Private On Togetherness

[Mahsa]

Mahsa wasn’t sure what had shocked her more; the mention of pregnant padawans, or that Zaiya had just thrown the sex word out so nonchalantly. The Lovalla was quick to defend herself against unspoken accusations, while the Kazelrrian wisely chose to keep her mouth shut this time around.

She was certain nothing intelligible would come out of it, and that’s if she could even find her voice right now.

However something about Zaiya’s words stuck out more than anything else, reminding the Kazelrrian that—while they were currently aging at the same rate—that could, and often would, change in time depending on their own species. Being one of the first of her kind meant she had no way of knowing how long her life would be, though she guessed it’d be nowhere near that of long lived species like the Lovallas…

It was a sobering enough thought to wash away the vibrant corals in her hair and the flush from her face, the hues now replaced by pensive ambers and cerulean flecks.

Cora’s voice rang clearly then, the Knight doing her best to answer whatever questions she could for the two girls while expertly avoiding that topic in the process. The amber shades brightened into citrine hues as she took in the Knight’s words, a glance given towards Zaiya as she wondered if the Lovalla felt the same apprehension as hers towards this pairing method.

"W-What… What if you don’t like the mate your parents chose…?" It was a question she hesitated to ask, fingers quietly seeking the hem of her clothes to pick at them, perhaps because deep down the Kazelrrian had a good idea of what the answer would be… and one she was certain wouldn’t be agreeable.

---

Corazona von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"They had you when they were…"

Cora's voice trailed, her tone soft yet surprised at learning that Zaiya's parents had her in their eighties. Another tidbit of information to file away on Lovalla biology – and if that nugget hadn't come up, she might've cracked a small, awkward smile at the interaction between the pair of Padawans.

It was almost sisterly, the way they communicated.

"Ah…" The knight steepled her fingers together in thought as the questions turned to the particulars of Ukatian marriage customs. "Marriages on Ukatis – at least among the nobility – are more about benefit for the family rather than the individual. Matches are made strategically. Aspects like...land holdings, resources, and political power are all important. Personal skill sets and accomplishments matter to a degree, too."

She did try for a smile here, small as it was to soften what she imagined would be the unpleasant reality of her native practices.

"There are exceptions of course, but compatibility is often not highly considered. It can vary from family to family."

Mahsa's question, innocent though it was, stirred up the sort of feelings that tightened her chest. They manifested as a pair of pursed lips, which Cora hid at the opening of her water bottle for another long drink. There was much that she could've said on the matter, much that she wanted to say. There was even a point in her life where she'd found arranged matches romantic, and had pictured herself on the arm of a dashing nobleman who'd cherish her as his bride.

She lowered the water bottle, drew in a breath, and shrugged.

"Find happiness in other avenues, I suppose."

Zaiya Ceti Mahsa

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya blinked at Cora, her expression a mixture of bewilderment and disbelief as the knight's words sank in. Her bioluminescent colors shifted rapidly, a cascade of perplexed dove greys mingling with faint amber flecks of pensive bemusement rippling over her mottled skin. Strategic marriages? Land holdings? Political power? It was as though someone had suggested pairing up based on what snacks you liked instead of feelings or connection.

"What… what about wanting to be with the other person?" Zaiya asked, her voice rising slightly in pitch as she tried to wrap her head around the concept.

"You know, wanting to connect with them, to be close, to… to care about them so much you can't help but want to take care of them?"

Cora's seemingly nonchalant response didn't help. Find happiness in other avenues? Zaiya's brows furrowed, her colors now swirling into brighter ambers of incredulity.

"Wait. Wait." She held up her hands as if trying to physically stop the conversation from spiraling further into absurdity.

"What does that even mean? Like… a hobby?" she had no clue regarding Cora's past or how her words may sting yet, but Zaiya couldn't help but let her questions bubble out.

The very idea felt alien -- more alien than half the species Zaiya had met in the galaxy. How could something as important as who you spent your life with be reduced to a checklist for political gain? Her colors settled into a softer bronze as her confusion gave way to empathy.

"But what if…" she started, then hesitated, her voice softening. "What if you want more than just… making do? What if you want someone to make your soul feel like it's glowing?"

She realized how sentimental she probably sounded, and a faint blush of coral tinged her cheeks. Wasn't love supposed to be a connection?

 

[Mahsa]

Her frown deepened as Corazona spoke, worrisome shades of deep amber and ochre replacing the once vibrant and curious citrine streaks in her hair. Marriage in Ukatis, as Corazona described it at least, sounded almost transactional compared to the many stories and tales that Mahsa had believed and held onto fiercely throughout her short time.

