The Flood

[Eugen Aker]

Kiara. There had been a good deal of progress in restoration efforts since her last visit at the head of the humanitarian mission. She could see it from the moment she reverted over the verdant world. On the surface, large clusters of lights could be viewed from orbit where there had been none before. Comm traffic was also noticeably heavier, and she could detect several craft passing through the atmosphere.

Once her convoy of freighters and sleeper ships had delivered their refugee passengers to processing centers planetside, they left to bring in another wave. The flood of refugees seemed endless, more produced every day as the Sith and their proxies rampaged across the Outer Rim.

Arisa didn't join the convoy though, deciding to stick around for a while for to check up on the progress of the local SJO mission still in the system. While she was no longer Grandmaster, she still held a seat on the Silver Assembly.

She spent the night at the headquarters of the SJO missionaries, based in the original capital of Kiara. Much of the old city still lay in ruins, cracked and covered by shrubs, but she found a few blocks completely restored, bustling with activity. It was no Izrul, but such level of civilization was more than most natives had seen in centuries.

Sleep didn't come easy for Arisa, unable to stay down for more than an hour. Fresh off the battlefield, she was still stressed as hell. A brief respite on Kiara might do her some good. She would see beginning in the morning.

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Kiara was a place she was supposed to be able to call home. Yet, it still felt foreign under the odd sense of familiarity. Allyson found herself wandering the main streets of the planet’s main hub. Everyone knew her, they knew exactly who she was – she was revered as some sort of god or protector of the planet alongside Kaili. The girl had told the story of some sort of prophecy and their adventure to the planet. Allyson knew she was only important because of her attachment to the blonde, she was no one special and she in a way enjoyed that. Having the heavy responsibility of billions of people was something she never wanted.

The cloak one of the local textile shops had made for her and Kaili, bearing the crest of the planet along with the bright colors of the planets rebirth adorned her shoulders, underneath she wore her usual attire of a white loose shirt – with a deep v-neck because why not and her Corellian bloodstripes. Pulling down the hood, she looked towards the sky, it was so vast and when she really thought about it – she was small. Inhaling deeply, she pulled at memories that she wasn’t fully sure actually existed. The streets were empty and she was left to her own mind, as much as she enjoyed Kaili’s company sometimes she just needed this time to herself.

Allyson wrapped her arms around her slender frame as she continued to walk, the Jedi Temple was nearby and she wondered if it was necessary. The Silver Jedi had provided help with the restoration, but having a temple here only made them a target. The Galactic Alliance might have been a good choice too, but it seemed a part of Kaili didn’t trust them. When Ally thought about what had happened between the Borleian girl and the Alliance she really didn’t blame her. It also didn’t help that their secret agency – the one that Allyson worked for, had almost gotten her killed and decided to not inform her of her surviving for some time.

It couldn’t be helped, but Allyson figured it was better than the Sith chaining and suffocating Kiara’s rebirth before it could even start. Shivering, she forgot how different this planet was from Corellia despite the several similarities. [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

After several failed attempts at falling asleep, she finally accepted it was a hopeless proposition. Restless, she got up and decided to go for a walk. The locals and refugees seemed fairly well behaved, but that didn't the cautious General from leaving the compound without first bolstering her lightsaber and shatter pistol under her bomber jacket.

She stepped outside the confines of the main SJO compound, navigating through the rows of secondary trailers until she came upon one of the main streets, dimly lit by cell powered lamps. She found herself alone on cracked sidewalk as she moved, the only sound coming from her boots crunching against gravel.

However, soon she would feel that she wasn't quite alone. Through the Force, she sensed a powerful and familiar presence. Curious, she picked up the pace to close the distance with the other person.

Now on the same path, and she spotted a cloaked figure with her dark eyes. Coming closer, and she could make out the face. Allyson Locke.

"What are the odds," she said aloud as she came in earshot of Allyson and stopped.

Not quite such a random encounter this time, as Kiara was Allyson's stomping grounds as far as she knew. It was bound to happen sooner or later because of their mutual affiliations. Still, she couldn't help but huff in amusement as they had bumped into each other in the dead of night. Maybe she wasn't the only one having trouble sleeping.

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

What are the odds?

Allyson blinked, a voice that was familiar echoed in the dead of the night. The breeze carried it softly against her ear and she stopped in her tracks. The tall Corellian looked up from the ground as she made eye contact with the Jedi in front of her. A hand brushed against stray strands of brown hair as Allyson smirked. She remembered Arisa from the docks when she had first arrived. Along with that memory, Allyson also remembered telling [member="Kaili Talith"] that Arisa had been attractive. Remembering this and knowing what her and Kaili are – Allyson felt the pangs of guilt stab her in the chest.

