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

Food is supposed to be comfort, not effort.

Zaiya mulled over that thought as she leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. It was an interesting take. Comfort. Not effort. She could appreciate that, especially after how hard it had been to try Iris's spicy food.

She stole a glance at Iris, who seemed perfectly at ease eating something Zaiya was sure could burn straight through durasteel. It was fascinating how different their experiences with food were. Iris needed the heat to taste it, while Zaiya -- and definitely Aris -- would be overwhelmed by anything that intense. He was supersensitive to anything having to do with his senses. Which could be great in some instances but not so much in others. She couldn't help but wonder what else worked differently for Iris.

"So, do you have to do that with smells too?" Zaiya asked, her curiosity bubbling up. She couldn't help but wonder how Iris's senses worked, and if it was something specific to her species or if the Force had a role in it.

Her skin shifted slightly, blue hues mixing with amber as she waited for Iris's response, genuinely intrigued. There was something fascinating about the differences in how people experienced the universe, and Zaiya was always happy to learn more about them.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"It's the same for everything. Even talking to you now is effort. But, it's effort I like to make, bow and then. Talking with people is.. Good, I think."

Iris nodded once before she again dug into the food, sighing happily. It wouldn't be too much longer before Zaiya's meal came to the table at least, but Iris certainly didn't seem to mind eating despite the wait. She was, as ever, just in her own world. Occasionally reaching out through it, but, usually pretty contained within. "So, what were you looking for here anyway?"

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

It must be so overwhelming, Zaiya thought, her skin flickering with soft hues of citrine and amber. She wondered if there was something she could craft for Iris, like she had for Aris Noble , that might help with the sensory overload.

"Is it just the Force, or is it also your eyes that cause that overstimulation?" Zaiya asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. The colors on her skin shimmered with interest as she leaned forward, waiting for Iris' answer. Just then, her food arrived, and she gave it a cautious sniff. It smelled savory, not spicy like she'd feared.

She twirled her fork through the noodles, hesitating for once -- a rare thing when it came to Zaiya and food. With a small bite, she tested the flavor. Her mouth tingled a little, but this time she could actually taste the richness of the dish, the spice enhancing the savory goodness rather than overwhelming it.

"Oh, okay, yeah -- this is good," Zaiya admitted, a grin spreading across her face as she dove in with her usual enthusiasm, keeping the bread close just in case.

Domxite, her droid companion, gave a joyful jiggle, their legs swinging happily as they picked up on Zaiya's delight, sending waves of cheerful feelings her way.

When Iris mentioned the site, Zaiya perked up mid-bite.

"Oh, the temple?" she asked, swallowing quickly. "Yeah, I was really curious about it. I mean, are there any Silver Sanctum Jedi left? Most of my life was spent at the University of Commoner, so learning there was this whole Jedi culture -- and a temple -- on this world? That was mind-blowing. I found out about it in the archives while catching up on my Jedi History classes." She chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm trying to catch up on all the introductory stuff since I've only been in the Order for two years."

She paused for a second, then laughed again. "Which is pretty funny, considering I had no idea what the Force, Sith, or Jedi even were before that." Her skin rippled with warm colors, reflecting her amusement.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"What I feel in the Force overwhelms all my other senses. Sometimes I just.. Can't see anything. Feel, hear, taste. I don't really see the colors I do with my eyes. Even if I close them, the colors are always there." Unless she was drinking. Or in space. But she wasn't going to share that with the Padawan here. She was too young to start talking about ways to outright avoid the Force through things like booze or super isolation.

Still, it was good to see Zaiya enjoying the food. A soft smile actually formed on her otherwise emotionless asides from eating face. Sharing a meal, she agreed that that was good. Even now this reminded her of eating pizza with Kai Bamarri or heading to a sandwich shop with Jasper Kai'el . Always with hot sauce or the like added though, just so she could actually taste it.

Good days. Maybe they weren't all gone.

