Anyone want a new chapter? Here ya go!
"Of course, Master Jinn, but before we get down to business, I'd like to, perhaps, take a walk with you - your padawan may come, if he must."
Nara's smile - well practiced, for certain - seemed more fitting of a courtesan than a crowned princess, "We are, after all, going to be working together for some time - my mother has transferred all authority on Remula's entry into the Republic to me - and I believe I would feel more - comfortable - if I knew you better."
With a degree of control not needed since his own days as a padawan, the Jedi master responded, completely ignoring Her Highness' seductive tug at the neck of her already low-cut dress, "As you wish, Your Majesty." He bowed, "And I would prefer Obi-Wan to accompany us. He is still learning the art of diplomacy and would certainly benefit from any experience he can receive."
Obi-Wan, being no stranger to the desire practically pouring from the princess, reached to the bond, //Master, I do believe that I am well enough versed in the 'art of diplomacy' that if the princess does not require - or want - my presence-//
His thought was abruptly cut off as another raced through the link, //Obi- Wan, you *are* coming with me, have no doubt about that. I have not the practice that you, my cheeky padawan, have when it comes to - lust - and would prefer not to be placed alone in a potentially compromising position.//
Nara clapped her hands together, "Excellent! Now, if you will excuse me, I will go freshen up for our outing. Meet me at the south entrance, near the gardens, in one standard hour. Proxa, come." She rose from her gilded throne, touching the hand of the maiden standing next to her - Proxa, apparently - and gracefully made her way down the seemingly infinite stone steps - their centers obscured by a carpet of deep crimson - handmaiden in tow. She brushed past Qui-Gon - accidentally, of course - and, as etiquette dictated, apologized profusely before flashing another smile - and the accompanying leer - and continuing on to her chambers.
* * *
The two walked down the hallway, each thankful there was no sentient near enough to shake their heads at the giggling or scold for grins which would, obviously, give the princess' fine skin premature wrinkles.
"He was even more gorgeous close up!" Nara skipped in front of Proxa, grabbing the girl's hands and forcing her to a stop, "And now, we're going for a walk in the garden. Oh, this is perfect!"
Proxa smiled. Yes, she thought, simply perfect.
Nara tightened her grip and pulled her handmaiden down the hallway, "Come along, we have work to do. I have to pick out a dress - something a bit less conservative, I think - redo my hair, pick out sandals to wear.and only an hour to do it!" Her face blanched at the thought of the miniscule amount of given time and she hastily released Proxa, forgot eighteen years of propriety, and sprinted to her room.
* * *
Nara walked down the hallway leading to the south entrance, Proxa beside her, each girl stunningly - though Proxa very simply - dressed in pale pastel chiffon, light and flowing. Nara's, however, clung so tightly to her thin frame that it made Obi-Wan wonder - though he was quite certain of the answer - exactly what would happen were she to attempt to bend.
The girls paused as the hallway ended and an archway opened into a large exiting chamber - actually, more of an overhang - opening into the lush palace gardens where waited two - as those gazing upon them would agree - images of pure perfection.
Forcing down the flush which threatened to overwhelm her cheeks, Nara - conscious of her dress' rather extreme constrictions on free movement - continued on towards the Jedi as Proxa took her place slightly behind the young princess.
"Now, remember Proxa. If all goes as planned - and it will," Nara turned her head only slightly - only enough for Proxa to observe the hungry smile gracing her lips, "we will meet at the eighteenth hour in the private dining room. There's nothing like a private dinner for tw- four after a day of - strenuous activity."
Her voice rose to slightly above normal - quite a few decibels above her conspiratorial last words - alerting the Jedi, had they not already been aware, to her presence. "Ah, Master Jinn, I apologize for the wait - my dear Proxa here had difficulties choosing a suitable dress."
Ignoring Proxa's annoyed glare at being blamed for her mistress' lengthy primping time, she continued, "Shall we go? I thought we might tour the gardens. Then I could show you around the city, get you better acquainted with my people and my planet."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon responded, bowing - and averting his eyes from the far greater, though he didn't believe it possible, amount of cleavage shown in this dress than its predecessor - Obi-Wan following in suit.
"Excellent." Nara looped her arm around Qui-Gon's, forcing him to begin walking down the well-cared for path, pointing out uniquely native plants and the occasional bird or tamed animal as the padawan and handmaiden, as dictated by their position - and the latter's preference - strolled a few steps behind.
