Their weeklong trip went fast and without any complications. Every single day Rey learned more about her new home. She was fascinated by the stories Maul had told her about life on Dathomir. After the second night and still sleeping in the same bed, she abandoned her original plans. She thought it was pointless to do that. He was an interesting companion, and in his way he was even nice to her. Even though he didn't talk much about himself or what he had done, or where he had been, she was glad to hear his stories as a little boy growing up on Dathomir. The more she heard about his planet the more she wanted to be there. Growing up on the junk planet like Jakku, to Rey everything else sounded like a fairytale.

When the planet came into view, she was amazed by its size and deep red color. The planet reminded her of a bleeding star that looked menacing just like Maul.

With ease, Maul landed the ship in a wooded area. In the distance, she noticed enormous mountains protectively looming over the dense forest like bodyguards. This wonderful view and the fresh cool air was something Rey had sought after for a while now. Then she noticed him placing the books and her weapon into a black leather bag, which he put beneath the seat of his strange looking speeder, he called Bloodfin. Interesting name to call a speeder, Rey thought, as she watched him getting onto it.

Patting the small space in front of him, he gestured Rey to sit down. Sitting in front of him, and not having enough space for herself, Rey had to tightly press her body against his. On the way here, she was slowly getting used to him, and feeling his body behind her again made Rey think of some unconventional thoughts. But for the love of Force, she hoped he had no idea what she was thinking at that moment. Some days she wondered if he felt the same way as she did.

As the speeder sped across the forest, a small, delightful smile enveloped Rey's face. Through the Force, she called to Maul.

Where are we going?

To see my brothers. His voice sounded calm with a trace of apprehension.

With excitement, Rey quickly replied. I can't wait to meet them.

Don't get too excited now. Maul replied.

But I am. She said, turning her head toward him. I can't help it.

Maul didn't reply. With a smirk, he kept driving on until they reached the outskirts of a small village where his brothers lived.

As soon as they stopped in the middle of the village, Rey immediately disliked the place. As she looked around, she only saw metal shacks and buildings that looked cold and uninviting. That's not what I was hoping for, she thought disheartened.

Grabbing her by the waist, he effortlessly lifted her out of the seat and placed her on the ground.

"I could have done this myself." Rey murmured, sending a slightly upset look at Maul.

"Stay here." Maul ordered her, as he made his way toward the biggest metal building that stood in the middle of town.

Suddenly, out of the buildings Rey saw many Zabrak approaching.

The biggest of them all walked up to Maul and gave him a friendly hug. Then she heard his deep voice.

"Brother. Good to see you again."

Then his yellow eyes landed on Rey and he asked.

"And who is this?"

Letting his brother go, Maul turned around and motioned toward Rey and said.

"She is one of us."

"Where did you find her?" The big Zabrak asked, eyeing Rey.

"On a small planet in the Yost system. But it's a long story." Maul replied. Then he added. "I'll tell you later."

While Maul was occupied with the other Zabrak, Rey's thoughts were in turmoil. She didn't know what to think of this place. These Zabraks looked unfriendly and even scary. Even though they didn't approach her, she felt utterly exposed and totally uncomfortable under their intense gaze. Nervously rubbing her arms, she looked around. The rough edged metal buildings looked uninviting, and their occupants looked like savages, Rey thought disheartened. She hoped the Nightsisters lived in much better and more inviting conditions.

Then, she noticed, Maul and the big Zabrak approaching her.

"Tiny little thing." The big Zabrak said, sizing Rey up.

She had to strain her neck as she looked up to him. He was at least a head taller than Maul. Maybe even taller than that, Rey thought, staring at his large, gnarly horns that occupied the top of his yellow head, which was decorated with black intricate tattoos. Just like Maul's, she thought. Why do they all have to look at me like that? Rey thought feeling uneasy under his penetrating stare, as his yellow eyes intently watched her.

"And you said, she is a Force user and a Nightsister?" He asked Maul, while his eyes never left hers.

"Yes." Maul replied, looking at Rey.

"Interesting." The tall Zabrak murmured.

Feeling a little awkward that no one had introduced her, Rey extended her arm and said.

"By the way, my name is Rey." Then she quickly added. "You must be Savage, right?"

Furrowing his eyebrows, the tall Zabrak looked at Rey's extended hand. Wrapping his large hand over hers, he firmly shook it and said.

"Yes, I am Savage."

Letting her hand go, he introduced Rey to the rest of the Zabraks.

