Scariff Beach Party

**BEACH PARTY**

*"The Beach Episode"*

*BEACH PARTY*

Hosted by High Priestess Hesper, Dark Lady of the Sith and the Hesperians

Sponsored by Jephego Rose, Pirate Queen

//Scarif — Queen Jephego's Private Beaches//

The gentle cerulean waves lapping at the pristine white sand beaches of Scarif were so relaxing that Hesper could barely stand it; but nonetheless, she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath of salty air. Her freckled and scarred face was shielded from the sun by a wide-brimmed floppy black hat, and her skin was sticky from the sun protectant she'd applied earlier. In her hand was some kind of delicious blended drink, complete with a little paper parasol and a citrus slice on the rim, and she was making her way towards the airy cabana where her associate, the Queen of the Underworld Jephego Rose was lounging, drinking a similar drink and enjoying being fanned by a slave with an absurdly large leaf.

Hesper briefly wondered where she'd found such a gigantic leaf, but brushed the curiosity from her mind as she stepped into the curtained hut's shade. "Jephego," she greeted the amber-skinned Zabrak pirate, raising her drink to her. "So gracious of you to open your personal beaches to me and the Empire."

Jephego, sprawled on a divan with her tanned limbs at haphazard and casually cool angles, sipped her fruity drink and beamed at Hesper. "It's a good karking excuse to sit in the sun and drink," she said. "It is absolutely my pleasure." Jephego was clad in a white two-piece swimming suit with tied straps, with a loose, shimmering rust orange sheer wrap shirt tied loosely about her waist, and, of course, a surplus of golden jewelry on her hands, wrists, neck, and ankles. Her dark hair, normally braided, was loose and splayed behind her on the divan. "Please, please, sit!" She waved Hesper over to a lounge chair near the divan. "Enjoy your drink and the view!"

Settling onto the plush lounge chair, crossing her pale legs, and adjusting her own long, sheer black cover-up over the high cut black one piece she wore, Hesper looked out to the Scarif beaches before her.

The sun glittered on the water, and the white curtains of the cabana rustled in a warm breeze. She could see a thatch-roofed bar, where she had acquired her drink, rows of lounge chairs and large beach umbrellas, an area for playing volleyball, and a pile of inflatable floaties of various animal and food shapes for any intrepid and shameless Sith to take into the warm waters. All the Empire had been invited, and all were welcome to party and enjoy themselves late into the Scarif night.

~\*~

Another party, something the golden horned Iktotchi couldn’t resist, she had to go. As she ran to her quarters to get ready she realized she had no swimwear but she did have a bunch of unused white synthetic yarn and Scarif was a long way from Prakith.

~\*~

Wearing a chiffon dress over her newly knitted white bikini, Ammit stepped onto the warm sand of the private beach. Holding a beach towel in one hand, and a bag in the other she made her way to greet the hosts and lady Noxia who had already arrived. After that the Seer made het way to the water. Like the last party she was wearing barefoot sandles and could feel the soft stand between het toes as she walked over the beach.

Above her she saw her former Master who she gave a respectful salute as they flown over. With her feet in the cool water she walks along the shoreline, trying to find the perfect spot where she could relax. After a few meters she notices a pale man in blue swim trunks, it didn’t take long for her to realise who it was. Looking away, trying avoid being noticed by him she sneaked past and continued to walk along the shoreline until she found the perfect spot next to a large rock.

Ammit unfolded the large beach towel and placed it on the sand. She removed the chiffon dress and took out the sunscreen as she could feel her pale Iktotchian skin burning. Sitting down on the towel, facing the water, enjoying the view, she started to apply the sunscreen.

\*

Urizen wasn't one for the heat, he disliked it and would much prefer somewhere cold, but decided to take up the offer anyway, and decided to pack what little items he would or might need at the location and proceeded to the hanger to catch a ship destined for his location and sat down at one of the more empty places of the ship, and just went through potential scenarios that could happen on his arrival .

The ship's engines rumbled into action, sending vibrations throughout the ship as the hatch closed, as it slowly ascended and flew out of the hanger in the direction that Urizen assumed was the route to the planet.

