Private Truth and Darkness

[Kirie]

Location: Quinn's Residence, Jutrand
With: Quinn Varanin

Kirie laid on the bed, eyes open and adjusted to the darkness. The apartment was quiet and still. Peaceful even, and yet Kirie was wide eyed, fearful. She had woken in a panic, strangled by her covers, the details of her nightmare fading into darkness, leaving only the fear behind it.

Ever since she had almost died on Echnos, and taken a drink from Adeline Noctua 's profferred cup. She had scarcely been able to sleep. Her brain was always buzzing, her nerves alive with an uncomfortable, jittery energy, blood fizzing in her veins. It was always more noticeable in the evening, and when she did finally settle enough to rest, it was short and fitful, and the nightmares always came, not sparing her a single night. It worried her, but she didn't know how to explain it to Quinn. She just hoped it would go away.

Taking deep breaths to slow herself down, Kirie swung her legs over the side of the bed and pulled on the shirt she had removed in her thrashing. It was soft, grey, shapeless and long. A piece she had pulled from the back of Quinn's extensive closet and claimed as her own. She moved quietly out of her room, her hand trailing along the hallway wall. Usually, by now she was fine, but for some reason Kirie found herself unable to calm down.

Kirie stood rooted for a long time, eyes flitting between the wooden front door and the dark night beyond it, and the staircase that lead up to the main bedroom. She took a step forward, placed her hand on the brass doorknob. Felt the cold seep into her skin, but couldn't force herself to turn it. Her body wouldn't obey. A cold walk alone in her nightclothes. Was that really what she wanted, or was she just running away again?

If Kirie was honest with herself, there was only one thing she desired at that moment. So, she turned, away from the front door, and instead crept up the staircase, her bare feet padding up each stair with a shush shush. Then, Kirie stood outside a different door, behind which Quinn lay sleeping in the bed that Kirie had made for her that morning, in the clothes that Kirie had ironed, and laid upon the stool outside the bathroom for her. Kirie knew every single thing inside that room, and yet she was still afraid to enter. She didn't understand why, maybe for fear of rejection, or humiliation. Maybe, it was because once she stepped inside, there would be no going back, so to speak.

The apartment creaked, a gust of wind rushing past outside. It made the treetops sway, which in turn cast long, twisting shadows that wrapped around the room. Kirie shivered. At that moment, her desire for comfort overrode her nerves, and she found herself stepping through, into the darkened chambers.

"Quinn." said Kirie, her voice quiet, but harsh against the silence. She heard the Princess' breathing change.

"I..." Suddenly, there were a great many things she wanted to say, her inner thoughts laid bare in the starkness of this cold night. Things about Quinn, that she could barely admit to herself. Like how that moment in Kaila Irons ' office, with Quinn's hand cradling her jaw, her thumb the barest touch away from her lips, played in her mind on repeat, or how Kirie's heart did a flip every time Quinn laughed at one of her stupid jokes.

"I had a nightmare." she said eventually. "Can I, um. Stay with you awhile?"

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Moonlight cascaded through the room, like every other evening. Quinn had her bath, and she talked with Kirie about their day and what the next entailed. She was dressed, and then any last-minute grading in her never-ending pile was completed. Sleep would often come easy for the Echani woman. Tonight felt different, but she soon fell asleep.

Despite how elegant the Princess was while awake, sleeping was another story. Trestles of short ashen hair splayed on her pillow while her arms were tucked under and blankets wrapped tightly. She was far from the pleasant-looking sleeping princesses of fairy tales. Luckily, Kirie seemed a bit far from noticing the display. Quinn continued to sleep blissfully until she heard her name. Stirring, she became coherent enough to know that was Kirie calling her name. "Kirie?" she responded while trying to gather herself from the mess of blankets she had tangled in.

"A nightmare?" She asked, still half away as she began to climb out of the tall bed and approach the doorway where Kirie had been standing. A hand ran through her hair, trying to straighten it into a more presentable mess. At the same time, the other pulled up the persistently falling strap of her nightgown. Life returned to her eyes as she finally made out Kirie's face through the sleepiness. "Kirie," she repeated the girl's name, showing more awareness than before. A hand reached and cupped the beloved servant's face as Quinn sighed softly, sleep still wanting to call her back.

"What was the nightmare? And, of course, you can stay here - we can have a sleepover." Quinn grabbed the woman's hand and dragged her along to the bed. Quinn ran over to the other side of the large bed, opened the blankets, and fluffed Kirie's pillow.

Now more awake, Quinn took a moment and caught the other woman in the moonlight. It caused her to pause and relish in the sight. Already, Quinn had recognized how beautiful the girl from Welk was, but now, in the lighting, Quinn found herself mesmerized. Trying as hard as she might, she found her heart racing and her mind buzzing with thoughts. Quinn wanted to remind herself that she couldn't let her feelings get in the way. With everything, their goal was to free Kirie and let her go home.

