Frozen Secrets

[\J|K/]

Veratos' ship sailed smoothly through the subzero air. Ice crystals were beginning to form along the edges of view screen. In a world so harsh, only the strong dare brave the barren icelands. Or those enticed by the promices of rare and fine metals. Veratos had no love of the greedy but this would be his first test. Just getting to this planet would be a challenge for this icy rock was blanketed by dense asteroid fields. Those who sought truth and answers to the secrets of the Dark Side would come.

Upon landing on a flat stretch of ice and snow, Veratos left his ship. He was dressed in his tight battle armor and wrapped in a thick, thermal cloak. His black figure stood in stark contrast against the show. Veratos' journey had led him further into the Dark Side, now his aura seeped malice. The Dark Lord had given him a taste of the power within him, but he had given him the tools to forge his own dark path.

Veratos forced his will onto the planet, before he would have let the Force reveal the dangers and workings of Mygeeto, but he didn't have the time for that now. The Dark Lord was waiting. Only after he and Renata gathered the Dark Jedi could his master begin the next step to Galactic domination and eventually... peace. He called out, alert to the new world around him.

He traveled a short distance from his vessel. Veratos had come to a lake, now frozen. His mind drifted for a moment. He wondered how long it had been since a human took in this site. How long had it been since a Sith Lord took in this site? This lake, full of potential, frozen in time. Its power stilled and gone. Here Veratos would awaken a new breed of Dark Side users. Those unfrozen, unrestrained by lies and conformity. A new Rule was here. Those who would embrace its power would meet here, on this rugged world, to step together into the future.

[Meira]

It had been some time since Renata and Veratos had seen eachother. Their quest for true understanding of the Force had lead them to Iniquitous. Through him, they had gained their new names and titles, along with knowledge, power, and the promise of more. Their paths had parted after that. At the bidding of their new master, they had left to seek out those who would be of service to their Dark Lord. They had found followers, and now Renata sensed that it was time to once again see her companion.

She had given those she had recruited a means of communication, so that they might be called when it was time for them to serve. For now, she journeyed alone to meet Veratos. Her small ship landed silently on the frozen wastes of Mygeeto. Ever since she had first met Veratos, she had learned his presence, and so it was not difficult for her to find him now.

The hatch opened and Renata's hair was swept up for a moment, blown wildly as a flurry of snow danced among the red tresses. She raised her hood against the cold and began to walk down the ramp. Behind her, she caught the whir of her two recon droids. Without turning, she waved her hand, indicating that they were not needed this time. With a series of possibly disappointed beeps, the droids reentered the belly of the ship as the ramp raised behind Renata.

After walking for a time, Renata soon came to the place where Veratos waited. She knew he had done his share of their mission, and that it would soon come time to combine the fruits of their labor into a force of Dark Jedi, whom they might command with the authority of their master. They were Sith, after all. Surely Iniquitous would honor them with roles befitting their titles.

The time draws near. She said as she came within earshot of Veratos. Soon, our master will reveal himself to the galaxy, and we will stand at his side as he brings order and control. Her words escaped her smiling lips like a flock of birds, wild yet controled. In her eyes, which had by now only traces of their former ice blue color, flashed with fanatical zeal. The Sith will rule once more. These last words were uttered as she stopped by Veratos' side. She gave the man a slight bow of her head before turning to take in the scenery. She now stood silent and still, but inside, she was a whirlwind of anticipation.

[\J|K/]

((Eh, this one is rough at best. Though in my weak defense, this is my first RP post in near a month. Also I took this opportunity to shed some light on the future path of Veratos. Play along if you wish but anything regarding you is pure development for Veratos and does not necessarily require input from you. Though input if you like.))

Veratos' cloak could not fend off the terrible cold. Every moment he faced the bitter air, a bit of his sanity in comfort left. Fitting as this was, he would rather be in no other place. Iniquitous had set a blaze to his sole. His spirit once grasped the notion of peace and obliviousness, now all that remained was searing realization. A realization that boiled his blood. To him it seemed that what kept him combustion was the frigid temperature of Mygeeto.

On this dead planet it was not hard to sense the arrival of Renata. She held a special place in his memories and always would. She, the Dark Lady, was the last creature to have known the Jedi Knight Jahn. In a way he was grateful to have met the girl. She had provided the perfect mirror to peer into his own insufficient life. He had never told her that and likely never would. This was his secret.

