Old Stomping Ground [Nallia]

[Syravari Elik]

"So," Syravari crouched next to his mechanic aboard the Grosetto, surrounded by machinery and high-tech electronic systems. "How many of these filters you have to replace, normally?"

Bodil reached in, grunting as he extended his arm into the clean, white tubing and conduits. "Four for the air recirculation system, eight for the water purification system." He tightened two bolts and straightened again, reclaiming the hydrospanner with him and dropped it into his tool belt. "Two in the main fuel transfer systems," he glanced to the yacht's owner, grinning. "Want me to go on?"

"I get the point," the middle-aged pirate smirked. "A lot more than I imagined."

"It's alright," he chuckled as his dirty hands replaced the panel and then wiped it off from any dirt placed on it by his contact. "I don't mind it. Nicer than working on a garbage scow or something."

"No doubt." Rising with the ship's engineer, Syravari felt like a fish out of water.

"Cap, you mind if I ask why the sudden interest in engineering? Never were down here that often before."

Trying to play it off, Syravari shook his head defensively. "Nothing. Just curious that's all."

Bodil grinned, moving to the next panel that had to be accessed and crouched before it, the loosened the four bolts. "Nervous about going home?"

Steel-blue eyes fixed on the younger man, knowing he was more exposed to his crew than he thought. "Why would I be nervous?"

"Homeworld known for it's piracy background. Gotta be hard to keep up with such a reputation as that. Comparing battle scars and such at the local tavern," blue eyes looked up at him as Bodil yanked out the dirty filter and placed it within a collection bin. "You been back since you left?"

Hands on his hips, Syravari was suddenly wishing he had stayed in the lounge. Sniffing, he shook his head.

"It's cool, boss. I haven't been back home in a long time either."

[Nallia Oberon]

It had been over a week since Nallia had nearly been abducted. The girls hardly left her alone anymore, and when meals were being fixed, it seemed even if she snuck off, the ever present Brannoc was in her shadows. He always seemed to have a reason for being nearby, and Nallia couldn't find fault in them. But she also knew he was merely being over protective. While she had initially been upset at finding out they had tagged her jacket with a tracking thread, she eventually managed a grudging 'thank you' to the man feared for her enough to protect her that way. To ease his mind, she had allowed him to tag not just her new jacket, but her boots as well.

While nights in Syra's arms were the comfort and time of her life, during the days, it seemed he hovered to the point of almost smothering her. She was glad when Brannoc sent him down to check on the mechanic this morning. Unfortunately, it also meant that she was left in Brannoc's care. They were currently rearranging cargo in the holding bay and making inventory list of things they needed to get. Most they could acquire here where they were, but some thing were needed from off planet.

Brannoc laughed softly as she took notes. "I would say we probably need to order a few more chairs and a couple tables, as well." He was trying to make light of the fight but Nallia barely managed a smile.

"We can order those and get them on the way back. Syra says we're taking off soon?" She hadn't had the nerve to ask him where. She figured he just needed the darkness and confines of space once more. She always figured he felt better out there. And after what happened to her, she wondered if the casino and brothel were still even going to happen.

Brannoc nodded. "Yeah. Syra says we're taking off soon as Bodil finishes up the necessities. We were supposed to do full refit but he wants to be off before chow tonight. Ladies are already making orders for what we can't live without." He thumbed over his shoulder towards the kitchen. "Shouldn't you be back there helping them?" His eyebrow went up teasing.

"I think being in here is better for everyone. Honestly, Brannoc. I don't need to be coddled or babysat. I'm fine, Syra is fine, I'm not going anywhere. I swear!" She huffed indignantly as she moved the final crate. "Besides, something tells me if I have to step a foot outside this ship, I'll end up with half a dozen armed guards anyway." She rolled her eyes but turned back to the man and smiled. "I know you all mean well. But I'm fine. Honest."

Brannoc walked over and set his hand on her shoulder. "We can't lose you, little nexu. You think Syra went nuts even knowing you were right beside him, think of what would happen if you weren't. He needs you..." he winked and ruffled her hair, "we all do."

[Syravari Elik]

Within an hour, the filters and other small fixes had been taken care of, letting Syravri leave the engineering section and left Bodil to preparing the yacht to leave. Climbing the stair to the main deck, the captain quietly headed through the main lounge and then upstairs to the bridge. Hearing over the intercom as Tomas announced their departure, he stepped into the clean and plush control center for the large ship, claiming his chair in the center and behind the pilot and copilot's seats.

"Alright ladies," Tomas grinned as he glanced back to the captain, then to the large console before him. "Leaving Cloud City behind, hope you enjoyed your stay and didn't leave anything behind. Besides a pregnant woman you don't wish to claim. Brannoc."

Syravari could already hear the chatter on that one as he helped the two pilots go through the startup sequence, grinning at the banter. Soon, the ship rose into the air, spun lazily around and exited the hangar, cold metal now being replaced by a heavenly clouded scene. Rising into the blue, they soon entered the inky black of space and within moments disappeared into hyperspace. Sitting back, he took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. He hadn't seen his mother in years, nor all his friends which some were rumored to be successful pirates in their own right, or business owners. Rumors floated from Ord Cestus on many occasions, giving Syravari a chance to hear familiar names again.

Pushing himself up as Tomas let the ship now fly, he left the bridge and headed to the lounge, needing a distraction.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia hadn't felt ready to return to the hen pecking coddling of the ladies in the kitchen so she had retired to the lounge as they began their take off. She laughed as Tomas mentioned Brannoc leaving some pregnant woman behind. A thin stream of thought went thru her mind that despite the jeering, Brannoc would make an amazing father. Though she also had a tinge of sympathy if the child was a girl. Chances are she wouldn't even know what a man was, besides her dad, till she was in her 60s.

Once they were settled in flight, she rose and moved to the viewing port. Her back to the door, that's how Syra would find her. Her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, her jeans hugging her curves in the right places without being vulgar, and her blue tshirt tucked in. She was barefoot, in stocking feet, her boots kicked off by the couch and her chin was resting on her crossed arms in the window frame.

[Syravari Elik]

Stepping in closely, Syravari moved initially toward the whetbar, but diverted his path once seeing Nallia gazing out into the swirling, blue-white of hyperspace. Keeping quiet, a soft music now playing in the background and allowing this room to be one of his escapes, even though the rest of the crew were allowed to come in.

Nearing his love, he wrapped his arms around her, laying his head on her right shoulder and relaxed, though didn't lean into her knowing he was much heavier. Taking in the feeling of being close to her, the pirate and sometime slaver was beginning to ponder a change of profession. "Hey there," he whispered, then kissed her gently on the ear and returned his chin to her shoulder. "Four days to Ord Cestus," he soon revealed, though he was sure they had talked about it before. Taking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly, just enjoying the moment.

[Nallia Oberon]

As the air in the room shifted, her body stiffened in panic. A quick flicker up of her eyes revealed it was Syra who had come into the room. She dropped her gaze back to the miasma swirling past the ship. She was going to be jumpy for a while, she had told herself. But she was trying her damndest not to let it show to her lover. But despite not wanting to give away her lingered trauma had left her shaken, when his arms enveloped her, she went still for a moment. It was just the barest blink of an eye before she closed her eyes and leaned into his kiss, then his body. But he knew her well enough. He would sense it.

Ignoring it, hoping he hadn't realized it, she smiled. "So I have four days till I have to be on better than best behavior, is that it?" She took a deep breath and smelled his closeness. It was a comfort like she never in her life imagined. Turning her head to kiss his cheek, she whispered in a half strangled voice, "I'm sorry, Syra. I never wanted you to have to do what you did. I'm sorry I'm the reason it happened."

She had seen him go nearly berserk in his zealous overkill of the man who had contrived her kidnapping. Seeing him like that, almost animal like in his rage, she had known it cost him something. Something deep inside him. And it pained her that she was the reason it was gone. Laying naked on the grating of the ship that had nearly stolen her away, she had dreamed of him. She had dreamed of Syra tearing the galaxy apart searching for her. It had been a dream, nothing more. A child's desire to be valiantly rescued from an impossible situation. But seeing him there, in the bloody aftermath of the bar, she knew it wasn't a dream. Syra loved her and would tear the galaxy, and more, to shreds if someone did something to her.

The idea both turned her on and frightened her. She would have to be far more careful in her actions because of it. While Syra would lose a part of himself in what he was doing, she would lose a part of herself in knowing his loss and being the cause of it.

[Syravari Elik]

His smile from her initial comment warmed him, the otherwise cold pirate had found a safe haven that few, if any had ever allowed or provided during his many years on the spacelanes. Steel-blue eyes turned to her as he shifted his head back to allow her more room, still holding Nallia close and enjoying the adrenaline rush that she prompted. The follow-up statement melted his amusement and turned it to more sympathetic.

Shaking his head, he huffed lightly, "Wasn't your fault. They were trying to get to me through you and you may have to get used to this kind of life from now on. Like I mentioned before, Brannoc and the others wanting to train you in self defense is more about you being able to defend yourself when I'm not around." He took in a deep breath and straightened slightly, feeling emotion begin to roil within, his eyes misting. "You mean a lot....," he pushed out, then swallowed hard. Why was this so difficult to say when he felt it so strongly? Clearing his throat, he glanced out through the large window before her, eyes now welling.

[Nallia Oberon]

Perhaps it was best they were both staring out the window. Their silhouettes blocking the view of one another's faces from the other seeing it. As he mentioned she meant a lot, her eyes closed and she tightened her grip on his arms slightly. "I will learn well, Syra. I promise." She half whispered the reassurance to him. She would learn... and fast. She knew what this life meant and had been prepared. Prepared to be kidnapped, used as leverage, even just plain 'used' when she had no choice and it meant death or life.

What she hadn't been prepared for was the pirate who scared the living daylights out of her when first she set eyes on him. Being caught behind those crates, fearing her return to the station in leg irons and a collar, she had felt her heart stop and disembark the ship entirely.

Her heart was gone, again. But this time it hadn't fled in panic, it had taken wing and flown with them man who had been a beast. And that beast now loved her and she him.

Trying to lighten the mood, she changed the subject. "Will we stop practice when we reach your home? Not sure how good of a woman I will be for you if your mother sees me with blade or pistol trying to best your cargo man." The idea tickled her. Training with Brannoc and the others would be mind blowing. She had seen Brannoc fight a few times... bar brawls, upstarts who claimed to be good enough to join the crew... every time the others had crawled or run off, tail between their legs, aware they were not ready to be part of this hodge podge family of a crew.

Another thought hit her like a brick. "Syra, I have no clothes worthy of meeting your mother in!" Suddenly it wasn't her lover in a battle rage covered in blood, or even Brannoc standing over her with an energy blade. It was the thought of his mother, glaring down her nose at the orphan upstart claiming to be good enough for her son. She turned in his arms with a look of fear and panic on her face he hadn't even seen in the worst moments of her last ordeal. "Syra, she's not gonna like me. I know it!" She had never been a mother. But if the woman had raised this man, this strong, intelligent, crazy man before her... surely a little no name who couldn't even stay out of trouble wasn't worthy of her son! All the fear filled her eyes till their closeness was unable to hide the racing of her heart against his chest.

[Syravari Elik]

Seizing the change in subject, he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, then chuckled at her vision of being thought the wrong sort for a pirate. "My mom and sister may want to adopt you if they saw you fighting with Brannoc," he laughed knowing he wasn't far off the mark. "And," he craned his neck around to take all of her in. "My family are all descended from a long line of pirates, so it's them that may insult you," he smiled. "You have nothing to worry about, trust me."

Though his mother was probably going to beat the living daylights out of him for not at least calling in the last few years. She had always been sensitive that way, even underneath that hard exterior that she exuded to everyone else. Most sensitive people hid behind other strong emotions, he knew. Syravari moved around her right arm, keeping her within his and pulled her close. "My only concern is having to answer for the last four or five years of not keeping in contact with my mother. You may be helping me collect teeth when we meet," he grinned.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia relaxed against him and sighed with a soft chuckle as she teased him. "Then I guess I better not fight Brannoc while there. Would hate for you to lose me to your mother."

As her lover turned around to stand before her, his back to the window, she looked up and rested her hands on his chest. "I know they are all pirates, it's not being one that worries me," she confided. "You talk about how beautiful they are and all the women she raised and oversaw. I can barely make a dress look presentable, much less pretty." She laughed sincerely then trying not to pictures the girls' faces when she put on a dress a few nights ago. She looked so helplessly angles and corners in it, much to the others' chagrin.

When Syra mentioned that she would be helping him pick up his teeth because of not being in touch with his mom for so long, she playfully thumped his chest. It was about as affective as a child's hands pounding on steel bulkheads, but the affect was there. "Syra! How could you do that? And now you are going to show up with ME?" The indignation in her voice was bordering on funny, were she not looking so serious. "I am thinking I should stay on the ship and let this be about you and not the rest of us."

[Syravari Elik]

He laughed as she went on about the meeting with his family, the playful pop on the chest and her comment about staying on the ship. "I was talking about my teeth, not hers," he chuckled. "Not even a good dental plan," he gazed off for a moment, then returned his steel-blue eyes to hers.

"Not having my crew to back me up would be suicidal," he grinned, still amused. Pulling her in once more, he kissed her on the forehead and hugged her, laying his cheek on the crown of her head, taking in her scent once more. "You'd look like a pirate queen in any dress," he said quietly, as if a secret between them, though he knew that most of the males aboard this ship would gladly step in were he not here. "I'm sure the girls have something if you wanted to dress up. Once you meet my family, then you are more than welcome to go shopping if you wanted. We're probably going to be there for a week or so."

[Nallia Oberon]

She laughed and relaxed against him a moment before stepping away and padding on stocking feet to the bar. Pouring them both a drink, she continued her thoughts. "I highly doubt she would knock your teeth out. After all, it would seriously cut into the financial advantage she could saddle you with for penance." She laughed and moved towards him with almost catlike grace she still hadn't realized she possessed. "And besides, she knocks your teeth, then I have to get upset, and then Brannoc has to protect me, and," she sighed with feigned melodramatic emphasis and handed him his drink. It was the way he always made it, neat, on two ice cubes. "Then it would get really messy." She laughed and moved to sit on the couch with her feet curled under her, almost childlike. There was room on either side for him to sit, along with the other places in the room.

She took a long draw of her own drink, a mirror to his but without the ice. "I'm not sure about being a Pirate Queen," she smiled. The idea of letting the other ladies in the kitchen doll her up like one of his mother's pleasure girls scared her more than being kidnapped or seeing him rage again. "If it's all right with you, I think I'll save the dress up for later in our visit." She also had no clue about shopping. It wasn't like her to spend her credits. Even now, short of a new knife, and a new belt to hold her tools when working on the ship, she had barely spent a single cred. If she was going to meet his mother, she would feel better with less of her own self showing and more of her appearing as his shadow.

[Syravari Elik]

Taking the drink, he followed her to the long sectional and sat down to her left. A sip down, he set the tumbler on the glass topped table before them and reclined again, listening to her ideas on the visit, prompting a smile and laugh at thinking about her getting involved. The idea that his meeting with family on Ord Cestus being initially violent was very speculative and he knew that it was more than likely going to be quite the opposite. Having a close family that all depended on one another's success made for quite an interesting home life.

"That's fine," he nodded, his eyes drifting to the thick carpet, his right hand mindlessly resting on her thigh. "Most of the shops there have a wide array of things. Probably going to make most of these miscreants broke again, then we really have to get back to work sooner than I thought," he chuckled.

Laying his head back a bit, he turned to her. "Never really talked much about your own family, if any. I know you had been on that station for a long time, but.."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia took a sip of her drink, smiling as he spoke of the others going on mad shopping sprees while they were planet side for a while. "By that time, we'll probably want to be back in space, anyway, sweetheart. I have the feeling that being land locked isn't your fancy anymore either... is it?" She reached to caress his hand. She watched him, sometimes, when he wasn't aware of it. Watching him stare into the stars out a portal or the screen shield in the cockpit. There was a calm that would come over him no matter what was on his mind a moment before. It was as if the black vastness of space was swallowing him for a moment and letting him forget everything. She doubted that looking at the sky with his feet planted on dirt would have the same affect.

As he changed the subject to her family, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture and took a long draw of her drink, fairly finishing it. "I was born on the station." She looked up at him as she felt her shields rise. If she told him... told him everything... would she still be his pirate queen? Or would she simply be some rat from the proverbial sewers of space?

She bit her lip a moment in contemplation then spoke after several moments. He was bound to know sooner or later. They had avoided resupplying at that station for the last year or so, but they couldn't forever. Some of the best jobs went thru that quadrant. And if you didn't stop there, you didn't stop. "That's how they populate the waystation, Syra... with the kids born there. We have no fathers, and our mothers are just the women born far enough before us in time to birth us when their bleeding begins." She couldn't do it. She couldn't look into his face and finish the tale. She would lose her nerve if she saw his features change on her mid-story.

As her voice cracked and wavered, she continued. "The woman who had me told me who had sired me, but only because she had been sure to be his favorite and always there when he had need. She was one of the girls with ambition and drive to move to the top of the chain." She closed her eyes as she made the ambition she knew would cause an affect on him. "The man you killed was my father. The man who wanted to get me with child as well. He said I came from ambitious stock, but it had skipped me. Perhaps my own whelp would show promise." She dared a glance up at him as her eyes glossed with barely contained tears. "Boys were for breeding, girls for bedding. That's how it's always been. Every few years they would trade the women to slavers to keep us from inbreeding too much. To keep the mutations from coming to the surface as fathers sired children from their own children." She swallowed hard and barely whispered. "I told you I wasn't worthy of you, Syra..." she steeled herself expecting him to rise and depart in silence, in disgust, in anger. "Just another whelp amongst whelps, who would have been full of breeding r traded off if you hadn't let me work for you."

She felt her knuckles whitening as she gripped the glass in her hand. She knew, in the back of mind, that it would shatter if she wasn't careful. But somehow, it didn't actually register as an issue as she fairly held her breath.

[Syravari Elik]

Initially thinking her own story wasn't that far from his own, Syravari then regretted asking the question, though as he listened he realized that his efforts in keeping her safe was probably the most alienating thing she had known. His face showing his growing displeasure with the way she had to grow up emerged without thought. Taking in a deep breath to remind himself to keep breathing, the second thought that crossed his mind was to return to that station and liberate all those girls like Nallia and kill all those that promoted this theory of enslaving.

His own eyes glistened as well, her self-deprecating musings only make him love her more. "Hey," he quietly called, drawing her to him as he turned toward her. "That old life is over," he stated emphatically. "You're here with me now and nothing and no one is ever going to treat you that way again. Got it?" His left hand rose to her cheek and caressed it lovingly. "I'll die before I let that happen."

[Nallia Oberon]

She put the glass on the table and willingly crawled up closer to his body, to be close to his caresses. As he spoke of never letting anyone hurt her again, she smiled and was grateful she was managing to keep the tears at bay. "And I will do my best to stay out of trouble so I don't hurt you anymore, either."

Despite these moments, curled up close to him and feeling safe like a child always should, it wasn't childlike feelings she was having. Her own hand rose to caress through his hair and down his cheek. "How is it, of all the ships I could have stowed away on, I would choose yours?" A soft laugh fell from her lips. "You know I chose you because I heard you were cruel but fair. I figured if I managed to live and hide long enough to be far enough from the station, you'd be fair and merely set me on a planet where others were. I could disappear into nothingness. I never thought you would find me so soon," she did laugh then, "much less give me a bed."

The bed had become a joke between them, now. And often times their love making left them on the floor before the fire anyway. But it was by choice now if she slept there, wrapped in furs and his arms. No longer a necessity. "I just hope your mother likes me." The old worry came up once more. She sighed and then smiled. "At least you don't have to worry about my parents liking you. You've already met my father, and mother is probably popping more whelps for the newest Head Man or passed on from being worn out." She laughed at the idea that a few short years ago, her own mother was saying that was to be her fate as well. She was never so glad to know her mother was wrong.

Wanting to change the subject, she shifted to kneel straddling Syra's lap. "Soooooooo.... How many days till I have to be the prim and proper pirate's lady?" She smiled and brushed her lips against his teasing.

[Syravari Elik]

Adrenaline rose as she moved to sit in his lap, wanting to reassure her even more, Syravari knew by this point that he had already said more than he needed to on that subject. Nallia would never need a home, or anything else for that matter. As long as she stayed with him she was safe. Her inquiry was met with a whispered, "At least three," he smiled, then kissed her passionately. Hands roving her curves as his growing passion threatened to overwhelm them both, he didn't care if anyone stepped into the lounge as they loved...

*******

In the afterglow, Syravari knew there were many things that still had yet to be ironed out, though the pirate had feigned to even bring them up before. He had fallen for this woman and no one would ever take her from him. Unless she chose another, that is. Lying entangled on the thickly padded couch, sweat cooling his body, he slowly caressed her face and hair. "I love you," he pushed out without thought, then realized he had said it finally. Those words that people in his profession never dared say as the galaxy was a cruel one, the life of a pirate a very short and violent one. But, here aboard his ship and with Nallia at his side he felt like a king. He chuckled, then kissed her on the nose and backed, then nestled his face beneath hers. "Yeah, I said it."

His mother and siblings were going to have a fit, he imagined with amusement. A pirate marrying before they were retired was unheard of; Another word that he never thought would cross his mind.

[Nallia Oberon]

His lips were her undoing. She had found out long ago that Syra was her only weakness. When his voice came over the intercom, or she saw him overlooking the cargo bay railing, she was completely undone. She had caused so much trouble, and he had nearly lost himself in saving her... twice. But then he'd touch her, kiss her, and all that went out the window. Like him, it never occurred to her that anyone would walk in. Like him... it didn't matter.
---

A couple hours later, the couch blanket tossed over them for modesty, they lay curled in one another's arms. She had her eyes closed and was running her fingers lightly up and down his back. As he said those three words that had been in the back of her mind, her heart nearly stopped. The kiss on her nose caught her off guard and she was speechless as he tucked his head back under her chin. Her grin grew bigger than she ever thought it could be as she nuzzled his head. "Syra...." she whispered with a sense of curiosity.

His voice, though he was facing away from her, was clear. "Yeah, I said it."

She loved him as well. She always had, though till not it had only slipped her lips once. And even then, she wasn't sure he had heard because it had never come up again. Brannoc had once told her when a pirate says 'I love you' it's because he's retired and is ready to settle down. That thought hit her like a brick in the pit of her stomach. Suddenly her heart sank. This trip home... was it the end of the line for him? Because of her?

Her voice was soft as she tried not to choke out the words. "I love you, too, Syra. You know I always have." She bit her lip a moment and closed her eyes to fight the tears. "Syra, are you taking me to your mother's to retire? Are you stopping," she felt her voice crack despite her best efforts, ".... because of me?"

Part of her was flattered. He would be willing to give it all up because of her. But the other half of her, the half that loved him back with every fiber of her being, knew it was wrong. He was a pirate. That's what he was supposed to be. That's what made him who he was. Would he blame her, years from now, for making him give it up? "I don't want you to quit because of me, Syra..."

[Syravari Elik]

Her question made him chuckle. The thought of giving up what he had been born to do was ridiculous. Wasn't it? Could he hang up his pistols and settle down? Was she that one that could change the life of a rogue and make him think about kids and a quieter home? The normal life? He drew in a long breath and let it out slowly, cooling her neck as he thought for a long moment. The club and brothel on Corellia were being established and was going to make him a ton of credits, so they would still have a life. Lying here in her arms, he knew she was that missing piece that he had searched for, for so long. Could she survive this life?

Too many things to think about.

All he knew right now was he didn't want to let her go. "Things stay as they are now, then no. I can't quit," his head backed and he looked into her eyes. "As tempting as that is," he grinned, feeling her heart beat next to his own, the warmth of her skin. Winking at her, he kissed her again. Sighing, he relaxed against the pillowed cushions behind and beneath him. "You'd be safer if I did, that's for sure. But, you have a krayt dragon in you," he chuckled. "I've seen it." Nestling his nose and face into her cheek, he closed his eyes, feeling that adrenaline rush again.

"We get to Ord Cestus, my mother and sisters are going to love you." Of that he had no doubt. "Just be yourself."

[Nallia Oberon]

As he replied he wouldn't quit, a knot inside her untied itself and she was able to breathe again. "I thought you would quit, because of me. I'm glad you won't." She kissed him once more then scooted down a bit to lay her head on his chest this time, her head nestling under his chin. Her hand, now resting on his chest, lightly rubbed up and down as if making sure he was real. "I couldn't bear being the reason you stopped doing what you loved." She laughed and kissed his throat, "And are so good at."

As he spoke of her having a dragon in her, she laughed and slapped his chest. "You better not forget that either. You get into trouble and I'm coming after you again like that dragon you speak of. And no one's setting me on a station." She laughed referencing his disappearance before and they separation. "Perhaps I will have your mother help me drug you so I can slip a tracking device in you when you aren't conscious." She laughed once more and propped up on her elbow. Brushing her hair behind her ear as he spoke of his mom loving her, she laughed. "I will be myself, I promise. Well, the well behaved me anyway." She shook her head. "You realize with us not being married, I should probably stay on the ship or at the least, in a guest room. I wouldn't want your mom thinking you are taking advantage of me." She grinned teasing him.

[Syravari Elik]

Enjoying the playful side of her, he feigned injury as she popped him on the chest, chuckling as she mentioned his mother thinking that he was taking advantage. Boy, did she have a lot to learn about the pirate life on Ord Cestus. Syravari smiled, "She'd be kicking my ass if I at least didn't try to be with you." Laying back, his left hand now behind his head, he was now wishing they could remain here in the lounge for the duration of the trip, but he needed a shower now, pretty bad. His amusement faded slightly and shifted to a more serious tone once more. "I think once we get there, you're going to enjoy yourself. It can be a wild place, from what I remember and I know many of the guys that I ran with before are going to be trying to get your frequency, so I may have to protect your honor," he tried to suppress a grin, trying to appear the white knight instead of the older rogue that he was.

Just as they talked, the door to the lounge popped open slightly, then Sabrina grinned, then drew her head back behind the polished, grey barrier. "Boss, dinner's on... if you've built up an appetite. Or I could have the serving droid bring you guys something." Her light chuckle was barely hidden behind the door, but everyone heard it.

Syravari glanced at Nallia, "Let us get a shower first, then we'll send for the droid. Thanks."

"You got it," she let the door close once more and vanished. No doubt to go tell the other girls in the kitchen what she had walked in on.

But, Syravari didn't care. He admired Nallia for a while longer. "What do you say," he began, caressing her right bicep. "Dinner in the tub, or worry about that later?"

[Nallia Oberon]

As the door opened, Nallia turned several shades of red and buried her head against Syra's chest in embarrassment. As Sabrina left, she giggled. "We really should stop taking up public places on the ship."

As he spoke of dinner in the tub or afterwards, she shook her head. "Let's take our shower and then just have dinner in our room. Last time we ate in the tub, it got cold, the floor ended up with more water than the tub when we were done, and the poor droids had a hell of a mess in the morning." She laughed remembering the nearly full day they had hidden from the crew a week or so after things calmed down after Syra had once more rescued her from being kidnapped. It had been fun, but the mess had even made 'her' a bit conscious of their trysts.

The color on her cheeks was still bright as she rose off the couch to find her clothes. As pleasant as it was to enjoy moments like this, getting dressed was a necessity unless one wanted to scoot down the ship's halls in his oversized shirt and panties. She opted to throw her own denims but stole his shirt anyway. She laughed as she tossed him his pants and moved towards the door carrying her boots and his along with her shirt and undergarments. His own underwear was somewhere in the pile of blankets on the couch and she figured he would grab them along with his own pants she had tossed. "You know how sexy I find you without a shirt. And I love how you smell on me." She smiled seductively as she tugged the lapel of his shirt to her face, inhaling his scent she had grown to love more than any perfume the other girls tried to entice her into.

[Syravari Elik]

"Why, it's my ship," he countered, then smiled as if that was already known. Though he had little to no modesty anyway, the tall, strongly built pirate pushed himself up with her and began gathering his clothes and slipped on his pants, once catching them. Carrying the rest of his clothes, he followed her toward the door and knew the maid droids would take care of the room not long after they departed. Her comment prompted that enticing adrenaline rush once more and he had a feeling they may not make it to the master suite. Smiling at her as they moved down the central hallway, he slipped his right arm around the small of her back and leaned in, kissing her.

"Keep talking like that and we may mess up a few more public places," he warned, grinning. Loving the red in her cheeks after Sabrina's interruption, he turned his attention to the approaching door that led to his forward suite, the largest onboard the ship. "The girls have their own embarrassing stories about being caught at the wrong times as well," he glanced to her, his grin perpetual now. "Brannoc ever gives you any shit, ask him about the redhead twins that he had in the gym's hot tub sometime." Though he had wanted to be part of that private party, he had refrained for several reasons.

Reaching the door to the master suite, he opened it and let her lead him inside, then followed her to the large refresher. Dropping his clothes into the hamper, he slipped out of his pants once again and tapped the faucet, the preferred temperature already programmed in. Once she had undressed, he moved to her in one swift motion, picking her up and carried her into the shower, loving her again. Dinner could wait.

[Nallia Oberon]

They were sitting cross legged on the bed, dinner remains all around them. She was wearing under garments one of Syra's button up shirts, middle button the only thing keeping it closed. She leaned back on the pillow and watched him. Her smile was of a sated, lazy sehlat. "You know, we keep this up and the girls will just start leaving trays outside the door." She laughed and reached to run her hand down his arm.

The shower had taken a turn that pleased them both and ended with them both needing a resoaping. By the time they had called for the serving droid, the food was half warm and they hadn't even cared. "You know, we need to discuss how long we're staying and what we are doing afterwards, Syra." She hated to be the voice of business, but it had been a while. "We haven't done anything since checking on the club. The repairs and refit when we land will put a nice dent in the funds we have listed." She knew Syra had turned down at least one job since they had left. Her kidnapping and his loss of control had taken tolls on everyone and no one seemed anxious to return to business.

Sitting up, Nallia moved to her knees behind him and began rubbing his shoulders. Her voice dropped slightly. "I'm fine. I promise, love. I'm ready to get back to work, Syra. Honest I am." She leaned to kiss his neck and hoped he believed her. She didn't want to be the reason he stopped doing what he was so good at.

[Syravari Elik]

Admiring her frame, he grinned at the thought of his crew becoming their servants which he knew would go over like a turd in a punchbowl. They would be more apt to leave the pair of lovers instead, which he couldn't bear either. Having to choose between Nallia and his crew wasn't even a thought, but the others that called the Grosetto home were his family away from home. They had been through a lot together. His attention was again brought to the present as she mentioned getting back to work.

He nodded, "Yeah. Figured after the visit home we can start getting back to the normally scheduled program," he smiled, his left hand mindlessly coursing up and down her right calf. "Eventually Brannoc may incite a mutiny and we'd end up being their prisoners, then I'd have to take him out and the whippings would have to commence," he joked, shrugging as she moved around behind him. Leaning into her a bit, he enjoyed her touch once again. "I know you are," he grinned. "Things have changed since I found you in the cargo hold. Can't deny that," he glanced back toward her, feeling her hair and body on his back and shoulder. "But, the life we lead does need that other kind of adrenaline rush as well." His grin faded realizing now that he had admitted to what he was. A pirate.

