It's been a very long time since I updated any story. I've started about a dozen new ones, but updates have been scarce. I did finish this one, so with any luck, I can update more often. Enjoy!

Zanthia's POV

I stepped into the room to find every light turned on, as if the person inside wanted to make sure he or she was seen. From my far left I heard a voice I never thought I'd hear again. I almost dropped my lightsaber.

"I see you got my message." Saganu said, stepping out from behind a counter in the kitchen area, holding what looked like a glass of wine. "Can I get you a drink?'

I was speechless. Saganu was standing in front of me, his personal calm just as reassuring as it had been back on Hoth. It had been two years, but he seemed unchanged by the time, though I had to admit, he did seem more relaxed. It might have been the fact he was wearing casual attire instead of his official uniform. He chuckled softly, obviously amused by my shock.

"I see my surprise has been effective. You must forgive me for turning up like this, but I was deeply troubled by the way we parted company back on Hoth. I wished to say goodbye to you in a much more...personable way, but I didn't want to cause you trouble with your master." While he spoke, he poured a second glass of wine.

He approached me, handing me the wine. I took it, having pulled myself out of the stupor I was in from seeing Saganu. I ran through a calming technique in my head, trying to slow my heart. The technique didn't work fast enough, so I took a long sip from the glass.

"How'd you know I'd be on Nar Shaddaa?" I asked, returning my weapon to my belt and taking another sip of the wine. Normally, I would be more leery of someone secretly luring me into his room, but deep down, I trusted Saganu. If he had wanted to do me harm, he would have two years ago, when I was his captive.

"I'm slightly embarrassed to tell you this, but I've had your ship tracked, since I learned you got a ship of your own. I was waiting for the day you would land on a planet where I could arrange a discreet meeting, without putting either of us in mortal danger. Nar Shaddaa seemed like the perfect location."

"You've been stalking me?" I asked, only slightly joking. I found the idea that he had been tracking my activities disturbing. I trusted him, but not completely, particularly as it pertained to his loyalties. He was an ally of the Empire, after all.

"I've been keeping track of where you fly, but have not been going so far as to getting into your business. I knew you were on a planet, but I didn't wish to know why. It was and still is none of my business. I hope you can forgive my rudeness."

I thought about it for a moment, then shrugged. "It's a bit unnerving to learn I've been tracked, considering I should have discovered the tail long before now, on my own, but since you haven't tried to interfere with or even learn about my business, I guess I can forgive you. I have to think about more than just me, but also the security of the Jedi Order and the Republic."

Saganu held a hand up. "I assure you, my interest in you is purely personal. I've been searching for a woman like you for a long time. It's rare to meet a true red flame and I wasn't about to let you go so easily."

"Red flame?" I asked.

"Let me explain." He said, guiding me to a couch at the far end of the room. I took a seat and he sat next to me, turning so he could address me properly without invading my personal space. He was being overly careful with his movements.

"A red flame is a Chiss who is an ideal state of perfection. They possess cunning, courage and discipline rarely found in other species. You're a perfect representation of our kind."

I mouth fell open before I could catch myself. I placed my wine glass down on the table by the couch, not wanting to drop it on the floor. I had no idea he thought so highly of me. Though flattering, I had a feeling the conversation was about to head in an uncomfortable direction.

"You see, I come from a noble family. Various members of my family have tried, over the years, to introduce me to women, believing a noble man of my age should not be alone. Those women were mostly trophies. They looked good on my arm at functions, but had little other purpose. I desire a woman who is my equal. One who can look nice on my arm, but also sit next to me at a diplomatic table and fight by my side during battle. I was beginning to lose hope in finding such a person, until I met you."

"What are you saying?" I asked softly, almost a whisper.

"I've learned about the ways of the Jedi and I realize what I'm about to ask of you will most likely go against your teachings. I also admit, I'm almost old enough to be your father, but I could not live with myself if I didn't at least ask." He put his wine glass down next to mine and took my hands in his. "I wish to take you as my mate."

I couldn't find any words and I was trembling like a leaf. I sat quietly for several minute, my brain stubbornly refusing to focus on anything but the feel of my hands in his.

"Saganu, I don't know…" I started, but he stopped me before I could continue. I honestly didn't know what I was going to say anyway and was relieved he interrupted.

"You don't need to answer now. I plan to stay on Nar Shaddaa for as long as you're here. I request a chance for you to get to know me outside of what was learned on Hoth. I wish for you to see the real me and then, regardless of your answer, I can go home knowing I tried."

"This has never happened to me. I literally have no idea what to say right now."

Saganu chuckled again. "Then say nothing. Go back to your ship. Relax. Collect your thoughts. I would very much like to have dinner with you tomorrow, once you've recovered."

I nodded, trying to stand, but not knowing if my legs would hold me. I was relieved that I succeeded and, more shockingly, was steady on my feet. Three cheers for Jedi training. Saganu walked me to the door, kissing my hand before wishing me goodnight.

I somehow made it back to my ship, though I honestly didn't remember walking there. Some mighty Jedi I was, turning into a zombie over one question.

One question I had no idea how to answer.

To Be Continued...