpired to be.

In truth, Corvus would have lay here forever with Braith, but she also had so much she wanted to share, to show her chuisle. “I’m ready,” she said and then a smile touched her lips. It was one thing to disrobe in a moment of passion – but they were both naked beneath the bed-sheets and given their clothes were in another room, this was going to be another test of their comfort in each other’s presence.

But before Corvus could decide what to do and when, Braith has slipped from under the covers. There were two benefits. Firstly it was safer for Corvus to move now – Braith had been the brave one. And the other was entirely visual!

And her question made the Jedi snigger. She wore Jedi robes as a rule. And without variety – they were all identical. She had her Baran Do ceremonial robes – a gift from the Mistress of their Order – but that she only wore for official functions, such as funerals.

She had her Shade robes – an armoured variety, with the camouflage facility negated to make them appear white in colour.

She wore lycra when she went on her longer runs – but her running gear was back on Ossus, although she had a set in her home only a few hundred metres away. But she did have something else to offer.

“I...uh... don’t do casual,” she said, leaping out of the bed herself, forgetting her modesty as she was preoccupied with the matter at hand. She opened a second wardrobe and revealed three dress hanging bags. Two appeared sealed with the shop’s logo still intact. The third she opened first.

“Wore it once, at a barbeque. I didn’t have any shoes at the time. So I wore my Jedi boots.” She pointed at three sets of shoes at the foot of the wardrobe. “Got them about a year after the dresses.”

She pulled out the first dress and held it to her body.

Spoiler

She then carefully opened the second, breaking the seal. “These other two have never seen the light of day since the day I bought them.” She held the second up for Braith to see and hung it alongside the first, outside the wardrobe.

Spoiler

“And finally,” she removed the third and pulled it on, not bothering to fasten it at the back.

Spoiler

She smiled. The banter was good-natured but had hit a spot. She wanted to be a balance of Jedi and Corvus and yet her dress code reflected only one aspect of her. And the dresses felt a little formal for everyday wear. She needed to expand her wardrobe. And if she did, Braith most certainly did!

“Feel free to wear them until we can get to a decent store and buy some things. I’m afraid this isn’t the best place for fashion, but there are a galaxy of options out there. We can search via the HoloNet and then go shopping in person. I gave almost all of my inheritance away - but kept a little back for when I retire. I plan to be a rancher. Planned.” She made the past tense sound emphatic.

She remembered how much fun she’d had shopping with her sister. And with Braith, the experience would be magnified a hundred-fold. They both needed a wardrobe – and not just outer clothes. And then she remembered the parcel that had arrived for Phylis. The very, very brief underwear – most unlike the practical Jedi issue. Suddenly, looking at Braith, the credit chip dropped. So that was their purpose! She blushed once more.

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8dYpp0Pj5k[/media]​

Love, they said, was blind. So must be adoration and everything else that came with it, because even picturing Corvus over-clothed and in her Jedi robes there was nothing she could think of that would be any more pleasing, nothing she would make the woman change, unable to really imagine her being in anything besides those robes or her birthday suit anyways. Speaking of birthday suits, her eyes locked on Corvus with a dumbfounded expression, her jaw slack - still shut, though, mind you - while she got out of bed. She'd spent the night rolling about in bed, on the couch, and she remembered something about a wall and the floor vaguely, but she hadn't really been in a position to admire such a perfect figure. Tall - taller than Braith, at least, and that wasn't exactly a huge accomplishment considering her average height - toned, smart, everything really. Of course Braith forced herself to be more modest - shutting her mouth and shaking off the amazed expression on her face - while the Jedi moved over to another wardrobe, which the Alua'an was attracted to like a magnet.

She didn't so much speak as nod while Corvus showed her the three dresses she had, each of which she imagined would be absolutely stunning on her - Corvus, that is. For a moment she forgot she was asking to borrow clothes, forgot that she was presently standing in the nude, because someone else sapped away that focus. "Beautiful.." She said quietly, literally staring at the dress Corvus had put on. Though the attraction for her was overwhelmingly emotional, there was clearly a physical one too. She looked up towards the woman's face and smiled. "I'll wear that first one, I think I might fit in it - though with these hips you never know!" She added quickly, laughing at her own expense as she moved to reach for the first of the three dresses she'd been shown, one which she'd forever remember as "the barbecue dress". Realizing that she'd only given a sleeping Corvus a kiss, and not one to start the day - not that she needed a reason to give her one - she paused and pouted. "I forgot!" She exclaimed, her pouting expression more of one which was of self-disappointment than anything else, and then swiftly leaned forwards and aimed to kiss the Jedi's cheek.