Where she never wanted to see another Sith again.

Remembering the emotions she felt from Kirie on Echnos, Quinn found herself centered once more. Realizing her feelings, Quinn felt exposed, but she did her best to bury everything away. It was easier that way, and she could say goodbye. She sat on the bed and sighed. "Is this the first time?" Quinn asked as she pulled up her nightgown's stubborn, thin strap again.

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

Kirie did not recoil when Quinn laid her hand on her cheek this time, though perhaps the Princess would still notice the catch in her breath. It was a testament to how far she had come, or perhaps how special Quinn was, that Kirie now craved touch, where once she loathed it. Feared it.

Kirie followed Quinn and sat on the bed, legs tucked beneath her, resting her back against the headboard. She gave a small smile as she watched Quinn run around to get her blankets.

"I don't really remember it." said Kirie, a little too casually to be entirely convincing. "Something about being trapped, or chased."

She was still looking when she saw the Princess pause, her usually dark eyes seemed to shine in the moonlight, and there was something in her expression, the way she looked at Kirie. It was like she hungered. Kirie stared back, and in that moment it must have been clear that Kirie had seen it. Quinn was always good at reading her. She bit her lip. Even with her hair unkept and her eyes half lidded with sleepiness, Quinn was breathtaking.

Then, it was gone. Quinn was back to normal; Gentle and comforting. Strangely, it made Kirie want to scream. Not for the first time, Kirie wished she was someone else. Sometimes, she caught herself daydreaming of parties, royal balls and galas. Events where she was not in the background serving wine and taking coats, but she was a highborn Lady. She would get out of a luxurious black speeder on a warm summer night, holding her hand out as Quin-

Stop. That was not her life. It never would be. She was the object of pity, not of desire. Imagining would only cause her pain. But, Kirie couldn't help it, every time she looked to Quinn it only made her want more. The voice that was telling her to slow down, that she needed to focus on getting home, was becoming dangerously quiet. Replaced by something more instinctual. Something almost self-destructive.

"Is this the first time?"

"No." Kirie whispered. "Every night."

"I just didn't want to be alone."

She searched Quinn's eyes for a reaction, any sign that she had mistaken that look from earlier, that she was making a terrible, horrible mistake.

Kirie lowered herself down, allowing Quinn's arm to settle around her. She huddled in close laying her head in the crook of Quinn's arm. With her other hand she reached out and straightened the strap on her nightgown, which had again fallen to the side, her calloused fingers gliding across the princess' pearly skin. She closed her eyes.

"Let's not linger on it." said Kirie with false lightness. "I don't want to make you sad."

"Besides. I'm fine now that I'm here with you."

Stupid. What good would this do for either of them? Still, Kirie was feeling reckless, and saying the words out loud made her feel lighter.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Quinn listened, understanding that the nightmares were probably something Kirie didn't want to talk about. Having been a victim of her mind during stressful times, the Princess understood. Even now, she had nightmares of the day she watched Vesta leave this galaxy by choice. Quinn realized at that moment she wasn't enough. At least now, the nightmare haunts her only so often. At least tonight, if she is unfortunate, Kirie was with her, and she could be a source of comfort. Quinn didn't want to put another responsibility on the woman's plate.

Letting Kirie nestle into her, Quinn smiled and moved so her body was as close as she could be to the brunette. Her heart raced, and the Princess silently begged it to stop. It wasn't the first time Kirie had been close to her; the woman's job was intimate. Yet, this moment was different than any space they had shared. Kirie's touch burned, and the calloused fingers against her unblemished skin were different and unique. Quinn caught the woman's hand before it left her shoulder, eyes watching, staring at the differences between their skin in the moonlight and the worked hands of the maid.

Quinn let her hand slide up the back side of Kirie's hand, letting her fingers curl and lace with the other woman's. Looking from their hands, Quinn watched Kirie, once again trying to catch her breath from the previous touch. Even now, it felt as if her skin memorized the gentle scratch of the woman's hand.

"You're not alone," She whispered, releasing Kirie's hand and letting her fingers brush aside the brunette hair, allowing the Princess a chance to gaze upon the woman's face. Quinn's gaze trailed along Kirie's face, taking every bit of it in. Their time together was limited, and if tomorrow was the day Kirie could go home, she wanted to memorize every curve and freckle. Knowing she was overstepping, Quinn looked away, staring at the wall and wherever she could to allow her composure to collect.

The desire to kiss the woman screamed at her, wanting more than just this closeness. Quinn sighed and smiled. "You'll…" she started, knowing the following words would only break her heart. Every reminder that Kirie needed to go home was another painful cut Quinn would endure. "You'll be home sooner than you think. I promise, and then you'll never have to think about the Sith or the Kainites again; it will be like a bad dream." The words threatened to break her, but she remained composed.

