Private All The Colors

[Iris Arani]

​

News had traveled.

Iris stood in the courtyard of a rather old building on Pydyr. Once, thousands of years before Bacta, this was the place to be for healing salves. The Pydyrian healing stick was well regarded amongst the medical community, even though it wasn't something easy to obtain. It wasn't the sort of thing found in a hospital, but when push came to shove it was handy to keep on hand. And how it worked in her world of colors really made it useful for what she was here for today.

Her gaze shifted to Zaiya as she gave the girl a brief smile. The small, contained one as she didn't look directly at her, more just, around as Iris always did.

"I trust you read up some on Pydyr on our way over?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Zaiya practically bounced on her feet, barely able to contain the thrill coursing through her. Everything was amazing! Every twist and turn of Pydyr's landscape seemed to open up new wonders, and she drank in every sight with wide, excited eyes. Domxite shared her buzz of energy, perched on her shoulder and giving a delighted little shimmy, humming in a way that filled her mind with a bright, joyful ripple through the Force.

"Yes!" she blurted, turning to face Iris with a huge grin stretching across her face.

"So, from what I read, Pydyr's home to the Pydyrian species --descendants from these ancient, flightless birds…" Zaiya's curiosity flickered for a moment, wondering what her own Lovalla ancestors might've looked like, but she quickly forged ahead, her excitement bubbling up again.

"They're super into using droids for just about everything, and they came up with a whole line of healing tools, like the Pydyrian Healing Stick! That's why you brought us here, right?"

She paused, barely able to hold back a mischievous giggle as playful flickers of cyan wove over her rosy-golden skin.

"Oh, and they export these Seafah jewels too… but from what I read, they're sometimes just dried fish poop that's hundreds of years old instead of actual gems..."

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"I shouldn't have expected anything less of a college student, mm?"

Iris chuckled one of those rare chuckles as she patted Zaiya's shoulder, stepping past the taller than her teen towards the little shop she'd lead them to. Within, all manner of healing supplies, from the more common place things found across the galaxy to the fabled healing sticks. Iris scanned them over, humming in thought. They weren't all equal, that much she could tell.

Good.

"You pick one, mm? The best one."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Hearing Iris's praise sent a thrill through Zaiya, a wave of teal lighting up her skin in rippling patterns over her spots and stripes. Her Lovalla senses hummed with pride -- she'd studied hard for this. This wasn't just academic curiosity; Zaiya had been super excited to learn about a new moon, the culture, and the history behind the healing sticks.

With a thoughtful hum, Zaiya tucked her datapad against her stomach and crossed her arms, leaning in close to inspect the healing sticks her Master had laid out. On the surface, they looked almost identical -- smooth, unremarkable. But she knew better; each stick held hidden healing properties crafted by the Pydyrians themselves, one of the few items they didn't leave to their droids.

Domxite bounded off her shoulder and waddled over to get a closer look, also intrigued by the selection.

"Alright…" she murmured to herself, eyes narrowing in concentration. The Pydyrians had designed these sticks to foam up when rubbed on a surface, releasing healing powders to cleanse wounds. But which was the best? The logical path was to evaluate their color, texture, and scent -- qualities any medic might rely on. But there was also another option: she could consult the Force.

Actually… why not both?

She picked up the first stick, analyzing it like a scientist. The color was pale, almost chalky; it had a clean scent and smooth texture compared to the others.

Seems like a solid choice, she thought, nodding. Then she closed her eyes, centering herself, and reached out with the Force. She let it guide her hand until she picked up another stick -- this one darker, almost white moldy looking, with a faintly musty smell.

"Huh…" She blinked down at it in surprise. "Well, that's interesting. By all practical standards, this one," she held up the chalky stick, "seems like the better choice. But the Force is saying… this one," she added, gesturing to the odd looking stick in her other hand.

She glanced up at Iris, excitement bubbling up despite her confusion. "I guess sometimes the best tools don't always look the part, huh?"

 

[Iris Arani]

​

Iris nodded once as she looked over the choice Zaiya had made. AS she thought, Zaiya did have a larger feel for the Force than the girl might've assumed. Good. Iris nodded once, pulling out the credit chits she carried to start paying for it. The local just gave a knowing nod, though. For these, the cleanest, newest, most perfect appearing one wasn't the best.