If Braith had fallen in love the night before she was most certainly drunk on it now. She wanted to be as unproductive as possible, just to lay in bed and just cuddle with her lovely little raven, but sadly knew that simply wouldn't ever be practical - and eventually wouldn't be enjoyable. So she settled on deciding to give out kisses of varying degrees of "importance", such as the affectionate kiss on the forehead or the head-over-heels tongue-filled kiss on the lips she'd given, and received, the night before. And now it was a kiss she'd hoped would be given daily, not quite the sensual kiss of a lover, but something closer to a reminder that they were together - a couple, perhaps? It dawned on her that they'd never actually discussed their relationship quite well beyond those spontaneous words of commitment and love. "What am I to you?" Braith asked, turning around as she slid the dress on and ran her fingers through her hair to try to tame it. The question was given almost off-handedly, like it was any other question, but there was a wavering in her voice that - combined with her obvious lack of eye contact - meant she wanted a real answer. "A lover? A friend who took a night too far?"

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Spoiler

I’ll start with an apology. The song has a cheese factor of 11!

But sometimes you read a post and a song pops into your head unbidden and you can’t hear anything else in your mind when you think of the reply. This was one of those. In fact, I could have just posted the song, my words don’t do the lyrics justice.

And despite my love of cover versions…it had to be the original, so…

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_61zrkmZsjU

Corvus laughed and cocked her head to one side. “Your hips look fine to me,” and she gave them another appraisal just to make sure. And she pulled the dress off carefully to enable Braith to try it on. Still she was oblivious to her nudity, so caught up was she in the moment. She recognised Braith’s yet was conveniently ignoring her own.

And then Corvus was caught by surprise at the kiss. For if she wasn't she would have turned her head to receive Braith’s lips full on hers. But the sensation was pleasurable none the less.

There was a disadvantage to being an Empath. Well, a few actually. Sensing people’s true emotions was one. People couldn’t easily lie to you. You simply knew if they were happy or sad. Or had true feelings for you. Of course, Corvus had yet to experience the concept that someone could fall out of love with her, but she was now comfortable in the knowledge that Braith had true feelings. Which was the second drawback. It was an entirely invasive Ability and she knew she had to reign it in and allow Braith some level of privacy. But when you wanted to drink in their love, you sought every last drop.

So the question Braith asked, floored her.

"What am I to you?"

"A lover? A friend who took a night too far?"

Corvus was aware her jaw was slack —and not for the reason it was last night. She almost literally shook her head, so struck was she by the question. How could Braith think that of her? Had she misjudged Braith’s emotions? She was still a novice in deducing them after all.

All she could offer was what she invariably did on these occasions…she told the truth. The absolute truth.

“You? To me? Everything. Believe me when I say that words cannot express just how much you mean to me. I would do anything and everything for you.”

“Anything.”

“Everything.”

“I can’t express my feelings for you in mere words, but I’ll try.” She took Braith’s hands in hers. “My lover. My best friend. My better half that makes me whole. My heart, my pulse. My…everything.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Words don’t do these feelings justice.” She placed one of Braith’s hands over her heart. “In here is the truth. You are whatever you want to be, whatever you’ll allow me to be. Forever…and a day. And it still won’t be long enough.”

“A chuisle mo chroí. Mo shíorghrá. My eternal love.” And she pulled Braith close, their bodies pressed as close together as possible and held her tight. “Go síoraí…it means forever.”

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0-omvd2u1s[/media]​

The question hadn't been meant to interrogate Corvus - though she must have worded it wrong based on the immediate silence that had suspended in the air. She supposed, if only to make herself feel a tiny bit better, that she should be glad that her question was met with such disbelief, it meant that Corvus had matured emotionally enough to be true to her feelings. At the same point it felt like a handful of knives being shoved into her chest with her heart in her throat. Braith was no empath, she couldn't tell what Corvus was feeling - what she was thinking - and she didn't have a very developed empathetic portion of her brain, a trait of her species, so she had trouble being certain of complex emotions such as love, and understanding whether other people were feeling the same way as her was also incredibly difficult. It wasn't an excuse for how blunt she'd been, nor how rude it must have sounded, The hurt in Corvus's voice sent a cold chill down her spine, one of discomfort, which rattled her basic understanding of feelings.

