Star Wars: Swords of the Force

[HookerBoots]

She skidded to a halt, smiling. Turning to the side, she backed up a few steps and found herself against a tree. "So you do. But I don't know that sliding should count." Her hands went to her hips and she raised an eyebrow at him. "You've won, however, and can claim whatever prize you like."

Irina bit her lower lip, wondering what he'd choose. There were any number of things she wouldn't mind, but that choice wasn't hers. This was dangerous, these feelings. She liked him, a lot, and she was curious about . . . too many things, the feel of his lips, if his hair was as soft as it looked, what it would feel like if he . . . she couldn't let herself think about that.

 

[Armphid]

One hand went onto the tree trunk on either side of her head, as Ramza smiled. Winning did feel good, all the more because it let him be this close to her. "Never said it wasn't part of the game, Irina." He took a half step closer, "And I'm not sure your indignation is genuine...I very much hope it's not."

He should demand some service or information. Or some minor, playful thing to get further in her good graces. But he couldn't. Not with her, not here, not now, or ever. One hand left the tree to caress her cheek, his eyes taking in her fine features, lingering on her lips. "I'm sorry, Master, but...I feel too much for this woman, and so fast," he thought.

He leaned in, the other arm leaving the tree to wrap around her waist and pull her to him. His lips met hers in a warm and tender embrace, a strong, eager kiss that lightened after that first second of touch, wanting to be even deeper but only at her initiative now. He had made his move, and claimed from those honeyed lips the prize he desired most.

 

[HookerBoots]

One hand pressed against his chest, grasping the fabric there tightly. This was good, very good. Her other hand slid to the back of his neck as she kissed him back. She wasn't thinking about how this was probably the best thing she could do to get him to trust her, or how her Master would be upset about her not caring. All she thought about was the feel of his body against hers, and his lips on hers.

She pulled back a little, smiling. "I think I'll take my reward now as well." Irina lifted herself slightly and kissed Ramza again, relishing the feel of his arm about her waist. Her tongue darted out to press quickly against his lips, and she pressed against him.

 

[Armphid]

As she responded to his kiss, he threw the last of his cares aside. Some part of him wanted to acknowledge that she might be seducing him on purpose, or that if he was seducing her it was working. That part was drowned out by the sweetness and purity of the sensation that came from her lips, from the way his small hand gripped his shirt, the feel of it's partner on his neck.

When the kiss broke, he felt almost as though he were floating on those sensations, only for it to end. But then, she took her reward from him, and his heart sang. The hand that had touched her flawless cheek ran down her neck to go about her shoulder, pulling her firmly against him as they met in a passionate kiss. As her tongue withdrew, his advanced to run along the tip of hers, then over her lips, seeking to taste all of her that was offered.

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina moaned softly, trying to hide it, when his tongue touched hers, and she opened her mouth a little, letting him slip his tongue into her mouth. There was nothing in the galaxy for her right now except his hands and mouth and body. She was glad that they hadn't kissed for the first time on the dance floor. All those people watching would have made them both so self-conscious about it.

She didn't want this kiss to end, but knew that it would have to, eventually. They couldn't stay like this forever, no matter how much they - or just she, her mind added - might want to. And it was possible she was more into this than he was, she admitted to herself. But that didn't mean she wanted it to end. Her hands pulled him closer, delighted at the feelings surging through her.

 

[Armphid]

Her mouth parted, allowing him entry, and he rejoices as his tongue slipped past. He did little to hide a moan of pleasure and excitement as he tasted and explored her mouth. This kiss was bliss in a way he hadn't felt in years, possibly ever. Irina was alive and eager against him, her hands pulling him closer, pressing their bodies together. She might just be very, very good at seduction, but it seemed to him then that she was every bit as into this, as honest in this, as he was.

The hands on her back began to move, running up and down the curve of her spine. His fingers sought out the lines of her muscles, following and tracing them through the fabric of her clothes.

 

[HookerBoots]

As his hands travelled over her back, Irina shivered lightly. This was amazing, the way they felt together. Her own hands began to stroke his hair, rub the back of his neck. She pulled away slightly, her breath coming heavily. "Ramza," she whispered looking at him through half-closed eyes.

Her hands slid down to rest on his shoulders, as they looked at each other, still embraced.

 

[Armphid]

As she pulled back, he smiled, his breathing heavy as well. "I know, Irina." "It's so...true, and so good." As her hands ran through his hair, his eyes half-lidded, and something very like a purr escaped him. "I almost can't believe it." She was still in his arms, and he was very glad. He didn't want to let her go. He leaned in, ducking his head to kiss her neck at the collar, slowly peppering kisses upward.

