No Key To This Dungeon

[Kenna Raine]

Kenna's face light up even more upon hearing that they would be there a whole week. She didn't expect it to be all fun and games. This was training after all and she expected there to be a lot of hard work and learning.

Nodding she rushed back to her quarters to get herself packed up for their trip. She was looking forward to exploring the planet and seeing his home. This was going to be a good week, she just knew it.

Throwing a few clothes in her bag Kenna decided to not pack her more formal dresses. This was after all a week in the mountains hunting and tracking not dancing. Instead she brought a more simple dress she had for the evenings. Throwing the bag over her shoulder she went to go meet Malcolm on the ramp.

Putting her hands of her eyes she closed them as requested she let him guide her down the ramp. Until they stopped and he told her to open them. The scene in front of her was picturesque. A beautiful lakeside cabin with the mountains as a backdrop. She couldn't understand why he didn't come here more often. It was so beautiful. If she had a home like this Kenna would come here as much as she could.

"This is your cabin?" She turned around to smile at him. "I love it, it's beautiful." She stated as she took a few steps in front of him. "Can I have a tour?" She questioned turning back to look at him briefly before taking a few more steps towards the cabin. It looked so homely and inviting.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom nodded simply, though he maintained a grin. "Thanks, and of course. Come, let's get you set up." It was funny, after all this time, those words were starting to feel like a catch phrase. Shrugging the thought off, he headed toward the cabin and began the tour.

The cabin itself was quite tidy. The decorating was definitely mountain themed, but with some mando flair thrown in to it. Like his ship, every area that had an actual utilitarian use to it would be stocked fully with the best. So for example, just about every amenity one could think of for a kitchen would be found in there. But things like pictures for the walls, extra pillows for the couches, those would be lacking a bit.

As they continued the tour, Malcom took her to main bedroom. It was in point of fact the only ready for use bedroom in the house. The other was being used for storage. "This'll be your room while we stay here." He said as matter of factly. "So go ahead and make yourself at home. I'm going to get a fire started."

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

As he took her on the grand tour took notice of his decorations and the cleanliness of the cabin. Kenna had learned through the few months in his service that he was a very tidy person. It made her duties rather simple as all she needed to do was ensure that it stayed that way. Vacuuming and dusting a few times per week was really all that was needed. Cooking she enjoyed so Kenna never really saw that as a duty anymore.

"Where will you sleep? The couch?" She questioned as she set her bag down on the floor. During the tour she noticed that the spare room was being used for storage. There was no way she could let her master sleep on the couch while she had a big bed. Even if he wasn't her master the bed was big enough to share. Kenna trusted him enough to sleep in the same bed.

"We could share the bed. It's big enough and I don't mind. I would be comfortable with it. If your not, I can always take the couch." She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable in his own cabin of course.

Beyond the kiss on the cheek nothing else had occurred between them. Kenna did very much like her master and enjoy his company. It was just that she knew her place and wouldn't push him anymore. She felt sharing a huge bed though just made sense.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

"Well of course I'll take the couch." He laughed. "I'm not going to sleep on the floor. I mean we may be in the mountains, but I see no reason to rough that much."

Her next suggestion caused him to tilt his head ever so slightly and look at her with quite the curious look. "Share the bed Kenna?" He asked curiously, a smile threatening to tug at the corner of his mouth. "That's not usually the custom when one offers a guest the bedroom. And you're certainly not taking the couch."

Holding his bag still over his shoulder, he continued. "You are probably the first person to step foot in this house other than me in years. Trust me, it doesn't bother me to let someone else have it once." His mind was running through several scenarios and trains of thought with the curious situation. Namely the small kiss she had given them when her first took her out to a restaurant. She had never shown any further signs of interest, so Malcom just pushed the interaction to the back of his mind as something brought on by the influence of alcohol.

Course now, they were both completely sober. Despite his words, she'd notice a slight hesitation like she did that night. Though not as unsure. He gave her a simple nod, and turned to head to the living room. They probably wouldn't do anything this day as they had arrived late and it was already early afternoon.