After a while the ship slowed down, notifying Urizen that they were coming into orbit and should prepare himself for what was to come, and so he changed into a pair of black and red swimming trunks, topless as it would be weird wearing a top in such heat, Urizen then looked over himself, he had an athletic body, with a bit of muscle on, not enough that made him bulky but enough that he could stand his own in a fist fight.

The ship landed with a bang and the hatch opened slowly, suddenly a burst of light shone in, causing Urizen to cover his eyes for a second before they readjusted to the intrusion, and walked of the ship and went to join the rest of the people there, grabbing a whiskey on the way over, he saw lots of people who he recognised and mingled a bit.

He saw Knight Ammit Bathori and decided to say, “Greetings Knight Ammit, how are you?”, he then saw her wears and decided to comment on it “I love your clothes, you must tell me who you got to design and make it, they are very talented”

\*

Looking at the waves Ammit sat on her towel with her legs extended and leaning back with her hands on the ground. The cool ocean breeze brushed her pale skin. She was just about to get up and go for a swim when she heard a familiar voice.  Looking over her shoulder she saw to her surprise Urizen standing next to the large rock. "Greetings Apprentice Urizen. What a surprise for you to join the party." She smiled. "I am doing well. And thank you.. I made this myself" she responded proudly.

"How are you?"

\*

Urizen chuckled before averting his eyes to the waves and said "yes it is" before his eyes lingered back at the knight and said, smiling back  "woaw your extremely talented, and I am good at least a close friend is here, so i'm not on my own"

\*

She smiled and got up from the towel. "I am happy to see you too my young friend. There are many familiar faces you can mingle with believe I'm not the only one. And there's still many coming."  She groaned.

"But I was just about to go have a swim" she said and walked towards the water.. "you may join me." Her feet touched the cool water and she looked over her shoulder to see what Urizen would do.

\*

Urizen then decided and said "sure...I'd love too " smiling back as he slowly walked into the water behind the young Knight, his body slowly disappearing with each step as he went deeper and deeper in.

his waist was now submerged and he kept walking till he could no longer feel the ground beneath him and kicked off the swimming round.

\*

Slowly she walks further into the ocean, untill she is waist deep into the water. Then she suddenly lowers herself, completely submerging herself into the water. "Krifff that's cold" she says as she jumps up again flicking her long, now wet hair back, making it rain.

\*

Urizen watched what the Knight was doing and watched her jump due to the coldness of the water, causing Urizen to laugh as he covered himself with his arm and hand to stop the water from getting flicked at him.

he said "enjoying yourself?" as he proceeded to go deeper in submerge himself more as  he went out further, enjoying the coldness.

\*

Swiping the water out of her face she looked at Urizen who was laughing.

"I rarely go swimming, I didn't realise it would be this cold" she giggled.

She took a deep breath and dove under water. Swimming towards her friend, pulling him under water..

\*

Urizen was laughing hard, and didn't notice his friend had gone underwater and looked round confused. Suddenly out of nowhere he felt two hands grab his ankles and pull him down, causing him to be pulled underwater.

Urizen then looked at her angrily-jokingly before his face returned to laughing as he swam back up, he would get her back.

\*

Ammit popped up a few meters behind Urizen, smiling devilishly.

She looked at the beach, seeing more guest were arriving. "I think I see your Master" she said, looking at her friend. "I thought I was white, but boy.. Lord Pravum is a beacon of light" she giggled as she swam back towards the shore. "I'm going to simmer on the beach."

\*

Urizen looked in his friend's direction and said  "of course enjoy your time" smiling as he exited the sea, walking further into shore to hopefully get dry.

Urizen would greet his Master and hopefully find a nice place to lie down that was cold.

\*

Terrogate strolls out onto the sand after arriving late to the beach party. He really needed to get his own ship he thought to himself, that galactic cab service was very slow, overpriced and the inside of the passenger room smelt like the rear end of a Bantha on a hot day. But he was determined not to let that stop him having some much needed R&R. Beach towel in hand and in the absence of any actual beachwear he is in his most beach like attire he could find. Hoping this would suffice he makes his way through the crowded private beach. The Volleyball game catches his eye as does the quite revealing swimwear on many of the Siths. The warm sun on his body and the fresh sea air in his nostrils finds a spot at the edge of the beach, away from the main crowd and under the shade of a Palm he unrolls his towel.

