Private In Living Color

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

"Technomancy?" Zaiya's eyes widened. The Force could affect machinery? That was a whole new level of cool.

"Wait... does that mean the Force can work on cybernetics too?" Her curiosity was practically bubbling over, the possibilities spinning in her mind. Could she one day learn to manipulate droids or even cybernetics with the Force? That was a thought she hadn't considered before, and now she was hooked on the idea.

Did that mean Aris could also affect any items she made for him since they were on his body? Kinda like a type of focus?

Completely lost in her excitement, Zaiya didn't even realize how grimy or paint-splattered the rag Iris handed her was. She wiped her hands absentmindedly, only smearing the colors further across her fingers. The streaks of paint didn't really bother her, though. Her skin was already shifting into curious hues of blue and orange, matching her intrigue.

"Thank you," she said, passing the rag back to Iris with a sheepish grin. Her hands weren't exactly clean, but at least they weren't sticky anymore.

"Is that something Domxite already knows or did they have to learn it? Can that be something I can learn too?"

 

[Iris Arani]

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"As far as I'm aware. It comes as a.. Pull? Or something. From what I can hear, people who can use it can fully disassemble machinery through the Force and put it back together better than it was. It's pretty unique though, sort of.. inherent? Some abilities in the Force you either have or you don't. No rhyme or reason. It's probably just how someone's mind works, really."

She took back the rag, tucking it in her belt. Which only served to cover her clothing in more paint this time around, but as usual Iris didn't seem to notice at all. "Domxite knew it from the get go, and just got better with it. If it's something you can do, I'm sure they'd be able to teach."

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: Iris Arani

Zaiya's skin rippled with curiosity, the colors on her arms shifting to a soft, thoughtful violet as she mulled over what Iris had said.

So, some abilities were just... inherent? It was a bit of a bummer, but it made sense. She immediately thought of Aris -- how naturally the Force seemed to flow through him when it came to strength, speed, or healing. He didn't have to try to use the Force like she did; it was just part of him.

But that thought sparked a new question.

"So, are there species that are naturally better at certain aspects of the Force?" Zaiya asked, her iridescent eyes widening with curiosity. Was that why she was good at sensing emotions when she touched someone? She hadn't read about any other Lovalla using the Force, but then again, there was so little information on her species to begin with.

Her skin swirled with hues of lavender and gold as she thought it over. "And how do you even know if you can do something like that? Do you just... try it out and see what happens?"

With the cleanup finished -- though not without an accidental smear of paint on Iris's clothing with the dirty rag -- Zaiya was more than happy to follow along beside the Jedi Knight. Her eagerness was obvious, her spots flickering with playful excitement. Plus, she could feel Domxite's giddy energy, which only fueled her curiosity. What was it about the little droid that made her feel so intrigued?

Zaiya glanced at Iris, her head tilting slightly as her patterns shifted to a bright and eager amber. "Can you use the Force with machinery as well?" she asked, her voice bubbling with interest. "Or do you have a different knack, like with something else?"

She had so many questions, and honestly, she couldn't help but smile, a joyful shimmer of colorful hues dancing over her rosy golden skin. There was just so much to learn, and Zaiya was ready to soak it all in.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"Miraluka are a good example. No eyes, but each and every one can instinctively see through the Force. And yes, usually, you just try. Or you already feel it. A lot of abilities are just that, instinctive. You're already doing it without realizing you are. No, I can't use it with machinery. And yes, I've got some skills that- okay slow down." Iris raised a hand, half laughing. That was a lot of topics one after the other, and while she could keep up, she didn't exactly want to have to.

"Have you had lunch? We can go eat, and you can ask me more things, one at a time, yes?"

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: Iris Arani

Miraluka? Zaiya made a mental note to look up more about the species later. Was it like what Jalen did with his abilities? Definitely something to consider.

When Iris laughed and told her to slow down, Zaiya felt a warm blush creep across her rosy golden skin, her patterns tinting with hints of pink.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly, her grin widening. "I get a little overexcited and want to know all the things. I know I ask a lot of questions."

Zaiya shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her enthusiasm still bubbling up despite the slight embarrassment. She was glad Iris didn't seem to mind.

Then, at the mention of food, her mood instantly brightened, excitement glowing through her skin in radiant hues.

"Oh, I'd love to eat!" she chirped, nearly bouncing on her heels. "Do you like anything in particular? I know a few spots near the University of Commenor, but I'm happy to go wherever you'd like!"