He drew back then, his eyes bright as he drank in her face. "I almost want to say we should continue our ride indoors, but...I don't want to be rude, or to lessen this...amazing feeling." He rested his forehead against hers. "Shall we call our contest a draw?"

 

[HookerBoots]

She moaned quietly as he kissed her neck, and smiled at him as he asked for a draw. "I think that would be fair, yes." Irina lifted herself up to kiss him again, briefly, and sighed happily. "And I wouldn't be adverse to moving indoors." Her eyes went wide, with a little laughter behind them. "But what would your fan club say?"

More importantly, what would her Master say? He'd be furious that she was doing it for her own reasons, not because she was told to get close to him. Her hands tangled in his hair and she rested her face against his chest. "But if you want to, I'd love to."

 

[Armphid]

"I don't give a damn what anyone would say," he answered, a little hotly. He knew Master Shahazdra would understand, but not be pleased. This wasn't about getting close to her, and if he did have to turn against her, it would make things even worse and more hurtful. But this feeling was so pure and strong, he could actually feel the Force in it, without even reaching out.

He hugged her to him tightly, cradling her, one hand in her hair. "I do want to, Irina." "I'd love it, and I think that right now, we both need this." He held her for another few minutes, just savoring the feel of her body close to his.

He gave her a squeeze, leaning down to kiss her. "Wait here, I'm going to go get the horses." "When I get back, we'll go." "Think about whose place you'd prefer." He kissed her again, fiery and passionate, then turned and started off after their steeds.

 

[HookerBoots]

She leaned against the tree again, her head tipped back. There was no question that they couldn't do anything in her rooms. Her Master would be upset enough if he tried to contact her and couldn't reach her, but being out of the room was a good excuse. And she certainly didn't want him showing up on the holo-communicator with Ramza there.

Suddenly, Irinia stood up straight and looked around. "Who's there?" She held her hand out, ready to use the Force if she had to. A couple of disreputable-looking men came out from behind some bushes, and she scowled at them. "What do you want?"

"You are Miss Farlander, yes?"

She nodded, impatient.

"We are the Emperor's Children."

"You should have sent more than two, if you plan to kill me." She set herself in a fighting stance. And almost stumbled out of it when they went to their knees.

"We are not here to kill you. We are here to beg for help."

"What?"

They both looked at her, very serious. "We need you to help bring this planet to the Empire. You will be our representative. Please."

She blinked at them for a few seconds. "Very well, I suppose. But my loyalty is still to the Remnant. You people have a twisted view of what the Emperor wanted."

"As long as we get the Force witch, my lady, we will be appeased."

Her eyes narrowed, and she gestured to the one who had spoken. He stood up, and she hissed, "Force witch? You mean the Master Jedi?" He nodded, confused and a little frightened. She tapped into the Dark Side, choking him with her power. The other man gaped at her, too amazed to move. "She is worth ten of you, pigs. And if I ever hear that phrase from any of you so-called Emperor's Children, you will all die."

She released the man, who was gasping for breath, and sneered at them. "Since I am in charge of you now, here are my orders. Firstly, do nothing save what I tell you. Secondly, clean yourselves up. No one takes the slovenly seriously." Her head swung around at the soft jangle of a bridle. Sith Lords, he was on his way back! Clapping her hands, she shooed at the men. "Go! I will contact you when I need you to act." They scampered off, glancing back at her in terror, clearly concerned that they'd hooked themselves to something dangerous. And they had, of course.

Irina turned and smiled, hands behind her back, as she waited for Ramza.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza didn't find it hard to reach the horses. They were well trained, and they were horses. They only ran when an immediate stimulus told them to. Once it was gone, they stopped. He found them both grazing in a field. He grinned as he reached them, "My friends, today is the greatest of days." "Such a woman!" "and she and I...By the Force, it's almost like we were made for each other, meant to be." He wanted her, not just physically, but mentally, spiritually. He wanted to touch her mind to his with the Force, join them in every possible way.

He took hold of their bridles, turning to lead them back. He felt a flash of distant pain, a phantom piercing tinged with heat. He took a deep intake of breath. He felt a dark, roiling surge of power not far away. As though some fury filled viper had coiled and struck. "Sithspawn." A force-user was near, and however they were, they'd tapped powerfully into the Dark Side. So it was true. "Irina..."

Ramza turned and leaped onto his gelding, still holding the mare's bridle, "Fast, friends, she may need us." They broke into a gallop, Ramza guiding his mount with his knees, one hand on the hilt of the long sword. He'd hate to break his cover, but if this dark Jedi was threatening Irina, he'd do it in a heartbeat. "Irina!"