\*

The Iktotchi swam back to shore, as soon as her feet could touch the ground she rose up from the water and walked up to the beach. Her wet hair stuck to her skin, water trickling down over her body as she stepped onto the lose sand.

Feeling thirsty she walked over to the to the thatch-roofed bar. She had seen others with colourful drinks and decided to get herself one as well.

Casually sipping the fruity drink she walked over thhe beach, stopping for a moment to watch the volleyball game. She was tempted to join but Unfortunately she didn’t know the rules so thought it was better if she just watched.

After finishing her drink she planned to return to her spot next to the large rock, but along the way she noticed someone familiar. At the edge of the private beach, in the shade of a palm tree she saw Terrogate. Without hesitation she approached him, a bright smile on her face. “Greetings Apprentice Terrogate, fancy seeing you here" she giggled biting her lip.

\*

Terrogate’s face lit up as he saw the Iktotchi Knight approach him and an uncontrollable smile appeared on his face. She looked stunning in her knitted white bikini and her hair slicked back after her swim. Terrogate welcomed her with open arms as she approached. Knight Bathori, it is so very good to see you as always. I see you’ve already been for a dip? How was the water?

\*

"It was cold" she giggled as she looked at him. He was holding his arms open, ready for an embrace.

Ammit slowly moved closer into his embrace, her hair still dripping, pressing herself against his furry body. "I'm very happy that you could come" she said softly, she meant it, after the last party they attended together, she had missed spending time with the Catharian.

\*

Terrogate surprised as the Knight moved in close, pressing herself against him. He wasn’t sure how things between them would be after the night on Wayland when they next met in a more informal setting. Happily he closes his arms around her wrapping her in an embrace. And kissing her on the cheek careful not to poke his eye out with her golden horn “Well, it wasn’t the best ride in, that space cab was filthy. But I wouldn’t dare miss a chance to spend some time with my favourite Sith Knight and let my hair down a bit”.

\*

Comfortable in his embrace she refused to let go, just to hold on a little longer. Feeling the tickling of his whiskers on her face as he gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek makes her body tingle.

When she finally let's go she is blushing, but because of the warm sun burning on her pale skin she doesn't worry too much about anyone noticing her flushed cheeks.

"What would you like to do? Go for a swim, get a drink? Or just sit here?" She asks as she looks at his towel.

\*

letting go of the Iktotchi he smiles. “Well that Volleyball seems interesting. Might be worth a look but what is the point of going to the beach but don’t swim in the water” he grins looking over to the crystal clear waters. “But first, i think I’d like to get a drink. Would you care to accompany me?”

\*

Although she just had a drink she didn't mind joining Terrogate for another. "Of Course I'll join you" she replied as she wrapped her arm around his pulling him into the direction of the bar.

Together they walked through the sand passing the Volleyball game. "You should join the game if you want to.. I will be watching from the sidelines cheering you on"  Ammit said as she looked up at him with a wink. "I won't be joining, I'm not very good at team sport"

They walked straight to the bar "what are you having?"

\*

As they walk to the bar he looks over to the game he smiled. “Well, it looks like I may be good at it so perhaps. But first” looking back to the bar, “bartender please give me 2 of those fancy looking ones with those little umbrellas”.

\*

She let's go of his strong arm and takes a step  back. The sun had dried most if her hair now. Feeling the cool ocean breeze brushing over her skin gave her goosebumps.

"I think you are right, you would be good at it" she says as she takes a good look at him as Terrogate orders some drinks for them. This time he even wears less than the last party they attended.

Only a moment later the bartender hands Terrogate the drinks and he gives one to her. "Thank you." She playfully winks at him as she brings the straw to her lips. Making eye contact she sips her drink with a grin.

