To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: SinfulDesires on 04-06-2016, 05:50:59</h2>
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				Title: <strong>To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>04-06-2016, 05:50:59</strong>
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				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The ship left a whipcrack as it fell through the atmosphere, decelerating all the way. It fell to earth on pillars of blue-white flame, leaving a turbulent vapor trail in its wake. As it came closer its size became apparent, a massive, narrow triangle larger than an airliner, a giant flying wing. It was a metallic blue-green colour, shading to a dull grey at the nose and along the leading edges of its wings. Coming closer, it hovered over the tarmac, throwing dust and wind in all directions from its oddly humming thrusters. The ship looked vaguely organic, a thing of elegant curves instead of the planes and angles humans tended to build. The impression of a living thing was reinforced as spindly looking legs unfolded from the underside and it lowered itself gently to the earth, crouching there like a titanic insect.<br><br>A hatch irised open beneath the nose, and from it dropped a single figure. He fell the thirty or more feet to the ground as though it were nothing, long legs absorbing the impact and leaving him in a crouch. Walking out from beneath the alien ship, the figure strode towards the approaching human vehicles. Military and police, ambulance, firetrucks and, of course, the media. The aliens hadn't chosen to make their landfall somewhere private, but had made a point to pick Heath Row airport and so the world was watching as the first alien stepped out of the shade and into the morning sunshine. A dozen cameras caught the moment, and dozens more cell phones were capturing as best they could while police and nervous soldiers did their best to hold everyone back.<br><br>The alien was tall, slender and moved with an easy grace. Humanoid at first glance but as it came closer the differences began to become apparent. Digitigrade legs gave the appearance of walking on tiptoes. The alien wore a loose kilt of some dark fabric, threaded through with threads of colour that shifted and changed with every step. A belt or girdle of some metallic substance, bronze in hue and very large wrapped around a narrow waist. The chest was bare, as was the left arm aside from a metal bracer running from wrist to elbow while the right arm was clad in segmented metal and some scaly looking, leathery fabric, armour of some sort. All the metal the figure wore was engraved with glowing patterns, swooping fractal shapes that seemed to change moment to moment. Beneath the clothing the skin was a pale green, hints of blue here and there, and textured like pebbles or scales. Long hands with four fingers and an opposable thumb opened and closed as it moved. The face was long, regal and eerily human-like. An aquiline nose, full lips and a strong chin, pointed ears flat to the head, cheekbones so prominent they seemed harsh and a pattern of golden tattooing around the left eye reaching up into the hairline and down to wrap around his jawline. The alien's hair was greenish-black, glossy and thick, pulled back and up into a topknot but still long enough for the excess to reach past shoulder blades. Eyes of a turquoise blue gazed out, almost luminous in the sunlight, and as the figure strode nearer slit-pupils like a snake's could be made out.<br><br>"People of this world," the words spoken were soft but they were echoed in booming tones from speakers on the landing vessel, "I am Khastos Noxh Turvan, Arkhon Princeps of Kel Dor'ahn. I come in friendship, with empty hands, and offer gifts in exchange for hospitality. My people have travelled far to find yours. We would be allies, if you wish it." The alien's voice was low, with a growly resonance at odds with such a slight build. Khastos stood, utterly confident, lips set in a disdainful twist as the alien perceived weapons pointing towards him. "We will be enemies only by your hand." A touch of arrogance in the tone that was a reminder that in orbit above them hung a ship nearly five miles long, its fusion drive had been a torch in the night sky for weeks as it had decelerated. The kind of power that had militaries around the world scrambling to contain panicked and paranoid citizens. The kind of power that could blot cities from the map with negligent ease if it chose.<br><br>Folding its arms behind its back, the alien stood waiting as the media circus continued to gather.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>One second. That's how long it takes for someone's life to completely change. Whether it was from good to bad, or bad to good. In this case, everything was turned upside down. One day you're looking up at the stars and wondering about what else could possibly be out in the universe. And the next day, you find out. Tara remembered exactly where she was when it all happened. She had been sitting in the Public Library, reading over some material for her next class assignment when she heard the sirens. Blaring loudly all throughout the town. The siren's were only used for emergencies, and she was certain that whatever it was that was going on could not be good. Then there was shouting...commotion erupted out everywhere.<br>　<br>Tara had run out of the library and out onto the street where a large crowd of people had gathered. And that's when she saw it. High above them in the clouds was a ship. Tara had seen her fair share of sci-fi movies in her life, but none of them could have prepared her for what it was that she saw. The ship was gigantic. Almost as big as an ocean liner, maybe even bigger. It was the most terrifying thing she had ever seen in all of her life. She was expecting for missiles or bombs to drop from the ship and shower the planet with fire. But nothing happened. Hours and hours passed by and the ship just continued to float there in the sky. A state of emergency had been called, telling people to stay in their homes and to not come out under any circumstances. Hours turned into days, days turned into weeks. And then finally, they got word.<br>　<br>A nationwide broadcast was on every single TV channel, telling the people of Earth of the situation. Saying that the ship was indeed not from their solar system. That the species that had come to Earth had come to make a trade. The broadcast even showing an image of a smaller craft landing on a tarmac and one of the Alien’s emerging from it. The sight unlike any she’d ever seen before. <br><br>They were offering to give them access to advanced weapons technology, as well as Medical breakthroughs, but for a price. The Alien race that had come to Earth was in need of something. And that something just happened to be the women of Earth. Not all of them, but enough to help them repopulate their species. Saying that women between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five could volunteer to help the alien race to help rebuild their civilization and create a new generation.<br>　<br>Tara had considered the proposition that was being offered. These strange creatures had come to their planet begging for help. Offering them something in return for that help. Tara knew what these sorts of advancements would do for the people of Earth. Her Parents had died many years ago, and she didn’t have many other Family members left. There was really nothing keeping her there on Earth besides her studies. Now there was an opportunity in front of her. Not only would she be able to help save a species...but she would hopefully get to see the Universe and learn about a new culture. Something that most people only ever dreamed of. <br>　<br>So...after thinking over it for a few days she decided that she was going to volunteer. She knew that she was healthy, and as far as she knew was able to have children. So she went to the nearest volunteer station that was in her State and filled out all the paperwork and gave her blood to the people that were there. She had no idea what exactly these Aliens were looking for, but maybe this was what she was destined for. She always felt like a bit of an outcast here on Earth. She didn’t have many friends and she doubted that the ones she had would grieve over her for deciding to do this. There was nothing left for her on Earth that made her want to stay. So Tara waited to receive word if she would be accepted to go up to the orbiting ship above, or if she would be stuck on Earth.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>05-06-2016, 07:18:25</strong>
