Private Far Down Below

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery watched Xochi closely as he spoke, noting the smile that reached his green eyes and the brief chuckle that accompanied it. There was a weariness in him, one she imagined came from carrying the weight of his life and choices for so long, but there was also something undeniably human about him in this moment — genuine and unguarded. It was refreshing, even in the dim, rough atmosphere of the cantina.

"Nothing too strenuous, huh?" Valery echoed with a soft smile, her tone carrying a touch of playful warmth. She leaned back slightly, letting her fingers trace the edge of her glass as her amber eyes flicked briefly toward the fighting pit and then back to him. "That doesn't sound like much of a plan, though. You've got some time before the big fight — maybe you could do something that's actually enjoyable. Something for yourself."

She tilted her head slightly, her curiosity and encouragement clear in her expression. "I get it, you want to stay sharp, not take any unnecessary risks, and that's smart. But it doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in survival mode the whole time. Have some fun. Take a day or two to unwind, to remind yourself what life outside the pits can feel like."

Valery looked at him with a hopefully encouraging grin.

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Xochicalcu couldn't help himself, as he'd looked back toward Valery, meeting her bright amber eyes, and was infected by her grin. It was an honest grin, that sort of thing was near impossible to fake. And she'd caught his subtle joke, another sign of her intelligence if he had not already been convinced of that much. Something enjoyable? For himself? Beyond what he was doing right at this moment, he couldn't think of a single thing. But her proposal to find something new to do was a good idea.

Would milady care to make a suggestion? He asked, playfully. That was a far better way to phrase it than to highlight his own lack of imagination, in his mind. Maybe he could go and see some other parts of Coruscant while he was still here. But what? Where? When? Most of the historical places he knew of were long destroyed and paved over. There was little left that he was aware of that might interest him.

He felt encouragement, and it surprised the old teacher, opening up avenues of thought that he had never considered, or more honestly, had never bothered to consider. He drank to avoid too much thinking, as had been his way for some time now. Here he was, though, only two beers to the good, hardly enough to get properly intoxicated, so still possessing what mental faculties he did retain. And she was making him use his brain.

The old man was careful to damn down on any hope or thoughts of a positive outcome. That way lay despair. Still, he could at least alleviate some of the monotony of the same old places and same old faces. Maybe Valery would have a suggestion. That might actually be nice. Yeah, nice, that was a good level. He'd allow nice. More than that, could be very dangerous to his mind, he knew from painful experience.

He grinned back, feeling a little stupid, but with the tiny spark of hope for something nice, a feeling he hadn't allowed himself in a long time. Never mind, he told himself, you are pretty stupid. You're gonna feel stupid a lot. He hoped his eyes didn't look as vacant as they felt. He didn't like feeling vulnerable, and while he wasn't quite feeling vulnerable, he did feel like Valery could see right into him and into his mind. That wasn't all bad, she was obviously a good person, but it did worry him a little that anyone could read him at all.

Yeah, well, as long as his mind and intent wasn't exposed to an opponent inside the fighting ring, he'd live with the company of a pretty woman who could read him like an open datapad. As stoically as he could.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery chuckled softly, leaning forward slightly to meet Xochi's playful tone. Her amber eyes sparkled with a mix of warmth and mischief as she rested her arms on the edge of the table. "A suggestion, huh?" she echoed, her grin widening. "You're asking me to plan your day now? I'm not sure I signed up for that."

She teased him lightly but shifted into something more genuine as she continued. "Alright, let's see. Coruscant has its layers, but there are still some gems worth finding if you know where to look. Have you ever been to the Galactic Museum? It's one of the few places where you can still feel the weight of history on this planet. It's… grounding, in a way."

Her expression softened, and her voice carried a thoughtful undertone. "But maybe that's a little too quiet for your taste. There's also great bars and clubs everywhere, or shopping streets." She paused, tilting her head as her smile took on a wry edge. "Or, if you're feeling a little more daring, the entertainment district has some of the galaxy's best bike tracks. Just don't go getting yourself injured before the fight."

She let her words linger for a moment before adding with a more serious tone, "Whatever you decide, it doesn't have to be perfect, or life-changing. Just... something that reminds you there's more to life than this." Her gaze lingered on him, searching his face for a reaction, before she leaned back again with a gentle smirk.

"So, what's it going to vbe?"