"Good. We'll bring it along with us, then. There's a clinic down in the village we'll be assisting in. Come." She motioned for Zaiya to follow, already leading out the door. "When we get there, pay attention to how it works. The stick, I mean. Not with your eyes, but with those senses you just used to pick it out. Focus on how it heals and mends."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

"Alright! Let's do this!" Zaiya chirped, a gleeful shiver running through her as she clutched the healing sticks tightly. Beside her, Domxite pulsed with a soft glow in the Force, its presence nudging her forward with encouragement as Iris guided her down the forest path toward the village below.

It was beautiful here, the scent of pine and earthy soil filling the air. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns along the path. The village wasn't far, just a short walk, and Zaiya's curiosity was practically bouncing along with her.

"Okay, focus on how it heals and mends," she repeated to herself, remembering Iris's instructions and what she'd read about the sticks. They were supposed to activate by rubbing the stick until one was able to get a good white residue to apply to the injury.

"So… this was used even before kolto or bacta?" she asked, glancing over at Iris with wide, eager eyes. "Are there other plants or remedies like it that people can still use today? I mean, bacta's the go to, but not every planet has easy access to it, especially way out in the Wild Regions or the Outer Rim. It can get expensive."

The thought of ancient methods still being relevant made her bioluminescent spots flicker with a warm, curious citrine and ocher glow -- Zaiya loved the idea of forgotten wisdom tucked away in the galaxy, still helping in small ways where modern medicine couldn't reach.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"There's lots, yeah. The trick is not to learn them themselves though. With all the planets in this galaxy, all the diverse ecosystems, you're never going to remember each. But-"

They were inside the village's clinic now. Iris lead the two of them towards one of the patients. A young boy with quite the nasty looking cut on their arm. She crouched before them, giving a brief smile before she nodded to Zaiya. Iris would use the stick, breaking it, getting the lather, coating the wound. "The Force shows us what can heal. Remember how this looks, so you can find what naturally helps no matter what world you're on. That's the lesson today."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Zaiya leaned in close, her skin awash in soothing hues of soft blues and pastel pinks as she gave a warm smile to the little boy. She hoped her calmness would help him feel safe, letting her emotions ripple gently over her skin in a reassuring way, almost like a quiet wave.

"Hello, I'm Zaiya," she said, her tone warm. "And this is my Master, Iris. We're here to help." The boy's wide eyes didn't miss the shimmering colors flowing over her skin, a bit entranced by the shifting patterns.

"Did you put paint on your skin? How does it move like that?" he asked, momentarily distracted as Iris took the chance to apply the healing lather to his wound. Zaiya kept watch, her iridescent blue eyes tracking the movements, then flicked back up to the boy with a playful grin.

"It does look like paint, huh? But no, it's just my skin. It changes colors when I feel things...like when I'm happy or comfortable," she explained, letting her smile widen. Returning her focus to what Iris was doing, Zaiya tuned into the Force, feeling the subtle shifts around the injury as the healing lather took effect. The way it resonated through the Force intrigued her, sparking a new idea.

"Hmm, so maybe I could use what I learned from Knight Von Ascania about communicating with plants?" she asked Iris, excitement bubbling up. "I might be able to find nearby plants that can help, like this healing stick."

It was a small spark of inspiration, but Zaiya could already feel the connection growing, maybe she could do more to help than she'd thought.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

Zaiya was a natural born healer. Iris wasn't much for emotional displays, but even she couldn't hide the little proud smile she had watching Zaiya keep the boy from focusing on his wound, on feeling better and more comfortable than upset. Good. Iris let that be a sign for her to instead focus on tending the wound, getting some cloth to wrap around it and keep the healing solution trapped to help repair.

She did pause though. Speaking with plants? Iris chuckled.

"No two Jedi are the same. If you think that will help, do so. You don't have to do everything the way I say to, so be sure to use everything in your skill kit to help people. Find your path, using everything I teach you and you learn on your own."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Hearing Iris laugh drew Zaiya's attention -- and Domxite's, too. Even the little boy they were helping glanced up, wideeyed with curiosity. Zaiya felt a bit embarrassed at first, wondering if she'd said something silly, but Iris quickly put her at ease with a reassuring smile.

