Afraid of the Dark

[Claire Organa]

I was staring off into the beyond it was cold like the Juran Mountains. I decided to test how cold by blowing slightly to see if I could see my breath. In small puffs of white I confirmed just how cold it was.

Andorreth's voice drew me back to where he stood, "oh?" What had he gotten? I already had the best corset around. What was in the trunk stunned me.

With great care I reached out to touch it seemed contoured to fit my body in every aspect. I knew the metal I had seen it among the Clans on Alderaan. This metal I thought was reserved for the Mando'ade. "Andorreth it's wonderful more precious than anything I own. But am I allowed to have something like this?"

I glanced over to where he worked so diligently to get everything ready. It finally dawned on me how much I meant to him. I had no idea what I could give in return for everything he had given already. Tangible things that were so precious. He wanted me to be protected when he couldn't do it.

I felt like the only thing I offered was an emotion which couldn't be touched it could only be felt and shown.

The armor was unpainted it meant I would chose the colors, and the meaning. Maybe white for a new start, black for justice, and blue for reliability. I knew orange was lust for life, gray for mourning, red for a parent, gold for vengeance, and green for duty. It was a big decision what colors to wear it would broadcast to others what I felt was important, who I was.
But again I still wasn't sure I deserved such an honor.

I gently touched his thoughtful gift. I felt a familiar swell of emotion rising in my chest. It pushed up I could feel tears welling in my eyes I wasn't quite sure why.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

"You're kin to clans on Alderaan, more than that I was trained by a dar'manda and she proudly wore her armor. I was adopted traditionally as a Mandalorian therefore it is MY gift to you. Anyone who takes issue with it will deal with me." Moving in I picked up the trunk and carried it towards the tent. "After you m'lady...." I waited and Claire headed in coming in behind her I set the trunk down and started up the heater once again. in the trunk as well was some packaged food. Dried meats, vegetable and the like. I gathered them up and after giving Claire a soulful kiss I headed out towards the fire and car. Grabbing a few more things like wooden bowls and carved wooden spoons along with a cooking pot and stand I headed back to the fire. Setting up the cooking stand I hung the pot and poured a decent amount of water into it. The coals were glowing a cheery red and I placed a bit more wood on the blaze. Then I began taking the ingredients and putting them into the pot. The meat was ground bantha steak and I pulled out a pouch of broth mix. Part beef and part vegetable broth and poured it into the pot. While that heated up I tossed out a circle of sensors around the camp and the car before getting several skins and blankets from the car.

The wood I'd cut that was too big I set up as benches and set the blankets there. Poking my head back into the tent I said "Claire if you're hungry for a firelit dinner under Corellian stars I suggest you come out love." Then I went back to cooking. Seasonings went in, then some dried vegetables like mushrooms and such... This was one place on Corellia I loved and soon Claire would see why...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

I listened to his explanation and what it seemed to come down to was he wanted to give it to me and it was his right. All I need do is say thank you and pick the colors. "Ok cyar'ika again thank you it will serve me well." It would just as soon as he taught me about all the gadgets on it.

This was literally becoming learn it or suffer the consequences kind of thing. I currently had more armor than the guards that took care of the Alderaan Queen.
He disappeared it seemed.

I could hear him moving around, cutting, building, and coughing, small grunts of effort and the crunching of his boots on the ground. He called me out in what seemed like moments.

Andorreth was the energizer porg. When I looked out he had sent everything up and started the meal. "Ya know I can help with this stuff. You don't have to do it all" I walked over to the fire the cold was already moving in.

"Let me help please." I just didn't want to feel like someone who couldn't do anything. Sometimes it did feel like that. I knew he didn't mean to make me feel like that, and mostly he always made me feel safe and warm. But all this talk about changes that would come, of his love for me, of the echani fire dance and a host of other things. I wanted to be a true partner not the kept woman.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Moving away from the fire I said "Very well, we want to make sure the meat is cooked clean through and I know I don't but when we reach House Vikar if you want to help I'll let you. I just like doing things for you..." Kissing her again I softly nipped her lower lip and sucked on it gently. Pulling away softly her lip stuck to mine and I moved away from the fire and simply began unfastening my armor plates stacking them neatly before simply peeling out of my shirt. Drawing my sword I began moving through a measured series of sword forms as I let Claire work on the cooking. The sun was going down and soon enough she'd understand why the dangerous woods were worth this trip. She was about to see an incredible view...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

Finally purpose. I nodded eager to help. "I know you like doing things for me Andorreth I just, well, if we are partners we share things. Even something like cooking. I like that you take care of me but consider that it might be one of the ways I can take care of you."