Calling over his shoulder, he said, "And you better hurry. You wouldn't want to miss the light show."

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

It seemed perhaps the idea of sharing the bed was uncomfortable to him. He hadn't said it outright but that was just how she felt. It could also be because she was his slave and he didn't want to go down that route. Malcolm was a gentleman, a man with morals and a code of honor. She had read about a few of those things in the books she had borrowed.

Kenna was confused, she didn't know if it would be better to just leave things or say something. The young woman knew that anything she did could risk her position here if he disliked it. She would be taking a huge risk which could land her back in the slave mines. If she left things as they were there would always be that nagging feeling in the back of her mind wondering...what if. Sighing she began to unpack her bag and put her clothes away. If she wasn't his slave things would be so much easier but this was the hand she was dealt.

While Kenna knew him as her master she also considered Malcolm her friend, her only friend. He didn't really act like a master much anyway towards her. Over the months that she had been with him they had gotten close and talked more and more. She enjoyed his company on the ship even if it was him reading and she cleaning. It was only fair for him to know that she did like him in more than a friend way. He would at least know she had feelings, wants, desires.

Setting the now empty bag to the side Kenna went to go meet him by the fireplace. He was only making the fire because she didn't know how to. This little demonstration she figured would be their first and only lesson of the night. "What if, I wanted you to share the bed with me? It's big enough for two people and I wouldn't mind the company. Please?" She lightly smiled as she turned to face him.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

As she approached the fireplace, she would see Malcom pulling up a stick and a piece of string. Knocking the branch and making it look like a mini longbow, he quietly reached for a second stick nearby. She would also be able to notice that the fireplace had already been prepared. It seemed that he always cleaned the place out and prepared everything before leaving so that the next time he arrived, he only had to light it up. He was about to reach for the last couple pieces of his ancient style fire starter when Kenna had returned and posed a most interesting question.

Standing up he shot her a curious glance. So far they have maintained a very professional relationship, neither really making any suggestive comments or actions. This request though sort of shot that all to pieces. How did she mean it? Was she trying to make a pass at him? Or was she for some reason he had yet to determined uneasy with being alone while planetside? He supposed that could be entirely possible. Being in space, you didn't have to worry about anything breaking in your house....at least not without lots of warning. "Scared of being in your own room while planet side, Kenna? Indeed, that doesn't sound like you. Everything ok?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

"Oh no, I have done work planet side before. I'm not scared to sleep in my own room." Despite the nightmares Kenna was capable of sleeping at times. It seemed that now if any was the time to tell him the trust and hope he didn't ship her off to the mines. This meant she would need to choose her words and actions carefully. If he didn't feel anything for her than she could be professional and still work here. No matter what she would be professional even if he did like her.

"I would like something more with you than just a professional relationship. I can't deny the fact that I like you a lot. I can't get that little kiss out of my head. I only kissed you on the cheek but I wish it was more. I maybe a slave but everyone has desires and wants to be loved."

Her gaze went to him as she spoke in hopes of gaging what his response maybe. Kenna didn't want to make him uncomfortable in the slightest after all he was still her master. A hand reached out to take his and give it a light squeeze. "See where things lead us." She had spoken from her heart and how she was feeling and now she would just have to wait and see what happened. As she waited she could feel her heart begin to beat faster.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

Malcom listened to her words intently. As much as he had been wondering about their relationship, her mode of declaration still took him a bit off guard. He had to admit, he was glad he wasn't the only one that had been thinking the same thing that night though. The real question however, was could he start a relationship with his own slave? Was that really something his honor code could allow? Then again, was it not she that was initiating this conversation. It wasn't as if he was forcing this woman to do any acts against her will simply because she was his "property" and had to do what he said.

As she took his hand in hers, he looked down at it for a moment before raising his gaze back to her face. His mind was a a blur of thoughts. Should he seize the moment with the beauty that lay before him? Or should he decline for the only reason that she was his slave....a person he could in fact free if desired...