His memories only held room for one though two figures were engraved. Of coarse Renata, but the other concerned him. More than concerned him, it scared him. One would have to go, be removed. The last figure that held prominence in his memories was Jedi Councilmen Vreem Took. With both influences Veratos could not fully submerge to the Sith. One would be sacrificed for the safety of the other. One would be eliminated before the end. This much he knew.

As she approached his heart skipped a beat. Was it the cold? No. He could not deny the attachment he shared with Renata. They had known one another for a relatively short time, but, together, they had gone through so much. They both abandoned the Jedi, both lead together, then summoned to the Dark Lord. Together they ascended to the Dark Side and to the Sith. Now here, on this frozen lake, together again.

She spoke but he knew what she would say. She was excited about the future. Finally the galaxy stood on the edge of a change that could bring lasting peace. Undoubtedly he was excited too. Her words did not linger but her actions did. A bow?

"Yes, a new era is at hand." He paused for a moment thinking of how best to phrase his next sentence. "Renata," her new name, unfamiliar yet fitting, flowed from his mouth, "once, now long ago, I asked you to not call me Master. As your partner I'm asking you to not bow before me." He knew a bow was a sign of respect or greeting but something tugged at him when she bowed. He viewed them as equals, the same hand of Iniquitous. Not two separate hands, one greater than the other.

[Meira]

Renata's eyes did not turn back to Veratos until she heard him speak her name. How many times had she announced herself with that name, and yet still it burned in her heart with a power that could fend off the very cold. She smiled at the sound as her eyes turned to meet those of a man who did not seek any power over her at all. I forget myself. Forgive me, my friend. She said, her voice more sincere than she could ever remember.

In truth, she would have humbled herself before the man a thousand times before they had met their master. And even now, she gave honor to him without thought. Why? Because he was so very different than her former master. Gordon had been controling, had held her back, sought to dominate her. But Veratos had been one that encouraged her to seek her own path, and had agreed to walk beside her. Yes, she took his words to heart and she did desire to be equal to him. But in her mind, she would forever see him as something else. What that was, she wasn't quite sure. But she was beginning to realize that perhaps Veratos would be the only sentient creature in the galazy that might understand her... that might not seek to dominate her.

She was no fool. She knew that Their master sought control, power, and domination as much as peace. She herself sought the same things. Would she have asked Veratos to not bow to her if he had done as she had? She realized, with a small level of surprise that she would not. But she would accept... what's more, expect it from others. Not Iniquitous, but all others. Had she not earned that? Was she not, along with Veratos, the Hand of their Sith Lord?

Her eyes studied her companion for a moment. Would he be a weakness in her heart? Would their bond one day come between herself and the power that she craved in her very core? These thoughts were too disturbing for Renata at the time. She cast them aside, for fear that they would betray her and that Veratos would know their potential trechery.

Join me in meditation, won't you? She asked, glancing around for a place suitable. It has been some time, and I could use some guidance. This was no lie. Renata was very aware that the two of them held different strengths. Indeed, together they amassed a great amount of power in the force. They could be the strongest of allies.

[\J|K/]

((Sorry again for the laps in time. So I made this one short and simple to get things rolling.))

Meditation? This girl had come far. Her path seemed fitting now. Before she was weak striving for power. Now she had been granted everything she had hoped for and appeared to be handling herself quite well. The Phoenix of the past would never ask for meditation. Renata, it appears, had overcome that pride.

Though what would drive Renata to him of all people? Perhaps she was as conflicted as he. Veratos considered the situation for a moment before responding. Both Renata and Veratos were former members of the Jedi Order. Now both of them had made a choice and that choice had taken them to the perfect place at the perfect time. Everything had happened so quickly. Their soles were now engulfed with the raw power of the Dark Side but their power was not refined.

Something was troubling the pair. Veratos wondered she felt it too. "Yes, I will join you." He now turned from the lake and faced his companion. "Much has happened and I believe I am in as much need of your guidance as you mine. Though I admit, just your presence is a comfort." He paused for a short while. For the first time in a long while enjoying just being. "Tell me, whats on your mind?"