I didn't really detect that he was upset with me for suggesting it but I had a feeling that he might feel hurt.

He quickly put that thought to rest as his lips touched mine. For the briefest of moments my hands rested on his chest against the armor plates. Dreamy I was in a state of dreamy. I smiled when he pulled away.

"Besides I wouldn't get to watch you practice your movements shirtless..." I leaned sideways looking to get a better view. I sat there quietly watching the food cook. All around us was quiet the kind of quiet that comes before a storm.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

I listened to Claire and realized she was right I did need to let her help out more. The sun had set and I could feel the glacial cold against my bare chest. I worked my way through the rest of my sword form then spinning my blade to the side I re-sheathed it. Grabbing my armor plates and shirt I walked over to Claire and wrapped my arms around her waist and gently bit her neck and sucked lightly at her collar-bone before pulling away. Grabbing the animal skin blankets I wrapped one around my shoulders and laid another down by the fire. Once more wrapping my arms around Claire's waist I whispered "Leave the stew Claire it'll finish up. Come lay down with me, you need to see this...."

As I laid down on the blanket the one around my shoulders fell and grabbing it I pulled it over both Claire and myself. "I'll be glad when we're done here and I have time with you alone at House Vikar Claire. This is something I'll never forget, when I survived the woods here I waited for Seras here. You're about to see something that will surely be remembered...." I pulled Claire against my chiseled chest and watched once more in awe as the stars and atmosphere of Corellia painted the night skies peppered with stars...

​

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[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

He was one of the most affectionate men I knew really. Who couldn't succumb to such tender kisses. I smiled like the kid with her hand in the cookie jar. I was ready to protest about the stew but then I did remember the longer it cooked the more tender the meat would become. So no brainer on leaving it there to cook and snuggle under some blankets.

"Ok" I got down under the covers resting easily against him. "I'll be glad to I think though there will be some things different." A discussion we had been having off and on. Training. Force User. Sariel. All those things..nothing would be as simple as it was right now.

I looked up watching the skies as Andorreth's arms held me close against him. It was a dance of lights something I had never seen before. "how beautiful. Does that happen all the time here?" I was curious was it just tonight or was this something that anyone could see at any time if they took the time.

I felt part of something unique right now. I got real quiet just admiring the lights as they raced across the skies.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smiling as Claire's weight rested against my bare chest and she looked up I answered her question. "No not all the time, around once every season. Sometimes more but I wanted to share this with you my love." Her neck exposed I felt the shift only slightly my canines elongated and I gently bit Claires neck. Speaking with The Force I said "I just can't get enough of you Claire I'll be glad when we're back at House Vikar. Then I won't have to worry about anything but just showing my love to you." A free hand slipped under her shirt and simply began tracing slow sensual circles against her toned tummy. Grabbing her hand that was under the blankets I brought it against my lips then softly kissed her palm, then her fingertips. Finally I gently sucked her fingertips into my mouth and swirled my tongue against her fingertips.

The fire was still going and I looked at Claire the night skies illuminating her face. "You look like a goddess Claire. I've got to be the luckiest prince on Corellia..." Kissing her deeply I thought idly the stew will keep...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[SIZE=14pt]Once a season I thought a rare event that could only be timed by a season, I couldn’t help but smile. I felt special. “I’m honored you would look how beautiful it is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]I laid there relaxed not a care in the galaxy at that moment then I felt the very tips of his fangs against my skin. It was a shock fear mixed with curiosity I didn’t move until I heard his voice in my mind. It was taking sometime getting use to this.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]I melted a bit further against him, I feel the same Andorreth. I just crave being near you I can’t explain it all why.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]I then felt the pads of his fingers on my stomach I tried hard not to laugh as it did tickle. A quick motion and his lips velvet smooth caressed the sensitive points of my hand. Oh my god…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]You’re killing me” I wanted nothing more than to ravage him on the spot.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=14pt]“Oh no I feel the lucky one. It seems everything has just been bringing us back together each time you leave, you come back. When I leave I find you. I don’t know if that’s destiny. I only know that when I see you nothing else matters.”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14pt]The kiss took me to a place that we both wanted to go I half turned so I could return the kiss as I held his hand tighter. Turning a bit more I wasn’t concerned about the stew.[/SIZE]

