Keys to the Dungeon

[Malcom Renolds]

[member="Kenna Raine"]

A year and almost four months. That's about how long it had been since Malcom first set eyes on the quiet, shy, little slave back on Nar Shadaa and made his fortunate purchase of her. At first his only intention for her had been nothing beyond a simple house slave. Someone to do all the chores that he hated to do. The cooking, the cleaning, the laundry. The only real "fun" nights he had been prepared to allow to her to enjoy was evenings when he might need an escort to some event to look appropriate. But the longer he knew her, the more he began to trust her. And as she proved her capabilities at whatever task he gave her, he had given her more and more responsibility.

He had decided to train her in his craft, and since then has watched her grow into quite the capable warrior. But not only that, he had started to care for her more and more on a personal level. Six months ago, they had even become lovers. Though they kept it more as a friends with benefits sort of thing, it proved quite difficult to make sure it stayed that way. They just seemed to work so well together.

The fact that she was his slave though, made the thought of any serious relationship awkward to him. He always sort of felt like they were only together because he owned her. Even though she never acted in such a manner. It was more just a block in his mind. Malcom also wanted of course, to make sure she was properly trained in the art of war. He felt he couldn't do that in a relationship. But now that she was fully trained, having survived and done well in a couple combat missions already, he felt he was ready to make the next decision.

Kenna received a message on her data pad requesting her presence on the bridge. Malcom had been giving something a lot of thought and felt it was about time to go through with it. Plotting course for his target destination he sent the ship streaking off into hyperspace and soon waited for Kenna to arrive.

 

[Kenna Raine]

Glancing down to her datapad Kenna noticed a message to come to the bridge. The young woman thought nothing of it and figured it to be a briefing on their next mission. Setting down the pan she had been cleaning she headed there as to not keep him waiting. She knew quite well he hated being kept waiting.

"You rang?" She smiled as she entered the bridge. "Where are we off to this time?" She assumed he had picked up another bounty for them to go after. He was a bounty hunter and she by extension was one as well. They were partners of sorts, she fully trusted him to have her back just as she knew he trusted her.

It was only a little under a year and a half ago that the two locked eyes at the slave auction. Kenna had expected him to be similar to that of other masters she had. It didn't take too long for Kenna to realize that her assumption was incorrect. Instead she found him to be a generous, kindhearted man not the type to own slaves.

She had always been loyal to her masters to her masters so with him that was nothing different. Over the first few months with him Kenna had found herself growing to trust him and had became rather fond of his company. The young slave never said anything but she missed his presence on the ship when he was away on a mission. As she grew more comfortable with her position as housekeeper Malcolm had increased her responsibilities and trained her to be a warrior. During their months of training and missions the two had quickly realized how well they worked together. His weaknesses were her strengths and visa versa. They were quite the team.

Beyond her training in the art of war the two had become lovers. The relationship never becoming more than just friends with benefits. Kenna found this task, out of all those she had been given, to the most difficult. The young woman was constantly trying to keep her emotions in check. He was still her master and she knew it silly to think that there could be anything serious between them.

Despite what her brain knew to be true Kenna couldn't keep herself from falling for him. He was a most passionate lover and doted on her. She had dreams sometimes of him taking her into his arms and telling her the he was hers. These thoughts she kept to herself and instead poured her emotions into her duties such as training, cooking and of course the blanket she made him. She counted herself lucky to have had him buy her so long ago, she wasn't about to mess that up with feelings.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

He spun in his chair and gave Kenna a warm smile. "Actually, it looks like we'll be heading to a place you might remember. Do you recall that time when I took you to dinner the first time you got to wear your rather stunning red dress out in public?" He waited for just a moment for the location to register. "Well, it appears we are heading back there. Looks like we actually got a rescue rather than a hit. Some woman of importance seems to have been sold into slavery. Intel reports she will be with her master there. My contract is to get her freed." He stopped for a moment trying to picture what must have been going through her mind just then.

He had never let on that he had plans to free her ever before. So it would be interesting to see what she thought of this notion of freeing other slaves. "Anyway, as you have been there before, I suspect you can guess the appropriate attire? We should be touching down in about an hour and a half. I'll see you then. Sound good?" Malcom didn't actually expect much out of her than a simple confirmation. She was always good about never questioning orders. The only question she would ever ask was to simply clarify a situation rather than question its validity. Which of course he not only didn't mind, but encouraged.

