A Star Wars Tale

Set before the events of tale I

Chapter 1: An Internal War

30 years before:

Iz'phal Trua, the famous spacer, just a young Twi'lek woman of eighteen years felt as if things in life couldn't get any better. Life was peaceful, the harvest was plentiful and if anything the people in her life were happier. The two closest friends she had in her life, one fighting with the Republic army and she missed him dearly, the other sitting by her side drawing her close. It had been many years since she had felt this peaceful, felt like nothing was troubling her as she merely closed her eyes and just listened to the native Ord Mantell chorus of wildlife sounding around the small glen they were sitting in. It was indeed a most tranquil spot and she enjoyed it for the simple pleasures, for nothing extravagant. Iz'phal was indeed one of the finest examples of beauty from the females of her species, her brown eyes always expressive, the colour on her attractive face always radiant as her patterned blue lekku swung down her back, her lips full and perfectly shaped. She dressed down in simple attire in just a pair of rustic brown leggings and a leather tunic which flared slightly at the collar. Just to have one of her best friends with her, staying at her side to share the moment with her, almost protecting her meant everything. She let a sigh of contentment escape her as she closed her eyes with the sound of his heart and the stream winding through the landscape around them. Her lekku hung in a relaxed fashion over a strong arm which he had wrapped around her shoulders, his legs outstretched in front of him as she snuggled further into the folds of his jacket, slipping an arm around his waist. Iz'phal never usually got intimate with men unless they really meant something to her and he did, he was always there for her, never kept anything from her. That's what best friends were for but she was beginning to feel something more for him, as if their friendship was destined to become something else. She wondered if he felt the same. The name of the man at her side, Malavai Quinn had just one secret which he kept from her but he couldn't tell her. If he told her who he was fighting for she would abandon him all together. Quinn was a rising promise within the ranks of the Sith Empire, a senior lieutenant by rank but thought better than telling her the complete truth. He wrestled with his conscience to tell her the truth or to just except the silence around them, but taken away with the moment and the girl that meant everything to him in his hold he decided silence was the best option, until he had a more appropriate moment to tell her. In time he would but for now it was best left unsaid. Seeing her at peace, just looking so happy made his heart almost expand within his chest as he rested his chin on the crown of her head, the cool yet pleasant breeze tousling his short black hair. Most of his human species would have considered him as handsome as his deep blue eyes almost hooked her with their gaze, attracted her to him like a magnet. His voice awoke her from her trance slightly, concern present within its tone as she had been silent for the best part of the time they'd been together. He dismissed the notion of his past ever having an effect on her, after all they would always remain the best of friends. After all this time when he had feelings for a girl he had either backed down at the last second or had hidden his feelings. Iz'phal was the first girl that really meant something to him deep down and wasn't sure how to go about expressing his feelings to her. It was something that had been gnawing away at him since they had first become friends all those years ago but he had never had the courage to say it again as the last time he had told her how he felt she was too young. Maybe now was the time to tell her, but he didn't want her to push him away.

"You okay Iz?" Quinn asked, his voice almost a humming sound so as not to distract from the peaceful sounds around them as she made an affirmative noise to let him know she had heard him, lifting her perfectly aligned face from his chest to catch his gaze.

"Aww you worry too much about me, that's so sweet. Course I'm okay Malavai, why do you ask?" Iz'phal replied, as she was slightly stunned at the intimate gesture, feeling him slip his hand in hers lacing his fingers through hers. It took him a while to reply to her question as he wrestled with his conscience to tell her the truth of who he was now but he pushed it away, wanting nothing to ruin this moment with her.

"Of course I worry about you Iz. War is threatening this galaxy and the last person I want caught in the middle of it is you" he said simply, his voice wavering slightly as the thought of his best friend enduring those hardships again when order had only just been restored to the galaxy made him slightly sad. Iz'phal gaged the expression in his eyes and knew what he said was true. He only wanted to be there for her, to protect her but minute by minute his embrace was becoming more intimate, full of protection as if someone was going to reach down and snatch her away from him. She was the first girl in his life to ever make him feel like this, to ever make him happy and he would be damned if he lost her now. Quinn caught her chin in his hand, lifting her face to meet with his, his deep blue eyes engraining their image into her soul, never letting go.