Golden eyes shifted to take a peek of the Lovalla beside her, catching the mixture of dove grays and amber flecks that rippled through her skin. Though she had yet to fully understand all of the varying color shifts Zaiya was capable of, their time together had given her insight to a varying amount. Mahsa was certain her friend probably shared similar concerns over what they’d just heard.

"What… what about wanting to be with the other person?" She could only nod in support of the Lovalla’s question, unsure of how well her own voice would cooperate if she chose to add onto it—"Find happiness in other avenues, I suppose."

It all sounded so… wrong.

Zaiya was the vocal one once more, and their shared distress manifested in coppery highlights against the short side ponytail Mahsa wore today. The vibrant coral sheen on her friend’s skin reflected the embarrassment Zaiya felt as she’d spoken, and the Kazelrrian reached out for her friend.

"Zaiya’s r-right. You’re supposed to m-marry someone you want to spend your l-life with—" she said as her hand softly squeezed the Lovalla’s own, though if it was hard to tell if the touch was meant to calm Zaiya or her own feelings on the matter. "—b-because they make it better, n-not worse…?"

That was what love was all about… right?

---

Corazona von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora's own feelings on Ukatian marriage traditions were complicated by her poor experience with them. She'd chosen to speak plainly so as to keep her own biases and sour feelings from leaking through, but had the effect of making her more blunt than usual.

A swell of guilt overtook her as she tapped her fingers together nervously. The knight hadn't wanted to make them uncomfortable, but she also hadn't wanted to sugarcoat things for them, either.

You can be with the person you want to be with, something more brazen in her wanted to respond. It's called an extramarital affair.

Cora took another sip of water and forced a smile.

"Like a hobby," she confirmed. "Many women find happiness in raising their children. Some in art, gardening, charity...this applies to women of status, mostly. The commonfolk tend to have a little more freedom in marriage, but it all depends on their family.

"Marriage traditions are different across the galaxy. On Ukatis, they're meant to be a practical union in service to both families." Both her expression and her voice softened. "I understand how the concept can come across as...cold and impersonal. Some couples do manage to build a happy life together. Rest assured, no one here will try and force either of you into such an arrangement."

Zaiya Ceti | Mahsa

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

It took a few moments before Zaiya replied, murmuring a soft, "Oh."

Cora was right; however, marriage and mating traditions were different across cultures, and the galaxy was a big place. What one may believe is normal could be entirely different elsewhere.

It made her think about Aris Noble and when he explained how traditional Epicanthix culture approved and even encouraged polygamy, compared to how his parents had decided to remain monogamous.

"I guess it all depends on what the person would prefer to do; either go along with their culture or do what works best for them. Everyone is different." the Lovalla Padawan repeated, thinking and mulling a bit more.

Another furrow of her brow and a medley of pensive palettes of colors went sweeping over Zaiya's delicate face as she considered the news.

"So, then... how do you know what to do then? I mean, once you like-like someone but they are from a different culture... like... what comes next?"

 

[Mahsa]

"Marriage traditions are different across the galaxy." Corazona’s reminder, and subsequent reassurance, earned a faint nod from Mahsa.

It shouldn’t be surprising that something like the idea of marriage varied greatly among the many worlds and cultures found in an endless sea of stars. If anything it would’ve been downright weird if there was a universal consensus on that—or any—idea really…

Life had already taught her—taught them—how dreadful it could be.

"Y-Yeah, that’s true I g-guess…" It was still a bitter pill to swallow, but one the Kazelrrian quietly accepted as she took the role of a listener when Zaiya asked her questions. Fairy tales were called as such for a reason.

---

Corazona von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Everyone is different," she agreed softly. "Romantic relationships can be tricky to navigate even for people who share a culture."

The next question was less difficult to answer – in the sense that it was less distressing to Cora.

"Well…" she began, tentatively, "it can be difficult to know what to do once you like someone. Makko and I come from different cultures – he's from Denon – and, if you can believe it, we had our share of...stumbles early in our relationship. It took us time to learn how to communicate effectively with one another."

Cora smiled, recalling how they'd started off: with a loud, obnoxious argument. Eventually that hate had turned into something else. The grand gestures in Lady Velvet novels were all well and good, but her relationship with Makko had been built on years of interaction that had blossomed naturally into trust and affection.

"We didn't know that we liked each other then, but things might have gone smoother if I'd done some research into how relationships worked on Denon. Mistakes are inevitable, and we've both made our fair share of them, but we persisted."

Zaiya Ceti Mahsa

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Corazona von Ascania Mahsa

Zaiya's patterns shifted into a soft medley of dusky pink and light amber, her emotions quietly thoughtful as she processed Cora's words. The idea of learning about someone's culture to understand them better made sense.

