Private Home is where the heart is

[Diarch Rellik]

To: Lady Iandre Athlea
Encrypted – Personal Channel

Iandre,

I've missed you. I know I have been distant these past weeks, duties, as ever, consuming more than they should. For that, allow me to repay my absence:

I would kindly ask you to join me for dinner, two nights from now. No politics. The meal will be prepared by my own hand, no chefs or staff. Just the two of us.

The location is my private residence on Artorias. Enclosed are the coordinates. Upon your arrival at the spaceport, a shuttle will be waiting to bring you directly to the estate. You need not worry for anything except bringing your beautiful self.

Your presence is what I wish for every day. Hopefully you can make that dream come true.

Signed R.

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Evening of the dinner

The sun had had begun to descend from its apex, readying the day to become night. The water below on the coastal property lapped into the sand bank. One of the windows was half-open, letting in salt air and the call of coastal birds. It was the perfect time to begin cooking the meal.

Rellik stood at the stove, sleeves rolled. The cut of high grade meat had been out of refrigeration for nearly twenty minutes. He had seasoned it liberally with crushed pepper, salt, thyme pressed into the fat with his hands. Warming his pan before applying oil he waited a moment, thinking of Iandre, of the night to come and how he missed her so. Now with the application of oil in the pan. He laid the steak down away from himself, felt the sizzle hit the air. The sound was interesting beautiful in a way. He dropped garlic, halved, unpeeled and a few whole sprigs of thyme into the oil. The herbs snapped instantly, releasing a nice green aroma. He basted once with the back of the spoon, adding butter to it all as the crust began to form.

It was a simple recipe that did not take long but a wonderful meal and almost calming to cook.

When it was done perfectly crusted, rested, basted in its own heat, he turned to the chimichurri. The actually harder portion of the dish in his opinion. Shallot, fresh mint, cilantro, a bit of oregano. The herbs rolled together and given single chops the way down of their form. Garlic grated fine into paste. A dash of red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, lemon squeezed by hand. All mixed together with olive oil on top. He stirred slowly, tasted once and decided he was proud of the meal to come.

The mashed potato had been done earlier. Put off to the side as a less important part of the whole dish. Making a small well in the center he placed some chimichurri in the pocket. Than grabbed the meat, sliced it into about centimeter and a half cuts and placed it elegantly on top of it all. With another dash of chimichurri over it as well. With all of that preperation done, he turned to leave the kitchen and prepare for Iandre's arrival.

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Upstairs, he dressed himself in a charcoal dark suit that was dotted with very lightly shining white specs and a notched lapel, with a white shirt and black belt/loafers. The shirt collar open by design but no other outright flamboyant watches, rings or anything else.

Downstairs again. The kitchen quieted. The wine sat breathing in a decanter, two glasses set. He stood by the far window, looking out toward the distant lights across the bay. Excited for the night to come and to see Iandre again.

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

She had recovered from her broken leg, her men had continued to tease her about what happened, and given her the nickname they had threatened. When she got the message and invitation from Rellik, all of that didn't matter. She wasn't going to mention this to them and kept it secret from them.

One of the things she and Zara had done was go shopping a few times. Most of her wardrobe was grey because it was comfort from her past. Her friend was steering her away from that and had insisted on her getting a green dress, just for a situation like this. Pulling it out of her wardrobe, she held it up and let out a sigh.

Taking a shower, she brushed her hair out and decided not to braid it. Rellik had only ever seen her hair up. Almost everybody had only ever seen her with braids. This had been by her choice, and she chose to have it down. He had said no politics, and maybe her braids were part of that. She didn't think so, but she didn't know. Donning the dress, she smiled at her reflection.