But feeling Kirie against her, the weight of her body, only made the Echani woman crave more, desire more. She stopped and kissed the top of Kirie's head instead, if only to satiate whatever emotions caused her stomach to twist and tighten. Quinn hugged Kirie with the arm that supported her, and she sighed, hoping that Kirie didn't catch the still rapid beating of her heart. "If its every night and you sleeping here provides you comfort, I want you to sleep with me then, every night - if possible."

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

Quinn laid beside her. Their fingers entwined, rough and tanned skin meeting smooth porcelain. Quinn brushed a lock of hair away from Kirie's face. Kirie drank in the closeness, also taking the opportunity to examine the woman beside her: the soft curve of her nose, the way the moon's shadows shapenened her cheekbones to razors, her long lashes, and the hue of her perfect skin. She could feel Quinn's false nails through the soft and thin fabric of her sleepshirt. It made her crazy.

Kirie's sense of control was dissolving by the moment. Usually, she hated that feeling. Here, in Quinn's arms, it felt like liberation. She had been chained by circumstance, but this was her life. She could have what she wanted. Damn the consequences. Isn't that what the Sith taught?

How quickly Kirie was learning.

Kirie thought back to that first night, when Quinn had taken her hand and soothed her fears. She'd made a home for Kirie here, spurred by nothing but her own kindness. She owed her everything. Wanted to find a way to stay with her, but she didn't know how. She was here because Quinn was helping her leave. That could only end one way. But here, tonight. It didn't have to be true, right?

"You'll be home sooner than you think. I promise, and then you'll never have to think about the Sith or the Kainites again; it will be like a bad dream."

"I don't want to think about that." said Kirie hurriedly.

Quinn leaned over and kissed her head. Shock ran through her body like she had just touched a live wire. It wasn't just the delicate kiss, it was Quinn's ragged breathing, the intensity of her embrace. Kirie swallowed.

"Maybe," Kirie said breathlessly, "we should forget about who we are for the moment. Just for tonight."

"If its every night and you sleeping here provides you comfort, I want you to sleep with me then, every night - if possible."

Kirie sighed wistfully. Quinn's words were making her feel giddy, and that chased the bad feelings away. She doubted she'd have as many nightmares with Quinn beside her. And, if she did, the Princess would be there to cradle her. It sounded perfect. Why had she resisted this?

"Right now, that is all that I want." It was the truth, laid plain in the night. Well, almost the truth. There were other things that Kirie wanted, but every one of them involved Quinn.

Kirie rose onto her elbow, leaning over so that her face was hovering just a hands breadth above Quinn's, one side of her hair hanging down, the other still behind her ear where Quinn had tucked it. Her heart was thudding in her chest so fiercely she was sure Quinn could feel it, but otherwise, Kirie's demeanor was collected.

Gently, she pushed Quinn down so she lay flat on the bed, and moved her leg so that she straddled the Princess, still gazing down at her. Now it was Kirie's own dark eyes that caught the moonlight. Wide amber pools that did not waver from Quinn's face, the rest of her features cast in half-shadow. Kirie was not hiding anything anymore.

"I'm gonna do something stupid. Okay?" said Kirie, not quite realising she was speaking aloud. Without giving time to stop herself, Kirie pressed her lips to Quinn's, a searing kiss that ignited something inside Kirie, its warm sensation spreading until her whole body was aflame. She stayed there a long time, until she could barely breathe.

"Mmm." Kirie gasped, breaking away. "Oh, finally."

She leaned back a touch, giving room for Quinn to reciprocate, or extricate herself if she needed.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Quinn was surprised; Kirie didn't want to think about going home. It felt like that was all she wanted to think or talk about. Going home was the whole reason Quinn was doing what she was doing. A part of her was happy to hear that she didn't want to think about it. Maybe Kirie was enjoying her time on Jutrand or even wanting to stay. Quinn closed her eyes tightly, almost to stop her dreaming. She understood that maybe it was too painful to think about going home, knowing it was far from now.

Kirie shifted, and Quinn stared back at her. She could feel the swirl of emotions fighting within the woman. Quinn worried that the nightmares had been more serious than Kirie was letting on.

She was confused at everything Kirie said; what did she mean about forgetting who they were for tonight? Before Quinn could say anything, Kirie pushed her back and climbed on top of her. What was happening? Quinn wondered where this was all leading to and why Kirie wanted to sit on top of her. Like before, Quinn felt her heart racing, but she didn't move or fight it. She watched her, the way the light was cascading over her face. Quinn caught her breath as she nodded after hearing what Kirie said after what felt like hours of silence.

