No Key To This Dungeon

[Kenna Raine]

Throughout her life Kenna had been through many trials and different masters. She knew that she could do anything that she put her mind to. She was not going to let him down when he began her training. Kenna would push herself to be what he needed her to be just like she had with other masters. The only difference was this time the slave was truly interested in what he had to offer.

Since he felt the need to clarify himself Kenna had a feel the demeanor he wore with her normally would change to a much harsher one during training. Nothing she couldn't handle. "I understand." She smiled reaching out to firmly shake his hand indicating that they had a deal.

Many questions and thoughts buzzed in her head regarding her new role but not tonight. Now that business was over it was time to relax and just enjoy themselves. She planned to ensure that he had a good time. Show him that he had done right by his offer on all accounts. She could be the strong, calculating, deadly woman that he needed by his side.

Lowering her hand she took another sip of the cool beverage in front of her. "I know you work as a bounty hunter. What do you do to relax and unwind? Any particular place you like going or something you enjoy doing?" She wanted to get to know her master on a personal level. If they were to work together it was important. What else was there to him besides bounty hunting.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

After shaking her hand, he let out a sigh and sat back in his chair, noticeably taking a much more relaxed posture. When she asked her more personal questions, he raised an eyebrow. They had never really talked much about that kind of stuff before. Malcom realized he never really had an objection to it, he supposed he had just been too busy to give it much thought.

But that they were here, and she had asked...why not? "Unwind? Relax? What is that?" He quipped with a laugh. "I haven't really had a chance to do much since you were brought on into my service, but I do have a cabin in the mountains of Mandalore. I'll go there for fishing and hunting. ....I guess I'm a man of limited interests." He finished with a chuckle.

Deciding to try and get a glimpse into her on a more personal basis, he countered. "I know you obviously haven't had much opportunity to do much outside of your work...but has there been anything you were able to do than you enjoyed? Or had anything you wanted to try?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

"That's a shame," she smiled lightly with a slight shake of her head. He ought to take more time to stop, smell the roses and enjoy life. Perhaps you'll get the chance to go again soon. You can always bring me. I could keep the cabin tidy and such." It was just a suggestion of course but she would love to go explore the mountains. Business but in her eyes so was relaxing. Perhaps she could teach him a little something on that.

Another sip was taken as she listened to his question for her. In honestly Kenna wasn't sure how to answer at first. She didn't have the luxury of things or time to herself. If she wanted something she didn't get it all she had were her dreams. "I have enjoyed reading in the past of all different places around the Galaxy. Tales of adventure, excitement and even romance. I have always been bound to a ship or house so I have never gotten the chance to see the galaxy. I would love to go tromp in a forest or explore the mountains your cabin is in."

What she really wished for was the freedom to be her own person. She felt though the massive opportunity that he was giving her may lead her to something close to that.

"Have you always been a bounty hunter?" She questioned knowing that Mandos were not always bounty hunters. She had heard of those whom were farmers or doctors too. What he did was very lucrative from what she saw and he enjoyed it too.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

He gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I don't see why not. I don't normally have guests there, but then I don't really have any objections to it either. As long as you don't mind surroundings a bit more rustic than what you see around you." He consented with a smile.

"In regards exploring and seeing the galaxy, once I get you trained up I promise we'll make that wish come true. It might not always be under pleasant conditions, but you'll definitely get to see a good bit of what is out there." He thought for a moment on some of the situations and places he had been to. "It's not for the feint of heart though, let me tell ya. Some areas can be pretty rough country."

"Have I always been a bounty hunter? No. I've been in smuggling as well." This part however, he said a little more quietly than the rest of his story. "Though I was also a career soldier early on. Just got tired of always being ordered around and realized I could use my skills to chart my own course, so to speak."