Taking one of the shuttles, she arrived at the spaceport where another one was waiting for her. Climbing on board that one, she felt her heart starting to beat in her throat. Luckily, there was a bit of time before she would arrive, and she just hoped it would be calmed down by then.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

He felt her before he heard the shuttle. It was not a sharp sensation, nor a flare across the currents of the Force. It was quieter than that. A familiar warmth cresting the edge of his awareness. Slowly and surely he was beginning to feel her amongst the flows of the force. The more time they spent together the stronger it got. Perhaps his longing to be near her again was what made this moment a crossing line. Like smelling something beautiful you remember from some time ago. His eyes closed for a breath, simply taking it in with excitement. The sensation warming his heart and filling him with genuine happiness.

Rellik stepped from the window just as the front gate's soft chime echoed through his home. They had arrived and it would be soon now that they saw each other. The sensation in the force growing along with his heartrate. Walking through the main corridor, the muted light of sunset fell in long shafts across the polished floor. It was a nice summer home and the sunset of Artorias only made it even more beautiful.

A soft ring came from a holo-communicator near the living room he was passing. Quickly stepping inside he looked at it for a moment before turning it off. There would be no catastrophe large enough in the entire galaxy that would take him away from this evening. With that he went to stand by the door and welcome Ian to his home.

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

So far, Rellik had seen Iandre at both high and low points in her life. Her hope for the dinner was a wonderfully calm evening, chatting and getting to know her Diarch better. Smiling as the shuttle landed, her heart beat a lot quieter than it had been on the way here.

Looking out of the viewport, the lighting of the dusk was beautiful, and she paused just a moment to take in the sight. Of his home and the sun setting as she approached. Not a simple home but an estate. Something Iandre had no exposure to when she was with the Jedi.

She had been trained and tutored on how to act around nobility, but she didn't think she should do that. Rellik wasn't looking for that tonight. She would be herself, whatever that was—learning to live and taking lessons. Even though she had been told she didn't need lessons. Keeping that thought to herself, some internal humor filled her eyes, and she had a smile as she approached his summer home.

Running her fingers over her hair, she wanted to make sure it wasn't a wild rat's nest. Then the door opened. Freezing in her step, all she could do was stare at him. The charcoal was darker than what he usually wore. It highlighted his golden eyes, and those drew her attention.

"Thank you for the invitation, my Diarch."

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The door opened, and time narrowed. She stood at the threshold, the soft amber light of the descending sun falling behind her and for a moment, Rellik could not speak. Her beauty hit him in a way he was unprepared for. All the times he had seen her she struck a chord in his heart but there was something special about this moment. there was no one else, the house, the beach, the dim lighting. None of it compared to the way she looked in front of him right now. Standing before him in that green dress, with her hair unbound, and that quiet smile softening the corners of her eyes, she was breath taking. It took all of the willpower in the galaxy not to lift her off her feet and carry her inside. To kiss her and twirl her in his arms. Yet, he wanted to so much so to give her a wonderful meal and not come off as some mad man. Even if that was part of his charm. He wanted her to feel welcomed to his home.

She greeted him with formality, it made a small soft smile form on his lips. He inclined his head ever so slightly. As if wanting to somehow change his vision to see even more of her. "You're breathtaking," he said simply. The words leaving him as if it was all he could muster to say between his stun lock.

With a subtle shake of his head he regained his composer. Stepped to the side and offering out his arm for her to take. "Welcome to my home. The honor is all mine." He led her through the main hall that had several different paths. Ones leading to reading nooks with ancient scrolls, a few closed doors, and one with a large room with a small lit fire. Their destination though was the dining room where everything had already been set. "I hope the travel was no hassle."

The room was as wonderful as could be staged. The windows were partially open, outside the ocean was perfectly framed. Light gold bled slowly into deeper oranges across the waves and back into the home. As they made their way to the table e pulled out her chair.

Leaving her side for the first time to get the wine out of the decanter. With a sharp pop he opened it and poured them both a glass. Placing hers at her seat and than going to his own. The table was rather small for the size of the room. Rellik had never brought anyone else here, so there was no reason for it to be large.

