Star Trek TNG: The Magic of Our Past

[Isolde]

Deanna

I turned from the fire and looked at him. I could tell he was sorry for even bringing up the subject. But, no matter what we did, it would always be there between us even if neither of us spoke of it. Why couldnt we just tell each other how we felt and be done with it? When had we lost the capacity to do that? When had it become so hurtful to tell each other what was really inside our hearts.

Reaching over to take his hands in mine, I stared at our entwined fingers rather than look at his face. I seemed to be able to think better when I was not staring into his eyes.

"Will, I would be lying if I said that there wasnt still something between us. We wouldnt spend so much time avoiding the subject if there wasnt something to avoid. There has been great joy in our past as well as great pain. Which we are both responsible for. Now we have to decide how to go on from here. I, myself, am tired of avoiding the subject and pretending it doesnt exist."



[Edited by Isolde on 04-20-2001 at 03:44 PM]

 

[Isolde]

Beverly

Beverly smiled and nodded even though she knew he could not see it. "I was just on my way to Ten Forward for that very purpose," She said,"I would be more than happy to have your company for dinner, Jean Luc. I will meet you there."

Entering the turbo lift, Beverly gave directions and soon the lift was on the way to the deck she specified. As she waited for the doors to open again, her thoughts went to her friendship with the captian of the Enterprise. A true friend to her late husband, he had been there for herself and Wes after his death. Cultured and a bit harsh at times, Jean Luc was still a very caring person and she enjoyed any time she spent with him.

A smile was still playing about her lips she stepped off the turbo lift and made her way to Ten Forward.

 

[Isolde]

Where Are The Natives?

OOC: YooHooo....where did all the natives go? We had a good session going on...Come back!

 

[captainb]

Ransitar

At the sound of footsteps descending the stairs, the huge yellow creature grunted deeply and shuffled to the bottom, looking up. Ransitar stepped into view and the creature responded with a slathering snarl, teeth gnashing as it advanced up one step. Ransitar eyed it as he continued down. It certainly stunk, a smell of decay and death designed to make even the most fearless give pause. Its claws glistened and fangs dripped saliva that hissed as it struck the stone floor. It jumped up two more steps and opened its arms ready to attack, scraping two claws along the granite wall. Ransitar concentrated briefly, making a minute adjustment to the lines of force that bound the room, and the creature turned and shuffled back to the side where it sat again in immoblie silence.

Peros hadn't liked it, he thought it was repulsive in fact. What had he said, something about being fit to only come out of a sick mind? Well, Ransitar grinned, he wan't trying to impress Peros. The prisoners had been impressed enough. It stang their noses and assaulted their ears. If need be, it could even touch them, as he drew a finger along the short gouges in the wall. What did it matter if it was just an illusion? What the mind believes becomes real, and its effects are thus real. It was only a last resort against their escape anyway, and a fun greeting for good old Peros. The real bars were upstairs in the form of invisible barriers of force, magically reinforced doors and walls, and other impassable areas. The gargoyles crawling along the outside of the Tower were just a visual reminder of the unseen barriers. At least they shouldn't complain about the rooms. The Siren's Tower, while not known for its opulence, was good enough for many people to request offices there, and had been used for romantic covert liasons by several unnamed officials.

Ransitar moved to the outer rooms, noting the guards diligent at their stations. He inspected the kitchen and storage areas, and checked the password operations needed to enter every secure area. Some of this was illusion, but most was real, enough to make it difficult for even the most seasoned wizards to note the difference without taking time for detection spells. For the off-worlders, it would be intimidating enough to keep them in their place. Satisfied and suddenly hungry, Ransitar re-entered the main hallway and prepared to return home.

 

[Mackdaddy_74]

Will Riker

"That is the problem Deanna, we have bottled up our feelings for so long that we don't know what is really going on." I tell her, looking at our hands. Squeezing hers gently I add, "How about we let nature take her course for us, and stop denying what we feel. I know it won't be easy, but if we take it one day at a time I know we will discover our true feelings once again."

 

[Isolde]

Deanna

I looked up and into his eyes-eyes that I used to get so lost in and a smiled. "Now just who is supposed to be the Councelor around here, mister?,"I said in a half joking voice. Sobering, I nodded.

"Okay, its a deal. One day at a time and no more avoiding each other or pretending that our past never happened." Tentively I leaned over and brushed his cheek with my lips.

[Edited by Isolde on 04-20-2001 at 03:42 PM]

 

[Weevil]

Peros

I slowly left the council hall. These meetings will be the death of me, I thought, Perhaps I am indeed too old for this nonsense. The thought saddened me. Was it so long ago that lesser men quaked at hearing my name? It dawned on me that it had been nearly 50 rotations since I had outdueled anyone. My powers were growing weaker and I no longer had the ability to put shortsighted Buffoons like Ransitar properly in their place. Still I had to ensure that these outworlders were treated like honored guests. If only to facilitate an easier parting between us. I would send for my House staff to make over the dingy Sirens Tower, fill it with comforts and luxuries. It had been a good harvest in the North and I could afford the expense. Besides, A long bout of merriment with Outworlders who had plentiful stories to tell might be the thing to break out of my Doldrums.

