Some Things to be Proud of, Some Things to Forget

[Sitara Qin]

His ship soared into the quaint open planet.

It had been three weeks since she had last saw him. He needed to figure things out, he had recently uncovered a part of his old life after all. What the map would lead them to, Sitara was unsure. All she knew was that it involved the pretty amulet he wore around his neck. Xander had great things he had to deal with, and she was simply tagging along for the thrill of the ride. And the company, of course.

In fact, she was almost too excited to see him. Once he had sent for her, she almost jumped to her feet to start preparing. Of course, she’d make him wait a little. She didn’t want him to realize that she was eager, or that had been waiting for him. Sitara wanted to protect her dignity and herself. There was static between them, she felt that; and although they exchanged a little more than kisses, there were never any words that solidified whatever emotion they had for each other.

So she spent a few more minutes brushing her hair and getting ready. What? She was, after all, worth the wait.

But that was all in the past. They both had agreed to move on.

Yet, as she stepped onto the planet, she once again found herself overwhelmed by how much history this place held. Her fingers were intwined with Xander’s, as she pulled him down the ramp. She was excited, she enjoyed hopping from planet to planet. There were just so many places to explore! Her dark hair which was worn down, floated in the wind, hitting Xander in the face slightly. She laughed.

“So this is where you were born, huh?” She said, as she moved along, taking her sweet time absorbing her surroundings. She almost blended in with the serenity of the location. What did he see her as? Was she merely a pretty, playful brunette in a peach sundress that fell to her knees? Or was she something more?

She saw no other girl with him at the moment, and perhaps, that was all that mattered.

“The place I grew up in is nowhere as nice as this.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

A better part of three weeks had been spent deciphering the map which Xander had found the last time Sitara Qin accompanied him off Malif Cove. Their journies across the Stars had nothing to do with their faction, and everything to do with his past, and, in all reality, his hope for a future. Naturally, he had sent for her once it was done, though if he were honest, he'd wished she had been with him to tell him when he had spent too much time with the map, or when to simply lean on his shoulder as she had before. Had he missed her company since they parted, yes, had he said anything, no. What was he to do, put words to emotion he truly didn't understand at this point? Perhaps this trip would help him decipher his feelings.

She made him wait, women always did. He stood at the top of the ramp already having been redressed for at least thirty minutes. His style had not changed much. An olive colored vest was worn against a pair of black pants, boots to match. While his torso boasted a white collared shirt beneath the vest. It was left open at the neck, with a red ascot loosely tied around it. The breeze was was cool, the weather early summertime. It was perfect.

"I was, and raised here for the most part. This home has been in my family for many generations."

Her fingers were still laced with his as they approached the main entrance, his staff greeting him with looks of excitement to see a lady in the house who seemed to be more than a student or slave. Of course they all had their own ideas of what that meant, but they would soon discover the truth of it.

The rich history of the world had remained untouched by the changes of the galaxy. The Induparan Crown Worlds had always remained neutral in the affairs of wars and the like. As such the world kept its charm and Xander loved returning to it. It served to remind him that there was room for him in the galaxy.

As for Sitara she was exquisitely beautiful in her dress. The backdrop of his homeworld was fitting for her, he decided. The wonder in her eyes made him smile. For some reason it made him happy to see her happy. There were adventures for them in the future if they both wanted that, Xander knew it deep down. There was much for Sitara to do and see here. The map, and what he found could wait, unless she wanted to know now.

"There are not many who can claim their father was third in line for the throne. Third in line, and I managed to make it mine. Perhaps if you can manage to get it out of me I will tell that story."

He waved his servants off to retrieve their luggage.

"What shall we do first? The tour, or something fun?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

It was as though she took a step back in time. Servants had come to greet them, the grins on their faces meant that they assumed something. She was a little nervous, she was never her best in crowds. She held onto his hands a little tighter, and she drew in a deep breath as they headed inside. “Well, wow.” There were certainly no words to describe the quaint rustic beauty the area held.

“Oh, so I’m here with a King now, is that it?” She raised her eyebrows. Did he ever mention he was royalty? Sitara understood that he was some kind of noble. She let go of his hands and walked in front of him. With a graceful spin, she turned to face him. She curtsied, before standing straight. “It is such a pleasure to be graced by your presence!” She giggled, speaking with a forced fancy accent, one that tried to mimic his.

