Some Things to be Proud of, Some Things to Forget

[Sitara Qin]

What proceeded the hunt was far less than glamorous. They had carried the bloody rabbits towards their camp, and Xander was nice enough to do the cleaning. She didn’t really want to get her hands dirty, plus, she didn’t know how to cut rabbits into the appropriate pieces. They were all excuses, really, but Xander didn’t seem to mind. The pelts would look good as a nice pair of boots, she thought, though she wasn’t quite sure if there was enough fur for two legs.

The roasted rabbits certainly smelled interesting. She had never eaten the critter before, so she sat and waited eagerly. The fire was crackling and she leaned towards it. She rubbed her hands by the flames and watched as the small critter roasted. Xander was preoccupied with the other parts of the animal. Once it was ready, he grabbed the roasted rabbit and set it down on plates for them. He poured the both of them a glass of wine. She kissed him after the toast.

“This smells delicious, you smell delicious.” She murmured, and grabbed a fork. She cut the rabbit and took a bite. Surprisingly, it wasn’t very gamey, though it was strong. She chewed it, slowly savouring the heavy flavours. It was certainly an appetizing dish. She took a sip of wine and leaned into Xander.

“This is really good. You’re right, I do love this.” And she loved all of it. The stars, the fire, the food; she loved everything.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander loved the taste of Sitara's lips, especially when they tasted of the wine they shared. As they ate, and Sitara rest against him, Xander watched as the sun set, and dipped below the treeline of the forest they were in. The sounds of the night were much different that those of the day as all the nocturnal creatures came out. There was an eerie feeling to it all, but one loved by the Sith. He enjoyed the night, and the closeness which came with it. Free from his food, Xander's arms wrapped around the brunette who was still in her parka. A couple of logs floated to the fire to keep the flame high until they were ready to call it a night.

"This is what I miss most of being here. You don't get this on Coruscant. The stars will be so bright in just a moment that you will think you are literally in them."

Whoever thought Sith were inhuman creatures did not know them well. They were capable of enjoying the simple pleasures life could afford. It was the methods the employed which made some call them evil, but in truth, they sought to preserve the galaxy, purge it, change it to something better. The very thing that pushed Xander to destroy the amulet around his neck. He would... though there were other matters on his mind now.

"I am glad you came," he said, unsure if he'd already told her that or not. "There hasn't really been much to share of good memories of this place, but these are the ones I have. Most lay outside the home, and I'm glad you could be here to see them, because the journey we will be on after we leave this place will create different memories. I am hoping they are ones worth holding onto, but I know that now we have a chance to make a memory we will carry for a lifetime.

With that, Xander tipped Sitara's head and kissed her lips. With the sky black, and stars just beginning to peek out of their hiding, Xander was ready for their night to begin. Whatever happened tonight, one thing was certain, they would remember it well. Yes they had spent nights together before. They had enjoyed the pleasure of each others company on multiple occasions, but tonight was about making a memory. This one was 841 years in the making, and Xander counted himself fortunate for the first time since he had learned of the time he had missed. He would not be here without that stasis. Xander would not have her.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

Sitara never wanted to see daylight come.

The stars twinkled brightly above them, shining like fine sequins delicately threaded into black silk. It was so clear, the brunette could almost pick each star from the sky and feel its bright warmth between her fingers. Who knew that there were so many? She thought, And they were all hidden away in murky purple clouds. They glistened to her, calling out to her like tiny little angels. Make a wish, make a wish, they said.

And as her lips touched Xander’s, she did. I could be here forever. She thought, as her fingers laced themselves with his dark locks. He smelled like the forest surrounding them; a musky, slightly strong smell blended with the greenest of pines and the fine soil beneath them. She picked a stray leaf entangled in the small hairs dangling from his face. She stared into his beautiful blue eyes and smiled, right before kissing him again. He still tasted like rabbit and wine.

This is perfection. She thought, as her arms wrapped around his neck, clinging to him. You are perfection. Crickets chirped softly in the background, lulling them to go to bed. The fire was crackling, an invitation for them to lie by its red warmth. She pulled away from his lips, allowing herself to brush against her lips against his neck. The smell of the forest, definitely something she’d remember all her life.

Mmm.

“Carry me to bed, Xander?” She murmured, her lips nipping at his earlobes. They’d lay on their sleeping rolls and she’d watch the night sky glimmer.

Her eyes would flutter to the brightness of the light glaring at her from above. She could hear that animals were singing, small critters pecked at their leftovers. She’d close her eyes again, reminding herself that it was too early. She clutched the blanket a little tighter and buried her face into the sleeping man’s chest.