[Meira]

When Veratos accepted her offer to meditate, she immediately closed her eyes. She stood still as a statue, her breathing barely visible in the slight rise and fall of her shoulders. Slowly, she let her thoughts drift with with wind, waiting to see what questions they would bring. What was on her mind? She did not try to conceal her thoughts from her companion. She was not sure if she could communicate her confusion any other way.

Renata had carried out her charge from their master quickly and precisely. The power she had received through his instruction gave her focus. Her entire being had been enlightened and strengthened. Yet still something stirred inside of her. Even beneath her hunger for power, something small and fragile. The image of her mother as she was jettisoned from the airlock of that wretched ship flashed before her eyes. At the time, she felt nothing but contempt for that pitiful excuse for a woman, now a sudden hint of pain coursed through her. What was strange was that it was not for her mother, it was for herself. Had she become a monster?

Her eyes opened again and connected with those of the man who stood next to her. This man who had appeared when she was lost, and had guided them both to their destiny. He had never questioned her, had never doubted. And neither had she... until now. She knew that the greater part of her fate was to serve their master. But she had never given thought to how she would control her life when it was not in Iniquitous' hands. Their master had given them power, and they were obliged to serve him. But he had also given them freedom. What would she do with that?

She was realizing now that her entire life was led in total devotion to the Jedi. They demanded nothing less than the sacrifice of her self. And then, on that ship, when she had let go of their teachings and embraced the dark side to save her own life, she had exploded in rage, not only at her would be slavers, but at the Jedi as well. And when the storm had passed, she was lost. She hadn't known it, but Phoenix didn't know what to do with freedom. Had it not been fore Jahn, she might have become little more than a murderer. But he had been there, and they had found their way together to their destinies, abandoning old names and dawning new ones. Renata had purpose and a cause where Phoenix was a slave long before she had been captured. Renata had true freedom.

Veratos. She said, her voice barely heard over the wind. The yellow formed in her irises seemed to dull, the ice blue piercing through again. Was it her nature, or simply conditioning by the Jedi for her to throw her whole being into her charge, and forget herself? She now knew what that small fragile essence deep inside her was. She had lost it so long ago, who knows how long. It was her. She was so quick to cast it aside in her desperate lust for power. And what had it made her? A humble servant when given a mission, and a mindless beast when left without purpose. A tear fell from her eye, nearly freezing on the skin of her cheek as the cold winds of Mygeeto continued to blow. My friend... Don't let me become a monster.

Renata trusted Veratos, more than she could explain, more even than Iniquitous. She didn't know if this was a good thing, or if it would be her downfall. But she felt as though he was the only being in the entire galaxy that could understand her. Was she wrong?

[\J|K/]

"Monster..." his whispered words were barely audible over the wind. He looked into the blue void of Renata's eyes. For a moment he stood transfixed. Clearly this new power was overwhelming for her. Without temperance one could drown in freedom. "Renata, I cannot live your life for you. I will not do that, but if you come to me for guidance, that I can provide."

He shifted in his stance. Veratos had to prepare his words. He did not want to come off controlling or impose his views on the girl. She must remain free to make her own choices. "In this new galaxy you have been given a great luxury. You have been set free within the Force and your Order. Every choice you make will have ramifications... To kill or to save. To live or to die. To love or to hate. Your time in this reality will be measures by the definition of your name and the choices you make. If your choices define a monster then that is what historians will remember you as.

He reached out and touched her shoulder. These times were hard but he was not above providing comfort. If they could not rely on each other, who else could they turn to? "Do not make a choice without clarity. Passion is a fuel for power but not a reason to act." He ran his other hand through his hair. "I do not wish to see a monster when I look at you, Renata. Though I am just as capable of becoming that monster. Promise me, my friend, that you will take my life before I turn into a blood lusting creature. We will check and balance each other through this war. If Ia cross that boundary take me down before I tarnish my legacy."

He hoped he had said the right things. Veratos had lost his faith in his ability to lead others. If he failed Renata now and she fell into her nightmares, he would not forgive himself. She, as always, was free to question him or challenge his guidance if something was not clear.

[Meira]

Renata stood still as stone as Veratos' words drifted over the space between them. She was frozen in their insight. Yet she felt warmed by their comfort. He didn't want to see a monster in her eyes. This knowledge stirred something inside of her, as if that frail thing suddenly felt a little stronger.