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

The stoic facade she had tried to put on quickly faded when he broke his silence. Grinning at him from ear to ear, she returned the incline and joined him inside. Tilting her head as she looked at him once again from head to toe and back again, she gazed at him until he regained his composure. Her grey eyes couldn't get enough, and she didn't think she ever would.

"You are as well, Rellik."

Sliding her arm into his, it was similar to their first evening together. When they shared their first dance, she felt it had started a new chapter in her life. Leaning against him for a moment, she moved when he did. A small tour of his home, and she felt like she was the first person he'd had here in a long time. She looked forward to the day when she had a place of her own.

Shaking her head when he mentioned travel hassles, "No, everything was fine. Thank you for the additional shuttle getting here. I'm not sure Shifter would have let me come alone if he'd been the pilot."

He had met the five men she almost always had with her on Mygeeto. Knowing how close-knit they were, he could probably imagine just how protective they were of her.

As they walked through the house, she enjoyed how the outside light played with different fixtures inside. Iandre didn't question what was behind the closed doors. At this point, that wasn't any of her business. If things went the direction she wanted them to, then it would be. Not tonight, though. She didn't want to worry about anything and wanted to focus on the man she loved.

Taking the chair he had pulled out for her, she sat down and watched him as he poured the burgundy wine for them. Lifting the glass gently, she took a smell of the rose and waited for him to sit down before lifting it to a toast. Her eyes sparkled in the firelight, and they were only for him.

"To the first of many dinners together."

If he wanted to add in anything else, he was more than welcome to.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

He met her toast with a steady hand and a soft clink, his golden eyes watching the way hers lit with warmth. "Vivre, aimez et célébrer" he echoed in a foreign tongue. Smiling softly he said "Live, Love and Celebration." before taking a slightly large drink for wine. The toast still lingered on his lips, but he did not hesitate. He wanted to give her a night to remember.

"Wait here," he said softly, a hint of something playful.

He stepped from the dining room and crossed the open floor toward the adjoining kitchen. The sounds of the house shifted with him quieter without their shared presence. Already he longed for them to be joined again. At the kitchen's control panel, he paused then keyed on a music line. It began to drift softly into the house. Subtle but there, enough to be registered over the sound of clinking utensils and words.

The soft melody filled the space gently, curling through the open air. Rellik uncovered the plates with care, checking the heat with his palm.
He adjusted the chimichurri with a spoon, ensuring the sauce hadn't bled too far. Then he lifted the plates, one in each hand, and turned. He walked slowly back toward her, the sun now just barely above the sea's edge, casting a halo through the windows that caught in her hair, in the glass of wine she held. She was magnificent.

"I hope you enjoy it my dear." he said quietly as he neared, In his tone it seemed he knew no food could make up for how busy he had been. Yet, he gave it his all. It was not something you could simply order at any vendor and he made it himself. He placed her dish first. Still in perfect condition from when he had prepped it. Then he placed his own, sitting across from her. And exhaled, letting the warmth of the house, the music, and the moment settle into him.

"This is the first time I've seen your hair down," he said. His tone almost boyish. Opening the moment from such a romantic escapade to two lovers talking. He followed her hair down to her shoulders. Not hiding his gaze either, he enjoyed a little bit in her knowing how much he admired her beauty. "I could look at you for eternity Iandre." He had this wonderfully prepared meal in front of him but his appetite was elsewhere and there was really no chance of it going back to his plate with the way she looked. His gaze kept wondering her for a moment before he asked her, "Is that scar from Mygeeto?"

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

"Live, love, and celebration. And I do love you, Rellik."

Repeating the words he had said, Iandre took a sip of the wine. Her gaze followed him as he told her to remain where she was. He had invited her here, and she wasn't going to go anywhere. Hearing the music, she turned her head as he picked up the plates and brought them out.