He paused for a moment thinking on the questions about eachothers past life....should he ask about hers? Would it be rude? Normally he wouldn't think so if she were free. But she is still his slave, even if one given a lot of liberties compared to most. Finally he decided to just ask. He was curious. Besides, he knew he wouldn't keep her as his slave forever. "So who were some of your past masters? Did you always do what you do for me now?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

"Being able to go up in the mountains and getting lost in the beauty of your surroundings. It sounds lovely." She smiled at him quite happy and excited that he had agreed to take her. Would you be willing to teach me to hunt and fish, as well?" She felt it was worth a shot after all the other things that had been spoken on. The two normally ate in silence and she hoped that they could talk more like this during dinner not just a statement here or there about the state of the laundry.

Kenna's eyes lit up as he continued on about making her wish come true. She had always wanted to see more of the galaxy and in her new duties it would be possible. "The galaxy can be a cruel place," she nodded in agreement. "I have been through many trials in my life. I can handle the rough country."

The question he posed to her made her stomach turn into knots and she found herself reaching for her drink to take a big gulp. The past was something that she had buried deep inside of her to try to hide but here it was again. Kenna should have known it was only a matter of time.

Kenna was given more time to think as Carlos came over with their dinner within a minute of him asking. Once the waiter left the delicious looking and smelling food in front of them she began to answer.

"No, when I was a little girl I was put to work in the slave mines. They like children because they have small hands and can easily be whipped into submission. Crying only makes it worse. The scars are still there, I know." She paused for a moment to finish off the drink. Kenna liked the way it made her feel and was debating ordering another.

"As I grew one of the overseers grew fond of me and I was sold to him. I acted as a nanny for his children and would read to them. I remember them being very sweet and lovely. Once I left their service I did housework mostly for many different masters. Once they tired of me it was on to the next. Some were cruel and others indifferent." She shrugged with a sigh as her eyes glanced away from him for a moment before going back to him. She had skipped over the much of what she had been though. He didn't need to know the more horrifying parts.

"Anyway, we should eat before the food gets cold." She stated picking up the fork and twirling some pasta on it before taking a bite. "Your right, this is really good." She nodded twirling up some more.

"After dinner would you be willing to dance with me?" She wanted and needed a change of topic so she decided dancing should be it. She wanted to focus on the now not whatever the past was.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom smirked. "Sure if you like." When she made her quick comment about trials, he raised a curious eyebrow, but didn't say anything. Turns out he didn't have to as she went on to relay her life's events in a brief synopsis. It really was rather depressing. He couldn't have imagined that sort of life. But then being a proud Mandalorian, he never had to. The way she went through her drink though, he imagined there were a few details she left out. Understandable. And again, being her master now, he really had no right to ask. What he could do however, was ensure her drink at least remained full. Everyone had a day when they needed to drink poodoo from their past away. When Carlos returned with their food, he finished his and ordered seconds rounds for both of them.

"I hope you don't mind...or would you like something else next?" If she were to get the same thing, or something else, it was all fine to him. Taking a deep whiff of the food that was then presented to them, he smiled and gave her a simply nod. "Aye, let's."

When she asked him to dance, he half choked on his food, though not so bad as to not be able to sort of recover. "Erm....I'll be honest with you. Of all the skills I posses, dancing is not amongst them. If you really would like to....I can probably manage a slow song well enough. But much faster than that and I'm a bit useless I'm afraid." He hoped his offer would be enough for her, or at least not be too dissappointed otherwise, but he really wasn't overly comfortable being out on the dance floor. It sort of went against all his training on being silent and unseen. Still, he wanted to at least make sure she had a good time.

As much as this was business, this was also to celebrate her collar being removed and being more freedoms.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Kenna was feeling buzzed as it was and and thought to keep her drinks to one. She didn't know how drinking would affect her and she didn't want to act like a fool. Get herself shipped away again. He was offering another though and the buzz felt good. It was helping her forget if just for a little while.

"Another Piña Colada would be wonderful. Thank you Malcolm." She smiled at him as the waiter left to go get their drinks. Hopefully he was alright with her using his first name. She never had before but here she didn't want people to think she was a slave. Kenna wanted to just a a girl tonight nothing more.

