Problem Solving

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Yes she had said that beauty in the Consortium could be skin deep she felt bad for a moment about who her people were and their culture but from what she knew of House Woden they were accustomed to such things. Mel without thinking squeezed his arm a form of comfort perhaps? She hoped.

They walked slowly as they spoke the sounds of their steps unheard on the carpeted floors, a traditional design of course. Something her parents liked and were about appearances. She had not changed anything, maybe she should. Perhaps it was time. She could not deny this growing sensation of she didn't even know what to call it yet. They were different, and yet in some ways the same.

She nodded, "I agree there are other planets where woman have no rights, and are forbidden to hold jobs, or an office. Accordingly they receive other perks, they are pampered, and blessed to provide children to their husbands, or the other side of it as a slave they are allowed to live. I understand the need for slaves, and how many become slaves. I guess I'm partial the suffering of my own people perhaps I should broaden my view." She wasn't sure what she felt about others being slaves she only knew at this moment Hapans as slaves bothered her immensely.

"Exactly we tell them a story that they accept." She looked at Zye again as they were walking, "I apologize if it sounds complicated. It might be easier to jump in a ship and just got shoot them all out of the space lanes more would come though and who knows war might follow. You can back out at anytime Zye if all this is over whelming." She wasn't sure that he had signed up for all this story telling camouflage in order to look for slavers and pirates in the mists.

They were still walking when he told her what 'feels' were. "oh..I will be honest I hide mine a lot. They can be seen as a weakness but I want them" She looked down being honest was not difficult but why speak of these things with him, she just didn't know. "I want love, I want to feel excited to see someone, I want someone who understands me, I want to care." She did care and she knew that caring got her hurt. She could handle it.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to ramble." But yes some emotions were a weakness but they gave so much in return. Love gave her courage, and desire. Among other things.

She had asked why he needed special clothing when he moved into the sunlight she wasn't sure what to expect. What did happened triggered a number of emotions, "OH MY" She immediately moved closer to help she could smell the burning flesh and yet he said nothing, she looked up into his eyes nothing. No sign of pain, no sign of fear, nothing. Just as quickly he pulled it back she instinctively reached for his hand running her fingers over the skin, "I don't know whether to be horrified or amazed."

She could feel no scars, no remnant of anything that said he had been hurt. She did not let go of his hand, "yes you were flirting...you should do it when we are alone. I enjoy it..it makes me feel...wanted." She looked again at his hand. "you didn't even cry out..doesn't it hurt?" It had to hurt she saw with her own eyes how the flesh was consumed and yet nothing remained to say that it had been.

She thought of Isaac who screamed in agony at the touch of any sunlight. Maybe if there is time Zye could look at the boy. Maybe there was hope.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye hadn't thought of it that way. They didn't have to worry like everyone else about food, clothing, shelter, or anything. All they had to do was bear children. It sounded like a much simpler life, one that he could enjoy more than the one that he had.

"We do--did--have slaves back on the estate," he said. "We take care of them, even if Ulric is a cruel man who loves his power, he is not a fool. He knows how to keep the slaves obedient and content. If you treat them right, then there is no reason for slavery to be cruel."

Of course, House Woden literally used their slaves for food as well. They were not just servants, they were sometimes cattle too in the eyes of the vamparika. It was somewhat complicated, but that came with the work. He didn't mind using lies and subterfuge to get the advantage. His mother had taught him that no lie, no advantage at all should be left unused.

"Any job comes with its own complications," he said, "Hunting Sithspawn isn't as easy as running in the field with a shattergun and grit. You have to plan, gather data, analyze the possible weaknesses, gather bait, determine its feeding style, plan for the worst and after all that, then​ you can run in the field with a shattergun and grit. I suppose we are doing essentially all that, but in a different roundabout way."

It was amazing how much he missed the entire experience, he missed everything about it. The lack of Sithspawn for him to slay made Zye miss it even more. Even though he longed for that familiarity, he was enjoying himself here. The revelation that he was having a good time shocked Zye, who was used to experiencing various levels of bored during his down time.

She wanted to care, where Zye didn't. He couldn't remember the last time he had, if he had then it was repressed deeply under a weight of punishment for doing just that. It wasn't just that Zye hid his feelings from others, he hid them even from himself. He was out of touch with it.

"Its alright," he said to her apology. "To be honest, I don't even know what this feels like. To care, to be understood, or to be excited to see someone. I have spent my entire life indifferent to beings because in the end, they all die, every single person and I am left alone. And the few who survive are hardly the type you love. I can't bear that loss."

It was the silent peril of being nearly immortal. Everyone wanted to avoid death, but the truth was outliving everyone you knew left you hallow and alone.

He hadn't expected her to care at the painful display of his burn and healing. Her soft hands ran over the newly congealed flesh and it felt soothing, nice. It was a sharp contrast to the fiery agony he just put himself through. He smiled softly, a warmth began to burn in his chest. It flickered, growing a little as she said she liked his flirting. He hadn't felt wanted before for more than the ability to kill. It was a pleasant feeling. He was quick to snuff it out when she asked if it hurt.