Veratos then asked that she do the same for him. His hand touched her shoulder, and in that instant all the snow and ice that Mygeeto could conjure couldn't stop her heart. Her own thin hand covered his, holding it to her shoulder. They would stand guard over each other and keep themselves from slipping under the weight of their power and freedom. I swear to you. She said, her voice soft. I will not let you fall.

And then, with reluctance, she released her hold on his hand, the ghost of its form still lingering on her palm. Her eyes looked down to the ground as the wind blew wisps of snow between them. With the connection between them now severed, Renata was feeling to cold surround her. For now, her passions were tamed. But this also meant that the fire that seemed to consume her as she lusted for power was not as strong, and she could feel the chill in the air.

Veratos, it is cold. Is your ship nearby? She needed to rest, and she felt that her ship was too far. Her search for followers had cost her a great deal of energy, and with her inner fire controlled, it was taking its toll on her now.

[Meira]

((OOC: Moving us forward to the ship. JK has graciously given me permission to control his character for this little push forward.))

His ship was not far, and Veratos led the way across the barren ice and snow. The ship's frozen exterior belied the warmth it held within, and as the two made their way up the ramp, the cold would melt off of their shoulders, giving way to the heat held inside the hull. They removed their thermal cloaks, leaving them to dry draped over a rail and Veratos led Renata further into the ship where he prepared hot drinks as she shook the last stubborn flakes of snow from her hair.

Soon, the drinks were ready and Renata accepted one gratefully. The force was a powerful tool to wield, but Renata could now feel how it had drained her. Glad to let the power subside for now, she relaxed into a chair letting her cold fingers wrap around the cup in her hand. For a few moments, she did nothing else but stare into the liquid, letting her mind go, letting her body relax. It was then that Renata realized that she had not relaxed, truly relaxed, in a long time. Even in her meditations, she was tense with effort to control the feral rage and lust for power that lived inside of her. Looking up, she knew the source of her relief. What she did not know, was why.

Veratos was a handsome man by almost any standard. The burdens of time had yet to mar his features, which always seemed deeper than one might expect. His brown eyes held countless stories and his skin was tanned, showing years of hard work and training. Aside from aesthetics, he was patient, something Renata was only just now coming to learn. He was reserved in speech, and always had an ear to lend. For that, he would never know how grateful she was.

Renata had always had a certain image of what a man was, but Veratos had shattered that image entirely. Before him, men were taller, faster, stronger, and they knew it. They had decided at some point in history that they were superior and that all should concede to that fact. Oh how she had been fascinated by cultures, such as the Devaronians, who had somehow managed to reverse that role. She had envied them, for her life was an example of man's dominance. Her own existence was due to one man's decision to enslave an addict to a life of filth, and another man's decision to abuse that woman for his own pleasure.

Even among the Jedi, she was obliged to bow and humble herself before a master who cared only to further himself through her labors. And then, when his protection failed, she was almost doomed to the same life as her mother. But she had been stronger than any had expected, and the last man that had tried to lay a hand on her found himself floating out in space.

Then she met him. He had welcomed her, had listened to her, and had asked that she journey with him, not as an apprentice as she had so readily submitted herself as, but as an equal. She had never known the kindness that he had showed her that day and she owed all that she was to him. For the first time in her life, Renata was happy and more than willing to humble herself before a man. More than happy, because she knew that his hand would be gentle if it touched hers.

Her eyes were drawn to his hands at the thought. How would they feel. Rough and calloused? Or would they be smooth and soft? She quickly looked away, afraid of the feeling welling up inside of her. It was so similar to the desire for power, but more tame. It compelled her forward, not to kill and take, but...

Again she shook the thought away. Unable to meet his eyes, Renata sipped at her drink, doing all she could to look at anything but Veratos. It was difficult, as the ship was not large, and there were few things to look at.

[\J|K/]

Veratos had never before been so grateful for technology. The warmth of the ship swelled through him and began thawing his body. The ice that had formed in his hair began to melt and trickles of water flowed down his face. Once striped of his thermal gear, he began working on drinks for the duo. After their conversation at the lake, Veratos didn't know what to say.