So while Corvus began to respond she felt a pain beneath her ribs, at her heart, and the sensation of choking at the back of her mouth, a stinging at the corners of her eyes. She pulled in a deep breath to collect herself, still facing away as she had been when she had asked the question, but Corvus pulled on her hand while she had finished putting the dress on, and she was caught in a slightly shocked, slightly distraught, mix of emotions and expressions to boot. With every word of unity between the two of them that the Jedi spoke brought her tears further and further from their ducts in her eyes. The touch of Corvus's hand to her breast brought her frozen gaze down to her arm and she smiled haphazardly, slowly letting her eyes close as their embrace began, arms reaching out to accept and reciprocate the hug. She wasn't sure she'd ever have words that could make up for that single moment of hurt, and she knew she couldn't just pretend it hadn't happened. "I'm sorry." She whispered, resting her forehead against the woman's shoulder.

"I love you so much, I don't want to just be a friend, just be someone to sleep beside and share the same bed." Braith explained, supposing some sort of explanation on her part was in order. "I understand how you feel, now, and I was self-conscious, uncertain if you were as in love with me as I am with you, and I am glad." She continued before pausing. "I want to wake up beside you, go to sleep with you, spend every day by your side. I don't just adore you, Corvus, I love you more than I could ever understand, when I kiss you I don't just feel sparks, when I see you I don't just feel an attraction, you are everything to me - my world." Again she allowed her voice to fade while she stood still, holding and being held by the woman of her dreams. "I don't just want to be with you, Corvus, I need you now. I love you so much that I can't stand to be near you without making that clear. If there was a word that transcended love, Corvus, it would describe this.. this feeling." She pulled her head back and looked into Corvus's eyes, hoping she hadn't spoiled the mood with her question. She wanted to kiss her, hold her, but for a moment she resisted, wanting to hear what Corvus would have to say.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKZOY6nCu0s

Corvus laughed. It was a soft sound. No malice or bitterness present. Instead it was a joyful noise.

“The two of us,” she said and put one arm firmly around Braith’s back whilst she used the hand to cup her head to lay it flat on her own chest. “What are we like?” Her hand now stroked Braith’s hair gently and she inhaled the perfume of her locks.

Corvus may be a novice at this relationship thing, but she knew enough to understand they could tear each other apart with doubt and recrimination. It seemed that trust was key here – and it was something the Jedi was fortunately blessed with. For she risked her life daily and relied on others to be true to their word.

And right now, Braith held Corvus’ life in her beautiful palm.

“I love you and I will always love you. And you and I want the same things.” It felt odd saying these words. Part of her was wanting to put an inflexion in her tone for the second part of the statement – to make them into a question. To turn them into a declaration felt overly confident – but she knew she had to overcome these doubts.

She then guided Braith’s head back slightly, so they could stare into each other’s eyes. And Braith had such wondrous eyes. And she had to be strong, for such a gaze invariably led to a kiss and Corvus needed to say a few things. Then they could do what Corvus yearned so desperately to do.

She touched the tears that had rolled down Braith’s cheeks. The vulnerability was so endearing. She knew her chuisle had a temper on her – which was also charming as it made her eyes flash in a most provocative way…and wondered if Braith even knew. For she would enjoy telling her the next time it happened.

“So please don’t be sorry. Ever. Neither of us need to say that for we shall remain true to each other forever. No more explanations or justifications,” her voice was still calm and gentle, the warmth of feeling she had for Braith evident in every syllable. “Just us. Just love. Just…kisses.”

And she leaned forward and titled her head downward and offered her soft lips to Braith’s – even when they hadn’t argued, making-up was a wonderful by-product.

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN9PxSekqEo[/media]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZgXfjcH4_Q

For once Braith seemed speechless. Quite literally. Possibly because her lips were otherwise preoccupied.

Not that Corvus was complaining. She loved Braith’s voice and found her accent somewhat erotic – but her alternative use of her mouth was just as good. Different but equally intoxicating.

And others might have wondered if they were ever going to get on with their life – instead of living it out in a bedroom. But they weren’t standing where Corvus was. Seeing what Corvus could see. Holding what Corvus was holding.

She found it impossible to tell where love ended and lust began. Perhaps she should repeat this day over and over until she worked it out? As a scholar, she was used to research and sometimes projects lasted months. A lifetime even?