[Nallia Oberon]

She was so relieved to hear that. She didn't want him holding back because of her. Yes, things had changed since her small, timid, naïve eyes had glanced up at him in fear at being caught barely out of the station. But things had changed with him as well. HIs tough, gruff exterior had allowed itself to crack enough to let her in. And while he worried how she was handling things, secretly she worried for him as well.

"Good," she said with finality and kissed his neck. Slipping off the bed she moved to the portal to look out at space slipping by in a rainbow of color. Her long legs showing under the overly long shirt as the fireplace beside her occasionally flickered just right to silhouette her body inside the large piece of material. "So, any thoughts where we'll go next?" She just hoped it wasn't her home. She'd had all she could handle of that place, despite it being the best place to refuel, replenish and find out who is looking for what. But she'd never tell him she didn't want to go back there. Would probably even suggest it if he asked her opinion. Mentally she sighed but outwardly she smiled. She'd do anything for him.

[Syravari Elik]

Laying on his left side, he admired her as she walked to the window and knew she had him wrapped around her little finger. Something that he hadn't felt since he was a teenager, though that relationship died once they both were assigned to their first ship. He wasn't even sure if Soricia was even alive now, but as Nallia inquired as to their possible destination after his vacation at home, his mind drifted for a moment, glancing to his rough hands momentarily. "There are plenty of busy trade routes that we could spy, but finding a good target first comes with gaining some intel on a ship. Need an easy target and one that's in a system where we can escape with the goods and not too far from a fence to get rid of it all before the Sector Rangers show up."

As his eyes caressed her again, he knew going back to the station where he found her first would be on the list one day, but he wasn't sure if she was ready for that yet. Never seeing himself as a liberator of slaves, this was that one moment where he could make an exception. The man that abused her for his own ends would pay one day, of that he had no doubt. The very thought of the things that she had mentioned suddenly turned his feelings of admiration for the girl now calling herself his, to anger for her own father that could abuse this girl. He took a deep breath and laid back, closing his eyes as he did his best to relax and not let that other side of him emerge. This wasn't the time or place, he mused.

Tears burned his eyes, making him even more angry that he couldn't just enjoy this moment with this gorgeous woman, one that he loved. Taking another deep breath, he let it out slowly and did his best to keep at bay that animal within.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia knew he was watching her, he always was. It had unnerved her to begin with. But now she had come to find it comforting and familiar. Though she had no idea of the emotions playing across his face. Her head leaned on the portal frame a moment. "You know, we managed to take that small freighter... what was the name," she bit her lip thinking a minute. "Oh, the Mariner. Remember? It had that haul of parts for Tatooine. For the evaporators. We got a good price for them with your contact. Maybe we should see what the Mariner is hauling now. We already know we can handle her weapons and crew."

The ship had been one of the first they had come up against after her joining. She had sat back for most of it, being new and not part of the crew to the point she wouldn't be underfoot. But she remembered the details. From how easily they had docked because of a blind spot in the weapons' turn radius, to the small crew that had only gotten a few shots off before they were subdued. When they had passed the goods on, the planet they had been on was so lush and green it had startled Nallia. She had been born and raised in space. Skies, clouds, even things like trees and grass were unnerving to her. Looking back it had been a ridiculous reaction. Whose heart races in fear because of grass?

[Syravari Elik]

He grinned remembering the Mariner, one that had been fairly easy to take down and though that thought was a good one - and appreciated at the moment - he also knew that tricks only worked once. "That's an option," he finally commented, his eyes still closed though he was feeling the ebb of those previous thoughts sinking into the background. "I'll call our infochant again once we get near Axxila and see if he's got anything new and interesting for us, then take it from there."

But right now, business was the last thing on his mind as he opened his eyes and glanced over to her once more, standing there in the window, her gorgeous frame picked out faintly in the bluish white flow outside and behind her. There were so many things that he had considered since they had become intimate, but retirement was never one of them. She still had some things to learn about the business, but she was coming along really well. Soon, he could consider her a lieutenant and his partner in crime. A thought that prompted a smile on his face.

What he did know right now was he hated having her so far away. "Come here," he bid quietly, grinning at her, left hand out. Having sated his primal need already, several times today, he just wanted to hold her and fall asleep. Tomorrow was another day.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia turned and smiled at him. How had she lucked out? She was in love with a Pirate. Her mental laughter added Pirate King... and you are his Queen. The idea made her face light up even more. Walking towards his outstretched hand she swayed her hips and undid the only button holding open her shirt. As it fell to the floor, she took his hand and crawled onto the bed to be with him. Their kissing eventually ended with them falling asleep entwined. Her body cradled in his arms with all her love enveloping them both.

---

The next day and a half passed as most lazy trips do. Meals were a jovial affair, the memories of those you had been where they were going being shared with those who didn't know what was awaiting them on the planet. Shopping trips and lists of styles and clothes were giggled between the women, most of them making Nallia swear she would spend at least some of her credits on pretty things to tease Syra in. The men spoke of parts, upgrades and repairs and other masculine things.

The night before they were do to arrive, Nallia had managed to avoid Syra most of the day. First it was the usual necessary things like helping with the daily maintenance of the ship, then there was fighting practice with Brannoc, and that evening she sequestered herself in the kitchen with the excuse of helping with dinner. It wasn't till she and the other ladies brought dinner into the main dining room that she would see Syra there, at the head of the table like a Captain overseeing his troops. She set the bowl of vegetables on the table, kissed his cheek and sat to his left, Brannoc across from her on his right. She smiled at him but it didn't quite reach her eyes, she was nervous about tomorrow. She would be meeting his mother the next day. She had avoided him all day because she couldn't find a way to keep the fear from her face.

After dinner, she stayed behind to help clear the table. At one point, she ended up being the only one in the dining room as she removed the table cloth and returned the room to the meeting setup it retained when not in use for family meals.

[Syravari Elik]

Stealing small moments with her when he could, Syravari got back into business mode and he found that the closer they got to Ord Cestus, the more nervous he became. Life on that world of pirates and smugglers was one that he had grown up in, though seemed somewhat foreign to him now. How had five years done that, he wondered. His mother and sisters were now probably remarried, possibly he was an uncle. Unless they had taken on successful pirate gangs and become wealthy. He could definitely imagine his sisters being just like their mother - tough, motivated and ruthless when the need arose. He only hoped that their lives hadn't taken them to that inevitable conclusion too early. Empty seats at the dinner table was the last thing he wanted.

Dinner that night before arriving was casual and enjoyable. He had come to enjoy the comradery that he and the crew had built since meeting them, and loved how Nallia fit right in even though she still felt like an outsider, for some reason. Though she didn't verbalize it, he could sense it sometimes. This life hadn't fully taken hold and maybe that was a good thing. Everyone aboard the Grosetto was an individual and unique in their own ways, yet when it came to it they were all on the same page.

Once done, he rose and moved to the lounge with Brannoc, Bodil and Givon, the copilot, leaving the girls to tend to the other things and visit, as Tomas headed back to the bridge and Braddon to his repair shop. Though he had four maid droids onboard, they still insisted on tending to certain things on their own. Though he also knew their bedrooms were a constant need for attention.

*********

Rihana, their new weapons engineer joined the other girls in the kitchen, leaning on the long, marble topped counter as she sipped on a lum. "So," the dark haired girl began, interrupting the short silence. "How long's it been since the captain's been home?"

Bethany grinned, glancing back from the refrigeration unit. "Five years. Probably going to be picking his ass up from the tarmac when we arrive," she stated, chuckling. "His mother's supposed to be some famous pirate herself, so he's said she's one of the toughest women in the city."

"Feel bad for the guy," Rihana shook her head.

"His sisters are just like her, apparently," Sabrina added, hands wringing in the maroon towel in her hands.

Rebecca tossed the spatula into the dish washer, grinning. "I'm looking forward to seeing where he grew up though. Going to be kinda neat. Certainly better than the dump that I was raised in."

"Anywhere would be better than the back alley of some strip club," Bethany added, grinning. "Digging out of the trash reclamator's for scraps."

Rihana's brow furrowed, "You guys aren't serious." A comment that gained their serious gazes. "Wow."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had enjoyed the dinner like she did every night. And being in the kitchen with the girls was a nic e change as well. As a couple of them spoke of scraping for food in any way possible, she nodded silently. She had spent many nights with a growling stomach, curled up on her own small half dissintigrated blanket pieces. She hadn't realized she was lost in thought until Sabrina threw the dish towel at her.

"Grosetto to Nallia..." she said as they all laughed. "What's got your mind in a tizzy, little nexu?" Sabrina's face softened as she realized their talk of their childhoods had probably stirred up old memories for the young girl. "He's gone hun... Syra saw to it, remember?"

Nallia nodded an smiled and threw the dish rag back at Sabrina. "I know... still hard to forget. I'm gonna head back to my room. I'll see you guys in the morning before we land." She gave everyone a hug and left the kitchen barely containing her rush to depart.

Once gone, Rihana frowned crossing her arms. "What was that all about?"

Sabrina glanced at the others and shrugged. "Sorry... she was brought up on a station that was run by the men the women welped and the kids were loaders till they were old enough to lead or breed. Her father was the Administrator. He punished her a lot for spurning his advances to her. He wanted to keep the 'strong bloodline' going." She looked to the others one more before looking back at the weapons engineer. "Syra killed him for her."

"Oh..." was all the woman replied. So they all had horrible pasts. Just more glue that held the group tighter together.

__

Nallia wandered the short halls of the ship before getting the nerve to pass by the lounge where the men were. The door was open and she lingered a moment to just watch them. Their laughter made her smile as jeers, taunts, and teasing. She lingered just long enough to catch Syra looking at her. She smiled for him in way she didn't realize had been reserved just for him. A smile that held every emotion, feeling and desire she held for him. Realizing that smile was also visible to Brannoc and Bodil, she blushed clear to her toes and hurried off towards the cargo bay. Perhaps a work out was what she needed. Something to distract her from the desire that burned in her for her boss and lover.

[Syravari Elik]

As they talked about home and nearly forgotten memories, that familiar feeling caught Syravari and his eyes immediately gravitated to Nallia's smooth features, now staring at him from the doorway. He grinned at her and soon realized what those eyes wanted, prompting that ever familiar charge through his large, muscled frame. Though as he was about to get up, she was gone and he wondered now, as he realized she was going the opposite direction of their room, where she was headed. Only one way to find out, he mused.

"Cap," Brannoc chuckled. "Going to sit there, or do I have to take care of this for you?"

Steel-blue eyes shot to his trusted friend, "Yeah, try that," he playfully warned, pushing himself up and then downing the last of his whiskey. Carrying the glass to the whetbar, he set it on the counter and let the attending droid take care of it. "I'll see you guys in the morning."

"No problem," Bodil grinned. "Let you know when we're nearing Ord Cestus. Should be arriving early, so."

Nodding, he turned his attention to the hallway outside the lounge, then sought after that brunette who had turned his life upside down. Though he still had nervous butterflies floating around about seeing and dealing with family back home, right now he was more than eager to put those concerns aside and take care of the one that obviously needed him right now. Popping into the medbay, storeroom, droid shop, gym, he soon noticed Nallia about to get on one of the machines to work out. Grinning, he moved toward her.

"If you wanted a workout, I can help you with that," he suggested playfully, though every part of him serious. Walking up to her, he instinctively reached out to draw her in, that rush that he had come to love when they were together flowing through his veins now, his heartbeat racing with her touch. The passion they shared unlike anything he had ever known before, and he needed more of it.

*********

"Cap," the voice came over the intercom and it took a long moment for Syravari to recognize who it was, entangled with Nallia on the large mat within the gym. Smelling her breath on him was intoxicating, feeling her heartbeat next to his own. "Cap."

"Yeah," he soon replied sleepily, having just been rudely awakened.

"Five minutes out."

A warning that took a minute to register.

Leaning over, he kissed Nallia and then pushed himself up. Things that needed to be done raced through his mind as he gathered up his clothes and slipped on his pants. He nervously hurried, glancing to her as they got up. "Need to take a shower, shave," he huffed. Though he would never regret being with her, Nallia suddenly drifted into the background momentarily. "Come on," he bid, tossing her, her own items to put on and then follow him back to their suite.

Hurriedly, he showered, leaving the water on for Nallia as he then stepped out and dried off, then moved to the sink to shave and comb his hair, then brush his teeth as if a man possessed. He had been the scourge of several trade lanes and now suddenly felt like that kid fearing a doctor's visit. Sweating more now than he had in a while. Sighing, he moved into the large, plushly decorated room and opened up the closet doors and stepped in. "What in the world am I going to wear?" Thumbing through his suits, he finally chose something and began getting dressed.

Seated on the couch that fronted the foot of the large bed in a dress suit, he slipped on nicer shoes and as his eyes met Nallia's once more, he finally took a breath. "Sorry about this morning," he said. "Just... a lot going through my mind right now."

As they talked, a soft knock on the door and it opened to allow Bethany in with a piece of fruit for both of them. Nearing Syravari, she glanced to Nallia and back, "Look nice. Here. Tomas's taking care of the Port Authority officer now, so everything's ready for us to head in to the city. He was going to rent us a speeder, but the officer mentioned that we have a limo waiting for all of us," she smiled.

Taking the fruit, Syravari nodded to her. "Thanks. Yeah," he took a bite and rose from the couch. "Mom does have a way about her," he stated, then turned his attention to Nallia once more. "We'll be there in a few."

"Okay," she smiled at them, turned and headed back out again, closing the door behind her.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had lit up as Syra approached. Despite the strong resolve to not see him this evening, the sight of him tossed that clear out of her head. She held her hand out and willingly went to his embrace. Despite the open side of the cargo bay that was the gym, they had soon found themselves naked and twined together with as much passion and ease as if they had been in the privacy of their quarters.

At some point in the night someone, probably Brannoc, had covered them in a large blanket from the guest suite. As the comm came on, Nallia blushed clear to her toes realizing that either she had been so worn out that she hadn't felt Syra leave for it, or that someone had come and brought it. She ruled out Syra because he simply would have lifted her and taken her to bed. She made a mental note to thank Brannoc when she got the chance.

When Syra responded and rose, her own passion and heat receded. It was business time. She quietly took her clothes, slid on her shirt and slacks and followed him back to their room. Her own clothes were laid out as he showered. When she got out, she slipped into a pair of form fitting leggings with a long tunic of turquoise that fell nearly to her thighs. She had a pair of Bethany's boots the girl had insisted she wear when she had helped Nallia pick out the outfit. The knee black boots sported a small enough heel she could run if necessary, but tall enough to give her a nice feminine appearance. She was sitting on the bed brushing her still damp hair as Syra spoke. Her own soft voice came back to him, "It's all right. You don't have to apologize." She wanted to be sure she gave him the room he needed.

She had tried to back out last night. She offered to remain behind and see to the ship, let him get his hellos out of the way and she would join him in a day or two. But he had insisted, claimed he would throw her over his shoulder and present her as a conquest if she dug her heels in. His gruff teasing pirate growl had made her blush and his actions had turned her into a more than willing conquest anyway.

As Bethany came in and approved of her wardrobe, she smiled. "Thanks... the boots fit great." Coming up to her knees in the front, but lacing up the back of her legs from mid calf. It meant she could also kneel down if needed without the stiff material cutting off her circulation.

Biting into the fruit as the girl left, she smiled to Syra. "You'll be fine. Remember I love you, and I am always here." She wasn't sure she was strong enough to stand willingly beside him, but she would always be there, covering his back.

[Syravari Elik]

He smiled and sighed, leaning over and kissed her passionately again, then backed once more. "I love you too." Winking at her, he knew they had to get going and this visit wasn't going to be anything like visiting where she had grown up. Quite the opposite in fact. Taking another bite of the fruit that Bethany had brought, he turned and led her out, glancing at her outfit. "You look amazing, by the way," he admired as they walked down the hallway. "Clean up pretty nice, may have to keep you around," he smirked sarcastically, knowing he couldn't live without her now. Too late for backing out now.

Taking her by the hand, Syravari led her to the primary lift and stepped in, then rode it down to the tarmac. As the white doors parted, he stepped out into the air full of exhaust fumes, whining engines and shouts from crewmen working on various tasks. He was home. "Welcome to Ord Cestus," he stated, then turned right and guided her toward the rest of the crew now piling into a sleek, shiny, black limo speeder as the driver held the door open for them. Amazed as they got in and sat down that it would hold everyone, he didn't mind the cozy interior, seated next to Nallia near the door.

"Mom sure knows how to live in style," Brannoc smiled from the long couch that commanded the driver's side and to another that fronted the back of the cab. Everyone dressed up and some even taking advantage of the bar.

"No kidding," Rihana agreed, smiling. "I could get used to this."

As they talked, the limo sped off and cruised between long lines of ships lined up in neat rows on the starport's tarmac. Steel-blue eyes admired the sight as they headed for the entry control point situated between two large maintenance hangars. Keeping Nallia's right hand in his left, thumb mindlessly caressed her hand almost like a safety blanket that he had come to rely on.

"Place bringing back memories, Cap," Tomas inquired.

He turned to his crew and love at his side, "You have no idea," he smirked. "Every one of those ships that we passed is owned by a pirate or smuggler crew. No Sector Rangers here. No police. We govern ourselves on this world. Always have," he informed proudly. "Ever need a safe haven, this is it."

Bethany beamed, "Almost like heaven," she mused aloud. "Scary to think that there aren't any authorities to harass me because of who I fly with," she glanced to Nallia and then to Syravari, "Think I may retire here."

"I'd second that," Bodil added.

Sabrina leaned forward, from Nallia's left. "So, how do they keep the peace here then?"

"Everyone knows the Code," Syravari began. "Each ship is governed the same way that each city is. Everyone respects the elder and their family, so it looks more like a feudal system in a way. Families rule cities, passed down from the one that either founded it, or took it centuries ago. It's an understood, established hierarchy, even though on a ship a captain can die and then his first mate or someone else steps into their place. On this world, it's just a son or daughter, if both parents aren't around any longer."

"So, marry the captain and you got it made," Brannoc smirked, winking at Nallia. "Kindof like that."

Syravari smiled, enjoying the distraction and glanced at Nallia momentarily, then back to his crew knowing that Nallia was already nervous enough without that thought. Or, maybe he was wrong.

The large starport quickly gave way to the busy city streets of Metauro. Businesses owned by retired captains or crewmen who had acquired more than enough money, or were smart enough to save while they plied their trade on the spacelanes. Tall buildings lined the streets, some sporting a woman's touch with greenery out front or in window boxes, revealing a host of different styles and easily revealing the personality of it's owner. Speeders of every make and model coursed through the wide and busy avenues, some revealing the owning criminal and his entourage or at least one gorgeous companion. Convertible speeders, music loud, revealed the younger generation forced to respect the older, more experienced citizens on the road with them.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled and leaned into the comfort of Syra's side. The city was a bit overwhelming. It wasn't Coruscant, but for a girl raised on a space station, this was more than her mind could process. While she leaned on her lover out of a sense of wanting to be near him, the other reason was shear panic. The closeness of the buildings, the amount of traffic, even the limo itself was a bit much for her. When Brannoc teased about marrying a Captain and being set, she stuck out her tongue and sneered as she smiled.

The idea of actually marrying Syra hadn't crossed her mind. Syra wasn't the marrying type. She knew that in her heart. She wasn't looking to change things, so it didn't matter to her. She was just glad he had come back. The loneliness of being on Drifter's without him had cured her of the desire to ever live on a space station again. The thought was enough to make her turn to her head and lean up to kiss him. "It's a pretty place." She managed to say with genuine inflection. It was a pretty place. But she also came to another realization, she couldn't live in a city. The press of people made her chest tight and her heard race. it was loud enough in her ears she hoped Syra and Sabrina couldn't hear it.

[Syravari Elik]

Kissing her back, Syravari smiled and could tell that the rest thought so too, though still had a small nervousness about what was to come once this limo stopped. Enjoying her warmth, he continued gazing out through the large window to his right as the crew continued observing and dreaming.

"Swoop S," Braddon stated emphatically. "Have a shop full of them and contract out to race them. Get some good drivers and win tons of credits, tour the circuit."

"Better save all your creds then," Bethany suggested, grinning. "Stop spending them on droids and mods."

"I've got time before I have to worry about retiring, so," the droid mechanic defended.

Brannoc sipped on his whiskey, eyeing nearly every attractive female in sight, "Damn. Hey Cap," he called, still admiring a pair of blondes outside a shop as they passed, his neck nearly getting whiplash. "We're staying here a while, right?"

"Yeah, probably a week at least. My mother's not going to let us go right away, so you guys enjoy yourselves. Hit the clubs, the resort and casino. There's a beach not three miles from here," he grinned knowing they were probably going to hit them all while they were on the world.

"Uh huh," he half heard, until Rebecca chuckled and gained his attention. "What?"

"Just remember that some of these girls may have powerful fathers that you may not want to piss off, so be careful how you leave them in the middle of the night." Her auburn hair rounded at the back of her head then sporting a long braid down her back, reflected the sunlight coming through the window behind her.

"And don't use your real name in case they get pregnant," Tomas suggested, gaining glares from the girls. "What?"

"What a pig," Bethany shook her head.

"Why, that someone picked up on your tactic," Brannoc joked, smiling. "When you girls are gossiping in the kitchen, you tend to forget your voice carries."

Red faced, Bethany smiled as she straightened out her skirt, trying to avoid admitting that fact. Syravari had known all of them for some time and heard more than one story circulated over the years. He chuckled and craned his eyes to look at Nallia, "See what I've had to put up with all these years," he joked, glancing between the others in the limo's plush interior. "Bunch of miscreants, I tell ya."

Sabrina smiled, raising her crystal goblet to him. "Love you too, Cap."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia couldn't help but smile. This was all the family she knew. It was all the family she wanted or needed.

Knowing that silence would draw attention and jeering to her, she piped up. "You did pick the crew, Syra. Can't say you didn't know." She winked at Sabrina.

Glancing at Brannoc she covered her mouth in mock surprise. "So Brannoc isn't your real name?" She cocked her head. "Cause I swore you told that cute redhead on our last stop that your name was Brannoc." Leaning closer as if her whisper wouldn't be heard by everyone in the limo, she smiled and winked. "Or have you been hitting on me all this time with telling me you are Brannoc?" She laughed as the others chimed in.

[Syravari Elik]

Nallia's reply gained several chuckles as Syravari just smiled, then eyed Brannoc now trying to reclaim some dignity, hand to his chest as she needled him. "Wait a second," the lieutenant defended. "I've always been honest with friends."

"Unless he's drunk," Rebecca added. "Then it doesn't matter who she is. He could tell her his life's story and forget it all the next morning." Green eyes turned to the one now in the spotlight, glaring at him.

"There's a story there," Sabrina said, grinning, then motioned to Nallia as she eyed the captain. "Hear that, he's been hitting on your girlfriend."

Syravari couldn't pass up this opportunity, having known Brannoc for many years now. "We can talk about that later," his face serious, though deep down they all knew he was kidding.

"Wait a second," Brannoc feigned injury, eyeing Nallia now. "That's just my way, didn't mean anything by it. Come on, Cap..."

"Too late now," Tomas piped in. "Nice knowing you buddy."

"Yeah," Braddon grinned. "Can I have your pistols when you die? Love those."

"Stay out of my room," Brannoc pointed at the droid mechanic, then everyone else around him. "I'll come back and haunt every one of you."

Bethany leaned forward, eyeing Syravari and Nallia, pleading. "Please, spare him. It's bad enough living with him now."

Shaking his head, steel-blue eyes looked past the driver and out through the windshield to see the familiar neighborhood. Large estates fronted by ornate gates attached to stone walls, lined with trees and greenery denoted the lands of the captains and their descendants. Family's that he knew well. Tree-lined, the avenue also sported a wide, grassy median broken up at intervals so those driving out of their covered entrances could get out on the street and head in the opposite direction. At the far end, the limo soon arrived at a massive, wrought iron gate and slowed, then stopped. Opening his window, the driver announced himself and his passengers, then waited. Shortly after, the gates opened up and he drove in, turning right. Huge, ancient trees created a small forest to either side, and behind the high stone wall that forced the diversion. On it's face, a large shield covered in the heraldry of the family.

The others grew quiet as they eyed their surroundings, the banter now over.

"Hey, Cap....," Bodil's quiet voice cut in as they headed up the rounded drive, the ground to their left opening up and sporting a large fountain and the three story palace commanding the largest estate in the city. "Forget to mention something?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled and settled back into her lover as they continued.

When the neighborhood got more up scale, her body tensed. Surely his place was beyond this. But when they turned into one of the estates... no estate was the wrong word. This was a palace in every sense of the word. And between the tree lined drive, fountain in the drive and the sheer grandeur of the place made Nallia's small heart catch in her throat. Her hand tightened reflexively in his. It would have been painful, but his own large hand was too much for even a strong slight thing like her. "I don't think I can't do this..." she whispered. She wasn't aware she had said it just loud enough for her lover to hear.

Her wide eyes staring out the window with the rest as Bodil's voice voiced what every one of them was suddenly thinking.

[Syravari Elik]

"Wow, do I feel underdressed," Rihana stated as they all looked out through the windows at the looming mansion, four new speeders parked before the large, six speeder garage, one of them with it's hood open and being tended to by four men, one of them the eldest, wiping his hands as he eyed the limo now heading to the shadow of the large portico.

"Hey guys," Syravari smiled, then again. "Guys," he repeated, getting everyone's attention as the limo stopped behind another parked just beyond the wide stair that fronted the main double doors. "I'm the only one that's in the hotseat here, so relax. None of you have anything to worry about, trust me," he smiled.

Brannoc's right hand waved between them, "You know this whole thing about being dishonest with someone... Just sayin'."

He nodded, sighing as the driver exited and moved around to the door to his immediate right and then opened it. "Yeah, sorry about that." He glanced to Nallia at his side and kissed her on the forehead lovingly, then backed. "I got you," he stated, more as a protective guardian than expressing possession. Turning, he stepped out and kept Nallia's hand, helping her follow instead of remaining in the limo and hiding instead.

Taking a deep breath, he moved toward the wide stair flanked by large flowery bushes and manicured greenery, knowing it had been a long time since he had entered these doors. His exit being with a promise that he still had yet to achieve. Living up to a legend wasn't easy at all, he mused as a cool sweat began to build as he reached the landing and continued along a red and gold carpet to the doors which opened, revealing his mother's butler.

"Welcome home, sir," Kalex greeted, bowing lightly to the returning prodigal son and his entourage as everyone followed him into the foyer. Two sweeping staircases of white marble rose up to either side and to the second floor, carpeted in thick red. Centered before them as Syravari led Nallia, sat a large potted plant of purple and yellow flowers whose fragrance filled the high ceilinged room open underneath the second floor balcony to a wide hallway. Large paintings decorated the walls, framed in gold and held individuals of note, all dressed in their finery and each holding at least one blaster of one kind or another. Male and female, his family's portraits watched as the crew of the Grosetto walked in and continued to the hallway beyond as Kalex closed the door and moved to guide.

"How old is this place," Brannoc asked.

"About four hundred and thirty years," Syravari replied, appreciating the distraction. "Originally built by an ancestor on my mother's side, Marten Bays. He was an infamous pirate that helped organize all the various clans into coming to the peace table and working together instead of fighting one another. They had several ships already, so used those to start building a fleet, then more fleets after that. Each head of the family working to get his own, but they figured out that if they didn't work together, someone else was going to eventually walk in here and take this world for themselves, using us as mercenaries instead of us actually being independent."

"That's pretty cool," Tomas nodded, grinning as they moved down the main hallway, lined with marble walls and sporting more large paintings framed in gold. Chandeliers uniformly placed along the ceiling lit up the rich, polished wooden tables sporting various trophies taken in battle over the centuries.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was lost. It was like seeing the sky for the first time with grass under her feet. The feeling of just how small she really was was evident on her face as she glanced around like a rabbit in a cage. The chandeliers, marble edifices and tall portraits reminded her that in relationship to Syra, her own history was full of inbreeding, infighting and nothing of note but the reputation of being one of the swiftest resupply crews in the quadrant.

"Syra... I shouldn't be here. You never mentioned all this..." Nallia's nervousness kept her voice caught in her throat till it was barely a hoarse whisper. Where the others were in awe, she wanted to run full tilt back out the front door and hide in the limo once more. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her hand was so tight in Syravari's that she was almost unable to feel her own fingers as the circulation was strained. She had agreed to this journey back to meet his mother and sisters with the idea that the house would be cozy, the woman waiting on the front step with arms open to squeal and smother the way the girls on the Grosetto had on her safe return from Drifter's.

But now, it was the idea of facing the matriarch of an entire society, gowns that probably cost more than she would ever see in her entire life, with knowledge and manners and everything in such abundance that they would look at her and amuse themselves with thinking how quaint it was that her son had found a pet to please him in the darkness of space.

[Syravari Elik]

As they moved toward the large living room, Syravari heard her voice declare a fear that he never knew existed in Nallia, though had he thought about it more it would only be natural. Instead of trying again to keep her confident, he instead would have to let his mother and sisters do that for him. Grinning at her comment, Kalex soon turned right and stepped into another lavishly appointed room whose window seats looked out over a large yard and distant treeline with mountains far in the background.

Rising, the matriarch of the Buryat clan turned as both of his sisters did the same, eyeing Syravari first as the elder moved toward him. Greying black hair falling down her back, the petite woman dressed in white button-up and black leather pants cast her serious, azure gaze to her son, taking a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Mother, this is Nallia, my girlfriend," Syravari introduced, then began naming all the rest of his crew now watching the scene with interest, the males admiring his sisters. "Everyone, this is my mother, Ileana and my sisters," he pointed to each in turn. "Emily and Selene."

Waves and courtesies were exchanged as the crew of the Grosetto finally got to meet the core of his family.

Ileana's quiet nod to them all soon melted as she hugged Syravari tightly. "Missed you, boy," she said lovingly, then turned to Nallia, touching the brunette on the cheek, her motherly caress and smile then culminated in a big hug. "Great meeting you," she said to Nallia, then backed. "You finally got him to come home after five years," she glanced at the pirate, shaking her head then back to Nallia. "Nice to know that someone in his life has a heart," she smiled. "Welcome to Ord Cestus," she took another step back, keeping Nallia's left hand in her right and eyed Kalex. "See them to their rooms so they can get settled."

"Yes, ma'am," the butler bowed to her, then guided the crew from the room and allowed Syravari and Nallia to visit for a bit.

Emily and Selene approached Syravari, hugging him in turn, both dressed similarly to their mother, though each with their own unique and revealing style. Moving to Nallia, they both hugged her as well, though Ileana seemed to want to keep Nallia's hand in her own.

"Pleasure to meet you, Nallia," both of them greeted, smiling.

[Nallia Oberon]

Not only was the house immaculate, but the three women suddenly in Nallia's vision were as much of a perfection as the manor they found themselves in. Her heart was racing, threatening to pound up her throat and onto the floor. Her hand actually rose to throat as if trying to stop it.

When Syra introduced her, she was forced to drop it as the stately matron hugged her and spoke of the pleasure in meeting her. As the woman thanked her for bringing him home, her reaction was automatic. "It was his choice, Ma'am." The words were soft, almost timid. When the woman kept her hand, Nallia couldn't bring herself to pull it away.