\*

“Thank you” He says as the Catharian takes the fancy island drink, stirring it with the straw he takes a sip.. “oooff that’s got some kick.” He says looking down to the drink with a surprised look on his face. He then turns his attention to the Volleyball game “Hmm looks like they already have a 2v2 game about to start. That’s alright, Maybe next time. How about we go wade in the water while we drink these?” He says as he motions over to the clear waters. “Honestly I I’d love to hear about how things are going with you and your soon to be apprentice? And also how you are doing with your new teacher Xerxes? I remember you saying his knowledge is something you’ve desired for some time now, but I also know knowledge and power come at a cost.. Speaking of your apprentice to be I think I saw her around here somewhere... “

\*

His first reaction to the fruity drink makes her giggle as it is sweet but quite strong. "Yes, I'd love to go have another dip in the ocean." She responds to his suggestion and whilst talking another sip she turns to him as she makes her way to the water.

But when he mentioned the name of her teacher her smile fades. "The lessons are going well, I'm learning a lot of useful ways to use blood." She replies calmly, on that very moment she can see the Nightfather sitting with Lady Hesper, and at once she can feel a shiver  go down her spine. Taking another sip she quickly looks back up at the Catharian ``the lessons have been difficult, stressing me out to be honest." She tries to smile "I guess I needed this party to wind down."

Happy to change the topic she continued "yeah, I saw Apprentice Salabrox. She will receive her first task soon. But for now I left her to enjoy the party."

Sipping her drink she steps into the water. The cold water washes against her ankles. "How is your training going?"

\*

What starts as friendly conversation quickly fades to a reluctance to share detail on her part once the name Xerxes was mentioned. Furrowing his brow once he senses the Knight's discomfort at the question he quickly moves on.. he wanted to tell her she could share more with him. That he would try to understand. But he does not. He couldn’t begin to understand the business of lords, knights, blood magic and powerful sorcery and it was best he didn’t pretend to. That was not his place.

He moves on quickly as she intends him to.

“Well I’m very glad you’ve decided to be her master, she’s a wild one yes.. but holds a lot of promise if sufficiently trained.” He giggles “chaos knows I know better than most the importance of having a master who can guide their unruly apprentice to a correct path away and from an early execution and if anyone can temper her it is you.” His eyes look down to the water slightly embarrassed.. “my training?.. very slowly I’m afraid.. although I’ve been doing my best to learn some self taught lessons in the meantime... although most of these have proven counterproductive.”

After a brief moment of contemplation he consciously changes gears to a higher level of positivity, “ but I know you will be an amazing master. And I’m happy for you both for finding each other. Common.. I’m getting hot, let’s go deeper into the water... “ he offers his hand as the Catharian walks slowly deeper into the light swell of the ocean.

\*

She finished her drink and placed the empty glass on a tray carried by a servant who just walked by. Ammit could sense Terrogate’s embarrassment when he answered her question about his training.

Like her he quickly changed the topic, asking her to get into the water with him. With a playful twinkle in her eyes she took his hand.

Slowly they walked into the water, feeling the cool embrace of the ocean. Being much shorter than the Catharian she quickly couldn’t feel the ground anymore and let go of his hand. She dove under and swam past him, turning under water to come back up facing him with a bright naughty smile.

With her index finger she motioned him to follow her “come and get me" she said as she slowly swam backwards away from the beach, away from the other guests. Waiting for him to catch up with her…

\*

Terrogate ditches his straw, puts the parasol behind his ear and skulls the rest of his drink. At the Knights acceptance of a swim he then takes removes the small umbrella and throws it to the ground and hands back the empty glass. As they wade out into the light swell of the ocean It’s not long before he is almost chest deep in the cool waters , the Iktotchi lets go of his hand and dives in, swimming past and reappearing in front of him with a playful smile, “come and get me” she says indicating to the Catharian with her finger. With a smile Terrogate continues to follow her out into the water, he splashes her playfully and then dives under and towards her.. emerging from the water close to the Iktotchi, he could still feel the bottom of the ocean floor only barely though. He feels something on his face, as he comes out of the water some seaweed has attached itself between his ears.. sitting perfectly on top of his head like a small green wig.

\*

When he splashes water in her direction she looks away to avoid any water getting into her eyes. She giggles but when she turns back he is gone. Ammit can see his shadow under the surface moving towards her and when he emerges in front of her he is wearing a seaweed wig.

She bursts out in laughter at the sight of him. With a bright smile she moved closer and reached for the seaweed. “Green is not your colour" and she pulls it off throwing the green wig over her shoulder back into the ocean. Looking him into his eyes she moves even more closer “I’ve missed you” she says as she wraps her arms around his neck and plants her lips on his, kissing him passionately.