“Didn’t realize you had stuck around.” Allyson smiled towards the Jedi and continued to walk closing the distance. Having someone to talk to on these types of night walks tend to usually have a weight lifting feeling. She remembered having them with Kaili when they had first met on Borleias. Odd thing was, when they had these conversations, she was usually expressing her frustrations about the blonde she was speaking to. Of course, she covered her tracks well and Kaili could see for herself the affection the brunette held for her. Either way, Arisa probably didn’t want to hear about Kaili this evening.

“I was just thinking how oddly familiar yet, foreign Kiara felt. Nights like this remind me of Corellia, but then that breeze throws me off. Corellia – even at the beach didn’t have this chilling breeze.” Chuckling, Allyson shrugged and folded her hands behind her back. “Guess I just miss home some times.” Arms relaxed back at her side as she finally closed the gap between them. She was spot on about Arisa’s face, the Jedi was attractive, but knowing Jedi and understanding how Aela, Kaili’s sister was, it was wise to say Jedi were off limits.

“So, what brings you out and about this evening?”

[member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

"Ah, no on a return trip, actually," she answered with a small shake of the head. "Kiara is quite popular these days."

She looked around, most of the old city still in a state of ruin, but she could feel a few pockets of life here and there, as refugees settled in and helped equally disenfranchised locals rebuild in gratitude.

Arisa was reminded of the dismal state of Corellia as Allyson brought it up. One of the great wonders of the galaxy now totaled by some freak event. She could recall resident terraformers from her own planet of Kiribi toying with the idea of reshaping Corellia to its former splendor, but the volatile local political scene had kept them away from ever progressing past proposals.

"I feel you on that, though I hardly notice the chill. I think I've hung out too long on Ilum and Midvinter." She smirked after making her quip.

Allyson stepped closer until there were only a few centimeters separating them. Close enough to get a whiff of Allyson's perfume and shampoo in the breeze. Close enough to make out Allyson's irises clearly even in the darkness, reminding her of jade. Close enough that she could feel the tickle Allyson's aura brushing against her own. Altogether the sensations were inviting, and she found herself unconsciously leaning forward ever so slightly.

"I couldn't sleep, maybe I owe that to jetlag." Or that huge freight load of stress that came years of galactic spanning wars. "I was hoping to walk off some of this energy so I could finally catch some Zs. How about yourself?"

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson listened to Arisa, her voice was always one that Allyson could listen to. It was soft and light – with a brightness that only a jedi could have. Allyson listened and mused over the planets the young woman had mentioned. Only one, Ilum was familiar to the Corellian. The other was unknown to her. Extreme cold temperatures along with extreme heat, was something Allyson did her best to avoid. She was more inclined to the moderate temperature planets for reasons unknown to her. Something about the bitter cold and the raging heat that made her feel ill for the most part and as if her body was going to stop right in its tracks. A slight shiver and Allyson drew the cloak tighter around her slender frame.

She hadn’t noticed up until now how close they were, even more now that Arisa had leaned forward slightly enough. Allyson pondered if she should create distance between them, but there was no real reason to. So instead, Allyson once more closed the distance between them till they were close enough to create their own world and hear each other’s whispers. A smile flashed and Allyson shrugged slightly.

“I’ve never been to Midvinter, tell me about it?” [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Allyson got even closer, until there was only about a couple finger lengths between their faces. So close now that she could feel the condensing vapors of warm air against the skin as Allyson spoke. Not that she minded in the slightest, her own body language encouraging. Years later, and there still seemed to be some chemistry between the pair.

"Why don't we sit?" Her dark eyes flicked over a set of cracked stone steps leading up to a toppled building, the remaining walls offering some cover from the winds.

She parted from Allyson, and took her seat, easing down on one of the middle steps with the expectation she would land on cold stone. There were a few moments of chilliness, but that quickly subsided as her own body heat began to warm the section of the steps where she sat.

"So, Midvinter. Imagine the coldest the winter you've ever faced, then shave about a good forty degrees off that. It's quite literally a giant iceball that makes Ilum feel downright pleasant. Some people have been known to freeze to death in broad daylight without proper protection."

Thinking about Midvinter now almost made her shiver from the memories."Now throw hordes of marauding undead and monsters into the mix, and then you have a party. Though it's not all bad. There are races like the Valkyri and the Beorni, some of the kindest, noblest people you will ever meet in the galaxy. Quite literally gentle giants."