He'd now wait for any questions, otherwise he too would go get ready.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

The premise of his new contract was rather interesting. It gave her pause to think of what it could mean. Freeing a slave? The thought that he was referring to her crossed her mind briefly. Shaking it away she smiled at him as she remembered that night with him. It had been a magical evening of good food, dancing, and conversation. The night had even ended with a kiss on the cheek but only because she hadn't been brave enough to go for the lips as of yet. Since that night she had come rather far soaking in all of the training he had given her and the two had become closer.

"I'll see you than," she winked at him with a smile as Kenna walked back to her quarters to get ready. She knew exactly what to wear for this evening. During one of his missions Kenna had picked up a new rather sexy black dress from an online catalog. She had never worn anything quite like it before but would tonight. It was one of the few he hadn't seen before so Kenna hoped he liked her little black dress.

An hour and half didn't give her too long to get ready so the moment she reached her room Kenna had pulled out the dress and black heels before jumping into the refresher. After a quick shower Kenna began to get ready fixing her hair and putting on her dress. The last piece of the outfit were the silver earrings that she had picked up. A necklace, in her opinion, wasn't needed so she left it off.

Kenna found herself ready with ten minutes to spare waiting for him near the ramp. She couldn't help but be a little nervous on what he would would think of her dress. Would he think that it was too much? Would he like it? What was this mission all about? A million questions raced through her mind as she waited for him.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom was a little surprised when no questions were fired his way. But still, he just shrugged and left the bridge to go get ready himself. As he walked to his cabin, he sent a message to the rest of the crew informing them what they were going to be up to this evening and to not ask questions. A genuine concern considering the entire crew went on assignments. Not always of course, but many times.

It seemed the two tended to think along the same lines, for he too had a new outfit which she had not seen yet either. Not one to go to fancy places often, he only had the one formal outfit before. But tonight he wanted it to be special for her. It would be easy to come up with some excuse for the new tux if she did press for a reason, though.

Spoiler

Walking down to the ramp a few minutes early himself as was normally his fashion, he caught sight of Kenna. A surprised look was all over his face. Not so much because she rarely beat him to the disembarkment point, but because of how she looked. In a word, stunning. Her now long, dark, wavy hair frame her face beautifully. And that dress! It was probably the boldest piece she had ever worn. One that showed off a good deal of skin, but still managed to retain an element of classiness difficult to do.

The man let out a low whistle as he approached. "Well now. Darlin' I must say, you look amazing!"

Spoiler

By whatever power that ruled over this galaxy was he glad this really was not a mission. He wouldn't have been able to promise he could be fully paying attention to the task at hand with this beauty walking around. "I have a feeling your target is going to find you irresistible as well." He said with a wink.

Closing in, he held out an arm for her. "Ready to get to work?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Kenna had many questions about her target and normally she would have asked him what the plan was. As him more about what he was like but tonight she didn't. She knew that this dress would do all the speaking for her. She would be able to easily lead her target away and probably every other man there.

When Kenna normally went on these missions with Malcolm her job was to let these men wine and dine her. She would show interests in their hobbies, laugh at their jokes and at the end of the night get them to come home with them. Except, they never made it far as Malcolm was there waiting for them. As much as she loved pretty dresses and dressing up Kenna wished that she could go out with someone she truly did like. Dance with him and have a lovely evening together.

A light smile played across her lips as Kenna caught him walking down the ramp. It seemed as if she wasn't the only one wearing something new today. He looked very handsome in his new suit and dare she liked it more than his old one.

Her face turned a light shade of pink as she heard him whistle at her. He had never done that before other men yes but not him. She had made the right choice by purchasing it. "Thank you, I'm glad you approve. I certainly hope he does." Kenna did a little spin for him so he could see the dress in all of its glory. A dress like this she could would turn heads.

"Perhaps if we get done early here I'll let you take me out in this dress." She stated giving him a playful wink as she took his outstretched arm. It wasn't long before they were walking towards the familiar restaurant.

The two didn't get as much alone time as she would like. Malcolm had a crew to think of in her position it made things even more complicated if that was even possible. It would be nice, if he as up for it, to spend the rest of the evening after the mission together. It would be a shame not too after getting all dressed up for mostly herself but for him too.

As far as Kenna knew this was just another day at the office. He would point out her target when they go in there and she would work her magic.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

"Perhaps." He said equally as playful while returning the wink.

Arriving at the restaurant, they went toward the bar as they normally did while on mission. After all, it wouldn't be very convincing if a woman left someone sitting in a booth to go seduce a new comer. The place was just like it had been the last time they were there. The aroma of many different types of dishes floating on the cool air. The live band playing popular tunes for those dancing.