Aris had talked a lot about Epicanthix traditions, their resilience, their connection to their people. But Zaiya was sure there was more. Things that shaped how he saw the galaxy, how he saw her.

If learning about his culture could help them connect, then she was willing to try. But at the same time, a pang of frustration sent a faint shadow of stormy lavender across her bioluminescent stripes. Finding anything about her own culture, the Lovalla, was an uphill battle. Records were sparse, and sometimes, it felt like she was cast adrift. All she could put her hope in was getting a response from the Deep Space Research Lovalla pair Dr. Izak had been attempting to put in contact with Zaiya.

Zaiya sighed softly, brushing a strand of her colorful hair behind her ear. Nonetheless, it did feel good to know that mistakes were normal and that if both sides were willing to try, then things could turn out better.

"Then...the first step is learning as much about each other and their culture?" Well she already knew a lot about Aris right? At least Zaiya thought she did. Now she wondered if perhaps there was more that she missed? Something to find out.

Then came the follow up.

"What would be next?"

 

[Mahsa]

Corazona’s advice was sound and, in any other case, it would’ve made more than perfect sense. Knowing about one another’s cultures when liking someone would undoubtedly help prevent mix ups between them… but what if there was no culture to begin with?

It had been hard to reach a consensus among her kin, few as they’d been, and that rift had always persisted even after Glorii Te introduced them to the Firronthix. As for Ayhan ‘s people she knew they valued strength… and she’d never be able to measure up physically with any of them.

Burden. The whisper was a constant reminded of where she stood in his life. The Firronthix tolerated her enough for them all to cohabit peacefully in the dorm, perhaps mostly due to Zaiya’s warning the very first day they’d found out of said arrangements and Aris Noble ‘s presence, but Mahsa knew he would‘ve preferred not having her present at all if possible.

"H-How—" She struggled to get the words out, but something about what Cora said had left her wanting to know more. "H-How did Makko and you figure out that you l-liked each other…?"

---

Corazona von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

What was the next step?

Cora hesitated. This would've been so much easier if there had been an approved lesson book. She could teach about etiquette because it was a cornerstone of any noblewoman's upbringing. She could teach what she knew of maintaining diplomatic relations. But what of romantic relationships?

Romance novels were a different beast. They were intended to be indulgent fantasy; when Lady Velvet controlled both love interests, you didn't have rogue elements like unpredictability and free will to contend with.

Cora wanted to be a good teacher, but maybe that meant admitting when you didn't know the answer.

Mahsa's question made her smile. Small and hesitant, but there was warmth to her expression.

"I'm not sure, exactly. We disliked each other very much at first…"

Going down memory lane shone those recollections in a rose-tinted light. They'd only irritated each other at first, but eventually that tension had snapped and lead to wandering hands and lips.

Cora flushed, then cleared her throat. She was not about to suggest that to a pair of teenage girls.

"We had to spend time together on missions, and eventually we started to see more…positive things about one another. I can't exactly pinpoint when, but my frustration with him turned into something fonder. It was confusing and I think it took us both a bit of time to sort out how we felt. Open and honest communication helped."

Cora tapped her fingers together, aware that it wasn't the most illuminating of explanations.

"I don't think that there are strict steps to follow with this sort of thing. It's more…" she waved a hand vaguely. "…learn as you go, as difficult and confusing as that can sometimes be.”

Her smile turned apologetic. “I'm sorry. I wish I had a more thorough answer."

Zaiya Ceti Mahsa

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Interacting with: Mahsa Corazona von Ascania

Listening to Cora, the answer seemed to be spending more time together. It both sent a sense of relief through Zaiya as much as a bit of frustration. On the one hand, she and Aris were best friends, so they were already doing their best to try and hang out when they could, working together in missions when assigned and training together when possible. On the other hand, the Lovalla wished there was a guidebook on what to do and what not to mess up...And when one also included the variable of Zaiya doing her best to not resonate with Aris any further so she wouldn't continue to build on the budding bond she had with him until they figured out how it worked.

Guess it was all up to trial and error.

"No, it's okay. It does clear some things up... but also confuses me in others," Zaiya admitted, clutching her datapad to her chest. She mulled on that first for a bit, allowing Mahsa to continue her questions undisturbed as the Lovalla pondered what to ask next.

 

[Mahsa]

Feelings were confusing, but there was something almost comforting in knowing even a Jedi like Corazona could struggle to understand them too. Adults always looked like they had everything figured out, so to hear from the blonde Knight herself admit that she wasn’t sure when things had changed for Makko and Cora eased some of the worries Mahsa felt.