Suddenly the others were being ushered away. The two girls, beautiful, graceful descendants of the woman holding her hand, moved up to hug their brother, then Nallia as well. Her hand still gentle but firm in mother's hand. She managed to murmur responses to them as they greeted her. Her eyes, staring at the floor once more, didn't dare look up. If she pleaded to Syra, she would make him feel bad. If she tried to pull from the woman, she feared insulting her. With Ileana's grip on her hand, surely the woman felt the racing of her heart.

After a moment she managed to lift her eyes and look around. Without meaning to, they suddenly locked onto Syra's mother's face. She couldn't have said if it was fear or confusion or longing that rushed thru her. It seemed to be everything at once. She feared the place, people and power that exuded from everything, even the walls, of this olace Syra called home. She was confused what in her had caused Ileana to desire the prolonged contact. And the longing in her, the smallest of the emotions that swirled, were for a family, estate, happiness that Syra obviously had. Part of her ached for not having had this. And another part of her ached because she felt like a welped half breed among pedigreed perfection. How does one justify the reason to be in a place like this?

The problem was... she couldn't.

[Syravari Elik]

Emily moved to the servant droid and took two glasses of wine from it and carried them back, handing one to Nallia, "Here," she smiled, then handed the other to Syravari. "This is a vintage that one of our wineries makes," the redhead beamed. "Making us a ton on the open market."

Ileana watched Nallia, then glanced to her son momentarily and back. "My boy didn't kidnap you, did he," she asked concernedly.

"Mother," Syravari protested. "You know I wouldn't keep a slave as my girlfriend."

"I know," she nodded, still eyeing Nallia, then motioned for them to walk with her to the long couch and sat down. "Listen, you're part of the family for as long as you two are together. I insist. Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, alright?"

Syravari felt bad all of a sudden, seeing Nallia like this and wondered now if maybe he shouldn't have left her on the Grosetto. He hoped she would be okay once the newness of her surroundings wore off.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia took the offered wine but her eyes were for Syra as he took his. A murmured 'thank you' was all she managed before Ileana spoke up.

Her gaze swung back to the woman and she pulled her hand from the woman's light grasp. "NO! He didn't." She said with more vehemence than she meant. As Syra protested, she went to his side, her body in front of his as she leaned back along his sturdy frame. "I stowed away." She added as if it explained everything.

As his mother motioned to the couch and spoke of her being family as long as she was with Syravari, she bit her lip. How could this woman question her son's honor one second, then welcome Nallia to the family the next. She didn't move towards the couch till Syra moved. It was his lead she would follow while they were here. But the idea of the woman insulting Syra still rankled her. Her protectiveness of her lover surprised even her. But the anger was a good thing. Her timidity was gone and she was almost her fiesty nexu hearted self that Syra had come to know about her.

[Syravari Elik]

Ileana smiled as Nallia joined her on the couch, Emily and Selene claiming their own spots on the couch to Nallia's left. "I was kidding, child. He's learned a lot of great things about how to be a pirate, but he's always had a gentle soul beneath all that rough exterior," she grinned, admiring him once again, then turned back to the brunette. "I'm glad that you got away from that station. His call told me a lot before you arrived and it's good that you didn't end up like your brothers and sisters there. I've even been talking to several other captains and we've been putting together a plan to take that station, maybe even bring some of your siblings here."

Syravari was dumbfounded at that news, though not totally surprised. The station could be a great money maker if run properly. His eyes gravitated to Nallia once again and wondered how she would take that news, though he had a good idea.

Selene piped up, "I've been there. They've got some great facilities."

[Nallia Oberon]

When Syra took a chair and she had no choice but to sit beside Ileana. As the sisters boxed her in, she once more pulled herself tight, the wine glass still mostly full in her hands like a lifeline. Staring across the spanse at Syra, she wanted no more than to be curled up at his side. But the fire in her, the anger that the woman had doubted her son... No, she hadn't doubted him, she had tested Nallia. That made her even more upset.

When she heard the woman knew about the station, about Nallia's 'family' up there, she wasn't sure whether to be upset or not. Looking at Syra, she managed to comment. "They won't come. Most are happy up there." As she talked, she didn't realize she was loosening up a bit, opening up to the woman she rubbed her wrong up till now. Turning to face Ileana she frowned. "If you take them away, they will be lost. I would say maybe send someone up there you trust... but no more than two or three, though. The change has to be subtle." She thought about the others and how much chaos the place was probably in because of the Overseer's death. "I imagine Mhikal is in charge right now, he was the second in command. But he's as much a brute as the rest. There are a couple who are loyal to him, but some aren't. If you go as a customer, check out who follows blindly and who balks a little, you will see your in."

The idea of someone else running the station, of the other kids getting better food, blankets, and even just stopping the whipping, made her almost gush with information. "Keep it simple. Just 'help' out to begin with. Blankets, rations, simple things. Don't give them rich foods like you eat on your ships. Most will get sick from it. We're... they're used to base rations. Sneak the loaders a snack pack or two. Don't be overt. When you move around the station, just drop some used blankets here and there. Ask one of the older girls if they knew who could use some old blankets you don't use. Make sure they are frayed, holes, things like that. If you make the gifts too prominant or lavish, they won't be accepted, just ignored."

Realizing she was babbling, she looked back at Syra then took a sip of the wine. It was light, tasted of fruit and had a wonderful numbing sensation. Realizing where she was, she was careful to only take a few small sips. This wasn't the place to enbarass herself or her lover. But it was enough to keep her from prickling once more as one of the sisters shifted and brushed against her. After a moment, she simply stated, "If you do it right, it's a profitable place." Had she played ball, been his lover, done the things her mom had done to succeed, maybe Nallia would have had a share of those riches. But years ago, it wasn't worth her life. It still wasn't.

[Syravari Elik]

Everyone listened to Nallia as she offered her suggestions about the station and Ileana chuckled, glancing to Syravari. "You've done well," she stated, then turned back to Nallia. "You're a natural at this sort of thing. I'm glad he's found you." Blue eyes moved to Emily and Selene, "See what you can do about arranging these things and we'll have Seamus and his crew go there with the items, then once I have some help from the other captains, we'll make our move and free these people." Impressed, she eyed Nallia, "I'd almost be tempted to have you take over that station, but then that would take you away from my boy, which I know wouldn't go over well."

"No," Syravari piped up. "She's been learning a lot about the business and I have a job coming up soon anyway, so." He also couldn't bear the thought of having her sectors away while he was conducting his own business.

Nodding, his mother glanced back to him and then to Nallia. "That's good. Learn all you can. It takes a while to figure out how to play various people, which ones to bribe and which ones to avoid and just keep your nose clean. Traits of a good pirate aren't learned easily, unless you have a good teacher."

"Syravari's suitable, I guess," Selene joked, smiling.

"I learned from the best," he replied, eyeing his mother.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had relaxed enough to actually blush under the woman's praise. But as she mentioned possibly putting the young girl in charge, Nallia's eyes once more flashed from her to Syra and back. The pleading and fear in them were nearly palpable. Her heart almost exploded till the woman quickly added that she wouldn't because it would take her from Syra. She had barely been able to go back to see her father killed. She wasn't sure she'd survive another visit there. She was actually glad that Syra's paths through space had never brought them back to that station that still ocassionally haunted her nightmares.

As Syra added that he wouldn't allow her to go, either, she relaxed a little. At his mother's insistence that she learn the trade more, she felt confused. She felt a headache coming on. One moment the woman thought she was kidnapped, the next she was rescuing the other. And still the next moment she was telling Nallia to get better at the family business. As Selene made the joke before she departed, Nallia's hackles once more came to bear and she murmured under her breath, "He's a very good teacher." She buried the words in taking another sip of the sweet wine.

Left alone with just Ileana beside her and Syra across from her, the silence once more fell and Nallia wondered if her heart was racing loud enough she figured the matriarch would hear it.

[Syravari Elik]

Rising, Emily and Selene moved to leave, "See you at dinner," they stated to Nallia and smiled.

Leaving the three to talk, Syravari relaxed a bit more as he sipped on the wine, then eyed the crystal goblet. "This is really good," he commented, knowing Nallia would apparently appreciate the diversion. "Which winery made this?"

Ileana reclined in the padded couch as well, "The Vandever family made it. Nice texture, I like it too. They've been making millions with that particular vintage, though his family's been masters at making wine."

He nodded, steel-blue eyes moving back to them. "I saw Colin working on the speeder. He moved in?"

"Your cousin's been a great help keeping all the speeders running." She turned to Nallia, "He was injured during a raid some years back, so gave up the life. He's a great ship's mechanic as well," she motioned to Syravari, "Tried to get him to take Colin on, but they didn't get along as kids, so."

His eyes fell back to the goblet in his hands and he took another sip, letting that past event go for now.

Ileana turned more to face Nallia, "So, tell me about yourself. Beyond the station that you grew up on, of course. Interests? Hobbies?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was grateful they had chosen to ignore her for a bit. When Ileana turned back to Nallia, she took a moment to scoot a bit away so their legs weren't touching anymore. Four on the couch had been cramped. But with just the two of them, she was able to give them both some elbow room. "Not much to tell, I guess." She glanced from Syra to his mom and back to her glass as she shrugged. "I mean, I help on the Grosetto. Cooking, straightening up, things like that. Brannoc has been teaching me about the protocols at some of the other stations so help with replenishments and such." She turned the glass idly in her hands then looked back up at the woman.

"So it's been so long since you saw Syravari. I should let you two have some time together." She was a boring person. No hobbies, no interests beyond her Captain and trying to keep them both out of the hands of kidnappers. She was a little insignificant in comparison to the stately matriarch in her fine clothes and house with probably a million charity gatherings and meetings to help run the city and such. She was betting woman couldn't wait to have her son alone to ask him what he was thinking in taking interest in such a waif when the women of the city would fall at his feet with the snap of her fingers.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was grateful they had chosen to ignore her for a bit. When Ileana turned back to Nallia, she took a moment to scoot a bit away so their legs weren't touching anymore. Four on the couch had been cramped. But with just the two of them, she was able to give them both some elbow room. "Not much to tell, I guess." She glanced from Syra to his mom and back to her glass as she shrugged. "I mean, I help on the Grosetto. Cooking, straightening up, things like that. Brannoc has been teaching me about the protocols at some of the other stations so help with replenishments and such." She turned the glass idly in her hands then looked back up at the woman.

"So it's been so long since you saw Syravari. I should let you two have some time together." She was a boring person. No hobbies, no interests beyond her Captain and trying to keep them both out of the hands of kidnappers. She was a little insignificant in comparison to the stately matriarch in her fine clothes and house with probably a million charity gatherings and meetings to help run the city and such. She was betting woman couldn't wait to have her son alone to ask him what he was thinking in taking interest in such a waif when the women of the city would fall at his feet with the snap of her fingers.

[Syravari Elik]

Blue eyes narrowed slightly at the brush and Syravari had seen that look in his mother's eyes before. She wasn't used to not having someone want to win her favor, though it appeared she had met her match finally, he mused with a grin.

Ileana nodded, then glanced between them. "I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable, but it's just that I've finally met a girl that my son didn't leave behind when he came home and it's been a long time since I've had the chance to be myself. It's not easy for us sometimes, especially when most of those that vow their support are trying to find ways to either win my hand or stab me in the back. This is refreshing, to be honest. Just being a family again," she smiled and leaned forward. "And you are part of this family, like I said." She eyed Syravari for a long moment, "If you wanted, get settled and show her around, then we can get together again for dinner. I have some calls to make, so," she shrugged.

Nodding, Syravari rose and finished off the wine, then set the goblet on the caf table and reached out to take Nallia's hand. "Okay." Once she joined him, he glanced to his mother. "It is good being home."

Smiling warmly, "Good to have you home again. Just wish it was going to be longer than a week."

Grinning, he led Nallia from the large living room and headed back for the foyer and main staircases.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia wasn't schooled like Ileana, her daughters or even Syravari when it came to her emotions and thoughts. When caught off guard, they were plain on her face. "I would never try and stab you in the back!" Once the words left her mouth the red crept up her cheeks swifter than her words had in her throat. As her lover's mother leaned to once more welcome her to the family, she bit her lip and blushed deeper. This woman was out of her league in more ways than one.

The half finished wine glass went to the table beside Syra's and her hand was in his before his mother had finished speaking. "Thank you, Ma'am... I'll send him right back to you." She managed to nod and smile with a bit of grace though she felt like an orphan who had accidentally wandered into a nice home and was being tolerated like a small pet.

--

Once out in the hall and heading for the foyer, Nallia finally found her voice. "Your mother is nice..." she spoke, though it was soft and not with the same conviction as her defense of him moments ago. "I'm sorry if I made a bad impression, Syra." She was half expecting him to walk with her out the back door and into some guest house in the back of the palace where they rest of the crew was already gathered. She imagined Brannoc and Bodil sampling the wine and choosing the ale in the cooler instead. And the girls laughing as they decide where to go in the city for dinner.

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari's brow furrowed as they walked out of the large living room and headed for the stair. "She wasn't accusing you of doing that, she was talking about others wanting advancement the easy way. Since she became queen, you'd be surprised how many captains have tried to undermine her authority. Most of them regretted it later, of course." He had seen many end up in a prison cell or executed for their crimes, some of them he knew personally. The life of a monarch wasn't one that he wanted, though he had a good idea on how things would be done when that day came. Hand in hers, he squeezed it gently, knowing she was feeling like a fish out of water. "Don't worry about it, you're doing fine. Just like I mentioned before, just be yourself," he smiled. "She's doing the same and trying to get to know you by being honest. Trust me, she can't do that with everyone."

Climbing the stair, the padded red carpet feeling comfortable as they rose to the second floor, he soon turned right and continued on to their suite. Opening the dark laquered, wooden door, the large bedroom was very similar to theirs on the Grosetto, except this one had a fireplace and windowseat to the left of it, looking out to the rolling, verdant hills in the distance. Large four post bed, thick rugs and large bathroom, the smells of flowers in the air prompted a smile on his face.

"Mother always loved these roses," he motioned to the multicolored flowers in vases based in gold. "Used to miss them in the winter, then we found a gardener that knew how to build and tend to a greenhouse which could produce a purple rose that actually flourished in the cooler weather."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia held his hand as they went up the stairs, but her grip lessened slightly. She was still as nervous as a nexu in a cage in a viewing room, but she was a bit better without the beautiful ladies doting on her. "I am sorry... I can't even begin to imagine what a position like hers entails."

As she saw the room, she stopped dead and let him continue on without her. "Syra, why didn't you tell me any of ... this...," she barely managed to whisper as her hands rose to encompass the room.

Moving closer to the window to see outside, she shook her head. A small laugh fell from her lips before she actually covered her mouth, her other hand rising to wrap around her ribcage to hug herself as she looked out. "Gods, what you must have thought of me and being scared to even sleep on a bed those first nights on the ship..." Her mind reeled as she realized she was a servant in love with a Prince. How in all the galaxies and nebulas was she ever going to fit in and be worthy of him?

She turned as he spoke of the roses and smiled but her arms were still hugging her torso. "They are beautiful..." she whispered and reached one of her hands to tentatively trace the edges of the petal on one of the closest ones. "I've never seen roses before. Not real one, I mean..." She felt her body begin to relax and she leaned sideways against Syra's frame. "I am so far out of my depth here, Syra. I don't know what to do, what to say or even how to act." She shook her head as she tried to wrap her head around all of this.

[Syravari Elik]

Her giddiness made him chuckle, then move to hug her as she neared him again, caressing the flower's petals. Leaning his head over onto hers, he loved this woman so much, arms wrapped around her torso as he drew her in against him. "Well, later I can show you the greenhouse out back, if you wanted. Have a lot to this place that you'll see at some point." He only wished that these flowers could survive onboard the yacht, but that wasn't possible at this point. They needed sunlight and other things to survive and he didn't have the room for a small greenhouse, anywhere. But, that desire also gave him more reasons to come home more often.

He took in a deep breath and raised his head once more, then craned his neck around to eye her. "There's no set rules about being around my family, and if she's scheduled any big parties or dinners, I'll let you know ahead of time and you and the girls can go shopping for something nice. There's a large mall not far from here and maybe tomorrow we can all go. Take a walk, window shop and maybe hit this nice restaurant that's there. You'll love the food, I have no doubt." Moving around and now facing her, arms around the small of her back. "Just try and think of my mom and sisters as an extended part of the crew, until they become familiar enough." He also knew that Emily and Selene would eventually grab Nallia for a girl's day out at some point, along with the other females in his crew.

[Nallia Oberon]

"I'd like to see that," she managed. Seeing more of the beautiful flowers would certainly be worth all the hassle of the visit.

When he mentioned a big party or dinner, she bit her lip. "You know she will. Her prodigal son is home. She's going to want to show you off." She laughed as he pulled her into his arms. Her hands slid around his waist as she rested her head against his chest. "I am betting there are a ton of fancy princesses and Lord's daughters just pining for your return and it wouldn't surprise me if your mother had a great match set up for you to bind you to some great House or another." She was smiling as she said it, teasing him. But while she teased him, she wondered if it was true. She was content when she thought she was enough for him. Knowing all this...

"Where are the others? I should go tell Bethany I'm not devoured and that I didn't run back to the ship without her." She was smiling once more as she looked up at him.

[Syravari Elik]

He chuckled at the thought as she rested against him. "I'd pity any debutante that wanted to try and take your place," he returned, joking as well. "See those teeth that this fierce nexu has," he could imagine it in fact. "My mother would never try and do that, especially with you here and being introduced as my girlfriend. She knows better." He kissed her on the head, then rested within her long hair, closing his eyes.

"Bethany and the others are probably enjoying their suites, but I"m sure soon they'll be wandering about if you wanted to join them," he mentioned, then recalled that Nallia had suggested sending him back to his mother shortly. He backed, eyeing her again, "You trying to get rid of me already?"

[Nallia Oberon]

For the first time since arriving, Nallia truly laughed. "You're right," she looked up at him with her usual bright smile once more on her face and lighting up her eyes. "I don't want to give you up. I know I should be willing if your mother wished it, but I doubt I would go without a fight." She shook her head and bit her lip. "Though probably only in private."

When he got indignant about her suggesting he should see his mother, she shook her head. "Not get rid of you. But honestly, you haven't been home in how many years? She should get you to herself for a bit. Your sisters went to take care of the station business, so this is a good time for me to see where the others are going to be. I am guessing this is our room?" She looked around at the opulence and sighed. "Guess I should get used to it, huh?" She smiled back up at him. "And if we are going to be having dinner together, I should help Bethany sort the baggage that I'm guessing was picked up when we were."

Without thinking, her hand reached up to run thru his hair as she rose on tip toes to kiss him softly. "If I know I will still be your girl friend even when this visit is over, then I'll be all right. I promise."

[Syravari Elik]

Feeling the adrenaline rush as she kissed him, he didn't want to let her go, but knew that she was right. His mother hadn't seen him in five years so not taking advantage of what little time they were going to have was paramount. He acquiesced, nodding. "Yes, ma'am." Steel-blue eyes scanned the room briefly, "And yes, this is our room, so make yourself at home." He backed, hands sliding down to hers. "Kalex will arrange to have our baggage brought up, so if you wanted to take some time and see what the miscreants are up to, then that's fine," he chuckled, knowing his crew loved that moniker, as if he was their father or something. Though he was the oldest among them.

Hopefully Brannoc wasn't harassing his sisters already.

Leading her to the door, he exited and closed it behind them and stepped out into the main hallway, noting Rihana and Sabrina talking with Bodil near one of their room's entry. Motioning to them, he kissed Nallia again and left her to see to the crew. "I'll be downstairs," he winked, then motioned to the others. "Try and keep them out of trouble, huh?"

Tomas emerged from his room and smirked, "Yeah, good luck with that".

Syravari grinned, pointing at him accusingly, "You too."

Hands up, his pilot backed a step. "I give, man. It's cool."

Heading downstairs, Syravari soon found his mother in her favorite lounge, the game tables and long bar commanding the back half, windows looked out over the back yard and allowed sunlight to brighten the dark woods and expensive furniture. "Hey, ma," he called, grinning.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled as he kissed her and the small usual banter ensued. They truly were a family amongst themselves. It made it a little easier when she was pointed to Bethany's door and gained entry after a simple knock.

The next time Syra saw her would be when he came to fetch her for dinner from one of the rooms the girls were sharing.

[Syravari Elik]

Blue eyes smiled at him as Syravari neared his mother and hugged her again, though this time she didn't let him go as easily. "Missed you," she said quietly. "Been too long," Ileana backed and smacked him on the arm, though he knew she could probably knock him out had she the inclination.

"Yeah, sorry about that," he sighed. "Been trying all this time to get my crew up and trained, then work on getting that fleet that we talked about. It's taking a lot longer than I expected."

She smiled and stepped away, moving to the long sectional and sat down, then patted the cushion beside her. "You think I got mine just overnight," she asked. "It takes time, you know that."

"I know," he sat down and relaxed as she patted him on the thigh.

"I like her," her gaze rose out to the main hallway, then back. "She's a bit timid, but she has a spark in her that's well hidden. Going to have to be careful with her once she gets her bearings. May take a bid for your spot one day," she smiled, joking.

"No doubt," he replied, playing along. "She does have a fierceness to her, but also something else...," his eyes fell to his hands, unsure how much of this subject he wanted to discuss right now.

"You love her," Ileana chuckled lightly, her elegant manner betrayed. "Doesn't take a genius to see it."

Syravari nervously touched her hand, trying his best to play it off. "Maybe, that's it."

She turned to him more directly, "You calling me a liar? It's okay. The spacelanes get lonely after a while and you need something solid in your life for a change. I was actually surprised that you even let Soricia go like you did, but your destiny and hers were always going in different directions. I never said anything because I wanted you to learn that one on your own, as hard as it was to watch."

He acquiesced and soon nodded. "Yeah, I know. Nallia's special, that's for sure. Brannoc's been teaching her how to fight the past few months and she's coming along well. Didn't need to help her find that hate in her for someone she didn't like, that was bred into her long ago, by that idiot that raised her," the mere mention of the man made his heartbeat rise.

"Pointed in the right direction, that's always helpful when the time comes."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia settled down to talk with Bethany and cry on her shoulder. "I'm so out of my league here, Beth," she finally managed to voice.

The older woman smiled and held her tool she got composed again. "It's all right, little one. We were all overwhelmed to find out this side of him. Last time he came home Brannoc as the only one of us with him back then. And even he got left elsewhere while Syravari came home. And it was just a couple days."

Bethany got up and poked her head out the door long enough to holler at the guys to go fetch their bags. Before closing the door she told them to bring Nallia's bag to her room as well. Letting them think whatever they wanted as she closed the door, Bethany smiled and came back to sit beside Nallia on the bed.

"We're all just gonna have to make the best of it, space minx." Bethany smiled and started helping Nallia calm down for dinner.

[Syravari Elik]

*******

Visiting and getting caught up didn't take as long as he thought it would, seeming as if he had never left. Syravari rose and parted with his mother once they hit the foyer, climbing the stair to find Nallia and the rest of the crew, though he knew that Kalex would call everyone to the dining room with the comm station in each suite. He wanted to see her himself. Soon, he heard the girls all joking and having a good time, so he knocked lightly and stepped in.

"Go away," Bethany called out, then glanced to him as he caught the girls all seated on the large bed together. "Oh, my prince," she bowed mockingly. "Forgive me."

"Yeah, yeah," he smiled and stepped into the room, nearing the five females. "Corrupting my princess, are we?"

Sabrina protectively wrapped her arms around Nallia, drawing her close, "Absolutely, sir. She's ours now, but we might let her go for the right price."

"Ah," his brow perked at the suggestion, hands on his hips. "So, how much to free my lady?"

"Oh," Rebecca interjected. "She is free now, but with us. I think dowry's are offered for a woman's hand to marry a noble, right," she eyed the others with her.

"Yeah," Bethany nodded. "So, how much's she worth to you?"

Rihana perched to her knees, "I say he has to fight all of us at the same time, then maybe..."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled as the negotiations for her started. But when Rebecca brought up marriage, Nallia leapt at her. "BECCA!" she hollered in laugher and pounced the woman. "He doesn't need to marry me." She smiled and rose from the bed. "You're going to scare him off."

As the blankets and girls all broke away and untangled, Syra would see his woman in a black and nude colored dress (http://www.shopyourtv.com/2016/05/rosewood-season-1-episode-22-annalises-blacknude-strapless-dress/)with a simple pattern on it. Her hair was pulled up in a messy knot. But the purposefulness of it made it fit her somehow. Almost as if it would have been out of place had it been meticulously neat. Picking up a pair of lace up sandals with a slight heel on them, she stepped towards Syra with a smile. "Besides, I'll just hold him ransom from his senses," she rose up on tip toes and gave him a kiss like she never had in front of the others before. Pulling back for half a second, she whispered. "Bethany thought I should dress for dinner." As her lips pressed his once more, she felt her bravado rise.

The complete transformation from the young timid girl he had dropped off, to the well dressed confident woman before him was blatantly evident. The whole room was silent as the group waited for their boss' reaction.

[Syravari Elik]

Smiling at the banter, Syravari returned the kisses and held her close, then backed as he noted the dress and how she looked. "Gorgeous," he stated appreciatively.

As the girls all rose from the bed and moved around, Bethany smiled at them, sighing. "Looks like we lost out on the dowry then. Oh well." She glanced around to Nallia as the couple turned to leave the room, "Thanks a lot," she grinned.

Slipping on their heels, Sabrina chuckled, "Yeah, was even going to give you a cut."

Syravari opened the door and led them out into the hallway, five well dressed women around him as his eyes fell on Brannoc and Bodil now also exiting their rooms, the lieutenant's eyes admiring the ladies now escorting the captain. "That's just not fair," Brannoc said, deflated.

Rebecca slipped her arm into Syravari's right, opposite Nallia and leaned in, "Well, had you been born a prince and grew up in a palace, things might be different, but.," she shrugged, playfully grinning.

Bodil patted Brannoc on the shoulder and turned to head to the stairs, "Come on, man. Cut your losses."

"Your mom looking to adopt," Brannoc asked, his face appearing serious though Syravari knew better.

"Bit too old," Syravari replied, then shrugged. "Sorry."

Shaking his head as they all headed downstairs. "No luck at all."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed at the ladies for being upset at the lost fake dowry. When Brannoc and Bodil joined them, Nallia smiled. "You girls should join them as well. No point in leaving them moping when we come down to dinner." She smiled at Syra and bent down to slip into her sandals. She let her boy friend get a nice look at her backside as she laced the ribbons up her pale legs to tie just behind her knee at the top of her calf. Standing back up, she rose slightly and kissed him. "Mmmmmm easier to reach now, too."

Now that she was ready, she linked her arm with his and smiled. "Let's go to dinner. I believe I need to create a better impression for your mother."
--
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, a new wave of doubt rolled over Nallia. She faulted slightly and her grip tightened. She had a nice dose of bravado from Bethany, but trying to prove herself worthy of Ileana's approval was something all together different. Her voice was small, barely audible to him but the others were too busy talking to hear it. "I hope I can do this...."

[Syravari Elik]

Entering the grand dining room, Syravari noticed his sisters moving to their traditional seats and eye the large group now walking in with Syravari, his smile at his siblings one of pride and gained grins and a wink in return. He had been accepted by the family since his long absence and as they each walked up to their own chairs, Syravari held out one for Nallia and held it as she scooted in, then claimed the one to her right and sat down. Ileana entered shortly after, the ladies of the house dressed down from earlier and more relaxed it seemed.

His mother's eyes fell on Nallia as she sat down at the head of the table, smiling. "You look lovely, dear. Have to get you to come shopping with us while you're here, help me pick out some new outfits," she stated, smiling as she placed the napkin into her lap. "My daughters are always telling me that I have to progress with the times when it comes to fashion, but sometimes there's just something about more casual outfits, huh? Love being able to relax when I'm at home."

Syravari enjoyed the opening discussion, knowing his mother was doing her best to draw Nallia into the fold and accept her as one of her own. His mood didn't sober until he noticed Colin enter the room and claim a seat on the other side of the table, farther down. A guarded glance cast his way, then averted further acknowledgement as they were all served.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled. "Thank you, ma'am. But Bethany deserves the praise." As the woman invited her to go shopping, she blushed. "Casual I can help you do. But Bethany and Rebecca are better shoppers." A small laugh as she added, "Though I'd be happy to help you pick out a leather jacket or denims if you ever need." She had said it as a joke. Her mind couldn't picture the beautiful woman at the head of the table ever being in denim and t-shirt like Nallia's general attire seemed to be.

The conversation went on till a man walked in that Nallia didn't recognize. It was doubtful anyone else noticed, but it wasn't lost on the young woman as her lover stiffened at her side. Moving to place her napkin in her lap as the others did, she slid her right hand over to rest it on Syra's leg in reassurance. Whoever this was, he was now in her mind as someone to keep away from her boss and lover, if only to keep the stone look of upset off his face. Nallia squeezed Syra's leg in reassurance and smiled up at him hoping to distract his gaze and thought.

[Syravari Elik]

"Actually, I'd like that," Ileana agreed, nodding and began to eat as the servant droids made their rounds with the salad and drinks. The main course would be on its way shortly.

Syravari's eyes diverted back to Nallia as he grinned at her, knowing that look as she had apparently noticed the tension in the room rise, though he forgot about Colin for now and enjoyed the atmosphere. He was here with his family and his best friends as well as the one he had come to love.

Emily chuckled lightly, Colin to her right, eyeing Nallia, "We can all go tomorrow," she motioned with her eyes to the other girls as well as Selene. "Be fun, have a girls day out, let the guys do their thing. Syravari will survive without you a while." She smiled, winking at her brother. "Plus, never know, might even catch a show too. Not sure what's playing right now," she glanced to her sister.

"Have to look," Selene shrugged, taking another bite. "But, would be nice to all get out to the mall tomorrow. Haven't been in a while, myself."

Syravari nodded at the thought, knowing Nallia would have a lot of fun and Bethany and the girls would be with her as well, so no doubt that would help her relax a bit more.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia nodded and smiled as she went back to eating. She'd been to one small shopping plaza on one of the smaller places they had visited over their travels. Before that she'd never been to anything other than the cargo pile of some of the ships they traded with when she was growing up. The idea of a mall frightened the heck out of her. But for Syra and his family, she would endure it. But something told her she wouldn't find much she'd spend creds on. Her inner voice laughed at her that Bethany and Rebecca wouldn't give her a choice.

As Colin eyed her, she decided to look straight at him. It didn't occur to her that the kind and loving reception had been something that had frightened her earlier in the day, but this man checking her out didn't shatter or even rattle her boldness in the slightest. He was the kind of person she was used to... inquisitive, quiet, curious. Had he come and embraced her full on and welcomed her with open arms and a ruffle of her hair, that would have set her off. Odd the kinds of things one was capable of enduring.

She let her eyes scan around the table, as she took another bite, to see how the others were reacting to the late comer.

[Syravari Elik]

Enjoying the meal, they soon relaxed after a light dessert as Ileana soon rose with her flute of wine, "Let's take this to the living room," she suggested, turning from her chair and began to leave the dining room, letting the serving droids tend to the table.

