Thread: Star Wars:  Honey Trap (TheCorsair and Lady Vi)

Quentin took the offered seat, uttering an involuntary sigh of contentment as he did. It was almost sinfully comfortable. Settling in, he watched Lady Ahkaa make the tea from a blend of leaves that smelled of vanilla and sandalwood. It was worth watching her, as well. There was no specific form of tea ceremony in her actions, but her movements spoke of an elegance and artistry that she had absorbed into her very bones. Or was that just his hormones speaking? She was beautiful, after all. Beautiful enough to make the very act of breathing artistic. But she was clearly nervous. Jedi had that effect on people, from time to time. He could read her nervousness in the subtle shaking of her hand, in the tightly controlled way she breathed. And in the raw dread that surged and coiled in her mind. We have been friends for several years. You said 'was a good man'... The past tense is never a pleasant sign. Never is a strong word, Lady Ahkaa, Quentin answered mildly. But, in this case, I fear you are correct. Do you recall when you last saw Master Neris? Naadia did not fidget. She folded her hands in her lap, her nails unpainted perfect ovals. He has not visited in over a week. I do not normally discuss my visitors with clients, privacy is of utmost concern to me, but... Something has happened, hasn't it? He sighed. Yes, ma'am. He passed into the Force, about a week ago. Heart failure, according to the coroner's report. He hesitated, then continued. He was a Master, and so I have been asked to look into his death. Quietly. To ensure that it was what it seems. The truth. From a certain point of view. And her response was... interesting. He didn't pry into her thoughts, of course. But the dread strengthened, joined by shades of fear and anxiety. Not proof that she had some knowledge of what had happened, of course. But it certainly constituted evidence. Do you take honey in your tea? She asked, voice steady as she poured the amber liquid into his cup. For a moment his professional demeanor slipped, and a soft smile of pure delight lit his face. That would be delightful! Such luxuries are a rare treat, here on Coruscant. His attitude was almost reverent as he took the cup, and he inhaled the vanilla-spice-honey aroma of the beverage before taking a sip. And then another sip. And another, until it took all of his force of will to not simply gulp down the tea. This... this is remarkable, he finally said. I've never tasted a blend... blend... blend like... like... this... The cup tumbled to the floor, unheeded, as he gripped at the arms of the chair. He felt like he was experiencing vertigo. But, instead of being frightening and disorienting, it was a pleasant sort of dizziness. Thrilling, like freefall or being on a carnival ride. And a tingling warmth spread from his stomach outwards, fizzing in his blood. He was incredibly aware of the feel of the fabric of his clothes and of the chair, of the impact of sound waves and of the subtle and multi-layered scents in the room. What... he said, trying to rise. Air caressed his face and throat, making him shiver with pleasure as his balance failed him and he flopped back into the seat. What... did... did you... give... me..? With a few minutes concentration, whatever it was, he could neutralize it. Overcome the effects and purge it from his blood. But... But he felt so good right now, so good that it was hard to want to concentrate. And Lady Ahkaa was watching him with eyes so green that he could become lost in them. Lost in her, simply by tracing the gentle curves of her body, the swell of her breasts and the smooth planes of her ribs and stomach. By the Force, just the rich oak of her hair could captivate a man for hours... He shook his head again, tried to rise again and failed. Drugged... he grunted. You... drugged... me..?