"I will be discrete then," he said about the flirting. He smirked, "The flirting costs extra. And that I do charge by the hour." He took a more serious tone, "Yes, the burning hurt, badly. Like being burned alive," his eyes flickered with a mix of memory and pain, "You must understand, Mel, in House Woden refractions were met with severity. A mere misword could result in a beating. Showing weakness during a beating would only make it worse. And things were especially bad, I would be exposed to the light. Even for half a minute that hurts more than anyone could understand, over my entire body, with no hope of reprieve. Ulric once caught me consorting​ with someone outside of our race, he threw me into the broad daylight naked for my punishment as mother beat her to death in front of me." his body stiffened, he could feel the sting of it all over again, the pain washed over him as Zye grit his teeth. "Because the worst of all would be consorting with the idea of making a half-blood. Ulric and Moria would never​ tolerate that. He would kill any half-breeds, he believes in the total purity of the sa--of our race."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

[member="Zye Woden"]

"I have a few indentured slaves most of the people on this estate work here for a salary or for room and board, but none were purchased for the sole purpose of being a slave." Mel thought about the children then, "Do you remember the three children who served the tea?" She didn't wait for an answer she figured it wasn't that long ago that he would remember, "After Hapes was invaded by the Sith tens of thousands were killed those children are 3 of 5 who lost parents. I've taken them in. They do duties around the estate but I also see to their education. I take care of them they take care of me." She smiled softly then thinking of them perhaps she had what she needed already she did look forward to seeing them and hearing how their day went.

"Hapans we plan as well we aren't usually hunting creatures though, we like puzzles, we like the intrigue of...that which you hate." She wouldn't say politicians again, "There are good ones and bad ones Zye just like as you said earlier not all are evil." She was banking on it, she was banking on that whatever she revealed he wouldn't turn it around on her. there was that risk, she would deal with it when and if they came to that bridge.

She considered his words he sounded as if he had lived a thousand lifetimes and lost everything this made her sad. "Zye what is life if there is no joy, no one to share it with" She looked down where she still held his hand. "To have life is one thing you live you breath you do what you need to, but to actually LIVE a life means taking some chances on others, and yes losing them is bitter sweet, and sad. But while I had those I lost I never felt more alive." She didn't know if he would understand for it sounded like for every smile he might have given someone was behind him beating it out of him.

"I like discreet, thank you" she whispered, the story he told her about living at home were stories of a harshness she had never endured, never seen, and couldn't understand why it was necessary. She felt great sympathy for him and something more she lifted her hand placing it gently on his chest. "I won't throw you into the light, I don't want to meet your parents they sound scary." She licked her lips for once again they had grown dry and she was in new territory, "Are you concerned about consorting with me Zye? Will it cause you pain? I wouldn't want to see you hurt" Her voice was low for she knew the household staff was wondering around doing their chores.

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye nodded as she spoke of the indentured slaves and the servants who worked for the Dallamoors. He noticed Mel’s explanations were devoid of her parents. If there was a bombing by the Sith where thousands died they could have met their end then as well. He wasn’t about to ask, but he tucked that theory away in case it turned out to be true.

“The slaves of Woden have been in our service for generations,” Zye nodded. “We Breed our own. It creates better loyalty, dependability, and service.” He spoke with pure clinical detachment. “And they are cheaper. There are a few exceptions where some Iridonian families have owed money and they’ve sold themselves to us, but they are treated well.”

It was nice to hear she cared about these orphans. They deserved happiness and she did too. They made her happy, while he was indifferent, part of him wanted to like what she liked. “It is the duty of the strong to protect the weak. And in return, the weak serve the strong,” he paused. “The motto of house Woden.”

He noticed she sidestepped saying politician. It was a smart call. He smirked at her keen whit. She learned from her mistakes, he doubted she would use the term “politician” around him soon. But he was torn. On one hand she represented everything he had come to hate these past few months. The people who pushed him from his home and endangered his own people for just a minor level of approval from the Jedi. On the other, she clearly cared about people and wasn’t selfish like the political sides he had come to know.

“I believe you,” he said at last. “But I also believe we all hunt, each in our own ways. I hunt with the sword, whip, and shatter gun, in the wild. You hunt with your words in the halls and palaces. We all have a function in this galaxy.”

Maybe it was idealist, or maybe it was just the niceness of the palace but he would for a moment overcome his skepticism and give her a chance.

What was life without joy or someone to share it with? She was right, but it was an answer he knew from experience. He had been existing, or living for a long time but hadn’t been truly alive ever. The closest he came to it was killing. What was life without that something?

“It’s pain,” he whispered, he looked out the window at a cloud lazing it’s way across the sky. “It’s drifting endlessly without anything to hold you. And so you give that pain to everyone else. It’s not living, but it’s something to make someone else feel your pain too.”

He hadn’t been this introspective for many years. Zye was barely aware of Mel’s hand on his chest, but it did ease him, even if just a little. He nodded as she said she didn’t want to meet his parents.

“They are monsters,” he looked at her. Where he saw a living work of art they would see a weed that would die soon. “No, I would never have them meet you.”