Like she had with the wine, she smelled the aroma coming from the food and gave Rellik a thankful smile. The glitter in her eyes hadn't faded, and she let out a small sigh of contentment. She didn't even know she had. The smile grew as he spoke of her enjoying it.

"I'm sure I will. You went to all this effort for just me. I imagine it's perfect."

When she didn't think she could smile anymore, he commented on looking at her for eternity. Turning her head a little, it moved her hair enough that it hung down her back and down in front of her shoulders. Lifting a hand to pull the hair away from her scar, she shook her head before answering.

"I already had it then. Why do you think Moose threatened to give me the name Bruiser? I got this from a Sith on an ancient ship while I was on deployment and exploring the boundaries of our territory. It was from my time or just after when the Empire was in power.

"I don't have a scar from Mygeeto, the bone never broke through the skin."

Thanks to his quick thinking, she was able to recover fully and no longer experienced any side effects that bothered her.

"I guess I need to learn how to defend better."

Holding onto the end of her hair, she gave him a little wave with it and a laugh through her nose.

"Do you like it? Braiding it keeps it out of my way. I didn't think that would be an issue tonight."

Meeting his gaze, she wouldn't deny having her eyes wander either. Iandre was happy being here, spending the hours with him. There wouldn't be enough, but she would take what she could. He was willing to share with her. Taking a few moments, she just breathed, calmly in through her nose and out through her mouth. He affected her, and she didn't know what it was or how to react.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik smiled as he set his glass down, fingers brushing the stem one last time before his hand eased back beside his plate. When she said she loved him his eyes shimmered.

"I love you, too."

There was no hesitation in the words, no need to dress them up. As far as he can remember he has never said the words to anyone in the way he said them to her. He loved his brother, his wife and nieces. He held his friends, warriors on the battlefield who were near death and told them he loved them. When he said it to her, it was with a tingle in his body and a weight behind it that was completely new. He loved her for her. Not because she was family, not because she fought by his side. It was every little thing she did.

He quietly ate as she spoke. Listening to her voice filled him with more joy than the meal he had cooked. Almost fully he was lost to it.

"I like you. Hair braided or down. Tonight, under the setting sun. It is as if I am looking at the most beautiful painting I have ever seen. - You're hair being down makes me want to come over and put my hand on your cheek and kiss you." The words might have been a little brash but he was being honest. The way she waved it at him was cute. Everything about her was cute.

To break up the sweetness and joke back with her, he spoke quickly. "Bruiser?" A slight smile forming on his lips.

"Scars are a part of lives like ours." He motioned vaguely toward his temple, where a thin line of healed flesh still marked the place Prazutis had nearly taken his eye. Then to another, deeper mark along his collarbone, barely visible beneath the collar of his shirt. Sure that Iandre saw him with his shirt off when he fought Laphisto as well. She would know he was nearly covered in them.

"They are simply a part of our story. You are just as beautiful to me... Moose and I shared a glance as I came into the medical bay above Mygeeto. I like him, Seeing how strong you were after your leg was hurt I know you can take care of yourself but I am glad they are there for you."

There was a hint of recognition in his eyes.

"What do you mean from your time?"

If memory serves Rellik never knew her history. Now would be the time for him to ask. As confusing as it might be for him. He wanted to know all of her.

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Her heart skipped a beat when he expressed his love for her again. She silently stared at him for a moment before remembering the food in front of her. Giving him as much of an opportunity to talk as he had her, she ate her first bite as he began answering her question.

He gave an entirely too accurate statement about scars and pointed out a few. And then what he had said previously finally made it through to her mind. She was able to finish chewing on the food and washed it down with a sip of the wine. By the time she finished, he had as well and asked his question in turn.

"You'll have to do that later, Rellik."

Glancing down at her plate, she leaned back in her chair. One of the many purposes of this night was to get to know each other. They were doing that. Iandre didn't try to hide anything from him, but she chose her words with a little more care than she had Zara or Laphisto.