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Well, those weren't such bad suggestions, which he appreciated. Xochicalcu made up his mind almost as soon as she'd said the words 'Galactic Museum', as that sort of thing would be right up his alley of interest. Shopping didn't really interest him, nor did watching races, but history, that would do nicely. Of course there would be some of this planet's history preserved someplace, and he could go and visit. Maybe there would be some interesting artifacts, and something new to learn.

No, I've never been to the museum. But i'm going to fix that. He said with some determination in his voice, mask hissing as he reached for his beer. He'd make the trip tomorrow, he still had a few days free until the big fight night. She was right, he'd appreciate some time away from this place. Thankyou.

He was not really sure what else to say. he'd made his decision. He'd take time out for himself, something he rarely did anymore. He was a little ashamed that it had taken the suggestion of this nice lady to push his stubborn ass out of the rut he was living in.

Xochi took a long pull on the cold beer, draining the glass while deep in thought. He was grateful to have met Valery. She leaned back, and Xochicalcu made himself look away out of politeness before he looked somewhere he shouldn't. She'd catch him if he did.

The distraction of an interesting day trip appealed to the old man now he'd made up his mind. It was funny how sometimes the options were there all along, and it took someone else to point out the obvious. Despite himself, he smiled, not really noticing he was doing it, as he pretended to watch the crowd, wondering what interesting treasures might lie at the galactic museum to see...

Valery Noble
​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery noticed the subtle way Xochi averted his gaze, the almost-too-quick shift of his eyes toward the crowd, and it didn't escape her how he seemed to be steering himself away from anything improper. A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she leaned back in her seat, arms folding casually across her chest.

"Is something wrong?" she teased lightly, her amber eyes sparkling with playful mischief. She wouldn't push him too much, but it was amusing to see his reaction to the question.

With a tilt of her head, Valery gestured toward the bar a moment later, the glint of her smile turning just a touch mischievous again. "Come on, history buff. Why don't we grab another drink at the bar?" She chuckled softly and stood, waiting for him to decide. Standing around the fighting pit all night wasn't her idea of fun.

"But hey, if you're more interested in disappearing into the crowd, I won't stop you. Though I might be offended after giving you my best suggestions," she added with a playful raise of her brow.

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Valery's seemingly playful tone drew Xochi's attention back toward the conversation and away from his drifting thoughts of temporary escape from this dingy place. He turned back at her suggestion of another drink, and caught the raised eyebrow. She was genuine, it seemed to him, and he could go with that.

Another drink, then. Xochi growled, and he stood up too, and turned back toward the bar. His empty glass was put down, leaving him free to order whatever took his fancy. He was torn on what to have, with two beers down he could easily enjoy a third, but he could also feel like mixing things up. Standing around all night wasn't his idea of fun either.

Thinking quickly, Xochicalcu came up with what sounded to his mind like a fair offer and a solution to his own indecisiveness. Why don't you order for us and i'll pay? He intended that she wouldn't have to feel obligated in any way, and if she wanted to reciprocate, the option was built-in. He was enjoying the company well enough to commit to having two more drinks, at the very least. He wondered if she'd accept, and what she might order for him.

He certainly wasn't going anywhere else tonight, except maybe the medical facility if she decided to order some of the more exotic things this place could serve up, though he imagined Valery would be somewhat more merciful than to do such. The bar did stock some more tasteful beverages, some were decent wines and spirits in addition to the very good beer. There were however also several substances that would strip the grease from a starfighter engine. Xochi had once tried a drink the Wookiees were fond of. He would not be doing that again.

The grizzled old history buff smiled, though the breath mask hid most of it in truth, going along with the relaxed and friendly interaction that the two of them had fallen into quite easily. His eyes would share the smile, honestly and openly as he looked between Valery and the bar just beyond the two of them.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's smirk deepened as Xochi stood and offered his suggestion. She could see the genuine openness in his eyes, the kind of sincerity that made her chuckle softly under her breath. "Alright," she said, her tone filled with mischief as she began to walk toward the bar, glancing over her shoulder at him. "But don't blame me if you don't like my taste."

When they reached the bar, Valery leaned casually against the counter, her amber eyes scanning the array of bottles and taps. She pretended to consider her options with an exaggerated air of seriousness, a playful glint lighting her gaze as she looked back at him. "Hmm, so many choices. You sure you trust me with this decision?"

Without waiting for a reply, she raised her hand to signal the bartender and ordered confidently. "Two Corellian spiced ales, please."

When the bartender moved to prepare the drinks, she turned to Xochi with a grin. "It's not too wild, I promise. Just enough kick to keep things interesting." Her teasing tone softened, and she tilted her head slightly as she regarded him. "Figured you'd appreciate something classic, but with a bit of flair. Sound about right?"

