A week later, the Nest was visited by a messenger from the King. It seemed news of a new invention, the wind-mill, had reached him. The King was requesting Sir Talon's presence at court to explain and demonstrate a model of this new mill.

Deep in the night before Talon was to leave, he lay replete with his wife's silken cloud of hair blanketing them. Flora snuggled deeper into his embrace as the fire burned low. She was still amazed at all the 'lessons' she had so eagerly learned. For all the negative talk she had heard about the marriage bed, she was convinced all those sour women could not have possibly been more wrong. Instead of 'laying back and tolerating it,' as she had heard tell, Flora discovered that what passed between a man and woman was nothing short of paradise. Never had she dared dream that her place in her husband's arms could be so blissful.

Many a morn, she had reluctantly released her husband, only to watch quietly as he sat before the open window to meditate. She understood this act was very important to him and so tried her best to not disturb him. She always took a simple enjoyment in just watching him sit motionless. Indeed, she took great pleasure in watching him help train the young pages and squires, and train with the knights of the garrison.

She especially found joy in watching his graceful moves, as he sparred with no one in particular, as he ran through his private training in the quarry. On occasion she would accompany him there by torch light before even the sun was awake. She did not comprehend how Talon could possibly see where he was leaping in the dark, yet he never missed his footing.

For a week her bed would be empty and cold without her husband. She wished to the Great Spirit that she could accompany him. Instead, she closed her eyes tight and said a prayer asking that he be protected on this visit and return swiftly to her arms.

Above her, Talon echoed her thoughts. "Oh how I wish I could take you with me, Flora. A week without you will surely be a lesson in patience." He smoothed her mane away from her forehead and planted a gentle kiss upon her brow.

"I, too, wish to go with you Talon. But, there is still much work to be done. There are many acres of wheat that must yet be harvested. And the furthest-most village must be rebuilt after the attack yestermorn."

The mere thought of the destruction wrought, again by the renegade Ghost Knight brought harsh feelings to Talon's heart. No amount of meditation could erase the dark tinge now embedded within his soul. It brought fury to his blood whenever he heard word of this man's contempt for life and property.

Several times the Ghost had struck, yet each time he slipped away. The Ghost Knight was but a man; still he remained elusive. Talon found himself wishing he had the experience and the wisdom of a Jedi Master such as the venerable Master Yoda to lean upon.

Lessons on the Force taught that some Jedi could routinely decipher mysteries quickly and with great ease. As strong as he was in the Living Force, Talon was not one so blessed. Through the Force he could 'feel and read' what the land and the animals spoke of. Often times he could even listen in and participate in their conversations.

He knew he could, and would increase the land's potential by listening to it. Some days he laughed thinking that mayhap he should have been sent to the AgriCrops, instead of being chosen as a Padawan.

Still, for all his training, Talon could not track down one man. He forced his dark thoughts into a brighter direction as he felt his wife's hand caress his chest. Picking up her hand he slowly kissed each fingertip with an emotion that bordered on reverence to this woman the Force had decreed should be his heart-mate. Countless times in these many months since finding her Talon noticed how her breathing, her footsteps, and even her heartbeat would fall into synch with his whenever they came together. Many times they discovered together how their thoughts followed each other's, and not just in the bedroom either. They were one being. Should one die, they other would surely go mad with grief and slowly die of the heartache left by such an emptiness.

Despite the heavy tapestries covering the thick stone walls and the heavy shutters, an occasional cold draft would skitter through the rooms of the Keep. Talon felt a slight shiver wash over Flora's shoulder and cradled her closer; closer to his heart.

Peeping one eye open, Flora's breath caught in her throat at the sight by the fireplace. Two extra logs were maneuvering themselves onto the dying flames and the fire seemed to fan itself back to life. Within seconds, the fire was back to its merrily roaring self.

"Do not be afraid, Flora. Such small tricks are learned by the Jedi at a very early age. We are taught and trained to use our powers only to help others, never to harm." He held his breath as he waited for Flora's response. Would she accept him, or condemn him as a sorcerer to be reviled?

