Some Things to be Proud of, Some Things to Forget

[Sitara Qin]

She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him again, eagerly. The tension that was floating between them was nowhere to be felt. Sitara felt clean and light, like the weight she was carrying had been lifted from her shoulders. She liked him and he knew it now. Did that mean he was going to put a ring on her finger and whisk her away to the wedding chapel? No. Yet, it did mean that whatever they had could develop.

And although they had each other now, there were still other matters to focus on. Weren’t they here because of a map? Come to think about it, Xander never did update her on that. They had become unfocused, they had allowed their feelings to control them. What was she doing? She bit her lip. She sounded like a fething jedi! It was okay to get sidetracked; it was okay to have emotions. It was definitely okay to go to bed with an eight hundred year old sith hottie.

“Wait, stay there.” She commanded, holding his shoulders in place. She winked, before walking behind him. She took a few steps back before charging into him and jumping on his back, her hands clinging to his neck as she allowed him to catch her. He was strong, after all; and she was tired. It wasn’t like he minded feeling her chest press against his back.

“I’m sorry, I’m tired.” She whined, her lips brushing against his ear. She rubbed her cheek against his. She closed her eyes, her stomach still rumbling a little. “Okay, now I’m tired and hungry.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

The air had been cleared between them, and it felt good. More than that, it felt right. Xander couldn't put it to words, and he was skilled with them. All he knew was things were as they should be. They still had not figured anything out, other than the fact they liked each other and find the other in their hearts if they would allow it. Her command was odd, but Xander complied. This is why she could never be his apprentice. In this are a they were equals and needed to be. She was as dominant as he was, and that worked well for them. In this case more for her as he soon found her on his back, arms tucked under her knees to carry back to the manor. His servants would gossip for weeks with this.

There sheepish looks throughout the meal as they served the two were enough to make Xander laugh. It had been to long since Xander came to the table looking completely disheveled because of the seductions of a woman. While the food was delicious, Xander's appetite was still only for Sitara. In regards to her it would never be satisfied, he feared. A fact he quite enjoyed. With the meal complete and the dishes cleared, Xander took Sitara into his study. The room was much like the one in house on Malif Cove, only this was much larger.

The study was more a personal library with books lining every wall, and shelves in the center as well. A lone large desk sat just in front of one of the center shelves. The wood was a dark stain, reddish because of the cherry it was made of. Xander liked dark woods, and cherry in particular was his favorite. Reaching into the vest pocket which he still carried, he laid the map on the large desk, finally getting to the reason for the pilgrimage to Ec Pand. However, Xander had found better reasons to be there.

"I suppose we should get one less bit of baggage out of the way. The map has been deciphered, and one thing is certain, it does not lead to my doom. You will be relieved to know I am not going to be dying anytime soon."

Xander smiled and reached his arm around Sitara, his hand resting on her lower back. He liked to touch her, even if her skin was covered in cloth. Every touch was electric, one of many reasons he was truly falling for her.

"The exact planet still eludes me, but the map speaks of a device which will separate the spirits from the amulets, essentially killing them. If I can do this, the painting you saw will never occur."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She kicked his feet from underneath the table as they ate. His servants were gossiping, she could see the speculations in their eyes. At least half their thoughts were correct, she figured. It wasn’t hard to assume what a handsome master and a sweet girl were out doing in the woods. She smiled at him as she ate her hen. The cooking was delicious. It was easy to see why he housed his apprentice and slave here.

She smirked. Those two associated him with being their master. For Sitara, it was a different arrangement. She could never take him that seriously, in fact, she never did do well with authority. She probably annoyed Carach ever so often, but he dealt with her fine. Xander however was easy to annoy, she thought, as her constant prodding had done during their first few moments together. She sighed, playing with the sauce on her plate.

Dinner was pleasant and they exchanged playful chatter. After the meal, Xander had lead her towards his study. It was far larger than the one he had in Malif Cove. She took a seat on the lounge, stretching her legs over his divan. She had a fleece blanket draped over her shoulders, covering her body. With one hand, she clenched it on to warm herself. She watched him lay the map over to a large desk.

She walked up to him, still clenching the blanket. “Well, don’t expect me to attend your funeral.” I’d be too upset to be there. “You probably wouldn’t even be dead. Just asleep for another thousand years.” She sighed, before kissing his cheek. She wouldn’t mind being preserved with him for another thousand years. Heck, make that a million. She moved in front of him, getting a better view on the map, his hand resting on her lower back.