"I dunno if there are. I was with them for a bit, till I got mixed up in things with some slavers and my Master saved me. She brought me with her, helped me learn. I mean, I was in the same boat as you. Didn't think much on the Force, on Jedi and the like. Didn't know what they were until I was told and joined. It's pretty overwhelming at first, isn't it?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya leaned forward, continuing to eat her food as she listened to Iris explain how the Force overwhelmed her senses. It reminded her a bit of Aris, how the Force seemed to impact him in such an intense way too. She wondered if there was something she could make to help Iris out -- maybe some kind of device or technique that could ease the overload. But then again, would Iris even want that? Not everyone liked getting help for things they felt they could handle on their own.

Maybe she'd figure it out after getting to know Iris a little better.

It was nice seeing Iris smile, though. The way she lit up when eating something super spicy made it obvious that it brought her some kind of comfort. Zaiya couldn't even imagine how anyone could handle food that hot, let alone enjoy it, but Iris seemed to thrive on it. Maybe it was something you could build tolerance for over time.

"Oh, wow, yeah," Zaiya agreed enthusiastically, nodding as Iris spoke about how overwhelming the Force and learning to be a Jedi could be, especially for someone who didn't know much about them to start with. "It's still so confusing for me too. Sometimes I wonder if this is all just some weird dream or really fancy tech. When I first met Aris, I thought his sword, Sezil, flew around because of a small hover repulsor. I didn't even know what the Force really was back then -- I thought everything I felt was just me being anxious, trying to connect with people because i'm a Lovalla. I had no idea it was the Force."

She paused, her skin shifting into soft shades of gold flecked blues as she reflected on how strange it all still felt.

"And then there's how the Force can feel so different from one moment to the next," Zaiya continued, her voice quieter. "Sometimes it's like standing in front of a warm breeze on a perfect summer day, and other times, it's like... like I'm stuck in a putrid pit that makes me feel sick to my stomach.... and then it changes depending on who uses it."

 

[Iris Arani]

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"I still don't know what the Force is."

Iris shrugged a bit, slowing her eating to mull over what she was going to say next. In truth, she wasn't sure what to. Zaiya's colors were shifting all over the place, between wonderment and dread. It wasn't too surprising, given what she'd probably already gone through just being a Jedi. It was a hard path, and one that brought so many scars.

"That'd be light and dark. For me, they've their own colors. Or, well. The Light has it's own that I can't describe, and the Dark is more.. Absence of color. In some cases devouring colors. You've seen Sith Lords, I take it?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya listened intently as Iris talked about the Force, her thoughts wandering. Light and dark -- the way Iris described them resonated with the Lovalla. It made her wonder if she would be able to see the Force in the same way as Iris as well? How pretty would that be?

But when Iris asked if she had ever seen a Sith Lord, the excitement drained from Zaiya's face. Her once rosy golden skin dulled, a soft sheen of silver creeping over her mottled patterns, tinged with memories she didn't like to revisit.

"Yeah," Zaiya said, her voice quieter now. "My first one was on Tython. I was there visiting Aris, and... it was the same day the Dark Empire attacked. There was this really old, gross Sith. The way he used the Force -- " She shuddered, remembering the coldness that had settled into her bones. "It made me feel so sick, like I couldn't breathe. I almost passed out. It was awful."

The memory left a bitter taste in her mouth, her skin flickering faintly with the lingering unease.

"It makes me wonder," she continued, her tone soft but uncertain. "What if the next time, I can't handle it? The Force... it's so-o overwhelming sometimes, especially when emotions are involved. I feel everything -- way too much sometimes -- and it gets... to be too much."

 

[Iris Arani]

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"It's not something you'll get used to right away."

Iris reached out, idly tapping her bowl of the incredibly spicy meal that Zaiya couldn't finish. "On one hand, the more you interact with the Force, the more you'll end up feeling. On the other hand, though, you'll learn how to handle it all. How to feel calm despite the turmoil around you. Your master should teach you that, likely soon given your interactions with the Sith already."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Hearing that she wasn't expected to just get how the Force worked right away was a relief that washed over Zaiya like a cool breeze. She always felt like she was stumbling around in the dark, unsure if she was even using the Force correctly or if she was just making things up as she went. Everyone else seemed so much more in tune with it -- Aris, Braze, Mahsa, Ayhan. Aris and Braze especially. They'd had so much more time to train than her. It made her feel... behind.