Arisa got quite animated as she spoke, someone quite passionate about anthropology and exploration in general. In a perfect world where she didn't have to worry about the Sith, then she would have loved to spend her days as an archivist, compiling all the knowledge the galaxy had to offer.

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson wandered over near Arisa and took a seat next to the girl. Their conversation was far beyond what she thought it would have been, but it was pleasant and better than talking of war and the like. The stone steps were cold, but Allyson quickly adjusted for the most part. It was a good thing the fabric of her bloodstripes were thicker than usual. It was cold and Allyson decided to stay close to Arisa for warmth and to keep their conversation between the pair of them. It was probably unlikely that they had eavesdroppers, but just in case.

“The coldest winter eh? I do my best to stay away from the coldest or the warmest places known to the galaxy.” She chuckled and sighed softly. Midvinter sounded like a lovely place, one fit for adventure, but the cold concept seemed to dampen her spirits for it. “Undead? The Gulag plague?” Allyson hadn’t heard of anything being undead unless it was infected by the plague from along ago, but it could be that the plague still had worlds in its grasps.

The Corellian leaned forward and rested her arms on her knees as she was left in thought about the planet she assumed was plagued with the terrible curse. Her expression lightened back up as she looked back to Arisa. “Well, it doesn’t sound that bad since you survived it.” Laughing, Allyson brushed back her brunette hair from her face as she smiled. “I’ll have to make time to see this Midvinter myself, maybe I’ll have to tag along with you one of these days.” A slight shrug and then a nudge; shoulder to shoulder as she poked fun at the Jedi.

“As for your previous question, I haven’t been able to sleep since my accident or whatever you want to call it. It’s getting better but some nights like tonight I just can’t shake the nightmares.” Sighing softly, she felt slightly embarrassed for sharing her weakness. “There’s only so many nights I can keep Kaili awake, before I start feeling bad and she gets bags under her eyes.”

“Ah sorry about turning the conversation to something not as light as zombies and cold winters” Allyson chuckled and shook her head. [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Now they were rubbing shoulders on the steps, but Arisa welcomed the contact with the Corellian, at times playful. She couldn't help but nudge her right back.

"I'm not sure if I'll be venturing back to Midvinter anytime soon, but I'll certainly give you a ring if I ever think about it."

The topic shifted to Allyson and her ongoing issues revolving her accident at Anoat. After learning what went down there, it was quite amazing that Allyson was even alive in the first place. She seemed better, behaving like she had the last time they met before her accident, if but only a little more chummy - not that Arisa was complaining.

Kaili's name came up as Allyson's confidant, but Arisa didn't think anything of it. She only knew of the pair as being friends. "If you need to talk or anything, then I'm always here to lend an ear. I know a thing or two about taking explosions to the face."

As a Padawan, she had nearly died from an artillery strike, losing her original right arm and leg in the process. While recovering, she has suffered through many sleepless nights reliving that terrible scene over and over in her head.

She reached out, taking one of Allyson's hands to comfort her, rubbing a thumb over the back of Allyson's palm. "It doesn't seem like you're faring any better sitting here either. I could treat you to some hot tea back at the SSC compound where I'm staying. Then we could talk where you're not freezing."

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

The cold was quite bone chilling when Allyson really thought about it. She continued to pull the cloak around her slender frame, until Arisa reached out and grasped her hand. The only other person to have ever done that was Kaili. The Jedi’s hand was warm and it was a welcomed warmth and comfort. The smile that was spread across Allyson’s face remained as she sighed softly and nodded. “You’re going to have to tell me that story, can’t believe a Jedi such as yourself has had things exploding in her face.”

Another soft smile and she stood. “I’ve been wanting to check out the SSC compound, I haven’t worked much with SSC so it would be nice to familiarize myself with it. Of course, you’ve gotten me with tea.” Raising her hands up, she took her hand back from Arisa and stretched. The stretch felt amazing and she paused, hands quickly moved down and she stared at the other woman with a sheepish smile. “It felt really good, talking with you this short amount of time has been relaxing, but let’s uh” Allyson scratched lightly at the side of her cheek, “Let’s get that tea – it is pretty cold out here.”

From the brief moments she had met Arisa, she never remembered her being so welcoming and kind. She remembered the terrible coffee and when she had wanted to fly the x-wings and Allyson had been the one to find her snooping around the XOs office. Both times, she felt the woman was more professional than human – if that was even a thing. Either way, Allyson was enjoying her time with Arisa and for some reason in the light of the evening – the attractiveness that caught her eye on the docks shined brighter.