She needed protection not just from pirates but from his own people. The vampire wasn’t sure if he was drawing a line in the sand between her and his own, but he did know he was making choices. Even if it wasn’t intentional. He leaned in closer as Mel licked her lips. His eyes flicked from her eyes to her lips. They looked so inviting, so close. As she spoke he wrapped his arm around her lower back, pulling her closer. She didn’t want to hurt him, and for now he didn’t know if she would. He wasn’t thinking, he was feeling. Something about her words and presence had struck a chord in him.

His head slowly moved closer to her with every word Mel spoke until his lips were centimeters from hers. He could feel the air brushing against his.

“I don’t know,” he whispered, before his lips moved at last to make contact with hers.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Every word he spoke she tried to commit to memory for every word had meaning and every word was new. Did he mean everything he said, there was no reason to think he did not.

They bred their own slaves how interesting she looked up into his eyes so much to be seen there, so much lay behind them she smiled again and she couldn't tell anyone why it just felt good to do so.

Maybe she remembered what he said before about her smile, so then she was smiling for him, at him. All while he seemed to be getting closer.

"Yes" she spoke softly, "I would say I hunt with words, phrases, and influence." She did she used her influence and her ability to turn a phrase to get the Consortium and her house what she needed. It had gotten her the problem solver, but he was more than just the problem solver right now. He was someone that seemed to share ideas, he was someone that needed someone like she needed someone.

"I invite you to share some of that with me, the pain. Even if just for a little while. Find some ease while we deal with problems." My god if anyone heard her they would think she had been brain washed but she couldn't help it there was something here something that drew her in like the bees to flowers. She couldn't control the urge that pushed her to be closer, to say the things she felt needed to be said. Maybe she had an old soul, she just didn't know.

When his arm slipped around her, she moved with ease just as she had at the ball he only needed to put a small pressure on her back to have her move where he wanted. He was so close now even as he spoke to her she could feel the softness of his breath upon her cheek. She lifted her chin to meet his lips as they pressed to hers.

They had just both stepped over a line that neither was expecting.

She brought her other hand up to rest on his chest as she leaned against him, her fingers curled into the fabric possessively she felt his passions then a kiss a gentle soft kiss. She did not break it in her own mind it was what she had wanted since the ball. She would take what he could give at this time and for however long he decided to share it. It felt good for someone to want her.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

The kiss was welcome, it was gentle, soothing, and at the same time a cathartic release like Zye hadn't felt in hundreds of years. His lips hadn't touched another's in a kiss in too long, and hers were soft, silky, and smooth only made more so by the silkiness of her lip gloss. She tasted wonderful, just as wonderful as she felt. It didn't make the vampire hungry for flesh, but for the warmth of her embrace. His tongue pressed into her mouth with a gentle caress, warm and inviting. It wasn't the kiss of pure lust, but the kiss of intimate vulnerability. His hand gripped the fabirc of her dress, his other arm wrapped around her back as well as he pulled her into the softness of his kiss.

His lips met hers again and again as his tongue pressed deeper into her being. His hand trailed up her back, cradling Mel's neck for passionate release of his care. He felt so much lighter and better than he could ever recall feeling before. With each second locked in their kiss he cared less about the weight of being unbreakable and more about actually living. Years of continual beatings and conditioning rolled off him. To anyone who could have seen or felt his aura, it became less heavy and turned a more natural indigo color.

Then it struck him. From the darkest recesses of his mind, it hit him like a freight train. He saw his father's furious face. He felt the sun's light ripping through his skin as he saw the whip of his mother coming down on a woman's back. But this time, instead of the familiar face he had seen the first time, Jenna the slave girl, he saw Mel's face. Mel's perfect body. In a flash he saw the memory all over again. But instead of Jenna, it was Mel who paid for his indiscretion. It was Mel he saw die. It was Mel's lifeless corpse he was forced to feed from. It was the nightmare he had seen so many times before, but different.

Zye's eyes popped open, and he pulled away suddenly, self control had taken over again. He release Mel, taking a few steps back, "I'm sorry." He felt himself bump into a table behind him, the vampire stumbled as its content fell to the ground, shattering into a thousand peices. It was a vase of some sort. He stumbled, catching himself against the outside wall, "I'm sorry." Zye propped himself against the back wall, barely able to stand. His chest heaved for a second as the flashback faddded away, leaving Zye only with guilt and shame, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have kissed you." His hands trembled, his legs did as well. He had broken the most sacred of rules a second time. In his mind he could hear his father's scornful voice echoing through his ears ​you fool, don't you ever learn?​

Zye couldn't even bring himself to look up at Mel, "I put you at risk. I shouldn't have done that. You don't deserve that. I promise you I never will do that again. You hired me to protect you, not place you at risk." He managed a glance up before looking at the floor once more. "You didn't ask me to get personally involved."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

It was all warm and welcoming right up until it wasn’t. It was as if someone had flipped a switch on Zye was retreating and quickly.

She for the first moments was stunned he had seemed to want her but she had to stop. First she had to control her emotions not over react, second she needed to be calm and reassure him. She had seen something ike this before in Raden when he first came.