But when she heard that feeling everything so strongly wasn't a weakness but something she'd learn to handle better with time, a shimmer of hope flickered across the mottled spots on her skin. A soft glow of pastel colors swirled gently, a subtle sign of the relief she felt. Learning to stay calm, even when everything felt like it was spiraling? That was the goal. It was something she needed to figure out.

"Oh… well…" Zaiya started, her voice quiet as she toyed with the hem of her sleeve, her rosy gold skin fading into a more muted shade of blush. "I'm trying to learn… trust me. Especially with how I'm a walking holobillboard... it's just…"

She hesitated, feeling a little sheepish about what she was about to admit. It wasn't exactly the proudest thing to share, but she trusted her friends.

"Shan -- he's my Master -- well, was, I guess. A really great opportunity came up for him to go to medical school. So, I told him it was okay to go, even though I'd just started as his Padawan."

Zaiya glanced away, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty.

"I figured… I had a lot of catching up to do anyway. So now, I don't have a Master, not really. I'm just… rotating around mentorships. Trying to play catch-up."

 

[Iris Arani]

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"Oh, so he did end up heading to school."

Iris mused idly, though her attention wasn't so much on what Zaiya was saying as it was on how Zaiya was feeling. Her eyes narrowed after a moment, scanning over the colors. She didn't like being read, that much was obvious. There wasn't much she'd be able to do right away with it though. "Be my Padawan. I think that'd be good for you. You're just as interested in healing people as Shan was, and I can see that you don't want people to always know how you feel. I can teach you how to hide that."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

At first, Zaiya wasn't sure she'd heard Iris correctly. A swirl of soft greys and blues rippled across her mottled spots, reflecting her confusion. But after a few seconds, when it sank in that Iris had indeed said what Zaiya thought she did, she straightened in her seat, leaning forward with wide eyes as her rosy golden skin immediately brightened with a luminescent glow.

"Really really?" she blurted, excitement bubbling up in her voice. "Are you sure?"

Her face was a mix of awe and intrigue, though there was a flicker of hesitation too... she didn't want to bother anyone. She knew it would be a commitment. Yet the idea of learning more about healing -- and, even more so, gaining better control over her emotions -- was like a dream come true. If she could stop broadcasting every single feeling with the colors of her skin, maybe she could finally avoid those awkward moments when everyone knew exactly what she was feeling. It would be... amazing.

"I mean, you don't have to," Zaiya added quickly, catching herself. "But if you really wanted to, I'd be totally interested! I'd love to learn more about healing, and, you know, how to control my emotions better. It's like -- I'm basically a walking holo billboard," she laughed, though it was tinged with embarrassment as a faint coral hue painted her cheeks. "Even if people don't know exactly what the colors mean, it's pretty obvious they're a tell."

She smiled sheepishly, but there was a hopeful gleam in her opal blue eyes. This could be her chance to learn something that would change everything.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"I wouldn't offer it if I wasn't sure. You should say thank you, not 'you don't have to unless you want to I guess'." She motioned to all of Zaiya at this point. "The more you let yourself doubt you're worth what someone is offering, the more your colors are going to show. Confidence is what's going to help most of all. So, be confident. You got the strength for it that I can see."

It wasn't just emotion Iris could see in the Force, after all. Zaiya was, no matter the swirling lights of emotions she gave off, filled with the Light.

".. Oh?" Her attention shifted to Domxite. The little droid was very focused on her, and emotion wafted off. Complex and rapid as the gem within spoke with the Jedi Knight. After a moment she smiled softly and closed her eyes, nodding once.

"Domxite will be traveling with you for now. Learning how they express emotion will help you learn what emotions you're giving off."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Relief and joy swelled within Zaiya, and before she could stop herself, her skin exploded in a kaleidoscope of colors. Glowing streaks of gold, blue, and teal shimmered across her body, dancing in a mesmerizing display that echoed her excitement. But as soon as she caught sight of herself, Zaiya's face turned sheepish, her enthusiasm getting the better of her.