As the drinks were placed in front of them, Valery grabbed hers and raised it toward him in a casual toast. "To good company and not getting dragged into the fighting pit tonight," she quipped, her smile warm.

She took a sip of her drink and leaned one elbow against the bar, her posture relaxed. "So, what's the most surprising thing you've ever uncovered in all your travels, history buff?" she asked, her tone light and genuinely curious as she shifted the conversation.

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Xochi didn't show any outward relief after they got to the bar and Valery ordered something sensible, but he did feel the slight twinge of relief that he wouldn't be drinking paint stripper or worse. Corellian spiced ale wasn't supposed to be unpleasant. He nodded his approval and returned Valery's toast with his own Ale. To good company! And he took a sip, enjoying the unfamiliar flavor and the not unpleasant burn of the alcohol.

He stood straight, not leaning on the bar for support, but not rigidly at attention, slightly relaxed without slouching his posture. His eyebrows raised at Val's question. He knew the answer without thinking, though it wasn't something he'd encountered on his travel, per se. Surprises came in many forms. He smiled, retelling the tale as he looked at her.

I once asked my class of young children, not any of them older than seven, to draw me a map. Didn't say of what. Just from memory. Most kids drew their homes, or the village. One little girl, all of six, drew the most detailed map of the entire galaxy, from memory, by hand. She got all the major hyperspace lanes, and located our little planet perfectly where it should be.

The breath mask hissed longer than usual with the longer than usual speech of its wearer. Xochi chuckled. I found out later her father was a navigator, fairly poor, and the kids had not more than maps to play with at home. Amazing thing, the mind of a child. He mused. Then before he could say more, or turn to darker thoughts and memories, he looked away quickly, and took another sip of ale before looking back.

And what about you? Most surprising thing? He asked, not disinterested, just genuinely curious. They were in good company now, enjoying the conversation, and sharing their own thoughts and memories, so he had relaxed somewhat from his usually very guarded posture.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery chuckled softly at the story, her amber eyes sparkling with amusement and warmth. "A six-year-old mapping the galaxy from memory? That's incredible," she said, taking a sip of her ale. The spiced burn lingered pleasantly, and she set the glass down with a quiet clink. "Children have a way of surprising us, don't they? Their perspective is so pure and unfiltered — they often see things we don't."

She paused, leaning slightly against the bar, her smile softening into something more reflective. "As for me..." she began, her voice trailing off as she considered his question. After a moment, she met his gaze, a glimmer of mischief dancing in her eyes.

"I was traveling through the Outer Rim once and stopped on this tiny, out-of-the-way planet for supplies. I didn't expect much — it was a small settlement, not much going on. But while I was there, I kept hearing this music." Her eyes lit up, and her voice took on a more animated tone. "Not from speakers or anything, but live instruments. Turns out, every week, the locals would hold this huge gathering where everyone in the settlement played music together."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "I mean, everyone. From kids barely old enough to hold an instrument to their elders who probably hadn't missed a single gathering in decades. And the music? It was incredible. They didn't follow any written scores, just played together by ear, and it worked. It was like they all shared the same rhythm in their hearts."

Valery glanced at her glass, her expression briefly introspective. "I wasn't expecting anything like that in such a quiet place. But it reminded me that you can find beauty and connection anywhere, even where you least expect it." While true, it wasn't the most surprising thing she had seen. Just... the most surprising thing that wouldn't expose her as a Jedi to him already.

Valery raised her glass for another sip, her tone light but sincere as she added, "Life seems to have a way of surprising us when we least expect it, doesn't it? Sometimes it's a child with a galaxy map, and sometimes it's a song."

She tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "What's next on your list of surprises, Xochi? Or are you content with good company for now?"

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Xochi was a little entranced by her story.

Valery was a good storyteller. As he listened, he could almost picture the people making their music in their large gathering as she described. It sounded like a beautiful experience, one he almost felt that he'd shared. It was a reminder of the good and decent things that happened every day in the galaxy. It was good to remember how small each of their individual lives was, and that it was not all bad.

He nodded his agreement when she made her point about life throwing out surprises. That was most certainly true. He considered her question, but in truth, he didn't really know. Beyond a general idea of how to go forward, which he would stick rigidly to, he had little enough in the way of goals or options to explore. As he saw it, there was a narrow path ahead for him. Good company is too rare to pass up. He said, raising his glass in salute.