* * *
"Come, now, let's go into the city."
Nara pulled her Jedi toy up to the cast iron gate, motioning for the guard to allow them passage, and exited. Both "shadows," as Nara had referred to them during her decidedly one sided conversation in the gardens - none of which actually pertained to the Jedi's mission, instead gravitating towards petty palace gossip - kept close behind, side by side.
The one noticeable difference between Qui-Gon's escort and the padawan's was that Obi-Wan's had not spoken a word during the entire - hour long - walk. A trait which, in itself, the boy would have preferred to Nara's rather longwinded tendency - if it were not for the looks.
She would sneak glances at him, when she believed him to be not paying attention. They would sweep across his body - lingering longer in certain areas - devouring his image, committing it to memory, and doing Force knows what to it inside her head.
It was not the length of the stares which bothered him - he had become accustomed to far longer - but their intensity. The raw desire gleaming in her eyes, honestly, creeped him out.
The tour continued, the princess constantly pointing out landmarks or greeting commoners who obviously had never seen let alone been spoken to by a monarch.
"Oh, they're just intimidated by you, Master Jinn. Never having seen a Jedi, it's enough to frighten almost anyone." The statement was followed by another of the girl's trademarked smiles.
She turned down a dimly alley. "This is the shortest way to the town square. There are some fascinating statues documenting the victory of the Thrimolans over the Eranas there that I just know you'll love." She turned to him again, "I am normally terrified to come this way, but with you here."
Her flattery was cut short by a small cry from behind.
Jedi master and princess turned, Qui-Gon's hand falling to his lightsaber then from it as he realized the problem.
Obi-Wan was kneeling at Proxa's side, gently examining her ankle. He turned it slightly and she gasped, pulling his hand away.
Nara hurried - as quickly as her gown would allow - to her friend's side, dropping down slowly, "Proxa, what happened?"
Proxa growled, grabbing a handful of the now torn gown and throwing it down, "I tripped over this damn dress." She rotated her foot slightly, grimacing, "I think my ankle might be sprained."
"Oh, poor thing! Perhaps this Jedi might be so kind as to help you," Nara gestured towards the still kneeling Obi-Wan.
He glanced briefly at the princess before responding, "Of course I would, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Owni-Wan," she said offhandedly, her attention back on Qui-Gon as she held out her hand to be helped up. "We will continue on, while you take her back to the palace."
With a subtle wink to Proxa, Nara - again attached at Qui-Gon's hip - walked out of the alleyway, already commenting on the architecture of another building - strikingly similar to all the other structures on Remula, though each had been deemed "unique" by the princess.
As the voices - mainly Nara's - faded, Obi-Wan turned back to Proxa, "Can you stand?"
He helped her up and held her while she gingerly put weight on her ankle, gasping almost instantly. She pulled her leg off the ground and leaned back into the padawan, "No, I don't think so."
Obi-Wan steadied her, "Fine, then I'll carry you." He lowered his arms, careful to keep the girl upright as he went down, and scooped her up, tucking the excess material trailing from her dress into his elbow so as not to trip and add a few more injuries to the broken ankle.
The handmaiden pulled her hands from the folds of her dress and wrapped them around the padawan's neck, burying her face in his worn-smooth robe.
"Are you comfortable?" Obi-Wan looked down, not able to suppress a smile. The girl was quite pretty, actually, and he didn't really mind her snuggling up against him. Not that he would entertain thoughts unbefitting of his Jedi training, but it was.nice.
She opened her eyes and pulled away slightly, a faint blush climbing into her cheeks, "Yes, very."
The blush soon left, but her gaze did not waver. The previous feeling of "niceness" had gone and in its place rose a strange unease - a fleeting glimmer of anxiety. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Is there something the matter?"
Proxa cocked her head and gave a half sort of smile, "No," she paused, pulling herself closer to him and, raising a hand, stroked the cropped hair, "Everything is perfect."
The girl then pulled herself up, her lips easily finding his, distracting the padawan as the small hypospray was positioned at the base of his skull. The kiss ended, the button depressed, and Obi-Wan's world went abruptly black.
Hmmm, things are getting interesting for our lovely padawan, no? What'd ya think? As always, be good lil Jedi and review.
