Chapter 3: Telos

It had only taken a short 15 minute shuttle ride to get to Telos' surface and Kianna had thoroughly enjoyed the scenery the closer they got to the planet. It had only been a few months since she had been here but she could clearly see that the restoration was beginning to take effect again. The Ithorians must be working hard, she thought to herself as the shuttle flew over fields of green grass blowing in the wind, fireflies dancing in the air and the soft glow of the moon outlining the rolling hills.

As the small shuttle opened its doors Carth offered his hand to Kianna and helped her out. He led her off the beaten path and through some trees to the beach, holding her hand the entire way. She had made no effort to take her hand back after he helped her off the shuttle and he wasn't about to complain.

When they finally reached his favorite spot on the beach, they sat down in the sand and stared out at the ocean. It was silent except for the faint sound of waves lapping at the shore. Kianna could see every star in the sky and she felt the warmth of the breeze flowing in her hair. If it weren't for the trials that still lay ahead she would be perfectly content spending the rest of her life right here. Carth and Kianna made small talk for several minutes until they both slipped back into a peaceful silence. Carth let out a sigh and lay down on his back, his hands resting behind his head.

"So Carth, tell me. How did you end up with Revan anyway?"

"Somehow I knew this question would come up! Well if you really want to know I guess I'll tell you. It was about 4 years ago and the Jedi Civil Wars were tearing through the Galaxy. Revan and I were both stationed on a Republic Ship, the Endar Spire…"

Kianna ran down to the shoreline and struggled to kick off her boots and hooded robe so that she could play in the waves. Carth laughed as a big wave snuck up behind her and almost knock her over. He took off his own boots and ran out to join her. They ran around and splashed it each other like little kids, laughing and carrying on without a care. I feel so alive! I haven't done anything like this since…well since Morgana…She'd laugh if she could only see me now...

Just as Carth was turning around to splash Kianna he stumbled over his own feet and fell face first into the water. As he got up dripping wet he could hear her laughter as she clutched her stomach and giggled uncontrollably. "You think this is funny do you?" he said with his eyebrow raised.

"Yes…I mean…no…NO! Of course not! It's totally NOT funny..." more laughing

Carth took several large strides until he was standing right in front of her and then he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down into the water. They both came up laughing even though they were both completely soaked.

Kianna suddenly became aware of how close to her he actually was. She could see that piece of hair that kept falling in his face and she noticed how his wet shirt clung to his chest. He reached out and pulled her closer and they stood there staring into each other's eyes. No, no I can't do this. I'm leaving tomorrow and I probably won't make it out alive. I can't hurt him…I can't, I can't I can't….Kianna caught herself laying her hand on his chest and bringing her lips dangerously close to his.

"Carth, I can't…I…I'm leaving tomorrow and I...well let's just say the odds are against me. I don't want to make leaving any harder than it already will be…" she whispered.

"What are you talking about? Look I'm not asking you to stay here with me or anything."

"No, no it's not that. Trust me, if I could I'd love to stay here…with you…"

"I don't understand. What are you trying to say?"

"Look Carth, I've leaving for Malachor V tomorrow and I-"

"What? You're going to that planet?"

"I have to. The whole galaxy is in danger and in order to save it I have to destroy the evil at Malachor V."

"I'm going with you."

"Carth…you can't. I don't want anyone else to get hurt. Please…"

"I'm not letting you go by yourself. Look I know we barely know each other, but I feel…alive when I'm with you. I can't let that feeling go. Not after I've spent these all these years searching for it. Please…"

She could see the sincerity in his eyes. If she left without him and she died, he'd be heartbroken. If she took him with her and she died, he'd be heartbroken. Either way he would be heartbroken, she might as let him come with her if only to make him feel better. "Well, if you really want to then…I guess you can come."

"Good. You are going to need all the help you can get. I'll meet you at the Shuttle Bay tomorrow morning."

"I-uh…ok."

"Here take this passcard. You can use it to catch a shuttle ride back to Citadel Station. The guards won't give you any trouble."

"Thank you... For everything Carth. I'll see you in the morning." Kianna looked up and gave him a peck on the cheek.With that Kianna turned around and headed back up the path towards the landing pad. Carth watched her leave as he fought off the stronge urge to call her back.

I had lots of fun writing this chapter as well. I love to see Carth acting carefree and happy! D