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smiling I spoke to her softly through The Force "Shall we continue in the tent cya'rika?" I turned so that Claire was under me and I kissed her again and once more swirled my tongue against her fingertips... My canines were still elongated slightly and I once again bit her neck softly. Pheromones now against her skin as I softly bit and kissed her neck. Looking into her eyes I said "I can always stop if you prefer Claire but something tells me you really don't want me to...." The pheromones were likely entering her body after I'd gently broken skin with one of those bites. It'd likely already healed over on account of the restorative properties the shift gave my body... "Claire I'll always come back to you... after all you're MINE." I softly kissed her lips and wrapped my arms around her waist she'd likely feel the heat coming off me in waves...yet another thing the shift did. At the very least I'd keep her warm....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

All I could do was nod.

That euphoric feeling washed over me as if suddenly bathing in the most erotic oils in the galaxy. The sharpness of his teeth prickled against my skin I wasn’t sure how far he was going to go with that. I had to make sure I didn’t get too lost in that sensation.

It was hard though. With my head swimming and him so warm and enticing all I could do was cling to him and whisper softly, “Don’t stop my love” I wrapped my arms around him to draw him closer. Warm.

He was so warm I knew that I’d never feel the cold.

The stew would burn for certain.

“I’m yours, and you are mine nothing separates us except what we bring to this.” I kissed him lightly not wanting to rush through everything but to enjoy the sensations and feeling of him so close.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smiling I simply used The Force to bank the coals so the stew wouldn't burn. Picking Claire up gently I simply levitated the blankets with us into the tent where we'd be alone under the stars for awhile with no thoughts of anything other than each other.... Fade to Black

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

The time as always passed to quickly passions rose and fell while loving touches were exchanged. I didn't know if his ability to shift was increasing intimacy but being a creature that loved touching she accepted it without too many questions.

I lay there looking up wondering if Sariel kept watch, or watched us. So weird I didn't know what to think still but like with everything else I accepted this and kept going. I would think about it .

I had seen Andorreth's fangs as they scraped against my skin something about it was erotic and frightening. What a combination.

I could tell that we were closer to the ruins. Something in my head kept saying soon.

Sometimes I dreamed of a city under the water I attributed it to my vivid imagination but maybe there was a connection. I looked at him sleeping he was tired and sated for the moment. I enjoyed watching him sleep he was so peaceful in these moments. I brushed his hair from his cheek.

Definitely a 10.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Gently stirring I curled against Claire I felt her fingers in my hair. My fangs still out I wrapped my arm around her waist and softly said "I have the sense that by tomorrow evening we'll be back at House Vikar. Not that I haven't enjoyed roughing it with you Claire but there's always something coming up...." I looked at her neck and flinched away slightly "I wasn't too rough was I?" I worried that I'd hurt her with even the small amount of a transformation. My fangs were weapons and I wouldn't want to hurt her... The sheets were rumpled around us and I moved in closer against Claire while pulling blankets up I wanted her to be warm, wanted her to feel safe. Soon enough we'd need to be up and be heading through the waters of The Deeps. Then into the temple from my vision... I loved this part of Corellia, the mystery, the weather....but there was a foul feeling about the coming exploration of the temple. I needed to know why it'd been hidden and there was something from The Force which demanded I go. I wonder if Claire felt that pull as well.... I could feel the heat of the stew through The Force and knew we'd need to eat before we traveled.

Soon enough House Vikar and time alone with this woman I loved....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"I'm good Andorreth. No fretting" it was fine she marked it up to life with him.

I wasn't frightened at all. "Maybe some additional camping later in another place of our choosing" I would do it again.

I reached out touching his cheek, "the water waits you ready?" I knew I wasn't but still it was time.

I would have stayed where I was but house Vikar was calling.

"I think we will be there soon. But first love we need to get wet" I was ready to do this I wanted to know what Sariel talked about. I wanted to be more than this.

I realized I was accepting what she said more and more. I just had a case of nerves.

"How about some stew?

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smiling at her response I got dressed again and this time I fastened my armor on making sure the thermal insulated body suit was free of tears. Making sure all my weapons were secured and charged I headed out of the tent. Grabbing a ladle and two bowls I filled one for Claire and one for myself. There'd only been enough made for two people anyways and we'd need the heat here soon. Claire had headed out of the tent and was looking like she was about to pack it up when I said "Don't bother with the tent we'll be flying out of the temple Claire." I'd activated the tracker on my wrist gauntlet and I held a bowl of stew out to Claire. After our food we'd be descending to the ice covered lake. Hopefully there was some kind of exploration craft otherwise we'd have to actually swim the deeps. I really didn't relish that idea at all...