The boy had dropped a cup while trying to set it down. His hands had trembled so badly Mel wasn’t sure he didn’t have nerve damage. Turned out that Grandmother had beaten him each time he brought a cup into the room, the one time he dropped it. She beat him until he couldn’t move. Raden never forgot it and still each time he touched a cup his hands shook.

Mel remembered what Zye had said.

“It’s ok.” She smiled, “Zye nothing is wrong. Everything is fine. NO one here is going to punish you.” She shook her head. She was breaking her problem solver. She held out her hand to him, “Come walk with me, the hour grows late and there are a few things yet for us to discuss.”

She wasn’t sure of how to proceed really, “I have rooms set aside for your use. I’ll have the tailor come and you have the clothes you need made. You’ll come to the armory and see what else is there you might need.” She had to get his mind off of what was putting that fear in his eyes. Something he was familiar with, hunting…weapons…needs versus wants. "I didn't mind you coming closer. If i did not want the kiss i would have stopped you. I am at fault Zye not you. I should not have kissed you. Im sorry.

“Ok” She waited would he take her hand. She knew she had to restore his presence, his cavalier, melodic tones, but how. If he wanted to kiss her again she wanted him to be sure be himself. So she would try to help.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye could feel her presence gently offering the care and solace that he needed from the world inside. She was pulling him back, back from the brink. His initial reaction was to lash out. He clenched his fists, hissing air through his nostrils. The fragments of the case he had broken shuttered, responding to his anger. But the brave woman before the vampire was willing to walk where angels feared to tread, right into the eye of the storm that was his rage and past.

Zye knew whew this story ended. He had walked this path many times, instead she invited him to choose a different path. She was warm and gentle in a world that was harshly unforgiving. She made him feel safe and she offered that smile he liked. Zye unclenched his fist and the world was again at peace.

“Ok,” he managed. “Ok.”

He felt a mixture of shame and embarrassment. This was weakness. But she has cared enough about him to walk with Zye through it instead of abandoning him to more pain or calling on her guards to imprison him. It was an unforeseen twist and Zye didn’t know how to reach to Mel. He tentatively took her offered hand, following her once more. He hoped they could leave his mini breakdown back there but he could feel it would color things even a little.

It had for him. Zye was unused to such a reaction. He didn’t know what to do, and that also was a new experience for him. He wanted to run. But at the same time, he wanted to stay. He liked how it felt to be near her, but he hated not knowing what to do.

“That sounds amiable,” he said, still a little unsure of himself. He tired to make a go at his cavalier, careless front again, “I’m surprised you don’t want me staying in your quarters.”

But in his delivery, it was most likely clear that it was something of the other way around. Passionate machinations had nothing to do with it—she was ease on the eyes, sure, but Zye just liked the way he felt near her.

“I think a scatter gun should cover it, along with possibly some explosives and any weapon of your choice,” he nodded “if you don’t know how to conduct yourself during combat then I will have to teach you. And quickly too. I brought my blade. And my whip,” he had it tucked in under his boot. “There isn’t much else I prefer. I’m a man of strange weaponry.”

Mel’s ruse to help him feel better had worked. As she apologized Zye shook his head vehemently. “No,” he stopped, seizing her waist. With a quick movement he brought her to face him, “Stop that. Stop apologizing. Enough.” He didn’t want her to feel guilty or carry his burden for him, so much so his tone carried a harsh commanding tenebre. She was good, and too young to know better. He had to pay for his mistakes alone. His voice turned softer. “I kissed you. Don’t carry what’s mine to shoulder. Don’t get me wrong,” He quirked a soft smirk, “it was incredible. But don’t worry about it.”

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Good. Thank goodness things were calming going a bit back to before. He had her hand this was good too. She wasn't scared. She was concerned.

She gently squeezed his hand trying to tell him its ok. She held no malice. She needed to boost his confidrnce and be what he needed at this moment.

"Well I had thought to have you sleep there. You could tuck me in tell me a story. " She kept the smile, "sleep in the couch" she was attempting some humor.

Before she could say anything else in one smooth move he brought her face to face with him again. "You should know its not my nature to apologize this much Zye." She tilted her head her caramel colored eyes gazed into his. "I'm not too worried i figure you are a man with a mind. You must have wanted to kiss me. Maybe you still do." She blinked.

She didnt try to move instead she kept talking.

"We will visit the armory in a bit lets get you settled. Dinner?" She wondered if what she planned was
appropriate, "um. Is there anything you dont like?"

She was starting to relax, "up here to the left leads into the wing where all the guest rooms are at. I chose at first one with the most light. Thinking that isn't a good idea anymore instead we will go across the hall"

They had not moved down the hall. He was a puzzle and she would figure it out. She now had to do sonething that never in her entire life had she done let a man lead. Whatever happen was up to him .



[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

“Oh so you have thought about it?” Zye smirked. He chucked at Mel’s joke about him sleeping on the couch. He could tell she was trying to lift his spirits and help him along. It was nice. “At least I wouldn’t be able to complain about the view.”

Zye would have been lying if he said he didn’t want to again. But he knew better, he was more restrained than that. As her soft eyes looked into his he glimpsed into her being.