They would sit there for a few minutes just chit chatting while they waited. Feigning a look of impatience, Malcom pulled out his data pad as if looking over an Intel report.

"Well it says this guy is expected anywhere within the next two hours." He paused for a second looking out onto the dance floor. A slow song was about to start up, causing him to smirk. "Care to dance?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

The pair as normal had headed to the bar to chat for a bit while waiting for the target. Kenna had gotten a drink if only to be sociable. The young woman's alcohol tolerance had grown over the course of these missions. She had also learned how to properly nurse a drink the whole night. Kenna needed to be as sharp as possible on these missions for things to go smoothly plus at times she could even get more information out of targets. Things they wouldn't tell anybody.

Kenna sighed a little at the news that he's wasn't coming for another two hours. This most certainly meant any hopes in having alone time with him later was gone. At least they could sit here and talk. She enjoyed his company regardless of what they were doing.

Before she could take a sip of her drink Malcolm had asked her to dance. Blinking slightly she found herself unable to speak for a moment. As far as she knew he didn't like dancing and had only done it to amuse her the first night they had come here. Here he was though asking for what would be their second dance.

"I would love to." She finally spoke taking his hand as they headed to the dance floor to find a spot. Last time she had no dance experience but since than she had been taking lessons. She could show him some of her moves while they waited.

Closing the gap between them Kenna wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him in close to her as they began to sway to the music.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

A smile crept onto his face as she pulled him in close. His hands moved to her waist as hers went behind his neck, all the while they swayed and moved to the beat and rhythm of the music. There faces only a few inches apart, he could tell the difference in her smoothness from their first dance together. It seems the classes had really paid off. Course, he knew this already. She had become quite proficient at a few styles of dancing.

"Well I can see now why you so quickly manage to mesmerize our targets." He paused, raising one hand up the side of her, down her arm and reaching for her hand. Pulling away, Malcom let her twirl before bringing her back in close. "You almost caught me unprepared a couple times with how quickly they fell into your grasp." He said with a wink as they continued to move.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

"Oh really?" She smiled at him as they continued to dance. There was so much that she wished she could say but couldn't. She had danced with many different targets and none of them had captivated her the way he did. This was a mission though and she needed to keep herself in check.

Before allowing herself to be pulled back into his arms Kenna twirled a few times on the dance floor. Her movements this time were much more graceful and seamless almost as if she were gliding across the dance floor. Not only did she take lessons but in her spare time she practiced.

Spinning back into his arms her hands moved back to wrap themselves around his neck. "I thought this dress would help with the mesmerize bit. What do you think? Does it work?" She questioned as the dance continued and she found herself hoping once again that the song would never end. The way she had when they first danced.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

This one is to watch. But turn the volume off.

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSsfP8nRvYg

This one is to listen to. But don't watch.

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW71-sVyMzM

Malcom merely nodded, though he maintained his warm smile for her. As the song began to near its end, she inquired if she fit his description of mesmerizing with her new dress. He allowed his eyes to lower for just a moment before returning his gaze to her. "I think you make it look ravishing." He meant it exactly as he said it. In Malcom's opinion, she was the beauty. The dress merely an accent piece still paling in comparison to the wearer.

As the song ended, he dipped her back for a moment before bringing her back to him. "But I suspect we'll see." With that the song ended, and Malcom released her hand, giving a small bow in respect to his bewitching partner. What would probably surprise her though is that Malcom made no move to leave the dance floor. Instead, a sly grin began to tug at the corner of his mouth. What she didn't know, was this "mission" was running all according to his design.

Another thing she didn't know was his "solo missions" where none of the crew were needed, were training exercises for him in an effort to surprise her later...now in fact. The next song was specifically chosen by and requested of Malcom when he pulled out his data pad "going over the intel". She would recognize instantly the rhythm of the song as one of the styles of dance we was trained in. The next song began to play and he immediately took his position, suddenly way more comfortable on the floor than he had been letting on or was in the past.

"I trust you can tango?" He said with a challenging tone, and daring grin.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

He didn't answer her question fully but his answer warmed her heart anyway. It was more a compliment of her than that of the dress she had chosen. Malcolm always did tell her she looked beautiful every time they went on a mission like this. This one however was the first time he asked her to dance before the target arrived. Kenna could try to analyze the mission as a whole but decided not too and instead enjoy her time here with him.