Later that evening, they all gathered in the big building. Sitting around a large fire that burned brightly in the middle of the expansive room, Rey slowly scanned the solemn faces that were staring into the fire. They all have the same look, she thought, as she scanned her eyes over them. They all had horns on the top of their heads, and their skin, which differed from one to another was marked with black tattoos. They all looked like savage warriors, Rey thought with awe. She wondered if they also possessed the same raw strength as Maul did.

Then she looked up toward the pitched roof. There was a wide opening, allowing her to gaze at the amazing starry night sky. Back on Jakku at nights, when she couldn't sleep, she loved to climb on top of her AT-AT. While lying flat on the backside of the metal monster, she dreamed about the future she might never have.

Then she overheard something.

"She is dead." Savage said to Maul with a sad face.

"When did she die?" Maul asked, looking a little distraught himself as well.

"A few nights ago." Savage replied. Then he added. "Her funeral will be held tomorrow."

With a saddened face, Maul replied.

"Then we better get some rest."

Standing up, he gestured Rey to follow.

Leaving the building, they headed toward the outskirts of the village. A smaller building came into view that looked more like a makeshift shack than a house, Rey thought with apprehension.

"Who is she?" Rey asked, looking at Maul's back.

When he didn't answer, she thought about asking him again, but then she thought otherwise. It might be better not to push on this subject she brooded. Stopping in front of the small building, she asked.

"Is this your home?"

"Yes." Maul replied, and then he entered the shack.

Following him in, at first Rey couldn't see anything in the darkness that engulfed the inside of the shack. Then she heard him walking to the opposite side and suddenly he ignited his lightsaber. Rey froze for a second. Then she realized why he did that. Touching the end of his lightsaber to something flammable, within seconds, hot red coal was burning in the fireplace next to a small table with two chairs. The inside of the small home was very modest, as Rey's eyes landed on the single metal-framed bed that stood against the wall. In front of the bed was a large, worn, faded carpet covering the metal floor. Then her eyes with interest gazed at the back wall, where a variety of weapons were lined up, one after another. The place looked extremely simple, but surprisingly tidy, Rey thought with amazement, as she walked around and stopped in front of the fireplace.

Removing his top, he folded his shirt over one of the chairs. Then sitting down on top of the carpet, he called to Rey.

"Come." He said. "I'll show you something."

While meditating, he showed her more images. One of them was a small ancient woman wearing a large ivory headpiece that looked like it was made out of a variety of bones. Even though she was small, she looked strong and very powerful.

Who is she? Rey asked through their connection.

Her name is Old Daka. He replied. She was the oldest and most powerful Nightsister who ever lived in Dathomir. Suddenly, Rey sensed great sadness coming from Maul. This sad, lonely feeling he emitted was something new and also overwhelming. She wanted nothing more than comfort him and tell him that she was here for him and he was not alone, but she wasn't sure if she could bring herself to do that. She still wasn't sure about him or his intentions. However, feeling his grief awoke an extreme sadness inside her as well. The feeling of loneliness and despair came back to her with full force. Not wanting to feel this painful sensation again, she instantly disconnected their connection and stood up and walked to the bed.

She winced as she slumped down on the firm mattress, and then she took her boots off and placed them on the floor. Then she lay in bed waiting on him.

Staying seated on the floor, Maul didn't feel like getting up. His grief for Old Daka ran raw and deep. She was like a grandmother not just to him, but also to all of them. Wise and firm, but gentle too, if she chose to. She'll be missed greatly, Maul thought with sadness, as he tried to compose himself. He knew he let himself slip up a little in front of Rey. I shouldn't have done that, he angrily thought to himself.

Getting up, he slowly walked to the bed.

Lying down next to Rey, he turned his back on her, and then folded his arm under his pillow, closed his eyes and hoped to fall asleep.

While his back was tightly pressed into her, instinctively she embraced him. Placing her head against his back, she spoke up.

"I'm so sorry for your loss."

When she didn't hear anything from him, she resumed.

"I felt your pain. I know what you feel."

"You have no idea how I feel." Maul replied, and then shifting his body, he turned to face her.

In the dim light of the room Rey was only able to see the contour of his face. Feeling his warm breath on her skin, she knew he was staring at her with intensity.

Rey sensed that he would never admit it freely that there was a certain weakness in him. That is how men are, she thought with a frown, especially men like him. They would rather die or suffer instead of admitting their weaknesses.

"I'm a good listener." Rey spoke up. "If you want….

"I just want you to be quite." Maul growled with annoyance.

"Ok, no problem." Rey said in a hushed voice.

