Private Farm Chores

[Corazona von Ascania]

Even without her color-shifting skin, Zaiya's uncertainty became plain. Her voice quivered as she spoke in a stuttering halt, worried that she'd been subconsciously influencing those around her.

Cora's expression slowly pinched in concern. Force-sensitive or not, she was reminded that at their core, Jedi were all still people. People with very human (esque) feelings. Feelings that could often be amplified by adolescence.

Cora took Zaiya's hands in her own, her grip gentle and warm. She knelt before the Padawan, careful to keep her voice even and soothing.

"Zaiya," she began. She searched the girl's face and studied the muted tones that desaturated her skin. Ashla, how Cora was suddenly reminded of her own teenage years, how difficult it was to pick your way through relationships as esoteric powers began to bud.

Those years weren’t so long ago, either.

"Has something happened?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Corazona von Ascania

What just happened?

Everything was happening!

Zaiya's heart raced as her emotions swirled in a chaotic storm. Her normally vibrant skin had darkened to a solid, shadowy pewter, with mottled spots edged in a silvery bioluminescence that trembled with fear. The usual soft, comforting glow that she loved was now flickering uncontrollably, mirroring the turmoil raging inside her. Her skin pulsed and rippled with anxiety, colors flashing in a disorienting kaleidoscope of horrified greys, pale fearful yellows, and nauseated lime greens.

Her thoughts spiraled, consumed by worry for her friends - Aris Noble , Braze , Loomi , Mahsa , Ayhan . She cared about them so much, but a terrifying doubt gnawed at her heart. What if they weren't really her friends? What if it was all a lie she'd created without even realizing it?

Even as Cora's voice tried to soothe her, Zaiya's panic only grew. Her mind latched onto the terrifying idea that she had somehow manipulated her friends through the Force. The desperate longing for real, genuine connections, like the ones she had with her parents, only made her doubt herself more. Her hands fluttered in front of her, shaking as she tried to speak through her panic.

"Like… like… w-what if the only reason why people like me and… are my friends right now is because I wanted them to be really, really bad?" Her voice trembled, her words stumbling over each other as she tried to catch her breath, her eyes growing red-rimmed with the effort to hold back tears. "What if Aris only lets me hold his hand because I w-want to be close? Because I miss being able to be close?"

The thought of losing Aris, of all people, was unbearable. He was always there for her, always letting her hold his hand when she needed comfort. But now, even that simple act was twisted into something terrifying. What if he was only pretending? What if it wasn't real?

"Oh, my stars! W-what if Aris is only acting like my best friend because I want him to? Because I need him to?" Her voice rose, panic taking over as the silvery glow of her skin brightened with her fear. "What if everyone really doesn't like me, and it's all a lie because I didn't realize I was making them feel that way?"

Zaiya's thoughts spiraled out of control, her fear feeding on itself as she questioned everything she thought she knew. If Cora could use the Force to control the Fyrnocks… what if Zaiya had been doing the same to her friends all along? What if every connection she thought she had was nothing more than a cruel illusion?

"How do I even know if what they're feeling is real?!" she cried, tears finally spilling over as the panic and dread overwhelmed her. The Force, which had once felt like a gift, now seemed like a curse—a terrible, isolating curse that left her questioning every bond she had. The joy she had once felt in using the Force had vanished, leaving only a cold, suffocating fear in its place.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Zaiya began to make her fears known, putting stuttering words to the agonizing thoughts in her head.

It was a positive feedback loop; each expression uncertainty fed into another, heightening the intensity of her feelings. A kaleidoscope of muted tones ebbed and flowed over the canvas of her skin, reflecting her agony and turmoil.

"Zaiya-"

The soft cadence of Cora's voice halted. Her heart ached for the girl, and she wanted to fix whatever problem this was - but first, she needed to allow Zaiya the space to tell her.

Padawans experienced the galaxy differently than most kids their age. Despite the differences, despite her Force sensitivity and the expectations of the Jedi, Zaiya was still a teenager. Muddled emotions, self-doubt, and making mistakes were apart of the territory. If not tempered properly, a Jedi could be lead down a dark path.