Instantly she caught herself and remembered Kaili back at the palace and reminded herself she needed to play nice, but not too nice. [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Arisa smiled in turn, giving Allyson's hand a gentle squeeze. Initially, she hadn't meant anything really by the gesture other than offering some friendly comfort, but now she felt like an old crush was being rekindled sitting shoulder to shoulder with Allyson. Feelings she had never expressed to Allyson before, where in every previous encounter her mind had been occupied by her duties as a Jedi and soldier. There had always been a wall of professionalism between the pair, but that was gone now in this rare moment of respite.

"Well, it's not like I go out seeking artillery shells or hidden bombs, but they just have a way of finding me," she cracked.

Allyson agreed to join her back at the camp, which was good as Arisa felt like she was already done with her stroll. Now she had stumbled upon a much better way to spend her time tonight.

"Not even that hot Corellian blood seems enough for this weather, but that's alright." She stood up from the steps, unzipping her bomber jacket, then draping it over Allyson's cloaked figure to create another layer of warmth. Wearing a snug navy long sleeved shirt underneath, she would fare fine in conditions she personally found mild. "Now, let's get some tea."

Again, she grabbed up Allyson by the hand, then led her to the SSC camp. Arisa hadn't really gotten too far when she had bumped into Allyson, so it was only a few minutes walk back. Most of the residents of the compound were asleep for the night, so the pair pretty much had free reign through the dimly lit corridors for the kitchen.

The lights automatically flickered on past the automatic sliding doors, revealing a spacious but utilitarian affair. She let go of Allyson's hand and gestured for her to take a seat at the dining table at the center of the room while she prepared the tea.

"So I promised tea," she said, looking through the cabinets for the pots and tea tins. "but there are all sorts of goodies in here if you would like something more."

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Seeing that the compound wasn't that far from where they were sitting, Allyson felt a little embarrassed as she had not noticed where she had wandered off too. She knew where the compound was, Kaili had been dropped off several times there along with Allyson having walked by it several times. Even when she thought about it, it was possible that she was even helping at one point put everything into place. Allyson rubbed the side of her temple as her typical headache was starting to act up. Always happened when she was forcing herself to remember.

Arisa seemed determined to keep their hands together, the Corellian figured it was to make sure she didn't get lost. The offering of the jacket was welcomed and Allyson could smell the sweetness of the soap the Jedi used. She smelled differently than Kaili and Allyson remembered the scent from a time before the blonde. The small trip down memory lane was cut short as Allyson found herself alone with the Jedi master in the compounds kitchen. The jacket now hung on one of the chairs along with the cloak she wore originally.

Allyson found a seat as she straightened out the tight low v neck white shirt, as she waited fingers played with her dog tags issued from the rogue squadron. “Seems we have something in common. Explosives like to find my face too.” Allyson smiled and found herself relaxing in her seat at the table.

“I'm alright with tea for now, I might want a snack if you decide to keep me around.” It wasn't wrong to look right? Her and Kaili were still trying to figure things out and this was the first time she didn't see Arisa looking like a Jedi. Allyson felt her hazel eyes lock on Arisa's slender form, looking her up and down and allowing her imagination to run wild. “I'm a fan of Atrisian tea, do you have any? And I like it extra hot.” [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Allyson mentioned taking her fair share of explosives, and Arisa thoughts came back to Anoat again. For some reason, she felt a small twinge of guilt there. In retrospect, she could have done more to help the Galactic Alliance. Maybe she could have been there for Allyson then so that she and her team would have fared better.

"Let's see..." she muttered softly to herself as she examined the tins. Unsurprisingly, the SSC had come down to Kiara with a pretty impressive selection of blends. Jedi certainly did love their tea. She settled on a blend of green tea, known to be light and sweet.

"We'll have some Shincha, then," she said while setting a pot of water on the electric stove.

As she waited for the water to come to a boil, she treated herself to a pack of fig bars and then down at the table at empty seat right next to Allyson. On her way to the table, she could help but steal a few glances at the Corellian in her low cut top, a few racy thoughts coming to mind. The way they had been gelling so far tonight, she wasn't all that bothered if Allyson caught her looking.

"I have to say, it's nice seeing a familiar face here down here." She toyed with the end of the wrapper of cookies, peeling away bits of the foil wrapping in tiny slivers. "I know we've never been especially close, but I've always enjoyed your company all the same. You seem better since last time we crossed paths, but how well do you think you're recovering?"

