To Level the Playing Field

[Ra'a'mah]

The passage of the evening and night went by in a blur. Darkess surrounded them in the room, the only light provided came from a crack under the door. Ra slept at peace and in comfort with Jakkor. As his hands caressed her in her sleep, she only muttered something in her dreams and fell back into the silence of sleep.

When her body had enough sleep, Ra opened her eyes and looked at her mate. After the night they spent together, he could be nothing else. Her mind was clear as she looked at him with her golden eyes. There was no calculating look in them, but one of full realization. She wanted to marry him, build something more substantial with him.

Ra had never thought she was meant to have what she had now. She never thought anybody could love her, now somebody did and she loved him in return.

Gently running her fingertips across his chest, not trying to wake him up, Ra considered how she would actually approach getting married. She knew their differing ideologies would prevent them from being able to actually invite anybody they might consider friends. The addition of his tribe would just make things that much more confusing. In the end, Ra just let out a sigh and shook her head. It would have to be done in secret and only let it be known after the fact. This way it was already done.

Sitting up in bed now, Ra got up and padded in just her socks over to the refresher to go about getting herself together for the day.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He finally awoken at last when he felt her body move, and then leave the comfort of their bed. He was still bare as when he had lied down with her, and watched as she had gone into the refresher. He mischievously snuck himself a quick view of her backside, remembering the night of bliss they shared with a certain fondness.

He stretched for a moment, and then rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he had no idea what would come from today. He decided to merely wait for his mate to come out of the refresher, as he wondered if the night they shared, he had wondered if she enjoyed it just as much as he did, he could not say as he would have to wait till she got out.

For now, he just sat up and stretched his muscles, waiting for her to get out and to see what would come next.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra was unaware that she had woken him when she got up so lost in her thoughts as she was. When she got out of the refresher, she saw him sitting up in the bed and waiting for her to return.

A small blush appeared on her cheeks as she had to bend over and pick up the ball she used to keep her hair tied into the braid she almost always wore. With her hair down like it was now, it was almost to her hips. When it was up and braided, it went to just below the middle of her back. Braiding didn't take long and within a couple of minutes it looked like she normally wore it.

"Good morning, my love."

Her gold eyes apprised his still bare skin, probably as much as his were hers. While the thought of continuing the activities of previous night brought a smile to Ra's face, she pushed them to side. There was actually a reason for her visit to Helska and she needed to make sure everything was still running smoothly as well as place a special order for herself.

Walking over to the bed, she would give him a kiss and sit down next to him.

"Would you like to see what is done here?"

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He could barely contain his smile upon seeing her blush, she still looked cute as ever, even in her naked form. No doubt about it, she was probably thinking of going for another round of last night's activities. As much as he wanted the same thing, he knew that she must have more pressing matters to attend to on this hell of a world.

Upon seeing her, he had returned her greeting with a retort. "Good morning darling."

He saw her sat next to them, for a second it felt awkward since the both of them were naked, but then again it did not matter, he suspected this would not be the last time there would be moments like this. Upon having her sit down, she kissed him which he greedily returned. He smiled and then replied after hearing her speak, almost getting lost in her eyes. "Yes, my love I would like that." He stayed there for a moment waiting to see what would happen, but for now, enjoy the brief moment of peace and comfort they so shared.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

She liked his reply and gave him a warm smile at it. When they kissed, Ra lingered on it slightly longer and was so very tempted to give into further exploration of each other. Letting out a sigh and giving him what was probably a very familiar look of blame, she leaned over to gather up her clothing and other items. There was no heat or anger in the look and she still wore that smile on her face.

"Can't go out there in bare skin."

Chuckling a little at her humor, Ra started to get what she considered her business clothes on. Giving that they would be spending at least a few days here, she hoped to get the opportunity to relax a little.

Getting dressed only took a few minutes longer than it did to braid her hair and she headed into the kitchen to cook up something for them to eat for breakfast. When the food was done, she sat down at the table to eat.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He looked at her with a sly smile, he could tell she wanted to explore even further than just a kiss, and Jakkor wanted to. But then she stopped and looked at him with the same smile. He gazed more at her bare skin wanting nothing more to resume last night's activities but wanted to wait on his beloved first.

He replied to her saying "Oh but I love your bare skin, and I know as much as you do you want to resume what we had started last night."

He gathered his own robes, and never took his sights off her bare skin, and let out a low skin when he couldn't see it, and so finished putting his own robes on. He had followed her to the kitchen where he was greeted by the food she prepared. He sat down in front of her and ate quietly till it was finished and waited for his love, still remaining silent.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra had skin the color of creamed coffee and her cheeks went red in a fierce blush at what Jakkor said. While it was totally true, she did have business to attend to and to show him around the facility. To show she had wiped away as much of the old Empire as she was able to. Prove to him that it was dead now. The issue wasn't pressed and she used making the breakfast as an almost excuse to get out of the room and hide her blush.

