Alethea held him gently, tenderly after her collapsed into her arms, evidently as exhausted as she was. She smiled gently as he held her, panting against the skin of her neck as he sought to catch his breath, as she did the same, her own breaths still coming as rapid pants and gasps as she sought to slowly catch her breath. She couldn't remember a time when she'd been as out of breath, as completely exhausted, or as happy as she was now.<br/><br/>She closed her eyes, holding him tenderly as he nuzzled against her. She could tell that his own passion was calming, he was satisfied, as was she. They settled into comfortable silence and peace seemed to fall like a wave over the ship. The Force around them still seemed to pulse, as did her heart, but just like her heartbeat, it, too, began to slow until it finally stopped, settling into peace. Even when the peace had fallen, however, some echo remained for a time, a reminder of the moments they had spent together, moments not easily forgotten.<br/><br/>When she felt him move, she opened her eyes to find him gazing at her. Their eyes met for a brief moment before he leaned in and kissed her again. This time was different. It wasn't hungry, but soft, almost innocent. Where lust and passion had been, now wonder and love remained. She returned the kiss with the same tenderness, allowing her lips to linger for a few moments after the kiss had ended before she moved to nuzzle against him, embracing him gently. She took a deep breath, allowing her body to fully relax in his embrace before she drifted off into a comfortable, and much needed sleep.<br/><br/>-------<br/><br/>Alethea wasn't sure how much time had passed when she finally woke up. The ship seemed still and quiet, as though even the air around them was at peace. She felt comfortable, warm, safe, wrapped in someone's arms. That's right. Not someone, Thal-ion. She slowly blinked the sleep from her eyes and found him there, arms wrapped gently, but securely around her. She smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from his face. He looked so sweet and innocent.<br/><br/>But he wasn't innocent, was he? Neither was she. Not anymore. This thought suddenly made her face burn hot as she suddenly remembered all that had happened. She fought not to shake her head in an attempt to free herself from the suddenly embarrassing thoughts, as she was certain that the movement would wake Thal-ion. She could not, however, fight the red that colored her cheeks.<span style="font-style: italic">So, that wasn't a dream, after all?</span>she thought to herself as she acknowledged the fact that neither of them were clothed, and the feelings that still lingered in her body, confirming that it hadn't been a dream.<span style="font-style: italic">How embarrassing,</span>she thought, her cheeks turning a darker red.<span style="font-style: italic">But even so... It wasn't bad,</span>she admitted before shaking her head.<span style="font-style: italic">Who am I kidding? I would have been really disappointed if it had turned out to be a dream,</span>she thought, although she wasn't certain if she would have been disappointed in herself for dreaming such things, or because she truly wanted it to be real. Both, probably.<span style="font-style: italic">It really was... incredible, huh?</span>she took a deep breath and tried to fight off the blush.<span style="font-style: italic">No sense in being embarrassed now. Even though that is easier said than done,</span>she sighed to herself.<span style="font-style: italic">I was definitely a lot more brave than I thought. Who knew I had it in me to do that?</span>she shook her head gently.<span style="font-style: italic">Alright. Enough with the inner monologue. Just hush and enjoy it, okay?</span>she nodded to herself before turning her attention to Thal-ion, hoping her unintentional movements while conversing with herself hadn't woken him up.