Perhaps she thought little of him now. He had shown a fear of corruption maybe she would not look at him the same now. Ever since meeting the girl Veratos had formed an affection for her. She had been so open and honest with him. Now she sat in silence. Veratos' mind was pounding, aching to know what she was thinking now. Yet he couldn't bring himself to look at her. Was she looking at him?

Ever so carefully he turned and handed Renata a cup of tea. Nothing fancy, but it was warm. Before taking a seat he pulled off the last wet layer of clothes leaving him in his sleeveless training tunic. He kicked off his sopping boots and returned to the table and sat expertly avoiding eye contact. He too sat gazing into the liquid before him.

He grasped the cup letting its heat warm his hands. He took a sip, then another. He had never before been a situation like this. The silence was horrifying but the thought of speaking first was worse. His eyes found their way to her foot. Then slowly, ever so slowly, began to creep up. Her body was thin but perfectly toned from combat. Catlike, he supposed, graceful yet deadly.

With one last draw from his cup he met her face. Perfectly awkward he couldn't help but stare. Though staring he wasn't using his eyes for input. He could feel her. For what seemed like the first time her guard was down. He was taken aback. She was... relaxed? His mind was in utter chaos and she seemed so calm. Gently he probed her mind, touching her through the Force. How unique this girl was. Hard and rugged on the outside, after her history what else could you expect, but that was not the only layer.

His hand crept from his empty cup and stretched the length of the table. He noticed that she was not looking at him. That too he found odd. She couldn't look at him but he found himself amerced with her. His finger brushed her hand that was clasped to her cup. At contact he inhaled sharply. To not draw attention to his strange breathing he had to say something, "What are you thinking?"

His eyes closed, 'stupid'. He had left his hand stretched out on the table. His fingers twinged with anticipation of another touch. Again his eyes opened, this time he sought eye contact with the lady before him.

[Meira]

The silence was solid between them as they sat, each holding their tongues for their own reasons. She wouldn't know his and had never thought to try. Others were subject to her curiosity. She was not above searching the minds of weaker beings. But Veratos was not to be toyed with. For one, he was in no way weak, and for another, she simply couldn't do that to him. Attacking his mind to know his thoughts was something she would never try.

But a subtle nudge perhaps. That wouldn't hurt anything. For just a moment, she called back on the force to cast her senses toward her companion. And at that moment, she could feel the ghostly caress of him doing the same. She immediately dropped her concentration and her force sense fell away, leaving only the feeling of his efforts.

And then at that moment, she felt his hand lightly touch hers and it was as if lightning had shot up her arm and down her spine. Renata was not aware of Veratos' intake of breath for she was preoccupied with her own. Air was brought inward in a quick gasp and held as the electricity of their contact ran its course through her nerves. When it subsided, the air was released and her heart beat faster causing her subsequent breathing to speed up in an effort to bring oxygen to her suddenly energized muscles. The feeling caused her hand to shake slightly and she set the cup down on the table for fear that she would spill it. When she moved her hand away, it met with his again and she froze, her eyes darting up and caught by his own.

He had asked what she was thinking but her mind was spinning and could not land on a single thought long enough. Her mouth opened slightly, ready to speak, but there were no words there. What could she say? I was thinking about what you're hand might feel like. And my friend you have obliged. Thank you very much? No. Veratos had given her the honor of not thinking of her as a silly girl. She did not aim to prove him wrong. But in truth, that was what she had been thinking. And he had indeed reached out his hand as she wondered about it.

His hand! Her eyes widened slightly as she realized her hand was still laying against his. In a sudden jolt she pulled away and stood up, knocking against the table as she did so. Her cup wobbled and threatened to fall, but her reflexes were quicker and she caught it before it tipped over. She then quickly stood straight and her arms did a sort of awkward dance as they tried to decide between resting on her hips or crossing in front of her. Eventually they settled at crossing and Renata bit her lip at her behavior. Why was she acting this way?

I'm sorry. She said abruptly, realizing how she must have looked like such a fool. I umm... It's just the cold. And I'm... a little tired. I'm sorry. Her eyes again could not seem to look at his. She settled for a spot on the wall to the left of him, but her peripheral vison could seen him quite clearly.