"Hey, what did I tell you Malavai, as long as we have each other and I have the closest people in my life around me it won't change a thing. So who do you work for now?" Iz'phal asked as the nature of her question almost stabbed him in the front. She had him backed into a corner. If he lied to her now she would never forgive him for he knew her hatred of the Empire was strong but if he told her the truth he may never know her again. For the first time in his life he brought himself to lie to her and it bruised him on the inside to know he was being dishonest with her.

"I thought I told you Iz" he smiled warmly down at her, collecting her against his chest and she appreciated the protective gesture, nuzzling against the warmth of his torso.

"I can't remember you ever telling me. But it sure pays well I guess. You seem happy" Iz'phal beamed, her luscious brown eyes shimmering with mirth as his mouth rose into a smile, clenching her hand a little tighter.

"It's a way of life Iz and at times it has its demands but it is rewarding" Quinn replied seeing a devious guise take over her face as she tried to guess the nature of his occupation, his heart hammering in his chest, desperately hoping with her intelligence and her ability to strip things to the bare bone she would not find out who his loyalties were pledged too.

"An accountant…no wait don't tell me…" Iz'phal cooed sweetly, a chuckle escaping her as she didn't notice his nervousness. "A banker from the core perhaps. You did say Coruscant was your second home. What a place to work, I do envy you, after all my job is just enough to sustain me. I do envy you…" Iz'phal admitted as she accepted the affectionate gesture and the closeness with which he held her as part of him forced him to relay a small fraction of the truth but not enough for her to truly guess.

"Its true Iz, I am away for months at a time but I stand up for what is right, not for what is wrong. I just wish we had more time together. I do miss you Iz, you mean a lot to me" Quinn said simply, letting a sliver of his feelings escape him as she looked inquisitively into his eyes, wracking her brain as to what he meant before a look of worry skimmed across her face not sure if she'd heard right. To his shock she'd managed to guess and his heart only hoped for her sake and his she danced around the edge of the truth.

"You're a soldier aren't you? You protect people right?" Iz'phal enquired seeing the colour almost drain from his face as she had guessed correctly and he cursed himself inwardly for letting the information go as he'd been so entranced by her beautiful face he hadn't realised his words.

"Iz…How did you…" he began as she snaked a hand gently up his chest resting her hand next to his heart, never knowing the internal war he was having as she pressed her cheek to his chest.

"Just a lucky guess. That's a very brave path you walk but damn dangerous. What happens if you get hurt? I can't bear the thought of losing you" Iz'phal almost choked on her own words before she realised he words could come true. Biting on her bottom lip she refused to let the tears come to the surface until they did come, the Twi'lek woman's strong resolve melting away as she looked into his eyes with a concerned expression etched on her face, trembling slightly in his hold and immediately he tightened his arms around her rocking her back and forth in his embrace.

"Iz this is precisely why I didn't want you to know. I just didn't want you to be worried for me. I'm sorry if I kept this from you but I thought it was better if you didn't know…I'm sorry" Quinn apologised again as this made her slightly bitter. He was doing it for her protection but he hadn't told her the truth, kept it from her and that hurt her a little more than she was expecting. "Iz please don't cry, everything's going to be alright I promise, please don't cry" his soothing voice trying to comfort her as suddenly all the war torn images in her head and the notion of him on the battlefield was just too much as she sobbed bitterly into his chest, bunching her hands into fists as she was now bunched so close against him she could barely breathe, afraid that some military from out of nowhere was going to take him from her.