Her eyes sparkled as she added, "I'm not picky, I love to try new things too!"

 

[Iris Arani]

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"It's fine to ask questions. I just don't keep up well with words. It's hard to focus on them." Conversations were one of Iris's weaknesses. She learned how to handle them, to keep them focused. Especially when she had to. But, for the most part, when she was relaxing like she was, she didn't want to have to put in that extra effort. She didn't want to have to peel through the colors to keep up.

She motioned for Zaiya to follow, shouldering the pack as she walked. They'd exit, find their way to the town, and to the restaurant she had in mind. "When I was younger one of the first things that properly pulled me from the world of colors I live in was spicy food. Really makes you focus. Reallyyy makes you focus. Can you handle spicy, Zaiya?"

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: Iris Arani

Okay, note to self -- ask fewer questions at a time, Zaiya reminded herself. As much as she wanted to know everything, maybe dumping a tidal wave of curiosity on Iris wasn't the best idea. She'd have to pace herself, even if her excitement made that a challenge.

She followed Iris with a little skip in her step, feeling that familiar surge of glee, a joyful light blue and teal shimmer flowing over her mottled spots and stripes over her face. Food was always a good idea, and she couldn't wait to tell Aris all about this in her next holomessage.

"Oh, spicy food? I haven't had much of it, but I've heard it can be really good! I've tried Gluk noodles once, with this soy bean and garlic black sauce that was sooo delicious."

Then, a thought struck her. "Wait, spicy food helps you focus? How does that work?" Zaiya's opal blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. Could that be useful in training too? she wondered. If eating spicy food could help her focus during training... two Mynocks with one stone!

Maybe I can have Aris try some super spicy food for his training!

 

[Iris Arani]

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"The colors block taste. The kick from spices punch right through it. Hotter the better."

It was Domxite who seemed to have some concern, which echoed in the colors and feelings towards Zaiya. The little droid was already looking out for the Padawan. If she didn't want her mouth to burn, she'd have to make sure she told Iris no and ordered her own. Which, as Iris was ordering, was clearly the hottest thing on it. Two, at that, if Zaiya didn't stop her.

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: Iris Arani

Colors block the taste, and spicy foods help it punch through so you can taste the full flavor? Zaiya's eyes lit up at the thought, her rosy-golden skin rippling with vibrant excitement. A subtle bounce in her step matched her mood as she turned to Iris.

"Oh, that sounds awesome! I'll try what you're having then!" she exclaimed, already imagining the new flavors. Domxite, shone emotions of concern about the spiciness, the gears in his chassis turning as he faced her, but Zaiya was far too focused on the promise of food to notice.

This would definitely be something to share with Aris later. He was always so strict with his diet, but surely even he would appreciate the sensory overload of spicy food, right?

As they waited for their meals, Zaiya gave a little shimmy of excitement, her skin swirling with colors like a galaxy in motion.

"So," she started, her curiosity bubbling to the surface, "tell me more about yourself, Iris! I'd love to learn more about you."

She leaned in, eager to hear whatever Iris had to share, her emotions radiating out in playful, shifting hues. Learning more about her Jedi companion felt just as exciting as trying something new. Maybe even more so.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"More about me?"

Iris blinked slowly. Her head tilted after a second more as she thought. She really thought on it, best she could. What did she have to say about herself? What sort of information could she share? The few things that came to mind right away seemed a little not appropriate for a Padawan Zaiya's age. So much death, pain, misery. She glanced to the bag she'd brought with her.

"I like to paint, a lot."

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: Iris Arani

Zaiya's eyes crinkled with amusement, another pale blue flutter painting over her face and waterfalling down her arms in joyful energy; she'd figured that Iris enjoyed painting, considering the massive mural she had spraypainted on the temple wall. But perhaps Iris wasn't keen on sharing too much about herself. Zaiya knew that not many people were open about discussing themselves or their hobbies like she was.

"Haha, I figured as much since you were painting that mural," Zaiya began, feet swinging joyfully as she sat in her seat.

"How did you join the Silver Sanctum Jedi? Was there a particular reason or did you just like who you met there or how they used the Force? I've learned there are many different types of Jedi, but it seems to be more due to differences in philosophy -- the Force seems to be the same regardless." Or at least that seemed to Zaiya. She had been introduced to it from Aris and it had completely changed her life. Before then, the teenager had no idea Jedi, Sith, the Force, or anything like that existed, she just believed she was sensing or craving to touch and feel that energy that flowed between others because she was a Lovalla and had wanted to reconnect.