Leaning up on one elbow, she looked at the fire glowing brightly. Turning to face the man she married, she looked deep into his eyes. She trusted what her heart had to say about this man. She accepted him, without reservation for all that he was, even if she did not fully understand this stranger Fate and her god had decreed be hers.

Settling back into his embrace she made a soft request, "Tell me about the world you come from, Talon. I wish to know more about the man I love."

Letting out his breath in a whoosh he thought about this for a moment, "Where do I begin?"

A light kiss on his lips scrambled his thoughts. "Tell me of the land where you were born."

@}--- @}--- @}---

At Talon's urging, his destrier, Spirit, made the journey back to Falcon's Nest by the Sea in less time than it took to reach the King's court. Spirit could feel his master's joy at returning home and so merrily put a little more speed into his gallop.

Behind him, two of his retainers and Garret struggled to keep up. The meeting had been a success. He explained the workings of his windmill to the King's designers and left behind a miniature working model. To hide their ignorance, many nobles scoffed at the design. A few, wiser men took a keen interest in the design and spent time examining the model. Those with holdings near the sea immediately saw the benefit of capturing the wind to do the work for them.

All-in-all, it was a successful campaign. It amused Talon to hear the whispers behind his back. Some thought him a genius, while others made a hand sign to ward off evil. Again, it seemed he had garnered a reputation for being a sorcerer. At first, Talon chuckled at their naiveté; then he reminded himself that such behavior was not worthy of a Jedi. He should not scoff at them for their ignorance.

Approaching the Keep, Talon reached out to find his wife. He found her unique signature wandering through the forest. He smiled, knowing exactly where she was going. Often they would escape their duties to others and hide out for a few hours in their private sanctuary -- a secluded grove hidden within the forest near the Keep. 'Twas was the very same grove which gave him shelter the night before he entered the world of the Falcon's Nest by the Sea.

Turning to his companions, he told them to ride ahead. He would join them all for dinner later. As he and Spirit stood in the road, watching them disappear over the hill, Talon felt his blood stir for his desert rose. His heart pounded with anticipation as he recalled the memory of her white mane swirling about them as they made love.

Shifting in his saddle to ease the tightness swelling in his chausses, Talon turned his mount into the forest.

@}--- @}--- @}---

Often times Flora would meet her husband here for a mid-day tryst. She smiled as she recalled the joy of lying in his arms, listening to the small stream bubble up in a pool. More than once, after a hard day of either working with the men on the practice field, or sorting through and managing supplies, they would meet here in secret. A leisurely dip in the pool to wash away the dust and grime of the day would leave them both refreshed and invigorated for some other rigorous activity. Together, they discovered the pleasures of being outside and enjoying all nature had to offer.

Something niggled inside her brain this day. Ever since waking, Flora had the odd notion that today Talon would return -- one day early. She instructed the kitchen staff to make preparations for a small feast tonight. With a curious look, but without question, they set themselves to the task of preparing several of their Lord's favorite dishes.

Satisfied that all was in order, Flora escaped into the woods with a picnic basket and a blanket. Somehow, she just *knew* she would find him there this day. The thought of his strong arms wrapped around her as they rolled, naked in the sun within the shelter of *their* grove brought a heated blush to her skin. A smile crept upon her lips as a shiver of anticipation skipped up her spine.

Songbirds chirped noisily, and a squirrel chattered loudly as more humans invaded his domain. The pond bubbled its welcome as a small forest creature quickly rose its head to sniff the air and then bound away into the brush.

Nearby, a twig snapped softly. Knowing her husband liked the way her thick mane flowed down her back in waves, like the sea, Flora reached behind her to remove the cap and net that held her locks in place. Her fingers made quick work of unraveling her braided crown.

Before Flora could turn, a pair of hands yanked her backwards against a hard chest. One hand clamped tightly across her mouth while another held both her wrists firmly locked in place across her waist. The stench of a body unwashed for far too long a time assailed her nostrils. The breath of the harsh voice rasping in her ear was equally foul.

"Well, well. Look a wot we 'ave 'ere. A tasty 'lil morsel unwappin' 'er self fo us."