"Oh, Zaiya…"

Behind them, the pair of younger Fyrnok grew more agitated. Their little nips and growls grew into snarls and swipes of their claws. The two adults appeared on edge as well, but not to the point where they'd attack one another.

Then, the tears came.

Cora had eight younger siblings, four of them sisters. In the moment, the protective instinct of an older sister broke through Jedi decorum. Ignoring the irritated beasts behind them for a few moments longer, she rose swiftly and wrapped her arms around Zaiya, pulling the girl into a tight hug.

For a few moments, she simply held the Padawan in her embrace, rubbing gentle circles against her back.

"You've done nothing wrong, Zaiya." She murmured. "And you have not done what your fears are telling you that you’ve done."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Corazona von Ascania

Zaiya was a storm of emotions, swirling and crashing inside her like tidal waves. She was too overwhelmed to even attempt putting up the mental blocks she'd been practicing. All her fears, panic, and raw despair bled out into the Force. Cora could feel every bit of it -- the gut-wrenching terror that maybe, just maybe, her friendships were a lie, that she'd somehow forced her friends to like her without realizing it. The idea of being alone, of watching their true emotions emerge and finding out they were never real in the first place -- it was unbearable.

The hug saved her.

Cora's sudden embrace was like a lifeline, wrapping Zaiya in warmth and reassurance just as she was about to spiral even further. And finally, Zaiya broke. Her sobs came hard and fast, shoulders shaking as she cried into Cora's shoulder. The fears that had gnawed at her for so long spilled out in the form of hot, tearful release. It was all too much. The thought that she might have unknowingly manipulated her friends -- especially Aris -- was more than she could stand. If that were true, how could she ever face them again? How could she ever touch them without doubting everything? For a Lovalla, touch was vital, and the idea of losing that connection was devastating, a blow that could push her into a deep, consuming sadness.

Her voice was muffled against Cora's robe, choked with tears. "B-but... but how do you know? How would I know?" The desperation was raw in her tone, her words trembling as she clung tighter. Her mottled spots darkened, shimmering with silver highlights against the inky blackness of her skin -- a hauntingly beautiful but heartbreaking sight.

"H-how can you tell if someone's been manipulated by the Force to feel different feelings? What if -- what if you can't tell!?" The question carried all her dread, the fear that even the connections she cherished most might be nothing more than illusions, twisted by her own unintentional influence. And the loneliness that came with that thought was suffocating.

The darkness in her patterns reflected just how lost and afraid she felt, like a galaxy slowly collapsing in on itself. She clung to Cora not just for comfort, but for answers, desperate to find some shred of reassurance in the middle of her turmoil.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Jedi were naturally in tune with emotions that lingered from another source – they were susceptible to joy, anger, and despair just as nearly all sentients were. Though their code dictated a sort of emotional detachment, it was hard to cut oneself off from feeling entirely. Ill advised, even.

How could they understand the galaxy they've sworn to protect if they didn't understand how the galaxy felt?

Zaiya's misery hit the Knight like a wave, knocking her off kilter for a few moments. Instead of soaking up her pain, Cora found her center, breathed in deep, and let the wave wash over her without being carried out to sea. Through it all, she kept her arms wrapped around the Padawan.

Cora drew a slow, deep inhale as she stroked the length Zaiya's hair with a gentle hand. It was impossible not to feel the girl's sorrow as she sobbed into her shoulder and left teary streaks on her robe. Even her luminous skin dipped into a murky black, befitting of her anguish.

"We all want to be liked by our friends. It's natural." With a soft touch, she slipped her finger beneath Zaiya's chin in a bid to guide her watery gaze upward. "What you are experiencing is likely a natural part of your ability to connect with people."

Cora smiled with warmth. In truth, she'd never quite experienced Zaiya's concern as her own. They were both learning, but she sought to offer the Lovalla some perspective. And, hopefully, a bit of peace along with it.