The fact that Zye sensed no malice from Mel threw him for a loop. He had never expected to feel or find someone who held even a little bit of ill intent towards him. As she squeezed his hand he probed gently into her mind searching. He had promised himself he wouldn’t but curiosity had taken the better of him. Zye had to know. His hand caressed her cheek, resting a pointer finger on her temple as his mind eased into hers. Even in the deepest recesses he felt nothing evil towards him.

There was pain in her and there was still a resilience against it that said she wanted to care and keep on. And deeper than that was a feeling of incompleteness and brokenness. As if she felt like someone who was missing a part. The fact that someone so gentle and beautiful inside and out could have that opinion about themselves made Zye frown. She didn’t deserve that.

But in her Zye found something that disturbed him deeper that if she harbored a desire to destroy him. She had care. She genuinely cared for him and meant it when she said that. He was disturbed, because Zye had no idea what to do with that. He smiled softly, easing his way back out of her. He didn’t want to hurt her, for some mental intrusion was suffocatingly painful. For others it was deeply erotic or intimate. He didn’t know what kind she was.

“You will just have to find out after dinner now won’t you?” He smirked when she asked about him kissing her. He seriously considered telling her then and there his true species, and his needs. She was already conceding and caring enough to make sure he wasn’t roasted alive over the main course, she was kind and her warm eyes were so inviting. He opened then closed his mouth.

Zye wasn’t ready to tell her and she wasn’t ready to hear it. He gave her a devilish smile, “Just a clear seat to enjoy the view.”

His hand reached a little lower, going for a squeeze of her butt. Yes, he’d noticed. He was a red-blooded man and she had shapely body. Satisfied to leave her with more for her mind to play with, he gently began to guide her down the hall.

“So, what are some of the Hapes dinner customs I should be aware of?” He asked. “I want to be prepared for future encounters with other Hapes royalty.”

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

Breathe. There were times it paid to be Hapan would could control their emotions tonight was one such time. Thank the goddess.

Regarding his presence in her bedroom she replied "Well the view would be interesting and unique it is perhaps one of the few places within the Consortium where there is an ever present full moon." She smiled as she teased. Then the most unusual thing he squeezed her assets her eyes got big for a moment and she paused for an instant she didn't know how to react.

Interesting sensation NO ONE had ever done that for fear she'd have their hands removed. She however decided to let it be for now and just take it as a form of greeting or thanks. Though if there was more to it she would have to have it explained. She did however give herself a reminder to look it up.

Now to keep the conversation light she moved on quickly to dinner, "Dinner yes" She had decided to tease him some more, "You will kneel beside my chair until I tap you on the shoulder it's how all good Hapan men attend a dinner" She moved along trying not to chuckle as he moved her down the hallway. He wasn't the only one who could occasionally be a sarcastic. She had employed it correctly she believed.

Though one look at her eyes and he could see that she was joking with him but she wanted to see his reaction. After all he was a great sithspawn hunter dealing with death and danger everywhere. What could be more dangerous than dinner with a bunch of Hapans?

She had let it go long enough the pause that is, "Just be cautious in your words, tonight's dinner will be relaxed. Dinner as we travel will become more intricate." Intricate was probably an understatement.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye’s smile broadened as Mel joked about the view. He even gave a second genuine laugh. Her sense of humor caught him off guard. She seemed so serious, and he guessed it came with the job the chance to see her let loose was nice. The Hapan people from what she said, were unforgiving. He wanted to give her the chance to banter back, “I am quite fond of great moons. And you have a fantastic moon.”

He saw her confusion and gave her a reassuring smile. Maybe she had thought it was an accident, so he patted it a second time and gave it a soft caress. He did like the way it felt in his hand. She had just the right amount of give, firmness, and shape. It made him want to feel the skin under her garments. His mind pictured it for a second extremely vividly--his mental barriers slipped for a moment. The mental image his imagination formed might have passed through into her mind through the physical touch and intensity of his imagination.

He snorted at the idea of knealing. She was giving out two jokes in a row they were on a role. In the Force he could feel her aura was happy, warm, even if her tone was more teasing. Any humor he had experienced growing up was very jaded and sardonic. He appreciated her going the extra mile to meet him on his style. The more he felt her like this, the more he liked this side of her. If Mel was going to give him sass, he would give it back with double. “I’m confident you will be the one on your knees by the end of the night,” he said slyly. "That is, if it’s your preferred position.”

He was more than a little relieved to be honest at a simpler dinner. He wasn’t sure how complex they would be but if she knew they were, he was sure he was in for trouble . But he would try--for her. And more than try, he wanted to master it for her.“The galas we had back home were most likely child’s play compared to these Hapan dinners. We had just three courses served by the slaves.”

That was a simpler way of saying the truth. They gorged on 3 slaves each of their blood, not enough to be lethal but enough to make a great meal. There was an art to it. Someone young, kept on a low sugar, low fat diet would come first. They ate lots of vegitables and fruits, the blood was appetizing and earthy that was wonderful to start the night. Then came someone with a high protien and high fat diet. The blood was incredibly thick and full of potent calories that felt amazing. Lastly was usually a human in their prime on a high sugar, sweet diet. The blood tasted like a desert, almost like candy. He opened the door for Mel, offering her to enter first. “And the dining rooms weren’t this ornate.”