“I can't remember; but do you know where the other amulet is?” She inquired, her fingers running tracing the flimsi. She was never good at navigation, but if he needed help locating this device she didn’t mind tagging along for another adventure.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"I bargained it away and sent it far away from me. When on the neck of another female, it causes....... certain tensions."

Sent it was was most accurate too. He only had to destroy one amulet to stop the future from happening. Both would be ideal, but it was wanted for the power it afforded. What the person who took did not understand was the need for it to be paired with the other. The one thing Xander would never allow. It was best the amulets never be reunited again. All that mattered now was that he had a way of escape.

"There is a book of star charts on the self just over there. I must have gotten that dagger without remembering it, though it's beauty I'd be hard pressed to not recall getting it. The map here, these look like coordinates. I want to see if I can match them up."

He patted her buttocks as she reached for the leather bound tome. A playful smirk in his eye as he winked. Xander should have included her in his study. He simply feared she'd find his obsession bothersome and decide he was not worth her effort. It was fascinating how she held such power over him. She likely knew it too. No matter, Xander finally knew something. He was not alone in this world. The time he lived in did not have to be a lonely one.

Palms rest on the desk as he waited for the book. Once he had it, the pages were rifled through until he found it. Naturally the coordinates were in Wild Space. A smirk crawled on his face. It seemed a visit would be paid to the world where many lost Sith called home at one time. Whether this was the first of many clues, or the machine was there, Xander would do what was necessary. Sitara would join him too. He was certain.

"Of course it isn't going to be easy. Wild Space, have you ever been?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

It was a pity that he had given it away. Sitara would have liked to try on the amulet, much to Xander’s dismay. Perhaps there was something within her that wanted to know that she was in control, something to challenge strength as a person. She would never put Xander through that, however, especially with their current relationship.

He told her to grab the book of star charts, and she headed over to get it. She felt hands tapping her rear and she rolled her eyes. Men. She coughed. Typical that it was on a higher shelf too, meant he got a better view of her voluptuous body. She gave up trying to reach for it, simply using the power of the force to pull it out from where it had been sitting. This was definitely easier.

She boinked him on the head lightly with the book before it landed on the desk. “Ooops.” Her eyes widened in mock-surprise and she pursed her lips. She giggled before heading over to him, kissing his temple lightly. “My bad.” She cooed, ruffling his hair. She ignored whatever look he gave her, instead leaning in to him opening up the bound pages.

“Hmm, wild space.” She clicked her tongue. “Not yet, though I have a feeling you’re going to take me there soon.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Sitara had to have know the other amulet would have only been a burden. One of them carrying it would be enough. Xander had let his other lover wear the jewel, but the one question which always lingered in their minds was whether the attraction was caused by the jewels. That was baggage Xander did not want to take up again. He was free, and had been these 800 years of the doubt which haunted the back of his mind. He would rather know what he was beginning to have with Tara was because of how they truly felt for each other. It would be a shame to only be attracted because of an influence that once removed would eliminate the attraction. The galaxy was too lonely a place for such deceit and emotional trechery.

He smiled with the playful response coming from the brunette. Naturally he had turned to get a good view of her curvaceous frame. Xander marveled at how she was perfectly round in all the right places, and slender where she needed to be. How had the force been so good to him to gift him with such a woman? Was this his compensation for missing the last 800 years? If that were the case he'd do it all over again knowing she would be there to greet him when his eyes opened again.

"I will not be repeating the same mistake of leaving you hanging while I figure out what is happening here. No, I think you shall accompany me on whatever adventures you see fit to join me in."

His lips grazed her forehead as he passed her once more, getting a book for himself this time. An encyclopedia collection his father had owned seemed to be coming in handy. There was rare, not too common, information listed in the volumes, and Xander had always wondered why his father had kept it. Now he knew. The important things were found there.

"Tell me, what do you know of Kesh," he said opening the second book.

The machine they were looking for rested in one of the ancient temples located on that world. Xander had always wanted to explore it, but never found the opportunity. It seemed he'd have it now. Ironic that his fate was going to rest on a world where the Sith had been lost. What would he discover there?