Standing, Syravari moved to wait for Nallia, and noticed Colin now whispering to Emily, his eyes motioning to Syravari and Nallia. Ignoring them, he took her hand and led her from the dining room, the evening sun now fading over the horizon, leaving brilliant reds and golds on the sparse clouds. Would be a nice evening to walk a beach, he mused and knew he would have to take her there before they left Ord Cestus.

Hand to his stomach, Brannoc sighed. "Man, that was good. Surprised you're not as big as a house, Cap."

He grinned at his friend, "Spend enough time running from Sector Rangers, be amazed how fast that wears off." A comment that garnered a few chuckles from his crew.

"Yeah, there's that," Brannoc replied as they moved into the living room and then found that the family's matriarch was continuing out onto the veranda. The cooler, evening air felt good as Syravari gazed out across the large back yard and garden centered just behind the large pool to their far left. More than enough seating, he found a love seat next to his mother and claimed it, leaving the others to find chairs and couches.

Relaxing in the comfortable, thickly padded, small couch, he glanced to Nallia, "Used to come out here as a kid and study star charts, knowing one day I'd be visiting most of those places," he glanced upward. "Out there," he smiled, then looked back at her as everyone else settled in.

[Nallia Oberon]

As they moved outside, Nallia's hand in his, she waited till they were clear of the dining room before whispering, "Who is that? The man talking to Emily?"

She didn't get a chance to get a response as they ended up on the back porch, the evening air felt odd on her bare shoulders and arms. She had never been in anything this revealing before and the newness of it was still amazing her. Even Syra's touch just on her hand seemed to ride all the way up to the back of her neck. She settled beside Syra on the loveseat and laughed as they spoke of food and comfort. "Your place is so large and amazing, Lady Ileana." She laughed slightly, "I can imagine why you choose to stay out of the blackness of space." She glanced up at Syra laughing. "Though I admit, the first time I saw trees and sky, the black vastness of space was all I craved." Shaking her head she blushed remembering the first time they were on a planet after he she had stowed away on his ship. "I had never felt so small or scared in my life." She laughed once more but it shuddered her body. The feeling hadn't really left her. She still preferred the cold cocoon of space, to the open warmth of a planet. But she'd never voice it.

As Syra mentioned the stars, Nallia turned her face up to him with a smile as Emily and the strange man headed onto the porch to join them. "Show me..." she smiled brighter and nodded her head slightly towards the expanse of lawn behind the house. "Take me for a walk?" She knew that Colin's proximity would set Syra on edge. Having no idea who he was or how to chase him off gracefully, all she could think of was to remove her lover from his sight, instead.

[Syravari Elik]

Her initial query wasn't lost on him, but Syravari wanted to enjoy this evening rather than have his cousin ruin it for him.

Ileana smiled warmly at Nallia as the others relaxed and enjoyed the view from beyond the marble railing. Leaning forward a bit, her legs drawn up underneath her, the queen now appeared like every other woman in the galaxy. "To be honest, I love both. There are times when the politics here get so convoluted and frustrating, that I need a break and head out there," she glanced up, then back. "Out there I feel free to do whatever I want. But, here at home is where my family is, so it's hard to leave either." She admired Nallia for a long moment, "If I may make a suggestion, never lose that wonder, or the realization that many things are bigger than we are. Only have family and friends around us to keep things grounded."

Selene, seated to Ileana's left smirked, "Get her waxing philosophical and she never stops".

Syravari enjoyed the light conversation and soon heard Nallia's desire to take a walk, the sunlight now a thin golden hue on the horizon, fading fast. Lights all along the back of the palace as well as sparsely arranged throughout the garden gave more than enough light. He finished off his drink and nodded, then rose. "We'll be back in a bit."

"Okay," Ileana nodded, then continued talking to the crew and got to know them better.

Taking Nallia out to the wide array of flowers and small trees allowed for some privacy and he slowed his pace, now out of earshot of the family and friends on the veranda. "That guy that you referred to is my cousin, Colin," he informed. Taking in the array of scents of the flowers around them, he focused his eyes on them while his mind flashed to past events. "Back in my early years, I was in love with a girl named Soricia. We had a lot of fun together, had many of the same interests," he grinned, glancing to her. "In some ways, she was a bit like you: feisty, strong with a big heart. We talked about forming a crew of our own, but as time went on she ended up joining Colin's crew instead. He never let me forget it either."

[Nallia Oberon]

The young girl laughed slightly as Ileana spoke of heading to space for peace and quiet on occasion. When the matriarch told Nallia to never lose her wonder, she blushed. "Born and raised my whole likfe on a space station." She shook her head. "Wonder is something I think will be the last to go." She laughed once more and was grateful when Syra rose to take up her offer on a walk.

As the talk, laughter and giggles slowly turned into soft murmurs behind them, she relaxed a bit. "Your family is amazing, Syra. You are so lucky." She walked with her hand in his till he started talking. Finding out who Colin was made her feel a bit better. It seemed that the malice between them was his fault. That she could live with. At least she knew, now, that if she had to put him in his place, she wouldn't feel bad.

When he paused and stared at the flowers, though she had the feeling his sight and mind was so much further away, his words about the woman he used to care for hit her like a knife. "She sounds like an amazing woman." Nallia forced a smile as she let her hand slip from his. She moved a few feet away to touch a rose that was the color of the sunset that was swiftly fading. He was right about all the colors. She had no idea flowers came in so many. The scent and the color variation was almost unsteadying. Her mind wouldn't stop thinking of Soricia. With her back to Syra as she wandered a few more feet, she half shrugged to hide her shiver. "You still love her." It was a statement more than a question. The fact that Colin could still bother him made her think it was true. Maybe she could speak to the woman and bring her to the Grosetto. Perhaps helping Syra reunite with his first love would be a nice thing for her to do.

Maybe Colin would take her up on a trade...

[Syravari Elik]

Having Nallia break from him was the first note that he had made a mistake, one that he intended on rectifying quickly. Her query one that he saw coming a mile away. Shaking his head as he stepped toward her, "Of course not. That was a long time ago, and I've moved on," he sighed lightly hoping this wasn't one of those moments that suddenly broke what they had been building. "I never would've told you I loved you had I feelings for someone else. I may be a pirate and a rogue, but I do have some sense of integrity."

Enjoying the flowers and their immediate surroundings faded to the background, a cool rush of nervous adrenaline now chilling his torso and arms.

[Nallia Oberon]

She was glad for her back to him for a moment as she closed her eyes and the breath she didn't realize she had been holding finally exhaled from her. Turning to him, the smile and shine once more on her face and in her eyes, she nodded. "I had to know. Coming here, seeing him.." she nodded back towards Colin. "I didn't think your words to me were false, honest, Syra. I merely worried that seeing him, thinking of her, would draw old feelings back. That's all."

Moving back to him, her arms sliding to his hips, she looked up into his eyes and all the love she had for him was plain and obvious. "I love you, Syravari. I don't want to ever lose you again. And knowing you feel the same, I will fight for you with my last breath." She rose on tip toes to kiss him and smiled. "You are mine, now, Mr. Pirate Prince... and I intend to keep my crown at all costs." She kissed him then like she hadn't since the hallway before dinner. Her body shivering in the cold but she felt nothing but his body against her own.

[Syravari Elik]

Holding her closely, he didn't want to let her go and kissed her in return with all the passion that he could muster. They had both been through a lot during their lives and though his story seemed rather sedate by comparison to the nightmare she had been born in, both had their scars. Some had taken longer to fully heal than he imagined.

He smiled at her statements and promises. "The only one that's going to take that off is you, so never forget that, lady." He felt his emotions roiling again, which seemed typical when they were talking like this, eyes misting. "There'll be nothing and no one that's going to take you from me. Think you've seen a beast before," his brow perked as his head canted to the right slightly. Pushing out a chuckle to stave off tearing up, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Thoughts had been rolling through his mind lately of making their relationship more permanent, but he also fought with himself about that too.

Backing as he turned slightly to the right, he slipped off a bracelet that he had since he was very young and reached down and raised her left arm, then slipped it on her wrist. "My grandmother gave me this when I was nine. She said it brought her good luck, but I knew better than that. I want you to have it, as a promise," he proclaimed, then kissed her hand.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed as Syra said she would keep her crown for a long time. She shook her head. "Just remember, if I get bored, I am sure Brannoc will keep me company." Her words were cut short as the bracelet she had seen him wear every moment since meeting him was in his hands and heading for her own. Her joke about Brannoc went completely out of her mind.

As he slipped the bracelet on, she started to shake her head. "No, Syra... please. Brannoc told me you never take this off. More precious than any cargo the Grosetto ever carried, he said. I..." she bit her lip as her heart raced. Looking up, she smiled to keep her own tears at bay. "Your word is good enough for me, Syra... always has been. You don't have to give me this just to prove you'll always be with me. I know you will, already." It never crossed her mind that he may be giving her a promise of things to come being different than they were now.

She rested her hand on his chest as she looked at it. Biting her lip a moment, she looked back up at him. "It was your grandmother's. Something tells me your mother won't take kindly to a crew member, even one you've called your girl friend, wearing something so precious, love." She had had a chance to read this family of his. Tradition and pride were traits that ran deep in his blood and she saw he got it from his mother. His sisters had it as well. She couldn't imagine the gasp and shock on the poor matriarch's face when she saw some slip of a waif wearing what amounted to a family treasure.

Nallia reached up her free hand to try the clasp. "You should keep this. I don't want your family upset I have it." She was shaking to the point she couldn't remove it. What was with her? She had been kidnapped, left behind, rescued and even managed her own escape once. So why here, in a garden she had never even the experience to dream of, was she a fumbling fool with a man she could bandage after a fight and make passionate love to on a couch in the lounge with no worries of being caught? Give her grease or blood, she was stable as plassteel... but a small trinket of jewelry, the smile of someone else's mother... the kindness of strangers... and she was a wreck who wanted nothing more than to crawl under the fountain beyond the hedges and die of embarrassment.

[Syravari Elik]

He expected her to try and give it back, but he relented, shaking his head. "My mom's going to be glad that I finally made up my mind," he grinned, emotions still raw. "And I know it'll be safe with you, so," he shrugged, still trying his best to keep it together. Instead of arguing, he leaned in and kissed her, long and passionately, hands drawing her into him as he needed her as much. Holding her close once more, Syravari knew things had changed in his life and it was also when he felt the most vulnerable. Exposed. But, with her he didn't care in the least.

Soon, he laid his head against hers, chin resting near her ear. "I've been spending my life, gears running like crazy. Thought to be tough and untouchable was how pirates survive, but my mom and everyone that I grew up around used to laugh at me. They knew that eventually I'd find you," he chuckled lightly, as emotions began roiling again, this time threatening to overwhelm him. Hugging her tightly, he just enjoyed her nearness amid the lush garden.

[Nallia Oberon]

The chill had started to set in, so his body against her was a warmth she desired. But had anyone truly looked, it wasn't the heat of his nearness that warmed her, it was his words and tenderness that heated her to her core. His words were resonating with a part of her she couldn't identify. She had known she was his girl, but the depth of what he was trying to say was still lost on her. Being a wife, or mother, or anything but his lover never crossed her mind. So even now it wasn't at the core of her thoughts.

As she melted into his embrace, she smiled. "Then I shall care for it as you have so you know it's always on me." Another shiver went thru her as she curled her arms around him. "Show me more of the garden, I'm not ready to go in yet." She didn't want everyone to notice the bracelet on her bare arm yet. She wanted to remain just the two of them a moment or two longer, despite the cooling air and deepening darkness.

[Syravari Elik]

Soon he backed, then noticed her shiver a bit, so took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, then with his arm around her, he continued giving her the tour of the garden. The sun now fully gone from sight, he knew the evening's chill was only going to grow colder with the season, but he enjoyed it. A crisp breeze tossed at the flowers and small trees around them, each intentionally placed within the garden. His composure finally regained, he smiled to himself. "My grandfather made this garden for my grandmother before they got married," he informed. "He loved tending to flowers and learning about them," he glanced down to her, chuckling. "Amazing for someone with his reputation. People used to jump in their ships and run when they heard he and his crew were coming," he imagined such a scene as his steel-blues returned to the artistry around them.

"Definitely someone that I learned early to respect as a kid. If I thought my parents weren't around, sometimes I'd try and get away with something and he would lay into me, then tell them so they could do the same." He smiled, glancing to her again. "Didn't take more than once or twice, then I minded them from them on."

[Nallia Oberon]

She smiled in appreciation of a man doing this for his lady. "Perhaps I should see if Bodil can rig me a greenhouse on the Grosetto." She laughed and glanced up at him teasing. "I will raise roses for you and get mad at you every time you take unnecessary risks." She laughed and nudged him as she walked under his arm's embrace.

As he spoke of being punished twice, she smiled. "Tsk, tsk... and here I thought once was sufficient. Perhaps twice is what it takes. I will take it up with Brannoc and Bethany. Perhaps we can make a schedule so none of us are burnt out too fast." She started talking like he wasn't there. "Hmmm... two of us at a time, rotating weekly... that may work. Though perhaps if we are on a run, daily rotation will keep us burning out too fast." She turned and stepped back a bit, walking backwards as she ticked off her fingers. "So Bethany and Bodil... me and Brannoc," she winked teasing him and smiled. "Or perhaps we should all just take it up as a daily thing?" She smiled so brightly her face threatened to crack.

"I like that... I'm gonna go tell them." And she took off at a run. But despite her threat to tell the others, it was further away from the house that her feet took her. Laughter fell back in her wake as she bolted from him.

[Syravari Elik]

The thought of anyone treating him like a kid again was something he didn't expect, though as she continued and tried to run, he took off after her, rounding the rearmost square of arranged flowers bordering a colorful, flowered tree. Reaching out he soon grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up. "Oh no you don't," he laughed. Knowing she was wiry and stronger than she looked, he did his best to keep her from getting away again. "Spanking huh," he whispered in her ear, "Sounds like fun actually."

Chuckling, he enjoyed their time apart from the others and knew he made the right call coming home.

[Nallia Oberon]

A scream of joy, more like a feminine squeal, echoed into the hedges as he swept her up. "SYRA!!" She laughed and let him hold her, her arms reaching around his neck in possession and desire. "Perhaps that's just what I need, to be spanked." She leaned in to kiss him softly on the tip of his nose.

"As much as I wish we could stay here forever, I'm cold, love. We should get back before that scolding begins tonight with a hunting party looking for us." Her hand ran thru his hair softly. "I like your hair like this. I missed you so much, Syra. I can't believe you came back for me." She laughed softly. "You know, I was saving up? I had fully intended to find a way to get a ship and come find you myself." Her laughter as she shook her head, was light and playful. "I'm glad you came back. I can't imagine me trying to flit around the galaxies trying to find you..." she kissed him whispering against his lips, "but I would have..."

[Syravari Elik]

Adrenaline rushing once more, he loved the smell of her as they kissed and talked, though as the moments continued, he knew there was the threat of them making this garden their bed for tonight, even though the chill in the air would threaten that eventually. Caught up in the moment, he smiled at her. "You know I'd tear this galaxy apart to get back to you," he stated seriously, his eyes focused on her own as he prepared to take her back to the palace, and eventually their room. Head canted low against hers, he closed his eyes and loved how they loved. Feelings floating on the wind and outward, nearly engulfing the scents of the flowers and trees around them.

Taking a deep breath, he eventually turned and keeping her close, headed back for the veranda and their friends and his family. Once seeing his sisters and mother, their eyes soon gravitating to the couple, he grinned at them. "Think we're going to turn in early," he informed. "See you guys in the morning."

"Okay," Ileana grinned, nodding. "Sleep well."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was glad to hear him admit he would do anything to get back to her again. She knew that, he'd proved it before. But it was still nice to hear.

As they neared the veranda, she let the length of the coat hide her arms and thusly, the bracelet. Smiling and nodding to everyone as they passed, "Thank you, Ma'am. You all as well." She let Syra lead them up to their room and she moved to remove the jacket and set it over a nearby chair. She noticed her bag had been brought back into her room and was glad. She had forgotten it had originally been in Bethany's room.

Sitting on the small bench at the foot of the bed, she reached down to start untieing the laces to her sandals. "I can see why you are such a formidable force," she laughed, looking up at him sideways. "Your mother is amazing and your sisters aren't spoiled brats. She raised you well. You are lucky." She sat up after the first tie was undone, the lacing falling to twine and pool around her ankle. She lifted her hand to remove the pins holding up her hair. As it cascaded down her back and shoulders, she shook it loose and bent over to work on the other lace. "I can see why you don't come home often. I imagine going back into space is a hard thing afterwards."

Her hair hid her face as she spoke. This place was still too bustling and green and open to give her peace, but she could see the appeal and understand how, having grown up, it would be a comforting place.

[Syravari Elik]

Finally reaching their room, he began undressing, leaving most things in the hamper in the bathroom as she talked. He smiled to himself, "I'm just glad that you were here to meet them. My mom really likes you and I know tomorrow when you go and hang out with them at the mall, you'll have a good time," he stated, nearing the door and initially thought about turning on the shower, but eyed her for a long moment, then moved toward her as she untied her shoes, then knelt before her. Hands on her hips, he moved in and kissed her, helping her undo the rest...

********

After a night of loving her, he carried her into the shower and once they washed one another and dried, he guided her to the king sized, four post bed and lay with her under the comforter and silk sheets. Holding her close, he kissed her on the forehead. "Love you," he whispered, falling asleep with her in his arms.

********

Sunlight brightened the lavishly appointed room, nearly mid-morning and soon awoke Syravari to the muffled sounds out in the hallway, denoting that everyone else was already getting their day started. Though he didn't care as he turned over, facing Nallia. Laying his head on his pillow, he admired her for a long moment, watching her sleep. A beautiful sight that made him smile...

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled as he moved to kneel before her. "I don't know if I'll have a good time," she laughed softly and blushed. "Bethany will probably have to force me to purchase something." She stroked his cheek softly as her own face softened. "For you I would do anything, Syra... even go on a shopping trip with the girls who I know will never let me live it down." She ran her thumb over his beautiful lips as he moved in to kiss her. "I love you, Syravari..." were her final words for the night, though by no means the final sounds to fall from her lips.

__

As they curled up in bed after the shower, her head nestled on his chest as was often their way, she remembered his kiss and his words of love. She dreamt well that night. No nightmares plagued her as she lay in her lover's arms in a haven they felt safe and relaxed in for the first time in nearly a year.

__

She felt the warmth on her bare back where the sheets had fallen leaving her barely covered from his to knee. "Mmmmmm..." she moved slightly like a cat sunning itself as she felt the last remnants of sleep slowly get chased back with the languid waking on a day she knew wasn't going to be plagued with intrigue, espionage and kidnapping. In the middle of the night, the two had untwined from one another's grasp. Rolling over onto her back, she sighed as the sun washed over her body. A moment later, as her senses returned, she felt the stillness of Syra beside her and smiled. "You are watching me, again. Aren't you?" She turned her head to the left to look back at him looking at her. Her right hand rose to brush hair from his forehead. "I guess we both slept really well last night. Didn't we?"

[Syravari Elik]

He chuckled at her comment, noting the sunlight caressing her skin which he also did with his eyes, then moved up to her face as she turned over. "Yes, I did," he nodded, sighing. "Went unconscious afterward and just woke up a few moments ago." Her touch prompted that familiar adrenaline rush once more and he moved his head in closer, watching her. "I really think you're going to have a good time today with my mom and the girls. Just relax and enjoy yourself," he shrugged, still grinning.

Leaning in, he kissed her for a long moment and backed. "Oh yeah... good morning," he chuckled, arm across her back, nose nestled against hers. "Or... thinking I might just kidnap you and keep you here all day."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia's laughter drifted with the motes of sun dappled dust in the air. "Not a chance, Mr. Pirate Prince. I love you, but your mom scares the leather out of me. She wants to go to the mall, I'm not going to be the one to deny her." She laughed and kissed the tip of his nose. "Are you?"

Rolling of her side of the bed, she wiggled her backside at him teasing. "Maybe if you're good and don't kill your cousin while we're gone, I'll kidnap you tomorrow."

Moving to her bag at the foot of the bed she noticed their clothes once more strewn everywhere from their passion the night before. "You're mother's going to think you forgot your manners. We made such a mess last night." Nallia shook her head as she searched for good clothes to go out in. Black form fitting leggings, a deep blue tank top and her black ankle boots were the best she could come up with.

"Lords and Ladies... Bethany is going to remedy my wardrobe, isn't she?" She bit her lip as she looked at Syra with her clothes in her arms, looking lost and slightly frightened at the prospect.

[Syravari Elik]

He watched her as she moved over and sat up, admiring her and smiled at the promise of a later liaison. "Can't promise," he said about Colin, forgetting that he was even in the house now, though kept his mood light and sat up with her, hand roving her shoulder and softly brushing over her long hair. He chuckled at her concern about the day at the mall. "If Bethany and the girls don't my sisters surely will, you can count on that. They love to spend money. Should see their closets."

Letting her get ready, he pushed himself up and headed around the foot of the large bed and continued to the large bathroom, "They do have good taste in fashion though," he grinned, glancing around the door frame, "But, they won't force you into anything, so don't worry." Disappearing, he cleaned up a bit and prepared for the day, as well. "Maid droids will take care of the room and laundry, so don't worry about that either."

[Nallia Oberon]

By the time Syra told her not to worry, Nallia had already picked up their clothes. "I guess we'll unpack this afternoon." The thought of coming back with more clothes was daunting. "Speaking of spending money, tomorrow we can go look for that knife place you told me about. Was thinking I might grab one for Brannoc, too. He is still using the one with the broken tip." She laughed as she absently braided her hair with practiced ease.

"Should probably see about a pistol for me, as well. So you'll quit handing me yours all the time." She laughed lightly coming up to him as he emerged from the bathroom.

"Guess we better quit stalling, huh?" Her hands rose to rest on his chest.

[Syravari Elik]

"Sounds good," he nodded as he finished shaving, then wiped his face and replaced the shaver to the recharger. Turning to her as she entered the bathroom, he grinned and kissed her once more, "Eh," he shrugged, then chuckled. "Yeah, guess so. Eventually my mom'll probably call her crew to come and assault this room, then I'll have to defend you....," he proclaimed dramatically. "Big mess."

Leaning in, he kissed her once more, "Mmm," he moved around her and back into the room to get dressed finally. Opening his suitcase, he began sifting through the variety and finally chose a grey button up and slacks, then pulled on his shoes and tied them, then rose.

Handing her his cred card, "Here. Get whatever you want. Splurge, you've earned it just like everyone else aboard the Grosetto," he kissed her before she could protest, though knew it was coming anyway.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was sitting on the edge of the bed tieing her boots as Syra came out and got dressed. "Guess we better get downstairs before they break the door down, huh?" She laughed and rose up, moving towards him as he held out his cred stick to her. "You realize I have enough creds of my own to manage with, right? I think except for the knife I got at Drifter's, I haven't spent much of anything since joining the crew." She laughed sighing as she took the stick realizing he wouldn't take no for an answer anyway. "I won't spend any of your creds. You know that, right?"

Even with the purchase or two she did have in mind, his own account wouldn't go down at all from it. She slid the small piece into her back pocket and kissed him. “Or perhaps I'll spend it all.” She teased him knowing full well, as he did, that it was a hollow threat.


–
After finally going down and joining everyone for a pleasant breakfast, Nallia's worst fears were recognized. She had hoped the emporium trip had been forgotten, but Bethany, Sabrina and Syra's sisters all started making plans on where to begin their trip and Ileana sent for the vehicle to be readied for them.

With much teasing as Nallia kissed Syravari good bye, the ladies finally abandoned the manor and headed into town on their shopping expedition, leaving the men alone at the table in a whirlwind that would have turned anyone's head.

[Syravari Elik]

Entering the game room, Syravari led his friends from the yacht to a host of various tables and a dart board. Letting them choose, he moved toward the far right and turned on the melodium, choosing a local station which offered a wide variety of music knowing their tastes. Rising, he turned and noticed the bar that commanded the opposite wall and the attending droid awaiting orders, which wouldn't come this early from him. Cues taken up, Brannoc, Bodil and Tomas readied to play billiards as Givon studied the dart board and the variety of games available on it.

Enjoying the morning and afternoon, he knew the girls would be having a good time, not only shopping but also taking in lunch at one of the nicer restaurants there. His mind adrift, thinking on Nallia and how she felt near him the night before, he didn't notice Colin step in and head for the bar, eyeing the crew, then Givon who by this point had gotten pretty good at darts.

"How you think the girls are doing at the mall," Tomas inquired to everyone else.

Brannoc lined up his next shot and grinned, "No doubt spending nearly everything they have, which means we'll be getting back to work real soon."

"They've earned it, let 'em enjoy it," Syravari interjected, then noticed Colin glance at him, then order a whiskey from the droid and wait. Turning his attention back to the game, he appreciated Brannoc's shot and backed as the lieutenant rounded the table for his next one.

"You guys been working together long," Colin finally spoke, gaining everyone's attention.

"Yeah, more than five years for most of us," Tomas replied, nodding.

Smirking, he took the tumbler from the droid and took a long sip, then set it on the polished, wooden surface. "Taken many prizes, or sell them?"

"Sold all of them," Givon informed. "Money's kept us safe with a lot of other things and supplied. Plus some mods that Bodil's installed, some recently."

"Nice," Colin's bottom lip rose in approval, nodding. "You know the goal is to build a fleet eventually, right?"

Syravari took a deep breath, doing his best to keep his tone civil. "That's not everyone's initial goal, especially with the state of the present galaxy."

"Right," Colin smirked. "Forgot you were the more cautious type."

"I prefer, smart," he countered and moved in for his own shot, Brannoc having missed.

"That how your mother see it?"

Biting his tongue, Syravari shot, hitting the ball solid and knocking the target ball into the corner pocket, slamming into the rubber border above before falling into the hole.

"She hasn't had a problem with it yet," Brannoc defended, apparently noticing the tension rise in the room. "Why do you?"

Syravari's gaze rose to his lieutenant, "Brannoc, it's cool. Leave him alone, he's pissed since he lost his ship."

Everyone now watched and waited for the knives or blasters to emerge, but they didn't as Colin glared at him. "Yeah, forgot to mention who else was onboard and didn't get to an escape pod in time?" He rose, eyes now red, finished his drink and stormed out.

A name that went unsaid, but Syravari let it go knowing that was the danger of their lifestyle, though he hated hearing that Soricia was gone. Watching his cousin leave, the pirate captain moved for his next shot, but missed.

"Something we need to know, boss," Tomas inquired quietly.

Shaking his head, "Nah."

[Nallia Oberon]

If Nallia had been overwhelmed before, the emorium knocked the wind out of her. He had never seen such a variety of shops all in one place. No bizarre or market had this many choices without covering several square blocks in an entire market district.


Surprisingly, the women read her well and took it slow. They took the time to walk the three floors of shops before taking a break to get iced drinks and decide of course of attack for shopping.


Whether by design or Fate, everyone broke off in smaller groups till just Ileana and Nallia were left at the small cafe table. They spoke a few moments about mundane things like how well Nallia slept and of the fantastic spread for breakfast that Ileana had provided that morning. Then the decision had to be made.


“So where would you like to go first, dear?” Ileana asked as she handed her empty cup to one of the passing service droids. “You promised to help me find a nice jacket,” she smiled softly. “how about we start there?”


Nallia laughed and followed suit on the cup toss. “You make that sound so simple,” she laughed nervously looking around. “I wouldn't even know where to start.”


Ileana rose and smiled. “I'm familiar... let's go, dear. I think you could use a lesson in letting go of some credits.” She laughed softly and led the way back into the streaming crowd flowing down the corridors.


–
As dinner neared, the luxury vehicle packed with the girls and their purchases pulled into the drive before the small palace. The girls unfolded one by one and with bags in hand, or at least the ones they could carry, and poured into the house in a fit of giggles, laughter and perfume. Nallia trailed behind, a single bag in hand, Ileana at her side with a pleasant smile on her face. As Ileana handed her parcels to the human servant, nudging Nallia to do the same, she pressed her hand to the small of Nallia's back and steered her into the sitting room.


Pushing her into a comfortable chair, she moved to the serving table and poured them both a small glass of something stronger than lemonade. Handing the two fingers of amber liquid to the obviously exhausted and overwhelmed young lady, she sat down opposite her and took a sip. “You did well today, Nallia. I think even the girls will leave you be for a while on the front of cred spending. I am surprised you didn't pick more for yourself, though.”


Nallia took a deep draw from the glass and smiled. “There is very little I need, Lady. Except for a couple new weapons Syravari and I will go find later, I could think of nothing more than perhaps the pair of denims and top I bought,” she nodded in recognition, “at your suggestion. Thank you. I think Syra will like it, very much.”


Ileana smiled, relaxing back into her seat. “Well it was nice to see you enjoy yourself anyway. I will have to tell that son of mine to see that you start finding more things to your own liking.” She winked and took another sip of her drink.


Nallia blushed and finished her drink. She had never touched the credits Syra had given her access to, but she had the feeling he wouldn't be surprised at all by that.

[Syravari Elik]

Eventually hearing the girls return from their day out, Syravari finally relaxed knowing they had enjoyed themselves as well, though as he rose from the chair and headed for the main entrance to the game room, Brannoc touched him on the forearm, gaining his attention. "What's up," Syravari asked.

"Just curious, what was that about earlier with your cousin?"

Sighing, he knew this wasn't going to lie until the air was cleared with his friends. "A girl that I dated way back when joined his crew," he informed. "She was killed recently during one of their raids on a ship that ended up being a decoy. Full of Sector Rangers instead of a crew."

Brannoc's mouth fell open as his pace slowed. "Holy shit, that sucks."

"Yes, it does," Syravari agreed, then continued out into the main hallway, noticing Emily and Selene head upstairs with Bethany and the girls, followed by two droids with their arms full of bags. He grinned, "Looks like I was right, they didn't come back empty handed."

"You thought they would," his lieutenant shifted gears, grinning. "Don't know them as well as I thought you did."

"Hmm," he grinned, though deep down he hated that Colin had lost his crew, knowing how he would feel at the loss of his best friends.

Kalex exited the distant dining room, noticing them approach and turned toward them, "Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, sir."

"Thanks, Kalex," Syravari replied.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia heard Kalex in the hallway behind her just before he came in and offered the same information to Ileana and her. She nodded and rose to put her glass on the serving table once more. Turning around, she nodded to the matriarch. "I should go get changed for dinner." She moved towards the hallway, she saw Syra and her whole face lit up. "Evening, Syra," she nodded politely as if nothing was out of the ordinary. "I'm going up to change for dinner. Are you going to change?" Her smile and eyes were bright as she reached the bottom of the steps just before him.

Moving to keep her distance from him just out of his reach, she smiled like the conversation was simple and innocent. "I have a new shirt I thought I would wear." She felt her grin growing as she started up the stairs backwards watching him approach her. Ever muscle in him moving with purpose and grace that reminded her of some kind of beautiful predator. Watching him move as if he were stalking her... slow and easy... just how she wanted it.

[Syravari Elik]

He smiled as their eyes met, everything else vanishing away as Syravari then followed her upstairs to their room, "You did," he chuckled. "Thanks." Rushing up, he playfully moved to grab her, but came up short and soon noticed the porter droids leaving his sister's rooms before entering his own, Nallia in the lead. Closing the door behind him, he casually continued on toward the settee and noticed the single large bag waiting there.