\*

Feeling a bit of the fool noticing the seaweed on his head he laughs, (“smooth” he thinks to himself) the Iktotchi Knight laughs at his new doo.. getting closer she helps him taking it off his head and throws it back into the sea. She closes the gap. “I’ve missed you,” she says. “And I you,” he says back. He reaches his hands down under the water behind her back and lifts her up to his height as she kisses him. He returns the unexpected but welcomed kiss.

\*

Feeling his hand on her back, lifting her up makes her body shiver with excitement. As they kiss she wraps her legs around him, holding him tightly. The waves crashing onto them, almost making them go under.

Ammit draws back, smiling at the Catharian. Another wave crashes into them, splashing water in their faces. Still with her legs wrapped around him she giggles. “maybe we should do some actual swimming... unless you have other ideas.” She bites her lip…

\*

As the waves continue to crash over them during the embrace, he finds his feet no longer touching the sand, he replies.. “yeah, you're probably right, these waves are getting a bit high and my race isn’t exactly known for its astounding swimming ability. Common let’s head back in where it’s a little more shallow.” With that, and with the Iktotchi still legs wrapped around him he started paddling with his large muscular arms moving them backwards a bit closer to the shore.

\*

While she's still holding on to him he starts to move backwards again. Moving closer to shore, closer to the party she unwraps her legs and let's go of him, swimming by herself..

The water starts to get shallow. "This is fine" she says and turns around, making herself float as she looks up at the blue sky. Once again she sees her former Master fly over and is quite relieved he didn't see them a few moments ago.. Terrogate lays next to her in the water, with his back towards the beach looking at her. Ammit smiles "tell me something about yourself... amuse me" she said with authority but her eyes still had that playful twinkle.

\*

Satisfied at their embrace but also a bit surprised at the question he responds.. “hhh, you know what, the whole time I’ve been in the Empire and you’re the first person to have asked me that..'' he says looking a bit confused but also pleased. ”ok..well, you may not know it just by looking at me... But I'm actually one of the very few who survived the battle of Cathar..” looking cautiously at the Knight to gauge her reaction.. Unsure how much she knew of history with the Mandalorians, Malek and Revan. He himself had only learnt about the eventual outcome in the Feros’s library ”old republic” section. He hoped this didn't change things between them. But he felt compelled to give an honest answer.

\*

Gently paddling her hands keeping herself afloat she listens to him speak, but as soon as he mentions the Battle of Cathar she at once loses her buoyancy, water splashing around. "You're what?!!" She didn't know much about the history of Cathar but she did know that the Battle happened a long time ago..

She looks at him with a grin.. "you are joking.... right?.... right?" It was difficult for her to believe his statement.

\*

Her flailing about in the water on the mention of the battle makes him realise she at least knows a little ancient history. I mean, who hadn't heard of Darth Revan and the mass shadow generator, but the first battle of that war was often overlooked due to the overwhelming destruction of Mandalore the Ultimate and his second Cassis Fett on the unsuspecting Catharian populace.

Looking down, feeling a touch ashamed about the need to admit this truth and slightly worried what she would think of him once he does he again speaks.``it is true.. I was there, in the employ of the Royal Prince of Cathar the day they attacked, the day Mandalore the Ultimate attacked.” he looks sad now, thinking back to that time.. His memory recently unlocked and now fresh as the the day he was forced to witness Cassis’s brutality and Mandalores vicious genocide of his people, and family.  ”Although my body is only in it's mid 20’s due to being preserved in cryosleep.... I was born in 3998 BBY My actual age is more like 4,150, give or take a few years... I hope this doesn't displease you..”

\*

Her jaw dropped in shock, she couldn't believe that he was born over 4000 years ago but his body language indicated that he was serious.

The seer could easily sense his emotions were genuine. Quietly she listened to his story, intrigued but feeling sad for him.

Surprised by the last sentence she furrowed her brow "why would this displease me? I have the deepest respect for you.."

The Iktotchi didn't want to upset him but she was curious about his previous life. "Were you.... ehm... were you married?" She softly asks, feeling a little embarrassed for asking him knowing that it might upset him..