A man dressed in filthy rags stepped before Flora, eyeing her like a hungry dog. " 'Et's see wot else dis 'ere morsel 'as ta offer a starvin' man." With leaves and twigs matted into his greasy hair, a second beast licked his chops as he came forward.

She was surrounded by three men who looked more beast than human. With sword and battle axe, they presented a frightening sight. Worse, they each wore a necklace strung with human ears.

Flora watched in horror as he reached for her with hands black as the dirt that covered his face. She screamed as he touched her breasts, but the sound was stifled by the hand locking her head into place against the shoulder of the beast holding her. She tried to squirm away from the hands squeezing her as though testing the ripeness of a melon.

"Oh...aye," this one grinned. "These melons be ripe. 'Ets see wot dey look like, eh, mates?"

Flora screamed again and redoubled her efforts, to no avail. While she and the other women of the Nest could aid in defense of the Keep with bows and arrows, fighting one-on-one was entirely another matter. She discovered she had not the strength to effectively fight back. Even pounding all she could onto her captor's foot did nothing, but make them laugh.

Rriiipp The sound of her tunic and undershirt being shredded echoed loudly through the grove. Flora again screamed. Never had she given any thought to her safety here in this hidden grove -- it was so well hidden even she did not know about it, even though she and her brother had played many a game of hide-and-seek in this forest as children.

Now Flora wished her guards would disobey her orders to stay at the entrance to the forest. With the Ghost Knight yet harassing the Nest and without the Falcon's presence, her cousin had ordered the guards to keep watch over her during their Lord's absence. Respecting their Lady's wishes for privacy, the guards kept their distance and allowed her to enter the forest alone. No one she trusted heard her cries for help.

She gagged when a slimy mouth began sucking hard on her bared breast. Suddenly the wind was knocked out of her and she saw the sky above her through the opening in the tree canopy above her.

A new voice reached her ears. "Now, now boys, the master sez 'e wonts dis one in one piece 'an not be 'armed. 'Ets 'ust do our job so's we kin 'et payed."

"Awww, but you ain't no fun," the first beast said.

The second responded, " 'E never sayed we could no 'ave a wee bit o fun 'irst, did 'e? Nay, 'e did not."

As one beast held her ankles in place, again she kicked. He just laughed at her futile efforts, " 'ay now, dat tickles." With a wicked grin he pinned both her ankles together with one huge hand. " 'Wot say I give you a tickle o' me own." With one hand he reached for the string that held up his dirt encrusted chausses.

Biting down as hard as she could, Flora drew blood from the hand that held back her screams. As quickly as the filthy hand was jerked back, she screamed as if her life depended on it. She was cut short by a hard slap to her cheek.

Above her, the beast glared at her with a malicious spark in his eyes. "Ye ought not 'ave done dat, me fair bitch!" he hissed. "Now I will 'ave ta 'each ye a lesson fo dat," He pulled his arm back for another slap.

Flora saw red and felt a hot spray wash over her. A sharp, coppery tang permeated her sense of smell. A glimpse to the side made her stomach lurch as a pair of empty eyes stared off into the brush. As a heavy weight fell across her legs she realized one body was now without a head. The beast who had struck her had been cut in twain.

The first beast, who still held her down, gurgled in his own blood as a sword was pulled free from his chest. He lived long enough to witness the Falcon Lord raise his hand toward the third man and without a word send him crashing backwards into the trunk of an ancient oak.

@}--- @}--- @}---

At his master's command, Spirit retraced his steps out of the forest and hurried around to the path leading directly from the Keep into the forest. Pawing the ground and snorting, he waited.

Shaken by the attack and near rape, Flora found herself wrapped in a brown robe. The cloth held the familiar scent of her husband. At first, she fought against being lifted, until her body recognized the feel of the strong arms that held her. True to her mettle, soon she began protesting to be set down so she could walk back on her own. Her protests were weak and she quickly gave in as the rhythm of the destrier's gallop lulled her into a light nap for the short ride back.