"Oh, okay…" Zaiya laughed, letting the tension slip away, a ripple of color dancing over her skin. "I was just curious about how all that works, I guess. I tend to sense things through the Force more than actually change or control it within myself like Aris or Braze do."

She could tell Iris was listening intently, so she added, "I really like learning new skills, different abilities, all of it...even practical stuff, like medicine." She chuckled. "Actually, I just really like learning."

The little boy watched her, fascinated by the way her skin shifted in warm, calming colors as she spoke. She glanced down at him, giving a gentle smile, her colors softening to a tranquil blend of teal and pale pink.

"I just want to be able to support and help as much as I can. I know I'm not the best fighter or defender," she admitted, "but if there's a way to make a difference, even in small ways, I'll be there."

Like even now, she could sense from the little boy that his injury was already starting to see some benefit to the healing stick lather. It would take time, but at least Zaiya could tell it was working.

"How did you get into healing and medicine, Iris?"

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"I spent a lot of my time as a Padawan getting really hurt. A lot of my scars come from those days, but they were often because I was so focused on trying to help others that I'd get hurt instead. Not that I was much help. Eventually, I just.. Wanted to make sure I was helping, than just getting hurt. So, healing. The colors I see, I can see pain with it, and through them I can remove that and heal people. It's not all I do, nor am I the best healer. But it's been a lot of help."

Yeah, Zaiya was a lot more like her than she thought. Combat wasn't the easiest for Iris either, despite being the Sword's old Padawan. She hummed in thought.

"I taught you already how to use battle meditation. Domxite, you think she's ready?" There was a surge of emotion from Domxite before the droid nodded.

"Okay. Then- Zaiya. Remember how I said there was something with Domxite you'd learn eventually? Now is eventually. Sort of. We're going to finish helping people here. Work with Domxite. Really listen to the emotions they give off. Focus on them, try to match them. When we're finished, then I'll explain further." Which was the lesson, not that Iris was going to say as much. Matching the droids emotions would pull Zaiya in, and eventually they would meld together. For all Iris could do, this was her most powerful, and most dangerous, skill.

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Zaiya had always been a little curious about Iris's scars, but she never wanted to risk making her Master uncomfortable by asking. She knew the feeling all too well -- the way people sometimes stared at her own skin when it shifted colors or asked too many questions about it. These days, she could sense their intent, so if they were just curious, she'd know. But still, there was always this mix of pride and shyness: she wanted to be as vibrant as possible, but sometimes being the only Lovalla around made her stand out in ways she wasn't always prepared for.

Zaiya smiled up at Iris, her face glowing softly with warm pinks and cool blues, and nodded.

"Yeah, I guess we all have to learn to take care of ourselves as well, right?" She knew that's what she was trying to do as well. Maybe that's why she was so into designing all those little tech prototypes; to feel like she had some control over her surroundings when she couldn't with the Force. She didn't want to be fully dependent on it just in case something happened -- like being around the lizards again -- and she had to act.

At Iris's question to Domxite, Zaiya perked up, eyes lighting up with a hint of teal and curious citrine hues. Battle meditation. She'd recalled the practice they had back on Taris with it. Iris's instructions settled over the Padawan and Zaiya nodded.

"Okay!" Her face broke into a grin as she turned to Domxite, whose energy seemed to spark with their own excitement.

Domxite hopped up onto her lap, and Zaiya found a comfortable spot to settle in. Closing her eyes, she began to sink into the Force, just as Iris had taught her. It was getting a bit easier each time, like stepping into a garden where every plant and tree glowed with life. Domxite's aura pulsed ahead of her, a bright, familiar energy that filled her mind's eye with warmth.

Alright, match Domxite.

Taking a slow, steady breath, Zaiya focused on syncing her energy with Domxite's, letting their shared presence weave together, bit by bit, through the Force.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

Domxite took the proactive side of this. While Zaiya was trying to match them, the gem pulled her in further. It wasn't a full dive into it, but little by little two would stop being two. Her world, their world, one and the same. Not all senses, so to keep Zaiya from being utterly overwhelmed, but how Domxite could see the world, the Force and flow it was, and her eyes, overlapped.

Iris on the other hand just continued to go about her business. While not the best at bed side manner, she was efficient and not overly rude. Very efficient. Being able to see the world in colors as she did let her basically paint her way through their injuries, finding what was wrong through sense alone before using the right tools to repair it. Never using the Force to, though.