Taking another bite of her food Kenna watched his reaction to her question. She immediately felt sorry for asking. The young woman didn't mean to put him off guard just wanted to try something new. Her next words she chose carefully.

"I don't know how to dance either. It's just been something I have always wanted to try at least once. A slow song will be just fine, we can learn together. It's just me."

Slow dancing from what she recalled was for couples. Dancing close together arms wrapped around each other swaying to some sappy love song. The thought alone of being so close to him made her cheeks flush a little.

As the fresh drinks were brought to them Kenna took a sip of hers. Before going back to the delicious pasta. Her cooking was good but nothing like this. She could see why he came here.

"I have always been curious, why me? Why did you decide I was the slave you had to have. I have never gone for such a high price before. You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

She hoped that this question wasn't stepping over the line but she was curious. The drink was helping her ask bolder questions.


[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

He simply gave a smile and a nodd at her thanks, though a slightly raised eyebrow at her using his first name and not including the title "master". He had to think about it for a moment. That was the first time she had done either while in his service. And he might of said something had he not thought of where they were. It simply made sense she would speak to him so. No harm, no foul. He would keep an eye on it after the celebrating was over and the alcohol had worn off though.

Now Malcom admittedly did find a bit of relief when she spoke of not being able to dance either, and the fact that she had agreed to a slow song. Her assertion that it was " just her" struck him as odd though. He actually did value her and never considered Kenna as a "just her" kind of person. "Very well." Was all he said with another nod.

"Why you?" He repeated, surprised by the question. She was indeed becoming bolder. Though cautiously happy to see the improvement in her confidence, Malcom replied succinctly, "You had everything I was looking for. Why the amount?" He added with a shrug. "Everything has a fair market value. I believe what I paid was far below it for you." His tone was very as matter of fact. Almost as if the answer to her question should have been obvious.

Giving her another warm smile, he went back to his food, savoring the flavor and wonderful aroma. While he was finishing off his meal, he too thought of a question. "Why do you work so hard? I mean...most slaves I've seen resent their position and duties. While I can't say I don't understand this, most use this resentment as an excuse to shirk their responsibilities. Or at least not go above and beyond. But you don't. Why?" Her habit of always trying to be the best in the galaxy at whatever task no matter how menial had not escaped his notice.

It was this drive that had him willing to continue investing in her. But he was curious as to where this drive was coming from.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

His answer to her question left much to be desired but it was something. He had at least answered, in a way, instead of just brushing it off. Kenna appreciated the little she got even though it made her wonder what it was he had been looking for. She wouldn't push him at least not today.

Taking a sip of the fresh drink she went back to her dinner. It was delicious and it made her think of needing to step her game up in the kitchen. He was putting so much into her, it was the least she could do.

As he posed another question to her Kenna paused for a moment setting the fork down to think. She had always been jealous of those whom were free to have a life and it had broken her down several times over the years. She had come to terms with her station though and did what she could with it.

"Even though my life isn't my own I still take pride in the duties that are assigned to me. If it's household chores I'm going to be the best housekeeper you could find. Keep the home clean and smelling fresh. The bed always made with fresh sheets. I have learned to find joy in the little things such as redecorating for the holidays or trying a new recipe with the spices brought to me. I enjoy hard work as it makes me feel good about myself and I feel a sense of pride. I do it for myself because being resentful is no way to life. I have to make the best of the hand I'm dealt."

Her father had always told her to take pride in work. She could remember milking the cows, gathering the eggs, and tending to the cattle. Kenna had always wanted to make him proud.

She paused to take a sip of her drink. It was apparent by her increasing responsible and this new opportunity that he had noticed. He was going to push and challenge her to be her best. Kenna was looking forward to it.

"Your the first master to ever take note of this. I'm very excited to begin my training. Will it be starting soon?" She questioned finishing up her dinner.