"Why didn't you tell me?!" she burst out suddenly, tear sodden face still pressed against his chest as he tried to explain but she got her feelings out first, almost wanting to shut herself down completely. "You kept this from me and you thought I wouldn't find out!" She snapped crossly, her lekku twitching in irritation as she looked up at him imploringly, continuing to rant at him punching him in vain against his chest but having the upper body strength which he did didn't feel a thing. The worst part of the matter was she hadn't found out who he was fighting for and if she ever found that out Quinn knew he would lose the one girl in his life that meant everything to him and even for all his loyalty to the Empire he could never let that happen. "All these years you've been fighting and haven't had the guts to tell me. Now I know what's happening when you're away from me. Why should you have to fight! It's not fair!" Iz'phal cried as finally he was able to get his words through to her as he caught her wrists in a tough grip but not enough to hurt her as she just gave in and slumped against his chest, hiding her face not wanting to look up.

"Iz don't you see…This galaxy needs protecting; we all need to be safe. You must understand this is my way of life now Iz. I wanted to tell you sooner but I knew this was how you would react. That's why I kept it from you. I fight to protect my friends, to protect the people who mean the most to me, for the galaxy…for you…" Quinn's words trailed off into silence as she wanted more from him but she merely looked deeper into his eyes for a better explanation as she clung onto his arm, tears still falling from her eyes.

"You fight for me and everyone else but at what cost. The galaxy is more in peace now than it ever has. You walk a noble path and it shows great courage to stand tall but I don't want anything to happen to you…I've lost so many friends through previous wars and I refuse to lose anymore…I'm sorry…" she finally finished letting out a sigh as she felt him slip a strong arm around her waist, still almost in shock from her outburst but understood her feelings. She felt him press his lips to the crown of her head and all the concern melted away. Just the gentleness of his touch and care he always showed for her momentarily trancing her before she got out what she wanted to say, rain now falling from the sky settling on her light blue skin. "I just didn't realise what you go through, what you do for those around you. I just don't want anything to happen to you…What if it does…what if I never see you again…what if…" she wanted to ask all these questions and get an answer for every single one but instead he just told her calmly to not worry but it was little consolation for her.

"Iz you were right…" he admitted as she drew her knees close to her to shelter under the tree from the rain now starting to soak the ground around them as he drew his thick overcoat from the branch beside him and draped it over her shoulders, seeing she was shivering from the cold. She accepted the gesture and pulled the material tighter around her as between the coat and his embrace she felt her skin warming slightly. "I was wrong to keep it from you. Yes I am a soldier Iz and you must understand my intentions. I fight to keep the galaxy safe, to keep everyone safe. Without people like me and our armies to protect people what chance do people like you have when a war eventually comes? What would you rather have me do Iz? Sit back and do nothing…You must understand Iz, this is my way of life now and is now walk this path. Iz…" he wanted to encourage something, anything from her but she was still bunched against his chest, feel all of a sudden small and frightened as if he left her Quinn felt the war he was talking about would take her in its large jaws and swallow her whole. For a moment the only sound that filled his ears was the rain falling around them and her short breaths as she clung to him, memories of all her friends killed in wars past circling her mind and refused to let him be the latest casualty of war, to lose another friend. She couldn't bear it and wouldn't let it happen. She felt him run a hand up and down her back and over her hip as even the softness of his touch couldn't seem to snap her from her trance. Eventually when she spoke her voice was low, flat, a sense of regret that she had to accept him for who she was or carry on in her life without him as a friend and she could never see her life without him being a part of it.

"I know why you put yourself at risk Malavai, to protect the galaxy I get that…but what then…what happens when all that is done and the wars are all over. I just want to see more of you. We hardly spend any time together and I just get the feeling that you forget about me" Iz'phal relayed how she truly felt as his eyes almost snapped open wide in shock only now realizing what she meant. How could she say that? Of course when he was away he missed her terribly and wanted to change that but the Imperial military cut off all contacts with loved ones while he was in service so as not to distract him from his duty. He would hate to think this way of life could drive her away from him, could make her a distant memory when all he wanted to do was express how he felt for her, stay close to her but for being a young man and having a girl, the first girl by his side that he truly cared about it was difficult for him to express how he felt.