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				It was a month before the first group of applicants was accepted. First there were medical and psychological exams, administered by leading representatives of countries eager to enjoy the benefits of cooperation. Everyone who applied was screened, and then given a week-long series of tests to ensure they were healthy in body and psychologically stable. There were protests, of course, all over the planet different groups were lashing out verbally at the alien visitors or else accusing them of some sort of conspiracy. Mostly, Archon Khastos ignored these people. When asked during one of the many interviews he had to give, he replied simply that if people chose not to participate that was their right, they wanted only willing volunteers.<br><br>Tara received the word by courier, a package arrived with instructions for travel and a first class ticket to New York city from where she and a group of others would travel to the Kel Dor'ahn starship hanging over the Atlantic ocean in a high geostationary orbit. She was permitted two pieces of luggage, with the promise that all the applicants needs would be met for the rest of their lives. More than that, a trust fund was offered to any family member or members she chose to name. Alternately she could have the trust distributed to a charity or other group of her choice. The terms were beyond generous, but then the volunteers were buying priceless knowledge and technology for their country and their world. On the other hand, there was the possibility of never seeing Earth again. There was no promise that those who left for the aliens' homeworld would be able to return home.<br><br>The plane landed at La Guardia and Tara assembled with thirty-six other applicants. The Kel Dor'ahn shuttle was waiting on the tarmac, surrounded by a distant ring of media being held back by a large number of police. There were protesters with the media, but not many. There were more disappointed volunteers, those who hadn't been chosen, or those who just wanted to watch.<br><br>A long and wide ramp lowered from the monstrous shuttle's belly, its length lit with luminous patterns of lettering that led the way up into the vessel's interior. A group of Kel Dor'ahn, the first the world had ever seen aside from the Archon, were waiting there for them, standing with one arm folded behind their backs, the other held over their heart. They all looked alike, except in detail: tall, slim, sharp-faced and bright-eyed. Each wore variations of the Archon's uniform, none so ornately decorated and most showed rather less skin than their leader. Elaborate hairstyles looked almost like plumage beside the simple topknot the Archon sported. Many had glowing beads or brightly coloured streaks in their hair, though one or two others retained the simple greenish-black colour that seemed universal among them.<br><br>Moving his fingers in an odd pattern in front of his throat, the pattern on the Archon's bracer changed, lit with a glow that extended over his fingers in a holo-display.<br>"Welcome," Archon Khastos' voice was amplified, but not booming from the ship above them all. "Welcome all of you. On behalf of my people, I thank you for the courage you show, to come so far. The days ahead will be challenging, our home is a.. rigorous place and we wish to be sure you can thrive there. You will be tested, to be sure you are healthy and more that you are certain this is what you wish." He paused, those green lips curling into what would be a smirk on a human man, "each of you will be given many opportunities to change your minds. Our need is desperate, but we did not come to purchase slaves or brood mares. We desire partners who will share our future. Partners who will allow us to have a future." The words came with a solemn intonation, his english was excellent though he had a lilting, slightly sibilant accent. This close Tara could also see that he had sharp white teeth. Were those fangs? "Those of you who join us on our journey home will BE the future of my race. Your Bride Price may seem extravagant, but I promise, your dowry is an entire species." Walking forward, he must be nearly seven feet tall up close, he picked one young woman in the front row and took her hand.<br><br>He took Tara's hand in his, looking around at the rest of the volunteers and then down into her eyes. His fingers were warm, dry and strong, those fine scales were soft like satin but with a faintly pebbled texture where they brushed her skin. Khastos had a faint spicy-citrus-musk scent hanging about him, and his eyes glowed faintly, turquoise with blue irises and slitted pupils.<br>"Thank you, all of you, for your courage and your grace. Be welcome, among my people. Each of you is already a heroine to the Kel Dor'ahn, and none of your names will ever be forgotten. Your luggage is already loaded, all is in readiness for you. Come, and let us show you our hospitality." Turning, he gestured up the ramp, then let Tara's hand go and began to walk up into the ship. His long strides devoured the distance, but after a half dozen steps he paused and turned back to the milling women. His blue-green gaze met Tara's and he smiled and made a beckoning gesture.<br><br>Hesitantly at first, but then with more confidence as the Kel Dor'ahn escorts fanned out to encourage them with soft words of greeting, the other volunteers began moving towards the ramp.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>08-06-2016, 05:12:19</strong>
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				When Tara received word that she had been accepted as an applicant to be taken aboard the Kel Dor’ahn ship, she felt a little shell shocked. Part of her had been prepared for this news, while another part of her was already accepting the idea of her being stuck on Earth. Along with the letter of acceptance was also a ticket that would take her to New York city and instructions that she was allowed to bring a few items along with her. <br><br>Tara didn’t exactly have much. She had a picture of her parents and her when she was younger. A few other small momento’s she had collected throughout the years, and a handful of clothes that would last her a normal week's trip. She had no idea if she would even need any of these items, but it was good to have just in case. She arrived at the airport and got onto the plane that would take her to La Guardia airport where thirty-six other female applicants were awaiting to be taken aboard the shuttle and up onto the main starship that was hovering above Earth. Even though it had been there for a little more than a Month...it was still a site that Tara couldn’t get over.<br><br>As she entered into the smaller shuttle she couldn’t help but look around at the other applicants that were there. None of them looking the same. Each one of them different, unique, and beautiful in their own way. Tara couldn’t help but wonder why they had chosen this path. Did they not have families that would miss them? Did they have nothing they were leaving behind? Did they believe that they could have a better future by going up to this ship and being mates to the Kel Dor’ahn? So many different questions passed through her mind in that moment. But for now, she was more focused on meeting their new companions face to face for the first time. Not exactly sure what to expect. <br><br>Wondering what they would think of her…<br><br>Tara wouldn’t consider herself to be a beautiful woman, though she’d heard many compliment her on her looks. She stood at 5’9’’. She had a toned yet rather curvy figure. Hourglass in shape with curves in all of the right places. She had a round face with a straight nose with a round tip. Her lips were dark pink and rather full. She had two dimples that showed on her cheeks whenever she smiled. Her eyes were probably the most striking feature on her face. They were a color you couldn’t fully describe. They were a mix of blue and green with flecks of gold around the iris. Thick dark lashes only seeming to make them stand out that much more. She had long caramel colored hair that framed her face and curled around her shoulders. Her skin was a soft olive tone that seemed to give off a soft glow underneath the lights. <br><br>Who knew what these creatures would think once they saw her…<br><br>Finally...the shuttle connected to the main starship. The doors opening and a ramp lowered down into the main entrance of the large craft. As the doors opened and they slowly began to make their way down the ramp, they noticed that a small group of Kel Dor’ahn were waiting for them. Tara could remember only seeing the one from the broadcast on the television. Though seeing them in person was completely different than seeing one on a television screen. They were unlike anything she’d ever seen or imagined. They were almost...beautiful in their own unique way. <br><br>Tara was at the front of the group as they stopped before the handful of Kel Dor’ahn. Looking up at their Archon, watching as he moved his fingers over what looked like some sort of bracelet before speaking. Welcoming them and thanking them for their courage and sacrifice. Telling them that they would be challenged in the days ahead...tested to see if they would be able to live this new life. Saying that even though their need was desperate they were not here to be slaves or brood mares but partners and companions to share a future with. Tara’s vibrant eyes watching as he made his way forward. Making his way straight towards her and reaching out to take hold of her hand. <br><br>Tara didn’t flinch away from him, just looked into those bright eyes of his as he looked down at her with what she assumed was a smile. His skin was surprisingly warm and soft despite the scales that patterned his skin. His eyes were absolutely mesmerizing as he looked down upon her. With the close proximity she was also able to take in his rather intoxicating aroma. His natural smelling musk was incredibly heady. Feeling her cheeks heating up a little from the way his hand felt in her own. The way that his eyes looked staring into her own. <br><br>Finally after what felt like a long time he released her hand and turned to walk up the ramp. Gesturing for the female applicants to follow after him. Feeling herself blushing once more as they group of women followed the Kel Dor’ahn through the ship. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>09-06-2016, 09:27:38</strong>