“Shall I start calling your highness now? Or King? What do you prefer?” She teased, wrapping her arms around his waist. He was well built and she enjoyed running her hands down his abdomen. She couldn’t keep her hands off of him and she melted whenever they were alone together. It was another day filled with bliss, and she was surprised he hadn’t mentioned the map yet.

It could wait.

“Does this make me some kind of courtesan now?” She quipped, her head tilting to gaze into his mellow eyes. She wrinkled her nose and her fingers drew small circles on his back. She definitely missed this. Rather, she missed him.

As for deciding between the tour or something fun…

“Hmm, I obviously know what you want to do.” She winked. Obviously they’d end up in his bedroom sometime within the next few hours. “So to spite you, let’s start with the tour.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"A King, yes, and no. I have been thought dead for over 800 years. The shackles of the monarchy no longer hold me, but the army and power those shackles afforded are no longer mine," he played back with a regal bow.

Standing to his full height the gap between them was soon closed, her hands wound his waist, the touch he had missed returned to him.

"You may call me Xander. My subjects call me king, my servants and students, master. You are neither, so you can call me as you like."

He held her at the waist as well, caressing her lower back as his hands dipped below her waist just teasingly so. Naturally she opted for the tour. Xander figured she might. This was a game of cat and mouse it seemed. Had she forgotten already he was an expert hunter. He would have his prize. The best prize always came to the patient. Xander was a patient hunter.

"The tour then," he offered his arm as an escort. "Your standing in the main hall, it remains mostly empty save for guests required to wait. This level contains the study, dining hall, and family vaults. The grounds just outside the south entrance are set up for archery. Stables located to the southwest, and the rooms are up the stairs and to the east wing. The guest wing is to the west, the masters wing is to the north. I occupy that wing. It is where the family remained mostly when father was not in the study. All the rooms in the east and west are taken by my apprentice and a slave girl I took from the market. She is to be an assassin herself someday, under my control."

They walked the grounds, until the found themselves near the armory. Whatever she would require for the now he had gifted her could be found in there. A spare time project for them perhaps? He would see. Anything to spend time with her to be honest. Xander had truly missed her company, her. It had been a long time since he missed anyone.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Call me as you like. He said to her. How about mine? She wanted to reply. “I’ll stick with my pet names, then.” She said, sticking her tongue out before leaning up to kiss him. His hands had roamed slightly further than where they had previously been. Had it really only been three weeks? It felt like ages.

She gladly took his arm, though she was disappointed that he didn’t oppose to her suggestion. It was okay, she enjoyed this little chase she was leading him on. Whatever this game was, they were both far too addicted to stop playing. So she’d continue to pester him, to tease him, to copulate with him—the first person to cave, the first person to admit something would be the loser.

She smiled sweetly as he gestured towards the many different rooms. They had grounds set up for archery and she thought back to their little lesson back on Munto Codru. The way he adjusted he had been firm with her in touch though gentle in the way that he spoke. Was this what it was like training under him? She grimaced. No, she could never see him as a master. They were equals not on the battlefield, but in whatever it was that they were playing.

He knew that too. She’d be a pain in the ass as a student. Besides, he had his little psycho to take care of and she enjoyed Carach’s sweet little mind games. However, together, Xander and Sitara enjoyed moments of sweet bliss. She could give him things no woman in his life would be able to, and she certainly saw herself as more of a joy than his masochistic little student.

She wrinkled her nose. Not only did he house an apprentice, but also a slave girl? Of course after everything they’ve done she’d assume the worst. “You have a slave?” There was obvious distaste in her voice. She was definitely displeased, perhaps she was a little jealous. Her lips curled. “I don’t see why you need me sticking around.” She said, trying to sound as though she was only teasing him.

She had to play it coy after all. “Why, I don’t think I can compare to someone who answers at your beck and call.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had missed the taste of Sitara's lips. He was becoming convinced she could never kiss him enough. Where were these fellings coming from anyway? A man who had been in a coma for 800 plus years was supposed to be cold, cruel, unfeeling, stoic in every regard. Xander had been. Sure his eyes had been like those of any man, they wandered, drank in the curves of every beauty which walked past him. None of them, not even those housed at this estate, had illicited the same emotional responses Sitara had seemed so expert at evoking. Xander had not felt this way since.... Well this was something he had not thought possible, yet here it was.

Jealousy, faint, and masked, but it was there, all because of the mention of a slave. It seemed Xander could evoke emotions in the woman as well. He smiled at the thought of having a woman answer his every call and command, but no, Xander could never be pleased by a woman so weak he had to command every waking moment.