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“It’s settled then.” She smiled as his lips pressed against her forehead. He moved to get another book, possibly to further identify just what the map was pointing to. She was happy that he learned his lesson, and though she wouldn’t identify herself as clingy, she didn’t like being left in the dark either. Using the force, she slid out another book as well, then she calmly went back to the couch.

She opened it up, humming along as Xander asked her about Kesh. She flipped through the pages, then she begun to read. “Kesh is a planet located in willd space. It is the home world of the Keshiri species.” She glanced over at him, wondering if he was paying her any attention. “Welp, this book doesn’t really have as much information.” She said, slamming the book shut and a cloud of dust ejected into her face, causing her to sleep.

“Geez, some of these things haven’t been touched in forever.” She said, batting the dust away before setting the book down. “You should really do some spring cleaning, Xander.” She commented, throwing her head back and resting it onto the armrest. She wasn’t finicky, but this place did look ancient. “Heck, I’ll even help you.” She stuck her tongue out, before tucking her legs under her. She wrapped the blanket around her tighter and sighed.

She was happy being here with him right now, though there were still a lot of things that scared her. Beyond Kesh, beyond the destruction of the amulets, what would become of them? If he could prevent his vision from happening, what then? Would another disaster take place? Perhaps it was better to seek out both amulets and destroy them completely.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Oh I've learned my lesson." Xander stated watching as Sitara moved off to settle on the couch once again.

He wondered if this was a picture of what the future could be like. The king at his desk, his queen studying something of her own, or reading for leisure. For the first time since he woke, he wanted desperately to have his throne back, simply somhe could give a kingdom to her. this was the kind of thing Neferis had warned Xander of. The fact he would be willing to hand his kingdom over to another if he let someone get too close. Of course she had been speaking of Kazrah, and the woman, the red huntress, would have taken it all for herself. Xander believed differently about Sitara.

"The lost tribe of the Sith, some have called them, and yes, dear, that book would be useless. It's all about the foliage which grows on a world no longer in existence."

She suggested they clean. Isn't that what Xander had servants for? He rounded the desk and pulled out his chair and sat as a bottle of wine and two glasses were delivered by a servant. A dark chocolate mousse cheesecake was delivered as well for dessert, something the two had skipped out on after dinner. Xander indicated to leave the tray on the desk, along with the wine and accompanying goblets. He reached for it straight away. Uncorking it, he sniffed the bouquet, and tasted the droplet which came out with the cork. Not as good as the thousand year old wine in his cellar on Malif Cove, but it was some of the best of their current time. The monarch nodded and sent the servant off with a thank you.

Pouring two suitable glass fulls, Xander used the force to send a goblet to Sitara. He picked up the book and decided to join her in the couch, sipping the wine after he sat. Motioning for her feet, Xander began to run them as he read through for the section he was looking for. This wasn't the most exciting of activities, but it was still something to do together. Even while reading he could not keep his hands off the woman.

"I was thinking we could go on that hunt tomorrow. An evening under the stars, and dinner cooked over a campfire. It would be the suitable evening to cap off a rather enlightening visit. From there, if your master permits it, we can go straight to Kesh. Unless you'd rather have the other amulet of course."

Their physical bond was becoming something stronger. The more the made love, the more it seemed they were open to each other in the force. There were certain walls still in place, however, certain things on this subject seeped through. Xander knew she wanted them both gone.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She took a whiff of chocolate cake, and her attention immediately shifted. Life here was pretty easy, she figured. He had servants who did everything for him. They had grown up on two different worlds. Sitara wondered if she’d ever bring him home to Algor. Her father was fairly wealthy since his business had taken off well. She grew up in a nice little mansion, though nowhere as big as this. Still, she had to tend to his shops and learn how to take care of herself. Their place was frequently unoccupied. In fact, she knew every nook and cranny of her father’s shop than she did her own bedroom.

“Awesome. Wine.” She said, as she took a sip. She sighed. “After that thousand year old wine, everything simply pales in comparison.” Maybe there was something good about things that were aged. There was an acidity, a zap in the flavour that simply couldn’t compare. It was the same thing about a lot of other food, she realized. And maybe the same thing about men. She’s been with guys far older than Xander in terms of…well physical attributes; yet Xander had a classy spark to him that couldn’t be replicated.