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				<br>As he strode gracefully up the ramp, moving easily in the lighter gravity of this world, Khastos considered what he'd seen. Oh, he had been involved in the selection process, in a peripheral way. He had seen the raw data, even pictures of the candidates.<br><br>But experiencing them in person was something else. There were few enough females left to the Kel Dor'ahn. Even if all were fertile it would not be enough to ensure their survival. Khastos had only ever met a handful of females who were not his mother. Those had all been bitter, regretful or heartwrenching moments. This was... exhilarating.<br><br>It had been a breach of protocol for him to approach them, to touch one of the candidates. There would be talk, later, but Khastos had not been able to help himself. And the one he'd touched, her skin had been so soft. Tiny, and without that slender grace he had come to know among his own people, but Khastos still remembered the sweetness of her scent and the large, strange eyes that had met his.<br><br>The Archon shook his head, laughing softly. It was unmeet to act the fool. His men would grin over it once word travelled. But that could wait, it would be a long flight to their starship.<br><br>The shuttle burned up through the atmosphere with enough speed that several of the candidates passed out from the g-forces, but once they reached orbit the force pressing them into their deeply cushioned couches lessened. Their couches altered form beneath them to a seat that fit each body like a glove. The windows showed Earth beneath them, the blackness of space sprinkled with stars and their ship, a black spindle with flickering patterns of coloured light crawling on its surface.<br><br>The shuttle didn't dock, it flew into the center of one end of the ship, spinning to match that slow rotation. It landed in a cavernous space, nearly weightless and the air was chilled enough from being in vacuum only moments before that ice crystals formed on the shuttle's skin and their breath steamed. Kel Dor'ahn were waiting for them, leading them to a heated elevator that lowered them to the interior of the vessel.<br><br>It was a massive elevator, moving so smoothly it could scarcely be felt. Archon Khastos and several of the other Kel Dor'ahn were with them, looking out at the ship's inside. It was as though a city had been curled into a tube. They were on the inside rim of a wheel, with spokes reaching up to the glowing tube at its center that provided an oddly harsh sunlight. The buildings were smooth, flowing and rounded, some of a greenish metal or some other glossy material but others looked like cut stone. The primary colours were a desert palette, but greyer than the Sahara or the American southwest. The ship was large enough that there were parks, streams and even some small lakes dotted round its surface. Hills and even a false mountain reached up to the center. The air was hot and dry, somewhere above ninety degrees in the sunlight, and the spinning-to-create-gravity played tricks with the inner ear that had candidates stumbling and acting dizzy. The Kel Dor'ahn seemed perfectly at ease, but of course this was their home. A glimpse of their homeworld.<br><br>"Welcome, all of you. Transport will arrive shortly, to bring us to your quarters. There you will be given a fetish," Khastos touched a brooch pinned to his right shoulder, "and a docent. The fetish will open any doors coded for you, as well as summoning a flitter once you have been taught their use. The docent will act as translator and guide for you, until you are taught our language. It contains formulae and patterns to activate our technology, but one of us will act as escort for each of you, while you gain your footing." The pathways were formed from triangular slabs of black glass, its surface pebbled enough to provide good footing. Along one roadway slid a trio of softly humming platforms, long ovals with a pale blue-white glow coming from beneath a thick skirt of some rubbery substance. On each of them more of the aliens were waiting, watching the newcomers intently. There seemed to be no obvious controls, just a single Kel Dor'ahn at the front of each vehicle, who seemed to control it by shifting his balance or performing some kind of sign language.<br><br>The flitters slid to a stop and aliens hopped down but hung back. They looked almost like awkward boys at a junior high dance, waiting to see who would be the first to approach a girl.<br>"I said that each of you would have an escort, to teach you how to use our technology and make certain you are comfortable." Khastos looked about him, moving towards the rest of his people, beckoning the other shuttle crew to follow. "What I should have said is: you may each choose an escort, to be your guide until you find your feet. Welcome to our vessel, all of you. The first, we hope, of many. Our ship's name does not translate well to English, but you may call it Starborn's Pride." He spread his arms, tipped his head back, just slightly, exposing his throat.<br><br>"Please, pick one of my men to be your guardian in these first days." The Arkhon repeated his request, sensing the hesitation and awkwardness on both sides. There had been arguments over how best to handle this moment. Some had favoured the old traditions, dating back to the years after the Fall, when raiding for brides had eclipsed courting. Others had wished to allow a tech-spirit to choose at random. Khastos had overruled them all. Let the women choose their bodyguards. It set a precedent from the first.<br><br>It might even lead to a true match. Who could say until it was tried?<br><br>Unerringly, Khastos found his turquoise gaze sliding back to the human woman he had clasped hands with back on their homeworld. Dirt. Silly name for a world. Then again, with soil so rich and fertile he might have chosen the same. Damn, the Archon let his eyes flick left and right, seeing that no one had yet moved. Tension hung in the air with all the greasy intensity of a dust storm's static charge.<br><br>Silently, he met Tara's eyes, willing her to be the first to move. The first to show some courage and choose. The dam only had to breach once, he felt, and then the tension would snap.<br><br>Let it be her, he thought to himself. He did not know why he wished it, but Khastos wanted that softly rounded one to show courage to the rest.<br><br>In the depths of his mind, he would even admit he wished she would pick him.<br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>10-06-2016, 03:40:40</strong>
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				Tara followed behind the leader of the Kel Dor’ahn. Finding herself strangely drawn to him. Maybe it was because he was so exotic and strangely beautiful to her eyes. Maybe it was the drive to know more about him and his kind. To know of their traditions and their culture. Whatever it was, she didn’t feel the least bit frightened by him or the other creatures that were like him. She strangely felt very calm.