As the song ended with him dipping her slightly Kenna was surprised to see him not lead her off the dance floor. Instead the next song began to play and he got into position. She instantly recognized the rhythm of the song to be that of a tango. The tango had been one of the most difficult dances that she had learned over the course of her lessons. It was one of the most sexiest, passionate dances out there. It wasn't just about the dance steps but romance. The steps for her were there but outside of class she had never tangoed before but here he was asking her to.

"Let's see what you got," she challenged back with a wink getting into position. Kenna had no clue where he had learned the dance. A year ago he told her he wasn't comfortable dancing and now this. Now wasn't the time for questions but to leave it all on the dance floor.

Her eyes focused on his as the couple began to move in step with the rhythm of the music. Each calculating the others moves as they started off with the basic steps before moving to the more advance ones together. The two seemed to just glide across the the dance floor obvious to anything else but each other and the rhythm of the music.

Becoming a little bit more adventurous and trying to challenge them both Kenna attempted a lift. Wrapping a leg around his while he lifted her up the two twirled about in a circle before he lowered her back to the ground where they would finish the dance.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

The dance was actually quite fun. It wasn't a dance just to party, but it really was a dance of lovers. The up close positioning of their bodies as they moved along the floor, intertwining then flowing around each other. Ironically, some of the movements were similar to how one sparred in hand to hand combat. Thus was just no death, and more seductive looks, gestures, and even touch.

In short, it was a dance of raw emotion and feeling. Thus the reason why partner choice was so important. As the song came to a close, he realized it was because the dance was with her that made it so enjoyable. And it was also then, he began to worry about what he planned to do there tonight. For in so giving her freedom, he risked losing her forever depending on what she wanted.

But end, the song did. He was now breathing harder due to the physical exurtions of that style of dance. He gave a final bow to her as they straightened up. "Thank you, Kenna for the dance." Offering his arm once more he lead her off the dance floor. This time however, he did not return to the bar. Instead he headed toward the original booth they had shared the first time they were here together.

Seeing the no doubt puzzled look on her face, he gave a sly grin. "It would seem you have mesmerized your target, dear." He finished with a wink. As they sat down, he didn't say another word. Instead he watched her expression carefully as she put the pieces of the puzzle together.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

The dance spoke the words the couple had never dared to say to one another. She could tell though his moments in the dance that he too cared for her. Perhaps more than she originally thought he had. If things were different, she would have told him how he made her feel, that she was falling for him and wanted more. She couldn't though, she just couldn't.

As the dance ended he led them to the booth she remembered the first night they came here. Kenna wanted to ask where he had learned to dance like that but was trying to catch her breath after all of it.

"Wait your my target?" She questioned with a puzzled looked on her face. Her heart began to race as she began to put the pieces of the puzzle together. If he was the target than she was the slave he was freeing. "Your freeing me?" A million emotions were racing though her now. She could barely even think straight.

If it was true, she was happy to be free. It was what she had always wanted. To be able to live her life the way she wanted and not have to answer to a master. Kenna would be free to find someone to love, maybe have a family of her own. Search for whatever happened to the farm her siblings.

On the other hand, Kenna could help be scared. She had nothing to her name and nowhere to go. Malcolm was to sweet to ever kick her out but that didn't mean she wasn't scared. What would that mean for their relationship? Would he still want to work with her?

Kenna was speechless for the moment despite all the questions swirling around in her head. She could only hope that he would elaborate on what he meant.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm-sbOH-nEc

He gave a muffled closed mouthed quick laugh and nodded his head. Pulling out his data pad, he handed it to her. He could see the look of shock all over her face. And while it sort of made him feel bad, as if his doing so couldn't possibly be reality, he couldn't fault her for it. How long had she been a slave in his service? And not once had he ever breathed a word of freeing her.

"All of your data work proving release from my service as a slave to a free being. You are free." In his service, she had helped him earn a lot of credits and equipment. And he wanted her to have her fair share, she earned it after all. But more than that, his next gesture would be a last test of sorts. One that would see where exactly they stood together.

"All of the clothing, jewelry, armor, weapons, and equipment you have used in my service are yours to keep. Along with 100,000 credits. Enough to get you anywhere in the galaxy you desire and start a new life, should you wish it." He would not ever have it said she only stayed because she had nowhere to go and nothing to get there. While he didn't suggest she stay, he conspicuously didn't say she couldn't.

This was the moment of truth. Would she snatch her well deserved freedom and run? While he knew freeing her was the right thing to do, he did worry she might. But maybe, just maybe what he had seen in their last dance together was an indication of proof to the contrary. The next seconds would tell...