Maybe a few more hours.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

He did as she asked, and the night could not have been anymore perfect. They both had known what they wanted to do to keep warm, and enjoyed it fully, but more than the passion there always seemed to be between them, it was the moments after Xander began to cherish most. Her had nestled into his chest, her had rested there as well. His arm held her close, in a possessive, and yet also a protective fashion. She was a free bird, but Xander also wanted to have her as his. In a way he felt as though that was already the case. The two had found something in each other that neither had found before, and in a way, it scared Xander. He was not in a place to admit it, because it was fleeting. Sitara always melted that fear away with her touch.

The morning came too soon. Birds called them awake, and Xander woke to see the fire from the night before nothing but ash and smoke. The ash would still be hot, and more logs would be needed to start a fire, but it would easy to start. Moving the logs with the force, he flicked his wrist, and the fire sprung to life. Xander was competent in the elemental abilities, wind being his most skill, and in no time at all they would have a fire to chase the cool of the morning away.

His fingers combed through Sitara's wavy hair. The feel of it was soft, silken. He loved it. Xander was growing accustomed to waking like this in the morning, and often thought that he would dread the day he woke up alone once more. She was more to him than just someone to warm his bed at night, but also a woman to wake to. He kissed her forehead gently, not wanting to wake her. Xander was content to lay near the fire with her until she was ready to awaken.

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

The refreshing scent of the forest filled her breath once more as she awoke. Her face was still buried in his chest and his arms were wrapped around her protectively. She nuzzled into his chest, groaning softly as she struggled to fully regain consciousness. “Mmmm.” She moaned. She moved to look up at him, her dark eyes met his. She smiled, closed her eyes again, and then gave him a soft peck on the lips.

Morning breath was never fun, and she wasn’t quite sure she wanted to taste yesterday’s rabbit. She sat up slightly, her arms on the ground supporting her weight. It was morning, that was for sure. Perhaps an hour past dawn? The sun glared into her eyes and she allowed her body to drink up all its warmth. She was completely relaxed and happy. It was very different doing something like this, especially with the same man.

“Good morning, Xander.” She murmured, as she went back to lying in his arms. She hugged him tightly, wondering whatever happened to her parka. Her eyes wondered off to the ground around them, and she saw the article of clothing crumpled into a small ball. He didn’t really like her clothed, she figured. She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “That was a wonderful night. Thank you.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

"You're worth it," Xander said not blaming her for the small peck on the lips.

Rabbit and wine breath was likely not a good combination. He watched her eyes roaming for her parka, and with the force pulled it to her. He smiled sheepishly knowing she must have thought he simply wanted her naked again. Certainly he loved her body, but he was only partially motivated by that this time around.

"Clothing actually ruins the insulation of the bed role. It relies on natural body heat and the parka interferes with that. I know it doesn't make sense to strip down on a cold night, but you're actually kept warmer that way."

Would she buy it, he wasn't sure, but it was the truth. Xander retrieved his own clothing and quickly dressed as he looked about the camp for the supplies they needed to put away. He had ration bars packed for breakfast, not the best, but better than seconds on rabbit for the morning. The sudden reality of their next journey had hit him. Once they reached the estate manor they would bathe, and he on their way toward Kesh. It was time to deal with Xander's nightmares once and for all.

He took Tara by the hand as they walked back to the manor. The morning sun was bright, and the breeze cool. The sounds of the morning were tranquil, and set the perfect mood for the end of their camping expidition. He wanted ask, ask her what any of this had meant. This trip had been less about answers to his nightmares, and more about them, who they were when together. He was curious as to what she thought.

"I've enjoyed being with you. When we return to Coruscant, do you have to return to your studio?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

They had redressed and went back to the mansion. She knew what this meant: they’d be off to Kesh soon. She wasn’t quite sure what this meant for…whatever they were. Xander was going to have to face everything that haunted him, and that could break him. Sticking around to heal a broken man wasn’t something she was too excited about. Though perhaps…perhaps, she could make one exception.

“Maybe not.” She smiled, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll see. You can come over if you want. It’s nothing like your mansion but it’s homey.” She then proceeded to the shower. He still had the wonderful scent of the forest woven into his hair. Both of their locks had twigs and leaves entangled into their locks. The bars he had given her for breakfast filled her up, though she didn’t enjoy it as much as the meal the other night. She felt like she needed a couple of breath mints and she really needed to brush her teeth.

She wasn’t sure though. She cared about Xander and he was definitely too sweet. But, the guy had a lot of baggage; something Sitara wasn’t really comfortable about. He was strong, skilled, handsome, good in bed. He was practically perfect except for that one little thing. She sighed as the water sprinkled down her back, warming her body and flushing the suds down the drain.