Slowly, she watched as Kirie drew closer to her; eyes widened as Kirie kissed her. The Princess froze, letting Kirie kiss her; it was something she had wanted to do for some time. All this time, the stolen glances were exactly what she had assumed them to be. Quinn relaxed and closed her eyes, returning the kiss gently. As much as she wanted to reach out and run her hands through the other woman's hair, keep her close, and deepen the kiss - she didn't. She could feel how nervous Kirie was, and she feared that if she went too far, Kirie would retreat.

As the woman pulled away, Quinn opened her eyes, watching Kirie and hearing her mention 'finally.' She raised an eyebrow, wondering if this was something she was wanting for some time now. They had both wanted it, but both were too scared to act.

Quinn smiled as she sat up slightly on her elbows. "Finally? I would agree." Sitting up slightly under Kirie, Quinn lightly caressed the woman's chin and down her tan neck. The Princess wanted to devour her, take everything she was, and be everything she could be with her. Quinn grabbed the fabric of the woman's nightgown, recognizing it from her own closet. She wondered if Kirie had claimed it as her own because it carried the Princess's perfume. The delicate floral perfume lingered on everything that she owned; Kirie would be surrounded by it every day. A hand held Kirie where she sat by her waist and Quinn sighed gently as she nuzzled her face into the curve of Kirie's neck. She tried to control her desires, knowing that she shouldn't cross this boundary. Yet, Kirie had already crossed it. Quinn slowly kissed the woman's neck and her collar as Quinn pulled back the fabric of the nightgown. With every inch of the woman's skin, the Princess could almost taste the frustration the woman had been holding onto. Pulling back, Quinn smiled and then pulled the woman back into a kiss. The second kiss was even better than the first, and Quinn held on to Kirie as tightly as she could until she pulled away from the kiss.

"I'm sorry, I - I hope it wasn't too much," Quinn whispered, still holding onto Kirie with her head resting against her shoulder. "I've wanted to kiss you for so long."

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

"Finally? I would agree."

Kirie laughed, burying her head in Quinn's shoulder. It made so happy to hear those words. That she hadn't been wrong, that Quinn wanted her too. Even as she had leaned in to kiss Quinn, there had been the dark, nagging thought that maybe the Princess didn't feel the same way, that Kirie was embarrassing herself. No longer.

"Good." said Kirie, grinning. "That's good."

Quinn wrapped an arm around her, hand laying against the small of her back. She would be able to feel the bumps and ridges of Kirie's spine, and the heat that radiated off her skin. Quinn kissed Kirie on her neck and down along the trailing edge of her collarbone, and she arched her back and groaned, digging her nails into the princess' skin where she held her. Kirie felt Quinn's muscles tense, pulling her in closer, drowning her in kisses again, which she returned with force. With every passing moment, she blazed hotter, until every one of her nerve endings burned with the sensation of need.

"Oh." Kirie gasped, breaking away from the kisses to suck in a ragged breath. "Stars, you make me feel like I'm drunk." She leaned her head on Quinn's forehead, drinking in the familiar scent of her shampoo. In all the times she had been with someone, she never remembered it feeling quite like this.

"I'm sorry, I - I hope it wasn't too much,"

"I've wanted to kiss you for so long."

"Don't you dare." Kirie said, still struggling to slow her breathing. "Apologise for any of that." It had nearly overwhelmed her, though. All of her feelings were so intense. She was glad to have slowed down for a moment.

"I've wanted to since that first night" admitted Kirie. "I'm glad you let me come to you first. I like feeling like I'm breaking the rules." She ran her fingers through Quinn's hair and stroked her back, their chests rising and falling in rhythm. There was nothing that compared with this kind of closeness.

There was more to it than that. Kirie was a servant, before that, she had been a slave, and Quinn was her only lifeline. So much of her life had been dictated by others. But this was her choice, her life. It gave her agency. Somehow, Kirie thought Quinn would relate to that. Maybe that was why she'd waited.

"Would you like to break the rules with me, Your Highness?"

Kirie tapped Quinn's chin softly, prompting her to look up into her eyes. When she did, Kirie leaned in for another round of kisses.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Hearing the reassurance from the woman made the Princess blush; she didn't know she could do as much as she already was. Fingers squeezed the fabric of the nightgown tightly; its existence was cursed, preventing her from what she desired. As much as she wanted to destroy the object of her current frustration, Quinn knew she needed to pace herself. She could already feel the heat radiating off Kirie's sun-kissed skin. It was so different from hers; she wanted to feel every part of the servant.

While Kirie reassured her, the Princess couldn't deny herself any longer. She needed to feel closer to the woman, memorize every bit of her, and do everything she had daydreamed about since meeting the Welkian woman. Slowly, her hand crept under the fabric of the nightgown, her touch hesitant and concerned for how Kirie would react. As soon as the words touched Quinn's ears, her gaze shot to her soon-to-be lover. Hazel orbs searched for an ounce of hesitation or reluctance.

