Disclaimer: Paramount owns them, fanfic author look after them, 
but don't get rich doing that to them.
Author's Notes: Yet another postcard story. I just looked at this 
couple standing on the edge of a cliff, and I wondered about them. 
I've sent the postcard to Kirsten, by the way.
Rated G
Written January 22 2000

Eryda:n Elements
By Claudia

	He had been standing on the edge of the cliff for what 
appeared to Kathryn like a little eternity. The wind blowing in from 
the sea plastered his clothes against his body like a second skin and 
brushed through his cropped salt-and-pepper hair. Chakotay stood 
motionless, apparently ignoring the beauty of dusk falling over the 
sea on Eryda: Prime. The sky was washed in all hues of violet, 
only a slim sliver of mauve silver was left on the far horizon. The 
sea some hundred meters under him was calm, already covered by 
a soft layer of mist.
	He had his eyes closed, but he didn't ignore his 
surroundings. It was just that he had taken in the landscape for so 
long that he didn't have to look at it to know what it looked like. 
Chakotay's breathing was deep and even, relaxed in contrast to his 
facial expression. Her friend had been absentminded for the better 
part of the evening, and as soon as protocol had allowed, he had 
fled the reception in the clearing and escaped up here.
	The Eryda:ns were friendly people and good hosts. They 
had invited the crew of Voyager to celebrate the end of the trade-
talks with them. The Eryda:ns had chosen a clearing in the woods 
close to the coast for their party, a nice change since they had been 
trapped inside a building for the major part of the negotiations. 
Kathryn enjoyed the party because of the relaxed atmosphere, and 
so she had been wondering why Chakotay was so distracted by his 
thoughts.
	Slowly, she walked until she stood next to him, brushed the 
back of her hand gently against his to get his attention. Chakotay 
jumped a little, then looked at her in confusion. But his hand 
searched hers, and once found, he locked his fingers around hers, 
and gave them a gentle, approving, appreciative squeeze. A 
genuine smile appeared on his cheeks and in the corners of his 
eyes.
	"Hey," Kathryn encouraged him. "Want to talk about it?"
	Chakotay didn't hesitate a single second. He slowly shook 
his head. Kathryn was a little bit disappointed, but nodded, for she 
understood him. Since he didn't let go of her hand she was relieved 
to find that he took comfort in her presence. And yet she wished 
she could do more for him, find some wise words to tell him, just 
like he would if it were her brooding.
	"I'm thinking of my family," he said eventually. "I miss 
them so much it hurts." He inhaled deeply. He declined her offer. 
"No, not today. But I will tell you. Please just hold me."
	And so she did.

(Imagine edge of the postcard here)