They were growing into each other’s company. The hours they had spent together felt like days…weeks even. Every moment had seemed to last a perfect eternity. And Corvus hadn’t once stopped to analyse the situation. It all felt so natural that it had felt superfluous to waste even a moment thinking about it. Why Corvus? Why Braith? Her sexuality? Was what she was feeling and thinking typical? None of it mattered. The only thing that did was standing in front of her. Kissing her. And…disrobing again.

Not strictly speaking true, as Braith hadn’t fully dressed before she allowed the garment to fall to the ground. Their lips were locked – and for the briefest of moments Corvus was sure this part was most definitely lust. She loved her sisters and never once had these sort of thoughts about them!

She felt Braith’s hands exploring her back, feeling her running her soft fingers over the occasional scar tissue. Then it was her hips that were so tenderly touched. If she wasn’t kissing she would have gasped. And then…!

Corvus was physically lifted by the buttocks – a wholly pleasant experience – as Braith took charge and carried her back to bed.

But let’s face it. Sometimes you didn’t need words. If a picture painted a thousand of them, actions spoke even louder. And Braith’s hands right now were verbose.

Very, very verbose. And it was – quite simply – perfect...but then what on earth about Braith wasn’t?

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd8YNRMSZIs[/media]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi9_3LHI2VE

Could you spend too long in bed with the one you loved? Ask Corvus in ten years or so!

No time with Braith was wasted — she simply adored every touch, every kiss, nibble and peck. And the sweet nothings whispered as well as…well…everything. Her breath, her smell, her hair, her curves…everything. Without exception.

And they were learning of each other’s needs. The parts to touch to elicit a particular reaction. The words to utter to raise the pulse. The almost things that made your lover ache.

She smiled at Braith’s words. “Then in my arms you’ll remain. And in my heart.”

“And plans? My thoughts hadn’t made it past these four walls. We could go for a moonlit walk? Or shopping, just pick a planet. Visit my neighbours - you know Sand People get a bad press. You’ll like them.”

“Not as much as…” she raised her eyebrows suggestively. “You know…” Her eyebrows told a story all by themselves. Of love, passion and ecstasy. And her eyes drank in the sight of Braith as she lay back. A sight she’d never, ever tire of. It was slightly voyeuristic, but she couldn’t help herself. How could anyone?

Would she leave the Order for her? Yes. Not because she asked — for she suspected Braith never would. But if she had to chose? If the decision was required? There would be only one outcome. Of course, it was unlikely to come to that — but it was always possible. And she had to be prepared.

Brought out of her thoughts, they linked fingers. “Every minute surpasses the last. And yet…I know it will just get better and better.”

That grin was now plastered on her face. “But I have to share a secret. It’s something I tell every Padawan.”
Her face was now deadly serious and she gripped a pillow.

“If you want to get better, there’s only one way. Practice, practice, practice.”

Her face broke into a fit of giggles and she hit Braith gently with the pillow. “I demand ten thousand hours of practice from you. I’m a demanding student.”


She raised her eyebrows suggestively. Then fell on the bed, laughing uncontrollably.

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThnePX8ghfo[/media]​

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://youtu.be/vfwJ-SoYw4U

We see things not as they are but as we are. It was a maxim Corvus lived much of her life by. Nobody knew what you meant when you said something and more often than not it mattered little. But in relationships, a variation of one degree could so easily become a mile of distance before you knew it.

Corvus was relying on true love to keep them on the same path — and sooner or later she’d get caught out by her lack of explanation — she often simply expected others to know what she was thinking. It was certainly one of her flaws. But so far she rode her luck.

All she cared about was here, quite literally within touching distance – and she made good use of that fact with the occasional tender contact that sometimes gave her a simple feeling of comfort, other times goose-bumps and others simply took her breath away. In her current naïve state she hoped her love would be enough. Not that she wouldn’t do anything and everything for Braith — but the truth was she didn’t know what to do half the time. She’d never been on a date.

She’d only been on one picnic in her entire life and social engagements in the past twenty years could be measured on one hand — and she’d have fingers left over. And more often than not she’d been a bystander – unable or unwilling to participate.

So she gave Braith all she could offer — herself.