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Little by little, Zaiya felt her senses merging with Domxite's, and the experience left the Lovalla Padawan in awe. It wasn't just sensing Domxite, it was being Domxite. Her perspective shifted entirely, and it felt as though she was standing smaller, lighter, yet still anchored by something deeply familiar.

Whoa! What is this?

Domxite answered, their presence warm and reassuring, filling her mind with a familiar joyful greeting. It wasn't just their usual hum of emotions, but they were there with her. No wait , in her. In her mind's eye an image bloomed that made her blink in surprise.

A young boy stood before her, waving with a wide, bright smile. It was Domxite, but more than just their essence. They felt tangble, as if they had manifested through their connection. The Force wrapped around them, weaving them together. For a moment, Zaiya felt as though they were the same being, merged into one seamless ebb and flow of thoughts and feelings.

Whoa…

Oh, wait! This had to be what Iris had called Battle Meld back on Tatis!. Zaiya focused more and saw the auras and colors of the Force flowing around them, how it was carefully maintained and guided.

Oh! It was Iris! Zaiya could feel her as well ensuring the safety of their connection.

Zaiya was in awe. This was an entirely new way of being able to bond with someone, perhaps even more than thr one she had shared with her parents, beyond even the natural closeness she felt with her friends, maybe even Aris Noble . It was as if her very soul had intertwined with Domxite's and it just filled her with so much awe… and, for a Lovalla who desperately wanted to feel this connected again, she felt the stirrings of not wanting it to end.

Oh...I see. It now made sense, Zaiya thought to herself, a sombering to her giddiness that had Domxite hum in curiousity, before they did their best to comfort her, but also agree with her assessment.

This was why Iris had warned her and Roman to be careful. It would be so easy to lose herself in this sensation, to sink into the unity when one merged and never want to let go.

Zaiya let out a slow breath, her patterns shimmering with a soft, contemplative glow. She wanted to feel like this always… but it would be addicting to do so without the proper training.

Zaiya knew she could easily lose herself in it.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

There was a hum from the droid that pulled Iris's attention from her work for a moment. She blinked in surprise. There was a danger in melding, but what she heard from her little friend wasn't what she'd expected. Iris's expression softened as she finished tending one last wound before stepping over to set a hand gently on Zaiya's shoulder. Comfort.

"It's a powerful ability, being able to share senses like that. Being the bridge for others. You feel everything everyone else feels. Everything." There was a pause before Iris sat down beside Zaiya. "I used it a lot in the war. It helped the soldiers I was with, helping them against the onslaught of the Sith. They died for me, though. To keep me alive while we were being overrun so I could keep the meld going so as many of us could survive as possible. I blocked it out for the others, but I died with each of them as they fell. It's- Easy to loose yourself in it, in the stream of others. It's even worse for those who aren't trained in it. But it is so, so helpful to keep people safe. It's- Like all things, balance and control is important.

Domxite will help keep you safe, keep you from falling too deep as you learn, but it'll help you to have someone who knows how. I need you to learn, not just this, but everything I'll teach you. It's how you can truly stay safe."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

The gentle press of Iris's hand on Zaiya's shoulder broke the trance of the Battlemeld, a soft tether that drew the Lovalla Padawan back to herself. Slowly, Zaiya let the threads of connection untangle, releasing the shared senses with Domxite. She opened her eyes, her gaze drawn upward to meet her Master's scarred yet colorful visage. The hues that swirled across Iris's features radiated peace and acceptance, and her presence steadied Zaiya as she listened to the explanation.

Battle Meld. A powerful ability. A dangerous one. But with Domxite by her side, Iris assured her, she wouldn't have to face the risks alone. They could protect her, guide her, and help her grow.

Iris's words about her own experiences struck Zaiya like a quiet ripple through the Force. Colors played softly across her skin, gentle bronze glints blending into cool blues and warm golds, as the Lovalla absorbed the weight of what her Master had endured. The loss. The pain. The sense of light extinguished. It reminded her too much of Echnos City, of the Dreadqueen's wrath, and the storm of fear and death that had overwhelmed her there.

Zaiya nodded slowly, her hand reaching out to Domxite, who sang soflty within the Force in response as she brushed her fingertips over their chasis, right by their ocular sensor.