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

There it was. The glance that Allyson had been waiting for. Arisa seemed to be enjoying more than just Allyson’s company. The corner of the Corellian’s lip slowly found it's way into a tender bite as she caught the Jedi’s stare. She didn't make mention of it and continued the conversation.

Pondering Arisa’s question, Allyson really hadn't looked at her own recovery from her point of view. Memories were slowly coming back, but they weren't coming back fast enough. Around the time they had last glanced at each other was the foundation's first visit to Kiara and Allyson was on the verge of remembering Kaili and their history. Shrugging, she did her best to keep her mind on Arisa since she was the one Allyson was talking to. It was rude to think of someone when you were spending time with someone else. Still, Allyson didn't really understand why her mind always feel back to the blonde woman.

Realizing she was taking forever to answer the question Arisa asked, Allyson sighed and chuckled. “Eh, memories are a hit or miss. Good news for you though, I recognized your face out of the crowd instantly” It was partially true, she had to verify the woman's name with Kaili and of course in true Allyson fashion she commented on how cute Arisa was. Thinking about the recent memory, Allyson placed her chin against her fist and leaned on her elbow upon the table.

“I would like for us to get closer because you seem to find your way into my life on several occasions. We should stop fighting fate and just accept it.” Looking at the Jedi, Allyson gave the woman a flash if her smile and nodded. “Do you agree my dear Jedi?” [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Arisa was flattered that Allyson had seemed to have remembered her back then when her amnesia was much worse. Perhaps she had left a larger impression on the Corellian than she had originally thought.

Now it was her turn to pause and think as Allyson suggested they finally get down to bonding. While she was enjoying herself at present, she really hadn't thought about actively pursuing any sort of relationship with Allyson. Arisa had long grown used to the fleeting nature of their encounters.

"I'm not one for fate, but perhaps the galaxy is trying to tell us something," she said with a nod. "Talking to you now, I regret not catching up with you sooner. I've definitely been missing out."

The pot finally came to a boil with a soft whistle of steam. She stood up, leaving her half opened wrapper on the table while she returned to the stove. She glanced over at Allyson again, now seeing her in a different light; from a business associate and ally to a friend. Maybe more, but beyond a bit of ogling, she was unsure on how to proceed on that front, or if she even wanted to try. Did she even have a chance if she did? All these thoughts and more swirled through her mind while fixing their tea.

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

“Of course, you’ve been missing out, I’m pretty awesome. I’m Corellian, I’m an Ace Fighter Pilot, I blew up a Space Station, what else do I need to do to make you understand how much you’ve missed out?” Chuckling, Allyson leaned back in her chair crossing her arms just under her chest of course showing off what she had for the most part. It was part of the game, if this was business Allyson would flounder – it was the other spectrum of human interaction. She excelled at the friendship and maybe more aspect of things. Seeing that the tea was ready, Allyson stood and followed the Jedi to where the tea was announcing its arrival.

“Let me help also its warm in here.” Another flash of her smile and she made sure that every time she walked by Arisa, their frames would brush ever so lightly. She moved and opened several of the cabinets till she found a couple of tea cups. She brushed again behind Arisa as she reached over and set the cups in front of the woman. “Speaking of missing out, what have I been missing out with you, Arisa.” Allyson felt the way her lips curled around each letter of Arisa’s name. She shouldn’t be doing this, she should be accepting the tea and then moving back home to Kaili. Yet there was something wonderful in this feeling.

Allyson wanted to know more about the jedi. She wanted to learn everything about her and it would be a lie if Allyson denied the fact that she did in a way have a small crush on Arisa. She loved Kaili and she would never betray the youngest Talith, but this was fun and she couldn’t help flirting with a beautiful woman. Shrugging, Allyson leaned against the counter top and waited for the Jedi’s response especially with Allyson’s continued invasion of her personal bubble along with their bodies brushing ever so lightly while she helped gather things for the tea. [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Arisa snorted as Allyson rattled off some of her achievements. Cheeky or cocky, or perhaps just a combination of both. Whatever the case, she found the bubbly Corellian's boasting refreshing. Her usual crowd of humble and/or solemn Jedi would never say such things.

The kitchen was quite spacious, yet Allyson somehow kept bumping into Arisa after joining her at the counter; there were no accidents here. Her hand trembled slightly as she gripped the kettle handle, delicious shudders running down her spine with each round of contact. A new temptation began to develop, one urging her to reach out and grab Allyson the next time she brushed past.