She blew him a kiss as he sat next to her, taking toes in his palms. She threw her head back. “Mmmm.” She moaned. He was definitely doing his best to please her, and she was insanely happy. She loved touching him, every time their skin met it was like static. Never before had she felt this much chemistry with a man. It hurt just thinking about separation. However, they were assassins on their own quests. They’d have to leave each other eventually, though she had a feeling they’d be reunited after every time.

“That sounds perfect.” She smiled. You’re perfect. He was definitely the romantic, something she was never used to. Most guys saw her as an object, after all. She was just a prize to be won. Yet here Xander was treating her as though she was so much more than that. She rested her head on the back of her palm, using her elbow to support the weight.

“Don’t worry about Carach.” She said, sighing. It was only to his face that she even bothered with the word master. In most conditions, she simply addressed him by his name. She cared for him, but she did not care about any sense of restrictions. It was mutual between them; he went where he pleased and as did she. However, she definitely respected him. He was to be feared. “Everything will be fine, trust me,” Although he was very particular about certain people, Sitara was sure that Xander wasn’t one of them.

And if he was, well, things were already happening between them. There wasn’t much she could do about that now.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander smiled. He clearly could draw certain comparisons. Though he was truly convinced there was value in the younger fruit as well. Aged wine such as Xander had was something not everyone had access to. His bottles would certainly sell for more than a sizeable profit. He would not be selling them though. They were his private reserve only for his inulgence, and that of the brunette who now part of his life. Nothing had been said about the status of their relationship. It was becoming clearer with each passing moment.

The book as set aside. Xander had what he needed from it. He was enjoying the reaction from Sitara at recieveing the expert ministrations of his hands to her feet. Why was he tending to her feet? Simply, he wanted to. There were those who would consider it foreplay, and perhaps it was, but Xander was truly only thinking about her with this particular offering.

"Your master must trust you too much," Xander grinned. "Letting you trapse around the galaxy with an 841 year old momarch with 1,000 year old wine is a sure way to lose a student," Xander teased as he kissed her toes.

He would have playfully nibbled, but the mousse cake was there, and very tempting. Thoughts which were very unbecoming filled his mind as he eyed the chocolate and the pale skin of the woman next to him. How he could spend hours devouring her. He had already spent hours with her, but never enough. Eyes crossed to hers as the day was coming to a close. He stood from his perch on the couch and grabbed the wine and goblets. Thoughts of what he wanted to do as they drifted to sleeo for the night would wash over her as he walked toward the door of his study. He projected every detail through the force to her mind as he smiled at her.

"Since you seem to have your master so well handled, I will not worry about him. Let's retire for the evening and see about some wild game tomorrow."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

When Xander would come into the dining hall, he’d find his lover sitting by the table, her mouth stuffed with toast. She seemed to be reading something, perhaps something taken from his library? The morning was bright, and it seemed like it was going to stay that way for the rest of the day. She’d turn to face him, scrunching her nose up before smiling sweetly. “Morning.” She greeted, flashing him her pearly whites.

Her parka hung loosely on the seat next to her. They were going to be camping out today which was something Sitara was excited for. She had dressed up in a tight-fitting black t-shirt and a pair of dark cargo pants. Her army boots were laced up, and her hair was worn slick back. She had gotten up a little earlier than her companion and already had her morning shower.

Her thighs felt a little bit sore, though it was nothing she couldn’t overcome. She was excited for the day to begin simply because they’d be sleeping beneath the stars once it was all over. Besides their being intimate, Sitara also found joy in the small, simple moments they shared together. It was nice to wake up with his arms around her, it hurt to leave his side for her to bathe.

The bow and arrows stood beside the table. She had got herself a pair of gloves like Xander recommended. She was determined to score more game than him and roast animals by the fire for dinner. She sat up and took a swig out of her orange juice. “Ready to shoot some critters?” She asked, a little too enthusiastically.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Morning, lover," he said sitting to a table which already had an assortment of fruits, toast, and liquids available. Xander was approached by a servant and asked if he wanted his usual for the morning, to which the king nodded. For his own part, he was dressed in the hunting gear Sitara had seen him wearing on their journey to Munto Codru. Scrapping some blackberry jam onto a piece of toast, Xander looked across to look into the eyes of his lover. It was the first morning they had truly woken together. Xander didn't count the times on the ship as one never knew if it was morning or not. While she had gotten up first to bathe and ready herself for the day, Xander had been reluctant to let her go. When she had, however, he rolled over and slept a few moments longer.