"So, how'd you enjoy being out with the girls," he inquired, taking a seat next to the black bag. By the smile on her face and lighter mood he could already bet on the answer to that one.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed as she danced out of his way, slipping into the room before the droid brought in her single bag and set it down. She moved to him as he sat down, smiling. "It was all right. Still a bit overwhelming. I think I spent more time wandering in a daze and following your mother around like a lost puppy." She laughed.

She opened the bag and handed him a box. "I bought you something as well. It's a new shirt. But if you don't like the color, or it doesn't fit, your mom said she would take it back for me." She was making the offering, but she was quickly stumbling through the apology as if expecting him to deny it from the outset. She reached in and pulled out the other box, and opened it. "It's meant to match this one (https://www.rotita.com/lace-panel-cold-shoulder-royal-blue-blouse-g189268.html?currency=USD&gclid=CjwKCAiArOnUBRBJEiwAX0rG_bMnSNC0NLkNapBnWFRR RdZ4zgtAzYI7n4ZqvDdZRsy0PBAcc7ZlXBoC0FEQAvD_BwE)." She lifted out the blue off the shoulder dress top and smiled. His own shirt (https://www.sebastiancruzcouture.com/products/s-by-sebastian-navy-blue-dress-shirt?variant=34235973638)was a matching blue and buttoned up the front.

She slipped off her teal tank top and stood in front of him holding her blouse out, as if unsure what to do next. "Now... shall I put it on? Or..." She smiled standing there in jeans and her under garments smiling at him. It never ceased to amaze her how much coming back to him turned her on every time.





(*) Nallia's top

[Syravari Elik]

Opening the box handed to her, he lifted the shirt out and admired the color and style, nodding in approval. "Nice, I like it," he rose and set the box down, then shirt atop it and began taking off the one he was wearing, then noted her mood and that familiar smile. Dropping the shirt on him to the floor, he moved to her, wrapping his arms around her. "Dinner can wait." Smiling, he leaned in and kissed her passionately, feeling the adrenaline rush once more, just like every other time that he had been turned on by just her presence. Hands roving and helping her undress the rest of the way, he knew they might not make it back downstairs until breakfast....

********

Waking early that next morning, the scent of Nallia on and all around him, he slowly and softly caressed her skin realizing how much he needed her in his life. The life of a pirate offered that adrenaline rush that kept him alive until he had met her, though it was a rush that never lasted, nor did the spoils. This was something that never seemed to end, nor did he want it to.

Sunlight barely peeking over the distant horizon, he closed his eyes and just continued to enjoy the closeness and warmth of this woman he had come to love very much.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was pleased that Syra liked the shirt. She had never purchased anything for him and she wouldn't have had his mother not insisted on something for him that matched the one she had gotten for herself. But when he dropped the shirt and came to her, she had the feeling that everyone seeing the purchases would have to work. Her pleasure as her laughter as he swept her up off her feet towards the bed was the last coherent thought in her head.
__

The next morning she awoke in his arms. His gentle touch on her body was a pleasant way to wake up. Sensing him being awake, she softly whispered, "You know this vacation will spoil us, right?" She laughed softly and kissed his chest. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. "We need to do something more than lounge in bed this week. You do know that, right?" A soft laugh shook her slightly against him.

[Syravari Elik]

He chuckled lightly, still holding her. "Yeah, I know. I had every intention of taking you around town and to the beach, so we'll have to do that today, or during the week. Still have a lot of time before we go." He knew that many of those places would be enjoyable, and just having her with him would make each moreso. His head near her own now, he smiled, "You know, this whole thing about us having more private moments loving rather than hitting the high browed parties and all that... your fault. Just saying."

Moving his head around he felt his emotions begin to roil once again, "Gorgeous lady that loves being with me," he smiled. "And that I've come to love, myself. Can't help it."

Though he knew that everyone else would still be asleep as well, he ignored his grumbling stomach and just enjoyed being with Nallia instead.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed. "Well I think it's your fault as well." She smiled and kissed him. Something he said made her bite her lip slightly. "What do you mean, high brow parties? Are there more things I need to consider dressing up for?"

She sat up, crossing her legs, her hand drawing circles and lines on his chest. "If I have to do parties, I want a blade on me I can use to threaten women who try and sneak into your arms, and men who think they can sneak into mine." She laughed once more. "I say we do weapons today, beach tomorrow." The idea of the beach actually terrified her more than a party did. Green grass, trees and endless blue sky was one thing. But the idea of water as far as the eye could see... even saying the final words set her skin crawling.

[Syravari Elik]

Admiring her as she sat beside him, his left arm across her lap, he chuckled thinking of her having to go back to the mall for an elegant dress and heels. "No," he shook his head, grinning. "I was kidding. Mom's the one that usually goes to those and Em and Selene sometimes go with her, but it's not necessary. She can take care of herself, trust me." A variety of events that he had gotten into proving that point more than once.

Her suggestion for the day prompted another nod. "Sure, sounds good. Have a bladesmith in town that you'll love. He makes all types, some weapons I've never even imagined before. He made my grandfather's sword that hangs over the mantle in the living room, in fact. Gave me my first knife that I still keep," he glanced around, forgetting now where it ended up last night. "... Around here somewhere," he chuckled.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia relaxed. "I don't think I could handle anything more formal than dinner, and still keep myself from embarrassing you." She laughed and moved off the bed as he started to look for the blade. "I'm sure it's in the pile of clothes around here somewhere."

Moving off the bed towards the shower, she smiled. "I don't think I need a sword, baby. But if he makes steel that can cut thru cargo netting then gut a pig," she winked as she said pig knowing full well he would know she meant the man not the beast, "then I'll be happy." She leaned down and kissed him before wriggling her backside teasingly at him before heading for the bathroom. "And I'm not ready to miss another meal, either." She laughed as she disappeared from sight.

--

The shower and dressing took longer than usual because of the sidetracked lovers. They were finally ready to head out of their rooms about halfway between breakfast and lunch.

[Syravari Elik]

Enjoying the continued banter, he finally showered and dressed in between the stolen moments, then left the room with her and headed downstairs. Already hearing the comments from his sisters, he grinned as they entered the foyer and then headed toward the dining room. Taking out the knife that he wore, usually hidden beneath his coat or at his back, he showed it to her, it's strong and yet stylish look had always appealed to him. "Willem loves someone to give him ideas about something personalized for them," he mentioned, the sunlight pouring through the open doors and into the hallway shimmering off it's blade. "Hates someone to just come in and say I want a knife, though he does have quite a few on the wall and in the case for sale, so don't worry if you don't have anything unique in mind."

Entering the dining room, he noticed that everyone else must be out on the town or elsewhere in the palace, so chose a smaller table near one of the many tall, bullet shaped windows as he returned the knife to it's sheath. Tapping on the central panel, near the base of a small vase of flowers, he then sat back. "We can go after we eat, if you wanted."

Approaching, the servant droid nodded, "How may I serve you, sir, madam?"

He motioned to Nallia first, then waited for her to order. "Eggs, bacon and glass of juice, thanks."

"Coming right up," the droid replied, then turned and headed for the distant kitchen.

Steel-blue eyes admired her again, the sunlight playing on her long hair and smooth lines. Leaning forward, he took her hand in his own, "I know this has all been a bit much, but I also hope it doesn't scare you," his eyes motioned to their grand surroundings. "At the end of the day, we're no different than anyone else."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed as the teasing comments from his siblings echoed to them as they descended to the ground floor. Once settled at the table and breakfast ordered, she nodded to the blade he put away. "I can think of two things, for myself, anyway. I want a simple one piece, hilt and blade, to stick in my boot when we need discretion. And I want a slightly bigger one in a back holster I can keep under a jacket or shirt." She gave some thought to the pistol she wanted.

As the breakfast was served, she settled in and smiled. "Makes me realize how much I need to learn when it comes to cooking." She blushed and ate some more bacon. "I think lazy and fat is what's gonna happen if we stay here." Her laughter echoed even as she ate.

[Syravari Elik]

He really was rubbing off on her, he mused as he then began eating. Syravari then chuckled as she ate another piece of bacon, "You really haven't gotten to know my mother yet, which is why we're not staying more than a week. Any longer and she'll put us to work." He knew that all too well as his childhood had never been boring. "As a kid, I'd go to school, come home and do homework, then head out with my dad and he'd teach me about taking care of a ship. We have a private hangar at the starport, which is where my mother keeps her freighter," he stated, then took a bite of his eggs and ate.

"That ship's badass. Equipped with all kinds of tricks and weapons, some of those I've tried to adapt to the Grosetto where I could. She's now got it looking like a normal freighter, but you go inside and it's amazing what her engineers have done," he grinned, shaking his head. "I'll take you by there while we're out."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed. "I can't imagine you trying to run a freighter. Anything bigger would need a larger crew. And I can't imagine trying to maintain the cohesiveness and independence if we were any bigger of a crew." She finished eating just before him and watched him eat. "I'd like to see it. But you are right. I don't think I could handle more than a week here." She sighed as if embarrassed.

"This is beautiful, Syra, honest. But I feel like a fish out of water." She laughed nervously. "Just promise me if I start to act strange, you would tug me back in line, please." She smiled at him.

[Syravari Elik]

His brow furrowed, "You do realize you're saying that to a pirate that grew up on a world, full of pirates and smugglers. The only weird things to these people are normal ones," he chuckled, enjoying her innocence. One of the many things that drew him to her in the first place. Something that he wasn't. Shaking his head, he laughed and glanced to her, "I love you."

Soon, they finished their meal and once he was settled enough, he rose and offered his hand, "Ready? We can stop by Willem's shop and then later, if you wanted, see my mother's ship. Whatever strikes our fancy until then."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed when she realized what she had said. "Guess I hadn't considered that." As he shook his head, she playfully slapped his arm. "I love you, too."

As he reached for her to head out, she smiled. "That sounds good to me. Should bring us home in time for dinner. I think another day without joining your mother may land us with more chores sooner than week two." She laughed and shook her head. "Not sure I can handle working in the kitchen here. You're mother would end up going out to dinner."

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari laughed as they exited the dining room, "My mom tastes your cooking along with Beth and the girls, she may kidnap all of you and kick me out," he countered, knowing he wasn't far from the truth. "I can't imagine what our life would be like without you ladies onboard the Grosetto," he thought a moment, then his brow perked. "Actually, I take that back. I can." Leading her back toward the foyer and outside, he moved toward the garage and noticed Colin with several of his friends working on his speeder. His mood softened somewhat and kindof hoped that he could avoid any awkward situation with his cousin that he still hadn't talked to since yesterday.

Making it to a racy, deep blue speeder, he opened the passenger door for Nallia and let her get in, then closed it and moved around the front as Colin called out.

"Syravari," his cousin rose and stepped toward him, rag in his hands.

Turning, the captain sighed lightly, "Hey."

He motioned to the speeder, "Hope you take better care of her than you did Soricia."

Pleasure melting, Syravari wasn't sure he wanted to do this right now. "Mind your own, okay," the veiled warning not well hidden.

Colin offered a wry grin and backed, nodding then went back to his friends and their project.

Opening the door, Syravari slid into the driver's seat and started up the engine, slamming his door closed. Jamming the gear into reverse, he left the drive a bit faster than most would advise....

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed as she slid her arm around her lover's waist. "Poor baby... you'd be stuck with Brannoc's cooking." She then shook her head and gasped in mock surprise, "Or, Temples forbid, your own."

Once outside, his mood settled somewhat and Nallia saw the reason as Colin glanced at their arrival. Despite being set in the speeder and the door closed, she heard the banter from Colin. A growl rose in her throat and she had been about to open her own door when Syra stepped into the speeder and took off like the Lord and Ladies of the Sith Order were barking at his heels. She gasped and bit her lip till they exited the property. Once on the main road, she reached over and lightly touched his arm. Her voice was soft, gentle, like it was when he was at the point of frenzy, "Syra... Syra... please slow down... for me?"

Despite her soft and soothing voice, there was an undertone of fear she still had yet to mask when it was so prevalent in her thoughts. He wasn't paying attention and her own worry was not just an accident, but harming someone innocent because of it.

[Syravari Elik]

It took a long moment before Syravari slowed the speeder knowing the local sheriff loved touring the more expensive neighborhood with all the younger, more hot headed among them throwing caution to the wind and thinking they were invincible. Taking a deep breath he let it out slowly and finally relaxed, letting his foot off of the gas and finally glanced to her. "Sorry." Still aggravated, he turned on the melodium and twisted the knob to lower the volume, the music a rock station that Emily loved and fit his mood right now.

Soon, once they left the large estates and mansions, the middle income suburbs emerged and he finally broke the silence between them. "He lost his ship and Soricia when it blew," he finally revealed. "It's not about me, he's pissed about that." Lips pursed in thought, he nearly missed a stop sign and braked sooner than expected. Looking both ways, he continued on. "He told me yesterday some time before you all got back and it got me thinking," he started, then cut himself off, turning away as he did his best to try and divert his thoughts and feelings, eyes misting.

[Nallia Oberon]

She felt the tension sing under his skin. Had he been one of the fabled shape shifters, she could imagine the animal part of his trying to claw its way to the surface. Instead of prodding him, she let him talk, her hands moving to clasp almost demurely in her lap as he talked.

When he fell silent once more, she spoke to him, but it was again in the soft, soothing voice of before. "Syra... stop at the park... please?" She knew there was one nearby, she recognized where they were from her foray yesterday with the ladies. The park had been something she had commented on.
__
Once there, she let him come open her door and she leaned on the speeder as he paced a moment before her. He had needed to get out from behind the wheel. This was the only place she knew of to let that happen... or rather, make it happen. She remained silent, hands behind her as she rested on them against the vehicle.

[Syravari Elik]

Knowing the neighborhood, he also knew the park and initially thought to play it off and deny the kind gesture, but instead drove toward it and stopped under the shadow of several large trees. Putting the speeder in park, he sat back and sighed, then as she wanted to get out, he did the same and moved around, then once her door was open he took in everything around him. Not hiding his feelings any longer, he quit pacing and moved to her, arms around her and held her close, his head on her shoulder and wept.

Soon, regaining his composure, he cleared his throat and whispered in her ear, "I don't know what I would do without you...," a thought that renewed his emotions, tears streaming.

[Nallia Oberon]

She hadn't expected to do more than maybe clench his fists, rant about Colin or blame himself for Sorcia. But when he came to her and broke down, she held him tight with every once of strength she had physically and emotionally. "Ssshhhhhh....." her voice soothed him as he wept. Her smaller height would have made the sight awkward to most in thought, but in practice, no one would see awkwardness, but love and devotion.

As he whispered his confession about needing her and started to cry once more, she caressed his cheek and smiled. "I'm always here for you, Syravari, My Pirate King...,"she smiled at her new pet name for him, "I will always be here for you." She knew this was something they would explore more later, but it was something he needed to get out now. When she was able to guess the worst was over, she slid her arms around him and nodded to the open expanse behind him. "Walk with me... we can get weapons later. And if we miss dinner again, I'm sure your mother would understand."

She remained leaning on the speeder as he took his time to compose himself. She wanted to take all his pain, but short of making love to him on the speeder, or in the grass right there, distracting him other ways was all she could think to do.

[Syravari Elik]

He pushed out a smile at her, feeling vulnerable in public was something that he never did and he took another deep breath, calming himself. Nodding, he sniffed and turned to walk with her. Wiping his cheeks quickly in case someone else was watching, he strolled through the shadow of the canopy and took in their surroundings. Though a quiet afternoon, everyone else out or at work here in the city, he enjoyed the peace of the park and Nallia. One of those moments he realized how many ways there were to love someone, and not just physically.

Birdsong continued echoing through the boughs overhead and nearby and he just walked, her hand in his. "You know, the crazy thing is, that end is always just one mission away," he finally said, breaking the silence. "That's the life you signed on for," he glanced to her, hoping she wouldn't suddenly leave him. "Sucks, but," he shrugged.

He let that sink in and soon slowed and faced her. "Sure this is what you want? A life with our hair on fire until our number's up?"

[Nallia Oberon]

She was enjoying the atmosphere as well. Despite the fact the openness of the park with its vast canopy of trees still somewhat frightened her, as all time on a planet did to some degree, she was enjoying herself. Ad he spoke of the hazards of their job, she tugged his hand till he stopped. Moving to step in front of him, her hands rose to his chest. "Syra... We've had our hair on fire. I've been kidnapped, you've been kidnapped. We have been separated from one another and rescued one another." She smiled as she let it sink in just how much they had already gone through together. "Do you think if I was scared, I would have left by now? I have the creds, Lords and Ladies know," she laughed because it was a constant teasing point with her and the others. She never spent the creds she earned, even on down time or on things for herself.

"Syra, I am happy to be with you. I love being with you. Had you actually given me the chance to stay on another station after finding me behind that box, I can't say it wouldn't have crossed my mind. But you didn't. You kept me. You showed me how much was out here in the universe." She ran her hands lightly over his chest as she broke eye contact and watched her hands smooth his shirt. "You showed me so much more I can't even begin to describe." She closed her eyes a moment as her own tears threatened.

Looking back up at him, the joy and love on her face would have made it clear to anyone passing by that these two were meant to be together. "My number is already up, Syra. And it's yours. As am I. Hair on fire, bodies on fire, life on the edge of light speed... I don't care as long as you are with me." She wasn't sure how eloquent it was or even, in hindsight, if she had answered his question. She only knew she wouldn't want her life, now, to be any other way.

[Syravari Elik]

Her words made him smile, concern now faded away like exhaust out of engine nacelles and he wrapped his arms around her and knew that they had already been through a lot and survived it all. With not only their love for one another, they had a great crew to rely on. He nodded as she stated that their lives together was for the long haul and he was glad to hear that. More than she would probably ever know. Kissing her passionately, he refrained from taking her right here in the open, on the grass, but was comforted in just this moment. Caressing her, he hugged her tightly wanting nothing more than just to protect her, but she was strong on her own.

Backing, arms still around her, "Come on," he motioned with his head toward the speeder, still opened up. "I already told Willem we would visit shortly after we arrived, so." Right arm around her shoulders, he headed back to the speeder. "You know it's crazy, I've been with the crew well over five years and they've never got me to talk about any of this stuff. They didn't even know about Soricia either." He glanced to Nallia, then back. "Brannoc asked me about her yesterday when Colin brought it up, but."

[Nallia Oberon]

She was glad his fire, though burning as bright as hers, was tempered. She would have probably fallen to the grass lost in his touch and kiss and been mortified afterwards. She was glad he knew that about her and found restraint.

Moving back to the speeder, she laughed. "We better then. Because something tells me if we go back to the house, we could lose another day... or two," she winked and hugged him. As he handed her back into the speeder and mentioned no one knew, she smiled. "I understand it not being common knowledge. But I honestly think you should tell Brannoc. He will have a better understanding of why Colin's remarks raise your hackles." She sighed not wanting to think about it. "And you know with the guys hanging out, he's hearing Colin's side anyway." She waited till he got in his side and closed the door before finishing. "He's your bodyguard and closest friend, Syra. Telling him will help you both." She knew Syra wasn't one to open up. And she treasured what she did know that no one else did. But this was something that, especially while they were here, would affect them all somehow.

[Syravari Elik]

He knew she was right and as they finally both closed their doors on the speeder, he nodded and shifted gears then backed out once more, their short visit to the park a rather pleasant and enlightening one. Driving now toward the smith's shop and home, Syravari's mind was becoming more lucid about a future with Nallia as his queen, a thought that made him smile. "You know, should we ever retire here on Ord Cestus, you may have to get used to everyone calling you Your Highness," he glanced at her, gauging her reaction, smiling. "Just saying."

Driving on, their trip to the modest home on the eastern outskirts of the city greeted them with a large yard, with a two story home in the very center of over a hundred acres. To the right and slightly behind, the smithy's door yawned wide as Syravari drove up and stopped just yards from the shop, next to a newer speeder truck of bright red. "Looks like he bought a new one," Syravari mentioned as he turned off the ignition. "Thought he'd never sell the old brown truck that he had."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed louder. "Your Highness... I definitely couldn't handle that. I have enough trouble when the girls tease me about... other names." She bit her tongue and quickly switched gears. "I will gladly accept Ma'am... but I think that's probably the best I could manage." Bethany and Sabrina were the worst, when it came to teasing. They called her Mrs. Syra and Mrs. Boss all the time. And occasionally Bethany has teased that he was Syra and she was Vari. Two halves of a whole. They had been careful Syra hadn't heard them but it always got a rise out of Nallia and thusly, hadn't ceased.

When they arrived, she smiled. "It's a nice speeder. He has an amazing place here." She added as he turned off the power, the awe in her voice once more evident as it often was when they were planetside.

[Syravari Elik]

Opening his door, Syravari smiled at the wide eyed look, prompting a chuckle. "He's in his seventies now, so may take a bit getting used to," he warned and climbed out of the speeder and closed the door, then moved around to hers, holding it as she climbed out and then closed that one. Moving toward the shop, he heard the familiar metal on metal clanging and soon entered the workshop complete with a forge in the far corner. In the center of it all, a large, old man whose hoary head and long, white beard didn't fit the large arms and chest on the tall man. Beating the metal ingot in his other hand like it stole something, his strength never ceased to amaze Syravari as he stopped and just watched.

Soon, Willem stopped and dropped the piece he was working on into the brine bath and set his hammer down, then glanced to them, sweat glistening around the black apron he wore. "Well, going to stand there or say something," the man bellowed, then approached, laughing. "Come here, boy." Hugging one another, he glanced to Nallia, "And who's this lady you're escorting?"

"Willem, this is Nallia, my girlfriend. Nallia, this is master smith Willem Wolfram."

He wiped his hands and took hers in his bear claw, gently. "I'll refrain from getting some sugar from you, darling. Rather nasty right now," he smiled, several back teeth missing on both sides.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia once more realized how little she knew about the world. Nothing in the room made any sense to her. As the man finished and dropped the metal into the water, she was amazed at the steam that billowed then faded. She let go of Syra so he could get his huge embrace and she felt blush climb her cheeks as he took her tiny hand in hers. "Nice to meet you. Syra speaks highly of you and your skill." She was like a wide eyed child once more. The awe and wonder plain on her face though she refrained from dropping her jaw or gawking out loud. Her eyes darted around the room at various things that her mind couldn't find a purpose for.

[Syravari Elik]

Willem nodded, wiping his hands on a rag in the front pocket of his apron, then motioned to the far right, "Come on, I'll show you around," his deep voice one that held authority without even trying. Glancing at Syravari as they walked toward the distant door, "You still alive I see. Thought your mother was going to skin you alive the moment you walked in the door."

He chuckled, "Nearly," the pirate agreed. "But, maybe she's saving that for later."

"Wouldn't put it past her," the smith agreed, then opened the door and stepped in, leading them to a host of weapons adorning his walls. Large hands opened wide, "Syravari said you were looking for something, so take your pick." Moving over to the small desk to the left corner, he grabbed a water bottle, "You want anything?"

"No, thanks. Just ate before we left, actually."

Nodding, he moved toward them as Syravari followed Nallia, letting her peruse the sets of large swords, axes, warhammers to ornamental pikes and halberds. One large display sported a large collection of knives of every size and metal as well as material for the handle. Pieces of art, every one.

[Nallia Oberon]

She laughed at the smith's surprise at Syra's mother not killing him for his absence. "I think announcing I was his girl friend was either a reprieve or she's wondering how long before I run for the hills." She laughed as the man showed them to the display room. The selection was almost as overwhelming as the forge space, itself. She ignored the bigger things and moved to the smaller knives and daggers.

She smiled and nodded as he offered her the pick of her choice. She picked up a few one by one and felt their balance as Brannoc had taught her. Shoving, stabbing and slicing knives balanced different than picking and throwing ones. Nallia's aim was still horrible so throwing knife was out of the question. Lords knew where it would end up in a fight. Or who it would end up in. She picked up one with a blade the length of her hand, the hilt perfectly sized for it. Wrapping her fingers around it, the leather wrapped handle had a nice grip to it. A few bumps, probably from studs beneath the wrap, would keep it from slipping in her hand if wet with water or body fluids. As she looked and felt each one she was almost meticulous. Brannoc had taught her well, but she wasn't savvy enough to do the checks without being blatantly obvious what she was checking for. "These are beautiful pieces, Mr. Wolfram," he said as she did her mental checklist and narrowed it down to two.

[Syravari Elik]

Watching her test each one that appealed to her, Willem took another long drink, exhaling his pleasure at the cool water now quelling some of that heat he had built up working all morning, Syravari glancing to the older smith and grinning.

"She's a good judge of weapons," Willem nodded, then stepped over toward Nallia, though kept his distance. "I take it you two met during a mission," he inquired, then eyed the one that she seemed to enjoy the most, nodding his approval. "Perfect for your size and build."

Syravari knew that each of these took the master at least a few days to a week to make, the craftsmanship had never ceased to amaze him. "That's his way of saying thank you," he grinned.

[Nallia Oberon]

Her arrival into Syra's Grosetto family was one she didn't really share. So when asked, she half shrugged and hoped Syra would come to her rescue. As he did with his comment, she smiled. "I don't know what to say you're welcome to," she laughed slightly, "but you're welcome." She rolled the blade over in her hand a couple times and nodded. "I like this one."

Reaching into her pocket, she withdrew her credstick and smiled to the smith. "How much for it? It really is beautiful and well made. I see why Syra comes here."

[Syravari Elik]

Backing, Willem noticed the credstick in her hand and grinned, "Put that away," he turned and finished off the water, then tossed the empty bottle into a tall trash bin in the corner. Heading for the shop's entrance, the master smith glanced to them as he prepared to leave the display room.

Syravari watched the older man turn to leave and nodded, smiling at him. "Thank you, sir."

"Don't worry about it. Any friend of yours is one of mine," he grinned at Nallia. "Still don't know how you collared this one, but she apparently doesn't know you that well yet."

Laughing, he glanced at Nallia, "No, she knows me very well and still sticks around."

"Then she's a keeper," Willem's pleased look became more evident as the moments lingered.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled at the gift and nodded her head. "Thank you, Sir." As she turned to follow the men out, she laughed. "Yeah, I know about him. But he knows about me. And since he keeps me around, I figured I'd make his life interesting." She laughed and slipped out her belt far enough to lace on the one she just received. Settling it on the back side of her right hip, she smiled. "Perfect."

As she saw Willem's look she smiled, she shook her head. "I don't understand the big deal. Syra is a wonderful man and our tempers match well," she laughed thinking of her hissy fits and his rages. Both of them equally explosive. "Besides, it's his fault, really..." she winked and let Willem in on a secret. "He taught me to sleep on a bed. If he hadn't he'da been gone of me long ago." She laughed as his expression changed.

[Syravari Elik]

Willem laughed at the joking as they entered the workshop again, then heard the last part and nodded in understanding. He had apparently seen a lot in his time as well. "Beds are great when you get that chance and have an alternative," he nodded, then moved to a stool and sat down, propping his left boot up onto a crossbar.

Syravari motioned to the smith as he eyed Nallia, "Willem and my grandfather were part of the same crew, long ago. That's how I know him so well. Used to listen to their stories when they got home," steel-blue eyes returned to Willem. "He taught me a lot about blade fighting, in fact."

Laughing at the memory, "Long, lanky kid trying to lunge and parry. Should've seen how awkward this guy was," dirty, thick thumb jambed toward Syravari. "But, he learned eventually."

"Tons of bruises and cuts later, yeah."

[Nallia Oberon]

She shook her head and laughed as she settled on the edge of a huge stone block in the forge room. "I slept on the floor the first few nights I was on the ship. I'd slept on deck plating for my whole life so the bed seemed almost daunting. Syra literally picked me up when I was sleeping one night and tucked me into it." She laughed making a joke of it, but it had been a turning point in their relationship.

Hearing Syra talk about his past made her smile. "He's pretty good now, with a blade I mean. Though he has Brannoc teaching me to use one." She laughed. "If you thought he was bad as a child, you should see me at practice sometimes. I wonder if a bantha with a club wouldn't be a better ally." She smiled at Syra and blushed before turning her head the other way to look around the shop.

She couldn't imagine, still, what half the equipment was in there for, but she knew tools when she saw them. "I can't imagine doing the impressive work you do, Mr. Wolfram." She looked back at him hoping the color on her cheeks had faded. "I'm not good with much of anything but numbers, to be honest. I think that and my balance with multiple serving plates to the table at dinner time are about the only useful skills I bring to poor Syra's ship." She laughed but in her gut, it was how she felt. She was no fighter, horrible with a wrench in all but the most basic situations and even her piloting skills weren't suitable for more than open space.

[Syravari Elik]

Willem and Syravari laughed at the self-deprecating comments and the large smith smiled. "I wasn't much use on a ship during my time with his grandfather, other than helping keep an eye on crews and in a fight. But, when someone needed a new weapon, then I could easily step into that one," he glanced around to the shop. "My father taught me a lot and the rest I learned as I went. We all have our parts to play, so I wouldn't sell yourself short. Being good with numbers is also a great talent," he glanced to Syravari, "Everyone knows I suck at that."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed. She did feel better knowing that even in not being a good fighter or pilot, she was useful for something. "I guess so," she responded to his comment of being good with numbers being useful.

They talked for a bit longer and as they were saying their goodbyes, Nallia hugged the man and turned for the speeder to give the two of them a chance to say good bye with her out of earshot. "It was a pleasure. And thank you, again, for the blade, Wolfram." She even kissed his cheek before departing with a smile and a wave.

[Syravari Elik]

Willem watched them leave as Syravari pulled out of the drive and turned around, then headed to the main gate, leaving the home. Grinning, he glanced at her once they got on the main road and started heading back toward the city. "He's a lot of fun, but I sure as hell wouldn't want to meet that man in a dark alley," he chuckled, turning his eyes back to the road, dappled sunlight popping in and out through the covered road. "For seventy, I hope I'm that healthy when I hit that age."

Quiet music playing in the background, he enjoyed the country and was glad they were away from the busier life of being pirates for a while.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia laughed. "Yeah, definitely someone I am guessing can hold his own in more ways than one." She leaned back, fingers twined with his between them, and relaxed. "You mean you aren't seventy now?" She teased him and squeezed his hand laughing.

As they drove around, she enjoyed the scenery and his companionship. "So what else did you want to do while here? Anyone else you wanted or needed to see? If personal, I can wait in the speeder or you can take me home first." He was back on his home planet for the first time in five years. She didn't think there was no one he wanted to see or get in touch with while here.

[Syravari Elik]

Enjoying the ride now, he relaxed, mindlessly caressing her hand with his thumb. "Not really. We can visit mom's ship before we leave, if you're really interested in that, otherwise," he shrugged, looking out at the countryside. "Just drive." He hadn't had this kind of freedom in a while and with the planet being temperate and not just one terrain feature everywhere, the variety was enjoyable. Passing more farms and private estates, tucked back into the woods, he noticed a few things that had changed over the years, some homes having new owners and bringing their own style to the facade or yard.

"Was there anything you wanted to see or do today, before dinner?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia shook her head. "I can't think of anything, to be honest. Never been this long on a planet." She laughed slightly and leaned back in her seat. Watching him glance around and the minute changes in his face as approval or curiosity passed his thoughts, she found she was content to be here with him. But she also knew she couldn't live the rest of her life on a planet. It didn't quite get dark enough or quiet enough, even at night.