"Me? Nothing interesting," she replied as she started the brew. Nothing she really wanted to divulge about her current situation that may kill the mood.

"This resettlement project has kept me busy as of late. Different from my normal MO, but I've enjoyed trying something new."

The brew finished, and she started filling the cups directly, not having to worry about straining with the built-in filter.

"Here," she said, pushing one of the steaming cups over to Allyson.

She moved around to grab a bottle of honey from the cabinet on the immediate right of Allyson's head, mirroring the Corellian's movements before as she slid right against her along the way.

"Would you care for some honey?" She leaned in close, dangling the small bottle right before those lovely hazel eyes.

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

The tea made its way towards Allyson and she smiled, the smell of the slightly sweet tea made her nose tickle with excitement. She had never had this style of tea, but the sweetness made her more excited for it. Usually she had the regular breakfast black tea and sweetened it with some milk and sugar – but this tea was on its own level. Grasping the cup, she inhaled the sweet scent again. A part of her wondered if it was a mixture of whatever delicate scent the Atrisian Jedi was wearing along with the tea itself. Either way, it was nothing to complain about.

The warm liquid touched her lips as she now found the Jedi before her becoming brave. A grin swept against the cup as she sipped slightly at the hot tea. The cup left her lips as she felt the Jedi close to her. It seems her previous advancements were accepted and now being reciprocated. The game was just starting and getting more and more interesting. Allyson smirked and placed the cup back down onto the counter top – spilt tea was never something someone wanted. Shrugging slightly, the Corellian’s hazel eyes pierced past the honey that was in front of her.

Things were heating up quickly, faster than she had anticipated. The game was a marathon not a race, so instead of saying what she truly wanted to say, she smiled. The flashy smile she had been giving Arisa all night as she reached up for the honey that was being dangled so carefully in front of her. Slender fingers wrapped around the bottle, not being shy, Allyson made sure the very tips of her fingers caressed softly against the hand that held the honey.

“Perfect, I like my tea hot and sweet. You read my mind, Jedi.” Giving a few squeezes into the cup, Allyson used her pinky finger to swirl the warm liquid carefully. It was still hot, but not too hot now that it had sat for a few moments. After a few swirls, that same pinky finger lifted and was presented between them in this proximity. “Now a taste test to see if the Jedi can make proper tea” Before putting her finger in her mouth, Allyson waited just a moment to see what Arisa had going on in her mind. Unlike the Jedi, Allyson couldn’t read minds – which was probably a good thing. [member="Arisa Yune"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Mental probing required conscious effort, especially if the target was another guarded Force User, but Allyson's surface thoughts were easy to glean by the Empath, all quite suggestive. Though even if she couldn't read minds, all the social cue made their mutual attraction quite obvious at this point.

Allyson now held out a finger between them, glistening with sweet tea under the soft kitchen lights. Arisa read it as an invitation for further advances and didn't hesitate to do so, just about all reservations out the window as she felt increasingly comfortable with her counterpart.

"...I think," she started as she reached out for Allyson's cup. "That for the best results, you should take it directly from the source."

She dabbed her index finger a couple times against the surface of the amber liquid, then raised it right up to those plush lips of the Corellian with only a single inch of separation.

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson raised an eyebrow as her grin spread across her face. She didn’t realize she could smile more than she was doing so now. There was a devilish sparkle to her grin as she first sucked on her pinky finger taking the taste of the sweetened tea. It was good, but now Arisa had some to offer her and Allyson wasn’t going to leave the Jedi hanging. She felt as if this was something out of character for the Jedi, though even if it was she was playing the game quite well.

“Oh?” Hazel eyes stared at the index finger being presented to her. Reaching up, she held the woman’s arm by the rest and helped guide the offered finger to her lips. The moment they touched, Allyson made sure to completely remove the tea from the finger. Once she finished she smiled and released Arisa’s arm and nodded. “The Jedi passes the test.” She used her own index finger to wipe the small droplet that had clung to her bottom lip.

“I’ve never had this flavor, but I don’t know if I said that already.” Was Allyson flustered? Her cup was brought to her lip as she inhaled the cup and nodded. “It’s really good I need to pick me up some and have it stocked up at home.” Once more she took a sip and placed the cup down. “They teach you that at the Jedi Academy?” Remembering the previous actions, she winked and made a point to clarify. “Tea making of course, most Jedi’s are wet mops and would never let a scoundrel such as myself to taste them.” [member="Arisa Yune"]