"In a way, I am like Laphisto. Just not quite that ancient."

Pausing in her speech, she sighed, and her look grew a bit unfocused. Speaking without emotion, she was once again facing her former life.

"I had to do a little bit of math, but I think I was born around 42BBY. I don't even know where I was born. Well, the Jedi found me and I was raised in the Coruscant Temple."

Her eyes remained distant, but she paused again. Not for dramatic effect, but finish putting her thoughts into words. She didn't want to throw them together.

"I was part of the Grand Army of the Republic. Before they changed into the Galactic Empire. Due to my first master protecting me, I survived Order 66. She died that day, and I went into hiding."

As she spoke, Iandre seemed to withdraw slightly. Almost as if she wanted to fade away and forget her past. Her gaze was no longer distant or unfocused. She spoke with clarity and sorrow.

"I think a piece of me died that day, too. After I went into hiding, I was on board a public transport and its hyperdrive malfunctioned. I was able to secure an escape pod for myself and launched it with the others. The next thing I know, I'm looking at the faces of Gem and Zinayn.

"They did their best to fill in what happened. Both of them gave me options on where I could go. Here I am."

Wearing half of a smile, picked up her drink and took a longer-than-normal drink from it. Setting it down, she looked across at Rellik and let out a sigh. It felt like a weight had been lifted, and the last person who mattered to her knew her life and her truth.

"That's what I mean by my time. I'm glad you like Moose. He's my biggest protector. The food is also perfect. I think I've spoken enough for a while. Your turn."

Tilting her head downward slightly, she looked at him from the top of her eyes. Eventually, she gazed directly at him and asked her question.

"What do you like to do for fun? You can't work all of the time."

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik did not interrupt. He waited through every pause. Let her sip her wine. Let her breathe between sentences. And when her gaze finally met his again he tried to give a comforting look. - He got up from his seat, grabbed the bottle of wine from the decanter and moved next to Iandre. He gave her a soft hug with one arm, filled her glass with the other. Kissed her on the top of her head and went back to his seat.

"I never knew about the pod," he said at last. "Or your Master." A flicker of something crossed his features. Regret, maybe. Or guilt. Yet there was nothing he could do about it now. He was here to learn more about her and so he had. There was no quick fix key to solve any one persons past or pain but he did his best to let her know he was loved with his actions a moment ago.

"One thing I do like to do in my spare time is read. I love history, so I do know of the events you are describing. I know the reality of it must have been very hard, you have my sympathy, shoulder, and know I am here if you ever need somone. I do not mean in any way to belittle the experience. I would say though that I am fascinated even more by you. A treasure lost to time, somehow that found its way to me. It seems magical from my perspective and I believe I am very lucky."

He paused, staring into her eyes for a moment.

"I'm glad Gem and Zinayn found you, Glad you chose us. I hope we have lived up to your hopes and have made you feel at home with us. With me."

Then he took a sip of wine. Almost to clear his voice from the tone of pain and sympathy. He leaned forward, straightening his posture before resting upright in his chair.

"I read. A lot. History. Poetry. Old Senate transcripts. Even the mad stuff, Darth Traya's manifestos, Dathomiri witch rituals, I spend a lot of time arguing with old ghosts trapped in scrolls and holocrons. But for fun?"

That boyish smile returned and Rellik seemed happy just thinking.

"I garden, play instruments, I compose. I've got old arrangements I wrote in my youth some good, some not." letting out a little laugh before continuing. "I like teaching, I have had several students under my wing personally and I am currently the head of the Diarchy library. I help ensure members of the brotherhood are on track with their studies, and due to the fact we partake in both the light and dark side of the force; I keep all of them from falling to far into dangerous paths."

Now, a larger sip of wine.