"Thank you," she murmured, her gratitude woven into every word and reflected in the turquoise streaks warming her skin.

But as her gaze returned to Iris, a question lingered in her expression, uncertainty flickering in the shifting hues along her face.

"But... how do you handle it?" she asked, her voice quiet but edged with the weight of the memory she carried -- and she certainly didn't want anyone to die. "When you feel others pass? It got so overwhelming for me last time… and if the Battle Meld makes the connection even stronger…"

She hesitated, swallowing hard, the lump in her throat almost as heavy as the memory of her parent's final moments. Their deaths had echoed through their bond, a hollow ache she still felt, the loss she felt for days being burined underneath that rubble. Her voice softened as she finished.

"How do you make sure it doesn't… eat you up whole?"

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"Pure strength of will and a can do attitude."

Iris shrugged just a little. It wasn't an answer technically, but it was the truth. "You'll never get used to it. And I hope it's not something you have to face, Zaiya. I've no good advice for it. You loose something, every time. What I'm teaching you, having Domxite with you, it's all there to keep you from having to experience. Will it stop you from it? No, I don't think it will. But I want to keep you safe, as safe as I can."

There was a pause for a moment as a real expression took over Iris's usually aloofness. Worry and care, in equal measure. "If you ever need anything, reach out to me, okay? Talking is hard for me, but, I've got a place you can stay at if you need it, and I do listen. And I've got some life advice, even if it might not be the best. You're my Padawan. That's not just training and- .. Well I've been pretty bad about keeping up with the Padawan's I've tried to take on. I want to help you, be there for you- .. Words are hardddd I think this is about all I can say that makes sense before I start to confuse myself."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

Pure strength of will and a can-do attitude.

Had it been another situation, Zaiya might have laughed at how much that reminded her of how Aris saw the universe. Just do it. Zaiya envied him for that, for being able to tell himself to just do something.

However, it didn't mean that Zaiya could also work on things with a strength of will and a can-do attitude. Hasn't she done the same back on Tython Station when having to think of what to do next to survive? It was all give and take, and every new experience would teach her how to tweak things and manage them. Thankfully, she had Iris and Domxite to teach and help her progress.

"Okay. Thank you Iris... that means alot." Zaiya admitted, flushing a bit as a medley of colors danced over her skin in her contemplation and mild sheepishness.

"Just be warned... I do end up asking a lot of questions...sometimes too many. There are things I don't quite comprehend that seem odd to me." Zaiya admitted, taking a deep breath.

"Offering and being there for me when I need you or even when I don't realize I do is more than enough. I know I can end up pretty clingy..." Another thought made the Lovalla Padwan pause. Besides Aris Noble , Iris and Domxite would be the ones she would now spend the most time with. Of course there was Mahsa as well, but a Master and Padawan relationship was different than that as a friend, right?

"Which also makes me wonder if I'll build a bond with you then too if that's the case?"

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"If it's too much at once, I'll ask you to slow down, but that doesn't mean stop asking. Just give me enough time to answer the first question, right?" Her smile softened. Clingy, was it? Domxite had let her know some of that, though never more information than just something to watch out for. Zaiya's private life was for her to share, not be spied on.

Unless she was in danger. Then it was a completely different story.

"It's pretty common, actually. Master Noble formed one with me and all her other Padawans. We spend a lot of time together, learning the Force. It'll most likely happen even without you being Lovalla."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Iris Arani

"Okay, I can do that; give you time to answer, that is -- and also stop when you tell me to." Zaiya agreed, beaming a wide smile.

The Padawan's eyes went wide for a moment when Iris confirmed that it could very well be the case that they could form a bond as Master and Padawan! That was really interesting, and the possibilities are endless! A pulsing ripple of bioluminescence in bright citrine hues went dancing over her rosy golden skin in awe and delight.

"Oh, so that can happen even if I wasn't a Lovalla?" Zaiya asked, leaning forward, intrigued. Domxite confirmed it, so I'm sharing in affirmation.

"Well, if that is the case... is it like a family bond or a mate bond? Does it take a while to form? How does it even work?" those were the only types that she knew of, outside of the Dyad one Grandmaster Valery Noble had explained to her.

"And what does a bond with a Master and a Padawan feel like?" Or how is one like at all?