Not seeing any and having the woman's question poised, Quinn smiled. Carefully, she shifted their wait, the force aiding her until Kirie was on her back and Quinn hovered over her. Ashen hair hung from around like a crown from the Princess' head as she hesitated once more - giving the woman a chance to stop her. Slowly, leaning down, Quinn let the heat of her breath caress the curve of her neck, and she paused. "I want to break all the rules with you," her words brushed against her lover's ear.

Quinn leaned slightly, ignoring her nightgown's falling strap, and allowed her hand to memorize the woman's slender frame. Their bodies were close in a way the Princess could only have dreamed of before this. Every day, Quinn had to watch Kirie and feel the woman's hands against her in a way she shouldn't have desired.

But it was all she could think about. Every day since Kirie arrived, the Princess was tormented by this forbidden craving.

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

Kirie's words seemed to spur Quinn into action. Staring into the Princess' shining amber eyes, Kirie thought she noticed the exact moment they sparked with intention. Kirie opened her mouth to ask Quinn what she was thinking about, when she felt herself being pushed, Quinn's body gently, but firmly rising beneath her until it was Kirie who was beneath her. She felt herself being pushed down into the bed, and it made her chest flush. The feeling of Quinn's arms lowering her down, and the otherworldly pressure that must be the Force pushing against her, it made Kirie feel as if the very world were asking her to lie with Quinn. To be taken, instead of to take.

It was not a position Kirie was used to, but she'd be lying if she said it didn't thrill her. Quinn was far different from anyone else

Her nightgown had also slipped down as they shifted, exposing Kirie's shoulders, and now she felt Quinn's roaming hands caressing her skin beneath the soft cloth. She steered them to where she most needed them, sighing with anticipation as she felt the Princess exploring the map of her body. The need inside her was raging now, overwhelming her every doubt, and worry, the mask she presented to the world, and even her logical thoughts. If Quinn had told her to kneel before her and swear her eternal allegiance to the Empire, Kirie probably would have.

Her own hands searched greedily to touch every part of Quinn that she could. The small of her back, the curvature of her ribcage, the sharp jaw pressed against Kirie's face and neck. She alternated between kissing Quinn passionately wherever she could land them. Her knee found its way between the woman's legs and she placed a hand on her chest.

"I want to break all the rules with you,"

Electrified again. Quinn would feel Kirie's whole body stiffen, and at once melt into her embrace. It was all she could do not to pass out. Kirie's emotions and senses had been heightened for weeks, and now the overwhelming feeling of having Quinn on top of her, having Quinn's lips pressed to hers. It was agony. Beautiful agony.

"Slowly." Kirie gasped. "Gently."

"Quinn." The words escaped her lips as a whisper, but the ones that followed had regained a modicum of her previous confidence.

"Show me."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Everything melted into perfection, rules were broken, and goals were temporarily forgotten. Tonight, there was nothing more than desire between the Princess and her Maid. Warmth surged through her as she felt every fiber of Kirie's being. The evening passed into late morning, and Quinn slowly began to stir as the light of the near noon sun peered through the crack of her curtains. Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked around, realizing what had happened the previous night.

A body pressed against her, and she could feel the woman's gentle breathing against the nape of her neck. Quinn didn't move, letting everything that had happened replay in her mind. Her eyes widened slightly, knowing Kirie had come to the room of her own will, and impulses controlled them into the cardinal act. Everything had happened so quickly, unraveling into their bodies and becoming intertwined.

She let the panic pass, knowing the boundaries that she had crossed. One that should never have been crossed - especially with Kirie wanting to go home. There was a time limit to their happiness, her happiness in exchange for Kirie's happiness. How could she let this happen? But did she regret it? Quinn thought to herself and realized she wanted this, and she wanted the woman beside her again - more and more. The arm that hugged her, Quinn brought the tanned hand to her lips, where she kissed the back along her knuckles. Sitting up, Quinn looked behind her and smiled - there was no regret.

She wanted everything that happened and hoped Kirie didn't have any regrets. Rotating her body, she ran her fingers along the sleeping woman's face, pushing aside her brunette hair. As her eyes moved over the woman, Quinn hoped that there were no nightmares, at least for last night. There was a knock at the door, and Quinn looked towards it and cleared her throat. "I'm fine; please leave me alone today." The woman on the other side mentioned the new girl wasn't anywhere to be found, and Quinn smirked. "That's fine." Kirie would 'turn up' eventually. Leaning down, she brushed the woman's brow with gentle kisses to wake her.