The meal was simple and they sat in a comfortable and companionable silence. In her mind, she laid out the day and where to start.

After they finished eating, Ra picked up the plates and set them on the counter to clean later. Leaning against the counter, she looked at her mate before speaking. Her face had returned to its normal color and her eyes glittered in the light.

"I indeed do wish to explore further what you opened me to, but not right now, my love. After the day is done and we come back."

Walking over to him, Ra held a hand down to help him up and if he accepted, would lightly kiss him with the lingering effect and let him go.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

It was nice to hear from her after they were finished eating, that later in the day she wanted to explore more of the recent activities they had the previous night. He was very much attracted to her, and so was eager to look forward to such things, but for now remained patient as she took their plates to the counter to set them aside.

He looked at her and replied kindly. "Sure darling, I look forward to exploring such carnal desires with you. But as you said let's get through the day first."

He grabbed her hand, and then accepted her kiss, but unlike what she had intended, he kissed her passionately, running his hands softly and gently through her body, as he wanted to give her something to look forward to as well, and so lingered like that for a few moments before pulling away and looking at her. "Lead the way dear."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

He agreed to get through the day and when her job was completed to return here.

"What would you like for dinner? I can get something started and when we get back it'll be done. You know, I don't know what your favorite foods are even."

Jakkor took her offered hand and returned her kiss which ended up more than the light kiss she had started. While her heart didn't pop into her throat, it did get her pulse racing. His hands ran over her body and left warm trails behind. With her reaction to him, Ra didn't have to worry about getting cold while on Helska.

The kiss broke and he said to lead the way. Turning to head to the front room to grab her cloak, Jakkor would see the smile on her face and in her eyes.

"Let's get going. Where do you want to start first?"

He may not have any idea what even went on here, but soon Ra would have him familiar with the facility.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He loved the effect he had on her, as he swore that he could feel her heart rapidly beating through the passionate kiss. After their lip locking, he noticed a very pleased smile on her face. He knew that he was going to keep enjoying these moments with her. He held her slightly until she mentioned what he had wanted for dinner. He had no idea, to be honest as he was not one to usually have favorites in that aspect.

He had responded in kind to her with a smile. "Oh, i don't usually have favorites, my love. You make whatever you like."

He had gone over to the rack and grabbed his cloak, and when she had asked him where he had wished to go, he was unaware of where to go as he looked to her, he spoke and said as he walked over. "I am unfamiliar with this facility, you show me where you believe it is an area that is important."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

He answered that he didn't really have anything specific favorite food and would eat whatever she chose to make, Ra nodded and set something on the counter she thought would be good for him to try.

His lack of knowledge of the facility didn't surprise her and she decided to start by meeting with the man she left in charge while she was away. Only visiting here once a month or so, it was mostly run by him.

"Hope you can adjust to the cold easily. Not that I plan to stay here any longer than needed, but if there's any issues the stay might be longer."

Closing the door behind them when they left, Ra didn't bother to lock it since the facility was closed for the most part and there wasn't anything of real value in her rooms. Taking a hold of Jakkor's hand, she walked with him to the office of Manus, the man she left in charge. Along the way, she made small talk, telling him of how she got to be in charge of the place.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He nodded seeing something on the counter, it looked like it was most likely going to be dinner, but he had made nothing of it, and therefore finished putting his cloak on. He had even grabbed his Tusken mask and wrapped it around his face to prevent his head from freezing.

He knew that he was going out into the extreme cold and hated it. He had been to places like Helska, notably the place he had been to was Ilum and that was extremely cold. There was no telling what was coming when he had stepped out there.

He nodded as he stepped out, the blast of arctic air hitting him. Luckily his wrappings kept his face warm, however, the rest of his body was practically freezing as he was not used to the climate unlike that of Tatooine. He found her story fascinated and merely listened as he had walked to see the overseer, hoping to get the business done as soon as possible.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

There was no wind to speak of today and the trek over the actual construction facility wasn't too bad. The gates had been repaired and along the fence it was lighted. They were open and people could be seen moving around as well as some of the droids made here.

Walking inside, Ra was greeted with respect and a few of the people stopped her to make conversation. Much of it was idle, the catching up on details and how things had been for them there. How the work load was, shift details and families. Both new and old ones. Jakkor got quite a few interesting looks for her people, but most of them were too polite to give voice to anything.

When they reached what could be considered a more social area, there would be seen old and young people, teens and even a few people unable to physically work. Ra had taken them in and given them purpose, even if it was only to take care of children while their parents worked.