Pulling her a little closer, he raised up his free hand to move aside a string of hair and caress the side of her face with the back of his fingers. Finally, he decided "what the kriff, why not?" He had been attracted to her for just as long after all. Malcom then leaned in and gave her a small kiss, but on the lips this time.

After pulling away, he smirked. "Very well."

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Her heart pounded within her chest as she waited for what seemed like forever for his response. Kenna did well with anticipating what he needed or wanted until now. She hadn't seen him bring anyone else on the ship nor here. It was possible he enjoyed being alone and didn't want anything like that.

She could only keep her eyes locked on his as he reached down to stroke her cheek with his free hand. It was clear that he was thinking about her proposal. Her eyes closed slightly as he gave her a small kiss. The taste of him lingered on her lips as he pulled away.

The words he spoke left much to be desired. Did he feel similar to her? Was he just a man looking to fill his needs? Kenna didn't think much of it as her mind was still on the kiss. She wanted a real kiss. She craved more and for once in her life she was getting something that she wanted.

Letting go of his hand she wrapped her arms around his neck she drew him in closer to her. Leaning up she pressed her lips to his in a hungry, lustful kiss. Her hands roamed a little to lightly play with his hair. Kenna wanted to make it clear she desired him.

She was keeping it pretty tame for the moment to gage where he was at. This was just as much about his wants as it was hers.

Pulling back from the kiss Kenna couldn't help but smile at him. "So, you were going to show me how to make a fire."

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

His initial kiss had only been a small one due to the lingering doubt in his mind about this situation. But any reservations he may still have had were swept away when she came back and gave him a real kiss. The last of her lips had an almost hypnotic effect over him. As her hands moved up to play with his hair, Malcolm's arms wrapped her in a hug. His hands ran up and down as he greedily accept and enthusiastically returned her passionate kiss.

When she pulled away and mentioned learning how to make a fire, an expression that said "seriously!?" was written all over his face. "Uuuuuh......yeah....sure. That sounds like a good idea..." Malcom stammered as he looked to the fireplace. Pivoting in place to face the fireplace, a hand reached out to flip a switch on the wall. A couple seconds later a fire appeared from the gas fed piping underneath the wood. "And that, is how you start a fire in the cabin."

With a cheesy smile on his face, he continued, "Now where were we?"

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

His return kiss proved to her that he too had been holding back his desire for her. Feelings that she guessed he too had since that night out. It was nothing either of them had to hide, not within the safety of the ship or this cabin.

"We were doing this," she smiled taking a few steps back towards. Leaning forward she lightly brushing her lips against his in a small kiss as her hands wrapped around his midsection to once again pull him closer to her.

As her lips pressed against his once again in a passion filled kiss her hands began to run up and down his clothed back. This kiss was longer than the last and she could feel the fireworks between them.

Pulling back slightly she leaned her forehead against his as she caught her breath. Her hands still running along his back.

"Let me cook you a nice dinner and we stay in tonight. Relax, have fun and enjoy the fire." She smiled at him him before placing another light kiss on his lips. "Tomorrow it's down to business you can show me how to hunt and track. If I'm going to be your assistant I'll still need training."

She bit her lip lightly as she kept her attention on him. Kenna couldn't read his mind but she had a feeling that he would agree with this. They could explore whatever these feeling were tonight and go back to business tomorrow. Define whatever this was later if there was a need to.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

A boyish smirk flashed across his face as she moved in for another kiss. This was by far the most playful Kenna would have seen him be to date. And likewise he of her. Malcom's heart was beginning to race by this point. This turn of events really was completely unexpected for the Mando. But now that it was happening, he planned to enjoy every minute of it.

As their third kissed lingered on even long than before, she'd find the tips of his fingers slipping just underneath her shirt but not venturing any further. The smoothness of her skin was a most enjoyable sensation.

