::takes pity on Kassi:: Okay, okay. I'll update it again. Happy? Teehee. But ONLY 'cause you're, like, so sweet.

Joren - terror of the seas, and Keladry - terror of the shadows…I thought that was so clever of me. .

::stares:: Pie? You gave me a PIE??? ::throws pie at Seadragon:: I don't want a pie! I want COOKIES!! Wait…what kind is it? Blueberry, you say? Well…maybe just a bite. ::scrapes pie off Seadragon and eats it::

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Jehani bowed before her Dark Creator.

"You called for me service, Master?" she asked humbly. Her red locks fell to the floor as she bowed.

"Indeed," he muttered. "I want you to rid me of this girl," he said, disdainfully gesturing toward Anesia. "She's worthless. I should have done her as I did you; just take out half her soul, not all of it."

"What is wrong with Lady Anesia, Master?" she asked.

"She's just a shell," he grumped. "You still have spunk. She's boring."

"I see."

Jehani squirmed underneath the Master's intent gaze. He reached out and fingered one long coppery tress.

"You're very beautiful, Jehani," he whispered, running his fingers down her face. She shivered.

It was an honor to be touched kindly by the Master. Jehani was giddy with eagerness; she could not wait to rub it in her fellow followers' faces. His handsome face was suddenly inches away, and she suppressed a squeal. Then his lips were on hers, and she threw her arms around his neck, heedless of the unspoken rules that stated she was not allowed to do so.

"How old are you, Jehani?" he asked.

She replied, giving the answer she was supposed to, "Seven, Master."

"No," he said. "How old are you really?"

Jehani frowned. "It…It is not my place to say."

"Would you like it to be?" he continued. "I can make you your proper age."

Jehani blinked. "Would you do that?" she whispered hopefully, arms still around his neck. Her age…if he could do that, then she could be the woman she was meant to be. She could be with her Master, and many of the handsome men on board that ship – they could not deny her – but most of all, she could be with him…Joren.

"I would," he said gravely. "Now, how old are you?"

In a soft, quietly hopeful voice, she whispered, "I am...I am eighteen."

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"Where's Jehani?" Joren asked curiously.

Ray looked ready to strangle him. "Don't speak her name," he hissed. "It's bad luck! If you must refer to he at all, call her the Captain!"

"Who?" Joren asked sweetly. "You mean, Jehani?"

Ray's eyes bulged. "Stop it!"

"Jehani."

"If you say that name ONE MORE TIME, I'm going to stick MY foot up YOUR ass!"

"…"

Ray nodded and began walking again.

"…JehaniJehaniJehaniJehaniJehaniJehaniJehani!"

"AAAHHH!"

Ray leaped at him, his face beet-red and livid. Joren squeaked and ducked. The boy toppled over him and landed with a thud.

"Apparently Ray needs to learn how to fight."

Ray turned, prepared to bow to Jehani, and stopped, mouth dropping open in shock. Joren, flummoxed, turned also, and stumbled back.

Jehani was no longer seven. She looked to be almost his age, maybe younger. She was gorgeous; ten times that of Queen Thayet. Her jaw swept angularly into her perfectly full rosy mouth. Her thick copper hair was midway her thighs, the bright silky framing her lovely face, lit with eyes of blackest night. She was daintily small, a head shorter that Joren, with elegant limbs that swayed gracefully.

"Captain?" Ray managed. "What happened?" Still in a daze, he hurried on, "If you don't mind me asking."

Jehani smiled coolly, lips raised enough to reveal perfect teeth. "I grew up," she said, her rich voice smooth and husky.

"Apparently," Joren drawled lazily. He could feel himself warming under her hot, dark gaze, and he shifted his weight casually. "But how, might I ask?"

Ray nudged the blond frantically. "Don't question her," he squeaked.

"You should stop being such a wimp," he mumbled, swatting him away and turning expectantly toward the girl – no, woman.

She had a grin on her face now. "Someone I know changed me," she murmured, stepping closer to him, enough so that he could feel her warm breath on his neck. He quickly turned his gaze out to sea, letting his gaze roam over the colors of the setting sun.

It was red. Like blood. Like roses. Like copper hair…

No!

Joren calmly stepped away, his body struggling to undo that and take this beauty into his arms, wanting to kiss her passionately and touch those curves.

Bad, Joren! BAD!

Squarely meeting Jehani's sultry gaze, he clenched his fists at his side. He was dimly aware of Ray inconspicuously leaving, but he was so caught up in his battle of wills that he barely noticed. Jehani took a step forward. He stepped back. Forward. Back. Forward. Back.

Damn.

His back was now flat against the wall. Like a tigress hunting her pray, Jehani grinned and stepped forward. Her body was up against his, and she slowly stood on her tiptoes to brush her lips against his. They were soft and wet, pliable like water, and warm. Involuntarily, his arms wrapped around her slim waist.

"Come to my cabin," she whispered, fingering his shirt buttons enticingly.

Joren could not refuse, and he hated himself for being so weak.

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Stupid Jehani…I'm so caught up in this fic I accidentally called my dog Jehani. That's kinda sad. He looked at me like I was crazy. X.X