"I'm sorry, Iris -- I mean, Master Arani -- Iris... I mean, thank you!" she stammered, the words tumbling out in a rush. She could feel her face heat up even more, a subtle pink blush bleeding into her usual rosy golden complexion.

And then, just when she thought she couldn't feel any more overwhelmed, Domxite resonated throught the Force in a ripple of emotions Iris picked up.

"Wait! No way! Really, Domxite?!" Zaiya practically leaped from her seat, her fork clattering to the floor as she stood up too fast. The sound echoed, drawing more than a few startled glances from the other patrons. She winced, quickly folding her hands in front of her as she tried to compose herself.

"Oh my stars! Sorry, sorry!" she called out, blushing all the way to her roots, the vibrant coral hues of her skin blazing brightly against her usual golden tones. She ducked her head in embarrassment, trying to will the colors on her skin to calm down, but they only rippled more intensely, betraying her excitement.

"Sorry... I mean... thank you. Really, really. Thank you." Her voice softened as she glanced between Iris and Domxite, her heart practically soaring. She couldn't believe it -- this was actually happening!

 

[Iris Arani]

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Iris blinked in surprise at just how bumbling Zaiya could be over this. Over Iris's acceptance. Over Domxite's offer. She smiled softly, closing her eyes as she leaned back in her seat. She was still well aware of the colors all around, from the little droid as it hopped over close to Zaiya to start flooding towards her different emotions. Slow, compared to how they communicated to Iris.

Lovalla were a social, bonding species. It'd do good for Zaiya to have someone to bond with. Domxite had helped Iris see the world and learn how to interact with people, perhaps they would be able to help Zaiya with a part she needed the experience to know more of.

"We won't stay here too much longer. We'll take my ship back to the temple, and then we'll talk shop on what to start your teaching with, alright? Domxite will be staying with you, so, probably how to understand them first would be good."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

"Okay!" Zaiya exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy as she sat back down, attacking her meal with renewed enthusiasm. This was amazing! She couldn't wait to tell Aris Noble , Mahsa , and Ayhan that she had a new Master. Even Shan Pavond would be thrilled; she knew how much he'd worried when he had to leave, but this? This would definitely ease his mind.

And Domxite! Zaiya's skin shimmered with excitement, vibrant bursts of golden light mixing with soft blues and a golden glow. She couldn't wait to learn how the Force flowed through them, to feel their bond grow. It was going to be so fun, not to mention she wouldn't be alone anymore. No more wandering the halls with only her thoughts for company -- she'd have Domxite by her side.

"Does Domxite need any special care or anything?" she asked, her mind already racing ahead, making plans to ensure she could take care of them properly.

Domxite gave a happy little wiggle at the question, and they plopped down beside Zaiya, almost like they were agreeing with the decision. The Force seemed to dance around them in a joyful, swirling rhythm, and the Kyber crystal in Zaiya's hair gave a bright, harmonious hum, as if it too approved.

Zaiya couldn't help but laugh, her skin glowing with the colors of pure happiness. Everything was coming together perfectly.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"Helping them with maintenance of the droid body is a good bonding experience, but they're pretty self sufficient otherwise. Just be warned about keeping them in that body, okay? It's dangerous for them to be seen outside it." Which Iris would explain, later. She set down some credits to pay for the meal then nodded to the two for them to follow along. Domxite would hop onto Zaiya's shoulder then, staying close already. From then on she'd find the droid with her.

Once they left and there weren't people who would listen in, Iris spoke up again.

"They're a rainbow gem. Turns out it's incredibly valuable. Buy a small planet valuable. Thieves and desperate people won't hesitate to take them. There's another thing they can do, but, that's on them to explain when they think you're ready. And if you've an affinity for it, really."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

"Okay!" Zaiya blurted, her mind racing to keep up with everything Iris was saying. She didn't want to mess up or forget a single detail -- especially not when it came to Domxite.