She walked behind him with only a towel covering her body. “It’s your turn to shower.” She grinned, draping her wet arms around him and kissing his neck. Oh she was going to miss this.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Neither of them new what was going to happen when Xander followed through with the destruction of the amulet. Would it break Xander? He did not know? It could mean his death, and that was something that he was willing to accept if it meant keeping the terror of his dreams from coming true. The man was scared, or getting there, but did not let it show. Sitara needed him to be strong right now. His baggage was the one thing which was keeping them from exploring things any further than where they were now, he knew it. This had to be done, and it could not break him.

Her wet arms draped wound his neck were warm. His hand ran over her smooth shoulder as he returned the kiss she gave him with one to her forehead. It was moments like this one which forced Xander forward. What would happen if the bad things they both feared did not happen? Then perhaps there would be more moments like this. With this out of the way, Xander would be able to focus solely on the future, on the clan of assassins they belonged to. This had to be done. All of these thoughts were his as he washed the smell and dirt of the day before off his body.

Stepping out in a towel, his hair left long to dry, he found his lover once more. Stepping from behind he held her in his strong arms and said nothing, not one word. There was mirror in front of them, and he just looked into it, at them. It was a beautiful sight, and Xander wanted to burn this picture onto his mind. Perhaps he would paint it later. He kissed her cheek, leaving a trail down her neck to the bare shoulder as he walked toward the closet which held his clothes. There were more modern styles in the closet, and perhaps he should see if Sitara would like to see him in something more fitting of the day in which he lived.

"What to wear today... hmmm?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

She had already dressed by the time he entered the building, after all, she anticipated that she’d sleep over a couple of nights. She could smell the familiar scent of his shampoo as he approached her, kissing her cheek. They moved towards his closet, and though the majority of its contents were frumpy attires that she could date back to the beginning of time, he did have some decent stuff in there.

“Nothing. But…if you insist.” She sifted through his wardrobe and found something decent. The shirt was dark, cotton, comfortable, plain, and had a nice cut. Paired with a good set of jeans, he’d look hot without even trying. She pulled out the clothing and tossed the attire into his hands. She gave him a kiss as she took the towel from him.

She herself was dressed in a navy blue turtleneck sweater and a pair of riding jeans tucked into her combat boots. They’d make a pretty cute couple, though the outfits didn’t exactly match. She watched him as he dressed up, pulling the fabric over his toned body. "You're butt is adorable." She giggled.

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander looks at the outfit once he had it on. He sighed still not understanding the appeal of the style. For some reason though, Sitara seemed to really like it. He'd wear it because she picked it out. Though he knife, and lightsaber would seem out of place. He always carried the twin hilts which joined as one when needed. Xander also took several outfits from his closet and placed them in a garment bag. It was time to prepare for the journey to Kesh after all. They were doing a good job of not discussing it. Xander just wanted to enjoy her as much as he could before whatever happened, happened.

A quick kiss was given as the pair made thier way for a quick breakfast then to his ship. Xander tucked the amulet in the garment bag, and for the first time since the pair had met, Xander was not wearing it. It was something of a step forward for him. Hopefully it wouldn't go unnoticed. Relieving the pilot, this was a trip Xander wasn't going to require him to join on. He insisted in case something happened, and Xander wasn't going to argue. Turning to Sitara he smiled.

"Do you need to stop on Coruscant for anything before we leave for Kesh?"

[member="Sitara Qin"]

 

[Sitara Qin]

“Awe, you look adorable.” She said, wrapping her hands around his waist. She leaned up to land a peck on his lips. They were becoming accustomed to this situation and she wasn’t sure she was liking it. It was hard once you started following a routine. Xander was much older than her in theory, but mentally, he was still just a kid like she was. Barely past eighteen.

He wasn’t gonna start asking her to move in with him, though it certainly did feel like he wanted her over all the time. “You look very handsome. I like it.” She said, kissing him again. She liked him in this, though if he wanted to wear drab all the time, she wasn’t going to stop him. He was his own person and she wasn’t going to change him. When she fell for him, she liked him the way he was. No need to change clothes or anything.

“Do I need anything? Lemme see.” Her lightsaber was here and so was the bow and arrows. Though, those wouldn’t really come in handy. She had her blaster with her too, so she really didn’t need anything. Cash? She had a credit chip and well…there was Xander. She had everything she needed and she was with a person she liked.

Well, was he stalling? Reluctant to face his demons maybe?

“Nope. I think we’re both ready to face this thing.”

| [member="Xander Blackmoore"] |