"Oh and feel free to ask me anything! I'm an open holo-book!... " a pause, then a sheephish grin, "Literally." considering her colorshifting.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"I don't fully remember. I was brought along probably when I was younger than you from an apartment complex where I lived by myself. The people there helped me, but, not people I can say I remember. It's all a.. Haze. Much simpler, at least. Didn't have to think on anything."

It wasn't long till the food arrived at all. She smiled bright as she took up the bowl for herself, and rather promptly started to dig right in as she ate. And hummed her delight at the spice. It was fire. Not to Iris herself, but to normal people it'd be quite the inferno on the tongue. She hummed happily after a moment, glancing to Zaiya after the first bite.

"To be far, everyone is to me, so, it's not like you're different to me. All your people glow or.. Shine, or.. I'm not sure what exactly it is that's going on for you."

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: Iris Arani

Iris had lived alone? And younger than Zaiya was now? The thought made Zaiya's skin ripple with soft dove-grey patterns laced with streaks of bronze, her colors reflecting the empathy she felt. She didn't want to push any further, though, especially after Iris mentioned it all being a blur, like she'd purposely shut those memories away. Zaiya understood that feeling all too well.

"Were the teachings any different?" Zaiya asked, watching with amusement as Iris dug into her food with enthusiasm, a wide grin splitting her face.

Wow, she really loves it! Zaiya thought, excitement bubbling up inside her. If Iris was enjoying the food this much, it had to be good, right? Zaiya couldn't wait to try it for herself.

Following Iris's lead, she twirled some of the noodles onto her fork and took a deep breath. The sauce had an enticing, savory smell to it, with a heat that seemed to rise even before it touched her lips. Zaiya hesitated only for a second before popping the forkful into her mouth. At first, the flavor was rich and umami, with just a hint of spice. But then, the heat exploded across her tongue.

Her eyes widened in shock. It was so much hotter than she expected! The spicy burn spread rapidly, lighting up her mouth like a wildfire. She tried to keep chewing, tried to push through it, but the heat only intensified, every bite stoking the flames. Swallowing was a mistake. A big mistake.

So much that Zaiya couldn’t even comment on Iris talking about how everyone was a haze to her and how Zaiya wasn’t any different with how her kind shined or glew to communicate.

Zaiya dropped her fork, her hands waving frantically in front of her face as if that might help cool the fire blazing in her mouth. She could feel her skin shifting -- bright flashes of pale yellow, searing brown flecked with white spots, as if her own body was trying to mirror the inferno she was experiencing.

"Water… do we have any water?!" Zaiya managed to gasp between coughs, her voice hoarse from the spice. She could already feel the Force working to dull the burn, but it wasn't fast enough. Not nearly fast enough.

Desperation took over as she scanned the table, hoping for anything to soothe the heat. Anything to save her taste buds from the onslaught of spiciness.

 

[Iris Arani]

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It was Domxite to the rescue here. Iris was too busy laughing. Not to make fun of Zaiya, but she hadn't expected the girl to be so gungho about the meal that when it started to burn she didn't immediately stop chewing. Seeing the Padawan only making it worse tickled that funny bone. And, well, she knew Domxite was there to help. As if prepared for this eventuality the encased Rainbow Stone pushed forward a plate of bread.

Iris got enough wits to speak up, clearing her throat.

"Water makes it worse. Eat the bread, Zaiya. You should've told me you can't do spicy."

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: Iris Arani

Of course Iris would laugh. Well, maybe not 'of course' -- Zaiya had just met her. But in hindsight, the Lovalla could see how the whole situation would be funny. That'll teach me not to dive headfirst into trying new foods without testing the waters -- or spices -- first.

Domxite, whirred softly with his servos in sympathy, pushing a plate of bread toward her with a gentle nudge. Zaiya gratefully grabbed a roll and bit into it, hoping the blandness would absorb some of the heat still raging in her mouth.

Wait, is there such a thing as spicy bread? Panic flared, and her skin rippled in chaotic, kaleidoscopic swirls of color, mirroring the intense reaction of her taste buds to the spicy food. She felt like her entire body was in sensory overload.

How did anyone eat something that hot? Her eyes watered uncontrollably as she chewed the bread, one hand still fanning her face, the other clinging desperately to the roll as if it might save her from the fiery torment.

Zaiya was no longer relying on the passive use of the Force to neutralize the burn; she was actively pushing it, concentrating on calming the storm inside her mouth. It was working, but so, s-oo slowly.