A grin spread across her face when Domxite perched on her shoulder. Zaiya had to remind herself that she should hold back her usual over the top shimmies and bounces. The last thing she wanted was to send them tumbling off by accident.

As Iris explained more, Zaiya's eyes widened. The more she learned about Domxite, the more incredible they seemed. But then Iris dropped a pretty big thermal detonator -- Domxite wasn't just amazing, they were valuable. So valuable that people might try to steal them if they knew Domxite was a Rainbow Gem. Zaiya's heart skipped a beat at the thought.

"I won't let anyone know!" she promised earnestly, her voice just a touch higher in pitch than usual. "I'll make sure Domxite stays in their body, safe and sound."

Curiosity still buzzed in the back of her mind -- she was dying to know what else Domxite could do -- but right now, the excitement of having a new companion was all she could focus on. Colors danced across her skin, a shimmering swirl of pinks, blues, and golds as she practically beamed with joy.

"Okay!" she gushed again, barely able to contain herself. But then something occurred to her.

"Oh! Does this mean you want me to stay with you?" She tilted her head, her patterns shifting into more thoughtful hues of rich amber and uncertain greys. "I know some masters have their Padawans live with them. I've got a room at the temple, and I stay on the Prosperity too sometimes."

Then, the realization hit -- if she moved, she might not see Aris Noble , Mahsa , or Ayhan as much. A tiny pang of uncertainty rippled through her, dimming her colors just a little. That was the only hiccup she could think of.

 

[Iris Arani]

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"Ah- no. No. I don't have a place for you to stay with me. It'd be on Coruscant anyway, but I don't even stop by there to begin with. .. If it's still there." Now that she thought about it, a huge portion of Coruscant's city near the Senate Hall had been destroyed by the Dark Empire. Which was around the area her home had been. Her home where she and Briana Sal-Soren lived. Where she felt love and heartbreak for the first time with Kai Bamarri . Where she learned how great pizza could be. What happened to the old man who's art shop she used to frequent? What happened to the park she used to take Vera Noble to?

All at once Iris seemed to realize everything that was attached to that place. And the emotions that came with it.

Her expression softened. Not quite sad, sorrow was a deep emotion that she'd lost touch with over the past couple of years. But she remembered what sorrow was. She didn't plan on bringing that to Zaiya, though. The girl had enough. Iris would handle those emotions on her own, as she always did.

"Domxite will stay with you. They're a much better teacher than me, and in between the jobs I do I'll come pick you up for the ones I think you can handle." As a Shadow, there was no chance Iris was going to bring a young teenager on any sort of mission like that. If anything, she'd be breaking away from that line of work to help Zaiya learn.

That was more important to her.

"One day at a time, though. Let's get you back to Coruscant. I hear there's some relief work we can do together on Taris."

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 couldn't hide the wave of relief that washed over her when Iris said she wouldn't have to move from the dorms. She'd been worried that moving would mean seeing Aris Noble and Mahsa less, and even though Ayhan could be broody, she'd miss him, too.

"Okay! Good to know -- and yes, the temple's all finished with its reconstruction, so it's still there," Zaiya reassured Iris as they walked side by side, the Lovalla's colors swirling with her usual excitement.

When Iris mentioned that Domxite would stay with her at the dorms, Zaiya practically burst with joy. She couldn't wait to ask Domxite what kind of setup they'd like in her room. Maybe Mahsa would be super excited to meet Domxite too, especially if they could feel emotions and resonate with others. The idea of learning from Domxite made her even more curious -- there was so-o much to learn, and Zaiya loved learning new things.

Her ears perked up when Iris mentioned relief work on Taris.

"Oh, Taris? I've never been there before, but Shan taught me some field aid and how to heal with the Force…" Zaiya's voice trailed off as she continued chattering, filling Iris in on all the things she'd learned with the Force so far.

As the two walked together, Zaiya couldn't help but feel a bubbling excitement inside her, her skin glowing softly in a swirl of rosy pinks and golden hues. There was so much ahead of them, and Zaiya was ready for it all, thus beginning their journey as Master and Padawan.

Fin
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