There she was, right where he'd left her. He couldn't see anyone, and the use of the Force was gone...the dark one had left. Or gone back undercover. He dismounted, trotting forward and trying not to look worried. He let the horses go when he was close, coming to up her, "Sorry to keep you waiting." "Everything all right?" "...are you ready to go?" His eyes lingered on her, but moved to check the surrounding area as well. Whoever that was could still be here.

 

[HookerBoots]

Her smile turned into a small frown. "Yes, everything's fine. Why wouldn't it be?" There was no way he could sense what she'd done . . . was there? "And I'm very ready to go." There really was nothing quite like using the Force to make her hungry for all sorts of things. She reached out to take his hand, lacing their fingers together.

Irina smiled at him. "Can we stop and get something to eat, before we go to you quarters? We never did get lunch."

 

[Armphid]

"Of course, Irina." He pulled her close after she joined their hands. "Though what I most desire to taste is already here." He leaned in to kiss her again, passion and relief in it. She was all right. She'd also seemed annoyed that he was concerned. It made sense. After all, she hadn't felt the Force user. Had she?

He broke the kiss, the two mounting up and riding as fast as possible back to the stables. Returning the steeds, Ramza took her hand as they left, threading their fingers. "Lead on to your restaurant of choice, beautiful." "Hopefully one that serves take-out," he added with a wink.

 

[HookerBoots]

She felt the relief in his kiss and wondered about it as they rode back to the stables. Had he felt what she'd done? It was possible, even if he wasn't a Jedi. There were a few people that were . . . sensitive to the Force, maybe he was one of those? Regardless, it was a little disconcerting to know that he'd sensed anything.

But as they held hands on their way from the stables, she smiled confidently up at him. "Well, I'd found a good restaurant on my first night here, they do take out." She guided him through the city streets until she found the restaurant again, and then ordered for them.

Leaning against the counter, she smiled easily. "I hope you don't mind. I figured this would . . . speed things up."

 

[Armphid]

"Not at all." He smiled back at her, standing with his arms resting on the hilts of his swords. She knew her way through the city very well. More than someone usually tied up with diplomatic business would. Meaning she'd both studied maps and taken the time to explore, much like he had. She knew the value of knowing the land. Impressive. She was more intoxicatingly magnificent with each new revelation. "I trust you."

He did. It was both a pleasant and a grim revelation. He didn't trust her completely, but a lot more than he should. He wasn't with the new Republic's delegation, but Thyferra and the Bacta Guild still were Republic members. In a technical sense, they were still enemies, and her feelings about the Empire were very strong. "And I'm as eager for a speedy departure as you." Maybe more so.

Soon, bags of food in hand, they were on their way back to the air speeder he'd left at her building. "Any other stops you'd like to make, Irina?" "Ideally, we'll be...occupied for some time."

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina bit her lip, hesitated. Normally at this time, she'd be observing her target, noting the patterns of the woman's days and planning her attack accordingly. But . . . there was no way she could do that with Ramza along. And she didn't want to postpone their time together when it really wouldn't do much; she wasn't going to kill the woman today, obviously.

"No, I think I'm all set." She smiled and blushed a little - and didn't have to fake either. "And I hope we'll be occupied for a long while." This was a very troublesome situation, being with him. Irina hadn't felt like a woman in a long time, and he made her feel like a lady.

She glanced at him as they got into the air speeder. "Are you staying with your delegation, or do you have a place of your own?" A wry smile twisted her lips. "I'm sure you could afford it."

 

[Armphid]

Ramza smiled, "I'm not one to brag," he was by the reputation of the persona he affected, "but I imagine we will be occupied long into the night, and perhaps the next day." This was unwise. He was supposed to learn about her, and keep an eye on her. But he was also supposed to watch for other threats and keep Master Shahazdra informed. That was not likely to happen. It didn't matter to him much right now though. Irina was simply too rare, and too wonderful. She made him remember that he wasn't the fool he pretended to be, and made him feel like he wasn't.

"The answer is yes, dear lady." He grinned at her, powering up the speeder and sending it hurtling into the flow of traffic. "My delegation is me, I am the Guild's sole representative." "And I have a very nice suite, most of a floor actually, top of the building as well." "I like to be near the sky, when possible." He swung the speeder into the faster lane, accelerating quickly. "I am in the same building as the Republic delegation, but I am not part of that group."

His penthouse suite wasn't far from the building where the meetings and talks were taking place, and in short order, it came into view. The place was splendid in the mid-day sun, a shining spire of gold. He swung the speeder in to dock, and hopped out of the vehicle. It was next to the large balcony on which he did his forms and practiced, large glass doors opening into the suite beyond. "Welcome to my home away from home, Irina." "You are most welcome here."