<br><br>Every since the Death of her parents, she felt as if there was nothing left for her back on Earth. She didn’t have any siblings, and any other relatives she had she wasn’t close with or they lived too far away. Either way she knew that no one on Earth would miss her. <br><br>She had always had an adventurous spirit like that of her Mother’s, and the drive of her Father. Her Mother had been an Archeologist and Professor, and her Father had been an Airforce Pilot. The two of them had met when her Mother was out on a dig in Cairo. The two of them falling in love almost instantly and were married soon after meeting. A few years later they’d had her and continued to explore the world. Her Mother’s love for other cultures and exploration had definitely been passed down to her Daughter. <br><br>Though just a few years ago they had died in a plane crash on their way to China. The news had been tragic and heartbreaking for Tara, and she’d give anything to have them back. But there was no point in dwelling on the past. It was time to look to the future. <br><br>The group of females and Kel Dor’ahn made their way into a new shuttle that would transport them to the main ship. Getting strapped in with their escorts and launching away from the docking bay. The G-Force causing taking her breath away for a moment and making her a little lightheaded, but she wasn’t affected as severely as some of the other females. Of course a very long time ago she’d been to Space Camp and had experienced what a little G-Force felt like. Not to mention when her Father was still alive he would take her flying on jets whenever he could. So it wasn’t long before she became used to the feeling. Finally they docked into the belly of the large craft that was the Alien’s home. Making their way out of the shuttle and down a ramp towards an elevator. A few of the female passengers a little tipsy as they followed after the Archon. <br><br>The elevator was in what appeared to be some sort of large glass tube that moved its way throughout the ship. Showing various different parts of the ship, but the most shocking and surprising of them all was what looked to be a small city in the center of the large star ship. The buildings were made of what looked like metal, and others looked to be a bit more simple and made of stone. They looked like sculptures rather than homes. It was also shocking to see the different types of plant life as well as small lakes with grassy areas that looked as if they were parks. Pebbled pathways wound throughout the buildings to create walkways as well as streets. <br><br>Of course it wasn’t the only surprising thing…<br><br>More of the Kel Dor’ahn emerged on interesting looking vehicles. They had no handles or controls of any kind from what she could tell and seemed to just move it with their bodies. Sort of like floating tables only much more advanced and complex. <br><br>Her eyes looking up as Khastos spoke. Welcoming them and explaining to them two different things that they would be given. One was a bracelet that would allow them access to the areas they were permitted to go. And then the other was like an earpiece that would act as a translator for them. Then explaining that they would choose an escort that would help to teach them how to use their technology and get them acquainted to their new life. The females glanced at one another nervously before looking back at the male Kel Dor’ahn in front of them. All of them seeming to be very nervous about making the first move. <br><br>Tara looked up towards Khastos, his eyes meeting hers and almost encouraging her to be the first to take the first step...which she had no problem doing. <br><br>She stepped away from the crowd of women and moved forward, her eyes never leaving the Archon’s as she did so. Taking the few strides forward until she stopped in front of him. Giving him a small smile before bowing her head respectfully towards him. “Would you do me the honor of being my escort?” she asked, looking into his eyes from underneath her thick dark lashes.
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				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>10-06-2016, 23:20:12</strong>
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				It was as though she could read his thoughts. The petite brunette walked towards him, granted the wish he would never have voiced aloud and gazed up at him with eyes that left his throat suddenly dry. Khastos' eyes narrowed, he swallowed once and then tipped his head in assent.<br>"The honour is mine," He said. Smoothly, his hand reached out and he took her chin between finger and thumb, urging her to look up so he could meet her eyes. "I will be pleased to be your escort," pausing a moment, he cocked his head and cast back through his memory searching for names and faces, "Tara, is it not? Forgive me, I don't recall your full name."<br><br>Letting her go, Khastos looked around to see that, bit by bit the other women were choosing for themselves. Some more boldly than others, he saw. Khastos hoped there would be no bickering. Kel Dor'ahn were a proud people, and it would be troubling if there were any duels over those who might be their brides.<br><br>One long arm slipped about Tara's waist and Khastos led her to the lead skimmer platform. At a spoken command, railings extended from the edge, slim copper handrails to keep anyone from falling off. Stepping up, Khastos offered her his hand. The first step would be nearly knee height.<br><br>As he did, and as the others followed, Khastos wondered if he was making an error in judgement. He was senior, it was his duty to stand apart. Acting as guardian was... not improper but at least self-indulgent.<br><br>Then again, he told himself as the light shone on that glorious mane of her hair, this was a time for challenging old customs. The Kel Dor'ahn must change for these new times. Adapt or perish, the old adage came back to him. In the years after the Fall, there had been no margin for custom. Survival was all that mattered. Now they were few and if their knowledge was great their future was still bleak and bitter. Survival was all that mattered now as well. Or else he would never have crossed the stars on the faintest of hopes. The galaxy, the universe, might teem with life but only here had they found descendants of their common ancestors.<br><br>As the platforms slid smoothly down the paths towards the building prepared for them. It sat with two other similar buildings in a park. There were odd, dark-trunked and twisted trees with fern-like leaves and low shrubs with broad, black leaves and little three-petaled flowers in pastel hues. A waterfall ran down the side of one building, into a pond at the center of the little grove. Large, iridescent beetle-things as big as hamsters flitted around from plant to plant.<br>"Don't be alarmed. Shulkh are not dangerous. They are pollinators, helping spread the green." Khastos let one of the things land on the back of his hand. It was not that different from a ladybug, but glinting in a dozen shades of blue with shimmering red wings that folded beneath its carapace as it settled. Stroking its shell, Khastos set the thing to chittering, and soon more of them took up their song and the entire grove squeaked for a long moment. One of the other Kel Dor'ahn must have been working in hydroponics, because a half dozen of them had landed on his head and shoulders, leaving him laughing as the woman he escorted drew back from the outlandish sight.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>10-06-2016, 23:46:43</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Tara had never been the type of person to shy away from something. She was always one of the first people to try new things when she was offered the chance. And the way that Khastos had looked at her...pleading with his eyes for her to be the first to choose her escort. As she stepped towards him, she was certain she saw something flash in those strangely beautiful eyes of his. Though she wasn’t exactly sure what it was at first. <br><br>As she stood in front of him and bowed her head, she felt his hand reaching out and gently taking hold of her chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilted her head up so that she was looking up into his eyes. Her cheeks darkening somewhat as he did this and she could feel her throat becoming dry. Feeling a little shocked when he spoke her name. Nodding her head to confirm that he had gotten her name correct. “Yes...it’s Tara...Tara Mills…” she said to him with a small smile. <br><br>“And...you’re Archon Khastos…” she said, looking away from his eyes for a moment and seeing that her bravery had started a chain reaction amongst the other applicants. One after the other they moved forward to choose their escort. Everything seeming to be going rather smoothly so far. Glancing back up at Khastos just as he moved to wrap one of his long arms around her waist. Causing the young woman’s cheeks to heat up once more as they approached the skimmer. <br><br>He released her after a moment to push himself up onto the strange looking vehicle before turning and offering his hand to her so that she could help herself up. Reaching up she wrapped her fingers around his long and slim fingers and pushed herself up onto the skimmer. Teetering for only a second before she found her footing and reached out to either side to hold onto the railing that was provided. <br><br>Once she was in place the skimmer began to move down the pathways, and Tara couldn’t help but look around in awe at everything that was around her. Fascinated and intrigued by all of the foreign things around her. Taking in the site of the twisted dark trees, the deep blue colored grass, and the three-petaled flowers that were scattered about. But the most surprising thing were the rather large looking beetle like creatures that were scuttling around. One of which flew up and landed onto Khastos’ hand. When he explained what they were, Tara found herself reaching out slowly and gently stroking her finger along its shell and smiling. <br><br>“They remind me of Scarab’s...only they seem to be much friendlier. They’re quite beautiful…” she said and let out a surprised sound when the creature began chittering. The sound a mix between that of a cicada and a cricket. “Are there many other creatures here aboard your ship?” she asked curiously.