"Kirie?" She whispered and nuzzled against the woman. As much as she wanted to recreate the evening, she knew they needed to do their best not to be suspicious of the staff. Another spell of gentle kisses caressed Kirie's face as her fingers danced along the woman's tan skin. The Princess claimed every inch of the woman as she mused over their tryst.

If Quinn had her way, she would take the woman again, but reality and duties called to them.

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

Kirie awoke from the most pleasant dream. She kept her eyes closed, savouring the memory of it. But it didn't fade like the others. In fact, it remained vivid, visceral. Kirie smiled to herself, still half asleep, and nuzzled closer to Quinn, enjoying the floral scent of the perfume that still lingered on her.

Quinn..?

Realisation dawned as the night's events caught up with her. She was in Quinn's bed, still wrapped around the Princess. Her nightclothes were nowhere to be seen. Kirie shot suddenly into wakefulness. If Quinn was looking at Kirie as she woke, Quinn would see the dawning panic in her eyes. They had not just done that? Had they? Flashes of the previous evening ran though her mind: Quinn maintaining her composure, Kirie pushing her, both of them succumbing to the want that had been building since the fated night they'd met.

Stupid. How could she be so stupid? She was going to ruin everything for herself, if she hadn't already. The line that they had crossed existed for a reason. Both of them had been playing a part, and now they were off-script.

Kirie's thoughts of doom were interrupted by a tender kiss as Quinn leaned in close. Kirie opened her arms to her, dark eyes carefully watching for any sign of reproach, but there was only warmth. Though the conscious part of her brain still reeled at the implications of their midnight meeting, there was a part of Kirie that glowed with happiness and pride. She'd strayed from a path that had seemed predetermined by those around her, made a choice for herself for the first time in months.

She smiled, basking in the glow of Quinn's warm presence. She allowed gentle caress of the Princess to drive the fearful tension from her body, to chase her clouded thoughts away, until they were once again just two lovers, lying together, lit by shafts of late-morning sun.

"Not a dream then." said Kirie, her voice still thick with sleep. "I'm glad."

She wanted to stay in bed forever, to cuddle with Quinn, and lie with her again. But in the light of day, there were always things that took priority. Kirie comforted herself in the knowledge that this evening, she would be able to return to Quinn's arms.

Kirie yawned and sat upright, propping herself up with a couple of the many pillows Quinn kept on her bed. She draped her arm over Quinn, absentmindedly running her hands back and forth across her back and waist as she shook off the last dregs of sleep.

"Hey Quinn." she said. "No nightmares last night."

She looked around the bedroom. Blankets and pillows and clothes were strewn about. It looked like a bomb made of fabric had detonated inside. Kirie finally located her nightgown, draped over the doorhandle from where it had no doubt been thrown in the night.

"Do I still have to do your laundry?" Kirie asked, looking down at Quinn slyly.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Quinn watched Kirie experience an array of emotions. Seeing her realize what they did last night was cute and adorable. Smirking, the Princess brushed back the woman's brunette hair and caressed a small mark on her neck. "Seems I lost a little control." Quinn could heal it away, but something about leaving it made her smile. Her eyes followed Kirie as the woman left her bed, and a sudden cold filled the empty bed. A hand caressed lightly the blankets that had covered her recent lover.

The Princess looked up, seeing that the Welkian woman had dressed herself again. It was unfortunate, but they needed to return to the reality of living in separate but similar worlds. Quinn stood, ignoring the nightgown that was at her feet. Kneeling down, she grabbed it, walked over to Kirie, and placed it in her hands with a kiss on her cheek. "Unfortunately, yes," Quinn smiled, "You're the only one I trust, though it seems you've already helped yourself to my closet." She pulled away and mused, "I look good on you."

She looked at the clock on the wall of her room and realized they had spent enough time in bed. She had a few afternoon classes to teach, but other than that, her day was mostly free. Quinn beckoned the servant girl to her as she stood in the bathroom doorway, "We should clean up, especially since both of us have a decent amount of things to do today." She mused and locked the door that leads from the outside of the bathroom. Quinn wanted this to be just between her and Kirie, and going forward, it would just be the two of them. As much as she enjoyed the overindulgence of the others, there was something special they shared.

As Kirie went to the bathroom, Quinn started drawing the bath. Typical floral scents filled the room as the heat rose with the bath. Quinn reached into one of the vases from one of the shelves and sprinkled in the dehydrated rose petals. As much as Quinn required the aid of her servants, she was more than capable of handling daily things. She retained the small luxuries, especially after being estranged from Eshan. Shutting off the water, Quinn ran her hand through the water - it was the perfect temperature, and she glanced up at Kirie. "Come on," the Princess stood and walked over to where the maid was. She slowly pulled her to the room and removed the nightgown once more.