"Occasionally I disguise myself; sometimes not as good as I should, and go out to the various nightlife places of the galaxy. I enjoy dancing in all forms, intimate or even just alone by myself in my room if the music is good enough. I gamble from time to time, buy drinks for all the people in a bar and make new friends. Perhaps once every few months but its hard to justify. Maybe one of these days you would like to join me since I now have a dedicated dancing partner." He gave her a more suave/seductive look as he said the last part. He had no desire to dance or do anything else with anyone besides her now. The thought of putting his hands around another made him feel almost sick.

"Any of the things that make me happy would only be better with you by my side love."

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

She wasn't looking for or asking for comfort, but she accepted it from Rellik when he offered it to her. Letting out a sigh of breath through her nose when he kissed the top of her head made much of her pain subside.

"How could you have known? It's not like we've had this conversation before. I have no idea what records are kept by Laphisto, and I didn't think Zara would have said anything.

"It's all in the past, and sitting here now, I wouldn't change anything. If there were changes, I don't think I'd be sitting here. Her name was Aisha."

Saying this before he sat down again, she fell quiet as he answered her question.

Since waking up in present times, she had done a lot of reading as well. Not that she liked what she read, but many good things had happened. For the moment, this is what Iandre focused on. Her past would be talked about over the rest of her time here, and she kept that close for now.

Smiling though, she nodded quietly at his comment about being glad. She was, too.

Taking the chance she was given to continue eating, she took it a bite at a time and enjoyed the tart flavor of the chimichurri as it contrasted with the earthy taste of the meat and potatoes. Swallowing her food, she took a drink of the wine. Covering her reaction with that, at the moment, she was speechless once again. This man had that effect on her, and her breathing hitched slightly, growing a bit shallow.

Eventually, she would find her voice.

"I am home. To a place and time that was only in my dreams."

Her gaze drifted to his slightly open shirt, and then she met his seductive gaze with one of her own. And then she smiled.

"I will stay by your side for as long as I can, my Diarch, my love. My Rellik."

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

A soft smile crept across his face at her vow, unforced and lingering in the lines beside his eyes. There was something in her words that struck deeper than he let on. That she would stay as long as she could. That she called him hers. She shouldn't stay aboard the Aurora when I'm home. How much my life would change to know when I come home it would be to her. Every time my life is on the line or when the frustration of politics meets me, I could think of her and seeing her. My house, now a home. The thought drifted to him, quiet but certain. Not something to press. Not yet. She had responsibilities and he would never pull her from them. But the idea planted its roots all the same. Selfish as they were. She was a warrior, leader in her own right. Not some house bound wife but the thought crossed his mind non the less. He believed there could be some way to make compromises on his part. A room for her on his own flagship, for her crew or staff. Something he had to plan and work towards at the least. To ensure he did not try to take away from her own life and goals.

He drew in a slow breath, finishing the last few bites of his meal in thought. When he set his utensils down, it was with a calm, satisfied motion. Even if they could not be together every moment, that did not mean every moment together was not special. This evening had been wonderful and he was hoping Iandre could stay for a little while longer.

"I was hoping," he said as he stood, gathering his plate and other things to take to the kitchen, voice low and warm, "you might rest with me by the fire for a little while."

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

She had almost said as long as he would let her but decided it was too soon to express that. What she was thinking and feeling was all new to her. One of his thoughts never crossed her mind, and that was living with him. However, it might have in its way. If by keeping her at his side meant the same thing. Wearing a soft smile to mirror his, she didn't even realise they shared the look.

Their last few bites were in a comfortable silence, and Iandre liked that. Placing her plate with his when he went to stand up with it, she picked up the glasses and would follow him unless he stopped her.

Chewing on her lower lip when he broke his silence, he asked her to stay; her heart once again seemed to jump into her throat. Then a warmth blossomed across her back. Like warm hands from her distant past were shoving her forward. Looking away from him slightly, she tried to see if her old master was there. She wasn't, but that feeling didn't subside, and she turned one side of her mouth up in a smile.