Beside her Chroi she was nothing in her own mind. Braith was everything she wanted to be. It wasn’t just her natural beauty — for she was the most gorgeous person she’d ever seen. And not even her personality — which was flawless. It was actually something Corvus couldn’t define. Maybe that was what love was all about? The indescribable something that made you adore someone? Or maybe it was many special things? The way the room lit up when Braith smiled? The sparkle in her eyes when she looked into Corvus’? The way she was just so darn sexy when she got cross? The fact she could have found any woman in ten thousand years yet chose the Jedi? That seemingly innocuous place in the small of Braith’s back that she couldn’t help touching. And a hundred more things...and then some more. One thing Corvus loved was that the list of adorable things simply grew every minute they were together. Like the fact they shared a dry sense of humour.

“Doing is good,” Corvus breathed as their lips and tongues parted and then the Jedi started to wander. “Doing is most…definitely…good.” The words were punctuated with kisses. Each more intimate than the last as she travelled. And not quick pecks, but slow, lingering kisses.

“And…fantasies…are…good…too…but…for…now…let’s…be…us.”

She was surprised Braith was able to hold her train of thought for as long as she had. Corvus had already given up trying.

“So…the…question…is…how…to…make…perfect…I...oh…yes...oh…hmm…”

“Practice makes perfect.”

“Makes perfect.”

“Perfect…”

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEiGbXvF_Rw[/media]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ljpLQ1V6Y

Few things shocked Corvus.

No – scratch that – nothing shocked Corvus. Until tonight. Until Braith. Until…

Well, she was the shield of the Jedi. Known for her defence and lack of offence. She was called a cold-fish at worst and aloof at best. But tonight? She had genuinely shocked herself as she gave in to passion to such an extent that she didn’t recognise herself. She took the lead. She…dominated the interplay.

She didn’t wait to be asked. She sought no permission and she gave and took what she wanted. Not in a selfish or rough way. Well it wasn’t always gentle, but it was definitely considered. She reacted for sure. She listened and responded – and sometimes teased on purpose – but invariably ensured she left her partner wanting for nothing.

Perhaps that was why she was so tired? As she came to, she just knew that smile was plastered all over her face. And for a split-second she panicked. What if it had all been a dream? But Braith’s scent, her touch and her breath told her she was not alone.

Her hand reached out for whatever it could touch. Her eyes were still closed and she enjoyed the concept of a lucky-dip, not knowing what part of Braith’s naked body she might reach first.

She found a knee – not what she was expecting, but then she’d found she really enjoyed the back of her joint. Kissing it was for some reason really special. “Clothes and food,” she echoed.

Such trivial things. The sort of subjects that Corvus would not have considered worthy of a thought before – but suddenly, being with Braith, they were special.

“Naboo,” she said and reluctantly tore herself away from Braith’s touch. She dashed naked from the room and returned a few minutes later. The ship was already in motion. “I’ve set a course for the planet Naboo. The Lake Country is truly romantic and the capital has more than its fair share of wonderful shops. And we can talk and do more usual stuff there. But first...sustenance.”

In her hands wer a bottle of water, a bottle of Corellian Whiskey and a box. She set the drinks down and found two glasses from a drawer. Then she opened the box and inside was a brown cake.

“Ryshcate. It’s customary, if you’ve never eaten it before, to taste it from the stomach of someone you care about.”

She lay down on the bed and put a piece of the sweet cake on her tummy-button. She barely suppressed a giggle. “I may have been stretching the truth a little there. Or a lot. But it’ll be worth it. For both of us.”

“Help yourself…”

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR5u9jb0PJE[/media]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a--Ng

Corvus was moving between the here and now and deep thoughts. But the first word spoken by Braith had her most definitely focused on the present.

Her thoughts had drifted onto odd things. Could a Jedi have this much fun? This much…pleasure? So she had reflected on the Code. Not typical in moments of passion — and she almost laughed out loud as she realised it. Nothing that was happening contradicted the Code. Not the physical aspects, nor the relationship. Only if decisions were compromised would there be an issue to address.

But the touch of Braith made all this go away. She felt the emotions of her Chroi. She simply couldn't help herself and she arched her back as Braith’s hair touched her stomach. Why was expectation so wonderful?

And she wanted to give something back. Not just the physical — but the emotional. To truly be one with her Chuisle, not just their bodies entwined.

So she purposefully lowered her mental defences and touched Braith’s mind with her own. She allowed free and unrestricted access to her memories and thoughts. It was a brave act in many ways. As a Jedi she’d been taught to avoid such things as a matter of course. But, perhaps because she was now so determined to be a person and a Jedi, she was able to open up. With the Holocrons no longer under Republic Jedi ownership, she had no longer any secrets to keep.