\*

He focuses his attention back to the Iktotchi Knight trying his best to get out of the memories inside his head for fear of embarrassment or showing weakness. looking up to the sky he replies thoughtfully.. ”No, no wife or children..  He tries to force a smile..  I always put so much of my focus on my future.. Becoming the best hunter I could, then the best warrior all to make my father proud.. and then my all consuming career as the head of royal security, that totally I neglected to act on that part of my life. I always assumed I had lots of time.. so much time.., and that my work would set myself up to raise a family of my own one day. A family where I can be present, and not away fighting, or too busy earning credits to survive. It's funny... I thought so much about setting myself up well for that future I so desperately wanted, that I missed my chance to have it.. And now here I am, In the future.. Alone.. with nothing.

\*

It is obvious that the subject of family is difficult for him to talk about. "I'm sure your father would be proud I'd he saw how much you've accomplished all by yourself." She moves a little closer, sitting next to him in the shallow water gazing at the blue ocean.

Underwater she reaches for his hand, holding it and looking at him "you are not alone.. you have me" she looks over her shoulder at him and gives a wink.

She still has many questions in her mind but doesn't want to upset him more. "Now..  what would you like to know about me? You can ask me anything.."

\*

He smiles back at the knight, her words of his father being proud makes him feel instantly more at ease. She reaches for his hand and tells the the Cathrain that he isn't alone and he has her. Whether it was true or whether she sensed his sadness at discussing the topic and was just trying to make him feel better he wasn't totally sure, but if it was the latter, it worked. And he did feel better, and he held her hand tightly under the water.

”hmmm well there are many questions I would like to ask such an experienced and talented knight,” he says in earnest. ”For example, how did you become the seer of Prakith?, and did you always have the sight? Was it a fate always destined, or a choice for more knowledge that lead you down the path?”

\*

With her hand still holding his under the surface she thinks about his question.

"Being half Iktotchi gave me the natural abilities of Precognition and Telepathy. The only good thing I inherited from the man who fathered me" as she mentioned her father her brows furrows.

"When I joined the academy I chose the path of the mind. I am no warrior, I don't thrive on the battlefield. Knowledge is was makes me shine. I have been training my sight, learning ways to see both the past the present and the future by using my mind." She explains with a proud grin.

"As for becoming the Seer of Prakith" she giggles "my fascination for Darth Andeddu brought me to Prakith.. quickly i learned i  am the only Sith with the sight there. So.... " she bites her lip, smiling naughty "I gave myself the title of Seer of Prakith."

\*

Seeing her facial response at the mention of her father and Terrogate decides to return the favour and not press the topic.

“Darth Andeddu?!? The same I heard about from the history of Darth Bane''? He responds shocked? ”I didn't realise he was from Prakith.? It makes sense now why you decided to reside there, do you feel there is much more to learn on Prakith that is yet to be discovered about the Dark Lord?”

\*

"Yes, Andeddu was originally from Prakith.. his keep and tomb are hidden within the mountains. It's where he hid all his knowledge"

On that moment a bigger wave rolls towards them, and Ammit doesn't pay attention as her eyes are on her companion. Terrogate barely moves when the wave crashes into them, but Ammit is pushed over making her go under. When she comes  back up she's laughing at herself, feeling silly and slightly embarrassed.

"Ok now I have a question for you" she says as she wipes her wet hair out of her face. "What made you join the Empire? How did you find your way to Korriban?"

\*

”Well” he says, scarcely able to fathom the possibility of finding ancient Sith Knowledge. ”If it's one thing I've learnt about Sith lords, they never leave their knowledge unguarded. You will need to be extremely careful if you seek it out.. Even with the power of an expert seer.”

A wave hits them both dunking the Iktotchi under the waves. Terrogate laughs out loud at the sight.

Once she's back up he smiles at her.. ”catch anything while you were down there?” he says jokingly.

”the ship I escaped the Mandalorian attack in was found with extensive damage, just floating on the edge of Sith space by pirates. After they thawed me out for lack of a better term they wanted to keep me captive and sell me as a slave. They had no idea that i had been trained in combat and they were easily taken care of once I regained some strength and my senses returned. Rumours of a great Sith empire in existence on Korriban found me and I thought they would be possibly able to train me so that I may someday avenge my people.