Around one woman of middle age was a group of people listening to a story of some kind. Ah Ra and Jakkor walked past her, she stopped speaking to the group and excused herself to approach them. Her eyes glanced between them and she smiled before speaking.

"Young loves. Two opposites, but yet you belong together. The two of you should be further and more formally united. All the people here support you, Baroness, but you should have a Baron. What do you say?"

The woman was known as Mother Maria. She seemed to be able see things that eluded many people and had become a person everybody on Helska turned to when they needed help with something. Giving words of advice or providing a shoulder to cry on, Maria was a mother to everybody, including Ra.

Ra smiled at the woman and looked to Jakkor. She knew her own answer, but didn't know his.

"What do you say?" The woman asked again, this time the question was directed at Jakkor as if she knew what answer Ra had even though it was unspoken.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

Jakkor walked all the to the construction facility, still blistering cold. He had prayed for this experience to end as quickly as possible. He, however, was not going to complain to his mate, hopefully, the day would end soon and he could cuddle with her in their bed basking in their bare skin.

When he had arrived there he was surprised, he saw normal ordinary men and women working on all types of projects. From military to civilian goods. Jakkor could admire these people for what they were doing, and he could appreciate the fact that they were working, he alone liked that above all else.

As he was walking he noticed a woman step out, and speak on how Ra and Jakkor were together, and should fully complete their union. He no doubt wanted to agree but had memories of his past marriage began to bubble up. A lot of that life he wanted to leave behind, and with Ra, he felt things could actually be different this time.

He looked to the woman and then spoke before looking at Ra and speaking to her. "I believe you are right, but I do not wish to become a Baron at all. As for you Ra you are my mate, and so I accept."

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Mother Maria hardly waited for Jakkor to speak let alone finish before she turned away and motioned for them to follow. Ra was entirely enthralled by Jakkor and his answer, she mutely fell into the line and kept a hold on his hand, pulling him along.

Maria had a home on Helska, but during the day, she basically lived in the commons area and kept almost a home there. The area was inside the facility and while the whole planet was chilled, this area so full of people was rather comfortable. She lead them into what would have been considered a field tent, but it had been transformed into something different.

"Young man, remove your tusken mask and both of you remove anything in your hair. Including your braids."

Ra did as Maria requested, wondering why. She gave no voice to her question though. She watched as Jakkor reluctantly followed the request as well.

The woman was looking around through various trunks and containers for items and pulled out what she was looking for as she found them. Almost as an afterthought, she tossed each of them hair brushes to deal with their hair once the braids came out. Once they had finished brushing their hair, they handed the brushes back. Collecting them and grabbing a broom from a corner, Maria again motioned for them to follow her out again.

When they got out, it appeared the others of the commons area knew something was going to happen and had gathered around. Mother Maria indicated where Ra and Jakkor should stand. She drew a circle with the broom around the three of them.

She then united their hands and as she spoke would tie them together with strips of cloth varying in color.

"As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound.
Woven into these cords, imbued into their very fibers, are all the hopes, for your new life together.
With the fashioning of this knot do I tie all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place to your lives for as long as love shall last.
In the joining of hands and the fashion of a knot, so are your lives now bound, one to another.
By this cord you are thus bound to your vow.
May this knot remain tied for as long as love shall last.
May this cord draw your hands together in love, never to be used in anger.
May the vows you have spoken never grow bitter in your mouths.
As your hands are bound by this cord, so is your partnership held by the symbol of this knot.
May it be granted that what is done before the great maker be not undone by man.
Two entwined in love, bound by commitment and fear, sadness and joy, by hardship and victory, anger and reconciliation, all of which brings strength to this union.
Hold tight to one another through both good times and bad, and watch as your strength grows."

The woman then carefully removed their hands from the knot that just been created and placed it to the side.

"Blessed be this bond with the gifts from the east -- new beginnings that come each day with the rising sun, communication of the heart, mind, body and soul.
Blessed be this bond with the gifts of the south -- the love of the heart, the heat of passion, and the warmth of a loving home.
Blessed be this bond with the gifts of the west -- the rushing excitement of a raging river, the soft and pure cleansing of a rainstorm, and a commitment as deep as the ocean itself.
Blessed be this bond with the gifts of the north -- a solid foundation on which to build your lives, abundance and growth of your home, and the stability to be found by holding one another at the end of the day."

As Mother Maria spoke each line, she would face the direction spoken of and turned to face Ra and Jakkor when she finished. A large smile on her face, she hugged each of them and then handed Ra the knot they had created together. Placing one hand on each of their shoulders, the woman turned them to face the gathered people.