 

[Mackdaddy_74]

Will Riker

As Deanna's soft lips brush against my cheek, I pull her into a tight hug. "Deal Deanna." I whisper into her ear.

 

[Isolde]

Deanna

I wasnt prepared for his tight embrace and it took my breath away in an instant. I leaned against him, motionless for a moment not knowing exactly what to do now. Normally I would pull back and there would be an uncomfortable silence between us as we both went back into our shells but we had made a bargin not to let things like that happen. And, truth be told, it was far from unpleasant to feel his arms around me once again. I could almost push everything that had happened after our break up out of my mind....almost pick up from where we left off.

All of these thoughts ran through my mind in an instant and I made a conscious effort to relax my body and put my arms around him to return it. We sat there for what seemed like an eternity but could not have been more than a few moments. Sitting in front of the blazing fire and simply holding onto each other, my hands moving along his back every once in awhile in a gentle caress as he held me tight-neither of us knowing just what to do next.

 

[Mackdaddy_74]

Will Riker

I rub her back as she rubs mine, the closeness of our bodies causes my nose to fill with her magnificent scent.

"Deanna, you smell absolutley wonderful......" I start repling, but don't finish before the room shimmies again and we are in the bare holodeck.

"Looks like we found the end of the program." I say with a laugh, as we are still sitting in our embrace but in the middle of the dull sterile room.

 

[Isolde]

Deanna

I laugh softly and nod. "Looks like it,"I said to him as I untangle myself and stood,"Story of our life. As soon as we start being open with each other the outside world interferes."

Holding out my hands to help him up, I added,"Speaking of the outside world, I still have several files to go through before we reach our destination."

 

[Mackdaddy_74]

Will Riker

Taking her hands, I pull myself up. "Thanks." I say to her.

"Do you need any help with the files, or just want some company?" I ask with a smile. "Might as well start off day one in the real world now." I think to myself.

I adjust my uniforn out of habit, to avoid any wrinkles.

 

[Isolde]

Deanna

I tilted my head a bit in thought. "Well...I could always use someone to bounce ideas off of. You are always welcome to come and help me go through them. Who knows we might find something that helps in the files. Some 'human' error instead of an outside explanation."

I doubted it but it was as good an excuse as any for him to come and go over the files with me.

Walking side by side, we made our way out of the holodeck and to my quarters again where I sat down and insturucted the computer to resume showing me the files of the Tesla crew and Will came up behind me to look over my shoulder. I swallowed hard and tried to concentrate with him standing so close and dived into my research once again.

 

[indyweasel]

Sorkorin

Why is it that I did not take a chance all those years ago and court her? Was I afraid of rejection? Look at her now, even after dealing with all of the strain of the crisis and of the trouble I have been causing, she still holds her head high.

"Sarina, I think we should both rest for tonight. I know that your castle is far from here, if you would like to conserve your energy you may come and stay with me tonight. That way we can also talk about our plans for investigating this ship in a much more relaxed setting."

 

[Isolde]

Sarina

Sarina closed her eyes and nodded. Right now a transportation spell was out of the question and she did not feel up to the long journey by carriage.

Opening her eyes and smiling wanly at Sorkorin, she said,"That would probably be the best idea. Besides, I will be closer in case something happens with our 'guests'.

Sighing, she added,"I know you dont like that reference to those we keep locked up but I wish you would understand my position, dear friend. I have to keep both sides of the councel happy. A split in our strength right now could spell disaster in the face of this crisis."

Standing, she held out a hand to him. "Shall we go?"

 

[indyweasel]

Sorkorin

Standing up and taking Sarina's hand between mine. "Dear, I do undertand your position. And part of me agree with it." I look up to see the shock in your eyes. You'd assumed that becuase I argured with you, that I didnt think you were right.

"Who else here would battle with you on this issue? Peros? He is getting old now. I do not even listen to him as much anymore. Ransitar is like a little puppy with you, always trying to win your approval. I see it as my duty to the people to bring all of the options that I can see to the table, so that the council can make an intelligent decision. "

Holding out my arm to you, I walk with you our of the building and to my carriage that waits to take us to my keep.

 

[Isolde]

Sarina

Sarina nods and walks to the carriage with Sorkorin. Getting in and sitting back admist the luxurious seats, she smiles at him again, this time a private smile...one that went back to when they were such close friends.

"Of course I know your position, dear," She said, fighting the fatigue that threatens to envelope her. "It is just that playing the devil's advocate sometimes wears thins. I often wonder what in my life would have been different if I had never vied for and won the chairmanship. What if...."

She stopped there because the what if was something that she had kept to herself for many years and it included Sorkorin. That breach of privacy she was not willing to forego and she instead lay her head back and allowed herself to drift off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that she was safe with him.