[\J|K/]

((Sorry for taking so long. I have spent the last couple of days trying to muster a reaction... lol))


Damn it. Just as Renata jolted up he joined her. Swiftly he collected his cup from the table and turned his back. How could you? Veratos had not anticipated the notion of having feelings for a woman much less Renata. She was his partner, companion in service to the Dark Overlord of the Sith. He should have prepared himself for this. Love was forbidden by the Jedi, he should have known he would have to deal with it once he left their teachings. Veratos had never considered himself a fool until this moment. Renata was, in his eyes, remarkable. He knew he fancied the girl but to reach out and touch her? Foolish.

Without a word in response, he crossed the room and faced the counter where he had prepared their drinks. He set his cup on the counter for fear he would break it in his clenched fist. There he paused for a moment. He took one painfully harsh breath of air and unclentched his fist. Veratos couldn't exactly be angry with himself or Renata for that matter. Most men learn how to deal with any sort of feelings like this while they are still boys. But that was a luxury not spared to him.

Thinking of his past made him think of hers. Every other man who touched her must have been trying to take advantage of her. How else should should she respond? "Renata, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that." He wanted to turn and face her. He imagined her now, nearly 10 meters away, staring at him. He had let her down. He was suppose to be different, different from the others in her life. He was the one charged with protecting her not violating her.

For now he stood there paralyzed, scared to face her. He would let her handle this situation. He wouldn't be surprised if she just left. Praying that she would stay he waited. Again a silence returned. this time the silence burned his ears.

[Meira]

Her jaw clenched tight as Veratos stood along with her, the silence once again ringing in the air. He crossed to the sink, and with his backed turned, she was able to look at him. He stood there at the sink, and Renata was inwardly berating herself for her behavior. What a fool I am! She thought. He shows compassion and I recoil as if he is a poison! She debated taking her cloak and leaving before she could embarrass herself further, but after a few moments, she realized that would only make matters worse. When Veratos spoke his apology, he confirmed what she had been thinking. He thinks that I am disgusted by him. Oh Veratos, how wrong you are!

But how could she show him that he was wrong? Renata was not schooled in the ways of affection. She understood attraction well enough, but how to act upon it? She knew only two ways, denial and abuse. These extremes were all that had been taught to her. The Jedi taught that these feelings need to be repressed and ignored, and abuse well... that had been the word of her life. But Renata knew in her heart, somehow, that there was a correct way to show affection. People did it across the galaxy and they were... happy. They were happy to love and be loved. But how could they? Trust.

Renata's heart beat strongly at the word. One must trust in order to love. And she trusted Veratos. As alien as the feeling was, she could not deny it. And she shouldn't have to. They had left the Order so that they may seek the life that the Jedi denied them. Was this not part of that life? To love and be loved? It was not something that she had sought, not consciously anyway, but now that she realized it, it was something she desperately wanted.

With timid steps she crossed the room until she stood directly behind Veratos. Her breathing was ragged as she reached out a shaking hand, laying her palm flat against his back. She let it rest there between his shoulder blades. Suddenly, fear entered her mind, bringing thoughts of what this action's consequences might be. What if Iniquitous found out? What if Veratos got hurt... what if he died? And the most terrible at all... What if I am mistaken? What if Veratos does not love me?

Trust.

It was too late now. She had acted and she couldn't take it back. She was at his mercy.

[\J|K/]

There was little question about it. The calm, cool, and collected Veratos was gone. Little remained of the stone cold Sith as he unlocked his passion. He may not have known exactly what to do, but he knew what he wanted. He wanted Renata and he wanted her now. Veratos just had to trust that they were on the same page. There was little sense in hiding his feelings any longer.

In one fluid, almost thought out, moment, he turned facing Renate. He reached out and lightly grabbed her outstretched hand. Then, oh so gently, he began pulling her toward him. He was going to make the first move. Just as he would engage an enemy, he moved in. Once his opponent responded to the first move, Veratos would evaluate and press onward. But this was no fight, Veratos had not spent a lifetime training for this. He supposed this would work in a similar fashion. He would move and, if she was interested, she would react accordingly. Only the young Sith had no clue what to expect in response. Hopefully, time would tell.

He took a small step forward, coming closer to the girl. This all would have been done much smoother if his knees would just stop shaking. Too late, no turning back now. He released his held breath and wrapped his arms around Renata and drew her in. For a moment he stood there enjoying the thrill of contact. His eyes shut and for the first time in what seemed like years, Veratos could honestly say that he was happy. Just happy to be, here, with Renata.

