Drey traversed the ship’s corridors, taking the shortest route possible. His boots echoed with each step and kept the relentless pace until he approached Tishomba’s quarters. With a smooth movement, his hand reached out and pressed the button. He stepped back to wait to be allowed to enter. As the seconds ticked into minutes, he shifted in place. His mind had been locked on this moment causing him enough distractions. He lingered on the sensation of making someone stronger than himself squirm and wiggle. The thought of power caused his mouth to flicker up into a smile. 

[color=orangered]"Come."[/color] Tishombra didn't mince words. She'd been looking forward to seeing Drey again. Anticipation made her smile all day.

As Drey opened the door, he was greeted with a dinner that looked like it should have been at the captain's table. Tishombra was dressed in a semi sheer navy wrap. She had something on underneath but it was obscured and not entirely visible. It seemed like the wrap floated  around her. 

The aroma hit him first causing Drey to inhale deeply, his mouth watered on the inside. He swallowed when his eyes shifted to Tishombra. His head visibly tilted up then down, following her subtle curves through the thin fabric. Very little was left to the imagination. At least, in his imagination after the first coupling. Words escaped him as he edged in, but the boyish smile still creep onto his face. 

“I have to say, I’m liking what I’m seeing.” 

Tishombra smiled. [color=orangered]"I thought you might. Better food."[/color] She moved closer, her hair loose and swaying in time with her hips.

“Any food can be better than my cooking.” He commented, noting his bland tasting attempts to produce something edible. His eyes followed her. Absorbing each step and sway, recalling the sensation of exploring her. His upper teeth bit his lower lip while he struggled to not cover the distance she created between them.  

“I see your favorite hobby is teasing the hell out of me.” Drey joked as he stepped toward the table, ready to take the nearest seat. 

[color=orangered]"I thought it was a shared hobby."[/color] Tishombra sat down in the chair opposite him and gestured to the meal. [color=orangered]"By all means sit. You seem famished."[/color]

The meal was simple. Salad and steaks. There was a bottle of wine opened to breathe. 

Drey accepted the offer as he pulled the chair out and took a seat, pushing himself into place. With a normal woman, he would’ve had her seated first. He doubted his efforts would’ve been appreciated by a Sith unless requested. They valued strength and independence, seeking company only to satisfy their lustful needs. He wondered how much of this thought rang true for Tishomba who seemed to enjoy his open affection. 

Sitting straight, his eyes turned to her expecting her to join him. He had to admit the meal was better quality than those he ate with the rest of the crew. It didn’t mean it was bad, it just lacked any notable taste or texture.   

[color=orangered]"How long will you be on Korriban?"[/color] The question came out awkward and Tishombra quickly added. [color=orangered]"You did say you were interested in the Force. I'd be willing to answer any questions on the subject. It might take more than one day to explain."[/color]

Tishombra took a bite and awaited his response. She raised her eyes to see his reaction and determine if he was interested or just making conversation. She was hoping for the former. 

Drey took a moment to think. “It depends on how quickly transport is arranged and I’m needed, I have at least a week.” 

He sliced a piece of the nerf steak, pausing to pop it into is month. “I learned a bit from Apprentice Terrick and Rahn, but it left a few more questions than it answered. I will admit, it’s likely harder to teach a non-force user than a force user.” 

Drey knew it was best not to mention Xid’s explanations left much to desire and only gave a little understanding. The kid didn’t know how to teach anything outside his comfort zones. He chewed his piece and cut more, preventing Tishombra from inquiring about it.   

[color=orangered]"I've never tried but I like a challenge. How extensive is your knowledge? Where should I start? Anything in particular that you're dying to know? I could start there."[/color] She took a sip of wine.

“I do know you’re born with it, which is why they are looked on so highly. The details are what are difficult to grasp. My mind unfortunately also wanders into the more intimate areas, but I feel that’s best avoided.” He didn’t say it outloud, but the hint was clear. He had noted her reactions and suspected that such a topic was not approachable. Not yet. 

He continued to eat his steak, the piece half gone, before he took a sip of wine.  

Tishombra put the glass of wine down.[color=orangered] "Depends on the definition of intimate. I'm sorry, the context not definition."[/color] She gestured around.[color=orangered] "This is just as intimate a setting as torture."[/color] She indicated her right arm. [color=orangered]"This amongst other experiences were an intimate setting. An unpleasant intimate setting. I confess I've not had a setting where it's been...pleasant. But that can change. Some things are unknown and unpredictable. Nothing ventured nothing gained.”[/color]

She leaned back and drained her glass. The subject was not a favorite of hers. She owed him and it was the first time she'd let her guard down. Mara would be so disappointed in this turn of events. Corinth would be proud. Which might not be a good thing.