"Slave is not the right term, but she insists on seeing herself as one, nor is there anything physical I am demanding of her either."

Other men in his culture would. Women had their place in this society after all, and slaves were nothing more than those who served at the will of their master. Sex was not something he demanded of his slaves. The momarch had never been so desperate that he threw himself to the arms of one allotted to serve. While Kyra was not a slave, she was simply another student, while not force sensitive, she still had the makings of an assassin.

"There is no basis to make a comparison considering you are the only woman on these grounds which can make the claim they are having sex with the master of the house."

Did she have exclusive rights to him? If she wanted them. At this point she needed to be assured a slave girl was not going to steal the position he afforded her in regards to their relationship. No words had defined it yet, but there seemed to be unspoken hopes of expectations. Then again, Xander could be observing things wrong.

"Have you ever been hunting," he asked to move from the topic of the other house guests.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

It occurred to her that there was just too many women in Xander’s life. She enjoyed competition because she liked to win, and there was no way in hell that she’d give up on this. Besides, he himself had dismissed her assumptions on his relationship with his slave. He still had his student, but god, you’d have to be pretty messed up to enjoy being with a total sadist. She bit her lip. “Alright.”

The slave was just another student, and he had been a king in a past life after all. It was normal for him to be surrounded by many beautiful women, and she was just another pawn fighting for a space beside him. No, she told herself, that wasn’t the case. They were on opposite ends of the board; she’d destroy all his pawns and become queen herself. She rested her head on his strong shoulder.

“Geez, Xander.” She teased. “You make me sound so dirty.” Which she was, she wasn’t complaining. If it meant being with him, she wouldn’t mind never being clean. They had fun beneath closed doors in their own little world, where nothing else ever mattered. They were in each other’s arms, simply enjoying each other’s company. She was herself with anyone she knew, yet with him, there was another side he evoked within her. It was far more caring, far less nonchalant.

Did she want exclusivity? That, she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t ready to be caged yet, though she didn’t see anyone else in any other way. There was something refraining her from asking for it. Perhaps she was scared that he’d break something no man has ever touched; her heart. They had only known each other for a few weeks, after all, and they had only recently become physically acquainted. Besides, he left her hanging for three weeks. That fether.

Hunting? She raised an eyebrow and shook her head. “No. But I assume you’re going to teach me.” She grinned. The bow had been left unused but she brought it. If he had a couple of equines, that would make things more fun, though she wasn’t sure if she could be as stealthy on a creature.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had not intended to leave Sitara hanging for three weeks. A mistake he would not repeat. There was something to be said about the fact they had known each other for a few short weeks. Only twenty four hours together, but it was enough for those who wanted it to be. With her head on his shoulder, Xander knew that despite her nature to fly, and not be caged, Xander wanted to have her. Naturally she was not the kind to simply be had. He would have to chase her, and he would. There was something very clear about this woman. Despite being from the opposite spectrum, she was worth it. If she wanted to be his Queen, then so be it. Xander had no doubts she would remove any obstacle in her way.

"If you would like," he nodded. "Moving targets are harder it hit than a vase, and an adventure in the woods might be fun. It's been too long since I've camped underneath the starts. Besides, the servants can be nosy, and while I have no doubt we will put on an entertaining show for them, I want you all to myself without the peeping eyes of nosy servants at least one night while you are here."

The map was lost to him. Their attire would not do for a hunt, but it didn't stop him from leading her into the woods. The grounds had several trails, and Xander could walk each of them blindfolded. This was why he took them off the path. A small brook ran alongside the main trail, and Xander knew it led to something more. The time had never been taken to find it. Today they would find it together. Xander was sharing something with her none other had ever had before. This was more than a tour of his grounds.

"I am truly sorry for waiting three weeks to call for you. I had sent once before but was told you were off world."

Whether she had been or not wasn't his concern. Xander knew anyone who wanted to keep them apart would only need to lie. Instead he solved the mystery of the map, and he knew what it was leading to, sort of. He still didn't want to talk about that. His desire was for the woman he was with, and he wanted to enjoy her. Both of them had questions to answer in regards to their feelings and desires for each other. Answers only came by spending time together. If Xander was going to take his throne back, he did not want to do it alone. Still Xander didn't want to cage Sitara, and so they both remained silent on what they were thinking.

"One of my faults is how easily I can become obsessed with something. Though you weren't there, you were on my mind. You've certainly seared yourself into my memory. Perhaps a little foray into the woods will bring about more pleasent memories."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

How could she not forgive him?