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

This she knew how to respond to, "Thank you" so hear rear view was pleasing what hapan didn't enjoy a compliment about their beauty. Certain in this area she was no exception.

BY THE GODDESS she thought, "ok Zye. I'm not familiar with this touching you're doing to my backside...what is that about?" She wasn't sure if it was appreciation or something else completely. He seemed to time it with it being a good thing but for all she knew he was making fun of her or insulting her in some way.

She stopped as a thought or something formed in her mind, oh god. How do you react to that? And where did it come from? Was it her thoughts? His? this was entirely disturbing for her. She wanted a drink a very strong drink. She tried to smile but she felt like her mouth wouldn't work right that it was contorted. In truth she looked no different just confused. It was her mind racing in all directions.

Then another insinuation, "We will see about who is on whose knees" She tried not to laugh or smile, "i'm not telling" she replied about her preferred position. This whole evening had not going as she had envisioned. She usually had so much more control than this, it had to be him. He was the only new element. She just wasn't sure if it was good or bad.

"It will be three courses it's easier on everyone present" She wasn't sure how to explain about the children but he'd learn soon enough. Yep surprise surprise.

"ornate, oh I see it as functional." Was it, "What did you eat when you were at home?" she blinked so waiting for the explanation about touching her.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Zye blinked, and questioned for a second if she was being serious. While the look on her face and her tone seemed to be serious enough, the question was something he wouldn't have had an easy time believing was an actual question. He had to remind himself, this was a different sector of the galaxy entirely, and she was in the upper eschelons of nobility. While he came from a rough planet where even the nobles didn't try to hide their true intnetions, she came from a planet of deep political maneuvering.

"Well," he began, trying to form the thought into words, "Its like when you like something, you look at it, and you compliment it?" no, that wasn't quite right, "Or when you want to thank someone and you bow to them as a sign of respect?" No, that was even worse. "Or when you enjoy the way a bed feels so you lay out on it?" No, again, still not quite right. He sighed, "It means I think you have a great butt."

He saw her face contort, but Zye couldn't have even imagined the real reason why. He quickly removed his hand from her rear, moving it up to her lower back. He assumed that her expression was from a displeasure at his explaination, there was no way he could have known the truth that he had bombarded her with his imagination. The last thing that he wanted was to make her angry. "Sorry, I won't do that again if it makes you upset."

He couldn't have been more pleased with her reaction to his ensenuations. Typically, he wasn't one for double entandres. But then again, he typically​ wasn't around Melanctha. "That's alright, I am more of a visual learner and an oral teacher.​"

He moved into the dining room with her. He didn't know if it was customary in Hapes for the men to pull the chair out for the women, but he went for it anyway. When she sat, if she sat, he pushed it in gently for her before circling around to his side. It was somewhat smaller than the table that he was used to. Back home the dining room table was easily long enough for the slaves on the menu to lay out head to foot comfortably. He was still so focused on that, as he sat, she asked what he ate back home and Zye didn't have time to think or filter himself.

"Blood," the answer slipped from his lips, it wasn't until he laid his silken napkin across his lap that Zye realized what he said. He swallowed. Earlier he warned her he was the worst liar there was, now she was about to see it.

"--uh, fruit. Blood fruit, mainly for, uh the appetizer, and then some sort of, uh," Zye sighed, shrugging. He screwed himself, there was no going back. "Blood. We drank blood. I'm a vampire."

He looked down at the table, unable to even bring himself to see her reaction. He visibly braced himself for what was about to come.

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

She was trying to formulate an answer for Zye. "Difficult to answer" she walked over to the chair sitting when he offered the chair. She offered the chair on her right hand to him. Then she looked at him the answer to him touching her, "something usually done in private there isn't anyone that would dare do to me what you did. I am uncertain how I feel about it, on one hand knowing the intention it gives me a warm feeling, on the other it goes against what I've been taught..so I'm twisted."

If she thought she was twisted over him putting a hand on her what he said next pretty much floored her. Fortunately she was sitting.

"Blood" it was said in such a matter of fact tone that she just knew that it was true. "I don't think that's on the menu tonight. Should I be concerned ?" She was asking if she should be concerned that if they did not have what he needed or wanted that he would go look for it among her household.."um" she wanted to clarify, "is it a particular type you require?"

This would help to narrow down who or what could be in danger. She had to admit that while she waited for his answer that the room seemed a bit colder but that could be her imagination. But in all his action he had not been aggressive, hands on but not aggressive. But then she didn't know about being a vampire. More questions came up.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

"Well, if you need more opportunities to help you decide how you feel about it, I am more than willing to supply them," he said smirking impishly. He arched a single eyebrow. "It seems we are both learning and growing outside of the world we previously knew. Allow me to be your door to further liberation."

She didn challenge his concieved ideas about the universe and life, even without trying. It was an odd mix of both terrifying and wonderful. He wondered if by the end of the week they would be unrecongizable as the people they were before. He doubted that, at least on his part. Zye was the product of thousands of years of conditioning and existence. But at the same time, the idea of being different brought him hope.