"I don't mind seeing her ship before we go." She added, knowing that showing it off would make him happy as well. She'd only been in a few freighters and then only as far as the cargo bays when loading them. Seeing the inside of one was actually a bit intriguing to her.

After a bit more silence, she smiled, her head lolled over to look at him. "You like it here, don't you?" She asked with more in the question than just coming to see his mother. There were memories here for him that she could tell were special in their own ways.

[Syravari Elik]

Almost a bit proud to show off his mother's freighter, he reclined in the seat more, then noticed her eyes on him and the query sent his way made him think a long moment. "Yeah," he nodded, finally replying and glanced to her, the grin genuine. Turning his attention back to the road, "Think it's been one of those places that you can call home, you know? I love the Grosetto and the crew, but this was where I grew up. A lot of memories here."

He felt suddenly a bit sympathetic to Nallia knowing she didn't have that. Being born and raised on a station where she was seen as more of an object rather than a person, still bugged him.

"You know, you can make this yours too, if you wanted. We make enough money, then in time, who knows? Thinking maybe a house near the beach, tucked back in the woods," he stated, the imagery painting a picture in his mind, and he knew the spot already in fact. "Be a nice place to retire, huh?" Steel-blue eyes turned to her again, hoping she could imagine that also.

[Nallia Oberon]

As he nodded and agreed this was home for him, she smiled. But when he offered it to be a place for her as well, she turned to look out the window. "Maybe, someday. I guess." She watched the trees and houses go by. The concept of home for her was completely foreign, like a banquet offered to a waif. The definitions didn't compute in her mind. But the idea of staying here, on the planet, in a place with him, seemed almost terrifying. Though she wasn't sure if it was the retirement or the planet, itself, that scared her.

"A place in the woods sounds nice," she added. The woods would help curb the openness, but the ocean... the concept of that also scared her. It seemed pretty in holos and sounded lovely in novels. But the idea of an expanse the size of the sky with nothing but water... she had no clue if she could handle that too. "Your mom would probably be ecstatic." Nallia smiled and finally looked back at him once she was sure her emotions were under control.

[Syravari Elik]

He grinned, knowing she wasn't that comfortable yet and let it be for now. "It's a future plan, so," he finalized, then moved on. "Right now, we keep doing our thing and keep making money. Got the club and brothel going, so that's making us money, but going to have to keep checking in on them once in a while just to make sure I don't have to fire anyone else." The thought of the crooked manager he had already taken care of rose again, then faded just as fast as he tried his best to enjoy this visit instead.

Being free, he realized was the main thing on their mind and he knew that deep down, he couldn't really retire right now. There was just too much going on and too many more prizes out there, waiting to be taken.

He continued driving, passing into the suburbs once more and soon reached a major intersection, stopping at the red light. "So," he glanced either way. "Right or left?"

[Nallia Oberon]

She took his hand and squeezed as his mention of the last manager, and the fight and death that ensued, crossed his mind. Her soft smile was reassurance that she was fine, and so was he. "Does your mother know about your little business venture, yet?" She smiled and guessed either she did and was proud or didn't and he had no plans to tell her till he was filthy rich. Either was fine with her. She was just glad to be a part of his life.

When he suddenly asked for a direction, she laughed. "I have no idea! Umm... left?" She looked around seeing nothing of difference in either direction so she had no clue.

[Syravari Elik]

"Not yet, no," he shook his head, waiting for the light to turn and then once it did, he turned left and just drove, now heading toward the downtown area. Businesses and shops lined the street on either side, most back off the road, allowing for room to park. "Figured I'd get those running smoothly and making us some credits before bringing that up, though I will mention to Em and Selene that they have a place to stay if they ever need it. Not sure they ever get to Cloud City or not, but never know."

He still had yet to meet their crews, but he was sure most of them were women, taking after their grandmother, on their mother's side.

Traffic slowing them a bit more now, they soon entered the red light district which now reminded him of their private venture. Speeders parked on the side of the road, some picking up girls while others conducted other business, even though the city had a thriving black market of it's own.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia nodded when he said why he hadn't spoken of it yet. "I'm sure she'll be pleasantly surprised to learn when she does." As they entered the district, Nallia laughed. "Leave it to me to find the businesses."

As they watched everyone while passing, a thought occurred to her. "Would you ever consider retiring to Cloud City? I mean... had you ever thought about it?" While the station was larger than some planet continents, it was in the sky, near the stars and if she had to choose, would probably be easier for her to acclimate to if she was leaving space. She didn't tell him that was the reason for asking, but figured he'd guess eventually.

[Syravari Elik]

Her query prompted a grin as he relaxed in the seedier side of town, more memories of things that he had gotten into as a kid and then most of what some of his crew had mentioned about their own misadventures. "To be honest, I never even thought about retiring at all, or that I'd live long enough to," he glanced to her, reached up and caressed her cheek momentarily, then turned his attention back to the road. "Your fault."

With her interest in space stations, he was beginning to realize that regardless of her upbringing, that was apparently where she felt safest. Perhaps being able to see the stars anytime she wanted to, though he also realized that they hadn't spent an evening outside yet. A thought that prompted a detour as he drove down side streets and across main avenues, heading now for the southwestern hills and a particular spot that he knew of.

Before reaching there, he stopped at a restaurant, near to a large resort nestled in the foothills. Parking, he dug out his comlink and called the house.

"Yes, sir," Kalex replied.

"Tell my mother we'll see them in the morning."

"Will do."

"Thanks," he clicked it off and then returned it to his pocket. Opening the door, he climbed out and then after closing it, rounded the front of the vehicle to get hers. "Thought we could eat here and afterward, there's some place I want to show you."

[Nallia Oberon]

She leaned into his caress a moment as she smiled. "So is it my fault you hadn't thought of retiring? You know another mouth to feed and all. Or is it my fault you don't think you'll live long enough to?" Her laughter settling in the vehicle and easing her tension as he suddenly veered off the main thoroughfare and stopped before a beautiful little restaurant. As he tapped the comm off, she laughed once more. "At this rate your mother will keep us a second week just so she can get a chance to visit with you. Tomorrow you should take her out and enjoy the day together. It's been a long time."

When he came around and opened her door, she took his hand getting out. "This is beautiful." She followed him inside and a moment later they were seated with actual menus in their hands. The tables too intimate to allow for inset menu screens.

[Syravari Elik]

He chuckled knowing that was very close to happening, his mother having only spent a couple hours with him so far and none with his sisters. They had been working on making Nallia feel at home, so he could finally give her some space, tomorrow.

Within the restaurant, the large windows looked out over a pristine forest and distant ocean far on the horizon, seen within a horseshoe shaped bay, which he knew was over ten miles away. Ordering for them, he handed the waitress their menus and relaxed, leaning in. "Came here a few times, once with my mom and family, before I left the first time. They have some great desserts," he suggested, knowing they would probably spend some time here before leaving for the final destination.

Scanning the others here, he didn't recognize anyone, though realized that five years could change some people drastically, depending on their lifestyles. Steel-blue eyes returned to Nallia and admired her for a long moment. "What are you thinking?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was looking at the view when she realized he had asked her a question. "Ummm... nothing, I guess." She laughed realizing that a life with him was foremost on her mind lately. "Just thinking how pretty it is here. I keep seeing things I never knew existed and I guess I'm still stunned by it all." She smiled softly realizing that nearly everything he introduced to her made her feel like a child. First discovery could be a daunting thing.

Picking the menu back up, she laughed. "As to dessert, I guess I better save room." She looked at it a moment more than back at him. "I'm glad you'll spend tomorrow with your mom. I'll be all right and probably stay at the house. I am dieing to explore that small hedge maze out back." She laughed, "Though Brannoc may have to come rescue me if I get hopelessly lost." She laughed at the idea of the two of them yelling at one another and musing how upset Syra would be that Brannoc lost his lady in the gardens.

[Syravari Elik]

He smiled imagining her and Brannoc trying to get her free of the hedge maze and though he had negotiated it a number of times, someone that had never done it before may get lost or turned around easily enough. "Nah, you'll figure it out in no time," he mentioned, going through the various items on the menu and soon picking one dish and something to drink. "If Selene can figure it out, anyone can," he joked, chuckling.

Once their meals were ordered, they had some time before their drinks arrived and he couldn't stop admiring her, especially after all they had talked about and been through today.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia ordered her own drink and food and smiled in contentment as she looked out the window at the view. She had been waiting on their drinks when she became aware of Syravari staring at her. A slight blush on her cheeks colored her as she looked at him. "What are you thinking so hard about, Syra?" She propped her elbows on table, arms up and fingers steepled, as she rested her chin on her hands.

It still amazed her how far she had come from that timid girl on the station to the lover of a smuggler and pirate. She doubted anyone else in the galaxy was as lucky as she had been. They had been through so much together, she doubted any other pair of lovers had been through so much together. "What is it? You came out here like you had a purpose. Was it just to bring me to dinner here?"

[Syravari Elik]

He smiled, leaning in, arms crossed and laying atop the table. "That was one reason," he nodded. "I knew it was getting close to dinner time with all the traveling we've done, so. But," steel-blue eyes continued caressing her lines, then moved to her hands. "Beyond that.... you." His mind drifted through a myriad of things that he had learned about her and being a free spirit himself, he wanted her to enjoy that as well.

"You don't need to be afraid of anything or anyone, no more. You're not that frightened girl that I found in the cargo bay," his gaze rose to hers. "You've proven you're so much more than that, given your freedom. And you are free." He motioned to the entrance way, "You could walk right out of here, right now," he began, then returned his eyes to her. "Jump in the speeder and go wherever you wanted." He smiled, watching her for a long moment. "Scary, huh?"

[Nallia Oberon]

His eyes caressed her and it might as well have been his hands, so intense was his gaze. And as he said it was her that had him staring, Nallia blushed to her toes. "I'm glad we have the same train of thought." She laughed as she realized she had been thinking of him as well.

As he stated how free she was, the thought was daunting. The idea that right here, right now, if she chose it... she could walk away, find a quiet place in space and never worry about the magnificence of a planet threatening to blow her apart by removing her self contained shields. Yet, here she sat. "I don't want to go anywhere if you aren't there." She smiled and shook her head. "You are what made me strong, Syra. Standing over me in that cargo hold, telling me you weren't going to take me back... you weren't going to sell me... and you weren't going to slave me." She shuddered without realizing it as she realized, now, how badly her little escapade toe scape could have turned out.

Reaching her hand out to Syra, she ran her fingers over his. "I may be free, but only because I am with you. Whether it's in a ship in space, a luxurious apartment on Cloud City or a cabin in the woods by the sea, here... if I am with you, then that's the only freedom I desire."

[Syravari Elik]

Raising her hand to his mouth, he kissed her fingers and then winked. "Just wanting to make sure we're on the same page," he grinned and lowered their hands again to the table, noticing as the waitress brought their drinks and set them on the table next to them. "Thanks," he glanced to her momentarily, then back.

"Meals should be on their way soon," the dark haired girl mentioned, then walked away, smiling at them before she turned her attention to other patrons.

The mere mention of food made his stomach grumble a bit, prompting a grin. "Didn't realize we missed lunch," he chuckled. "Forgot, I guess. Sorry about that."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia watched the woman walk away and laughed softly, "I'm thinking our relationship is a bit obvious," she smiled. "What do you think?"

As he apologized for missing lunch, she shook her head and took her drink to take a sip. "It's all right. I don't think either of us were worried about lunch." She winked teasing, "I know I wasn't."

After a few moments, she leaned back once more and smiled. "So tell me, what do you have on your sneaky little pirate mind for the rest of the evening?" She grinned and leaned forward, arms crossed on the table, as she smiled with the seductive look that he had brought out in her.

[Syravari Elik]

Forefinger to his lips, he then lowered it and smiled. "Secret," he winked and then took a sip of his tea, then set the glass back down. Sating the grumbling stomach for a short while, he hoped, before their meals arrived. He had gone for some time before eating before, just not lately. "I think you'll like it though."

Soon after, their meals arrived and Syravari wasn't bashful about digging in, though he didn't make a mess at least. The steak and sides definitely hitting the spot, he knew this was a great idea. "Forgot how good their food was," he mentioned between bites, then motioned toward her own dish. "How is it?"

[Nallia Oberon]

As Syra shushed her and mentioned a secret, she laughed shaking her head. "Pirates and their secrets." She laughed and sat back as the food was delivered. "I'm sure I will."

As food came and they dug in, her laughter rose once more as his eye rolling and moans of pleasure echoed over the table. "Apparently not as good as yours," she laughed and shook her head and rolled her eyes. "But it was a good choice indeed." She set to her own meal and they passed it pleasantly talking of other places that were good for eating. She didn't know half the places he mentioned, or rather... most of the places he mentioned. Something told her that as they spoke, his mind was working on a way to remedy that.

As they finished and the dessert menus were set before them, she smiled. "Soooo... dessert recommendations?" She grinned at him with her usual suggestive look. He had brought out a side of her that she was growing accustomed to. The side that looked at him and wanted nothing more than to be buried in sheets and pillows and leave the rest of the galaxy behind.

[Syravari Elik]

After the waitress had taken their plates, he leaned in and heard the query and was about to suggest something, but then recognized the look in her eyes and realized quickly that wasn't what she had in mind. Perfect, he thought with a grin, finishing off his tea and setting the glass back onto the table. Winking at her, he motioned for the waitress to return, which she soon did.

"Check please."

"Of course," she nodded, turned and headed for the counter, leaving them.

Glancing back at her, the thought of being alone with her again was more than enough to spark him into action, wanting now to get her to the secret place even that much faster. "May have to hit the refresher before we go, may be a short trip to that dessert you're wanting," he smirked, then noticed the waitress returning with their bill. Taking it, he dug out his cred stick and paid for their meal and then stood.

"Have a nice night," she smiled at them, then turned to leave.

"Plan on it, thanks." Reaching out for her hand once they were back together again, he led her toward the entrance and back out into the clean country air.

[Nallia Oberon]

She laughed as he asked for the check and took his hint for the refresher.

Coming out and taking his hand she shook her head smiling. "Tsk tsk... you know that poor waitress wanted to take you home, right?" She laughed as he handed her into the speeder and soon they were speeding off. As the scenery sped by, she realized they were heading away from the mansion and not towards it. After a few more turns she glanced at him. "Ok, I give..." she laughed and turned, half facing him. "Where are we going, Syra?"

[Syravari Elik]

He grinned, eyeing her at the insinuation of being with someone else, "Well, have to ask my girlfriend about that, but pretty sure on her answer," he chuckled, knowing he would protest just as quickly had things been reversed. Even those onboard the Grosetto knew they were together and not into sharing.

Once inside the speeder, he drove west and into the hills, negotiating a two-lane road that hugged the side of the high ridgeline, soon recognizing the terrain and landmarks. Turning left, through a small gate that opened as he tapped on a button on his comlink, entering the code, he smiled as she asked where they were headed. "You'll see... in just a second." Rounding the long, winding drive, the large cabin soon emerged through the trees and moonlight, brightened by two glowlamps perched to either side of the garage. Stopping before it, he turned off the ignition and opened the door, then stepped out. Rounding the hood, he then offered his hand and closed her door once she was outside. Moving toward the back side of the two story, wooden and stone home, he unlocked the door and motioned for her to lead. Within, the clean interior, polished wooden floors and rustic feel welcomed the pirate. It had been a long time since he had been here, he mused as he locked the door behind them. Walking in, passing the lone staircase to their right, he moved with Nallia into the large living room, the outside wall commanded by a large fireplace and flanked by two large windows overlooking the rolling valley below and distant ocean. Thickly padded furniture and large fur rug before the fireplace greeted them, kitchen on the left and small dinette set nestled within a windowed alcove reminded Syravari of breakfasts with his family, long ago. Outside, a long porch fronted the living room, a hot tub to the far right corner, barely seen from where they were standing.

To their right, a refresher underneath the stair, a den beyond.

Moving to the fireplace, he began stacking wood and then kindling underneath, then lit it. "This was once owned by my father," he began, turning to her as the spark soon rose, brightening the room somewhat. "He built it before he and my mom married," he informed and walked toward her. "Kind of became our escape on long weekends," he grinned.

[Nallia Oberon]

As Syra made the comment about his girlfriend being the deciding factor on the waitress joining him, Nallia laughed. "I should have said yes just to give you a heart attack." Shaking her head she added, "But you are right... I don't think she'd approve."

Nallia leaned back in the seat, her left hand cradled in his right as they went on. When he let go to take the wheel so he could lean out to tap the code on the gated entrance, she sat up with a bit more curiosity. "Syra....?" Her soft query as they pulled in the drive was answered as the beautiful log cabin came into view. "Lords and Ladies," she exclaimed as he heled her from the speeder and took her inside. She was in awe of the sheer size, having thought when he said cabin, he meant a small two or three room shack on the edge of where the woods met the beach.

She glanced from room to room as they wandered thru and when he moved to the fireplace, she settled back on the couch and watched him. A place like this, quiet and secluded, would be a place where time could be forgotten for them. "It's a beautiful place, love... I can imagine you and your sisters running around here when you were little." She raised her hand to draw him down to sit beside her. As he did, she draw her feet up and leaned against him. "I could get lost here with you, Syra... soooo easily." She closed her eyes and relaxed against him as the warmth began to permeate the room.

[Syravari Elik]

Slipping off his shoes, Syravari placed them to the side of a small table flanking the long couch and then moved in beside her, grinning. "We used to run all over these woods, playing," he admitted, left arm around her shoulders. "Usually Em was the one hiding from us and trying to get us to find her, or laying in ambush. One time she ended up getting stuck in some brambles and it took us some time to get her out," he revealed with a light chuckle, "Needless to say.." His affections for his sisters obvious, he eyed Nallia for a long moment.

"A lot of things changed when I left here, formed my own crew and eventually ran into this beautiful, spunky, brunette," he smiled, forefinger moving an errant strand of hair from her face. "Never the same again after that." He leaned in for a kiss, whispering. "Your fault."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia used her left hand to unlace her boots, kicking them off with less precision and letting them fall on the floor in front of the couch, she curled up once more into Syra's embrace on her right. As he spoke of games with the girls, she laughed. "I am sure you were quite the handful back then. That hasn't changed either."

As he moved to kiss her, his whispered words made her smile. "MMmmmm I'm glad. Would hate for it to be someone else's fault..." She moved into the kiss and once more they were lost to one another.

--
She sighed and looked over at her lover. Laying on the floor, blanket from the couch partially over them, the fire softly lighting the room, she was in heaven. "It may be my fault things changed, but it's your fault I don't have to go shopping for clothes." She laughed as she nodded to the scattered shirts and pants around them on the floor. "I know you left word we wouldn't be home for dinner. But do you think your mom would space me if I asked if we could stay here for the night?" The quiet of the cabin was different from the hum of the mansion. There were serving droids, servants, people and outside noise that meant the huge estate never seemed to quiet down.

As she closed her eyes in contentment, she shifted her position slightly till her head rested on his chest, one hand resting below her cheek. "If you aren't careful, you may spoil me enough I'll want to stay on the planet." She laughed softly doubting it would happen, but the idea of him trying was pleasing her immensely.

[Syravari Elik]

Loving every moment, he lay in the afterglow feeling her heartbeat and how she felt against him. The crackle of the fireplace adding more ambiance to the large main room as they talked. He smiled at her initial comment and knew that his mother and sisters would keep her busy when they could. Getting to know the girl that he had not only invited into his own life, but into his family as well, it was only natural.

"I told Kalex that we'd see them tomorrow," he informed, unsure if she had heard that or not. Arms around her, he closed his eyes as she was enjoying the cabin as well, which helped him relax even more. "So, no spacing," he chuckled. "You can relax and sleep in in the morning, so." He mused on even cleaning up and sitting in the hot tub at some point after breakfast. Too late now, he mused.

"Just us, here."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia smiled and even gave a slight laugh. "I like sleeping in. Especially when there's a job waiting for us once we leave here." She closed her eyes once more and sighed into his embrace. As she slowly drifted off to sleep once more, her soft voice whispered into the night, "I can imagine a future with you..."

**
As the sun rose and colored the outside world around them, the light, muted from the trees, fell on the two bodies now spooned together on the floor. The fire had long ago died, but the warmth of the place held. Nallia's back was pressed against Syra's chest as she slowly inhaled and exhaled with a relaxed pace he hadn't felt from her since their first night together. Her arm had pulled his close over her and she was effectively pinned against him.

[Syravari Elik]

Waking to the distant, muffled sounds of birdsong, Syravari felt at home, right here and knew that day when he may think seriously about retiring and settling down may come sooner than he imagined. Drawing his hand closer to her, he kissed Nallia softly on the head, then shoulder, enjoying once more her scent and the warmth of her touch. He knew she had mentioned something about a future with him and that thought sparked even more serious thoughts about a future. Even though everyone had told him to forget that when he was young.

"Worry about settling down and having kids when you can't reave anymore," they said.

Growing up in a mentality of piracy and smuggling declared that you not give in until you had more than your share of the wealth that was floating out there, everyday. That had been his plan when he left home, the first time, but things were changing.

[Nallia Oberon]

"Mmmmm..." Nallia squirmed and stretched slightly in his embrace. "Morning, lover..." She half whispered as she lifted his hand to her lips. Rolling her head back slightly, she laughed. "Guess I got you sleeping on the floor, after all, huh?" She laughed softly and rolled over to face him, both hands pressed to his chest.

"So what did you have planned for today? And is there a chance of a shower before that?" She made a face and kissed the tip of his nose.

[Syravari Elik]

He grinned, knowing if they kept this up they may never leave Ord Cestus and kissed her in return. "Maybe." Taking in a deep breath, he admired her for a long moment, his right arm across her abdomen, hand at her side. "Morning."

Enjoying her smile and touch, the pirate captain closed his eyes for a moment. "Actually enjoying this fur rug. Hadn't slept on it in so long," he eyed it for a moment. "Unless this is a new one. They change things in the house all the time, so it's hard to keep track." Back to her grin and smooth lines, he knew they would have to get up at some point, though there was no rush. "I know you wanted to chase me off and spend time with my mom and sisters. What did you have in mind? The crew'll be around, probably looking to hit the casino, maybe the beach. Who knows?"

Perching his head up upon his left hand, faint sunlight peeking over the couch, muted by the long, thin windows flanking the front door, his eyes caressed her curves.

[Nallia Oberon]

She smiled as he mentioned the rug. "Maybe we should see about one for our room, eh?" She hadn't slept in her own room since he had come back for her. Her things were slowly migrating to his own room as well, but some of her clothes and the couple personal possessions she had still had a place in the small sleeping chamber on the Grosetto that she never used anymore.

As he joked about her about him spending time with his mom, she smiled. "You know you need to. She'll kill us and since she had connections, I can see us having trouble taking off if you don't at least spend one full day with her." She laughed at the idea that the entire port would know he hadn't spent time with his mother cause she was in the port authority's office making sure the Grosetto never saw space again. "But since you are giving me a choice..." she laughed and moved closer, "I say tomorrow is the day you spend with her. Let's spend the rest of the day here, and head home for dinner. Is that all right?" She knew she was being selfish and her face showed it. There were worry lines around her forehead as she feared her own desire to not let him from her sight after last was more prominent on her mind than before.

[Syravari Elik]

Knowing the store they had bought most of the furniture and other items for the getaway, he nodded about getting a rug for their room on the ship. A nice addition to the already plush master bedroom that they enjoyed. And truth be told, he loved it even more now that Nallia was with him.

Her suggestion about spending the day here made him smile as he leaned in, drawing her closer with his right arm, "Hmm, like that even better," he kissed her and made it last as long as he could. The morning eventually becoming the afternoon, not only in the living room, but large bathroom and eventually resting in the hot tub after a late meal.

Sunlight poured through the opening in the trees, brightening the sloping yard which fell away from the home, rolling down into the distant valley which soon ended in the bay on the horizon. Mountains angling outward in the southwest and northwest, the picturesque view was stunning. Relaxing in the warmth of the tub, soothing his muscles, Syravari eventually glanced over to Nallia. "I know you weren't ready for all this," he began, left hand caressing her shoulder. "But, if anyone in the galaxy deserved this, it'd be you." His face serious, the pirate was finally verbalizing many of the things that he had thought since they had met. "No one's ever going to take any of this from you, unless you give it away. Me, the crew, the Grosetto. It's all a part of you now, as you are of it. So," he moved closer to her and kissed her softly on the lips.

"Get used to it."

[Nallia Oberon]

The day had been amazing. The cabin was one of the most incredible places she had ever seen. She had no idea opulence didn't have to be choking. As Syra smiled and touched her shoulder, Nallia leaned her head down to nuzzle her cheek on his knuckles. "No, I wasn't ready for all this." She sighed and moved over till her hips were against his. "But this is who you are. And I want to know all about you, Syra." Her hand rose to caress his cheek. "No, I'm not used to this... and yes, I'm a little overwhelmed. But you know where I came from, my past, and you still accept me." She smiled softly and kissed his shoulder. "I want to know you..."

She knew it was a lot, being his girl friend. But if she ran, she knew she'd never come back. Scared and overwhelmed as she was, she wanted to learn where in his world she could fit.

[Syravari Elik]

Enjoying her body against his again, he listened to her and knew that the life that he had introduced the servant to had probably been something that she probably only dreamt about in the late hours, alone. He had sold many and never given any thought to them at all, but it seemed that now, having this avenue into that side of life things had definitely changed. Left arm on hers, he never wanted this vacation to end now.

Her statement prompted him to cant his head slightly to the right, eyeing her more directly. "Ask away," he offered. They had shared nearly everything else, so why not?

[Nallia Oberon]

Ask away...

The words offered up his entire self to her discovery. The trouble was, she didn't know what to ask. "I can't think of what to ask. I was meaning that this," she nodded back to encompass everything around them, "this tells me about you. And I love every bit of it that makes you who you are. That makes you mine." She wasn't sure where the words were coming from. She only knew, at this moment, there was nothing on his mind but him and their future together.

Her kiss, soft and gentle, turned hot and passionate and once more they lost time as flesh, water, and passion fused together to cause the remainder of the day to be blissfully lost.

[Syravari Elik]

Enjoying the rest of the afternoon, in her arms, Syravari lost himself in the passion they were sharing. Moments with her, like so many others, that made him forget about the world and everything else. Troubles gone, he knew that everything that they had shared to this point was only going to be the beginning. A foundation laid to build on later.

Nearly pruned by this point, he stepped out with Nallia and dried her off, then wrapped her up as they moved back inside. Having no one else to cook for them out here, he would have to find out what was actually available, he mused as he wrapped his towel around his waist and headed into the kitchen. "Have to find out what's been stocked," he stated and opened the refridgeration unit, then freezer and noted several types of meat and other things to make a salad, as well as condiments and wine. "Got plenty, actually," he informed and then eyed the pantry. "Anything in there that looks appealing?"

The afternoon sun now dipping into the horizon, they would have several hours before nightfall, so plenty of time to relax and continue to enjoy the cabin and one another.

[Nallia Oberon]

Out of the water and wrapped in robes in the house, Nallia say on one of the stools and began to dry her hair. "Honestly I have no idea." She laughed and told him to fix whatever he wanted.

As he started pulling things from the various locations, she hummed softly. After a while, she finally spoke up. "The woman... The one Colin spoke of. Tell me about her. What was she like?" Part of her asked because he needed the release. Party of her wanted to know because he'd loved her. Nallia wanted to know why, so maybe she could become better for him.

As soon as she asked, she but her lip and held her breath. Had he looked at her, he's see a disheveled haired young woman looking at him with as much compassion as her eyes could hold. He also know women enough that he hear, and sense, not just curiosity, but a time of jealousy for the departed woman he still wept for.

[Syravari Elik]

Two thick pieces of local fish now on the small grill, Syravari began dumping rice into a pot of water and glanced to Nallia as she asked the question about Soricia which sobered the mood somewhat and he grinned it off. Taking in a deep breath as the rice began simmering in the boiling water, he tossed the bag into the trash underneath, then straightened again. "We had grown up together, actually. Those large groups of kids at school that all had influential families, trying to be normal," he chuckled lightly, glancing to the fish then leaned on the island's marble top, hands clasped together. "As normal as we could be, anyway. Colin, my cousin, always wanted to date her, but she had this thing for me instead, so that's probably where it started for he and I. He was the sports fanatic while I was into running a small gang, learning the ropes from my uncles and older cousins who were already part of a crew."

Blue eyes drifted to Nallia's hands at the memories flooding back. "She talked about us plying the spacelanes, but her as the captain. Problem was, she didn't have the fighter spirit in her at all, even though she was strong willed. As the years went on, I knew she couldn't survive out there, away from her clique, so when I was offered a spot with a crew, I left her here. Colin seized that opportunity and took her on with him instead." Hearing the sizzling of the fish, he rose and moved to the grill, then flipped both pieces and set the spatula down once more. "They got caught in an ambush by Sector Rangers and she apparently didn't make it," he stated flatly, then eyed Nallia again. "Colin blames me for that when it was his command and crew. Idiot ignored reports that had been sent to him, thinking he could come back with a story of glory and instead, returned with only two of his men and no ship."

Shaking his head, Syravari began making up the salad, disgust on his face.

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[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia bit her lip as he spoke. "Colin blames you because she wasn't with you." The realization made her want to go punch pretty Colin in his pretty face. Realizing her rising rage, she tempered it down and looked back at Syra. "I'm sorry, Syra... really I am."

She reached over and took his hands in hers. Seeing them together like that, she realized how small she was compared to him. Not just in size, but everything. She had limited knowledge of the universe, little understanding of this life she was part of, and even little knowledge of the man she had wholly and fully fallen in love with. She looked up into his eyes and shook her head. "That why you didn't drop me at the first place you could airlock to?" She slowly pulled her hands back as ice trickled down her spine in uncertainty. "Was it because you felt responsible for me?" She loved him, he loved her, and she knew it all. But right now, in that blink of a moment between them, she had a doubt larger than any space station she had ever seen.

Was he keeping her around because he feared her going elsewhere and dieing? Was that why she was here, with him now, in this place? "Your chance to make up for it?" The words had been on her mind. But Nallia didn't realize she had half whispered them out loud. Tears welled in the corner of her eyes as she looked at him. The tears were for the pain he had gone thru; for the rage she felt at Colin for making her think Syra had been at fault. and guilting Syra all these years; and for the doubt that seemed in like a Sith's light saber to silently shred her soul.

[Syravari Elik]

His hands in hers now, Syravari listened to her fears and rounded the island, then knelt before her and laid their hands in her lap. Part of what she suggested was true, he guessed now that it was stated aloud, though the tears welling in her beautiful eyes urged a rise in adrenaline, hating to see her upset. "I kept you with us because at first, I saw someone that needed to be saved from a horrible situation," he began, his voice determined. "The more I learned, the happier I was that I'd made that decision. As time went on, I...," he grinned away the emotion now roiling through his mind and heart, vision blurring with tears of his own.

Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath and pushed it out finally. "... I fell in love with you." Chin quivering as tears rolled down his cheeks, he pushed through it and blinked away the clouded view of his love. Now that the words were finally out of his mouth, a huge weight had been lifted. Eyes dipped to her midsection as he continued. "You've earned your place with the crew and you've gained their respect," glistening blue eyes rose to her face again. "My own motivations for keeping you with us now? You're damn right, I don't want you to ever go away," he stood and wrapped his arms around her tightly, fearing to let her go. Leaning his head over as far as he could, he kissed the top of her head, then laid it sideways atop her. A moment he wished they could become as one so that she would never be in danger and he could always protect her.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia gasped at first. It had been true! Her heart had fallen in her chest and she actually gasped out loud as it skipped a beat. But then he continued. Whatever his initial reason had been, they'd passed it a long time ago.

Has she only been a fling or guilt trip to him, he would have left her on Drifter's where the crew had deposited her. For all he knew, she was safe there. His conscious could have been clear. But he'd come back... He'd come back for her!

But then he said the words...

Sure, they'd been hinted at, glanced over, an occasional "I feel the same" or "you, too" the once or twice she'd murmured it. Though she recalled it had not been times when he'd rescued her. This time, he actually said them out loud. And heed said them first!

"Syra..." his name choked in her throat. But it held all she felt. Just as her eyes teared up, she gripped the front of his half open robe in both fists, how body shaking slightly against his as he held her. She closed her eyes, feeling safer in his arms than she'd ever felt anywhere in her life.

She made a silent vow to confront Colin later. But out loud she put every ounce of her love into her whispered words. "I'll never leave you again... I love you, Syravari."

[Syravari Elik]

Any uncertainty now faded into an ocean of possibilities and all the intimate moments they had before now paled in comparison to this moment in his mind. They were truly one.

Holding her for a long moment, he began hearing the sizzling of the fish on the grill, but it mattered little. There was more in the freezer, he mused. Backing, he leaned in and kissed her passionately, his hands softly caressing her back and hair. Becoming lost in the moment, his lips soon parted with her own as he took in her smooth face. Wiping the tears from her cheeks, he smiled at her and took in a deep breath, sighing as he admired her. Thoughts of fears once held in the back of his mind crept to the fore, but he pushed them away and instead smiled. Tapping her softly on the nose with his forefinger, "My family's going to shit," he whispered, then chuckled, doing his best to keep control of an uncontrollable situation.

[Nallia Oberon]

She moaned in complete surrender. Something had happened. She wasn't aware of it, or even knew it, but it had. Whatever hesitation had held them back, was suddenly gone. She felt it in his embrace and returned it a hundred fold.

As he broke the kiss, she was left as breathless as the first time he had kissed her with that passion. She wrinkled her nose and giggled as his finger tapped the tip. When he said the family would shit, she couldn't help but laugh and nodded to the range. "You mean for burning down the family estate with burning fish?"

[Syravari Elik]

He laughed aloud, eyes still glistening with all they had shared the past few moments and then sighed again as he glanced toward the grill, noting the rising, thin smoke. "Yeah, guess I should see to that so we have somewhere to sleep tonight, huh?" Backing, he took her by the hand and led her around the island and then checked the fish. Keeping her close to him, the pirate didn't want to let her go, but also needed to attend to their meal. Closing the valve to the grill, he grabbed the spatula and moved the two, thick pieces to a platter, then checked the rice which were also nearly done. Hugging her with his right arm, he then shut off the stove and moved the pot of rice to another spot.

With the salad nearly done, he grabbed two plates and set them onto the island's top and closed the cabinet once more. Glancing around to her, "Any preferences for a drink? Think we have just about everything stocked. Knowing my sisters, there's a variety of wines in there also, as well as a few local beers. We also have," he straightened again and eyed the refridgeration unit. "Water... and not sure what else."

At the moment, he just wanted to hold her.

[Nallia Oberon]

Her body rested against him with near perfection. She nestled just under his arm, against his chest, like she had been made to be his other half. She laughed and tried to free herself as he puttered around the few feet of the kitchen getting their dinner ready. Each time, he would kiss her forehead and pull her against him once more.

When he finally asked her about a drink, she did back up. "Fruit juice or water would be fine. I think I've had my fill of spirits the last few days." The wines and ales that accompanied the dinners and lunches at the Manor had been vast, educational and very satisfying. But Nallia hadn't grown up with anything but the spirits from the stills on the station. She hoped he wasn't disappointed in her choice. She knew he liked his liquor and she loved serving it to him on the ship. But tonight, she wanted her whits about her. There was something happening here, a turning point, and she wanted to remember every moment of it.

As she sat down at the small counter, she cocked her head at him. "Syra, you said your family would flip. I am sure it wasn't about dinner. What did you mean?" As she had thought about it, her fear was her station. Or rather, the lack there of. Syra was probably destined to be married to some great mogel his mother knew. Someone to seal alliances, grow the family empire, or protect the vastness they already had. If that were the case, she would certainly settle for being the Mistress. That is, if even that would be allowed.

[Syravari Elik]

Finishing the meal and then doling out some on the plates for them both, he moved to carry them to the dinner table and then set them down. Turning, he returned to the kitchen and grabbed their drinks, not minding that typically the girls would chase him out of the kitchen aboard the Grosetto. Here he could take care of himself and give them a break, though his past dictated that normally women did this sort of thing. But, he had learned a lot and respected all the women in his life as equals. That realization had come at a price.

Her query as he poured her some water, he grinned to himself as his back was to her at the moment. "Ah," he began, then handed her the glass of water, then turned again to get his own. Water sounded good for a change, he mused and poured another. "They've known me for so long," he informed and sighed and turned and guided her to the table and sat down. "My mother and sisters knew me as more independent and never being one to being tied down, as such." He cut the first bite with his fork and began eating. Not too bad, he thought. "But, things have changed and I'm going to have to eat my promise to my sisters that I made before I left here and struck out on the spacelanes." He grinned, shaking his head as he glanced to Nallia and admired her for a long moment.

"I was dumb enough to say that I'd never get married or have a family of my own until I retired," he shrugged and went back to his meal. "Not sure I can keep that promise anymore." Taking another bite, he set the fork down and steepled his hands before him, eyes on her again as she ate.

"Your fault," he stated with a widening grin.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia ate as they chatted. Her own sigh of pleasure at the delicate fish meal was genuine and made her roll her eyes and laugh. "Sorry... I admit this is the first time I've had fish. I think we need to get the girls to show me how to make this so we can have it on the Grosetto." She nodded in thanks at the water and went back to eating as he told his tale.

"So you are a sworn bachelor?" She grinned with a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Perhaps I should date Brannoc. Would hate to think I was your downfall and the cause of your most deep and heart spoken lie." She laughed and tried to bat her eyes as the blush rose on her cheeks. She cared for Brannoc, but it was in a big brother way. She couldn't honestly think of herself in love with him like she was with the pirate before her. "Or I could become a handmaid to your mother. Make you come home more often. Perhaps even make you ask her to court me." The ideas she had she knew would drive him insane. The little minx took another bite of her fish and smiled sweetly at him.

[Syravari Elik]

Her joke caught him offguard and his grin melted as the thought of her being with Brannoc never occurred to him. The initial surprise then wafted back into a lighter mood with the realization that she was indeed joking. Taking up his fork once more, he cut another piece and ate it, then gathered some rice. "My mother would make me go through hell if I had to ask her that," he chuckled. "Probably with my sisters loving every minute of it, too."

The atmosphere was warmer now that they had finally eaten something, and the fact that he had finally said the words that had been in his heart for so long and had been stated finally. Something that didn't come easily for the pirate, given his background and upbringing. She had indeed changed him, and for the better.

Several bites into his meal, he lowered the fork once more and braved a query that had also been on his mind for some time. "Did you ever dream of this, when you were younger? You realize you have a large family now, not only the crew, but also my own." His grin grew wider at the thought of the title once they were married, when that day came. "Princess Nallia...."

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia finished eating as they talked. "I can imagine what your mother and sisters would do." She laughed. "Sounds like a plan, then." She winked grinned wider. "Just kidding. Don't think I'm the handmaid type."

As they finished up, she helped to stack the dishes on the table. Her eyes popped at the title. "PRINCESS!? I don't think so... if I'm not handmaid material, I highly doubt an actual title would work." She didn't realize that it would, in fact, be a title she would hold if married into his House. She honestly thought he was joking. "As to dreaming... you mean did I dream of this?" Her arm absently moving to encompass him and the small estate they were on. "I don't think I even knew to dream of such things, honestly. The only dream I had was to have an accident that deformed me well enough that the Overs wouldn't find me attractive enough to make me a breeder." She looked down at her glass, nearly empty now. "Honestly, Syra... the only dreams anyone had on the station was to be fed the next day, not sold to slavers, and live long enough to take care of those too small to care for themselves till they grew up."

[Syravari Elik]

He chuckled at her surprise at the title and shrugged, being that it would all be part of the package deal. Many had been afraid of that in the past, growing up except Soricia and though that hole had been patched and healed a long time ago he still felt bad that her life ended the way it did.

Holding her hand as she spoke, Syravari regretted now the choices he had made in the past, being a slaver himself for a long while. It had been good money, but now that someone was in his life that had been there, he knew it was wrong. Sobering, he reached over with his right hand and gently touched her chin and raised it to him. "Those days are long over and I'd die before anything like that happened to you again." Winking at her, he grinned as another wave of emotion washed over him. "Promise."

[Nallia Oberon]

She rubbed her thumb absently incircles on the back of his hand. “My love, you saved me in moreways than one. And in more ways than I even know I needed savingfrom.”


Nallia slipped from her seat and movedup to slip between his knees as he sat on his stool. Her hands movedto rest on his chest. “Syravari, you have turned me into a betterversion of myself than I ever thought possible. With all my heart Iwill do my best to never let that be in vain. With or without thetitle, with or without the ship, even with or without your mother'sblessing, I am yours with all I have in my heart and soul” Shewasn't sure where it came from, but the words were the sincerest anddeepest part of her she could muster for him.


As her lips brushed his, he would feelthe difference. This was it, the final bit between them. Had theybeen Force users, a Bond would have been what occurred. As it was,love in all its openness was what transpired. She relaxed into himand gave up the last of what she had held back. In that moment, hewould know her in her barest and most open form.


And he would know, without a doubt,that it was all for him.

[Syravari Elik]

Drawing her into him, Syravari's heart melted again having already been like putty for the past few weeks, since his capture in fact. The words something he had never heard before and as he closed his eyes and leaned his head in, the pirate realized forever had already begun the day they met. Now it was just an amazing, emotional ride that he never wanted to end. As their lips brushed, he pushed out the words before the rest of the evening's activity was dictated by their passion.

"You saved me, lady."

His arms kept her close as he kissed her once again, passionately and forgetting everything else, the rest of the evening and into the night was shared in her arms. A more intimate love than had been so far.

*******

Hints of morning light peeked through the bedroom's curtain as he lay on his side, holding Nallia close and smelled her hair. Angling his head a bit, he gently kissed her shoulder and relaxed once more. Glancing to the chronometer on the end table, he noticed it was after seven. They had plenty of time, he mused. All the time in the world in fact.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had fallen asleep and this time, the dreams her mind scrambled together were of a happy future with Syra, not a terrifying past.

Her senses came back to her slowly, the kiss on her should eliciting a soft moan of half asleep contentment. "Mmmmm... Morning, love." The words made her smile. While nothing had truly changed in their relationship, something had. The confessions, decisions and revelations of the night before hadn't brought them closer together so much it removed the barriers and shields they had both had up.

"We should clean up and head back. Or the kids may come looking to see where Dad kidnapped me to." A soft laugh as she rolled in his arms and kissed the base of his throat warmed his skin. The crew called him Dad when he gave orders or got gruff about something not done right. She hadn't dared call him that, but for different reasons.

She kissed his chest then moved to try and roll away from him to get up. Pleasant as it was too remain here, family would begin to wonder. And as much as she enjoyed her time here, she was starting to miss the vast dark of space and the feel of the ships hull beneath her feet.

[Syravari Elik]

Her movement sponsored another charge through his body and as she rose to sit, his arms lowered to her thigh, not wanting her to go. He chuckled at the thought of Brannoc and the crew putting together a search party to find them, but then the realization also surfaced of that being led by his mother's captain instead. Drawing in another long breath, he sighed as the muted sunlight highlighted her frame and he admired her for another long moment before pushing himself up as well.

"We do have others waiting on us, but I really don't want to go back to the estate," he admitted. "Just want to move in to this cabin and stay here with you."

The words felt odd to say, even though they were honest. His pirate life now having taken a turn that he wasn't expecting. A cool breeze wafted through the room as the air recirculator kicked in, the soft hum now added to their movement as he pushed himself from the comforter and rose. Following her to the refresher, he mindlessly flicked on the light and continued to the shower. "But, you're right, we do need to get back.... eventually."

[Analyn Brins]

...

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia kissed him once more as she rose. Stepping into the shower, moving to make room for him, she bit her lip. Her body shivered a moment and had nothing to do with the air circulator. As he joined her, her voice was soft. "Syra, I love this place, honestly. But," she finally turned to look up at him. Her eyes were startled and looked up at him with a hint of fear, "I couldn't stay here. I'm not ready. The house, the mansion," she looked down at the bar of soap in her hand, "being on the ground still frightens me. I don't know why. I can't," she bit her lip again and looked up with eyes glistening. And it wasn't from the shower behind her. "I feel trapped. Like I can't get away. Please..."

She turned away from him, the bar of soap rolling absently in her wringing hands, causing a ball of suds that was falling, unused in the shower floor. She loved it here, with him, but planets, open skies, it was like claustrophobia in reverse. There was TOO much room. Yet she felt more trapped than on a ship. "Some wife, I'll be..." She murmured, not realizing it had fallen from her lips and not just whispered in her mind.

[Syravari Elik]

Watching her, he listened and it took a moment to understand what she was saying. Not being able to remain in place, from someone that had grown up on a station, made sense. The Grosetto was freedom that she had never had, something that he had apparently taken for granted. It wasn't until she said it that he realized that fact.

Leaning in as she turned away from him, he reached around and took her hands with the soap in them and lay his head to the side of her own. "You'd make a beautiful wife," he smiled at the words flowing from his roguish lips. "One that loves the starlanes. And I get that." Sighing as he felt her warmth once again, he relaxed once more and took the soap from her, then began lathering her body.

"We grew up so differently," he commented mindlessly.

Shampooing her hair, he took care of Nallia like he imagined servants used to tend to his ancestors, many years ago. Treating her as royalty, though not saying so, Syravari let her rinse off as he washed up as well. Turning off the water, he opened the glass door and grabbed a towel, then dried her off. Enjoying the unspoken passion that came with the attention. His grandmother was right, there were many ways to love someone without the intimacy in the bedroom. Something he now felt.

Once they were done in the lavishly appointed bathroom, he moved into the bedroom and dressed, letting her ruminate on this morning. As she entered the room, hair now combed, he looked at her. "Nallia, don't give up on us already. Especially don't give up on yourself," he moved toward her. "Alright?"

[Nallia Oberon]

She gave up the soap, not really paying attention. As he lathered her up, her body responded and she touched him every chance she got. His confidence in her being his wife swelled her heart and she kissed him as he spoke of her love of the starlanes. It wasn't so much her love of space as her fear of being grounded. But it was easier than trying to explain.

When he murmured about their different upbringing, she remained silent. She couldn't think of anything to respond with that wouldn't sound condescending or apologetic.

As he took care of her, practically pampering her, she closed her eyes and submitted in a way that relaxed her more than any love making had the night before. The tender touch of him on her body reminded her that it wasn't just her body that he wanted. It was her that he loved and cherished. The whole package. And his tender detailed attention to drying her off made her feel like the queen he kept referring to her as.

When she was done brushing her hair and came out to get dressed the rest of the way, his words made her pause. "Syra..." she walked over and took his hands, looking up with a smile so full of love and confidence she knew he'd never doubt her sincerity. "I have not given up on us. I will fight for you to my grave. If I knew the only way to keep you was to stay on this planet, I would do it." She reached up with hand to touch his cheek. "I would find a way, perhaps taking a job with your mother to put me in a ship on occasion. But I would figure it out. You are worth it. You are my entire universe, Syra. And I will never give up on us." She hoped he understood what she was saying. There was nothing that would come between them. Not trees, or pirates, or silliness like being frightened of being landlocked.

[Syravari Elik]

The reassurance was all he needed, taking her hands in his as she moved up and explained further. Nodding, he grinned and kissed her once more, sealing their devotion to one another from now on. Backing soon after, he smiled, "I'd go stir crazy eventually too," he admitted. "Flying is freedom," he winked, then sighed.

Wrapping his left arm around her, he guided them back downstairs and made a quick breakfast. Touching a button on the small console within the wall, over the counter, quiet music began playing from a local station that he and his sisters enjoyed. Eventually handing her a plate of a variety of things that he knew she liked, he prepared one of his own and made his way to the table, then grabbed them something to drink and soon sat down with her. As he ate, he admired the beautiful woman there with him, now wondering what his life would be like without her, had they never met. Something he was glad he wouldn't know anymore.

"I know you've been happy helping out with the girls in the galley, onboard, but I'm going to start training you how to fly," he informed. "There's a lot to it, but you've got to learn more than just the kitchen." He glanced to her again, taking his last bite. "Especially if we're going to be partners in this venture," he winked and grinned.

[Nallia Oberon]

The ease of them moving together was almost orchestrated. She knew now to walk while in his embrace so their bodies moved in unison and not counter to one another. It was like they had been doing it for years. She settled at the table in companionable silence as he made food and hummed absently to the tunes on the radio she had never heard before.

When he sat down and mentioned teaching her to fly, she laughed. "You trust me behind the controls of your baby?" She teased him and laughed till he mentioned her being a partner. "I thought the others were already partners. I mean, we split everything. At least, that's what you keep saying." She blushed and laughed again but it was nervous. "I admit I have no idea how much credit I have. I think the new jacket and denims I bought in out last port was all the creds I've used in ages, if ever." She hadn't been one to go on shopping sprees. Except for clothes to replace ones taken when she was abducted last time, she couldn't think of anything else she ever needed or wanted.

[Syravari Elik]

He nodded at her assessment. "Everyone is equal when it comes to shares, but the ship and I both get one, which basically means I get two. I think you'd catch on quick with the controls and Tomas may fuss a bit, but I'm still the captain," he shrugged. "And though the crew's been together a while now, there is a hierarchy of sorts. We each have our jobs and if anything ever happened to Tomas then I'd have you to step in, if I was doing something else."

Finishing his meal, he sat back as she mentioned not shopping much and he knew it to be true, chuckling at the lack of fashion sense, though kept that thought to himself knowing she was still learning how to be free. "My sisters will break you of that while we're here. Can count on it." They had already been out once, but Nallia still kept her choices short and sweet and even had bought him a shirt which he enjoyed. "Those two burn through credits like crazy, but they do know how to dress for the right occasions."

With their breakfast now complete, he gathered up the plates and carried them into the kitchen, opened the door to the cleaner and set each item within, then closed it again. Turning it on, everything they had used while here would be clean for the next visit, whoever that was. Glancing around, he ensured that everything was back in it's place, then noticed the throw pillows and moved around the counter. "Just straighten up a bit before we go," he stated. "Mom would have my hide otherwise," he chuckled.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had to mentally shake herself. "You mean, you want me to share in the extra share? As a partner with you beyond what we all split?" She could barely figure out what to do with her shares now, she couldn't image more of them. When he spoke of her stepping in if something happened to Tomas, she nodded, "It makes sense to have another person able to fly. I'm surprised Brannoc or one of the others doesn't already hold that spot."

She laughed at the thought of his sisters taking her shopping. "I think they will have their work cut out for them. I can't even imagine what things I need to get, much less extra stuff." She shook her head again and moved to help clean up. She knew he was right about his mother. Something told the little space born minx that his mom would grab his ear and drag him back here if he didn't straighten up.

They finished straightening up, the bed stripped and remade, laundry ready for the cleaning crew, even the living room nest they had made in front of the fire was gone. As they headed outside to head back, she wrapped her arm around his waist. "Are you sure making me a partner won't make the others upset? I mean Brannoc has been with you far longer than me. And they were the ones who came and rescued you." She still felt horrible in not having a hand in that, but had resigned herself to never letting it happen again and being content with that.

[Syravari Elik]

Once locking up, he placed his left arm across her shoulders and walked with her to the speeder, enjoying the quiet morning as her concerns about the crew and his family continued. Endearing, he mused as the birdsong echoed through the nearby forest, the sun rising slowly and would soon warm the morning chill.

Leaning over to her, he kissed her again. "You worry too much," he commented, chuckling lightly. "Nothing to worry about. Brannoc and Bethany already suggested this anyway, so."

Approaching the passenger side, he unlocked and opened the door for her, then let her get in, then closed it again. Rounding the hood, he got into the driver's side and then started the vehicle up, letting it warm up as he turned down the music a bit. Giving the cabin one last look, Syravari backed from the hideaway and turned, then drove down the winding road and back to the main highway, descending the side of the mountain as the sun rose and began highlighting the trees around them as well as the distant bay. He was beginning to miss the cabin already.

News on the radio mentioned various stories briefly, highlighting the acts of famous captains who had just returned home from their plundering as well as one whose career had ended abruptly during a botched raid on some distant backwater world he had never heard of. A story that sobered Syravari's mood a bit as they drove back toward the city.

Soon, the affluent neighborhood's mansions and manicured lawns came back into view, welcoming the couple back. Driving up to the gate, he opened the window and tapped the button, then noticed the gate open and continued the last leg of their journey around the wall and surrounding trees, onto the wide arcing drive up to the front of the mansion. Colin and his friends were in the garage, glancing to them as Syravari and Nallia drove by. The only one that his cousin wasn't as happy to see returning again.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia shrugged, "I'm good at worrying," she laughed. The fact the others had suggested it meant they valued what she and Syra had. That meant more to her than any extra credits.

As they headed back to the house, she heard the story of the lost Captain and crew. Seeing her lover's reaction, Nallia reached over and squeezed his hand, whispering, "We'll just be extra careful, Syr...."

When they drove up to find the gate open, she didn't know any better but when Syravari tensed, she did as well. Colin and his group in the driveway explained the open gate, but didn't alleviate the tension. "Ignore them. Let's go find your mother," she murmured and leaned over to draw his chin and attention back to herself. She smiled brightly and kissed him deeply knowing Colin the others would see.

[Syravari Elik]

Happily returning the affection, he then stopped the speeder under the portico's shadow and cut off the engine. Grinning, he winked at her, then stepped out and rounded the trunk of the vehicle this time, glancing toward his cousin and the gathering of mechanics, noting the hood open on Colin's racy speeder. Turning his attention back to the passenger side, he held the door for Nallia as she joined him, then closed it. It didn't take long before the warm mid-morning air was replaced by the cool interior of the foyer. Echoing from the closing door announced their return and Syravari continued leading her into the main hallway, then turned right as they headed for the main dining room. Hearing the discussion of a host of voices, he recognized his mother and Bethany.

"... no," Ileana's confident voice stated. "I hadn't bothered to check before the first mate mentioned that we had...," she cut off as Syravari and Nallia stepped in, arm in arm. "Wow, just in time." A comment that directed everyone's attention. "Hungry?"

"We ate just before we left, but thanks," Syravari stated.

Emily chuckled, glancing to Selene, "I bet".

Grinning, the pirate captain let it go and moved closer to Brannoc and Rebecca seated near the right end of the long table. Eyeing his mother, "Hope these miscreants have been behaving," he smirked, eyeing his crew.

"No, they've been great," his mother smirked, reclining into the high backed chair as she eyed Nallia. "Has he been behaving," she motioned to Syravari, a suggestive smirk framed her lips.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia blushed as the girls winked at her. When his mother asked her about Syra's behavior, she laughed. "He's been the perfect pirate, ma'am." She moved away from him and settled in a chair next to Bethany. "But he's also been a gentleman. He took me to your place up in the mountains. It's truly beautiful, ma'am. Was a pleasure to experience it."

She started absently playing with the edge of the table cloth edge as it brushed the tops of her legs. On the ship, and previously on the station, there was always something to do. Idleness and small talk weren't something she was used to, and it showed.

[Syravari Elik]

Ileana smiled as Nallia moved to hide near Bethany, then glanced to Syravari who neared his mother. "My boy better take good care of you," she reached up and grabbed his right forearm. "He'd answer to me otherwise."

Brannoc cleared his throat, "We've been friends a long time, Cap, but think you'd be on your own with that one."

Glancing to the lieutenant of the Grosetto, "Thanks".

"Hey," his hands wide, "Gotta cut my losses at some point. But don't worry, the Grosetto'd been under great care."

Chuckles followed the banter as Ileana rose, prompting everyone else to rise with her, then moved to avoid the servants who then began clearing the table. "My son's ship would be taken care of indeed," the pirate queen agreed. "As part of my fleet."

A fact that sobered Brannoc's sarcastic nature as Ileana slipped her arm into Syravari's and she led the group from the dining room and toward the grand foyer. "What were your plans today," she looked up and eyed her son.

"Well," he glanced back to Nallia now lost in the crowd,t hen back. "Think Nallia wanted to catch up with the girls, so we'll have some time to visit finally. Unless you have business today."

"Already took care of it," she grinned and guided him into the smaller den to the right, taking him from the rest of the group who began heading in different directions.

[Nallia Oberon]

At the announcement of Nallia joining the girls, Bethany smiled. "We were going into town shopping. How about you join us, Nall?" The others chimed in in agreement.

The young woman shook her head. "Thanks guys, but I'm gonna pass this time. I'm a little overwhelmed by the city and all. I think I'm going to take advantage of Lady Ileana's original offer to see the gardens. Don't get much of that on a space station."

She glanced the others to see that it was all right. Her gaze landing on Syravari's concerned face. "I'll be ok, Syra, I promise. Go with your mom. I'll stay on the grounds, I promise."

[Syravari Elik]

His sisters and the girls appeared disappointed that Nallia didn't want to join them, but began getting ready to leave as Brannoc approached the doorway to the den. "Hey boss, borrow the speeder? We were thinking of heading into town for a bit," he grinned roguishly. "Check out the sights."

Tossing him the keys, Syravari grinned and nodded. "Just be careful they're not already someone else's."

Catching the keys, Brannoc feigned injury. "Creature of caution, you know me." He turned and vanished with Tomas and the others.

Knowing what that meant, Syravari joined his mother as she sat down in her favorite chair, facing the large windows flanking an equally impressive fireplace, gazing out into the backyard and the garden beyond. "Nallia alright?"

"Yeah," he replied, taking a seat on the couch, an end table between them. "Why?"

"Just seems she doesn't feel comfortable here."

Syravari glanced toward the caf table before him, "She's still getting used to not being a.... slave." Turning his attention to his mother, his voice lowered. "She'll be fine, I"m sure."

Nodding quietly, Ileana relaxed in her chair, hands in her lap. "So, how've you been? Business going well?"

"Yeah, been doing really well in fact. Crew's coming along and learned a lot since we met." Memories flashed in his mind of how each of them came to be a part of his crew and extended family. "Pains in the ass sometimes," he joked, grinning. "But, they're great at what they do and work well together. Wasn't always that easy, but they rely on one another now which really helps when we take a prize."

"That's important," she agreed.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia went upstairs and changed into a fresh pair of denims and a blue tank top. Tossing her signature jacket over it, she headed downstairs in laced up boots to head into the gardens behind the house, hey hair long and loose down her back.

Twenty min later she had her back to the house, her jacket on the stone bench beside her. The breeze was a welcome one. Perhaps it was one of the small things she did miss when in the dark expanse of space.

Her hands were behind her, bracing her body as she leaned back, eyes closed, and hummed absently to the tune of nothing in particular. The shelter of the garden behind the house blocked out all the city sounds and allowed her the peace she so desperately needed.

[Syravari Elik]

"So, how've things been going here," he asked, taking in his mother's posture with the query and knew that the life of a queen wasn't easy.

She lightly shrugged, "You know, always things to take care of, fires to put out. Rarely a dull moment which is why I'm enjoying your visit - nice getaway that I don't get to enjoy often."

He knew that to be true, having grown up in this manor. "Anyone that I need to have a talk to?"

Ileana grinned wryly, leaning over and took up her goblet and raised it, "Think I can't take care of my own house without you," she asked in return, then sipped and winked.

"I know you're more than capable," he smirked. "But you know I'm here should anything come up." At least for a little while, he mused.

Setting the goblet back down, sunlight glinting off of the silver body, "I know, but you're time will come soon enough. Don't rush it." Reclining again, she drew up her knees into the chair, feet under her. "Enjoy the freedom of the spacelanes while you can."

*********

After a few moments of peace, Colin approached with a sprinkler head and prepared to replace a damaged one that he had kicked the night before and as he meandered through the colorful walls of flowers and plants, he noticed the newcomer seated on one of the stone benches. Glancing back to the mansion's windows and long veranda, no one about, which meant he could now talk to this girlfriend of his cousin. He quietly approached and crouched, picking up the broken piece of plastisteel and then lowered the new one and began screwing it on to the protruding pipe.

"He's going to leave you, you know that right?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Ileana's oldest daughter came into the room then, having chosen not to go shopping. "I nearly forgot, mom. I spoke to the Crew Chiefs, Captain Hart's ship will be repaired and ready for replenish and flight within the week. Most of the damage was residual, but it's taken care of. And the shipment you were searching for is in the storage bay awaiting delivery. All accounted for." She sat down with the other two and smiled. "So... you and Nallia doing ok? First girl I ever met who turned down a shopping trip. I would have been happy to give her credits if that's all it was."

She looked at her mom's faint look of disapproval. "What? It's a valid question. I mean, if she is just shy of credits cause she's spent that, that's a silly reason not to go shopping on a new world you've never been on." She poured herself a drink and looked at the two of them, oblivious she was obviously missing something.

**

Nallia had thought the noise behind her was Syra. She remained silent and smiled, half expecting a kiss on her forehead. When the unusual noise and the even more unusual voice proved her wrong, she jerked up and turned around. "What did you say?" She saw it was Colin and the comment made sense. She crossed her arms and shook her head. "You don't know him. He came back for me. If he was going to leave me, he could have done it a million times by now. Last of all on Drifter's. He didn't have to come back."

While part of her mind was screaming for her to run, the other part wasn't going to let her. She would stand her ground and defend Syra. Whatever this guy was up to, it wasn't going to work... she hoped.

[Syravari Elik]

Noting Emily bouncing into the room as she normally did, Syravari listened to the brief exchange and grinned as his sister, younger by two years, sat down next to him on the couch. "She's got plenty of money, just not used to having any," he informed. "Not afraid of shopping, just still trying to adjust, that's all."

"Just give her time," Ileana interjected.

Glancing between them, he watched as Emily poured herself some wine and sat back, then chuckled lightly as their mother's judging gaze gleaned that typical response.

It was good to be home, he mused.

*********

Colin grinned to himself as he continued screwing in the sprinkler head. "I grew up with him, so I know him better than most," he glanced up noting her discomfort which was where he wanted her to be. "Most pirates love their trophies, so if I were you I wouldn't get too attached." He finished the installation and stood, eyeing her with his typical cockiness. "Eventually he finds a new trophy and tosses the others aside. He's got the blood of a rogue in his veins. Why do you think this house has no father in residence?"

Moving to leave, he kept his attention on the attractive brunette, seemingly enjoying ruffling her feathers a bit.