[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

It was a very neutral, but logical set of reasons in response to his question. He actually thought even better of her for them. She really was just an honest, hard working person with a pension for making the best of her situation. A rarity indeed, this day and age. Yes. Those fools at the auction house had no clue what a gem they had on their hands. When she brought out that he was her first master to notice her abilities for what they were, he smiled.

His smile only widened when she asked about when they would begin training. "It's already begun darlin'. Your first assignments will be in places like this." He said with a small flourish of his hand in the direction of everything around him. "We first have to get you acclimated to this environment." Interestingly, the song that had been playing was ending and it was announced a slow song was about to start.

Standing up from his chair, he held out his hand to help her up. "So Kenna. Let's see what you got out on the floor." A smirk graced his face as he was surprisingly up for this dance. The drinks must be taking affect he mused to himself in his own mind. Fortunately it was still only a slow song! He didn't have to worry much about tripping over his two left feet out there.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

She couldn't help but smile. Kenna couldn't believe her luck that day when he bought her. She couldn't even in her wildest dreams of dreams that this would be her fate. The young woman had it in her mind she would be a housekeeper her whole life with no way out. Now [member="Malcom Renolds"] was going to train her to be a warrior like him. Tonight it seemed was to be the start of said training that would lead to assignments with him thought out the galaxy and more pretty dresses.

"I can't wait to see your moves on the dance floor," she giggled with a wink as she toke his hand and got up from the table. Taking his arm she headed to the dance floor with him. It was clear that her two drinks had loosened her up a bit.

As best as she could Kenna had tried to take note of what hand positions to use as they weaved through the crowd. There seemed to be a couple different once so she decided to not worry about. She was just going to enjoy herself and dance with him for as long as he would allow.

Finding a free spot on the floor she pulled him closer to her. "So I think your hand goes here," she stated as she guided his right hand to her waist. "My hand goes here and we just sway to the music. I think?" She questioned glancing up to him as she placed her right hand on his shoulder with her left hand still in his.

Kenna was hopefully that if she was wrong he would correct her. She yet to notice how very close the two were. Closer than they had ever been before. Currently she was focused on actual dance itself.

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom laughed. "Well I'd hate to arouse your anticipation. I don't really have many "moves", on the dance floor at least." He finished, flashing a grin.

When they finally found an open spot on the floor, he allowed her to move his hands where she thought they should be. So far she was correct of course. He may not be a good dancer, but he at least knew this much. "Mhmm." He confirmed. He didn't say much. Instead, he just stayed quiet so she could focus on the dance and getting used to the position and how to move on the floor with the other couples.

It was cute to watch. She really did seem so very excited to be out here doing something as simple as dancing. Malcom started to wonder if he perhaps had been working her too hard with not enough down time to enjoy things. He was also wondering what she would think of him bringing in an instructor for her to learn more dances...perhaps a question for later.

For now, he just continued to move in sync with the flow of the music and the movements of her body.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

It didn't take very long for her to get the hang of the dance. Even in her state Kenna found the dance to be rather simple. She was enjoying herself and she hoped that he was too. Kenna knew he was only doing this for her. It was sweet, nobody had even been this sweet to he.

As the two continued to sway to the music in sync Kenna began to realize how close the two actually were together. It was far and in between that she had any positive contact with others. Contact and such normally made her uneasy but she was comfortable with him. She really liked him and since purchasing her he had only been kind. A positive connection with another was something she had always craved but never had.

Letting go of his shoulder Kenna pulled herself away lifting their hands in the air as she did a twirled her red dress following behind her. The dress lifted up slightly as the wind hit it during the twirls. Twirling herself back into his arms Kenna found herself closer to him before as her hand found its way back to his shoulder. Now that she was more comfortable with the dance. She felt it would be fun to spice it up a little.

Any worries or cares the young woman had were all washed aways as they continued to dance. The alcohol did a good job of helping with that task. Her full attention though was placed on him and dancing the night away.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

The Mando was actually enjoying his time out on the floor. A fact that surprised him greatly. Perhaps it was the alcohol, perhaps it was Kenna, ....both? He didn't know. Malcom was just happy that seemed to be having fun.