He had taken time with his shower, and replaying the events of the previous day in his mind. The conversation they had on their way back to the manor was one which he went over again and again. She could fall for him... He could fall for her... It was already happening. Already he had noticed his shower seemed empty without her presence. Even the scene of the morning replayed as he waited for his food.

A plate of two fried eggs, bacon strips, and hashbrowns, was set before Xander. He began to eat as he regarded the bow and quiver Xander had gifted to Sitara. She had found gloves as well, so she did listen when advice was given. She likely had been practicing since his brief lesson as well. Though he had helped her more for the chance it gave him to touch her. It seemed he didn't need to make excuses to do so, however, as she liked him to do so.

"I trust you slept well? You will need your energy for today. We track fast creatures today, since we are just going to kill what we can eat."

There were some unspoken rules about camping and hunting. A good Hunter only killed what he could eat as the respect for nature guaranteed there would always be game to hunt, and food to eat. This outting would be no different. Sitara would like out score game if she truly wanted to. Not because Xander would let her, but because, despite being Sith, he was actually principled about one thing.

Xander quickly finished his meal, and set the plate aside. He reached for his hot cup of caf. His servants brewed it well, and he missed their presence at the cove. He was not lazy, they simply did certain things better than he could, brewing caf was one of them. Perhaps Xander would hire a chef when he returned, especially since he guessed he was returning with Sitara as a new resident of the home.

"It's been too long for me, you'd better keep up," he played back sticking out his tongue slightly.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“I slept wonderfully, thank you.” She beamed, finishing up the rest of her toast. Last night’s events played fondly into her mind. Sitara didn’t consider herself perverted nor did she consider herself promiscuous. She was simply fond of exploring things that lead to her own personal pleasure. People would consider her to be hedonistic, yet it wasn’t even sensuality she was mostly after. She enjoyed the things that brought her joy, and Xander was one of them.

A hot cup of caffa was brought to their table and she recalled playfully teasing Xander about if for the first time. His reply? Well, he threatened her, though he also ended up kissing her very passionately afterwards. It was cute how easily he bought into her little antics, although, she was falling for him just as well. She wrinkled her nose. “Once again the with the hardcore coffee. Are you gonna rip my heart out now?” She teased, stroking his arm.

“Don’t worry, old man.” She joked, her fingers brushing against his lips. “I can assure you that I’ll be fine.” She pinched his nose lightly before going back to eating her toast. Yes. It was far too easy to get comfortable with this lifestyle. Xander with his servants, Xander with his charm. Xander was unlike many guys Sitara had ever met before and that’s what made him dangerous. The emotions they were clinging to were powerful, though she remembered a very important lesson in the sith academy: love only leads to misery.

She looked down at her plate, moving the pieces of fruit around. She liked him, and she wanted to hold onto whatever it was before it slipped away. She couldn’t promise him anything and she had no kingdom to give; but whenever they were together, she’d do her best to make it worth his while. She drank her own glass of fruit juice, the roughness of the pulp irritating the top of her mouth. “To be honest, I’m glad you were preserved for eight-hundred years.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"Glad about that are you," he winked as he reached to place his hand atop her free one. "Honestly, I wasn't at all, until you came along."

Was it true she reminded him of someone from his past? Yes, however, she also made him forget about what had been lost and look forward to the future. Xander had been driven by a singular purpose until Sitara, survive the amulets by destroying them. His mind often wondered what would happen when he accomplished that task, now he did not. Whatever he did, it would be with Tara, even for her perhaps. She was helping him with something important. Why should he not help her with something she deemed necessary.

"I took the liberty of packing what we needed before coming down. Most of what we will carry is minimal, just our weapons. Though I do have a pack for each of us with a bedroll and utensils to use for dinner tonight. Usually I like to find a good place for camp, leave the superfluous items, then head for the hunt."

Xander stood from the table and looked over to Sitara's bow. She was eager, he could tell. He was as well. This adventure was purely for sport. No amulets, no worries, just the two of them. It would be carefree as their time at the swimming hole was the day before. Xander thoroughly was looking forward to taking her under the canopy of stars which would be so bright they would think they were in them. He enjoyed having Sitara without all his worries to get in the way. The Sith may say a true Sith cannot afford the luxury of love, but Xander couldn't see any other way. Could it bring heartache, yes, but it brought joy to an otherwise miserable and painful experience. Sith embraced passion, they should embrace them all.