"Look upon your Baron and give him welcome."

Speaking only loud enough for the sith and jedi to hear, "go home. Get a start on your future." She looked at Ra now and drew in a breath, "nature will take its course, girl. You'll be fine."

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

Jakkor listened to the woman's words and so removed his Tusken mask without a hint of shyness. He then did what the woman asked next, and removed his braid holding his hair together, he noticed that Ra did her's as well, and remarked on her beauty as she did so.

He then followed, even more, instructions as the both of them placed there hands in what looked to be a rope, he then came to the realization that they were both being married on the spot, it was this that both made him feel nervous and happy all the more as he took the girl that he had found years ago as his bride.

He stared lovingly into her eyes as their vows were taken. All he could do was smile as he was claiming his mate as truly his. He waited patiently as the woman read the vows, and when it was finished, he removed his hand from the thread, as the woman declared him a baron, which was something he reluctantly wanted.

Then the woman came close and spoke cryptically, and Jakkor could take the hint of what she meant, as she looked at her and said. "Thank you for your kind words, come on my love I believe we can celebrate, and I don't think it would be appropriate to do so among these hard working folk." He said taking her hand and leading her out of the complex back to their home.

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra listened to the words Mother Maria spoke in front of all the others. Felt the uniting of her and Jakkor, a binding of their love together. She had no second thoughts and felt at peace. When the ceremony was done, Maria handed Ra the knot that had been woven over their united hands and gave welcome to Jakkor as her Baron and husband.

She too had locked eyes with Jakkor throughout the marriage, her gold eyes clearly showing how she felt. When Maria spoke to them privately and urged them to return home together, to stop being scared and let things happen naturally. The last was directed at Ra and she couldn't help but blush slightly at the words. Somehow this woman knew so much without actually being told anything. It wasn't the Force though, Maria couldn't use it and Ra had no idea how she could do what she did and Maria couldn't tell her either.

With quiet words of thank you, she and Jakkor left the facility behind and with him in the lead returned to their rooms. She opened the door when they got there and stopped before entering.

"You know dinner won't be done yet."

Speaking this a shy smile, she knew they hadn't returned to eat.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

Jakkor had taken her hand and led her through the bitterly cold temperatures all the way through their home. It looks like Ra wouldn't be able to conduct her business on this day, and so it was only appropriate that they should have the rest of the day and evening all to themselves, after all, it was their wedding night.

After he had gotten through the door, he was nervous of what might happen but was excited at the same time. He was now going to spend some time with his new wife, and so looked forward to what would happen between the two. He made sure the doors were locked so no one could disturb the two, as it would have been embarrassing if one of the workers had happened to barge in and see the two in possible compromising positions.

After hearing what Ra had to say about dinner not being finished, he gave a sly smile and replied to her looking into her eyes. "Well then my beautiful wife, what do you suggest we do to pass the time?"

@Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Sharing in the excitement and feeling nervous as well, Ra also felt something different. In love, happy and stress free, at least for today. She took her cloak off when they entered and hung it on the waiting for it. Watching Jakkor as he secured the door and his smile at her words, Ra looked into his eyes as well.

"Beautiful? I never thought of myself as such."

It might be taken as one probing for compliments, but she didn't mean it as such. In her own view, she saw her faults, not her beauty.

They were in the main room and she walked over to her husband, taking a hold of one of his hands. She blushed and took a gulp before speaking.

"I would like to experience again and further explore passion. You introduced me to something I never expected to know and I think that was just a beginning. Like today, right now."

She maintained eye contact the whole time she spoke, though she wanted to look away to try and hide her blush. With her other hand, she reached up to caress his face, her thumb tracing the tattoos on it.

[member="Jakkor Kess"]

 

[Jakkor Kess]

He looked at her and was shocked to hear such things, he didn't see any faults within her. To him, she was an absolute goddess that he was going to worship as such. He spoke as she did seeing only seeing her faults, to which he responded with. "You are an absolute goddess to me, my love, nothing is wrong with you and tonight you are gonna get worshiped as one."

He then saw her walk forward, carrying a blush while gulping and taking his hands firmly, she then went on how she wished to explore passion more than what she had experienced last night, and she expressed that she would like to start right now, to which he would comply as she touched his face and traced his tattoos.

He then took her hands and had her follow them to their bedroom, for which as soon as they made it inside, he looked her in the eyes and said. "Anything for you my love." He said kissing her passionately, first, it was soft and gentle with love, then it turned ferocious as desire and passion were starting to consume him, as he started his ferocity at her lips then down to her neck which he nibbled slightly with love bites. Within minutes he started shedding her clothing onto the floor revealing her seductive coffee colored skin.


@Ra'a'mah