After a tight embrace, Veratos turned his head and whispered into her ear, "Renata, do you trust me?" He loosened his hold and leaned back searching for those blue orbs that had alluded his gaze for so long.

[Meira]

Her heart had stopped beating. Her lungs had stopped breathing. How long did she stand like that? A second? An hour? A year? It was only a moment. It was only an eternity. But she stood, her hand against his back. Waiting. Banishing thoughts from her mind, she waited. Her ears rang, her chest hurt. Her whole body ached as it cried out to him. The only question now was if he would answer. Would he wait too long and let her die? Or would he set her heart to beating again? She knew now that it would only beat for him.

And then it happened. He moved, had turned and the ringing stopped in her ears. Silence fell. Then he took her hand and the same feeling of lightning coursed through her. Her heart beat. It beat again. She drew in a breath and it was as if she was seeing the world for the first time. The ship's walls seemed to vibrate with energy. His arms wrapped around her, drawing her in. Renata laid her head against Veratos' chest, breathing in his scent. She closed her eyes, shutting out everything but the way he smelled and the way his arms felt around her.

She was safe. In his arms, there were no Jedi, no Sith. There was no Republic, no slave traders. There was him. They two were the only beings in the galaxy and nothing could hurt her. She heard his question whispered into her ear and then he pulled back. Her eyes moved upward to meet his, and this time, she was unafraid. Her mouth was dry, and her whole body felt weak, but her voice was strong when she replied.

Yes.

[\J|K/]

How could one word make him feel so many things? Yes, she had said. Her voice sounded so soft yet felt so warm and tasted so sweet. A word of poetry. Unconsciously his hands began exploring her back. His right hand found itself resting on the small of her back. His left began running through her hair. For so long he has to settle with just looking at a distance. This experience was all new to him. He wanted to feel her. Embrace her. He waned to be a part of her.

His fingers weaved into her hair all the while. Finally they came to rest on her scalp and Veratos gazed into her eyes. He again wanted to know what she was thinking. He knew his mind was quite near chaos. But he loved this chaos. Every touch, smell, taste was new to him. If not for his desire for more, his passion to be with her, this would all be overwhelming.

A warm smile crept over his face. "Renata, are you going to tell me what you're thinking or are you going to try and run away again?" He opened himself to her through the Force welcoming her into his mind. Veratos wanted her to be comfortable with him and answer him truthfully. If she wanted access to his thoughts she was welcome to them.

The two were placed in a terribly awkward situation. What if the Dark Lord found out? What if he kept them a part? Very dangerous ground they were entering. Untrod ground. If he wanted her to be honest with anyone it was him. If this was going to happen, they had to be able to rely on one another.

[Meira]

This was right. It was what she was made for. Her physical being was designed to fit against another, it's counterpart. He was her counterpart. They fit so easily, there was no denying that it had been designed. Call it fate, nature, the force, it didn't matter the name. How else could the way his hand fit perfectly at the small of her back be explained? What other than fate could have foreseen that her height met his so that his lips lined up with her forehead. And what's more, this was a new and beautiful aspect of the force that she could never have imagined.

She could feel it flow between them freely, binding them, making them one. When he smiled, she could feel it herself, and it pulled at the muscles at the corners of her own mouth. Renata had smiled before. She had smiled in pride, in greedy satisfaction, even in contempt. But she had never smiled like this. This smile extended beyond her mouth. It brightened up her eyes, it made her knees shake and her stomach flutter. This smile was simple and pure, a true reflection of happiness.

She continued to smile as Veratos again asked for her thoughts. Her eyes lingered down to his chest as she tried to find the words, her hands idly resting on his shoulders, touching lightly against his neck. I don't know what to think. She said after a few moments. She tried to clear her mind of the confusion of her senses, looking deeper for what lie beneath it all. I'm... happy. She said, the smile spreading even more across her face. ...and scared. Her eyes dulling just slightly at the thought of what it might mean if they were discovered. Her thoughts then reached out to his, and her smile returned when she felt that Veratos had opened his mind to her. He was so willing to share of himself, and she was glad to do the same.