He definitely made the effort to make everything up to her, and although she was still irritated, being with him made her happy. “Well, I haven’t tried hunting anything wild.” She once shot her instructor with a blaster, did that count? And there was that time she fished her goldfish out of the bowl.“And well, making love by the fire and underneath the stars sounds good to me.” She leaned up to plant a kiss on his his cheek. It sounded like a good plan, and sounded very romantic.

Now, Sitara didn’t do romance much. Though she enjoyed being swept away and being eyed by any man in the room, it occurred to her that nobody had ever sent her flowers or tried to have an emotional connection with her. Perhaps that was why she was scared to let him in; it was because he didn’t see her as an object. Xander was a good man, he respected her, and to top it all off; he was handsome as hell.

He took her hands again and lead them towards the woods. The conifers were tall, and she could see cones littering the rich ground. Small critters crawled the towering trees, and birds scattered the sky above them. Still, besides all the beauty that surrounded them, her eyes were still focused on the handsome man leading her to a hidden place.

A small brook ran along the main trail, and Sitara wondered what was hiding at the end of it. He spoke to her, breaking the silence. She was away? When did that happen? She may have gone out at one point, but she spent the three weeks on the planet because she was waiting for his call. Her eyebrows pressed together and she tilted her head to look at him. “I don’t recall leaving the planet in that span of time.” She said to him. “Perhaps you heard wrong?” Or maybe you were lied to.

She’d move in front of him, her arms wrapped around his neck. She leaned up, her eyes locked onto his. Slowly, she’d move to kiss him softly. Her lips lingered on top of his for a short moment, before pulling away. “I couldn’t stop thinking of you too, Xander.” She said, smiling. “Y’know, every moment spent with you has been pleasant so far. If you want to hunt, let’s go for it. Bet I can catch bigger game than you.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Making love under the stars next to a roaring fire it shall be then," Xander said with smile before stopping to press a kiss to her forehead.

The gesture was one of endearment, something Xander rarely showed. Affection, love, compassion, these were all things he never learned as a child. His foray into the world of strong women had taught him these things. Despite being Sith, many women among the Sith Empire of his day has still wanted these things. Xander had learned to deliver, though he was very particular about whom he lavished his affections on.

When Tara stopped, Xander knew the look she had was in regards to his comment. He had sent for her, there was no deceit in that statement. There was only one assumption then. He had been lied to. Xander was not surprised. Two Sith Assassins, powerful and determined, joining together as equals, allied by the bonds of what they proposed to share, would be an unstoppable force. For those wishing to have the upper hand such a union would be thwarted before it could happen.

"It seems someone, or several someones, do not wish anything further to develop between us. We are a threat."

She turned to face him. His lips met here as the kiss was placed on his lips. Xander returned the kiss. The passionate fire which seemed to burn between the two seemed replaced by something deeper. The kiss was not just a kiss, but something much more. Xander's forehead rested against Sitara's as she spoke, returning the same sentiment as he had just spoken a few moments before. His thumb gently caressed her cheek as his eyes never left her own.

"Pleasant, wonderful, spectacular, any of those words would capture the moments we have shared. Despite my paintings and visions."

Xander knew not every moment had been pleasant. The attack, his visions, the painting she happened upon. There was ugliness to Xander, yet the beautiful brunette had answered his call. She was beautiful. Xander was hard pressed to recall anyone as beautiful as her. He was truly captivated by her beauty. As such it left a burning question. Why him? Dare he ask.

"I was glad when you agreed to join me despite the delay. There is so much here to show you, so much for us to enjoy, and Indupar even moreso."

He kissed her again, it lingered, his mouth reluctant to part from hers.

"Shall we see where the brook leads, or prepare for the hunt?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She had none of her own enemies, though she couldn’t say the same for Xander. Obviously there would be people opposing to their partnership. It was an even better reason for them to stay together. Was it the person he sent for her who was lying? Or was there someone who relayed the wrong information. Her mind was searching for possibilities. There was no way to figure this out without thorough investigation and maybe a little mind manipulation. She sighed.

“Whatever. We’ll find them.” She grumbled.

Perhaps he had stumbled into this little mess of emotions. As she looked into his warm eyes, she couldn’t help but smile. This was where they belonged. They complimented each other well. He had a lot of baggage and she had the space, it was simply a matter of making arrangements and working things out. Perhaps they just needed to grow into each other.

They had all the time.