"Influencing someone's thoughts to the degree you're imagining would take years of training. Even if you might be subconsciously trying to get them to like you - your friends have made the decision to like you own their own."

While Aris Noble was young, she couldn't imagine the stony faced teenager being overtly influenced by someone's feelings. Epicanthix had a natural talent for shielding their minds, after all.

Cora brushed her thumb beneath Zaiya's eyes, chasing tears across the point of her cheekbone. Her heart absolutely ached for the girl, who was suffering from typical teenage doubt on steroids. Sometimes the Force wasn't as forgiving as they made it out to be.

"And believe me, there is plenty to like."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Corazona von Ascania

It took time -- time and the comfort of a warm embrace -- for Zaiya to calm down enough to feel like herself again. The sobbing had been exhausting, leaving her drained but steadier, like a storm finally clearing. Catharsis. Cora's arms around her made all the difference. The Lovalla teen had always craved connection, the kind of bond where emotions were shared without words, and Cora was giving her exactly that. Zaiya could sense the calm strength in her, the way Cora let emotions flow through her without losing control. It was something Zaiya admired, something she desperately wanted to learn.

As Cora gently lifted Zaiya's chin, wiping away the silvery tears that streaked across her cheeks, Zaiya's swirling colors began to soften. The inky pulses on her skin faded, replaced by the muted glow of relief, warmth, and a touch of lingering sadness. It took a moment for her to focus, her vision blurred from crying, but when Cora's face finally came into view, what Zaiya saw there -- genuine concern and kindness -- made her heart ache in the best way.

So it was normal to feel like this? To worry so much about how I might affect others?

Zaiya swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath, even though her lower lip still trembled and her nose was stuffy from all the crying. She needed to pay attention now. This was important. She'd asked Cora how she could know for sure if she was influencing her friends in ways she didn't mean to, and now Cora was giving her the answer.

It turned out that the kind of deep influence Zaiya feared -- one that could push people's emotions or choices -- required years of training, training she didn't have. Even if she was unconsciously nudging her friends' feelings, the choice was still theirs. They'd want to be her friends because of who she was, not because she was forcing them to feel that way. That eased the tight knot of anxiety in her chest, though the self-doubt still lingered in small slivers, as it often did for someone her age. Wisdom would take time. It might be years before Zaiya fully understood and trusted her own abilities, but she was on the right path.

What Cora said next sent a fresh wave of emotion through her. There was plenty to like about Zaiya, plenty of reasons for her friends to care about her -- just for being herself. The words hit home, validating all those worries and fears she kept tucked away. She wanted so badly to belong, to feel safe and loved, to have a place where she could just be herself without fear of hurting anyone.

"Really, really?" Zaiya's voice wobbled, her eyes misting up again, seeking the reassurance like any girl her age would. Her skin shifted to a soft, hopeful hue, reflecting the tender light that now filled her heart.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Really."

A firm yet gentle affirmation. Inwardly, Cora heaved a sigh of relief as Zaiya's skin shifted into a softer glow. She had some of her color back. That was good. Progress.

"Matters of the heart can be a Jedi's greatest challenge," she continued slowly. One hand was still braced against the Padawan's back, while the other returned to stroke silvery hair. "They can be tricky to navigate. Sometimes I-"

Cora paused, hesitating on how to phrase what she wanted to say.

"There are times when I struggle with it. Not just Knights, but Masters, too. We're not unfeeling machines, after all, and learning to manage our feelings is an ongoing process."

Behind them, the fyrnoks had simmered down. Cora glanced to them with a weary eye - there was still the matter of control to discuss, but that could come later. Zaiya was still raw, and she didn't want to make the girl feel even worse.

That would help no one.

Removing her hand from the Lovalla's hair, she gestured to the creatures that milled behind them. They were calmer now, if a tad confused.

"I think it's time we take our new friends and head back to the farm."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Corazona von Ascania

Hearing Cora -- a Jedi Knight -- admit that she still struggled with emotions, and that even Jedi Masters faced similar battles, felt like a weight lifting off Zaiya's chest.