"If you're ready we should head out. We need to reach the site no later than noon. The northwest corner of the estate should serve us well. The forest is dense, the trees lush, but there is a particular clearing which will serve well for a campsite."

Xander grinned.

"Come! Let's make a day and night of it."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Rocks and leaves crunched as her boots pressed against the rich soil. Surrounding them were moss covered trees that towered over them, their leaves just beginning to change shades. Their barks were strong and still, even as the winds twirled around them, making their branches tremble slightly. She pressed forward, her feet sinking into the damp mud with each step, leaving a trail of footsteps behind them. In the distance, Sitara could hear the sound of running water.

Over her head, the sky was a very light blue, almost a blinding white. She squeezed Xander’s hand, a gesture of gratitude. He was truly sweet for bringing her this experience, and it would be something she’d remember for years to come. He was slowly opening himself up to her; he had not only shown him his future and his present, but he had brought her back to his past. He allowed himself to be vulnerable around her, and it made her feel guilty that she felt so restrained around him.

Perhaps, she should bring him home to Algor. Algor with their clammy purple skies and gloomy towers. Algor was grey. Algor had no stars to look up at; just the lights the citizens would display every night. She wouldn’t be able to hear the birds there, just the sounds of people blaring their horns as their speeders would drift through the cities. A place that taught her to survive, and manipulate other people. It toughened her up, it made her who she was today.

She carried her bow behind her, and on her waist was a quiver full of sharpened arrows. “I assume we’re making our own dinner tonight?” She asked, looking up at him as they trekked through the wilderness. “I hope you brought some wine at least."

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had been all over the Galaxy as a Sith, but Algor was world he had never been too. The purple and gray would not bother him, and henwoukd enjoy every bit of the world as long as Sitara was his guide. He was curious about where she had grown up. Why was she the woman she was now? What formed her? These were only answered by seeing into her past. They had to go. If anything because it was what Sitara needed to open up to him. Xander was an open book. As much as he liked to think he wasn't, he very much was.

His boots finally began to sink into softer ground. They were nearing the clearing where they would set up camp before the hunt. Xander simply wanted to camp there because it was softer ground. Usually he found the only place where there was some wayward tree root of rock, but tonight he would not. The ground was perfect for sleeping, and the sky above was clear. This was going to be a beautiful night.

"We are," Xander answered then indicated the canteen. "The thousand year old stuff too. I figured we should really make a night of it. I've been looking forward to this since we discussed it yesterday."

When the reached the actual clearing, Xander dropped his pack and pulled out the bed rolls. They would be enough, along with a fire, to keep them warm. Naturally there would be other activity to keep them warm, but Xander was concerned about the after after events. They would be in for a cool evening if the leaves were changing already, and he didn't want them getting too cold.

"You want something from the ground, or do you want a bird? We can always mix both! There is plenty good to eat. I just need to know what your after."

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

As he began to set up camp, Sitara made herself useful by…sitting on a near by rock. There were sticks stones laying in front of her army boots. They levitated towards her and she collected them in her palm. Could they use this to build a fire later? She was a city girl through and through and though she did have keen instincts, she lacked the knowledge that Xander hand.

“You’re what I’m after.” She cooed, moving over to him. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his neck. Her parka was zipped up and she had the gloves strapped on. It was going to be a chilly night, though she knew exactly what they were going to do to keep warm. She was excited for dinner and a night underneath the stars, though they did have to catch something first.

Worse comes to worse, they could always catch fish—or eat each other.

“I kinda want land critter meat though. Something with four legs and runs fast. That sounds good.” She said, her fingers rubbing his stomach. She’d attempt to tickle him, dribbling her fingers against his sides. She straightened herself up and tapped the quiver full of arrows. “So, are we all set up? Or do you need my help?”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

The sensations of her lips against his neck made the Sith Knight squirm. Naturally he positioned himself to capture her lips with his as he toyed with the zipper of her parka. It covered her, and Xander much preferred her uncovered. The day would be too cold to trapse naked through the woods, but Xander certainly appreciated the body of the brunette beauty.