He kissed her again, and she smiled sweetly beneath the kiss. She held onto him tightly, as though she couldn’t bear to let go. “Mmm.” She murmured, the sweetness of his lips on hers.

“We’re already here, let’s go see where it leads.” She said, taking his hand and moving towards the brook. She sat by it, kicking her sandals off and dipping her toes into the cold stream before wading into it. She giggled, the water was fine. There was a waterfall somewhere in this area, though perhaps they wanted to go down stream. She picked up her sandals. There were small, dull pebbles in the water.

“C’mon!” She called to him.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

He was in boots but still sat to remove them. Xander had never set foot in the stream before, though he had in others, just not this one. The more time he spent with Sitara he knew they were supposed to be. Should the be together because there were those who wished it not to be so? No, but it was a good reason to try harder to make it work. Xander waded out to her. The pebbles pressing into his bare feet. Cool water numbed them enough that the pebbles were not a bother. The current was not strong, but as they pressed further it began to pick up. A rushing thunder could be heard in the near distance. A waterfall? Xander began to unbutton the vest he wore.

"A pleasant surprise. I've not ventured along the stream before. This must be near Crescent Falls. The smell in the air is right for it."

Xander was an expert tracker. Sights, sounds, smells, all of it were signs to read when hunting. The landscape hid little from him. Wading closer to the shore Xander set his boots and vest down as he unbuttoned his shirt.

"There is a cliff near here where we used to jump from on hot days. A swimming hole is just below the waterfall, and a small cove rested behind the cascade of water. You must see it."

It was a playful moment, and Xander was soon stripped to his shorts. It was perfect for a quick swim, and this would certainly give the servants something to talk about when they retuned, hair wet, and the laughter only accompanied by the pleasure and joy a summer swim could bring, perhaps more.

"You came to enjoy what my home had to offer. Now is a great time to start."

With that the thought of the lies were gone. It was time for the two to have fun, and enjoy each other. Their kisses, their touches, all leading to the moment when they eventually share a physical reunion. Xander would let the waterfall help that along.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“Crescent Falls?” Sounds fancy and romantic. Sitara loved waterfalls, and beaches, and streams; she just loved water. Sitara enjoyed the warmth of the sun pressing down onto her pale limbs. She enjoyed bikinis and men at the beach. There was nothing wrong with showing skin and plunging into the cool water. Perhaps they should visit the falls sometime and feel the rush of the cascading water.

“If you have any holographs of a young you, you better show ‘em to me.” She grinned. What she knew about him involved dark times. It was better, she guessed, that he'd tell her about his past before it resurfaced. However, he left out plenty of the warmer memories, involving happy, careless times like these.

She turned back to her handsome companion, who was now sporting a very built physique. He was out of that bulky armour, out of his usually drab attire. This was how she remembered him whenever she had...less than innocent thoughts. She licked her lips, wanting to run her nails along his sturdy frame. “Well, you’re quite the sight.” She giggled, walking up to him and kissing his jaw.

“And enjoy it I will.” She threw her sandals towards the grass, before tugging the sundress off of her body and tossing it to where her sandals landed. She had come prepared as she revealed a white strapless bikini. She ran towards the swimming hole, careful not to trip over the pond. The swimming hole was nice and clear, a few clumps of algae drifting along the cool water.

She plunged into the creek,throwing her arms up into the air as her entire body was drowning in the fresh water. She resurfaced, strands of damp, darkened hair sticking to the edges of her face. A loud stream of innocent giggles fluttered out of her cherry coloured lips. “How could you ever want to leave this place?” She wondered aloud, as she swam into the centre of the creak. “It’s so beautiful here.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had been quick to follow, considering this little swim was his idea, spontaneous, but his idea. The thought occurred to him he seemed to be more inclined to spontaneity with Sitara around. It reminded him of how he had been before Neferis had turned him into quite the calculating Sith. Kazrah had taught him the importance of letting go of the calculating mind at times to let the dark side truly awaken within him and be his ally. While Kazrah had been a red huntress, a monster to some, Sitara was something else. She was playful, confident, lightning in human form. Her very nature made Xander better.

The water was cool, the white strapless bikini hot! Xander was surprised the water wasn't boiling with her in it. A truly happy look was stretched across his face as he swam toward Sitara after he reappeared from under the surface of the water. Wiping the longish hair out of his face, Xander reached to pull Sitara to him with the other. His mind had always focused on the taste of her lips, the sight of her naked body and how soft her skin was to touch. The setting could not have been any more perfect, any more lovely. For once, in a longtime, Xander was carefree.