She was curious about Drey. Passed over four promotions and likely would this one as well. Trained to resist the Force and apparently had a taste for danger. At least in the bedroom. 

She'd have to be discreet. She didn't want to be but it would protect him more if she was. Embrus would be looking for an excuse for her failure. His life was her responsibility. His health was her responsibility. His family's welfare was her responsibility. She pushed away the train of thought she was on and looked back at Drey.

“Fair enough. It’s why I gave the option to keep it off the table. ” Drey calmly mentioned, keeping the topic light as possible.   

He observed her while he continued to eat, sipping his wine. He was careful not to drink a lot. Blayse could easily down six beer bottles, but he could barely handle three. Wine wouldn’t be a good idea to risk affecting him now.  He could tell she hadn’t wanted to share, drawing his mind to question why she did. Most Sith rather fabricate a lie rather than admit weakness or raw experiments of helplessness. Maybe she was more human than most Sith. At least, he hoped she was. 

 “So, you’ve read my file and know more about than I do of you. Mind sharing what you feel is acceptable? Let me have a bit more even playing field?” 

He started on the salad as he set a portion of his steak to the side. It would be finished after the salad. 

[color=orangered]"Where to start? I come from Korriban and both of my parents are still alive as well as my brothers and sister. I'm the oldest of four and look the most like my grandmother. She was human and married into the Ferro bloodline. She was a powerful woman, and subsequently brought that power and much needed gene pool. 

I was trained at an early age in the basics in the Academy and was in the top three percent of the Academy records. I am skilled in wielding two weapons, be it sabers or lightsabers. I am five and twenty. I served a previous master before Darth Embrus. Lord Rahl who was killed, likely because he was found out to be a spy and the Empire had to nab him for it. Darth Embrus stepped in and saw that there was a good Apprentice available. 

I was nineteen when I earned my title. I was ten when I got my scar from Force Lightning because I corrected an Overseer. Lord Rahl was just as pleasant in more…"[/color] She shook her head. [color=orangered]"I'm sure you don't want to know those details. That's basics. Ask what you'd like to know."[/color] Tishombra reached out and poured more wine for herself, a half glass. She raised the bottle and indicated his glass.

“Nay, I know my limit.” Drey admitted through hoping she wouldn’t take advantage of that. He knew she might later on, but he trusted she knew a line not to cross. At least, not yet. 

He sat to absorb the information given to him before moving on. 

“The incident earlier, when you sent me flying. You didn’t expect that, did you?”   

[color=orangered]"You're correct. That was unexpected."[/color] Tishombra sipped her wine.

“Do you know what it was?” 

[color=orangered]"I could be snarky and say the Force. Lesson one. We label powers specific to things they do. What do you think it was Corporal?"[/color] Tishombra gave him a smarmy look and swirled the wine in her glass.

“It’s nothing I’ve seen before. Considering it sounded like a scream and tossed me back, I would say Force Scream?” He took a jab at what seemed obvious, looking to her for the correct answer. 

Tishombra inclined her head. [color=orangered]"Yes. It was not a power that I knew I had."[/color]

“It seems like troopers, you can learn or have talents for certain things. I can relate to that more than blowing my enemies back with a scream.” A small chuckle rippled through his chest to spread throughout his body. 

[color=orangered]"At times they come in handy. Other times they push to the surface and you have an out of control situation."[/color]

“You only need to focus on control. Being aware is half the battle, the rest is hard work. At least from what I’ve heard.” 

[color=orangered]"I'm always in control. A skill that you seem separated from Corporal."[/color] Tishombra snarked at Drey leaning forward smiling so that her dimples flashed.

“I can name at least once, you weren’t in control. I’m sure it will turn into two before the evening is over.” He couldn’t help, but looking slightly pleased with himself. The memory was still fairly fresh in his mind. He leaned back into his chair as he finished his meal, the salad completely finished off now. 

Tishombra's smile deepened and her eyes sparkled. [color=orangered]"Promises, promises. Thankfully you have proved you're more than...equipped to back those boasts up."[/color] She rose and collected the dishes setting them in bags. 

As Tish removed his plate, Drey rose to his feet. He stepped quietly behind her and gently touched her shoulders, letting his hands wander down to her waist. His body leaned into hers as his arms wrapped about her.  He couldn’t wait any longer for dessert.