Nearing the gate, Talon began shouting orders. Immediately, several of the garrison left to retrieve the only survivor. Each felt a burning anger that anyone would dare threaten their Mistress. The friar was sent after them with a wagon to collect the guards Talon discovered dead. Their throats had been cut and each had an ear sliced off as a grisly trophy. The guards would be given an honorable burial; the attacker's bodies would be dumped over the cliff and cast into the ocean on the outgoing tide.

A hot bath was quickly assembled and a hot meal, likewise, sent up to the Falcon Lord's chamber. The Nest was quiet that evening, all were still in shock that someone would dare harm their beloved Lady Falcon.

As Talon gently washed the blood and dirt from his Lady-wife's body, her clothing from that day burned to a fine ash in the fireplace. In the morning the ash would be cast into the sea, never to taint the land.

As Flora sparingly ate what her Lord-husband offered her, the knights of Falcon's Nest took turns standing watch over the prisoner. Each made clear his displeasure of the beast they held below the Nest.

As morning drew near and the guard again changed, a shadow slipped unseen into the dungeon. Just as silently, it disappeared. As the next guard came to take his shift, he discovered why the prisoner held his tongue silent.

As the sun rose, and assured that Flora slept deeply, Talon went to interrogate the prisoner. He was informed the prisoner's throat had been cut. He spoke with each knight who stood guard that night. He knew that despite his orders to the contrary, they had beaten the prisoner, yet he felt each spoke true when they denied having killed the beast.

Knowing they had gone against orders, the knights accepted their punishment in silence. Their Lord ordered they go three days with only a half-ration of bread and water while continuing their daily activities, and with extra training thrown in for good measure. Every knight who was present took part in the punishment, including those who had not stood guard, yet did nothing to prevent the abuse of the prisoner. Those who were in no way involved were excused.

Investigating the dungeon himself, Talon found only the hidden passageway had been disturbed. Following the tunnel he made a sorrowful discovery. There had been a witness to the prisoner's murder. Young Garret would also receive an honorable burial. As the prisoner, his throat had likewise been slashed.

Talon followed the tunnel to its end-point. It opened behind a wall in the stable. This was how the killer was able to come in unseen and forever silence the prisoner. Less than a small handful knew of this secret passage. Someone had used it to commit a cold-blooded murder to keep the man and the witness silent. But silent about what? And what, if any, did this have to do with the Ghost Knight? Was Flora still a target, as she had mentioned when they talked before she fell asleep? Casting out into the Force, Talon found no immediate answers. He would meditate on this later when the rage in his blood had cooled.

Later that day, Flora began her routine as usual, insisting to all that she had fully recovered from the attack. After all, she explained, the harvest of winter wheat had to be completed before the barley harvest could begin.

@}--- @}--- @}---

After dinner, Talon drew Flora aside for a walk along the top-most parapets. Here, above the Nest, they would watch the sun set and the stars twinkle to life. They went over what they knew about the attack and the tunnels.

'Twas clear by their manner of dress the men who attacked Flora were not from the demesne. Flora and Talon took pride in the fact that their people had enough to eat and good clothing to wear, and knew the importance of good hygiene. The attackers were the opposite of this and so must have come from elsewhere. Their indication that they were ordered specifically to abduct her unharmed also held much import.

Flora saw the importance of learning to defend herself and before he could bring up the suggestion himself, she asked Talon to teach her. Early the next morning, she would begin her new lessons that might one day save her life.

Over the next several weeks, Flora took to her lessons with great speed. She became proficient and Talon was very proud of her. Even after proving her skill, he made certain she stayed on her guard by sneaking up on her and thus testing her. If she could subdue him, she won a round in bed with him. If she did not, he won a tumble with her. Either way, it was a win- win situation.

@}--- @}--- @}---

The nights began to hold a chill as the days grew shorter. Autumn made its presence known in the colors of the countryside. The fields with different crops ready for harvest showed off in all their colorful glory. Brilliant oranges, golden yellows, rich reds and hearty browns were everywhere.