"That's a whole other story," he said after catching her. "One that ends with me leaving with a Sith Knight to be trained in the ways of the dark side, trained in controlling what I could do with the force. We weren't trained in our homes in those days, and we still are not. Though I have always returned, always come back."

It was the difference of the Sith and the Jedi. The Jedi made one break all ties with the past, the Sith demanded the chains be broken. To those who were able to break the chains of the past, nothing kept them from returning to influence the world they came from. Xander was simply at a place where he was breaking his chains again. There were no chains for him on Ec Pand or Indupar. His chains lay in the jewel around his neck. He wore it even now, not ever allowing it out of his site. There was such freedom on Ec Pand for him now, and were it not for his commitment to the Sith Assassins, Xander would likely make his childhood home his permanent residence. Though the vacation home on Malif Cove was suitable second place. It kept him near Sitara, and the rest of the assassins, though his mind now made most of the room for her.

"There may be old images of me floating around somewhere. The estate has a significant vault where the families wealth and valuables are kept. If they are to be found, that's where they would be."

Xander let go of the brunette and started swimming toward the waterfall. It was not large by any means, and one would wonder where the name Crescent Falls came from. That story escaped Xander as it had been called that all his life. His feet lifted and splashed some water toward Sitara, a mischievous look on his face as he turned to face her again. He was in the mood to play, and he wanted to play with her.

"You know... when I was a much more younger, improper version of myself, I would swim here with nothing on."

He grinned, and removed his shorts, tossing them onto one of the rocks near the shoreline.

"I guess I'm still improper..."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Everybody had their dark side story, and she was beginning to wonder why hers hadn’t happened yet. It wasn’t like she enjoyed the company of the Sith, in fact, she saw their faction as family and found herself home with the assassins. It was just that something was holding her back, something was restraining her from reaching her full potential. Was she simply scared of the dark side? She recited the code in her mind.

When she was training, whenever she needed to develop, she saw herself being far more ruthless. Yet, whenever she was in a moment of ecstasy like this, she couldn’t bear to let herself go. She wanted to be happy, but was this how she wanted to do it? There was no true happiness with the Sith, she was hesitant to learn that. Sitara was no monster; she was but a girl who broke a few limbs here and there in the academy, she was but a girl who wanted to escape her father’s overbearingness, she was but a girl who wanted to enjoy love.

She gave Xander a meek smile, after he had resurfaced. Perhaps things were different in the past? She told herself. Yet she knew, that even the academy taught them how to be ruthless. There were always lessons about getting ahead of everyone else, and as much as she wanted to be like the others, something held her back: her moral code. Perhaps, being extroverted had made her soft. Perhaps, she should simply go back to focusing on training, to learning how to manipulate and kill. That was an option that would lead to her fully accepting the dark side. It was far easier than allowing herself to fall.

But what if I’ve already fallen?

She’d wrap her arms around his neck once more, and her long legs hugged his waist. Unlike the coolness of the water, Xander was warm. It was unknown to her why he allowed her to see this side of him. Everyone was so consumed with power, the lust of the race, that they forgot what it was like to smile. Perhaps the only real happiness she would ever have was the company of another person; a person who’s visions would only lead to their unhappiness.

Just what did he see?

“Well, there’s nothing keeping me from salvaging those photos then.” Unlike his visions, these were solid capture holographs of him. They were not awful paintings of the future, they were a solid link to his past. Nothing that could be seen from his perspective, but from the perspective of the outside world. He let go of her and started swimming towards the small waterfall. He’d splash her, and she used her arms to shield herself from the water. She’d shriek as the cold water splashed into her face.

“Xander!” She screamed playfully as he swam away. He had a mischievous gleam in his eyes. Sitara squinted, although she had an inkling of what he was about to do. He removed his shorts, and she pretended to cover her eyes. “That’s indecent.” She spoke in her faux accent, as her eyes traced every edge of his body. His anatomy was familiar to her, she did have a chance to study him up close after all.