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

It was a bit of a rushed morning wake up eat and leave the tent.

I felt my head spin, "ok" I wasn't sure what else to say. For a moment I stood there and looked around, "should I wear the armor you brought?" I was thinking no that we wouldn't need it where we were going and I had some concerns about being in the water with that much added weight.

I would sink like a rock.

I looked over to the cold lake waters dark and forbidding with no sunlight. We were getting ready to go into there.

I was really hoping for a ship of some kind or underwater gear. Surely we'd die of hypothermia without either. Least I would.

I stepped bit closer holding my stew the warmth seeping out to my hands. I watched the small currents skimming across the top. I took another step.

The lake was far enough away and yet I seemed to feel that much closer. Small patterns of white bubbles appeared on the surface.

A low gentle mewing hummed in my ears.

I needed to go there. For whatever the reason I felt like it was calling.

I stood there staring off into nothing still as the stones as quiet as the still of the night.

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Looking at Claire I said "Aye you'll want to put on the armor cya'rika. The weight won't be a problem either, micro-repulsors in the suit ensure that you won't sink they act like a means of flotation. Along with that that armor has a built in air supply for two full hours." Downing my stew I looked at the shoreline below as I stood beside Claire. After finishing my stew I secured my helm and Artemis came online along with my HUD. "M'lord scans indicate you are at the edge of the deeps. I also show that there is a Lotus Class exploration vehicle on the shore line below, technical readouts show that there are thermal cutters for the ice however it has been idle for over one galactic year. It is likely the vehicle will in fact fail while docking with the structure." Sighing I said "Artemis inform The Black Lotus they have the green light and orders to take my dropship and wait at the coordinates for the Temple. Have them tie into suit sensors for myself and Claire. Their orders are to breach the ice and be ready to ex-filtrate myself and Claire if our vitals drop while inside that temple." There was a pause then..."Orders acknowledged m'lord. House Vikar guards will begin preparations for your arrival, good hunting."

The filter on my helm clear so Claire could see my face I said "finish your soup love then we'll be heading down the cliff face." We'd be rappelling down then boarding the exploration craft soon enough we'd be inside The Temple....

[member="Claire Organa"]

 

[Claire Organa]

"Ok' the words I heard them but they didn't sound like my words. I felt detached from everything around us, without thinking I knew I was lifting a spoon and putting it into my mouth it just didn't take any effort to do so.

Put on the armor ok...I wandered back to the case. In between bites I put the armor on. Suddenly I felt like I was in a shell all protected. I left off the last piece of course while I finished my stew.

I looked over to Andorreth who was busy as every, energizer Andi. I couldn't help but smile at my own little joke. I almost choked when I heard the instructions.

"exciting." It was I had to admit it. Searching a ruin, using an old ship, where we might drown! What could be better.

"I'm ready.." I think. Smile. Smile. "yep. the armor fits perfect I think it will still take a little getting use to though."

[member="Andorreth Vikar"]

 

[Andorreth Vikar]

Smiling I said "Aye it takes a bit to get used to it. Now come over here cya'rika." I was close enough to the edge to where we could simply jump but I wanted Claire to get a feel for how I operated in my armor. "Claire press yourself back against my chestplate if you please?" Once she'd done so I engaged the magnetic locks on my chestplate and wrapped my left arm around her waist. With her helmet on I gently tapped her helmet with mine in a keldabe kiss then I jumped back over the edge. Launching my cable line into the solid ice shelf I waited until my boots came into contact with the ice. Then I began rappelling down the glacier face Speaking through the secured comms I said "Sorry if that scared you little gem there's really no easy way to build up to that.... Something I can point out to you about your armor is that the right gauntlet has a cable launcher with a pressure plate to trigger it. Useful for climbing and combat should the need arise."

We were almost to the bottom now and my line had gone as far as it would. There was a good thirty feet still and we could hang here but time was important too... "Claire, I'm going to release my cable line it'll be a brief free fall but the jets in my suit will land us safely. I want to give you a few seconds if you need them.... Just so you know we'll be much closer than this once we reach House Vikar."

[member="Claire Organa"]