When she performed her spin, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He did admittedly take advantage of the prospect that was his dancing partner, enjoying the view. As she came back to him, he took her hand in his, but rather than continuing the easier swaying with the music, he led her into a dip. Holding it for just a couple seconds, Malcom brought her back up, there faces no more than a few inches apart when he did. His eyes staring directly into hers while he maintained his traditional warm smile for her.

As smoothly as he could, his right hand resumed it's place at her waist and they continued the movements they had been doing earlier. As of yet, his face would not betray what he was feeling just then.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

As she had twirled back to him he dipped her for a few seconds before bringing her back up to him. Kenna's eyes locked onto his as their faces came within inches of touching. Her hand sliding back onto his shoulder.

It was clear to see by the never fading smile on her face that she was very much enjoying herself. Kenna couldn't remember the last time she had this much fun and she could tell he was enjoying himself as well.


As they swayed to the music Kenna kept her gaze on him. The way he held her close to him in a soft but firm way was unlike anything she felt before. His beautiful emerald eyes that seemed to pull her in. Under the dimmed lights on the dance floor nothing else mattered but him and this magical evening. She wanted this song to never end so Kenna could stay here like this with him.

The sound however did end all too soon. As it did, call it what you will be it the moment or the buzz from the alcohol or a little bit of both but Kenna decided to seize the moment. Moving her head slightly she gently brushed her lips against his cheek in a light kiss.

She thought of on the lips at first but he was her master. A kiss on the cheek was harmless and he could just take it as nothing more than a thank you. His reaction would allow her to gage where his head maybe at.

Kenna had gotten one song and wouldn't ask for another. Perhaps he would dance again with her again sometime. "Thank you, I hope we can do this again sometime." She smiled as she kept her gaze on him.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

As the song began to finish, she managed to surprise him further with a kiss on the cheek. He of course thought she was a wonderful person. Hard working, loyal, eager to please, quick learner and rather beautiful as he had noted when she had first modeled the dress she was rockin' this evening. But he had never thought of her as anything beyond his slave and possible future assistant. At least not until the peck on the cheek and her soft words after. The way she smiled and returned his gaze. It was all fairly hypnotic.

What did she mean by it? Was she trying to show she was actually interested in him? Or was she simply playing a game? Wait! Of course she was playing a game. He did say they were training after all. Besides, she was his slave. It's not like he'd do anything with her in that status. Malcom would only feel like he was taking advantage of his station over her and forcing her into something. Why did he even care? "Snap out of it, Malcom! Might want to not have two of those particular drinks before finishing the night of business next time. Before you know it, she'd have you wrapped around her finger. Kriff, she's good." Were the thoughts running through his mind.

He couldn't conceive of the possibility that she actually liked him for him. Especially considering he was her master. That whole situation was becoming more and more irritating to him as well. He was really growing weary of the guilt he felt for actually "owning" someone. Especially someone as sweet as she was. "You're welcome." He said while leading her off the floor before the next song, which wasn't slow, was about to start. "I don't see why we couldn't." Malcom added as they headed back to their table.

They would end up staying and talking for a while longer, Malcom would still finish his drink, no matter how it was making him feel. Waste not, was a catch phrase that could be heard often from his lips. Eventually though, it grew time to head back to the ship.

Back on board, he walked her to her room, to the door at least. "Well, I think you handled yourself very well tonight. You should do fine with further training. But, also...I had a good time, Kenna. We'll definitely have to go again, maybe to some other place just to relax with no work." He gave a little smirk unsure if he should just walk away or stay. Finally, he said simply. "Well anyway, have a good rest of the evening." This was probably the first time she'd be able to sense a bit of unsurety in his actions.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Kenna didn't know what she expected from the kiss on the cheek. It wasn't as he would kiss her back. He was her master after all which was a fact not lost on the young woman. The man she knew him to be during her service with him told her he wasn't the type to. It seemed perhaps that she was lost inside one of her fairy tale fantasies. He hadn't pulled back though but still held her close as the song came to an official close.