"You need to clean up as much as I do." Instead of Kirie doing everything, Quinn took the lead and massaged the scented soaps through her brown hair. Pure selfishness drove Quinn, but knowing that the woman would have her perfume on her the rest of the day made the Princess smile.

Relaxing in the warmth of the bath, Quinn played with the wet strands of Kirie's hair and smirked, "Was last night your intention for coming to my room?" The Princess was curious; everything that had happened the previous night was desired, but she would have never expected it.

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

"Quinn!!!" Kirie's hand shot to her neck and she reddened. "How improper." she said, then giggled. When she had first arrived, Kirie had worried that Quinn would be a stiff, stoic royal without a sense of humour, of the kind that Kirie had grown up watching on the holonet, like those from Ukatis, or Serenno, Quinn was anything but. In fact, the Echani princess seemed to revel in breaking the stereotypes of royalty.

Her grin widened when Quinn placed her nightgown into hands, the kiss on her cheek fading into a warm tingle. Kirie greedily drank in the sight of the princess in the morning light, suddenly regretting how quickly she had decided to get dressed.

"Hah. well it was worth a try" said Kirie. "Don't worry, I'll earn my keep."

Quinn's last words lingered in Kirie's mind, and she admired herself in the mirror beside the bed. Her hair was messy, strands falling over her face, and beautiful little imperfections peppered her neck and chest where Quinn had left her mark last night. The borrowed nightgown was flattering and hugged her body. Quinn was right. She did look good.

She felt Quinn pull away and dutifully followed her as she led Kirie to the bathroom.

"We do, don't we." Kirie said sadly. "I could definitely use a bath though." She had spent many of the last evenings sitting beside Quinn as she bathed. The prospect that she would be foregoing the short wooden stool and instead lounging in the wide tub made her feel giddy. Kirie did her best to keep her expression amicable, even though inside she was basically jumping for joy. Kirie raised her arms, allowing Quinn to pull her nightgown off her once again, albeit with less ferocity than she had last night.

Kirie took her place inside, sitting towards the front of the bath so Quinn could slide in behind her. She sighed contentedly, closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling of Quinn massaging the richly scented soaps through her hair.

"Mmm." Kirie murmured. "Now I feel like the one who's the princess." She arched her back and stretched. "Ooh that's nice. Scratch my back too."

"Was last night your intention for coming to my room?"

"It wasn't." Kirie admitted. "I genuinely couldn't sleep for days. But I'm glad it went the way it did." she tilted her head back, laying it on Quinn's chest and looking up at her. "And, I've been wanting that for a long time."

"I have something I need to tell you." She said suddenly, a slight frown knitting her brows. "Okay. Don't freak out, but, you remember the storm, on Echnos? Well, when I got caught out, I was hurt, and I couldn't move, and somebody came to help me."

Kirie looked away from Quinn. This wasn't the conversation she had intended, but now that she was speaking, the words kept tumbling out.

"She said since I was hurt badly. She would help me. She gave me something. A drink, it was horrible. I- I think it might have been blood." Kirie quietened. For a few moments, she was only the sounds of water running from the faucet. "And now I have these nightmares, and, when it's quiet, it's like i can feel my blood fizzing in my veins. I feel stronger, my senses are... Overwhelming."

"But seriously, Quinn, it's fine. I don't want you to worry. I think it's getting better anyway. I already can't feel it as much." Stars. She was such a liar.

Guilt twisted in her stomach. If Kirie had listened to Quinn, trusted her, she would have fled to the Governor's mansion, avoided the fervour of the storm, and not poisoned herself taking the boon of some Sith Lady whose name she didn't even know.

"But, if you know of anything else that would help..."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kirie //:

Quinn laughed as she scratched the woman's back. It was nice to take care of someone for once. She could provide the joys and comfort that Kirie had brought her. As she rinsed the woman's back and hair, Quinn took the opportunity to kiss her shoulder. Even with the bath, she could still taste the memory of their intimacy the night before. Quinn felt her body tense, wishing she could have another indulgence of the brunette.

Pulling away, Quinn smiled, listening to Kirie. She had noticed as time went on between them, Kirie had slowly opened up to her. Telling her things now without being provoked or coaxed. Feeling the weight of her head against her chest, Quinn smiled and mused, listening to the woman's answer. With a soft laugh, the Princess agreed, "Me too, I was hoping you'd eventually come around - at the least just start to enjoy my company." As she spoke, her fingertips caressed over Kirie's collarbone as she rested against the Princess.

Kirie moved, and Quinn raised an eyebrow as she heard the start of the next statement from the Welkian woman. "Oh?" she responded and then listened to the story. Hearing Echnos, Quinn felt her body tense, remembering their history pertaining to the former Kainite world.