In his thoughts, she found comfort in his own confusion. Like him, her mind was a whirl of emotions, but she would not trade it for anything. Looking back up into his eyes, Renata studied Veratos. He was a good man. He would not hurt her. She had never suspect that he would, but with this full access to his mind, she was now sure beyond doubt.

Was this the true nature of the force? Could it be that it had been overlooked for so long. The force binds us together. She thought. The Jedi had referred to all things with that statement. But standing here with Veratos, Renata understood it on a more individual level. The force binds US together. To know each other deeply and entirely. Leaning forward, her head tilted up, Renata pressed her lips against his. Her eyes closed as she reveled in the feeling. How could the Jedi deny this happiness? How could the Dark Jedi ignore it in favor of greed and self service? It was natural design that allowed for the two of them to fit together so well, body and mind. It could not be denied. It could not be ignored.

[\J|K/]

They could not ignore it. Better still he would not ignore it. His arms, back, shoulder, and lips tingled with excitement. She had pulled him in for the kiss and his world froze. Renata was truly spellbinding. Every time he thought he knew her, or thought he was prepared for what she might do, she surprised him. This feelings, embraced and lips pressed together, was earth shattering to him. If this was the power that came when the two touched, any doubt he had that the Sith could not bring order to the Galaxy vanished. If he only had Renate he could rip the fabric of the Republic down stone by stone.

Iniquitos only came as an after thought now. If he accepted them, fine, if he forbid their connection the Lord of the Sith would have to be removed. His eyes opened and he looked at the face of the woman he was ready to kill for. What a perfect being. The Force was absolutely perfect to have created a being that made his heart beat so hard. Why had it taken him so long to find her? She was his inspiration, he would have to become the most powerful being in the Galaxy. He could not allow harm to come to her. Not from the Jedi, not from the Republic, and not from Iniquitos. He would rise above them all.

He pulled back from his first kiss. For a moment he could say nothing. Silence. "We can't hide this. Iniquitous will know what we've done. There's no use trying to hide from him. You to know that I want you... I want this. No matter what happens I'll not be pulled from you. I won't let him keep us apart."

[Meira]

Renata was dizzy from the sensation. It had been hidden from them for so long, this sense of love, of belonging. What new doors might be opened now? What else did the force, the galaxy have to offer? She couldn't stop from smiling, she was light as air. If Veratos wasn't holding her, she was fairly sure she would float up to the ceiling of the ship.

His words brought her back to reality. He had reason. Iniquitous would know their minds, their hearts, no matter how well they concealed their emotions. An anger jumped inside of her at the thought of Iniquitous trying to keep them apart. He would be a fool to try it. Surely Renata and Veratos were now strong enough in the force, in the dark side to defeat him? It was a dangerous thought.

He wouldn't keep us apart... would he? Her eyes looked up into his, pleading for affirmation. Surely he would know that would only turn us against him. She nodded at her words, sure that they were true. This new Order of Sith would embrace their love, surely. And if not, then she and Veratos would have to make their own way. But she hung on to the hope that they could have it all. She placed her head against his chest, closing her eyes and letting the thoughts drift away. The day would come, soon enough, to find out if their love would be challenged. But for now, she focused on the moment, on his arms, his breathing. Renata wanted it to last forever.

And then, as if the mere thought of Iniquitous evoked his presence, she felt a thrill of energy up and down her spine. She didn't hear the words so much as feel them. It was a summons, a calling. The time had come to gather once more and put the master's plans into motion. While she felt a sudden pang of anger for being interrupted, Renata also felt a rush of excitement. He would teach them more, give them more power. Whatever might happen, Iniquitous' call meant power, and a great portion of Renata's being still hungered for more, as she was sure Veratos did as well.

Did you feel that? She asked, her eyes flashing with excitement. It's time. In a sudden movement, she shot her face forward, pressing her lips against his again. Her hands gripped the sides of his head and when she pulled away, she was panting from the excitement. She smiled at him before turning to leave. Renata had her own ship to pilot, and she was still unsure of how their master would feel about the change in their relationship. For now, the best thing to do would be to take it slow, feel out the waters, and be patient.

She lowered the ramp and turned her head to look at Veratos one last time as a gust of wind and snow made her hair dance around her. Her smile conveyed all the words she didn't know how to say. She then lifted her hood, and was gone.