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>12-06-2016, 23:29:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>"I am. Archon Princeps Khastos, yes." That faintly sinuous nod again, "heir apparent to my people. My father could not join the expedition, so it fell to me to lead it." It felt good, to explain that. It was not widely known that he was not first among his people, merely first among the Kel Dor'ahn who had come to Earth. Khastos was not wholly comfortable, accepting the honours that would almost certainly be his in a dozen cycles more. Of course, what he desired didn't matterr. The People mattered. Kel Dor'ahn mattered.<br><br>The little squeak of surprise that escaped Tara's lips as the shulkh fluttered its antenna and sang had Khastos smiling in a surprise of his own. That was a far more charming sound than the chittering of insects. Letting the squeaking shulkh walk across the back of his hand and up his forearm, he watched Tara closely, fascinated. Had he looked so wondering his first day on Earth? No, he had months of research ahead of landfall. He had seen much of what he saw then already, through screen and holo, lecture and lesson. Tara was seeing her new world for the first time, fresh eyes. Khastos envied her that sense of wonder. His own eyes were jaded before they passed through the outer system.<br><br>"Scarabs?" He repeated the word and there was a flicker in his eyes, like reflected images. Then Khastos nodded. "Beetles. Similar in shape, but Shulkh are more like bees, in our lifechain." He let the thing flit away, it bounced off his shoulder clumsily before heading on its way again. The Archon nodded at Tara's question. "We brought as close to a complete lifechain... a complete ecology, as we could. Plants for our air and to feed the lower orders, the lower orders as livestock for the higher. We have farms and tanks for the meat and crops we need, and much of the interior is wilderness which we use as a hunting preserve. A privilege of starfaring, a luxury we can rarely afford at home." There was a hint of regret or sorrow in those words, but pride as well at the achievement this massive starship represented. Decades of planning and work lay behind their journey. An entire people united in support of this vainglorious hope.<br><br>A hope that seemed not so unlikely now that they were here, Khastos reflected with a sidelong glance at his charge.<br>"May I ask a question, Tara Mills?" Khastos asked her as the skimmer platform stopped, railings retracting smoothly back like icicles melting in stop motion. Stepping down, he turned and reached out with those slender arms. Those long fingers circled Tara's waist and the Archon lifted her down. She could feel the tension in his arms, but he still set her down on the grass as lightly as a feather. His hands did linger on her waist for a moment before releasing her, those turquoise eyes lingering just as long before he looked away from her petite form. "Why choose me? No... why choose us? Why have you come here? I.. WE are more grateful than you know, but I do wonder. In your place, I don't think I could leave clan and kith behind. We came this far, on a hint that we might find life like ours. To have you here beside me seems... absurd, somehow." Khastos let one arm drape around her waist once more, walking slowly across the soft grass. It made a faint tinkling sound as the stems bent, and a faint, sweet aroma rose up from underfoot.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>22-06-2016, 23:01:21</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Tara was completely fascinated by everything that she was seeing. She already had a million different questions flitting through her mind. She had always been an incredibly curious girl. Even as a child she had endless questions and was always curious about the things around her. Because her Mother and Father traveled a lot for their jobs, she had been able to see much of the world at such a young age. Even after their passing she knew that they would want her to continue to explore the world and follow her dreams. <br><br>Her eyes flicked up to the man before her when she said that the Shulkh looked much like Scarabs. Though when he told her that they were more like bees even though they looked like Beetles she smiled and nodded her head. Chuckling a little as it let out yet another shrill yet quiet squeaking sound before fluttering off of Khastos’ shoulder. Looking back up at him when he told her that they had brought as many of their plants and animals of their lifechain that they could. And that they even had a hunting preserve on the ship where they could get their food. Causing Tara’s eyes to widen in astonishment. She wondered if the creatures from their planet were anything like the animals and plants back on Earth. She was eager to learn and explore. “Fascinating...I would very much like to learn more…” she told him, hoping that he wouldn’t become annoyed with all of her questions. <br><br>Finally...the skimmer came to a stop. The railings retracting inwards slowly. “You can just call me Tara…” she said with a small smile to Khastos when he addressed her by her first and last name. “And of course you may…” she said and watched as he stepped from the skimmer and turned towards her. Extending his arms out towards her to help her down. She reached out and placed her hands on his shoulders as his hands gently took hold of her waist and lifted her up and gently placed her down onto the ground. Feeling her cheeks heating up ever so slightly at the feeling of his fingers brushing along her waist and his turquoise eyes looking down into her soft blue ones. Looking away from him shyly at first as he slowly pulled his arms away from her. Glancing back up at him though when he asked his question. “Well... “ she began, pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts as they began walking. Their strides slow and soft as they made their way through the soft grass. <br><br>“I don’t have family back on Earth...not anymore at least…” She said and smiled softly as she looked down at the grass as it tickled against her feet and ankles. “My parents died a few years ago...and they didn’t have any siblings of their own, and their parents died long before I was born...so it’s just been me for quite some time…” she told him and felt a strange feeling of warmth move through her when she felt his arm drape around her waist once again. “I’ve always loved exploring different cultures. Learning about new places and ways of life...so when the Kel Dor’ahn came to Earth asking for help...I knew what I needed to do…” she said, her words trailing off as she glanced up towards his face.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>23-06-2016, 20:55:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The arm about her waist snugged her just a little closer as they moved slowly towards the dormitories. Khastos listened to her tale and began to understand. Without a clan to bind her, Tara was unfettered. It saddened him, and so he paused midstep and turned her to face him, bending his head until he could look into her eyes.<br>"You have family now, Tara. You'll find a mate here among us, and many a brother or sister." He smiled warmly as the next thought followed, "and in time, strong sons and if I.. if we are lucky, daughters as well." He hoped he had covered his slip. It wasn't the time of choosing, he had no cause to be feeling possessive.<br><br>But... he had never spent time with a female even close to his age. They were too few, too rare and all promised already to this or that noble. Now he felt inundated in luxury and it was drawing a reaction from instincts long dormant and hormones just as sleepy. Proximity to Tara had his blood singing songs Khastos wasn't used to, and he leaned in closer until their lips were nearly touching. His dark green lips parted slightly, a hint of those sharp white teeth visible past them. For a long moment he scarcely breathed, eyes half-closed as though he were under some spell.<br><br>Then he snapped upright with startling quickness, head twitching away from her.<br>"You honour us, with your courage in seeking a new life and a new world. I hope we will prove worthy of you, Tara." His hands flexed, long fingers reaching for her but drawing back.<br><br>Instead he turned and waved up above them, past the daylight hub of the ship to the far side of the habitat cylinder.<br>"There, by the lake, through the mists? That is at the center of one of the three preserves. A forest like the ones that once grew at home, as they will grow again, someday. The others are plains and desert, but we wanted a reminder of what we work to build at home." Khastos smiled and this time he did look back down at Tara. "I will be glad to tour them with you, and show you as much of our plants and animals as I can." The thought gave him a warm sensation, like hot mulled wine. Khastos looked again, longingly, at Tara's mouth. He wanted to taste her. He wanted to pull her in and crush those lips beneath his own.