Autumn was not only the time to harvest, but also the time to celebrate the good fortune the year brought to one and all. As the first crops were ready to be brought in, people from one corner of the demesne would come to help. Then when other, later crops were ready, the favor would be cheerfully returned.

Several settlements specialized in a certain crop or herd. Contests were held to see who could finish picking a row first, or who could round up the cattle the fastest, or who could catch a greased pig. There were no losers and everyone had a wonderful time. Often the noisy celebrations would continue until the sun came up the next morning and the revelers would have to work the fields with a hangover, swearing never to do such ever again -- until the next year.

In each case, a small party was held to celebrate the Harvest Offering and give thanks to the Great Spirit. Some of the pick of the crop was burned in gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Talon fell in love with his land and his people all over again. He admired the way they worked together as an efficient team to get the work completed. For the first time, the people of Falcon's Nest by the Sea saw their Lord and Lady working side-by-side in the field to bring in the plentiful crops.

@}--- @}--- @}---

The fields of barely were the last major crop to be harvested. After several days of intense labor the Falcon Lord ordered a few days of rest.

Talon took this time to relax with his heart-mate. Even though they had seen each other everyday and had worked side-by-side, they missed each other's touch with a desire that was ready to explode.

The day was pleasantly warm and the skies blue when they were at last able to make their escape. Hidden from the rest of the world by the tall shafts of grain, Talon and Flora enjoyed a peaceful day together. As they fed off each other's fingertips, one hunger was replaced by a stronger, more passionate one. The warm sun gently kissed their skin as they made love deep in the fields. The gentle breeze caressed them as their hands and lips followed its trace. This would be a glorious day neither would forget. This day became etched within their memory as they explored, once again, every swell and dip, every angle and plain of each other's body.



_____You'll remember me when the west wind moves_____

_____Upon the fields of barley. _____

_____You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky_____

_____As we walk in fields of gold. _____

Talon's eyes turned a darker shade of brown as he watched his love slowly pull her shirt over her head and cast it aside.

_____So she took her love_____

_____For to gaze awhile_____

_____Upon the fields of barley. _____

Her aqua-teal eyes grew more teal as she boldly caressed the man reclining before her.

_____In his arms she fell as her hair came down_____

_____Among the fields of gold. _____

As Talon reached for her, Flora's cloud of white silk fell to envelop them as she leans to capture his lips with hers.

She captured his head betwixt her hands and asked,

_____"Will you stay with me will you be my love_____

_____Among the fields of barley? _____

_____We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky_____

_____As we lie in fields of gold." _____

Her eyes filled with tears of love and joy, yet Talon sensed a feeling of great unease growing inside her.

_____See the west wind move like a lover so_____

_____Upon the fields of barley. _____

He rolled her over and bent to capture her lips. She wrapped her arms across his bare back to embrace him and pull him closer to her heart.

_____Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth_____

_____Among the fields of gold. _____

He felt her passion flowing through her as he stroked her cheek and he told her,

_____"I never made promises lightly, _____

_____And there have been some that I've broken. _____

_____But I swear in the days still left_____

_____We will walk in fields of gold_____

_____We will walk in fields of gold. _____

_____"Many years (will pass since these summer days) _____

_____Among the fields of barley. _____

_____See (our) children run as the sun goes down_____

_____Among the fields of gold." _____

She ran her fingers softly over his brow to push a stray lock away. Looking deep into his eyes she vowed,

_____"You'll remember me when the west wind moves_____

_____Upon the fields of barley. _____

_____You can tell the sun in his jealous sky_____

_____When we walked in fields of gold..." _____



Slowly tracing lazy figures upon Flora's skin, Talon lay entwined within her embrace, basking in the afterglow of their ever-present passion for each other.

The air around him chilled as a cloud drifted across the sun. Talon felt the chill seep into his very soul. Yet, when he looked skyward he saw only clear skies. A sea-falcon, without its mate made a mournful cry as it circled overhead.

He recognized the chill for what it was -- a shift in the Force. A slight echo of Darkness called to him from over the horizon. 'Twas a warning of something to come.