"Forget you Iz? True I may be away for weeks at a time, true I may not contact you all the time but you are the light of my life Iz, the heartbeat of my soul, the happiness in my sadness. How could I ever forget you and why would I?" Quinn asked her as a feeling of relief swept over his heart for having explained part of his feelings for her as a smile danced across her face. She would've thought being a fighter had made him ruthless, forget the kindness he had in his heart but she could see now that was far from the case. If anything these moments he got with her were more precious as time went by and if he didn't say it now he never would be able to. He had been battling with his conscience to tell her how he felt but in the end gave in and knew the moment had to be now.

"I just seem to think now we spend little time together and you are focused on your achievements you might think less of me. Am I wrong?" Iz'phal questioned as her doubts were banished away when he drew her even closer to him but this embrace was coaxing, full of longing as he felt if he ever let go she would run away and never come back. He cupped her chin in a black gloved hand, placing his forehead to hers, admitting her smile was almost intoxicating him as her heartbeat quickened from the sense of anticipation. His voice was soft, coercing as he wrapped his arms around her neck feeling the pulse of her heart against his chest, the rain falling around them.

"You have never have been wrong Iz. I was wrong about you though…" he breathed against her head as slightly confused by the nature of his words tried to gain the deep blue pools of his eyes, his handsome face drawing her in.

"Wrong about what? Quinn I don't understand" she asked confused as the beauty of her face that had captured his heart from that first day he'd met her caused the images of him and her dancing around in his mind until he said it, said those three words that had been burning him on the inside for all this time.

"I was wrong about you Iz. Just thinking you were a normal girl, just a friend to me…but you're much more than that. You've always have been. You've never just been a girl to me; you've always been my girl…Iz…I love you…" His heart again growing as those words left his mouth, as finally after all this time she knew how he truly felt for her and it lifted a weight from her heart as over the last few years she had begun to feel the same but had never had the chance to say it. That's why she didn't want him to fight, because she was so protective of him, because she loved him. Her breathing quickened against his chest as the rain fell harder around them but she no longer cared, she just wanted to be with him, to be with the first man who cared for her as he did. It made her feel special made her feel needed in the galaxy. She saw him slipping off his black leather gloves, feeling him trail his hands down her neck, lekku and back, his soft fingers sending a pleasant shiver up her spine. The way he held her, how gentle he was with her it confirmed how he truly felt for her and how lucky she was to have him in her life. As the sky turned a stormy grey around them he thought about getting her to shelter but she protested at him moving as she crooned a response in his ear, her warm tone sending his heart in circles.

"Awww Quinn you're so sweet…You've been so kind to me, always been there for me…" she whispered lovingly as with her permission he rolled her onto her back, placing both forearms to the sides of her head, his eyes swimming with a longing she'd never seen hovering above her as she gazed endearingly up at him. "I love you too Malavai, so, so much" Iz'phal confessed her feelings as he was the first man she had truly had feelings for and it made her heart dance in her chest that he felt the same for her.