"I s-see…" She knew it’d be foolish to hope for a similar result when it came to Ayhan and her, and yet the young Kazelrrian couldn’t help but wonder if—at the very least—the Firronthix wouldn’t consider her a hindrance one day…

“I'm sorry. I wish I had a more thorough answer." She shook her head as the Lovalla reassured Corazona that her efforts to answer the girls’ questions were appreciated, a faint smile on her lips as Mahsa held her own datapad close to her chest. "W-We know it wasn’t part of the lesson… so we’re really thankful for the time you’ve given us."

---

Corazona von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Such polite girls, Cora thought to herself. I wish that I could’ve helped them more.

She took a sip of her water, this time unhurried.

"I'm glad that my own experiences have been useful, in a way. Makko was the first - and only - person I've ever felt such a way about. I'm afraid that doesn't make me anything of an expert, through."

Cora thought back to her early relationship with Makko. Given that her father had been in the process of selecting a suitable match for her, they'd had to keep their relationship a secret.

"As for your respective interests - what does it feel like when you're with them?"

Mahsa Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Mahsa Corazona von Ascania

Zaiya immediately agreed with Mahsa, giving a firm and eager nod. There were things that the Lovalla still wanted to muse over, but it seemed that it required a bit more thought and action first. Well, it's more like figuring out where things stood.

"Yes, thank you," she replied, only to feel heat rush to her cheeks again when asked how it felt to be near the person they liked. A pearly pink shimmer seemed to swirl over Zaiya's mottled spots, and if she didn't have her datapad in her hands, she might have cupped her cheeks.

"Oh... umm... all...floaty. Warm. Happy giddy." Zaiya began, and as she thought about Aris, those same feelings began to bloom again, and she ended up with a silly little smile on her face, eyes crinkling with a soft, luminescent opal blue.

 

[Mahsa]

She was grateful for the patience Cora showed them today and, despite what the Knight might think, learning more about her relationship with Makko had been useful for them—or at least that’s the way Mahsa felt. After all, aside from holodramas and novels, the Kazelrrian didn’t have many examples to follow—the only other one being the relationship between Kahlil Noble and Valery Noble .

And, while she loved the Noble family dearly, the two Jedi made it look too easy—as if things just naturally fell into place without a hitch—so it was comforting to learn things didn't always go that way.

"As for your respective interests - what does it feel like when you're with them?"

Part of her had been thinking it would be time for them to give Corazona her free time back, and so she was caught off-guard when the blonde voiced a new question for the girls. The colorful array of bright citrines and deeper ambers flared to life again as they dyed her hair, this time accompanied by streaks of coral and pink rose as Mahsa clutched the datapad tightly against her chest.

It was impossible to ignore the rush of heat that had pooled around her cheeks, or how the air conditioner in the room suddenly felt a couple of degrees cooler around the tip of her pointy ears. "Oh... umm... all...floaty." She listened as Zaiya was the first to respond, the Lovalla’s skin a shimmering masterpiece as it reflected the emotions her friend was trying to describe.

"I-I…" They were all wonderful and familiar feelings that had also stirred inside her chest not that long ago… the very ones that had kept a smile on her face despite the horrible circumstances that surrounded them day in and day out back in the Cage.

"...I’m not s-sure." Everything had changed once the Jedi found them and, while most of it had been good and Mahsa was very grateful for the new life they’d given them, a small and selfish part of her sometimes wished they never had.

---

Corazona von Ascania | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Oh... umm... all...floaty. Warm. Happy giddy."

"...I’m not s-sure."

Cora smiled with knowing warmth. She'd been in Mahsa's shoes once, and then Zaiya's. At least, as far as these particular feelings were concerned.

"If I could give one piece of advice: pay attention to those feelings, and how they may – or may not – change. Remember to be kind to yourself, even if your emotions aren't clearly understood."

She looked from the girls to the chrono on the wall and murmured wryly, "I've yet to meet the person who has always done everything right."

Her attention shifted back to the Padawans. Recalling her own relationship struggles at their age, she wished nothing but the best for them. It hadn't always been easy, but what she and Makko Vyres had meant the galaxy to her. Despite the forces against their relationship, they'd made the decision to forge ahead. Of this, Cora had no regrets.

"If you'll excuse me, I must prepare for my next class." Again, she smiled at them. "I'll trust that you want to begin your homework assignment soon."

Cora reached for the tome she'd placed aside, but paused.

"Oh, and if one of these boys ever does something to hurt you," she began, her smile holding the gleam of a knife's edge. "Do let me know."

Zaiya Ceti Mahsa