"We are all set. All we need to do now is hunt."

So she wanted a fast land critter. He wonders if she'd ever tasted rabbit. Sitara behaved much like a city girl who liked being in the open country. While she enjoyed it, she needed help in what to do. Xander would fix that, granted there wasn't too much opportunity for that on Corusacant or Malif Cove. They would have to find other places to camp. Many worlds boasted good hunting, and Xander enjoyed hunting them when he had the chance. Sitara would have to join him on them all.

"We'll hunt rabbit then," came the the reply. "They're fast, nimble, creatures that are an easy kill, if you don't miss. They like to make you miss."

Leading out of the clearing, Xander stooped low to the ground looking for tracks. He was an expert tracker, but smaller creatures like what they were hunting today still took effort to identify. They didn't leave major trails to follow, but once found, even they could be tracked. The creatures rarely traveled the same path, unlike a deer which traveled the same route alomst daily and at the same time. This time they were looking for the rabbit hole, or wherever they nested. From there it was a matter of waiting for the rabbit to come out or race in.

"So you'll sit focused on the nest, and when it comes into view, you shoot. Aim small miss small, got it."

Xander finished explaining what they were doing. With a nod he encouraged Sitara that the first kill for the day would be hers. He was ready to fire if she missed as to keep it from taking all day, but Xander was confident she wouldn't miss.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Rabbits. They were tiny creatures that hopped from one place to another. They were cute, fluffy, and indescribably annoying. It was perfect. She was certain to shoot those little critters straight in the butt. She giggled, imagining their little tails bobbing as they tried to hop away. “That sounds perfect.” She grinned, caressing his stubbled jaw.

They were looking around, probably looking for where the rabbits nested. They trudged through the woods, her legs pushing her through the tall grass. She stepped on the small clovers that hid beneath her feet. The lighting around them was minimal, though Sitara could still hear the birds singing in the breeze. Due to the soft light, she squinted, trying to find where they were hiding.

Xander found their den, and because they usually sleep during the day they had to make sure they were early. It was then that Sitara heard a little critter, somewhere in the distance. She had to scope it out, had to locate where it was. Perhaps it was already out of its hole, considering the time of day. She gritted her teeth, and she needed to take it down. She walked through the grass, making a bit of noise in an attempt to coax it out of its location. She paused for a bit, and heard the little scurrying of feet.

The grass moved.

There.

Dark beady eyes that didn’t seem to match the lush greens of the grass stood out. The little thing was cowering, how cute. She smirked, and drew her bow. She grabbed an arrow from her quiver and positioned herself. Steady, steady… She aimed for it, though she wasn’t quite sure where to shoot it. Should she shoot it at the head, the body, the butt? She was in no position to move from her location, otherwise she’d scare it into moving again. She’d aim for the largest area of flesh: its body. This was perfect for her.

The arrow flew.

“I got it!” She exclaimed, and although rabbits didn’t make a sound, she could hear the arrow penetrating its caramel coloured fur. She raced over to it, grabbing the animal by its hind legs. It was still moving, the shot wasn’t fatal enough to kill it, though it did do some massive damage to the tiny animal.

She could’ve shot it with her blaster, that would’ve fried it instantly.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander smiled, but said nothing as his finger came to his lips. The noise would scare off other creatures, and one rabbit was not enough for the two of them. They would need at least three, four if Xander was hungry. Quietly walking to her position, Xander gripped the animal by the head, and with a quick motion, snapped its neck. The creature was now limp, and Sitara could do with it as she pleased.

The next kill was his, as was the third. Sitara took the fourth, and soon they were set to return to camp. Cleaning the animals was the messy part, but it had to be done. Cutting at the hair, expertly removing only the layer of skin which contained the hair follicles. What remained would be edible. Of course the entrails had been hallowed out as well. They would make good filler for a patte later. The pelts could be used for something.

Fire roasted rabbit was good. A rotisserie was crafted from lashing together some twigs. Many of the sticks Sitara had found proved useful for it. Xander was careful to rotate the meat until all the sides were done to perfection. He looked up to Sitara with a smile. "You are going to love this," he said as he pulled it off the spit and placed it on their plates. Wine was poured from the canteen he had brought with him, and he offered a toast.

"To the stars, the canopy of lovers."

[member="Sitara Qin"]