The woman's words fell from her lips, and Quinn was forced to focus on their meaning. Instead of watching the shapes Kirie's lips made with each speech formation. When Kirie finished, Quinn leaned forward and brushed her lips gently against Kirie's hand, holding the woman's face, letting her mind settle and focus elsewhere instead of the secret she had kept from the Princess. Pulling away, Quinn let her fingers trail, and her thumb gently wiped away the bath's water from Kirie's lip.

"I'm happy you survived, I wish you would have told me sooner…I'm not happy you felt like you had to keep it from me. Especially if you were having nightmares." Quinn leaned back in the tub; she chewed on the tip of her thumb as she looked away, letting the weight of what happened sink in. What Kirie described was something she was familiar with. She had seen it happen, but she had been the source of life for another. The fingers of the hand she had absentmindedly chewed on brushed against the side of her neck, feeling the slightly raised scars from the bite of a Sangnir.

Her hand fell into the water as she sighed. "I'm going to make an assumption since it tasted like blood, but it was the blood of a Sangnir. Which is why you feel stronger, and you healed." Quinn continued to think about the rest of the feelings Kirie brought up. With the overwhelming sensation of her senses, Quinn wondered if she was force-sensitive as well - especially after last night. There were moments when Quinn felt that she and Kirie were more than on the same page. It was another conversation after she figured out this cocktail Kirie had taken from a stranger.

Feeling the sensation of guilt bleed off of Kirie, Quinn smiled at her and leaned forward once more. Her lips gently kissed the woman's neck and nuzzled into her, hoping to comfort her. "Don't feel guilty; we'll figure this out." Quinn pulled away and just stared at her lover's face and smiled.

"What else do you remember of her? Was she blond, tall, and had very developed traps and biceps? Beautiful face?" Quinn doubted the woman was Alina, but there was a small hope that maybe it was. She was the only Sangnir that she knew of beyond Alisteri. There were others, but they would require Quinn to do some research.

"Tell me everything you can remember; I want to find this woman."

 

[Kirie]

Quinn Varanin

Quinn Varanin had many exceptional qualities, but one that Kirie had not stopped to appreciate until that morning was her ability to pull Kirie back into the present. The servant girl's thoughts ran dark. She knew that, but she couldn't help it, certainly couldn't dig herself out of it even if she wanted to. But Quinn had an uncanny ability to read her, and the perception to know what to say, or do, in order to stop Kirie spiralling.

Say, for example, kissing Kirie's hand, and cupping her cheek with slender fingers. The touch of a lover. The dark feelings swirling inside Kirie dissipated with the passage of Quinn's finger across her lips, replaced by a much, much more pleasant emotion.

"I'm happy you survived, I wish you would have told me sooner."

"I don't like keeping secrets from you." Kirie said earnestly. "It's a bad habit. You've proved I can trust you many times over."

Kirie closed her eyes and allowed herself to sit back while Quinn thought things through. Doubt and panic remained her unshakeable enemies, exacerbated by the stress she was under here in the Empire. She needed to make a concerted effort to relax to have some faith that Quinn could help her. She listened as Quinn explained her assumptions. Her theory aligned to what Kirie had witnessed on Echnos, and it seemed to be a topic Quinn understood well. Kirie expected nothing less from the Academy instructor. To her, it seemed like there was precious little in the Empire that Quinn did not understand.

"Don't feel guilty; we'll figure this out."

Kirie blushed. Quinn knew her well, and as a practitioner of the Force, she had perceptive abilities that were far beyond natural. That had ceased to scare her, though. It was nice to have a person who really understood how she was feeling aside from herself, and Quinn for her part never crossed a line with her reading. Kirie got the distinct impression she was an observer, not an invader.

"It's like you can read my mindddd" she groaned, wriggling delightedly as she felt Quinn nuzzling her neck. Kirie half-turned and kissed Quinn, holding herself in place awhile to savour it. "Thank you. You're amazing." Like before, her guilt faded, and she was filled with gratitude.

"What else do you remember of her? Was she blond, tall, and had very developed traps and biceps? Beautiful face?"

"No I think she was... Wait, what?" Kirie burst out laughing, her giggles reverberating sweetly off the tile walls and floor. "I'd guess you're thinking of someone else." Kirie spun around in the bath, causing a fair bit of water to slosh over the sides, and shot Quinn a look of mock suspicion. "Her traps and biceps did... Not stick out to me."

Kirie placed either hand on Quinn's legs, drumming them absentmindedly as she played through the carnage on Echnos in her mind, picking the frantic experience for details.

"Really dark black hair." she said decidedly. "Red eyes that shined, very pale, maybe just a touch taller than me. Pointy teeth." Kirie got the distinct impression that her description was rather unhelpful. "Oh- She was in the crowd during the Governor's speech, so maybe Anathemous knows her?"