After a few coughs and a deep breath, her face now shiny with a thin sheen of sweat that dripped from her temples, she managed to squeak out, "H-how can you even taste anything?"

Her bioluminescent skin had settled into a shimmering pale brown of pain with streaks of white, a reflection of both her bewilderment and her lingering suffering. Zaiya couldn't help but stare at Iris, genuinely curious and amazed. How could anyone enjoy something that felt like a thermal detonator going off on their tongue?

 

[Iris Arani]

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"Your taste buds get use to the spices after a while, and you need hotter and hotter substances for it to even affect you. Building tolerance." Iris wasn't sure when she'd actually built tolerance, but seeing how much Zaiya struggled had her expression soften. She held up a hand, idly pulling on the Force, the pained colors that the heat had brought, to dull and dampen.

"Sorry, though. I should've figured you don't really know what spicy is. Most people don't."

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: Iris Arani

Zaiya let out a small cough, trying not to laugh as the spice still burned at the edges of her tongue. Between the bread, her own curata salva, and Iris's gentle play on her colors to help ease the sting, the spiciness was finally starting to die down. It wasn't unbearable anymore -- just a lingering heat. Still, she couldn't help but feel a little bummed that she wasn't able to handle the spicy food as well as her Jedi Master.

"Okay," Zaiya croaked, taking a careful sip of water, her skin flashing a soft pink with a hint of embarrassment. "So... what's the best way to start a 'spicy journey' without burning my tongue off completely?"

She gave Iris a sheepish smile, even though she still felt bad for not finishing the food. Waste wasn't something she was fond of, especially with how much thought Iris had put into their meal. But still, her mouth felt like it was on fire, and she couldn't ignore that.

Zaiya took another bite of bread, hoping it would soothe the burn a little more before asking with a playful grin, "Or, is there a secret Jedi Force trick that can make me eat this without regretting every life decision? Because I'm open to anything right now."

She was half-joking, but part of her wondered if there was something she could do with the Force to help with this. Jedi had powers for everything, right? Maybe there was a trick for eating spicy food without suffering the consequences. If there was, it would definitely come in handy.

Her skin shifted into a brighter hue, a swirl of curious citrine and blue as she waited for Iris's answer, the idea making her curious now. Jedi skills always surprised her, and who knew? Maybe she'd learn a new one today that wasn't in the Jedi manuals.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"There's plenty you can do to numb your tongue with the Force, but then you miss out on all the flavors. It's the same for a lot of things, really. The Force will numb your other senses. You should enjoy all of your senses and what they bring." Iris idly plucked out a menu before she took another bite of her own heated meal, humming in thought. Then, she'd tap one of the menu options.

"Start at the bottom. In terms of spiciness, not the actual menu. It's like any muscle work. You just need to build up to the hotter things, yeah? This one is good, I hear. I can't taste it well, so you'll have to confirm for me, yeah?"

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: Iris Arani

Okay, fair, Zaiya admitted to herself. If you numbed your tongue, you might as well kiss the full taste goodbye. And what was the point of food if you couldn't taste it properly? Smell mattered too, just as much as taste. And sight, obviously -- everyone liked something that looked good enough to eat.

Zaiya felt a wave of relief wash over her when Iris recommended something less spicy. Even though she was bummed about not being able to handle it, at least she had a solution. "Thank you... do you mind having mine?" she asked, nudging her half-eaten plate toward Iris. "I don't want it to go to waste. You could totally have it as leftovers later."

Domxite seemed to agree with the plan, giving an adorable little shuffle of his feet. Zaiya couldn't help but grin, even though her lips were noticeably red and a little swollen from the spice overload. She dabbed her forehead with a napkin, wiping away the sweat. At least the worst of it was over.

"Other than spicy food, what else do you like to eat?" she asked, curiosity lighting up her expression. "I'm really into fruit, burgers, and street food. Especially street food -- there's just something about grabbing something quick and delicious on the go!"

She hoped Iris shared some fun food picks. Zaiya loved hearing about new dishes she might be brave enough to try -- at her level of spice for now of course.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"If it's not really spicy, I have to focus on it to taste it. And at that point it's just not worth it. Foods supposed to be comfort, not effort." Iris shrugged as she took another bite. From Zaiya's bowl. Even before the girl had spoken up about not letting it go to waste Iris was already eating. Food was important in the essence of giving her energy and the like, but it was only through spices that she found any enjoyment with eating.

"So, there's nothing else."

Zaiya Ceti