Turning her face to look at Rellik again, she nodded.

"Yes, I will rest with you for a while. As long as you will have me."

There, she had said it. Opening a door to the next step, she was going into this with him at her side. Her insides churned a bit with what felt like butterflies flitting around. One of her hands moved to cover her stomach as that sensation was there, and she was curious to see what the rest of the night had in store.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

He took her plate gently from her hands without a word, letting their fingers brush in the exchange. A quiet clink of ceramic against fine shoes marked his footsteps into the kitchen. In the kitchen, he placed the dish in the basin and took a breath. Every surface was clean, touched by the hand of someone who took great care.

He could feel her behind him. The more time they spent together the more he felt she had a radiance about her that was completely unique. He loved it, it was the feeling of watching a beautiful sunrise but it came from her through the force.

"Yes," she said. "I will rest with you for a while. As long as you will have me."

Turning to face her fully, her presence drew everything else into silence. In that moment, he reached out, his fingers wrapping around hers. He was looking at her directly as if the rest of the galaxy did not exist. Silent with his words but not his body. The eyes sharing all he needed to say. Gently, he pulled her in with one hand wrapping around to the lower end of her back. With a loving, wanting kiss he said all he needed to.

He didn't speak as he led her, only kept hold of her hand, the feel of her skin warm against his. They moved together through the quiet of the house, the soft music from before slowly drowning out from the dining room as passed it. The hearth room opened around them in soft tones of amber and stone. A low-burning fire crackled within the recess of the wall, its light dancing across the clean lines of the floor and the tall windows.

Without letting go of her, Rellik reached out through the Force. A thick woven blanket folded itself from a cedarwood chest tucked into the corner. It glided to the center of the room and unfurled, smoothing itself down beside the fireplace. A bottle from a nearby cooler rose next, drifting after them, settling on the floor within easy reach. Then he took of his jacket and shoes. Those floating away to rest on a hanger and below it as well.

All of it done without his gaze breaking from hers. He sat first, drawing her down beside him. One arm wrapped loosely around her shoulders. He let his breathing settle with hers, his thoughts quiet.

"I have never had a moment so special... I have never met someone so special."

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

His house wasn't entirely a home. Not yet. It wasn't something lived in, and Iandre noticed that very quickly. He had already stated just as much, but seeing it in front of her gave truth to his words. Setting the glasses down, she stopped when he did and answered him. Her heart was in her throat, and butterflies were in her stomach, but she stood bravely and waited to see what he would do.

Closing her eyes and drawing in a breath as he pulled her close, she returned the kiss. Not having anybody else around drew something out in Iandre. While he had initiated the kiss, she wanted more. Same as he did. The kiss ended, and for a moment, all she could hear was her heartbeat in her ears. She felt her blood coursing through her body, bringing a glow to the surface.

Moving with him in unison, he guided her into a cosy room. Stone and an amber hue reflected off the glass that looked out at the beach and seaside. A room that was perfectly positioned to look at the distant horizon and the final light of the setting sun.

He might have been gazing at her, but everything was new to Iandre, so she glanced around a little. Eventually, her eyes returned to her love, her Diarch. Slipping off her shoes when he did, they would rest next to the blanket he had unfolded for them. She still had a flutter of butterflies in her guts, but they were slowly settling down.

She lay on her side, facing him, and loved the sensation of his arm wrapped around her. It felt natural and like it should be there. Breathing in through her nose, she smelled the fire, the stone, and most importantly, him. From the earthy scent of him to his clothing, she drew it in and didn't want to let it go.

With a sparkle in her grey eyes, she leaned her head down slightly and whispered, "Neither have I. What spell have you cast on me? What enchantment have you drawn to make me love you? I don't think you did, but the thought was there."

Reaching out, she would gently touch the scar on his face. Tracing its line and then turning it into a soft caress of his cheek. Touching his eyelids and memorizing this feeling.

"What happens after tonight?"