<br><br>No matter how improper that would be.<br><br>"Hrumm.. but that can wait a while. Come, I'll show you to your room." He pointed to the building's closest entrance, taking several strides towards it. Inside, past a door that irised away in three sections from the entrance, the foyer was decorated in a mix of creamy white walls that swirled like marble, soft green flooring material that had a firmly spongy texture and several columns of different coloured crystal. It was like having pillars of raw gemstones, polished and just placed here and there about the space to separate it from a single open area to something more complex.<br><br>"This floor and below are dedicated to support and infrastructure: water, power, reclamation, atmosphere sampling and adjustment... that sort of thing. The first floors are spaces for meals, for exercise, for leisure and the baths. Floors seven and above are dormitories, with a dozen suites per floor." The building was fairly large, suggesting a lot of space set aside for each of the volunteers. The elevators were three groups of three tubes recessed into the walls, and their doors opened with a thumb-brushing-fingers gesture to admit them. Each one would easily have held six or seven people, but Khastos didn't wait but simply spoke a word and the door hissed shut and a faint hum and a blue glow from the platform below them lifted them up with a smooth acceleration that was barely noticeable. It stopped again just as gradually, a faint lightening of the weight beneath her feet, already less than normal earth gravity.<br>"This way," Khastos led her down a corridor to a pad recessed into a wall painted with murals of a desert with purplish sands and two suns. Odd curving plants here and there, with large, sail-like leaves all arranged to face the sun and cast deep shadows over their exposed roots. Low, dusty-looking vines and odd, long-legged creatures were dotted about the landscape.<br><br>The door to her room was triangular and opened like curtains being drawn back. Inside it was enormous. The far wall was entirely windows, offering a view of the landscape curving upwards to infinity. The sound of running water came from a waterfall and pool in one corner that lay surrounded by smooth flat stones and steamed faintly like a hot spring set into the floor. A staircase ran up the curving window to a smaller second floor that curved around two of the four walls. The furniture was low chairs and couches, piles of cushions and oddly flimsy looking chairs that seemed to grow right out of the floor material. A large oval table was surrounded by what could have been seven beanbag chairs, sectioned off partly from the windows by a hanging curtain of some shimmering material that wafted gently in the breeze. The air held a wintry tang, fresh and cool. Outside the window was a balcony that seemed not to have a railing.<br>"I hope you like it. Your bed is upstairs, as are the bathroom and a fabricator that can produce any clothing you wish. The kitchen module can likewise produce a wide range of meals." Khastos looked briefly at a round, terra-cotta coloured lump on the wall, a holoscreen hovering above it with glyphs flickering in soft orange. "Though I'll admit we are still adding human cuisine. I'm sure the artisans will wish to know how the system is working." He flicked&nbsp; his eyes back to her and those lips quirked again. "Over there is the hearth, though the fire is artificial except for special occasions. Our forests don't support that level of extravagance, but for celebrations a real fire is... proper." The hearth he indicated was a depression in the floor beneath the sleeping area, a half-circle set against a huge fireplace in the wall, rounded slabs of polished black glass or crystal forming its construction, a crackling fire glowing warmly without fuel in its center. Here and there what seemed like pale green vines hung from the ceiling, with little shimmers of coloured light that flickered along their surface, as thick as her wrist. As they came closer holographic flowers flickered into life on their surface, and the air filled with a faint breeze of flowers and fresh cut grass.<br><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>24-08-2016, 02:53:02</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				There was something in the way that Khastos’s arm felt about her waist. It was strong, and yet there was a gentleness to it that made her heart skip a beat inside of her chest. A quickness that halted for a moment and skipped inside of her chest as he turned to face her and bent down so that he was staring into her eyes. She could feel her cheeks beginning to heat up from the closeness of his body to hers in that moment. <br><br>Listening as he told her that she had a Family now, and that here she would always have a home. That she would make new Brothers and Sisters whilst she was there with them, and one day soon find a mate to call her own. <br><br>Tara felt herself moving a little closer to him, almost as if gravity was pulling them together. There was something about Khastos. Something that she couldn’t quite explain, but it was something that she very much wanted to explore. She found herself leaning up towards him. Her head tilting back as if begging for him to take her lips. And for a moment...she thought that he would. Only to pull back with a quickness that she hadn’t been expecting. Her eyes fluttered quickly as she felt herself taking a step back and clearing her throat. “I wouldn’t view myself as being courageous...but thank you…” she said and smiled at him. Her eyes following where Khastos pointed and looked out to where the mists were. Turning to him and nodding her head when he said that he could show her as many of their homes plants and animals as he could. “I would like that very much…” she said with a bright smile. <br><br>From there the two of them proceeded to move through the main entrance of the dormitory building. There was so much to take in, and Tara was sure she wouldn’t be able to grasp half of the things that he was showing to her. It was all so beautiful and ornate. The architecture itself made humans look like they still lived in the stone age. She followed Khastos into another cylinder that would carry them up to the seventh floor where the dormitories were located. The sliding glass doors parted and she followed him down a corridor and finally stopped in front of a triangular door that slowly parted open. <br><br>A small gasp emitted from her lips and she found herself being drawn into the room instantly. Her eyes were wide and bright as she looked around. Her favorite part of the entire space had to be the wall that was made entirely of floor to ceiling windows that looked out at the landscape. She also noticed the balcony that seemed to almost be floating off the side of the building. She noted everything that Khastos pointed out to her and her fascination and excitement only seemed to grow with each passing second. “It is truly wonderful...thank you…” she said and turned towards him and smiled. “I’m quite anxious to try some of the food from your home...I’ve always enjoyed trying other cultures cuisines...though I’m looking forward to learning everything I can from you and your kind” she said with a soft smile as she made her way over to the floor to ceiling windows. <br><br>Reaching out and gently placing her palm and fingertips against the glass and looking out into horizon. Her eyes almost seeming to glimmer and shine as she looked out. “Khastos...how do mating rituals in your culture work?” Terra asked as she continued to look out at the landscape. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>28-08-2016, 07:40:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The gasp Tara let out as she saw her new home and hearth sent a jolt through Khastos. Pride, that his people had built something she found pleasure in. Excitement, at the gleam in those strangely lovely eyes. Tara was different, unlike any Kel Dor'ahn female he had known, and there were few enough of them. She seemed small and her body had an exaggerated lushness to its curves that none of his kind could ever have boasted. The softness of her intrigued him, scraping sparks off long-dormant instincts.<br><br>"Thank you, Tara. For accepting our invitation. For the wonder I see in your eyes." Khastos walked to where she stood at the window, gestured and a section slid upward, a breeze blowing over them. At the same time a delicate looking railing of dark red alloy and more of that crystalline glass, this time tinted the same red rose up from the edge. "The first lesson, I imagine, is that this room is tuned to you. It will respond to your voice. The light, the amenities, the hearth, all answer to your commands. Or should. We have had several seasons to learn your languages, but there may be gaps. Let me know, if there are problems. Our artisans can mend what I cannot." He stepped out onto the terrace, taking her hand and drawing Tara with him. The smile he offered her was toothy and bright, but his teeth were sharper than any human man's.