Perhaps he could have said more, but the expedition he'd committed to, to visiting the galactic museum, was the only aside he had in his near future until the death match tournament. And after that, he'd probably need to move on from here. That was hardly the sort of plan one was proud of. It was simple, and basic, and it was what he had. He sipped again at the spiced ale, wondering what possibilities might be in store.

There was no future here in the fighting pits, that much he did know. Just good company, for a time. She was pleasant to listen to, and pleasant to look upon, though he tried his best to be a gentleman about it, he had noticed several times how attractive she was.

What about you? Plans, goals, dreams?

Surely she'd have a better answer than a grizzled old pit fighter.

Valery Noble
​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's lips curled into a soft smile as she raised her glass, her amber eyes studying Xochi for a moment. He was a man of few words, but each one seemed carefully chosen, deliberate. There was a calmness about him that she found oddly refreshing. Amidst the chaos of the galaxy — and her own life — his grounded demeanor felt like an anchor.

"You don't say much, do you?" she teased lightly, the warmth in her voice softening the remark. "But I kind of like that. It's peaceful, in a way."

She took a small sip of her drink, savoring the subtle spice that lingered on her tongue before setting the glass down with a soft clink. His question gave her pause, her gaze drifting briefly to the worn wood of the bar as she considered her answer. Plans? Goals? Dreams?

What could she say?

"Honestly?" Valery began, her voice thoughtful. "I'm just going with the flow right now. Meeting interesting people, experiencing interesting things, and having a bit of fun when I can." Her smile widened slightly, a glimmer of playfulness in her eyes as they flicked back to him. "Life doesn't always have to be about big plans or grand adventures, you know? Sometimes it's just about moments like this. Good company, good drinks and not overthinking everything."

She leaned back slightly, her posture relaxed but still elegant. "Though I'll admit," she added with a slight chuckle, "I'm curious to see where this flow will take me next."

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Xochi couldn't help himself, her teasing was infectious. He did something he rarely did, and laughed out loud. Ha! Causing the breath mask to let out an abortive hiss as if it were confused as to what its wearer was doing. No, he didn't say much, usually. He found that quite amusing.

He liked her relaxed and reactive attitude to life, it was a good way to be, ready for the galaxy to throw good or bad your way, taking things as they come. He admired that she was still open to finding good in the galaxy, for better or worse, accepting that good things could still happen. It was how he'd used to be before he'd had two families taken away violently and suddenly. Xochi didn't think about those times too much. Was just too hard.

Valery was an oasis of calm and relaxed happiness in an ocean of light and sound, shadow and noise, of the fighting pit and the crowd, but Xochicalcu was content to remain within the small bubble of happiness a little longer. Somehow she had the affect on him that allowed him to let himself have a good time. Despite his reserved nature, he was starting to relax.

Well said. He took a sip from his spiced Corellian ale. So long as you watch yourself out there. It's a dangerous galaxy. As he knew only too personally well.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's smile widened at Xochi's laugh, the unexpected sound catching her off guard in the best way. The hiss of his breath mask only added to the charm of the moment, and she chuckled softly in response. It wasn't often she encountered someone so reserved who could still laugh like that, and it made her all the more curious about him.

"I'll take that as a compliment," she said warmly, her amber eyes sparkling as she watched him sip his drink. There was something reassuring about his presence, like an old tree rooted deep in the soil, unshaken by the winds of chaos around him.

At his comment about the dangers of the galaxy, Valery inclined her head slightly, her smile fading into a more thoughtful expression. "Oh, I know," she said, her tone softer now but no less resolute. "I've seen plenty of what this galaxy has to offer, both good and bad. But I like to think that even in the worst of times, there's always something worth fighting for. Something worth living for."

She reached for her glass, her fingers brushing the rim as she considered her next words. "And watching myself out there?" she added with a faint smirk, her voice lighter again. "Don't worry about me. I can handle myself. But I'll admit, it's nice to meet someone who cares enough to say it."

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

He believed her when she said the words, Valery spoke with such assured confidence that it more than convinced Xochicalcu that she could take care of herself against the worst the galaxy could throw at her. And yet somehow she had remained undaunted, undimmed, and undefeated despite whatever her own troubles that she had been through. She'd done better than him at any rate.

He nodded to show he intended the compliment and finished off his spiced ale. He studied her face as she spoke, watching her eyes, her lips, allowing himself to admire her beauty just a little. The old man was too polite to ask about her past troubles, and he was certainly less willing to talk about his own. That was fine, he didn't wish to bring the mood down. They were having a nice time, after all.