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

He leaned into her hand. Embracing and loving every moment of the tenderness of it all. It was a sensation he could say he had never enjoyed this way before. His breath slowed down immensely for a moment. As if in a meditative trance he simply felt the moment of it all as she caressed his face and ran her finger over his eyelid. Savoring the softness of her touch. When his eyes opened it was with a darkened warmth and a flicker of mischief on his face "A spell, you say?" His voice dropped to a husky whisper, edged with a teasing smile. As the two were intertwined he gently ran his fingertips across her arm. Giving the tiniest bit of electricity in the force through his fingers with the caress. "I might have a trick or two but I would never invade the beauty of your mind in such a way."

When she asked what happens after tonight, Rellik's gaze softened, deepening with a tenderness that filled the space between them. He took a slow breath before leaning closer. his voice low and steady, threaded with conviction.

"After tonight… I will seek you out every chance I have, across every star and shadowed corner of this galaxy. I will hold you in my arms whenever the world allows, and carry the thought of you with me through every battle and every quiet moment in between."

His hand tightened gently on hers, grounding them in the stillness of the room.

"I do not want what we have to be fleeting, Iandre. Your love is something I will always fight for, to be with you, as long as you will have me. I do not say this as some momentary promise, but a vow. One I carry closer to my heart than any scar has ever gotten."

He held her gaze, letting the weight of his words settle between them like the warmth of the fire.

Iandre Athlea

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Catching her breath when he opened his eyes and ran his fingers down her arm, it was a sensation she had never felt before. There was no pain with the shocks, and they made the small hairs stand up on her body. Her innards flopped again but settled quickly.

"I appreciate that. Someday, maybe you can show me what you do. Us, we are enchanting each other. No need for spells."

As her butterflies settled, she let out a contented sigh, and his answers struck her strongly. Being this close, this in love, Iandre knew he wasn't lying. Their heads were almost touching as he leaned forward.

Smiling with some tenderness of her own, her grey eyes shone and reflected the fire slightly.

"I will carry these words with me when we are apart. May the worlds not part us when we are together."

Questions of her past were surfacing, and she felt the answers were lying in front of her. With his hand around hers, and only the sound of the fire around them. Its warmth was nothing compared to what was on the floor. Wrapped together, she brought her lips to his with a kiss that sealed their priceless vows.

Shivering but not from being cold, she lay her head down and closed her eyes.

"I never imagined my life would ever be this magical, Rellik. Not once. I'm so very glad it is, and I will keep you with me for as long as we can be together."

Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik didn't speak right away. Her words rested in the space between them like something sacred, something neither war nor distance could touch. He let them linger. Let them settle. Between the kiss and the vows he was swimming in the new feeling of love. For a moment it was the most intoxicating thing. His pupils were dilated looking at Iandre. His brain exploding in everything that could make a person feel.

When they shifted again, it was with ease and trust. He guided her closer, their movements unhurried. As she leaned against him he felt that shiver. He pulled the blanket gently over them both, his arm settling around her once more. With his off hand he grabbed Iandre's wrist gently and brought it through the open part of his shirt and placed her hand on his heart. The beats were quick but strong. He wanted her to feel without words exactly what she did to him in a good way.

She felt warm in his embrace. Real. Not just a fleeting moment in time but something that felt like it could last. He let go of her wrist and moved to run his fingers through her hair, gently pressing a slow kiss to her forehead. The fire crackled nearby, casting them in soft gold.

"Iandre…" he whispered, just her name.

What followed between them was a tenderness exchanged through closeness, trust, and shared longing. Tonight, they had each other. And as the hours deepened ever still they were held in each others arms. There was laughter, shared stories. A touch of music, summoned briefly through the house's system.

Eventually, the music faded and the fire burned lower. And as the night settled fully around the house by the sea, Rellik kept her close his eyes closing only when he knew she had finally found sleep against him.

Iandre Athlea