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Silently she took the datapad from him and looked it over. All the paperwork was there releasing her from his service as a slave. The young woman had always dreamed of being free and being able to start her life. Tears began to form in the corners of her eye which she quickly brushed away in hopes of him not seeing. It had been years since she had cried but she couldn't help herself.

Glancing up at him she listened as he told her about all the things he was giving her so that she could start a new life. Enough credits to get where she wanted and even get her own place. It was far too good to be true and yet he was giving it all to her. Was he trying to get rid of her? The dance spoke a different tale but all of this stuff she couldn't understand it. It was her share from their time together.

"Thank you," she began quietly setting the datapad down on the table wiping a few more tears from the corner of her eyes. "I have always dreamed of this moment. A moment I never thought I would never see. I don't want to go anywhere though to start my new life." She paused for a moment as if to regain her thoughts. "What has developed between us during a little over a year is something special an undeniable bond that few have. We are partners, lovers and I don't want that to change just grow. I want to start my life with you. If you'll have me that is."

Kenna could feel her heart rapidly beating against her chest as she finished speaking. The ball was now in his court so to speak. She had put it all out there for him to see. If he didn't feel the same or didn't want her on the crew Kenna could leave knowing at least she tried. She very much wanted to be apart of the crew. She couldn't help but be nervous that he no longer wanted her so he was getting rid of her.

"I say we take some of that 100,000 and go on a little getaway just me and you." She smiled lightly as she looked over to him still waiting to see if he was interested in any of it. Kenna now just had to wait and see.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Spoiler

When he began to see the tears pooling up in her captivating eyes, he couldn't help but smile. He knew this was an important day for her. It was why he was trying to make it as special as he could for her. He didn't say anything at all as she looked over all the information. It seemed that so far the surprise was a success. But then, he already knew she would be happy to be free. Anyone would. That wasn't the real question he was asking himself.

Mercifully, he didn't have to wait long. And much to his increasing delight were the words he had been hoping for. Not only did she want to stay, but she actually wanted them to grow into something more. He couldn't believe his luck. Granted he had been wanting that too, but with both having forced themselves to keep their passions in check so as to keep the status quo as it were, it had never truly been understood by either party where they actually were at. And now that she was a free woman, it seemed appropriate to finally get those feelings out.

He was actually starting to get slightly nervous with her declaration though. Malcom had never felt this way about another woman. When she made her final suggestion, he couldn't help but let out a smirk. An intriguing idea considering all things.

"Well, Kenna. If that's the way you feel, then I have a question for you." Getting up from his seat he walked over to her side of the table. Getting down on a knee, he opened a small box that was pulled from his pocket. "Will you marry me...?"

Spoiler

...hopefully.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

It only took him a few seconds to respond but those seconds seemed like hours as Kenna sat there waiting for his response. She knew that he felt the same, he had to especially after the way they danced. He couldn't deny the spark that they had or could he? Kenna's eyes followed him as he got up from his chair and walked to her side of the table curious as to what he was doing. He had said he had a question for her but as of yet none had been asked.

Her eyes widened as he got down on one knee and opened up a box. The ring held inside was beautiful, unlike anything she had ever seen before. Kenna wouldn't be surprised if he had it made just for her. The way it sparkled against the lighting in the restaurant only served to enhance the ring's beautiful. Looking up from the ring and into his eyes she smiled and nodded. As beautiful as the ring was it was him that she wanted. Kenna had fallen in love with him over their time together and despite not having said the words they had shown it in other ways.

She wanted to answer him but words failed her for the moment. Kenna was in shock, of all the things that the young woman had thought would happen she didn't expect this. Her heart was all a flutter as she smiled at him with a goofy grin on her face. "Yes, I love you." She managed to finally get out as she leaned down to lightly brush her lips against his.

Spoiler

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom beamed as he enthusiastically accepted and returned her kiss. Pulling away though, he withdrew the ring from the box and slipped it onto her finger. It was fortunately, he had had a hand in purchasing all the items she had as it gave him the ability to know her ring finger size without having to be more obvious when he was having it made for her.

Mostly, he was pleased that not only had she said yes, but she seemed to like the ring as well. It was funny. He always thought himself to be a traditionalist. The man figure for certain he'd marry a mandalorian woman, have the mandalorian ceremony in full armor, so on and so forth. But as he sat there right now, staring into the beautiful eyes of his now fiance, he realized he couldn't have cared less about any of that. She was the one he cared about. And it seemed that now after all the time they had spent together as master and slave, they would now get to continue as husband and wife.

His heart soared as he gave her another kiss. "I love you too!"

[member="Kenna Raine"]