Before leaving they had the chance to chat some more and finish their drinks. The buzz she received from them was really nice and a little mind numbing. She could understand why people drank now. Kenna was happy though that even though she had two drinks that she was mildly pulled together. If this were to occur again she would be mindful of a two drink maximum rule as to not get sloppy.

It wasn't long after the drinks had been finished that the evening came to a close and he was walking her back to her quarters. "Thank you sir. I had a wonderful time." she smiled up at him. " I would like that." The chance to go with him again to a beautiful place like that would be nice or even somewhere quite. A place she could just relax.

"Good night." She smiled waiting until he was out of sight to go back into her quarters. The unfolded laundry glaring at her.

Sighing she took a seat on the edge of the bed reaching down to take off the red heals. The glaring basket served as a reminder of her status on the ship. She was a slave, nothing more and if she wanted to remain on this ship Kenna couldn't forget that.

He had lingered at her door though and Kenna swore he looked unsure of himself as he left. She had never seen him look like that before. The Malcolm she had grown accustomed to was very sure of himself and what it was he wanted.

Getting up she went to go slip back into her work clothes. Kenna wanted to show him that nights like this and training would not disrupt her duties. She could still fold clothes and do the last load a little buzzed.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Several weeks had past since they went on their first "training exercise". Malcom had indeed decided to have an instructor help her with some formal dances and some less formal styles as well. Meanwhile, he would go on missions and such on his own. However, as she improved in those initial skills, he began to think it was getting time to teach her some less refined skills. Those of hunting and tracking. These would make her much more well rounded in her up and coming role.

Sending her a message, she requested her presence up on the bridge. He didn't think she wouldn't want to go, but better be safe and check to see if she still felt like this was something she wanted to do than have him waste his time training someone who wouldn't perform well due to lack of interest.

When Kenna would arrive, he'd spin in his chair to look at her, a smile on his face. "Kenna. Good, you're here. I was thinking about taking you planet side for hunting and tracking practice. You still game for that?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Over the past few weeks Kenna had begun dancing lessons as part of her training. Different dances from all over the galaxy. They were something that she looked forward to and broke up her daily routine. As fun as these lessons were she knew that they were a part of a greater vision he had for her as his assistant.

In her spare time when she wasn't working around the ship she would read. Malcolm had allowed her to borrow a few of his books when he was on missions. She would practice her dancing as well though it was a little hard by herself. Perhaps one night she would show him all that she had learned from her lessons.

As she was called to the bridge Kenna wondered what he had in store for her this time. It normally was something good like the night out they had or the dancing lessons. Her guess was the next step in her training.

"I am!" She smiled back at him happily. "I should go get packed up? Is this a day or overnight trip?" She would need to know in order to properly back for the trip. It was pretty obvious that she was excited to go hunting and tracking. It would give her more practice with a gun and time off this ship which she loved.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

He raised a surprised eyebrow up at her response. "A day trip? Kenna, we'll be there for a week!" The outdoorsy Mando said with a satisfied grin. "So yes, go get packed up with everything you got. Step two of training will be beginning shortly."

Once she were to leave, he would finished punching in the last of the coordinates to take them down to the planets surface. He had even more to be happy about than just a simple trip to the mountains. He was going home. Though not a terribly social person and completely comfortable with roaming the stars with limited sentient interaction, he did love returning home.

The ship would rumble the usual rumble of reentry. Within a few minutes though, it would settle down and soon find itself landing next to Malcom's home. Once again, the man would meet Kenna down at the loading ramp. When he saw her approach, he told her to close her eyes. Normally he wasn't this playful, but this was one of the few things, he truly took pride in outside of his culture and work.

Guiding her down the ramp, he set her up in a position to see the place that would be her new home for the next week.

"Ok Kenna. You can open them now. Welcome to your home for the next week." He said happily, hoping she would like it.

[member="Kenna Raine"]