When she pulled away, he too had to catch his breath a bit. She was rather good at kissing. This had his mind wondering to other activities as well. But when she spoke of dinner, he let out a quick laugh. Wrapping his hands around her waist, Malcom hoisted her into the air a bit to allow her legs to easily wrap around him if she so chose, thus leaving her at eye level with him and very close. "Yes to last three, maybe later to the first. For now, I think I'd just rather have you if that's alright?"

Moving in again, he began to plant a few kisses along her neck. "What say you?" He asked before returning to the kisses along her neck.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

As he hoisted her in the air Kenna tightly wrapped her legs around his waist as her arms found their way around his neck. Running her hands through his hair she listened as he responded to her proposal. The young woman flashed him a seductive smile as he asked a question of his own.

Before she could respond he began a row of kisses along her neckline. Sighing happily Kenna's eyes closed slightly as just enjoyed his soft affectionate kisses. The feeling was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

Leaning forward she whispered in his ear, "I'm all yours." Playfully nipping at his ear she began a trail of kisses along his jaw. Her hands had left his neck and began to tug at his shirt.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

The couple could be found disappearing into the bedroom with the door slamming behind them. It appeared it was indeed to be just a night of relaxation and fun, for that evening at the very least.

*FADE TO BLACK*

​

The next morning, Malcom woke to the sun just peaking over the mountain tops. Rolling over, he smiled as he looked upon his slaves beautiful features. It really was quite impossible to look at her that way though, as a slave. Especially now. She had proved over the months they had worked together to be loyal, honest, hardworking, eager to learn, and interestingly now, an amazing lover.

But if he wished to train her properly, he would have to stay focused on the task at hand. Distractions would only make it impossible to see that she was trained well. They'd have to try and maintain the relationship as it was, with no attachments. Bad training only get's people killed. And while he'd try and keep the relationship the same, that didn't mean she meant nothing to him. Quite the contrary. "Ugh what a complicated mess this suddenly became." Malcom thought to himself.

Still, he couldn't say he was sorry for it. She was an amazing woman. And even though today was to be the start of their training sessions, he'd allow her to sleep in till she was fully rested. It had been an eventful evening after all....

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Stretching Kenna yawned as her eyes fluttered open. Last night had been amazing though she wasn't sure that word did the night justice or how he made her feel. It was something else that she had never felt before. She really did like him and found herself hoping for more nights like that with him.

Up until last night Kenna had maintained a professional relationship with him. She didn't regret taking things further even though she knew it complicated things. She didn't know if he saw last night as just a fling or her as a lover. In her state she didn't even know how he could think of her in that light. Kenna regretted nothing from last night.

Rolling over she lightly smiled as she saw Malcolm already awake. Leaning in she lightly kissed him on the lips. "Good morning, I trust you slept well." The fact that he had chosen to stay laying in bed spoke volumes. It made her feel perhaps he enjoyed last night too. He thought more of her than just a fling.

It was hard for Kenna to not close the gap between them and just snuggle up with him. She wanted to just lay here with him for a few more hours. The sun was just coming up after all. They had a busy day ahead of them though.

Pulling herself in closer to him for just a minute she gave him passionate kiss. Kenna wanted him to know that she had enjoyed last night's activities. Pulling back she just laid there for a moment looking into his eyes wondering what he was thinking of all this.

"I should go make some breakfast and prepare lunches. I have a feeling that you have a big day of training planned. Is there anything you have a taste for?" She knew him not to be picky but thought to ask regardless.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

"Good morning." He said with a smile as he kissed her back. "Mhmm, I did indeed. I hope you did as well?" Judging from the intoxicating second kiss he then received and happily returned, he was guessing she enjoyed herself. He just hoped she too would be able to keep feelings and attachments to a minimum as those sort of emotions inhibit ones ability to perform on the job. This again was decision that even he knew he was going to at least have a bit of difficulty with. His moral compass obviously didn't exactly point north, but that didn't mean he didn't care about how she felt.