I didn't take you for a fighter at first, but I can see it now. Xochi said, breath mask hissing. It would be easy to be distracted by the intelligent beauty, and miss the steel beneath. She didn't show it, even now, but warrior to warrior, he picked up on the easy confidence that she held herself with, as if she had no fear. Plenty of folk could show no fear, but it was usually a facade. Not with this one.

Happy to make a new friend, the old man lowered his guard a little more. He'd found someone he felt that he could trust, and not someone who would be burdened easily, nor someone who wished to use him for their own purposes. Maybe even a true friend. Wasn't that one of those surprises the galaxy threw up? Maybe he'd just earned some luck for once. He wouldn't mind so much, luck had been in short supply for him these many years. Screw it. He thought. Just say what you think. I'd like to meet up with you again, if you would like to. He met her eyes, a little hope in his that hadn't been there before.

Somewhere better than this dingy fighting pit, he said without saying so. He wondered if she'd laugh at him. She had every right to do so, and he'd deserve it for being a silly old fool. But you never knew. Maybe he'd find some good in the future after all.

Valery Noble
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[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's amber eyes lingered on Xochi as he spoke, her expression softening as his words carried a quiet sincerity. The steady hiss of his breath mask punctuated the brief silence between them, but she didn't mind. In fact, she found it oddly grounding, much like the man himself. His offer caught her off guard, though not unpleasantly so, and for a moment, she said nothing.

Then, her lips curved into a warm smile. "Yeah," she said softly, her voice carrying a note of genuine affection. "I'd like that as well."

She held his gaze, letting the weight of her agreement sink in. There was something about Xochi — his calm, his honesty, his quiet strength — that felt like a rare find in a galaxy so often consumed by chaos and deceit. The idea of meeting him again, somewhere away from the noise and blood of the fighting pits, was... nice. Refreshing, even.

Valery leaned back slightly, her posture relaxed but still elegant. "But next time," she added with a playful smirk, "We're meeting at a different place. Somewhere with better lighting, maybe? And less fighting."

Her tone lightened the moment, but her smile remained, carrying a deeper sincerity that matched the quiet hope she saw in his eyes. She lifted her glass slightly, a gesture of camaraderie as much as celebration.

"To new friends," Valery said, her gaze steady and warm. "And better places."

Xochicalcu ​

 

[Xochicalcu]

Equipment - Breathmask, Blaster
Location - Coruscant underworld fighting pits
Objective - Make Conversation

Her approval seemed to lift a weight from his shoulders that he hadn't realized that he was carrying, and he felt as if his strength had redoubled. He felt light, almost. It was a strange feeling he'd forgotten. Xochi didn't let it distract him from the moment, smiling and nodding with Valery's suggestion they find a nicer place to hang out.

Better places indeed. He let the mask hiss as he fell back into silence. Finishing off his own spiced ale, he returned the glass to the bar after returning her gesture in kind. He'd found something outside his dim purpose. That made today a very good day, in the grand scheme of things. She'd brought hope, and reminded him there was more to life than what he'd been about up until now.

Less fighting probably wasn't in his immediate future, but he would be happy to keep Valery away from that sort of thing. He wouldn't stand in her way either, he'd already come to respect her. She could come watch the deathmatch tournament. He wouldn't allow her or anyones presence to be a distraction. But he was going to see her again soon, and he liked the idea of that very much.

Valery Noble
​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: smuggler Val
Weapons: Blasters

Valery's warm smile lingered as she watched Xochi nod, the subtle shift in his demeanor not lost on her. There was something profoundly satisfying about seeing the flicker of hope in someone who had perhaps been without it for too long. The galaxy could be a cruel and unforgiving place, but moments like this — small as they might seem — reminded her why she fought so hard to bring light into the darkness.

"I'm holding you to this, you know," she said with a playful smirk, her tone light but sincere. "Next time, it's somewhere quieter. No fighting pits, no deathmatches — just two people having a conversation. Maybe over tea or caf instead of spiced ale."

She was already feeling its effects.

Her smirk softened into something more genuine, and she leaned forward slightly, resting her forearms on the bar. "I think you'll like it. It's easier to let your guard down when the only sounds around you are laughter and good music. The galaxy needs more moments like that."

For a moment, she let her words hang in the air, her gaze steady as she studied him. She could sense it — the shift in his energy, the faint but unmistakable spark of something brighter. She didn't need the Force to know she'd made an impression, and that knowledge warmed her in ways she couldn't fully put into words.

Xochicalcu ​