 

[HookerBoots]

"It's wonderful!" Irina looked around, taking in the splendid settings. "Is it rented, or do you own it? You said your family doesn't own anything here?" She smiled as she poked around, setting the bag of food she carried on a table before examining the paintings on the walls.

When her exploration was complete, and she was thoroughly impressed by the furnishings and taste that the suite was decorated in, she sat down at the table with a self-conscious smile. "You have excellent taste. I just wish I didn't clash so much." She gestured to her outfit, which was a plain shade of brown. "I look rather like a tree in the middle of . . . a well-furnished apartment."

 

[Armphid]

"It's rented, though many of the furnishings and decorations are mine." He grinned as he leaned against a wall, watching her explore. It was fun, and it made him feel very good to know that she appreciated his taste. This place was a much better reflection of him. No one, except his Master, came here, so no one saw all the things that were out of synch with the character he portrayed. Only Irina. Had she noticed, he wondered.

At her self-depricating comments, Ramza shook his head. He sat down at the table beside her, "You wrong yourself, Irina." He reached out to take her hand, giving it a squeeze, "You are more gold than any of these decorations, no matter what color you wear." "And you are a tree, strong, flowering, boldly beautiful amid all this...artifice and objects." "You don't clash in my eyes." "You...belong here." "With me."

 

[HookerBoots]

She laughed, her eyes shining with amusement and gratitude. But she said, "Is there a required course that teaches nobility such grand turns of phrase? Or is this just your natural talent?" Irina squeezed his hand and smiled. "In either case, I thank you for the compliments. There are many, even among my own delegation, who would differ with you in your opinion of where I belong." And it was true, too. The stuffy old bastards had protested her inclusion vociferously, saying that a woman had no place in the Remnant's delegation, were they no better than the Republic? The answer, in the form of her Master, came as a resounding yes, but that didn't change her needing to be here, and she had been allowed to come, with much grumbling. They gave her the smallest suite, the smallest budget, and 'forgot' to invite her to meetings, thinking she'd never know. But they would get what they deserved, if it took her a lifetime.

She shook her head, trying to clear the bitterness that had clouded her thoughts and smiled at Ramza. "In any case, Ramza, shall we eat before it gets too cold? Or would you rather warm it up later and see to . . . other matters now?" Her fingers wriggled in his, slight pressure of skin-on-skin.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza smirked, "I'm very good with my tongue." He allowed for a pregnant pause, "In speech, I mean, it's a happy gift." As a noble, he was expected to woo with a certain flair but there were hardly classes in it. You learned by watching, listening, and reading the old romances. "If you're not welcome in your delegation, you could always join mine instead." "There's plenty of room for you." She'd also be welcome in the Republic delegation. They welcomed skilled beings of all sexes and races, unlike the Remnant. Further reason to wonder why she was with them...

At her question, Ramza felt a moment's hesitation. Then he stood up, gently pulling her with him. "If I'm honest, I hunger for your lips, and all that I may have of you, than any food in the galaxy." He kissed her, tender but with a hint of the growing ardor that was sweeping through him. "Let it wait, and let us enjoy each other now, if it pleases you."

 

[HookerBoots]

Her arms slid around his neck, smiling as she stepped slightly forward, pressing her body against him. It was almost disturbing how right being with him felt, how astonishingly good, and Irina struggled not to lose herself in the emotions as he kissed her. It didn't work.

Their lips touched, and her heart started racing. The room seemed to start a slow revolution around them, and she met his passion with her own. As they pulled out of the kiss, she smiled up at him. "If I join your delegation, does that mean we'll be sharing this penthouse?" Lifting herself up on her toes, she kissed him again, more deeply, and smiled again. "Because that part sounds very nice."

 

[Armphid]

Her kisses were sweet, searing glory. It was like the few times on Yavin when Master Skywalker had taken them almost into the Force, followed through the solar system and felt the life of the forest moon. Power, passion, energy flowed through him each time their lips met.

He grinned at her question, "Well, this is all the space we've been alloted." "I don't want to be rude to our hosts and demand more." He kissed her again, his lips lingering long this time. "I don't know how much work we'd get done...but I imagine both our jobs would become much more fun."

 

[HookerBoots]

Irina smiled against his lips and kissed him again. "I have no doubt." She felt amazing, every nerve tingling at each touch of their skin. There was no question that she was in over her head right now, but she didn't care, and deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue out to push past his lips.

A little sigh, and she pressed herself more firmly against him, their bodies fitting together tightly. This was ridiculous, this feeling of exhileration and excitement mixed. As their tongues met, Irina almost melted, feeling his arms tighten around her. She'd never felt this safe, this warm before, and she didn't want it to end.