So, I'm not alone in this? There was a flicker of relief in that realization, though it quickly gave way to a tinge of anxiety. If even seasoned Jedi hadn't fully mastered it, would she ever? Or was this just part of the journey, an ongoing process with no real end?

For the Lovalla teen, it would take time before she fully grasped that experience would bring her the strength to stand in the storm of her emotions without being swept away. The Jedi weren't meant to be emotionless; they were taught to be empathetic, to feel deeply, yet still find calm within the chaos. That was why Zaiya always admired Aris Noble . He seemed like the perfect future Jedi Battlemaster -- always composed, always level-headed, always knowing just what to say or do. Zaiya had caught rare glimpses of more emotion from him, fleeting moments that lit up his face in a way that made her giddy, proud even, that she could bring that out in him.

But here she was, a mess of tears, anxiety, and holo billboard of glowing colors. If Aris were here, he'd probably boop her forehead, that playful gesture he used when her thoughts spiraled out of control. But this? This was more than just a spiral; it felt real and raw, like the fear was clawing its way up from her chest.

Would there ever be a time when Aris would be overwhelmed with emotions? Where he wouldn't be able to contain them and perhaps, lose control? That seemed unlikely. He had told her he had trained his entire life to maintain control and he certainly seemed to be well versed in it.

Taking a shaky breath, Zaiya nodded, her resolve slowly returning. She wiped her nose with the back of her hand, a bit embarrassed by how hard she'd cried, coral painting her mottled spots before she managed to get it to calm. When she glanced at the Fyrnoks, she let out an awkward laugh, the kind that bubbles up after a good cry when you're trying to shake it off.

"Sorry I couldn't practice what you asked me to do," she apologized, her voice steadier now. She inhaled deeply and then nodded more firmly, determination setting in burnished orange tones with cerulean glowing highlights. "Okay, let's go."

Turning to the creatures, Zaiya's tone softened as she crouched down, holding out her hands in a welcoming gesture.

"Hey there, I'm Zaiya. I promise we're not here to hurt you. We just want to help." She stretched out with the Force, focusing on channeling warmth and calm into the energy she sent toward them. Cora had said that connecting with the Force took intention, a deliberate effort to reach out. Zaiya hoped this counted. Would this be enough? Could she really bridge the gap between herself and the creatures? Only one way to find out.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"All in good time," Cora responded to Zaiya's apology. As they disengaged, the Padawan seemed more level. A good cry could do that. "I'll alert the game warden."

The Knight stepped away and gave Zaiya her space. As she tried her hand at pacifying their charges, Cora tapped away on her datapad, occasionally glancing up from the screen to monitor the teen's progress.

One of the Fyrnoks - a smaller one - regarded Zaiya's soft voice and outstretched hand with a curious head tilt. A few long moments passed as the other three gathered around, looking on with caution.

Slowly, the Fyrnok placed one paw forward, bringing himself closer to the proffered hand. He sniffed her finger, taking his time to absorb the strange scents lingering on the offworlder girl. Finally, he lowered his head and bumped it against Zaiya's hand.

One of the creatures laid down and stretched. Another yawned, while the third paced closer and pawed at the hanging sleeve of Zaiya's robe.

Cora's lips couldn't help but curve into a smile behind the datapad's screen.

"Well done."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Corazona von Ascania

When the first Fyrnock crept closer and gently nuzzled her hand, Zaiya froze. Her breath caught in her throat, and she stayed as still as possible, afraid that any sudden movement might startle it. But beneath her calm exterior, excitement flickered to life, painting her skin with vibrant swirls of blue and gold. The little creature's trust made warmth bloom inside her, easing the tension she'd been carrying for what felt like ages.

Then a second Fyrnock ambled over and pawed at her robe, and Zaiya's grin broke wide open. She could hardly believe it; these wild creatures were actually drawn to her. When she heard Cora's encouraging 'Well done,' Zaiya beamed, her heart swelling with pride.