Focusing again on her words, he gave her a small nod. "Aye. It is going to be a long day. As for food, not really. Whatever is easy is fine, you know me. While you're doing that, I'll go ahead and get our gear packed." Malcom finished with a shrug. "Though we should probably take a quick shower before heading out." The "tough" bounty hunter added mischievously as a seeming after thought.

Ok....they could start on that no emotions thing after the shower....

If she were to accept, they'd be tied up for a while longer than expected in the cabin that morning, but eventually the day would find them out in the woods finally getting down to business.

Out in the Veshok forest that made up much of the northern reaches of Mandalore where his home could be found, Malcom finally began to explain what it was they were going to be after. "So, our target for the day is going to be a Shatual. It's a large herbivore roaming these forests. The meat is fanatstic! It's been ages since I've been able to have some, so hopefully we can bag one today. Before we get started though, any questions?" His more usual way of talking to Kenna had indeed reasserted itself, but he still waited with a small smile. It was obvious that he was excited to start hunting.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

His response to her advances made her smile. It seemed that he had enjoyed himself last night as well. As silly as it was Kenna hoped it would lead to more kisses and nights curled up together by the fire. Once again the young slave found herself lost in the moment with him this morning.

"A shower sounds lovely," she playfully winked at him. Kenna would have thought him eager to get started but she wasn't about to say no to round..whatever it was. She had lost track. Scooting off the bed she reached for his hand.

Once out of the shower Kenna threw on some comfy clothes. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt would do for today they were going out hunting not to a ball. Even though he hadn't asked and they were short on time Kenna took a few minutes to make the bed and straightening up the room. Lastly she has prepared a few sandwiches and snacks for their trip.

Every sound and sight that was heard or seen as Kenna entered the forest with him was foreign to her. She couldn't help but glance around with childlike wonder as she tried to keep pace with him. Before today she had only read about luscious color forests and the wonders they held. The stories didn't do the beauty of the real thing justice.

She wanted to slow down, stop along the way to explore. Touch the leaves of one of the many beautiful plants that graced the floor of the forest. Close her eyes and just take in all the sounds of the forest. Kenna was very much aware though they were not here for prancing in the forest.

"I understand it's a herbivore and won't try to eat us. Would they try charge us if we were see or just run way? What's the Shatual's weakness? How do I kill it?" Given time she felt those questions would have been answered. If she were going to try to bag one the slave needed to know now.

As she waited for an answer Kenna couldn't help but wonder how she was going to prepare said meat. The meat she had always used was from the market. One thing at a time however. First they needed to capture it.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

"The bucks...erm, males might if we get to close. But the does will run away. As for killing it..." He handed her a blaster rifle, with a smile. "...you kill it with this. But since we haven't worked on your shooting yet, I'll be taking the shot. That is more for protection. There are predators in these forests after all. But to answer your question, you want to shoot just behind the shoulder blade of the beast. That's where all the vital organs are."

He gave a nod and they continued on, but his explanation continued. Malcom was not a do something because he said so type of person. He always had a reason, and generally speaking he'd share it no problem. "You aim much further back than that though, and you risk hitting the stomach. Not only would that result in a slow painful death for the animal, but the acid in the stomach will also destroy a good portion of the meat."

While Malcom could be quite ruthless on a battlefield, she might be surprised to see that off the field, he was quite concerned with how nature and animals were treated. Though then again, the way he treated her may have given such a side of his personality away already.

The trail they were on would back and forth at times in a series of switchbacks for the when the mountain side got especially steep. Eventually though, they can to a rocky outcrop that overlooked the valley and all its splendor. Down below she could see the cabin by the lake. Farther away, maybe about 300 yards or so from there position was a small grassy meadow which the Hunter pointed to his trainee.

If she were to look, she'd see one of the animals they were actually looking for standing just outside the treeline and in the grass grazing away. He didn't make a move to start taking aim though, merely looked on with a smile.