[Nallia Oberon]

Emily shrugged, obviously ignoring her mother's look. "I'm just saying," she got up and went to the window, watching the guys work on their speedsters. "Huh... Guess Colin finally got around to fixing the sprinkler out back."

She turned to the others and leaned on the window sill, "So, Syra, where are you guys off to, next?" She smiled because she knew her brother always had a plan, and a good one to boot.

**
Nallia frowned, "just because you can't keep a woman, doesn't mean he won't. It's been a long time, Colin. And I'm no trophy." She hadn't given any thought to her words, only that she knew with all her heart that Syra wasn't like Colin said.

[Syravari Elik]

Ileana shook her head lightly at the news of the fixed sprinkler, "He's such a hot head."

Syravari, now aware of the damage to the palace grounds, tensed at the thought of his cousin venting his frustrations in such a way. Always hated being second, he mused.

"That's why you love him, I expect," Emily grinned wryly, then eyed her brother.

"Eh, things can change," the queen replied sarcastically.

"Why is he here, by the way," he asked. "Thought he would've tried to get on with another crew by now."

"Not sure anyone else wants him," Emily revealed. "He's burned a lot of bridges over the past few years, since....," she was about to say the name of the girl that had caused the major rift between the two, but refrained as she glanced to their mother. "The last screw up."

Nodding, Syravari knew what that meant and the picture became clearer. He then pondered the query that his sister posed and shrugged, enjoying the change of subject. "Not sure yet. I have a few logs on the fire, but still working some things out. Should know something solid by the time we're getting ready to leave."

Emily grinned at him, admiringly, then moved toward the matriarch of the family. "Never know what that's like since your two sisters get to sit around here, going to college. Right mother," she playfully chided, hugging Ileana around the neck and kissed her on the cheek.

"You'll thank me later," Ileana replied, smiling as she enjoyed the affection.

**************

The reply wasn't one that Colin expected, but now he realized that Nallia was a fighter, and emotionally attached. Cocking his head slightly, his grip around the broken sprinkler head tightened. "Just wait," he hissed. "He'll promise you things and eventually it'll end." Squaring his shoulders, he faced her more directly. "Same thing he did to Soricia. Promised her the galaxy and once he got tired of her, he disappeared." Pointing at her, "Mark my words, soon you'll get that same story and one day, you'll wake up and he and his crew are gone."

Red faced, the dejected pirate was ready to fight....

[Nallia Oberon]

Emily laughed and came back to sit down beside her brother, nudging his shoulder playfully. "In other words, you have no idea." She laughed and winked at her mom.

She cocked her chin down a moment and looked at her mom. "There is the run that got hit en route." She referred to the Captain who had been killed. "He never reached the destination. Marlin told me the authorities are furious because they caught them on the wrong end of the run."

She suddenly had an idea. "You know, mother, if there was no contraband when they boarded, it was an illegal stop. They could be liable for the damage to the ship and loss of life." Without another word, Emily drained her glass and hopped up. Kissing Syra on the cheek, she nodded to her Mom next. "I'm gonna check it out. But the Grossetto could do that run, mom. I'd bet on it." She then ducked out the room and headed to the office on the other side of the house with thoughts churning in her head on how to get profit from the tragedy.

**
Nallia narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Syra promised her the Galaxy, Colin. But you were with her when she died. Not him. SHE left, not him. He would have given her anything in all the words. It was HER choice."

She then smiled but it was more of a sneer. "And Syra thant promised me anything but love. And to be honest, I'd give HIM the Galaxy if I could. Would any woman who's ever been in your arms give you the same? Or do they just WANT the Galaxy?"

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari listened to the exchange about the potential job now being discussed and then turned his attention as Emily walked out, leaving them alone again. He did miss his family and it had only taken a few moments around them to remind him of what he still had here on Ord Cestus.

"We can work out some details for you and if you're interested, then pass on this job to you," Ileana stated, then took another sip of her wine. "Be nice to get that one off the books."

Nodding, the pirate didn't mind the opportunity, "Sure."

More small talk as the moments lingered, unaware of the tensions rising out back in the garden...

************

Colin stalked toward Nallia, throwing the sprinkler head aside, "What do you know about it," he sneered, then swung on her....

[Nallia Oberon]

A cycle ago, Nallia would have balked and run. But she'd learned a thing or two from Brannoc and the others since being found cowering behind that crate in the cargo bay. "I know she didn't die by his hand!" She growled in spite and uncrossed her arms, unwilling to budge. She didn't duck fast enough to keep from being hit, but he caught the upper part of her temple instead of her jaw. As she cried out and doubled over, she reached out and grabbed Colin's leg and jerked hard. Her balance was off, though, and his over correction brought him down half on top of her.

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari finished off the drink in his hand and suddenly an uneasy feeling hit him. Not being able to place it, he figured maybe something he ate for breakfast wasn't settling well and did his best to brush it off. He set his glass onto the caf table before him and relaxed as he and his mother talked.

************

Colin stumbled and fell, hitting the ground and Nallia and narrowly missing the stone bench with his left arm. Once he regained his composure, he shoved himself up with his right hand and grabbed for her neck, rage now filling him at the thought of losing another fight....

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia grabbed his wrists as he gripped her throat. Her eyes wide with panic as she felt the air getting harder and harder to gasp.

Panic took over and she reached up to try and dig her right thumb into his eye as she bent her knees to try and brace herself. The idea was lift her hips enough to topple him off balance. Meanwhile her left hand flailed trying to find the discarded sprinkler head to hit him with. Her whole body thrashing under him as she tried to get free.

[Syravari Elik]

Not ready for the wrestling match, Colin felt the knees under him too late, being knocked off of her and falling to the side, losing his grip on her neck. Still not thinking clearly, the failed pirate then tried his best to regain the upper hand, nothing else mattered now other than keeping her from telling anyone else about this. On his back, he again tried to push himself up ...

[Nallia Oberon]

As Colin rolled one way, Nallia rolled the other. She came to her hands and knees as she coughed thru bruising she knew was already taking root. She glanced sideways and saw Colin still reeling from her toss. The rage in her of decades of abuse culminated in an animalistic growl of rage and pain, rasping slightly from her pinched vocal cords. Without letting him get to his feet, she lunged right at his mid section knocking him onto his side. If he didn't throw her off, she would straddle his hips and ball her fists to begin an avalanche of punches that accompanied her screaming. "YOU KILLED HER! SHE TRUSTED YOU! YOU KILLED HER!"

If asked, she wouldn't have been aware of her accusations or the screaming volume it was delivered at. She only knew at this point that all her pain, and the pain she felt for Syra's loss, were being laid upon Colin, blow after blow if he didn't defend himself.

[Syravari Elik]

Both arms up, he tried his best to defend himself from each blow which took it's toll on him as the pain seared through his body. Chest and abdomen being hit repeatedly, survival kicked as she shouted at him a painful truth which had plagued him since that day losing his crew and Soricia. Tears welling up, a flow of adrenaline fueled one last attempt as his left forearm was also now being heavily bruised and he rolled to his right, doing his best to carry the fierce attacker with him and then swung with his left fist....

************

In mid-sentence Ileana's attention turned to the tall, bullet shaped window as they both heard the shouting. Shooting up from her chair, her action prompted Syravari to do the same and they moved from their seats to view the garden.

"What in the...," his mother exclaimed and with an amazing burst of youth, sprinted toward the set of windowed doors to the far left.

Following her, Syravari felt adrenaline of his own now pumping through his veins at the sight, still not believing what he saw as Nallia was fighting on the ground, beyond a line of flowers. Behind his mother, they both ran across the short distance of the long veranda to the opening and then down the short stair and into the garden. Nearly vaulting a long hedge of rose bushes, Syravari's desperation to help defend his love was palpable, especially once he then saw who her opponent was....

"STOP," Ileana shouted, pistol drawn as Syravari moved around the stone bench...

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was lost in a red haze of rage as she continued to throttle Colin. At least two fingers were broken because of her lack of training on how to throw a punch. And Colin's self preservation mode had also brought his knees up into her back at least once, leaving large bruises in their wake as well.

Suddenly two things happened at once... A voice rang thru her haze telling her to stop. As her body froze trying to grapple with continuing or not, Colin's fist connected with her jaw as they rolled sideways.

Nallia's arm came up too late to protect herself and her head snapped sideways as it absorbed the blow. She landed on her back next to Colin, her face looking up at the sky, still unaware of the pistol now pointed towards them.

Her right eye was already swelling shut and cuts and bruises painted her body everywhere there was exposed skin. Her shirt was turn on one shoulder and the pant leg was turn near the knee. The young woman was panting and crying but remained still, fighting if the darkness that wanted to claim her.

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari's anger at seeing Nallia fall to her side as Colin rolled to grab the upper hand, right fist raised toward her, the attacker looking to finish the job now eyed his aunt pointing a pistol at him. In that same moment, Syravari leaned in, grabbing the man around his torso and threw him off. Watching Colin hit the ground, Syravari moved to get between them, now needing to protect Nallia as his cousin spun over and pushed himself up. "What is your problem," Syravari shouted.

"You!" Colin seethed, his arms low as he now stalked toward the pirate. "You were like a brother to me! She loved you and you left us both here!" Lunging, Syravari noticed the knife in his cousin's hand too late, raising his left arm to block just as a blast erupted from his far left and behind. The blaster bolt caught Colin square in the chest before either of them knew what happened, dropping Colin to his knees, wide-eyed. Shocked, Colin eyed the queen, his right hand now touching the searing hole in his chest. "...why?"

"I've had enough of you," Ileana replied coldly. "You insult my son, you attack his girlfriend and continue to blame him for something that was your own fault. It ends today."

Seeing the knife drop to the ground, Syravari then knelt beside Nallia, keeping Colin in his peripheral. Assessing her injuries, he gently moved to pick her up and then rise, turning back to his cousin. The surprising end to the event still being processed as his mother stepped up, lowering the pistol. "Rest, brother," Syravari stated quietly, though still angry at what had happened, then turned and hurried Nallia inside and toward the palace's small medbay. Once inside, he passed the large study as Emily emerged into the doorway.

"What happened," his sister exclaimed.

"Colin," Syravari replied, not offering more than that as more pressing matters were on his mind. Emily followed him into the medbay, it's sterile white walls and floor stark contrast to the opulent hallway behind him. Laying Nallia onto the lone bed in the center, he glanced up to the medical droid. "Wake up, she needs attention." A command that triggered the droid's golden frame into action as the droid began assessing the damage to the woman now laying before it. Watching quietly, he felt tears of anger as well as guilt now burn his cheeks.

"She's going to be alirght," Emily stated quietly, her arms around his abdomen.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia screamed and curled up in a ball as the shot rang out, her mind so sure it had been aimed at her. The sudden motion of curling into a ball gave the final push of pain thru her bruised ribs that made her pass out. She wasn't even aware of Syra's attack or that he now carried her into the house.

**

The first thing her brain consciously registered was pain. She then realized she wasn't on the grass any more. That's when panic set in. Colin had her... That's what her mind screamed.

She tried to open her eyes but the swelling of the right one made it impossible. A hand rose to see why and pain wracked thru her once more. A pitiful cry of despair and pain and loss crawled up her throat as she tried to scream.

"SYRA!" Her body jerked up, half expecting restraints. The cry was barely more than a screech from the bruised larynx

[Syravari Elik]

Having spent the last two hours seated next to Nallia as she rested on the recovery bed, his mind drifted back to those days as a kid, the bully and rogue prince who made a name for himself in what many would have considered the darker side of life. Though, here on Ord Cestus that was a way of life that had earned the world and surrounding system it's reputation. One that had gained the wealth around him now. Fist supporting his chin, he glanced over to Nallia as she rested, her injuries treated, though the bruising both within and without would take some time to heal. Now all she needed was rest.

"I'm sorry," he whispered to her, tears stinging again as he laid his right hand upon her arm, not expecting the sudden explosion of activity as she shot up and tried to shout his name. Straightening in the chair, he tried to calm her, "It's okay. I'm right here," he assured. "It's over. You're safe," he moved his head around, leaning in a bit so she could see him. "Just need your rest." Behind him, the quiet medical droid and medbay was clean and empty other than the two of them.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia heard his voice and calmed. As he touched her she lunged to grab him with every ounce of her drained strength. "Colin... he..." Her throat hurt her terribly. She relaxed slightly in his embrace and lowered her voice. It still shook, but didn't hurt as bad.

"Colin... We were fighting... My fault." She closed her eyes to ease the pressur on the swollen one. "Need to say I'm sorry..." She then fairly collapsed into his embrace and tried to curl up closer to him as she shook.

[Syravari Elik]

Moving to sit next to her, facing Nallia, he wrapped his arms around her and laid his head on her shoulder as well. Her words stung worse than Colin's blade ever could have. "No, I'm sorry," he stated, trying to keep himself from losing it when she needed him more right now.

Holding her for a long moment, tears streaming down his face, Syravari tried his best to compose himself. "It's over now. Just get some sleep," he backed a bit, just enough to look at her cradled into his chest. "I'm not going anywhere. You're safe now." He knew the pain killers that the droid had given her would help ease what she was suffering, and would probably need more before it was over. The very thought of what his cousin had done still burning within and he knew that Colin's end was too swift.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia nodded and felt the pain killers start to seep in as the computers registered her anxiety and began feeding the iv faster. As drowsiness started to overcome her, she whispered thru the tears. "I wanna go home...." She spoke of the ship. She had taken to calling it home when he'd picked her up on Drifter's. Then blessedly, she went limp in his arms as the meds put her into an artificial sleep.

It would be another full day before the computers let up on her concoction enough to let her slowly become aware of her surroundings again.

Syra's name was the first thing she murmured as she tried to fight her way up from the deep void her mind was in. The bruises had turned brilliant colors around her torso, back, arms and her eye. The swelling had reduced enough that her eyes weren't still forced closed, but bandages remained over her torso and hand where broken bones had been artificially mended and keeping them stationary was still a priority.

[Syravari Elik]

He understood the sentiment and when she fell unconscious in his arms, he gently laid her down again, head cradled in his left hand. Once she was within the embrace of the pillow, he carefully backed and then pulled the blanket back up over her again. Leaning in, he kissed her on the forehead, "Rest now," he whispered.

Remaining at Nallia's side, Emily brought him dinner later that evening and stayed with him, as did Selene, their younger sister. Quiet conversation continued until their mother entered the room and ushered the two girls out. Ileana neared him, placing her hand on his shoulder and eyed Nallia.

"This should never have happened," his mother apologized.

"Wasn't your fault."

Green eyes moved to him, "You're all guests in my house, as well as family. As long as she's part of your life and crew, then she's my family. My responsibility."

He grinned, "This one was on me, mother. But, thanks," his gaze returned to the woman that had completed his life, before he even knew what he wanted. "She wants to get back to the ship as soon as possible, and I don't blame her." The silence between them prompted him to look back up to his mother, noting the hurt in her eyes. "But, we'll be back again, very soon. Mark me."

Eyes glistening now, she quietly nodded. "I'll see that your ship's restocked and fueled." Turning, she headed for the door.

"Mom," he called, hating to have to cut their visit so short. As she turned, he pushed out, "I love you."

Tears now streaming down her own face, she grinned and just nodded, then exited the room.

**********

Once the painful goodbyes were said, Syravari escorted the hover bed with Nallia still asleep on it, toward the Grosetto whose engines now idled as Tomas and Givon went through their extensive preflight checks. The starport busy with traffic, controller in hand, he guided the bed onto the lowered turbolift and then once they were both within, turned to see his mother and sisters standing near the black limo, watching him go. Waving, their goodbyes already said, they waved in return as the door then closed. Rising into the yacht, Syravari soon guided the hoverbed to the master suite and once inside, moved Nallia carefully into their bed, careful to negotiate the medisensor which also monitored her pain medication. Pulling the comforter over her, he turned and guided the bed out of the suite, and to his own medbay downstairs.

Preparations made, it's captain now on the bridge, the Grosetto rose back into the blue sky and soon burst from Ord Cestus, heading away from the system.

[Nallia Oberon]

Colin chased Nallia thru a hedge maze of impossibly tall greenery. Every corner she turned led her straight into him. She couldn't escape. She ducked his swings time after time, barely missing his hits each time. Suddenly one corner she turned didn't have his imposing form and she saw the exit. Making a mad dash to escape the nightmare maze, she was brought up short as a fist caught her in the temple and took her down as gun fire echoed in her ears.

**

The pain from the dream brought Nallia to her senses enough to register a change in her surroundings. The bed beneath her was comfortable and familiar. Syra's scent lingered on the pillow beside her and her hand rose towards it even as her eyes slowly began to open.

The next thing she noticed was the ceiling of the bedroom she and Syra shared on the Grossetto. She was back on the ship. That thought, alone, gave her more comfort than anything had in a long time. She closed her eyes and smiled as her body felt the familiar hum of hyper drives and engines. They were in space as well. She'd never told Colin she was sorry...

Opening her eyes again, the woman slowly tried to sit up. A stiffness around her middle made her hand reach for her stomach. An ace bandage ran around her in semi tight circles, meant more to remind her than to restrict her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes again as she relaxed a moment. It never occurred to her that save for the wrappings around her waist, and a pair of panties, she wasn't wearing anything else. Nor was she aware she was clean and her hair was braided loosely for comfort.

**
An alert on Syra's console informed him of motion in the master suite.

[Syravari Elik]

Syravari went over the manifest on the datapad in his hand, noting all the supplies that his mother and Emily had arranged for them. Shaking his head, he chuckled lightly and sighed as he turned off the slender device. Approaching footsteps prompted him to turn and recognize Brittany. "Hey," he greeted quietly.

"Hey boss," she smiled. "She's awake and no doubt wanting to see you."

"Okay," he nodded, handing her the datapad as he moved quickly to the stairs and climbed to the upper level of the ship. Knowing she had been sleeping for several days now, he understood the confusion she may be feeling now and soon, opened the door to their master bedroom and stepped in. Noting her eyes open, swelling of the right down quite a bit now, he closed the door and moved to her side of the bed and sat down. "Hey there," he smiled. "How you feeling?"

[Nallia Oberon]

Whatever she was feeling went straight out the portal window as Syra stepped into the room. "Syra!" Her voice cracked but she didn't notice. A hand reached for him, her body overriding her desire to run to him. "When did we leave? How long have I been out?"

Seeing the fading yellow and deep blue on her hands and knuckles, she dropped her hand to her lap and sighed. "I'm sorry, Syra. I didn't mean it. To hurt Colin, I mean. We were arguing," she shook her head and looked down at her hands. "I should tell him I'm sorry. And your mother..." The last comment spoken barely as a whisper.

[Syravari Elik]

Resting his hand upon her own, he leaned in and kissed her, the past few days watching her sleep having now accumulated to this moment. "Little over two days," he informed, emotions roiling behind the facade. "My mother and sisters got us supplied and want us to come back at some point. I promised we would." Surveying her bruises now, he was glad of the state of the art medical droid that they had onboard the ship.

Her apology melted him once more and he shook his head. "You have nothing to apologize for," he said, his hands upon her own, though keeping away from the still-healing fingers as best as he could. "This was on me. My past was bound to come back to bite me eventually," he grinned away his guilt, trying to divert it before it overcame him. Her need to apologize to Colin hit him oddly, brow furrowed as he studied her for a long moment.

Keeping his thoughts on that subject to himself for now, he relaxed a bit. "Eventually, we'll have to get you up and around again. When you're ready," he grinned, eyes motioning to the maid droid standing dutifully near the closet door. "They've been helping me a lot," he informed, returning his gaze to her. "Keeping you comfortable and washed up."

[Nallia Oberon]

She smiled and nodded as she watched his eyes dart over her, constantly checking her out to be sure she was ok. "I'd like to go back, soon. But please... Can we wait a while?" She smiled as well, both of them keeping emotions at bay as they spoke.

Raising a hand to his cheek, she shook her head. "I poked him, Syra. He was walking away... But I had to get a jab in. I couldn't bear the idea of him speaking like he did about you then thinking I'd believe him." Remembering he hadn't been there, she shook her head. "He said you'd leave me like you left her. He blamed you for her death. But it wasn't your fault. She chose to go with him, it's hers and his fault. And I told him. Then..." She shrugged and picked at the hem of the blanket. "Then I don't remember anything. Nothing but rage... And blood... And.." she frowned and looked up at him. "Someone fired a weapon." She put her hand on her stomach trying to feel where the bullet wound was, certain she had been the target.

[Syravari Elik]

"Colin had always blamed me for that crap, but," he shook his head and then noticed that she checked herself. "It's over now, don't worry about it." Sighing, he took her hands in his own and raised them, kissing them gently as he leaned in again. "My mom apologized that you were hurt. She wanted to do that herself, but I felt it was best that we leave there for now. Tradition on Ord Cestus and with my family is that everyone that's visiting our home is part of our family and under our protection. Colin wasn't considered family - he had worn out his welcome some time ago, but mom let him stay out of respect for his mother. He was looking for a reason and goaded you into that, so don't feel bad. I'm just glad that we got to you when we did."

[Nallia Oberon]

When he took her hands, she frowned. "He was the one who took the shot... isn't he?" The fact she wasn't wearing a hole, and that Syra was avoiding the comments, she figured it out pretty quick. Shifting to lean against Syra, a small wince the only sound she made, she then sighed and nodded. "I am sorry for whoever made the shot. I think Colin got the worst of our fight. Though, I admit I don't think he's fought many berserk girls with a mouth like a pirate." She tried to laugh but it didn't quite sound genuine.

She tilted her head to look up at him. "I'm sorry he's dead. Honest. I think he had finally realized it was his fault. He said... something... I don't remember. Maybe I made it up while unconscious." She shook her head and tried to blink the memories back into the abyss of her mind. "I need to get up. I'm starving." She finally laughed with a bit more of her old self. "Can we go to the dining room, or the lounge? I need to get out of this bed." She reached to toss off the covers. Fading golden bruises covered nearly every inch of her she could see, from her knees up to the bandage around her. She moved her legs over the side of the bed, another wince accompanying the motion. She then tried to contort her arms to try and remove the covering around her middle. Her teeth worried on her lower lip as she tried to find the end of the material to try and release it. A small growl this time, instead of a whimper, rolled up her throat and she coughed. Her old fire was floating to the surface and her still half ruined body wasn't responding the way she wanted it to.

"Syra... please..." She was nearly clawing at the ungiving material and was only managing to make the top and bottom curl in on themselves.

[Syravari Elik]

Worried that she may injure herself worse, he noticed that any argument to letting her get up was fruitless, so wrapped his right arm around her shoulders and helped her sit up as they removed the comforter. "Hold on," he stated. "Let me get you something to put on first, then we'll get you up."

Rising, he quickly moved to the closet and found her robe, then brought it out. Helping her put it on, he tied it for her and then continued the painful rise to her feet, his right arm around her shoulders, left hand upon her left forearm. Taking it slow, he helped her from the master suite and through the ship, downstairs and eventually to the kitchen. As they approached the door, he knew the girls were going to skin him alive for this, but too late now. Opening the door for them, he let her in first as Bethany and the other females aboard ship all rose, surprised at what they saw.

"Sy," Rebecca exclaimed, moving to help Nallia, getting to her before Bethany did. "What in the world are you thinking?"

"She insisted," he defended.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia let Syra help her up, though noticed he wouldn't help her off with the bandages. As they went down the halls, the feel of the ship beneath her feet was soothing and she relaxed against him, willingly letting him help support her.

As they reached the kitchen, the onslaught began and she laughed as Brittany settled her into a seat. "He didn't have a choice, Brit, you know that. I would have come the first chance he left me alone." She laughed as she sat down, then coughed as her throat reminded her that this had probably been a bad idea. She was suddenly exhausted and her hand rubbed her throat a moment as she smiled again and headed heavily on her arms on the table.

"I just needed to get out of that bed. Something to eat and I promise I'll go right back. I'll be ok." She looked at the girls with a smile but their return looks made her realize she probably looked like a Death Knight from children's stories. Her skin was paler than usual from the exertion of walking to the kitchen. Her eyes were sunken and swollen from bruising, meds and prolonged sleep. And she looked overall worse than she had when first arriving as a half starved and beaten slave.

[Syravari Elik]

Bethany moved behind the island and began making something as Rebecca, Sabrina and Rihana all sat at the table with her. "Going to make you some soup," the head chef mentioned as she began grabbing all the ingredients. "Becca, grab her some water or something to drink."

"Okay," the auburn haired girl shot back up and headed to the refrigeration unit.

Syravari just sat down at the island, on a stool and watched amusedly. "Guess we didn't need any nurses after all, huh," he smirked, eyeing Nallia.

"Girls gotta take care of one another," Rihana replied, winking at Nallia. "No one else's gonna do it."

[Nallia Oberon]

Despite being tired and wrung out, Nallia smiled as the others started scurrying around to cater to her. She glanced up to see Syra watching the girls and her and she smiled at him. "Be nice to him, Rhi... He did pull Colin off me." She laughed as the others smiled.

After several minutes and some water, the silence fell that companions have after being together a long time.

When she started seeing the glances between the girls and Syra, she finally spoke up. "Who fired the shot?" She glanced to each to see their reactions. "I'm not so out of it to think I imagined the sound." She glanced at her lover. "And you haven't actually said I was hit, so I know I wasn't." She glanced at the others. "So who shot Colin?"

She sat there, shaking slightly from fatigue, as she waited to see who would answer.

[Syravari Elik]

Bethany glanced between Nallia and Syravari, then went back to cooking as Rebecca handed their patient her glass of water, leaving the explanation to the captain.

Eyeing her, he cleared his throat. "My mother shot him," he stated, though still not sure how he felt about it, even though the man was pummeling his girlfriend, which he definitely hated. "And basically let him die," he shrugged.

"Good," Rihana said without hesitation. "He deserved it."

Syravari had to agree.

"There were many of us that wished we had pulled the trigger, once we heard what he did, then saw you laying there in the medbay at the palace," Bethany added.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia was just about to scream for them to answer when Syra piped up. "Oh gods... Your mother..." Nallia suddenly felt sick to her stomach. "Syra... I'm sorry. Please... I have to tell her I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get him killed."

She looked down at the water glass between her hands, grateful she was sitting down. "It's my fault. He was walking away." She looked up at the girls because they hadn't heard, that she knew of. "He was saying Syra would dump me like he did all the others. Or he'd get me killed, like... her. He was walking away. But I just HAD to say something. Defend Syra, and myself. I didn't want him thinking I believed him." The story was rushing out of her now. " I told him Syra had come back for me, on Drifter's. That he loved me and wouldn't leave me. He said Syra had promised Sorcia the world then got her killed. I said it was his fault she died. Syra would have brought her the world if she'd believed in him and stayed put. He got so mad. I told him I didn't want the world. I already had everything I needed. That it was his greed..." She choked as her throat started to protest so much use all of a sudden. "I don't even remember the fight. I just remember he was choking me, then suddenly I was hitting him."

She stopped as she looked back down at her hands. The bacta tank had done its job and healed her body, but the stiffness would take a while to wear itself out with use. Bones were knit and set... But bruises tattled on the wound's locations. "I have to tell her I'm sorry..." she whispered and started to stand up. Her idea was to just go to the office and send a message. They'd go back soon and she'd say it again in person. "I have to..."

[Syravari Elik]

As she began apologizing, Syravari moved to her, kneeling at her side and placed his hand on her left forearm. "Hey, like I said earlier, this was going to happen eventually. This wasn't your fault at all. He was always looking for a fight and was going to get one that day, whether you replied to his goading or not. He lunged at me with a knife in his hand, that's why she shot him. It had nothing to do with you." Realizing he was this transparent in front of the other girls didn't occur to the pirate at all, only that Nallia was still feeling gulity.

Rihana, the gunsmith and ex-mercenary leaned across the table, "Had the queen not shot him, one of us would have. We're a family now," her eyes glanced between everyone in the room, then back. "All of us. We stick together and I'd defend you just like he would," she motioned to Syravari.

"As would we all," Bethany added. "Get used to it, sister," she grinned and winked.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nallia had been on the verge of tears as Syra knelt beside her. But when he mentioned Colin pulling a knife, her heart almost stopped. She tensed under his, more than gentle, touch and looked at him. "A knife?" Her eyes went from one to the other in the room.

As one woman after another affirmed Colin had it coming, for what they did to her, and what he tried on Syra, she nodded and sighed. "I'm sorry he's dead... But I'm not sorry he's gone." It was all she could see to say.

When then agreed she was family, it reminded her of the others. "And Brannoc and the rest? They're all ok? And they know? What happened, I mean?" It was Brannoc's teachings that had not just kept her alive but given her a chance. She looked around and settled her eyes on Syra once more. "I know you said you'd teach me about weapons and fighting when you thought I was ready. But Brannoc's been teaching me since before you were taken. Pretty much every night since the last time I was... hurt.." She let it drop there. She had promised herself Syravari would never have to rescue her again after the last time. Though it seemed she still had a lot to learn.

She glanced at the others to see their reactions. Brannoc and her had always done it in secret. He had been teaching her about altering manifests, cargo smuggling and other things as well. They had used those lesson times to spar in the far hold where no one would accidentally see. And she'd always made sure the occasional bruise she acquired wasn't seen. But in light of all this, her lover and the others had a right to know. "Please don't be mad at him, Syra," she looked at him with a gentle smile. "I kind of guilt tripped him into doing it. But I want to thank him, if that's ok."

She was settling down again. Colin was gone and it was finally over for Syra. She'd watch to make sure 'he' didn't feel guilty. But otherwise, it was time to move on.

[Syravari Elik]

The revelation of Brannoc's mentoring prompted a grin, "He mentioned that some time back and I was glad that he did. We both agreed that I may not be the best for that, since we're involved. He's not going to pull his punches, which I'm sure you know by now. I couldn't have done that, and that's not what you needed." The apology to Brannoc and the fact that she was moving around the ship also reminded him that she was only wearing a robe, which usually wouldn't have bothered him. Oddly, it mattered now.

"Get something to eat and relax for a minute, I'll call him to the kitchen here shortly, if you wanted."

After a long moment, Bethany carried the bowl of soup to the table and set it before Nallia, then rounded the table behind Syravari and sat to his left.

[Nallia Oberon]

Nisa smiled and nodded. "It doesn't surprise me he told you." A small laugh, nearly her old self, was added to the comment. "It explains you pretending not to notice the occasional bruise. I just hope you didn't come down too hard on him for them."

When the smell of the soup before her got her senses, her stomach growled. "Remind never to never complain about lack of sleep, again. I think several days is a bit of an overkill." She laughed once more, a small cough following it as she tucked into the soup, grateful for it's warmth as well as it's filling.

--
She changed the topic to the shopping trip the ladies had gone on, her eyes rolling as they regaled tales of getting things for themselves. She even gracefully accepted the announcement there were presents for her when she was ready.

She watched Syra out of the corner of her eye and smiled to herself. He was waiting for her to become too tired to stay up. His look of worry evident to her, if not to the others.

After a bit her eyes started to droop and when she shifted, the pain returned. "I think I need to get back. The pain killers, much as I hate them, call to me." She tried to laugh but this time it want even close. She stood up and held on to to table for a long moment to try and keep her legs from betraying her. "The soup was amazing, Brittany. Thank you. Just what I needed." She smiled to each of them in thanks. It was hard for her to imagine, growing up, that happy families existed. Now she couldn't imagine life without them.