Jalemar was given spacious and well furnished quarters aboard the Skydragon and had very light duties - one meal a week in the mess, and whatever Captain Masirra asked of him. The great black pelted Jakar was her second, and when he told the crew to move, they packed up and went.

The Skydragon was a top of the line craft, and went smoother than a knife through hot butter. It was the kind of ship children dreamed of, and captains died for. Smooth acceleration and decel curves, making space travel pleasant as well as convenient.

Jalemar's slumber was interrupted by the soft sound of his door sliding open.

"Good morning Jalemar." The deep bass rumble that was Jakar said.

Jalemar looked up at the towering male. "It's morning already?"

"Planetside." Jakar said. "Masirra said I should show you a good time."

"Oh really?" Jalemar said, sliding over.

"There will be time for that later. Dress now, the Hopper is dropping in half an hour." Jakar strode out of the room, grumbling softly. At least they hadn't woken him via the loudspeaker.

This stop was sort of an everything-goes place, so Jalemar dressed "normally" in multipocket dark khaki pants and a navy blue vest that flattered his tan. Black boots and a black hooded jacket to keep him warmer during drop was all he needed. Jakar would take care of the rest.

The shuttle landed neatly in a cleared space, and Jakar opened the hatch. The air was sweet and clean, and smelled faintly of flowers. Multicolored flying creatures darted about, some checking out the shuttle, most just doing their own thing. Jalemar was amused, and tried to coax one to him. "You'll never catch one Jalemar." Jakar said from behind him. "Those flits are wild."

Jalemar was puzzled. "Then how do you get one."

Jakar laughed. "You bond it when it hatches. You're strange boy, how could you not know that?"

"Maybe because I haven't been here before?" Jalemar suggested.

"Nor been paying attention, it seems." Jakar laughed, and Jalemar rolled his eyes. "If you want one of those, you'll have to ask Masirra if she'll tolerate one aboard her ship." Jakar said.

Jalemar resolved to do that, but was eager to see what else this place had to offer.

There was an impromptu gathering, and Jalemar got to meet some well-known (at least to the Skydragon's crew) people. One man, much older than Jalemar caught his eye. His skin was rich as ebony, and shone like it had been lovingly polished. Jalemar felt a mixture of emotions about the man - awe, fear, and the most incredible lust he'd ever felt for a man. What was his draw?!

Jalemar waited until he wasn't occupied with some pretty young thing, and broke away from the little 'harem' that was forming around him. The darkly handsome man took one look at Jalemar and nodded to himself. "Come with me." He said before Jalemar could speak, and Jalemar found no need to argue.

Across the gathering, Masirra found Jakar. "Where'd Jalemar get off to?"

Jakar laughed lightly at her choice of words. "He found Kalkin."

"No…" she breathed.

"Oh yes," Jakar drawled, "he was drawn like bees to honey."

"I didn't think Vanya'd put in an appearance, what with the dragons' fascination with talking to him…"

Jakar shruged. "They don't call him a madman for nothing."

Masirra nodded. "I saw a server with a full plate of pastries back this way…" Masirra said, but Jakar hesitated. "Don't worry, Jak, He won't hurt as fine a specimen as Jalemar, and you know it."

Jakar sighed. "Let's hope he doesn't change his policy."

Baeris' Kshau's Healing Den

Flower buttons&bar by me!