A splash of wetness burning over his heart drew his attention to his bride. He brought her up with him as he realized she was crying. Cradling her in his arms he brushed the tears away and turned her chin to look into her eyes.

"What is wrong, Flora? What makes you weep so?"

In his arms, he felt her shudder as her sobs continued to crash through her. He waited patiently as her tears slowly quieted. Finally, she was able to speak in a hoarse whisper. She cradled her husband's face betwixt her hands and gazed directly into his soul and heart. "I do not want to loose you! For I would surely die without you, my Lord-husband! Do not leave me! Promise you will not leave me!"

Confused by her plea Talon cradled her closer. "I do not understand. What makes you think I would ever leave you? You are my wife -- and my life. I would never leave you. You are my very heart! How can anyone live without a heart? What makes you think I would ever willingly leave you?"

Flora's eyes yet watered like the ocean at high tide as she fought to gain her breath. "I had a horrible dream, Talon... I dreamt that Fate would tear us both apart. That we would be ripped apart in time."

This and the darkness he felt looming on the horizon disturbed Talon greatly. He vowed to fight whatever the future held for them and he would never let her go. He silently amended that vow -- he would fight even the Council if that be what it took to keep his beloved by his side.

The rest of the day Talon did all he could to lift her spirit and his own. They wandered across the demesne in whichever direction the wind took them. Together they expressed the pride they had in this land.

@}--- @}--- @}---

A week later, standing beside her husband, Flora rested her hands upon the stone ledge of their rooftop get-away and admired the pounding fury of the storm building out to sea. Lightening struck the violent waters in a colorful display of reds, blues, violets, and gold. The booming thunder carried to their ears as they watched the spectacle from above the Nest. This, or the seacave along the beach, was their favorite place from which to watch the sea. Seaspray was flung high from the cliff that guarded the Nest's back.

The fine mist brought with it the energizing scent of the seawaves and settled like tiny pearls in the crown of Flora's white braids. Several tendrils curled along her temple as the wind continued to pluck more from the security of her braided crown. Behind her, as a backdrop, the sea rose and fell in the same aqua-teal color as her eyes. The sea-foam whipped away as the waves crested was the same soft white as her hair. Talon wished with all his heart that he could snap a holo-pic of her. Never had she looked more beautiful than this.

Her voice broke the spell she had cast over the moment. "I give thanks to the Great Spirit that we were able to bring in the last of the harvest yesterday. Often times, these winter seastorms can destroy the crops before they can be brought in. Your idea to enlarge the granaries was a wise move. You seem to have a great many ideas, Talon," she said smiling up to him.

Talon shrugged, "I am grateful I have the knowledge and skill to be able to help our people, my love."

The thunder grew louder as the storm came nearer to the Nest. The turbulent clouds roiled as they blotted out the rest of the sun's warmth. A frisson of energy snaked across their skin as a bolt of golden lightening struck the sea. The wind grew stronger. Another bolt of lightening struck behind Falcon's Nest, closer than the last.

He could feel the storm's energy building in a way he had never experienced before. Raising his voice above the howl of the wind Talon turned to his Lady-wife. "Come, Flora, 'tis ti--" A crack of thunder drowned out his words.

Flora tugged her cloak tighter about her as she nodded. She raised her hand toward her husband's out-stretched palm.

A jolt of energy sliced through them as a golden bolt of lightening struck betwixt where they stood.

When the storm passed, the people of Falcon's Nest by the Sea slowly crept outside to survey the damage. Part of the upper-most parapet had been struck by nature's fury and blown apart. Nowhere could the Lord and Lady of the Nest be found. Nor could their bodies.

'Twas well known that their Lord and Lady would often times stand above all and admire nature's beauty as the sun set into the sea. The people of The Nest could only surmise the storm they had walked out to admire had struck them down and burned the bodies to an ash that was then blown away on the wind.

For the entire winter the people mourned the loss of Sir Talon and Lady Flora. Falcon's Nest by the Sea had lost its heart...

@}--- @}--- @}---

To be continued in: _A Jedi's Heart (Lost Love)Part 2: Coruscant._