"Of course, Master Jinn, but before we get down to business, I'd like to, perhaps, take a walk with you - your padawan may come, if he must."
Nara's smile - well practiced, for certain - seemed more fitting of a courtesan than a crowned princess, "We are, after all, going to be working together for some time - my mother has transferred all authority on Remula's entry into the Republic to me - and I believe I would feel more - comfortable - if I knew you better."
With a degree of control not needed since his own days as a padawan, the Jedi master responded, completely ignoring Her Highness' seductive tug at the neck of her already low-cut dress, "As you wish, Your Majesty." He bowed, "And I would prefer Obi-Wan to accompany us. He is still learning the art of diplomacy and would certainly benefit from any experience he can receive."
Obi-Wan, being no stranger to the desire practically pouring from the princess, reached to the bond, //Master, I do believe that I am well enough versed in the 'art of diplomacy' that if the princess does not require - or want - my presence-//
His thought was abruptly cut off as another raced through the link, //Obi- Wan, you *are* coming with me, have no doubt about that. I have not the practice that you, my cheeky padawan, have when it comes to - lust - and would prefer not to be placed alone in a potentially compromising position.//
Nara clapped her hands together, "Excellent! Now, if you will excuse me, I will go freshen up for our outing. Meet me at the south entrance, near the gardens, in one standard hour. Proxa, come." She rose from her gilded throne, touching the hand of the maiden standing next to her - Proxa, apparently - and gracefully made her way down the seemingly infinite stone steps - their centers obscured by a carpet of deep crimson - handmaiden in tow. She brushed past Qui-Gon - accidentally, of course - and, as etiquette dictated, apologized profusely before flashing another smile - and the accompanying leer - and continuing on to her chambers.
* * *
The two walked down the hallway, each thankful there was no sentient near enough to shake their heads at the giggling or scold for grins which would, obviously, give the princess' fine skin premature wrinkles.
"He was even more gorgeous close up!" Nara skipped in front of Proxa, grabbing the girl's hands and forcing her to a stop, "And now, we're going for a walk in the garden. Oh, this is perfect!"
Proxa smiled. Yes, she thought, simply perfect.
Nara tightened her grip and pulled her handmaiden down the hallway, "Come along, we have work to do. I have to pick out a dress - something a bit less conservative, I think - redo my hair, pick out sandals to wear.and only an hour to do it!" Her face blanched at the thought of the miniscule amount of given time and she hastily released Proxa, forgot eighteen years of propriety, and sprinted to her room.
* * *
Nara walked down the hallway leading to the south entrance, Proxa beside her, each girl stunningly - though Proxa very simply - dressed in pale pastel chiffon, light and flowing. Nara's, however, clung so tightly to her thin frame that it made Obi-Wan wonder - though he was quite certain of the answer - exactly what would happen were she to attempt to bend.
The girls paused as the hallway ended and an archway opened into a large exiting chamber - actually, more of an overhang - opening into the lush palace gardens where waited two - as those gazing upon them would agree - images of pure perfection.
Forcing down the flush which threatened to overwhelm her cheeks, Nara - conscious of her dress' rather extreme constrictions on free movement - continued on towards the Jedi as Proxa took her place slightly behind the young princess.
"Now, remember Proxa. If all goes as planned - and it will," Nara turned her head only slightly - only enough for Proxa to observe the hungry smile gracing her lips, "we will meet at the eighteenth hour in the private dining room. There's nothing like a private dinner for tw- four after a day of - strenuous activity."
Her voice rose to slightly above normal - quite a few decibels above her conspiratorial last words - alerting the Jedi, had they not already been aware, to her presence. "Ah, Master Jinn, I apologize for the wait - my dear Proxa here had difficulties choosing a suitable dress."
Ignoring Proxa's annoyed glare at being blamed for her mistress' lengthy primping time, she continued, "Shall we go? I thought we might tour the gardens. Then I could show you around the city, get you better acquainted with my people and my planet."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Qui-Gon responded, bowing - and averting his eyes from the far greater, though he didn't believe it possible, amount of cleavage shown in this dress than its predecessor - Obi-Wan following in suit.
"Excellent." Nara looped her arm around Qui-Gon's, forcing him to begin walking down the well-cared for path, pointing out uniquely native plants and the occasional bird or tamed animal as the padawan and handmaiden, as dictated by their position - and the latter's preference - strolled a few steps behind.