 

[indyweasel]

Sorkorin

I look at you as we start talking during the ride home. 'What if...' you stop yourself in mid sentence. This gets my attention immediatly. I look at you and see your weary state, and decide not to press you on this tonight. It has been a long day for both of us, and we both need our rest.


Finally we reach my keep and I usher you inside. I show you to your room where you can relax and refresh yourself. 'Dinner should be done shortly, you do remember where the dining room is, dont you?' I tease you as I walk out the door. I hurry upstairs and get out of my offical robing, catching myself wondering if you are undressed. Hmpf. 'Keep your mind on business you old codger.', I tell myself.

I finsih changing and hurry downstairs to make sure that everything is perfect for dinner. I pick out an excellent red wine to go with dinner and pout two glasses as I wait for you to join me.

 

[papillon24]

B'Elanna

That was the last straw. He wanted to take his own sweet time and I didn't.

"I want you now, Tom. It has been too long. Don't make me wait any longer." Reaching down to remove his uniform pants, kissing his bulge in the process.

 

[Isolde]

Sarina

I gratefully enter the bedroom provided for me and strip off my council robes and the wrinkled, worn gown underneath.

Slipping into a bath, I sigh as I feel the hot water slip over me, relaxing my muscles and taking away the stress of the day. The bath is so relaxing that I find myself dozing and the thought that it would be best to exit the bath seeps into my weary brain.

Toweling off with one of the plush towels given to me by Sorkorin's servants, I enter the bedroom to find new clothing laid upon the bed. The gown is a perfect fit and color for me and I fleetingly wonder how he had it here in the first place and whom he had it waiting for. I push the thought out of my mind and continue to dress. The bath having revived me a bit, I make my way to the dining hall realizing only now that I am indeed famished as I have not eaten properly in the last few days.

As I enter the dining hall, I notice that the table is set perfectly. I would not expect anything less from Sorkorin. Giving him a smile of greeting, I walk over to take his hands in mine.

"I am glad I did not try to make it to my place,"I said to him as he seated me at the table,"If I had made the journey I would have been in no shape to return tomorrow. I sometimes question my sanity in building a place so far from the center of town."

 

[indyweasel]

Sorkorin

'Then relax here tonight", I say ," and tomorrow we can discuss our plans for getting to the ship in the sky over breakfast."

It had been many years since any woman other than servants had been in my home. It does seem to brighten the whole place.

I look over at you, wondering why all those years ago, I didnt take our friendship further. "How have you been?", I ask, " We have not keep in touch very well."

 

[Isolde]

Sarina

Beginning on the first course that his servants brought to us, I left that question hanging between us for awhile as I sated my hunger. I also used that time to think about what I would say.

It was true that we had fallen away since we each went into aprenticeship and, to tell the truth, we could have kept in touch very easily. However, I for one was uneasy when around him as my feelings for him had never 'gone away' as I assumed they would. I was constantly reminded of that fact whenever the council met and I was forced to pretend that our friendship did not exist. It was one of the reasons I had counteracted his spell in the council room...he would have found out way too much for my comfort.

Pushing my plate aside, I picked up the wine that he had poured and studied my glass for a bit before taking a sip. Many things came to mind. Lonely...stressed...frustrated all came to mind but I put them aside.

"As well as can be expected," I finally said. The phrase being neutral enough to not give anything away,"Busy even when we are not dealing with world threatening crisis' and sometimes sick of the politics but it is the life I have chosen and I will fulfill my position to the best of my abilities." I knew that he had ment my personal life and not my proffesional one but that subject was not up for discussion.

 

[indyweasel]

Sorkorin

'Ignoring my real question?', I mutter to myself. 'I've always found that teaching young wizards the arts is a much more pleasing past time. I think it is about time for me to retire, research some new magic, and enjoy the life I've made for myself.'

'The only part that I miss is having someone to share it with. To enjoy life with, where is it written that a powerful mage has to be lonely?' Damn, was that the wine, or the fatigue letting my tongue go? Oh well, there is nothing wrong with just making a statement like that.

OOC: You have mail.

 

[Isolde]

Sarina

I looked at him a bit startled by his statement and then looked away again.

"I suppose some of us have chosen a path in life that leaves no room in it for others. And then we find out later on that maybe we let something go that would have been even better than what we have. Through my years on the council, I have learned that sometimes decisions that seem to be the best at first often end up having a dire consequence down the road."

I was rambling and I knew it. I wondered if any of what I had said made sense of if he could even see the real meaning behind the words.

 

[indyweasel]

Sorkorin

"Indeed they do. Dont they?", I reply. "That is why I think we need to be very cautious of how we deal with these guests. For what may look like a good decision now, might not look so go 3 years from now."

"Is she trying to tell me that she regrets not staying in touch?", I ask myself. Nah. It is just wishful thinking on my part.

"Forgive me for taking advantage of your tired state, Sarina. Let us both retire to bed and rest so that we can start tomorrow on our adventure to the ship."