She reacted differently than he expected upon finding out he was a vampire. She didn't scream in horror, but he felt her fear was very real. He reached out to place a hand on her's to reassure her. He didn't want her to fear him, he didn't want her to be like everyone else.

"I do eat normal food as well," he said softly, as if to make her less afraid. "But I do​ require blood. I prefer human blood, the taste and nutrients are so much better, but anything that is iron-based can work. The healthier someone is, the better it tastes," he let out a soft exhale, his next statement was a deep confession, "And--Mel, it has been quite​ a while since I've had a good meal. Its like eating food that is organic as opposed to processed with perservatives."

He swallowed, trying not to think about how tantilizing she had been with their dance. Even now, he could bite her and feed before anyone or anything stopped him. She was healthy, warm, and clearly well cared for. His mouth watered just at the thought, he swallowed forcing himself to stop thinking about it. Zye wanted to be honest with her, "I can control my hunter for a week, and its been five days since I fed last," but he didn't want her to think he was here just for a feeding frenzy. Instead he quirked a grin, "I suppose the fact that you haven't thrown me out, arse over head yet is at least a sign that my face is gread enough to keep around."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

It was amusing to have him there he had a light side to him that wasn't found openly in the Consortium certain a reason she kept him around. She did like his face it had character and laugh lines when he let them be seen. He wasn't quite comfortable yet for her but they were working on it. So odd really all of this in such a short time.

How much more could there be...hunter, and vampire...bad child hood...and he drank blood. She shivered at the thought really if one had to do a comparison he was probably quite a good Hapan aside from the actual blood drinking thing. "I'm sure you would' she finally responded to his providing more opportunities for her to decide if she liked him touching her. She was not a fool though she knew that she lacked attention and that she enjoyed his.

"I'm glad to hear you like normal food but it sounds like it is not, well filling" Did she really just say that about someone drinking blood. The thought made her stomach jump and she was surprised she had not run from the room. So vampires...blood drinking, sun avoiding...charmers...least [member="Zye Woden"] was.

He spoke about it like they spoke of bantha, good teeth, well nourished, fed all the right things made them perfect for eating...suddenly she felt like the prize bull in the room.

"5 days...um...so..." She lifted her hand to rub her brow she was good but she wasn't sure about this good. but she was preparing to have one of the oddest conversations she ever had in her life.

"Do you have to kill to drink a person blood?" She thought about this holo book she read, "Do you...like sparkle in sunlight or always just burn? Have an aversion for garlic? Or holy places..." the questions were coming one by one till she stopped. She didn't know what she didn't know and right now she knew nothing.

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

Perhaps Zye wasn't giving her enough credit for how well Mel took this in stride. She did come from a society that prized self-control above almost everything else, except power. She held herself poised inspite of being with a man who was, essentially, an apex predator, and she was one of his prey. It was a cruel way to think of it, but it was the way that Ulric Woden had put it so many times before. Zye hadn't ever met someone who saw him for who he was this closely and didn't push him away. What that said about her, he wasn't sure.

"It's not," he admitted as Mel said that it didn't sound filling. "It offers some nutrition, and when laced blood, it helps. Animal products, they are the best. Anything that comes from a plant is virtually worthless to me."

Worthless was an understatement. It was like filling a high powered speeder's fuel tank with water. It wasn't a good call. And she was already filling in the blanks with what he needed, and how badly he needed it. He figured it was to be unfront with her, rather than result in something that was aviodable.

"Yes, I have two days before I need to feed," he confirmed with a nod of his head. "If I don't--" Zye hesitated, "I lose control. It becomes dangerous for everyone involved," at times, when facing insurmountable odds, he had pushed himself to that limit. The hunger made him a savage killer, but a mindless one. The people who had fought with him died just the same as those who fought against him. It was a vivid horror he could see in his darkest dreams.

He shook his head as she asked if he had to kill to feed, "I prefer not to, some do. I don't see a point in killing a being for a meal. When I have been starved--" he shook his head, "I have no control over that. I'm a different being. A monster."

Zye chuckled a little at the question about sparkling, "No, I always burn. I've never heard of that happening with my breed of vampires. Some, perhaps, might. But we burn. Some are allergic to silver as well, like my uncle Karna." He smirked at the garlic question, "No, not garlic. Most herbs don't affect me, and the same goes for poisons. Spice is a different matter. It supresses the healing factors of my race, or just stop it entirely. I should add, I am deathly​ allergic to nightshade." his face was very grave. Zye didn't know why he was willing to share this much with her, it was dangerous to let all his weaknesses be exposed like this.

"I'm more adverse to the pompus fools in those places," he said sourly. "I believe that mentality came from Sith Vampires, like my father, who are more weakened by Force Light and the light side. The lightside can weaken my hold on the Force, but not too badly." He moved his other hand, taking her other gently. He spoke with sincerity, "Thank you, Mel. I know its not easy, who or what I am. But you aren't treating me like an animal or a monster. I will answer any questions you have about what it means to be a vampire."