\*

Settling down again next to the Catharian she listens to his story, she was intrigued. Underwater her hand finds his again, brushing against his hand, waiting for him to take hers.  "The rumours also led me to Korriban." She smiles at him remembering the day her mentor brought her to the Sith world.

"So.. what else would you like to know about me?" She then asks as she starts to paddle her feet in the water..

\*

The knight's hand finds its way to his and he holds it again. He wasn't used to anyone being interested in his tale, but it was nice to be able to share and the Iktotchi was taking his almost unbelievable story very well. He could tell she believed him. Then again he wouldn't know where to start trying to be able to hide anything from a powerful seer. He responds as he does still have many questions as long as she was happy to keep the conversation going. Looking forward as his hand grips hers, fingers entwined ”I was meaning to ask about you golden fangs.. they are beautiful but still, quite unusual from others I've seen of your race.. Are they natural for your species still.. Similar to your horns?”

\*

"My fangs?" Ammit is surprised by his question. She giggles  "These are not my own.... I had both my upper and lower jaw replaced for cosmetic reasons." Not wanting to share too much about the true reasons she had them replaced she continues "Pure blood Iktotchi don't have curved horns like I do, nor do they have hair" she shakes her head, making her long brown hair dance in the sunlight. "I guess the human genes had a strange effect on the Iktotchi genes..."

\*

Terrogate is a little confused that anyone would have their jaws replaced for looks. Perhaps she was injured or born disfigured he wonders. Or perhaps she really did just want gold fangs.. the same way as people went for tattoos and piercings.. regardless that was the Knights business, and not his place to probe so he took it as face value. “You May call them strange Knight Bathori , but I would call them a vast improvement.” He said smiling at her.

\*

She smiles, her cheeks slightly flustered. "Well thank you." When a servant walks by signals him to come "bring us two of those fancy drinks with the tiny umbrellas" the servant acknowledges her request and at once leaves to bring the drinks.

Still holding hands underwater she turns to face him again. "So... what are your goals in life? Obviously becoming the greatest warrior" she says as her other hand now roams free over his pecs. "What other dreams do you have of your future?"

\*

The Catharian chuckles at the Knights request to order some more “fancy drinks” the same way he had earlier. Running her hand along his chest, the Iktotchi asks as to his future plans, his dreams.

He waits for the servant to return the drinks before he continues.

Taking out the pink and blue coloured parasol from his drink, he licks the fruity taste from it, opens it and places it in her hair. Tucking it behind her ear he then brushes her hair from her face with his hand in the one flowing motion, resting his large hand on her cheek for a moment before he returns to holding her hand, he then answers.

“Originally, I was driven by a desire for revenge for my family.. for months my whole will was bent on it. But.....” \*He sighs, “I have since been warned from that path. That it will not break my chains.” \*he takes a drink, now unsurprised by the strength. “After all, it wouldn’t be real revenge.. Mandalore, Fett.. they all died a Millenia ago. Their lives will never be in my grasp.... but recent focused meditation in this area has led me on another path. I have chosen to head on some adventures. Firstly I plan to travel to Kesh to claim a base on the planet in wild space. You may have heard of it... there is a temple there. In the mountains, erected on top of the crash site of the lost sith, it’s old and I’m unsure if it is occupied, but I’m sure I can take care of that.”. \*He takes another drink before continuing. “From there I’ll explore, and experience. To live. To grow my powers through real encounters, uncovering cultures and history, set sail upon the waves of the force.. not stuck here stranded on shore duelling my life away in a dry dust arena to help some Lord or Lady boost their egos, then sent to die at the first sign of war.” He looks now into her eyes, “But if you can keep a secret..” he says now lowering his voice to a whisper. “I still fantasise about having a family of my own” he winks at her and stirs his straw mixing the fruity cocktail.

“So I’ve probably bored you to death with my far fetched dreams.. how about you?.” “I know you already have children, what are your aspirations? Your desires?”

\*

A shy smile appears on her face when he places the little parasol behind her ear. She let's go of his hand and takes the drink.

Moving a little closer, her other hand still moving over his muscular body as she gazed into his eyes listening to him answering her question.