[member="Kenna Raine"]

 

[Kenna Raine]

Kenna just nodded as he explained how one was to kill the creature. She wasn't too surprised that he was particular about where to shoot. In her time with him she had learned he was a kind man whom would wouldn't want an animal to suffer or another suffer. She would have thought him to be the kind not to keep a slave.

As kind as he was here she was, his slave. Her master had never hurt her of course and gave her more than what was required. Kenna couldn't help but wonder what his end game with her was. She shook such thoughts out of her head while following him into the forest. Keeping a tight hold on the blaster.

He seemed to instinctually know where to find this creature as he never stopped to look for tracks. Instead he seemed to just zag between the trees never missing a beat. He probably grew up doing things like this so by now it was natural. Maybe in time she would get used to it if he allowed her time.

The trail he led her along was beautiful. She had never seen most of these things before in her life. If she was truthful, it was all rather overwhelming. She would need time to adjust to her surrounding. Perhaps he would allow her time to explore on her own or if not alone maybe he would take her. She didn't want to bore him with her childlike curiosity. Kenna was positive that he had better things to do. Catering to the wants of a slave was not one of them.

Reaching the outlook Kenna gazed out at the beauty that surrounded them. The valley below showed his home and all that surrounded it. Such beauty, Kenna couldn't understand why he didn't come out here more often. If she owned a place like this, she would come as often as she could.

As she looked to where he pointed she saw the magnificent beast peacefully grazing on some grass. "Is that a buck or doe?" She questioned quietly as she continued watching it eat. Kenna was waiting for him to take the killing shot. She had yet to really learn how to shoot and she didn't want to hurt the creature. It deserved a quick painless death. "I could probably use the hid as well to make a blanket." She added quietly.

[member="Malcom Renolds"]

 

[Malcom Renolds]

He shook his head. "No, that's a doe. You can tell because she doesn't have any antlers. The bucks with have fairly substantial racks on 'em. At least the ones we're after." He raised an eyebrow at her when she made the comment about making a blanket. "Wait...you know how to tan a hide?"

The doe suddenly raised her head, casting a quick look into the forest and catching Malcom's attention once more. Raising his rifle, Malcom began looking through the scope. "Now what do we have here?" He said more to himself than anything. Kenna too would be able to look through the scope on her rifle if she wanted a closer look.

A few seconds later, the doe lowered her head back down to her grazing patch as a few more Shatual came out from the treeline to join her. A couple more does and a young made up most the group. The last one to cautiously step out into the open though was a nice mature buck. "There we go." He said in a hushed voice. "There Kenn, you see that last one? That's gunna be dinner tonight if all goes well."

Rather than just jumping right in and taking a pop shot though, Malcom patiently waited. "Ok now couple things to keep in mind when hunting. First of all, I picked this spot for a reason. Can you feel the breeze?" He asked turning away from his scope and toward her. "The wind is blowing our way. If it was the opposite, there would be a chance that they could pick up our scent and get spooked. So always be mindful of wind direction."

"Next, elevation is always a good thing. They are used to looking for predators on the ground with them, not above them. And last, you want to wait till the animal has presented a full broadside of it's body. This gives you the greatest chance of making a good solid kill shot, rather than a crippling blow or worse a gut shot." Ceasing the lesson for now, Malcom once again peered through his scope to watch the small herd of Shatual.

As he did so, Kenna could see him changing a couple dials on his scope periodically. They sat in silence for a few minutes as the animals nosied about their business snipping at the succulent grasses. Eventually the target began to shift to more of a broadside position to the pair of hunters. "Almost....there." He whispered to himself. "Just a few more seconds...." the hunter then took a breath and held it.

CRACK! Rang out his rifle as the round streaked through the air at breakneck speed toward its unsuspecting victim. As the round slammed into the beast, it bucked into the air in shock before darting off back into the woods and out of site along with the rest of the herd. A pleased smile took over Malcom's face. "Ok. Now time to go find our prize!"

[member="Kenna Raine"]