 

[Melanctha Dallamoor]

She felt a bit foolish all these questions but how many people talked to a vampire. That's just it though Zye wasn't just a vampire was he. No she had kissed him, she had felt desire building within herself and allowed her mind to be free with him. So being a vampire was part of him. There were so many species in the galaxy all different she didn't hold anything against them for living.

She just had an issue with a bunch of them trying to move into the Consortium and take up residence. She hadn't been an isolationist once her education on Coruscant had given her a new perspective but somewhere along the lines she lost it and became like many others.

He explained everything to her and gave her leeway to ask more questions. He had both her hands now he was very compassionate in his movements, and his eyes. Hard to see him as a hunter right now. "Night shade. I don't think we cook with it. Though I do think they use it to sedate people..but I will keep it in mind." She wanted to share something too, "I'm not allergic to anything that I know of I can't see anything the dark. She pat his hand for a moment then stroked it gently she wished she had something to share that would make them even.

"Two days is not a long time Zye." She looked at the table, "Will you excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back" She wasn't trying to be rude she was going to do something she hoped helped. "Have a drink from the bar." She pointed to the side bar.

She nodded rose up and slipped through a door that went to the kitchen. The children were waiting, "Are we going to meet the Prince Duch'a?" Isaac with his beautiful eyes she looked them over. "Our guest is unique. He has a unique diet requirement." She looked to the cook, "Jas do you still have raw bantha?"

The children looked at one another mouthing the word raw.

"Yes mam."

Mel nodded, "good...see it to our guest raw...also...it was a fresh kill from this morning yes?"

Jas nodded where was her mistress headed.

"You keep the blood, don't you?"

The children all stared at her now.

"Yes its good for certain soups."

Mel nodded, "I understand please...pour it into a pitcher keep it...so that it doesn't.. break down and serve it to the Prince." She had said it and then it was done. She looked at the children. "Still want to meet the Prince?"

They were standing there taking in what was said. "Not tonight Mam." They stepped back again. She nodded, "You are all so wise I'm proud of you."

Jas nodded, "yes Mam I'll keep them here." Jas wondered about their guest was the Duch'a safe, were any of them safe? She prayed the Duch'a knew what she was doing. She shook her head the Prince was ..unique alright. wow.

Mel nodded and then headed back she of course would have the dinner prepared...Zye could decide now which he wanted.

Mel came back in and slipped into her chair, touched a button for them to begin serving, "The first course is soup...nothing fancy...it will be just you and I tonight." She sat straight up. She hoped the meal would help.

[member="Zye Woden"]

 

[Zye Woden]

[member="Melanctha Dallamoor"]

He nodded as she said they didn't consume nightshade. That was a relief. He was almost sure that she wasn't going to serve any spice along with the meal too. This was, after all, one of the most lawful regions of space. It seemed like a rather stupid question to ask. He couldn't help but chuckle. She was trying, and it was sweet that she wanted to offer at least ​something​ to try and level things a bit. "Ironic, I can see quite perfectly in the dark. That much is true about vampires."

He squeezed her hand softly in response to her rub and pat. He couldn't keep himself from wincing as she said that two days wasn't a long time. He wanted to snap at her and demand she​ try not eating for a week. But that was the old Zye. The Zye who he was trained to be. That Zye opened its mouth to do just that, but he stopped himself just in time. She didn't know. She meant well, and she didn't deserve that. He would have to find a way around it. Instead he smiled softly, "I suppse so."

He nodded as she left. He could have never guessed the real reason she left, if he was asked to explain it, he would have guessed she had to tend to her mortal needs. He rose to his feet and made his way to the bar. After that much disclosure, he needed to take her up on that offer. He glanced around to make sure he was alone before taking a series few gulps strait from the bottle of her strongest liquor. Zye had barred his soul like never before and frankly, had no idea what to do with that. He fell back on something that had helped him in his darkest hour when he had lost his home--drinking. Spice was dangerous to his kind, but he could drink with the best of them. He likely would have chugged the bottle until it was completely empty if she hadn't come back when she did. When he heard Mel making her way back to the door, he poured two glasses and set the bottle back in its place. He set a glass in front of Mel as he joined her back at the table.

"Soup? How lovely," he said. He offered a smile, "I look forward to trying your Hapan cuisine. I'm sure extremely elegant."

The door opened and a pair of servants came barring bowls. When Zye looked a what was in the silver bowl before him, he had to stare at it hard for a moment. His nose couldn't be fooled, this was​ blood. He had expected a thin yellow broth with green herbs and dainty vegitables inside. Zye tenetively dipped his spoon into the liquid, pulling out a spoonful he dribbled back into the bowl.

"Its--" he furrowed his brows and his eyes went from Mel to the bowl. That couldn't be possible, his mind refused to believe it. The moment the door closed and the servants were gone, he spran to action. He dropped the spoon, both of his hand seized Mel's shoulders. Pulling her forward, Zye leaned forward, meeting her in an intense kiss. It was as fiery and passionate as it was a surprise. His lips met hers again and again, culminating in a single, fiery press. When he released Mel at last, he looked into her eyes. "Perfect. Thank you."

He settled back into his seat, taking a spoonful of the blood into his mouth. A bantha's. He savored the taste for a moment before swallowing, "What are you having?"