* * *
"Come, now, let's go into the city."
Nara pulled her Jedi toy up to the cast iron gate, motioning for the guard to allow them passage, and exited. Both "shadows," as Nara had referred to them during her decidedly one sided conversation in the gardens - none of which actually pertained to the Jedi's mission, instead gravitating towards petty palace gossip - kept close behind, side by side.
The one noticeable difference between Qui-Gon's escort and the padawan's was that Obi-Wan's had not spoken a word during the entire - hour long - walk. A trait which, in itself, the boy would have preferred to Nara's rather longwinded tendency - if it were not for the looks.
She would sneak glances at him, when she believed him to be not paying attention. They would sweep across his body - lingering longer in certain areas - devouring his image, committing it to memory, and doing Force knows what to it inside her head.
It was not the length of the stares which bothered him - he had become accustomed to far longer - but their intensity. The raw desire gleaming in her eyes, honestly, creeped him out.
The tour continued, the princess constantly pointing out landmarks or greeting commoners who obviously had never seen let alone been spoken to by a monarch.
"Oh, they're just intimidated by you, Master Jinn. Never having seen a Jedi, it's enough to frighten almost anyone." The statement was followed by another of the girl's trademarked smiles.
She turned down a dimly alley. "This is the shortest way to the town square. There are some fascinating statues documenting the victory of the Thrimolans over the Eranas there that I just know you'll love." She turned to him again, "I am normally terrified to come this way, but with you here."
Her flattery was cut short by a small cry from behind.
Jedi master and princess turned, Qui-Gon's hand falling to his lightsaber then from it as he realized the problem.
Obi-Wan was kneeling at Proxa's side, gently examining her ankle. He turned it slightly and she gasped, pulling his hand away.
Nara hurried - as quickly as her gown would allow - to her friend's side, dropping down slowly, "Proxa, what happened?"
Proxa growled, grabbing a handful of the now torn gown and throwing it down, "I tripped over this damn dress." She rotated her foot slightly, grimacing, "I think my ankle might be sprained."
"Oh, poor thing! Perhaps this Jedi might be so kind as to help you," Nara gestured towards the still kneeling Obi-Wan.
He glanced briefly at the princess before responding, "Of course I would, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Owni-Wan," she said offhandedly, her attention back on Qui-Gon as she held out her hand to be helped up. "We will continue on, while you take her back to the palace."
With a subtle wink to Proxa, Nara - again attached at Qui-Gon's hip - walked out of the alleyway, already commenting on the architecture of another building - strikingly similar to all the other structures on Remula, though each had been deemed "unique" by the princess.
As the voices - mainly Nara's - faded, Obi-Wan turned back to Proxa, "Can you stand?"
He helped her up and held her while she gingerly put weight on her ankle, gasping almost instantly. She pulled her leg off the ground and leaned back into the padawan, "No, I don't think so."
Obi-Wan steadied her, "Fine, then I'll carry you." He lowered his arms, careful to keep the girl upright as he went down, and scooped her up, tucking the excess material trailing from her dress into his elbow so as not to trip and add a few more injuries to the broken ankle.
The handmaiden pulled her hands from the folds of her dress and wrapped them around the padawan's neck, burying her face in his worn-smooth robe.
"Are you comfortable?" Obi-Wan looked down, not able to suppress a smile. The girl was quite pretty, actually, and he didn't really mind her snuggling up against him. Not that he would entertain thoughts unbefitting of his Jedi training, but it was.nice.
She opened her eyes and pulled away slightly, a faint blush climbing into her cheeks, "Yes, very."
The blush soon left, but her gaze did not waver. The previous feeling of "niceness" had gone and in its place rose a strange unease - a fleeting glimmer of anxiety. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Is there something the matter?"
Proxa cocked her head and gave a half sort of smile, "No," she paused, pulling herself closer to him and, raising a hand, stroked the cropped hair, "Everything is perfect."
The girl then pulled herself up, her lips easily finding his, distracting the padawan as the small hypospray was positioned at the base of his skull. The kiss ended, the button depressed, and Obi-Wan's world went abruptly black.
Hmmm, things are getting interesting for our lovely padawan, no? What'd ya think? As always, be good lil Jedi and review.