"Whatever happens Izzy, no matter where I am or who I am you'll always be my girl. I promise you I'll always be here for you. Just you and me Iz, no one else, just you and me…" his voice a coercing croon but his meaningful words were enough to send her into a dreamlike state drifting at the softness of his touch, the warmth and kindness in his eyes as she replied but her words were cut off as he swallowed her lips in a deep kiss, sending her heart fluttering against her ribs. Her back arched as she clung to him, her breathing and heartbeat quickening as in their youth and playful nature they expressed how they felt for each other. Iz'phal helping him undo the buttons on her neck holding her halter-neck jacket in place while she tugged at the sides of his jacket a sense of physical yearning for him taking over her. Sensing he wanted them both to be in the warm and away from the coming storm her well-being came to the forefront of his mind as without warning he swept her up in his arms and ran with her to his facility just on the other side of town. Swooning in his caring nature for her she clung to his neck, eyes sparkling with life as they reeled him in, the eyes that had always possessed his heart pulling his heart to hers until he could not take it back, could never take it back. But why would he want to? No sane man would wished to be freed from the beauty and kindness of a girl like Iz'phal. When they reached the shelter of the little room which wasn't much but Iz'phal thought it looked like home he immediately picked up where he'd left of, running his hands down her lekku and over her shapely hips. Iz'phal wanted to say something, anything to him to confirm her feelings for him but he already knew by the loving light dancing in her eyes as picking her up again with care placing her on the bed, straddling her beautiful frame, gazing deep into her eyes. She could see the yearning for her in his eyes as she silenced whatever words he was going to say by kissing him passionately on the lips, before moving her kiss onto his neck. He just revelled in the love she felt for him, the gentleness of her mouth on his skin, just drifting away with it all. Being the very first girl he had ever given himself to he knew he would never forget the moment, would never forget her, would always be there for her, would always love her. The drops from strands of his soaked hair splashed her slightly in the face but she didn't care, she just wanted him with her, just wanted everything to be perfect. A flirtatious giggle escaped her as he buried his kiss in her neck, the pleasant warmth of his hands caressing her skin sending her into a state of bliss as she trailed her soft fingers down the back of his neck. He paused long enough just to get the words out, to gaze deep into her loving brown eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him close.

"Have I ever told you have beautiful you are Iz? I'm so lucky to have you…" he whispered sweetly in her ear as her heart hammered against his chest, the warmth and gentleness of his touch sending her drifting again. She felt him trail his hands down her back as she just basked in the feeling, let it take over her.

"Aww well you may have mentioned it. I'm flattered you feel this way about me. Means a lot…" Iz'phal crooned an enraptured reply, as she uttered a sigh of pleasure as he moved his kiss onto her stomach, just closing her eyes with the pleasant experience. She decided not to speak as it was better they got their feelings for each other out in the open rather than letting words get in the way. At times they got entangled with the ripping at each other's clothes, both youthful and full of excitement as they got through it with much laughing. As the night drew on she knew it would be the happiest in her life: The moment he had said he loved her and treated her like the only girl in his life. She wanted it to last forever but the most important thing was that he remained with her.

The pleasurable encounter having past, her breathing slowed considerably as he rested his head on her chest, feeling her fingers trailing through his short black hair.

"Well Iz…that was…I always knew you were the girl for me but after tonight I can say that without a doubt. Thank you…" he whispered sweetly placing several kisses across her collar bone before releasing a relieving breath and rested his head on her chest, as she cradled him against her, never feeling for all the world that she could be happier.

"So we're together now right?" Iz'phal questioned just to make sure he was true to her as he lifted his head to gaze into her eyes wrapping his arms around her neck, his warm breath flickering across her collar bone as her brown eyes blinked expressively.

"That's why I love you Iz because some of the answers to your questions are so obvious. Of course we are Iz. I wouldn't be here with you otherwise" the soft nature of his voice calming her excitement as she pressed another question to him, not sure if he would give her a truthful answer but after tonight she realised he would always be truthful with her. The warmth of his hands stroking her lekku was almost hypnotic as at times he was taken aback by how beautiful she was.

"There must have been others before me. It's okay Malavai, you can tell me" Iz'phal asked as she was just curious but to her surprise he shook his head, just by looking into his eyes she could tell he was being truthful. She was the first girl in his life that had truly meant something to him and it made her feel honored it was her. "You serious? I'm the first?" Iz'phal questioned still a little unsure as still he continued to stroke the back of her head, snuggling close to her.

"Iz, what would be the point of lying to you. Many a girl has made me think but you are the one who deserves my heart. We've known each other a long time and I fell in love with you a few months ago. I just wanted to wait until the time was right. I hope you understand Iz…" he spoke lovingly against the crown of her head as she just revelled in the feeling of being special and just lay with him as he almost split his soul to her.