She swam past him, and plopped herself down into one of the rocks near the waterfall. “You’re so vile.” She teased him. She crossed her legs and the falls cascaded onto her back. She threw her head back, allowing herself to be drenched by the clear water. “I dare you to jump.” She said, as she lowered her head to look at him. She gestured to the top of the falls with a mischievous grin. The only thing corrupting her was this handsome man here.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had learned what it meant to be ruthless, uncaring, out of control, and he hated it. The teachings of many monsters among the Sith saw those who would embrace the darkness so fully they forgot the most important thing, freedom. The teachings of the Sith were never meant to make a person lose themselves. They were never meant to control the innocent, or guilty. The Sith taught freedom from chains, that meant mastering the darkness and not being a slave to it. There were those who feared being controlled by the darkness, but what they needed most was the realization they were strong enough to contain it. Xander learned confidence early when he needed the darkness to help him purge a toxin from his system. Ever since that moment, Xander knew what it meant to be in control without losing who he was. Sitara was simply one of the very choice few who had ever seen him. He was vulnerable with her.

"You don't think I will... Is this a ruse so you can steal my clothes when my back is turned climbing the cliff?"

He wouldn't put it past her to do just that. Sitara was very playful, so much so in fact that he near expected her to try that very thing. Despite being near 841 years old, Sitara made him realize those 800 years had not been added to his life. He was still a young man, and should behave as such. Her comment about still kissing like a 21 year old man still rang in his ears. True he had been alive for 841 years, but his body, mind, all of that was still 21. Xander had been a youthful king yes, and he still was. So he climbed, not caring if she stole his clothes or not. For the first time in a long time Xander felt truly happy. There was no Sith, no Assassins, no map, no doom. In that moment, it was him and her, and the feelings they shared for each other, but were both still reluctant to voice.

Jumping from the top of the cliff, Xander tucked into a canon ball. He knew just the spot to land as it was the deepest part of the swimming hole. His only hope was that he had splashed enough to hit Sitara with the water. That wasn't going to make much of a difference though, as she was sitting under the cascading sheet of water coming from the top of the cliff above her. Anticipation was building again. The picture was one of pure beauty, and he wanted to capture it. Xander imprinted it upon his mind to capture on canvas later. It was rare that he painted for enjoyment. In fact the canvas and paints were his tool to divine the future, but today he wanted to paint her, for her. Would she appreciate it? Did she even want his affections?

"Your turn," he said as he swam to the rock and placed his arms and elbows flat on the rock surface close to her feet. Eyes looked up at her, a glowing smile on his face still plastered there from the rush of adrenaline from the length jump. "Then we'll head back, unless you can think of something else you'd like to do while were here?"

He was hoping she did. This area was private enough, and it was just the two of them. He wanted her.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“I didn’t even think about it.” She whistled, innocently. It wasn’t like Xander minded walking around naked. He had the kind of body that was perfect for showing off. And it’s all mine to play with. She giggled. She watched as he climbed the rocks, the heat of the sun highlighting his toned arms, back, and shoulder. Her eyes wandered a few inches lower. Definitely impressive. She confirmed. She laughed as he was now at the top of the waterfall.

“Don’t splash me!” She warned, although judging by his character, he was most likely aiming for a location to get her wet. It was, after all, something he constantly did when they were together. He plummeted into the creek and she screamed as water splashed her body. "Xander!" She squinted, wiping her face with the back of her hand. He swam towards her, his elbows resting on the rock. He looked up at her at her and she tried her best to look displeased with him. She playfully pinched his nose with her toes and sighed.

“All right, all right.” She said, getting up. She jumped into the swimming hole and swam towards the edge of the falls. The dirt felt gross and rough beneath her damp feet. The algae on the rocks made climbing them a little harder. She gritted her teeth as she gripped each finger, using her strong legs to push her up. She got to the top, and before she jumped, she slowly began to pull off her bikini, starting with the upper piece.

Once she had it removed, she’d fling it towards him, aiming for his face. Now that she was naked, she took a deep breath before plunging into the deep blue before her. The fall was a sweet rush, her body enveloped by the tranquility of the creek. Her eyes opened underwater, only to be greeted by dancing greens of seaweed and an assortment of rocks. She’d resurface, swimming over to her lover.

Once again pressing her body to his, she’d wrap her arms around his neck. It was her bare flesh against his. She purred, her lips brushing against his warm skin. She kissed his neck softly before her lips pressed against his ear.

“I have a few ideas.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

He took her, or did she take him? It could be said they took each other. Was it passion, lust, love? Either of those could describe the moment. He yearned for her, to be close to her, intimate with her. Xander fully enjoyed his time with Sitara in the water as only they could. Her body was truly magnificent, and Xander enjoyed every part of it. She had a way of making him squirm in ways no one else had ever done before. His time with her was like no other. It was always when the moments ended Xander wished they could last forever. He had been a fool to wait three weeks to reach out to her. The map be damned, but oh the map, it held the key to his salvation.