"I really did it?" she asked, needing confirmation, but the look on Cora's face was all the answer she needed. Feeling more confident, Zaiya gently scooped up the two tiny Fyrnocks, her touch careful and light. The other two bumbled over toward Cora, curious and playful.

"Alright, let's get these little ones out of here," Zaiya said, her voice steadier now. The sharp edge of worry that had clung to her was starting to fade, replaced by a quiet determination. She gave a quick sniff, pushing away the lingering shadows of her earlier doubts. It wasn't easy, but she was taking small steps forward, focusing on the mission at hand.

"Do we have to rehome them or what's the plan?" she asked, glancing over at Cora. Zaiya's mind was already spinning with thoughts about where these Fyrnocks could be safely relocated. She felt a little surge of purpose; this was something she could do, something that mattered. And right now, it was exactly what she needed.

It is what Jedi did, right?

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Yes," Cora confirmed, somewhat musically with amusement, "You really did."

Only a few minutes ago, Zaiya had been sobbing in her arms. Now, she was calm enough to placate a group of creatures who were far from home. It was amazing how quickly the mood could change when the right direction was taken.

A second wave of relief hit Cora – teaching was still very new to her, and she was fortunate that her instincts had been correct this time. The Jedi had a millennia of examples to pull from when it came to managing emotions, but what worked for one person hadn't always worked for the next.

The sight of Zaiya cradling the pups was adorable, but it was also a testament to her budding skill in animal bonding. The remaining two Fyrnoks ambled toward the Knight, and Cora knelt to run her hand along one of the creature's black scales.

"Ideally, yes." Her brow knit in thought. "They can't survive here. At least, not without causing trouble for the farmers. I have a friend from Anaxes – I can reach out to him, and see if he'd be able to help us get them home."

It had been a long time since she'd seen Cailen Corso . Their last meeting had been on Dagobah, before her doomed marriage, and before the war. A pang of regret hit her for not reaching out to him until she'd needed something.

Cora let those thoughts rest for now. Rising, she smoothed out her robes and looked to Zaiya before they began moving back towards the farm.

"They'll be much happier there, I'm certain."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Corazona von Ascania

Zaiya nodded in understanding; it made sense to find a place where the Fyrnocks could thrive without causing trouble for the local residents. The thought brought a ripple of curiosity across her skin, shifting her patterns to a curious orange hue.

"Must be interesting to feed on electricity," she mused, her eyes bright with wonder. "I wonder how big they get?" Zaiya was always eager to learn about new creatures, her mind soaking up information like a sponge.

"Yeah, finding them a safe home sounds like the best idea," she agreed with another nod, following Cora as they made their way back. The day had been emotionally exhausting, more so than physically, but in a good way. Zaiya had finally talked to Cora about some of the things that had been weighing on her. Aris always said she worried too much, but getting it all out felt like a relief.

"Thank you for bringing me with you today, Knight von Ascania," Zaiya said, her voice softening with gratitude. Her skin shifted into warm hues of bronze, blue, and gold, reflecting the depth of her appreciation. She smiled up at Cora, feeling a sense of peace after the day's events.

"I learned... and you helped me a lot." Her feet shifted a bit sheepishly as she admitted, ".. In more ways than one... so... thank you."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora hummed in agreement. Who knew how big Fyrnok could grow? Once they made it back to the farm and had the creatures appropriately corralled, they could do a little more research and learn together.

An unexpected warmth crawled up her spine when Zaiya thanked her. Cora had placed her own anxieties aside while digging into the Padawan's problem, but a small part of her had still been nervous that she'd make things worse.

"Of course," she had to clear her throat before answering. Cora tilted her head to peer at Zaiya, smiling fondly. "And you're welcome. I'm glad that you felt comfortable enough to open up to me."

Maybe it wasn't exactly that, and Zaiya's emotions would've bubbled over all the same.

"Tempering our feelings is a typical part of Jedi training, but you've got a gift, Padawan Ceti." She glanced down to the Fyrnoks, ambling along at her feet. "You'll learn to use it well."

Zaiya Ceti