"Kesh.. yes I know it. I wrote a travel brochure about it during my Apprenticeship. I never got the chance to actually visit though" she says and takes a sip. "I might come along if you'd have me" she batted her eyes at him giving a flirtatious smile.

She leans in when he mentioned telling a 'secret', he winks at her telling that he still fantasized about having a family of his own. Looking him up and down "I'm sure we could do something about that" she whispers back at him.

She draws back and takes another casual sip through the straw. "I'm quite content living on Prakith, at the centre of our galaxy. I do hope to explore the mountains, the tunnels within and hopefully find Andeddu's keep. My main goal is expanding my mind and becoming the greatest Seer of the Empire. My lessons with..." she swallows nervously'' Lord Xarxes, are a start to reach that goal." At once she takes another sip of her drink. "I'm training my son, and when Khara is older I will train her. But I will probably have to find someone with wings to give her the training she really needs."

\*

Surprised at the Knights offer to accompany him to Kesh, ”That's very generous of you to offer Knight Bathori, I'd be honoured to have you with me. You should know that my plans are already in motion, and I'm expecting to go sooner rather than later. But I won't hold you to this, I'll ask you again when the time is closer and you can give me your answer then. I know you are already very busy. ”

Terrogates eyes widen at the Knight's suggestions of being able to help with his desire to one day have a family. He replies looking down to her with a smile ”are you suggesting you'll try to set me up on a date with one of your friends...?” His expression now turns quite soft  ”But if you mean yourself Ammit Bathori , you should know there is no one else I'd rather share that part of my life with.”

He pulls back and he listens to the Iktotchi’s dreams of exploration on her homeworld of Prakith and wonders if their paths may indeed one day be joined. Deep down he hoped so. But he also knew for this to happen many things needed to go right for him. And he was seldom that lucky.

”it sounds like you're well on your way to accomplishing your goals, if you would also like another saber at your side during your explorations, do not hesitate to call on me. I would gladly assist you.”

\*

She noticed his surprise at her suggestion that she would be able to help with his desire. She chuckled "I don't have that many friends for you to date" then another blush appeared on her cheeks,  flattered by his statement that he would love to have a family with her. A little nervous she finished her drink and fiddled with the straw. She wasn't even sure if it was physically possible for them to reproduce offspring,  but that wasn't what made her nervous, her own feelings for the Catharian did. Part of her refused to acknowledge them out of fear of what might happen if she did, worried it might bring nothing but sadness and suffering.

Still twirling the straw between her fingers she gazed over the waves. She could feel the sun burning on her pale skin. "I think I should put some more sunscreen before I burn alive." And stood up "would you like to stay here? Or shall we continue our conversation further up the beach?" She asked nodding in the direction of their towels..

\*

The Knight blushes at his statement professing his feelings but does not reply to them. Perhaps he was too forward. “You fool” he thinks to himself.. “You will never have this, no, not you, the lowly nothing lucky to even be alive, what makes you think you can protect a family...?”. He shakes his head trying to get the words out of his mind.. he hopes she perhaps took it as a passing joke between them. The Knight had not threatened to take his tongue so he assumed she knew he was at least sincere in his statement or was humouring him. Snapping out of his own head he replies.. “yes, you are looking a bit red.. perhaps some sunscreen?.” To be honest he was also feeling quite hot, but not because of the sun more from the embarrassment of laying himself bare in front of her. The Catharian lets go of her hand and rises. Once stood he held out his hand for the Knight to grab as to help her up out of the sand and surf. “ you go ahead and get started.. I’ll just sit here for a bit. I’ll be right behind you..”

\*

She can see the Catharian shaking his head, furrowing her brow she wonders if maybe an insect was caught in his mane. She chuckles, "are you alright?"

He rises and helps her up, suggesting she would go ahead while he waits a little. Thinking that she probably had hurt his feelings she nervously fiddles with her golden ring and lowered her gaze.

"I will go collect my things and join you in the shade of the palm tree." She looks at him again "maybe you could get us some snacks? I'm sure there's fruit.. ehmm" immediately she realizes how stupid that suggestion is for the carnivore "ehm well, maybe not fruit for you. Some meaty snacks" she giggles.

\*

~END~