By this time he was sitting on the shore, his pants were on once again, and he watched as Sitara attended to her self. The dinner hour was approaching and the servants would be searching for them soon. Perhapds they would eat the meal from his main chambers. The balcony off his room may face north, but one could still watch the sunset as is descended below the horizon. The wine would be flowing with the game prepared fresh, taken from the large estate no doubt. A roasted game hen with a blackberry sauce was likely the main course for the evening as Xander was beginning to smell the preparations now.

"You never cease to amaze me," he said finally standing to his feet and pulling the white shirt over his head. It was left untucked, the vest draped over his arm. He was thoroughly disheveled looking, as though he had spent hours with her in hay like he was nothing more than a common farmboy. This made him happy. She made him happy. How could he not want to keep her? "it's a shame these moments could not last forever. Though if the did we would not experience what the future has in store."

Xander reached for her hand, entwining his fingers with her as he began to lead them back. Walking side by side, in step, they carried through the woods as though they were lovers of the most intimate kind. They had certainly shared their moments, but is that what they were for each other, intimate lovers?

"What do you see when you look at me?" he asked truly wanting to know.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“God bless the future.” She murmured. Her dark hair was still damp, and clung to her skin like long tendrils. The only time her wavy hair ever stayed straight, she thought. Her attention returned to the dark haired gentleman with the untucked white shirt. He was classically handsome and the unkept look suited him. It was different from his usual garb, though in a way it made him look softer and boyish. He was far more alluring like this, he looked far sweeter.

Like a man I could run away with.

She shook her head. Dinner was coming soon, she could smell the preparations. Just how far from his estate were they? It seemed like they had wandered off deeply into the forest, unless they simply made a different turn. Her stomach rumbled softly, and she sighed. Has it really been a few hours? Time went by far too fast. If she could only hold on to him for a little longer. His warm hand entangled itself in hers. She clung to his arm with her other hand, her cheek pressed to his shoulder.

The moment of silence was fleeting and faded into the wind as Xander asked her the question. She paused behind him, before her legs began to move again. How was she going to answer this? Sitara wasn’t even quite sure how to describe her emotions for him. It was clear that they liked each other, they were both attractive beings after all. But was that really everything? Was she only attracted to him physically? Sitara knew that wasn’t so.

“Hmmm.” She wondered aloud. “I see a very handsome, very sweet man,” She paused, giving him a sweet smile. “—with a lot of baggage.” She had to be honest with him. He was fair to her and she wanted to be the same with him. “I see someone strong, and kind when he needs to be.” Her thumb rubbed the edge of his coarse hand, hands that have been trained to fight. “I see a man who wears rather interesting clothes,” she giggled, her grip on his hand growing tighter. “A man who’s just as unsure as I am.” Her gaze shifted, her eyes staring into the wideness in front of her. Her cheeks stained pink, her head tilted down slightly.

“I see a man I could fall for.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

She was quiet at first. That was good or bad. At least she was giving thought to the answer she was about to give. Xander hoped for honesty, because it was what he needed to hear. Were they just playing? Was this heading somewhere? Sweet? He'd never been called that before. Lots of baggage, wake up from an 800 year stasis, check. He even had to admit he had baggage, but he was trying to deal with it as opposed to sweep it under the rug as so many tried to do. Interesting clothes, he could say the same for her, but culture and time answered that. A man she could fall for. There was honesty, and the fact she was as unsure as he was. Xander owned it all.

A slight turn in another direction than they came had them on the main path leading them directly toward the manor. It was Xander's turn to be silent, but he did not break his hand from hers, nor do anything to indicate her words had marred him somehow. Quite the opposite was the case in fact. Her words only served to embolden his curiosity.

"I do have some baggage don't I," he stated with a chuckle.

He turned to face her, and lifted her eyes to his by placing his curled index finger under her jaw. Xander pressed a kiss to her lips.

"And I could easily fall for you. You're beautiful, fun, free. You have this way of reminding me that I am not the baggage I carry, but rather who I want to be. Am I uncertain, yes, but only because I fear if I try to hold too tightly the one thing I don't want to see happen will."

Call him crazy, be he was afraid of losing her. He'd lost other women before, so naturally there was a fear, a fear which kept him from wanting connect just to lose again. He knew his future though, he didn't need a painting to see, she truly wanted him as much as he wanted her.

[member="Sitara Qin"]