<br><br>Her question about mating shocked him. It was foolish to be shocked but he could not help himself. It was a question he had only ever discussed with males or the matrons of the clan. Never with an eligible, available and painfully feminine woman. For a moment he looked out, leaning back against that slim railing as he his long fingers closed around hers possessively. It was improper, it was very nearly a dereliction of his duty and an assumption of undeserved privilege. Kel Dor'ahn had duelled for less, spreading strife through the clans.<br><br>It took a long moment for his hand to release hers, and Khastos closed his eyes as he marshaled his thoughts.<br>"That... is a complex subject, Tara. Before the Fall, things were much different, but that was nearly nine of your centuries past. The disaster that scorched our world killed two thirds of my people, left huge gaps in our planet's lifechain, hundreds of species went extinct, and then thousands more followed in the long winter that followed." His eyes were cast down as he spoke, but he forced himself to meet Tara's gold-flecked gaze as he continued. "The Fall changed our people. Once males would compete to impress females, in the hope of earning a mate. Females would compete, to catch the eye of worthy males. Our people have always had more sons than daughters, competition could be quite fierce, but the final choice was left to our women.<br><br>"After the Fall, potential brides were even more rare, and the poisons in the air made many sterile, men and women both. Survivors took to raiding for mates, stealing them in the hope of raising another generation. It took long years for the poisons to be understood, and it was the work of centuries to clean the air once we could build the machines to do so. By then the damage was done - where once there were three males to two females now there were thirty to one, or less. Our numbers dwindled, and even with the poisons cleansed from our atmosphere our women are few and children even fewer. For a time fertile brides were a currency of sorts, bartered for vast fortunes in the hopes of a clan gaining a daughter who might someday bear more. Wars were fought for a single female, and then the clan that took her would often fall to internal strife as they fought to see who would be her groom." The emotion grated in his deep voice, a low growling that fit the tension in his jaw, the set of his broad shoulders. "Our people now number less than a hundred million. Perhaps one in two hundred are female. Most will never have children. Competition for brides is... fierce. Duels are common, among those few of our men with the rank to try for a mate."<br><br>He fell silent, turned away, took two steps to place some more distance between them, to calm himself. The scent of her, the sound of her voice, the bright gems of her eyes all had Khastos feeling that aggressive mating urge that had killed so many of his relatives.<br>"So we assembled the best of our male children, the most intelligent, the fittest, regardless of their rank or station. Caring only for their health, stability and their youth. We built Starborn's Pride, this ship, and took the step beyond. In the hope that we might find salvation in another world touched by the Ancients." The word had a resonance to it, an almost religious reverence. "We found your people, Tara. Distant cousins, but we share common origins. We hope that our bodies will be compatible, that our people can intermarry. That Humans and Kel Dor'ahn can grow to be a new people, together." Finally he smiled again, slowly. A hint of fang showed at one corner of those full emerald lips.<br><br>"We hope to reclaim our old traditions, where male and female both compete, to earn one another's esteem. To show ourselves worthy to one another, instead of bargaining as though to buy a flitter, a trove of food, precious minerals. But we are still divided, some among us still long for the days of raiding for bribes. Claiming a woman by cunning or force of arms, carrying her off to take her as a mate." He cocked his head, looking Tara slowly up and down. The fierce intensity in those luminous turquoise eyes was a hint of the passion these alien men were capable of. His long-fingered hands flexed, and as they did on both arms a pair of spurs of greenish ivory sprung up, five inches long and hooked like claws. They were inlaid with a tracery of blue metal that glittered along the sharp edges.<br><br>"That is why we asked you all to choose a guardian and guide. In case the impatient among us should fall prey to their desire. In case some among us are so weak as to try to take you against your will." His spurs flicked back down, disappearing into slots in his armoured sleeve and vambrace. "Until the trials are done and you choose a mate from among our number, I will be at your side. Your quarters are mine now as well." Gesturing into the spacious apartment he pointed to the staircase that led to up to her sleeping area. "I will sleep there, between you and all others, for so long as you are our guest." There was no bed, no mattress, only the cool flooring material.<br><br>Smiling, Khastos tipped his head to here respectfully, beckoning her to follow him.<br>"Come, I should fit you for your access fetish and your docent. Your luggage is already waiting for you by your bed." The word seemed unfamiliar to him. "I confess, I'm curious. We do not rest on cushions as you do. Our beds are smaller, not so soft. We prefer to sleep on a bed of sand, or soft grass. Your beds seem... exotic. I hope our attempt to replicate your mattresses will be comfortable for you." 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>28-08-2016, 19:40:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Tara watched in amazement as Khastos made a simple gesture with his hand towards the windows. Watching as one seemed to almost magically slide upwards. A soft and gentle breeze wafting in through the window. Causing the young Earthling female to close her eyes and breathe in the smell of the floral and fresh smelling air. <br><br>Her eyes opening and she turned to look up at him in wonderment when he told her that the entire room was supposed to be tuned to her, and would respond to her voice. Everything from light to the other amenities. “It is truly remarkable...I can’t tell you how appreciative I am...for how generous and welcoming you and the rest of your brothers have been to us. I can’t speak for the other women obviously, but I hope that they realize how far you’re going to make us comfortable…” Tara said to him in a soft and almost tender voice. Letting him take hold of her hand and lead her out onto the terrace. Letting out a small sigh as the soft breeze blew against her face, sending strands of her hair to waft into the air. <br><br>When Tara asked her question about how mating in his culture worked, she wondered if she had overstepped a little too soon. It was after all...the first day here and there was still so many different things to learn. She really enjoyed Khastos’s company, and she didn’t wish to offend him. Looking at his face, which seemed to contort in thought for a moment before he finally began to speak. Telling her of the Fall of his people and how things had been different before it had happened. How Men would compete against one another to win the affection of a female to be their mate, and how the Women would like-wise compete to gain the attention of a potential suitor. But after the Fall had occurred, Women who were fertile were so rare that wars would be waged to have her. That many of the females were raided in the hopes that new life could be restored. <br><br>Tara could see the torment in his eyes...the pain of what the loss had done to his people. She had lost her parents, but she doubted that could even remotely compare to the devastation Khastos and his people had had to endure for so long. <br><br>“Khastos...I’m so...so very sorry…” She whispered, reaching up and cupping the side of his face with her hand. Her thumb gently caressing over his sharp cheekbone for a moment, before realizing that this too was probably wildly inappropriate. She had just met him, and yet she felt so comfortable around him. Very slowly, Tara let her hand fall away from his face. Feeling a pang of sorrow inside of her heart as he took a few steps away from her. Watching as he clenched his long fingers into fists at his sides. After a moment though, he seemed to be able to calm himself and regain his poise. Looking to her once more and telling her how they had found her people...distant cousins of the Kel Dor’ahn and that he hoped they could grow as a new people, together. <br><br>When he told her that her quarters would be his as well, she found her eyes widening a little in surprise. She hadn’t expected that. But in truth she was relieved that he would be staying with her. It felt almost...natural to be around him. Though when he pointed to where he would be sleeping….on the cool floor between her room and the entrance to her dormitory, she glanced back at him and frowned. “Khastos...you don’t need to make yourself uncomfortable for me. I wouldn’t feel right sleeping in a bed while you slept on the floor…” she said to him, though he didn’t really seem to hear her. Instead he gestured with his head for her to follow him and so she walked off the terrace behind him. Following him up the winding staircase that would lead into her sleeping quarters. <br><br>"Khastos...I know that your traditions are important to you and to your people...but have you ever considered taking a different approach to finding a suitable mate?" she asked curiously. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Barenmarder</strong> on <strong>04-09-2016, 07:49:19</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Her surprise had Khastos' eyes narrowing. Why was it generous to welcome those who might save their species from extinction? To provide everything they needed for survival and to make every effort to provide for their comfort? That concept of reciprocity was at the core of what culture the Kel Dor'ahn had maintained in the wake of The Fall. The long cold years since had not left room for much in the way of altruism. Survival had overpowered morality.<br><br>Tara's reaction to his explanation of Kel Dor'ahn mating norms was... unexpected. To say the least. When she reached out and caressed his cheek, the Archon's eyes closed and his head tilted, ever so slightly towards her touch. When she drew her hand away his breath left his lungs in a long, slow exhalation. The scales of his cheeks and throat mottled slightly, the green shading to a turquoise nearly the shade of his eyes.<br><br>It took long moments for Khastos to trust himself to move again. To still the roil of emotion he was unused to before he did something foolish and dangerous. Even breathing in was dangerous, the perfume of this alien woman filled the air around her, the scent of her body and her hair, her very presence was intoxicating. How many of his brothers were feeling this same tension, right now? How many times was this same foolish story playing out in rooms just like this one?<br><br>The objection Tara had to his discomfort broke him from his thoughts, and he looked at her curiously. The expression of polite disbelief on his angular features told her flat out that the whole concept of his comfort had never crossed his mind.<br>"Why?" The question came in a tone that might have been shock in a human. After a long silence he continued, trying to make himself understood through the obvious cultural disconnect. "You do not realize just how important you all are to us. Your lives, your agreement... they are our survival. A chance at a future. They are the promise of something we grew up longing for but never expecting to find. We have been travelling for nearly as long as you have been alive, to find this chance. Any one of us would die to protect you." Pausing again, Khastos decided to try a different tack. "The Kel Dor'ahn learned the hard way that duty, loyalty, self-sacrifice in the name of Kith and Clan are the best tools for our survival. Sleeping upon the floor is so little, compared to what we have already sacrificed. Compared to what all of the Kel Dor'ahn have sacrificed, to build this vessel and send their sons so far in search of hope." He smiled, finally, made a gesture entwining the fingers of both his hands over his chest. "I am the leader of this vessel, but you and all your fellow human women are more important to us than I am. Indispensable, where any of us can be replaced."<br><br>The conversation about mating rituals was far less difficult. A welcome distraction from the scent of her that made his blood bubble. Or the light of her eyes.<br>"We have thought very hard, about changing customs. For nearly two years now as our ship decelerated we have had access to your planet's signals. Drones even linked us into your communications network a little more than one of your years past. Our best scholars have worked very long to come to some understanding of your many different cultures. It is... confusing. The Kel Dor'ahn are not monolithic, but we are not so diverse. Even before the fall we were not so fractured. Our scholars find humanity fascinating." He looked at her closely, shifting his weight foot to foot. "Some favour borrowing some of your customs, others reject the idea. It is rare to speak to two who agree on anything. As to finding new ways to choose a mate? We are guests to your star. If you or any of your sisters have suggestions... we are eager to hear them. There is not a one of us upon Starborn's Pride who has ever had the chance to try for a mate. We are novices, all."<br><br>Having said his piece, Khastos took two steps back and then knelt by the staircase, palms flat on his thighs, eyes all but closed. A posture of respectful submission, as a student seeking instruction from a mentor.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Save a Species (Barenmarder and SinfulDesires) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SinfulDesires</strong> on <strong>05-09-2016, 21:42:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tara noticed the way that Khastos’ eyes narrowed a little when she spoke of how generous he and the rest of his brothers had been to her and the rest of the women who’d given themselves to the cause. She wondered if she had said something to anger him, or if she had insulted him. She hoped that wasn’t the case. The last thing she wanted to do was to disrespect the leader of the Kel Dor’ahn. “Forgive me Khastos...I didn’t mean to insult you or your people...it’s just that...men from Earth aren’t as generous as you, at least not all of them. Men have done many terrible things in order to claim brides and women for less noble purposes. What you’re doing is something that men of Earth should strive to do…” she said to him. <br><br>Tara had traveled to many different parts of the world due to her Parents’ professions. She had gotten to see different cultures first hand. Some were truly remarkable while others were terrifying to behold. Khastos and his people seemed to be giving up so much just for the chance at rebuilding their species and creating new life. If only the human race could look at them as an example. <br><br>When she spoke of not wanting him to be uncomfortable, he stopped to turn and look at her with a look of bewilderment on his face. Staring up at him with a look of puzzlement when he asked her why she would object to such a thing. She could feel her cheeks starting to warm in slight embarrassment when he told her that she didn’t seem to realize just how important she and her sisters were to them. Saying that they had been traveling for almost as long as she had been alive at the chance of finding them. That any number of his clan would die if it meant the chance at a future. That sleeping upon the floor was a small price to pay if it meant they could rebuild. It truly stunned and humbled Tara at what he was saying. She knew that she and the rest of the women aboard the vessel were important to the Kel Dor’ahn...but it never hit her just how important they were until this very moment. She wondered if the Human Race would have such humility if something like this happened to them? She doubted it...humans were a greedy species, and it was a miracle they hadn’t gone extinct long ago. <br><br>When she brought up the idea of finding an alternative solution to finding a mate, he seemed to ponder it for a moment before speaking. Telling her that they had thought some time about adapting some of their customs. Saying that many of them were confusing and incredibly diverse. Some of the Kel Dor’ahn weren’t in favor of changing their ways while others were willing to borrow some of their customs. Telling her that none aboard Starborn’s Pride had ever had the chance of trying for a mate, and that they were willing to do whatever it took to please them. <br><br>Tara watched in slight bewilderment as Khastos took two steps back from her and knelt in front of her. His head bowed and eyes somewhat closed as his hands rested on his thighs. Remaining perfectly still as if he awaited for instruction. <br><br>Tara shifted uncomfortably for a moment before she moved towards him and slowly got onto her knees in front of him. She reached out and gently placed the palms of her hands on top of his. Leaning forward and gently placing her forehead against his. “Khastos...you are the most humble, generous, kind, and selfless man I have ever met…” she said in a soft voice. <br><br>“If you want to know how to get to the hearts of Earth women...it is actually very simple…” she said with a gentle smile, pausing for a moment before continuing. “You court them…” 
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		</dl>
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