So her hands went to the back of Braith’s head. She ran her fingers through her hair. Gently at first and then subtly she guided her. Maybe it was subliminal? Maybe not.

She pulled thoughts and memories to the surface of her mind, so that Braith could experience them without searching. The moment she first set eyes on the sleeping goddess. Their first kiss. Silara on Prakith and the feelings she’d experienced, not realising it was Braith’s personality all along she was connecting with.

Thoughts of the past few hours. Places that she enjoyed her lover’s touch most of all. Places she enjoyed exploring on Braith’s body. How Braith’s eyes sparkled, how her smile was intoxicating. All were shared.

There were no secrets — there didn’t need to be.

And then she lost control. Perhaps this was the Jedi frowned upon relationships? Not that the thought surfaced now, it would be some time before she was coherent enough to think this through. For now she simply gave way to pleasure. Her body moved of its own accord, flexing and pushing against Braith without any conscious thought. Every time promised to be the best ever and yet the next time simply raised the bar. She attempted words but could manage only sounds, her breathing turning into some primitive language that aided Braith and told her what Corvus was feeling and thinking.

The ship was on course for Naboo. Shopping and eating at a table would be fun. But the current means of passing the time was simply the best. Corvus wondered why it had taken her 26 years to find out. But then, she hadn't known Braith before now. And her Chroi had been forced to wait ten thousand years. That was a lot of catching up to do — and the trip to Naboo wasn’t a quick one!

[member="Braith Achlys"]

 

[Hailyn]

.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olr9vY7FFs0

Corvus lay with Braith in her arms. Her height advantage made this the natural way to be when they were together.

Her eyes were closed but she wasn’t tired. She operated on approximately four hours sleep a day and even the recent physical activity wasn’t enough to tire her out for long. Although it was a different sort of tiredness — no doubt linked to hormones and chemicals or some such technical reason. Corvus was an historian, not a biologist.

She reflected that she was glad her protocol droid hadn’t made an entrance. But she suspected she’d pay the price for being vocal last night. His sarcasm was Master level and his ability to exact just the comment to goad her was of the upmost quality.

“Me too…” she offered as Braith confirmed how she’d enjoyed the last few hours. “I can’t believe it’s take me a lifetime to discover it.” She didn’t even blush this time, she was over that sort of reaction in front of Braith now.

“But you’re right. Just cuddling here….like this…is as special a feeling as anything we could ever have together.” She toyed with Braith’s hair gently. Occasionally she would massage her partner’s scalp, or touch her ears tenderly.

Braith changed position and the feeling of skin on skin felt so right, so natural. She’d mused before they were two halves that made a whole and physical contact made that seem all the more true. It was as if separating their bodies would in some way distance them in other ways.

Corvus kissed the top of Braith’s head. “And I love you too.”

She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Braith’s rhythmic breathing suggested she was relaxed to the point of near sleep. And it was a testimony to their relationship that already they were comfortable with silence — not feeling the need to fill every available minute with noise.

They were both Force Users. Which tended to be a risky occupation. And Corvus was a Jedi and being Grand Master of the Order, was a regular target for all sorts of attempts to take her life. It had never really occurred to her before…how fragile life was. She’d always known she’d joined the Force one day and often stated that today was as good as any other day. But in opening up emotions, she’d unleashed the concept of selfishness. To die in service tomorrow was honourable — but it would deny her a lifetime with Braith. It would cast Braith alone in the world. And that brought all sorts of thoughts into her head and she lay here.

What if Braith found someone else? Would she be happy for her or sad that she’d moved on? What if she chose to remain alone and spent the rest of her life as lonely as she had been for all those millennia? Could Corvus be selfless enough to want her to be happy? The answer was yes.

And she also reflected on how these thoughts could easily sway a Jedi. It was easier to understand the risk of attachments when you had one to reference. But Corvus was a Jedi. She knew it and Braith knew it. The day she could not think and act rationally, would be the day she let the Order. But she didn’t see that day coming any time soon.

She kissed Braith again on the top of her head and inhaled her fragrance before running a thumb along her girlfriend’s arm. Girlfriend? Yes. That sounded right. Nothing would come between them. Neither of them would die soon. Corvus would see to that.

[member="Braith Achlys"]