"Go to sleep." Maul said. Then the room went completely quiet, except for the occasional crackling sounds that came from the fireplace. Rey tried to fall asleep, but her mind was occupied with tomorrow's events. She felt excited, but on the other hand, she felt sorry for Maul and his brothers. She knew how it felt to lose someone. Although she wanted to comfort Maul, deep inside she knew he was not the type of person who would allow that. Without thinking it through, she gently grabbed hold of his face and planted a light kiss on his lips, and then she quickly said.

"Good night."

Letting him go, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and closed her eyes, hoping for a good night sleep.

This unexpected gesture took Maul by surprise. The kiss was light and brief. But the touch of her soft lips felt pleasantly good, and suddenly, it left him wanting more. Pulling her closer, he swiftly found her lips. Tightly pressing his body against hers, instantly his tongue invaded her mouth, taking all that sweet sensation from her, while she without objection, passionately kissed him back.

His demanding kiss was surprisingly gentle, Rey thought, while his tongue explored her mouth. A strange, but pleasant feeling coursed through her body, something she had never felt before. Running her hand over his wide shoulder, she gently rubbed her hand against his skin, feeling each and every muscle beneath her fingertips. The sensation he gave her was extraordinary. It felt like their bodies and souls were connected in a deep and intimate level. Even though, she knew she should have been denying his touch, deep inside, she truly enjoyed this.

She tasted sweet and wonderful, Maul thought with despair, as he deepened the kiss. Running his hand over her arm, he felt each marks, as they made a slight indentation in her soft skin. Then his hand slowly slid down on her hip, and grabbed onto her shapely, firm backside, squeezing it lightly and then more forcefully. Within their kiss, there was a spark of innocence mixed with strong and lustful desire. The sudden passion that she had awakened in him drove Maul to the edge. He never felt something like this before. This great desire was burning within him, and he wanted her more than anything he ever wanted in his whole life.

Pulling him on top, and cradling his hips with her lean legs, she felt his great excitement pressing down on her, as he slowly and rhythmically moved his hips in unison with hers. This sensation alone was an extraordinary good feeling, Rey desperately thought. Then suddenly he broke their kiss and looked into her eyes. Within those burning eyes, she saw tremendous desire for her, but she also saw something else. There was a flicker of guilt or regret, she thought.

"Don't make me do this." He growled.

Then he pushed himself off and sat on the edge of the bed. Maul knew that what had just happened between them was just flared up passion and was an irresponsible and thoughtless action. He shouldn't have allowed his emotions to play games with him. He was out of order and he knew it. Her being a Nightsister was not something Maul wanted to play with. He knew when tomorrow comes, she'd be introduced to his mother and to the rest of the Nightsisters. From then on, she would be a great asset to his mother. As a powerful Force user, he was certain that his mother would not want her to mingle with his people. If he had taken her innocence, his mother would have never forgave him. This was the last thing he wanted to do.

Quickly getting up and putting on his shirt, he said to the stunned Rey.

"Stay here. I'll be back in the morning."

With that, he was out the door.

Rey didn't understand what had just happened. Feeling extremely frustrated and confused she buried her head into her hands, while she let out a shaky breath. What happened between them was something Rey have never expected to happen. She knew what they did was inappropriate, still, she liked it and wanted more. The great desire for him was still lingering in her heated body as she tried to pull herself together. Turning toward the wall, she curled into a fetal position and hoped to fall asleep. But sleep didn't come easily for her, and it took her hours before she finally managed to drift off.

Maul needed space. He needed to get away from her. If he had stayed any longer, by now, she would have been taken and that was just out of the question, Maul thought with frustration, as he headed toward the main building.

As soon as he walked in, he noticed some of his brothers still lingering around the diminishing fire. Amongst them was Savage, who looked up as soon as he walked in. Trying to avoid his gaze, Maul sat down next to him, when Savage spoke up.

"I hope you're here because you did something that you might regret later."

Avoiding his brother's gaze, Maul stared into the fire and said.

"No I didn't, but I could have."

Placing his large hand on Maul's shoulder, Savage said with a sly grin.

"I know you brother. You are passionate, but not stupid." Then he added. "She is small, but powerful, and of course beautiful as well. I know it's not easy to resist someone like her."

"Look who's talking?" Maul shot a 'you know better than that look' toward his brother. But instead of getting angry with him about bringing up some unpleasant memories that he tried to forget, Savage turned to Maul and said.

"I know what you need right now."

Looking into Savage's eyes, Maul instantly knew what he meant. A wide grin appeared on his face, and said.

"Let's go."

Leaving the building, and getting onto their speeders, they took off toward the mountains.

Their hunt had been fairly successful, when they returned to the village hours later, just before the first rays of sunlight broke through the dark horizon.

To be continued......