Private Where The River Meets The Mountain

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

Selvaris was pure untamed beauty, a world where the wild thrived unchecked, where the sky stretched wide and blue above endless expanses of dense jungle, rolling hills, and deep, hidden rivers that carved their way through the land like veins. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming flora, alive with the soft chatter of unseen creatures moving between the branches. Somewhere in the distance, the faint call of an unfamiliar bird echoed, its song carried by the humid breeze that stirred the canopy. The twin suns hung lazily in the sky, casting golden light that filtered through towering treetops, dappling the ground in shifting patterns. This was a place untouched by the wars that had shaped so much of the galaxy; raw, unspoiled, and indifferent to the struggles of those who stepped into its embrace.

The soft hum of the taxi shuttle's engines faded into the distance as it departed, leaving only the gentle rustling of the jungle in its wake. A warm, fragrant breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the scent of rich earth, damp leaves, and the faintest trace of salt from a distant ocean. Eve stood at the edge of the landing platform, inhaling deeply, letting the natural world settle over her like a familiar blanket. She exhaled blissfully, a smile forming on her face.

It had been too long since she'd felt this.

No war. No missions. No training schedules looming over them. No assignments. Just open sky, untamed wilderness, and the one person she wanted most to share it with.

She turned slightly, stealing a glance at Tigris. It still didn't feel real, this moment, the fact that they had finally managed to carve out time just for themselves. Time that wasn't stolen between the chaos, time that wasn't running out before duty could pull them apart again. It had taken so much to get here. Woostri, and everything that had followed it. The Hapan cleanup. Ord Providence. Each battle, each weight on their shoulders, had made the idea of peace feel far away. Now, with nothing but the jungle ahead and the stars above, they finally had space to breathe.

Eve adjusted the bag slung over her shoulders, shifting its weight against her back. She staggered a little from the weight of all the camping supplies, but she took a small step forward, digging her boots into the sandy jungle path. She had been to Selvaris once before, a fleeting trip with Colette, but this time... this was different.

She turned toward Tigris, offering a small smile as she reached for her hand, fingers lacing hesitantly before settling comfortably against hers.

"Ready?" she murmured, giving a gentle squeeze. Ahead of them, the winding jungle path stretched into the wild unknown.

A place far from duty.

A place just for them.

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic, Jakku Enclave mantle
Equipment: lightsaber, vibroknife, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon
Tag: Everest Vale

Tigris knew the getaway would be good for Everest. The girl had been through so much since Woostri. But the Recopian padawan also admitted that she needed the respite as well. They needed it together. At first, Tigris had a hard time separating her relationship with Eve from their shared life as Jedi. Nearly every part of their lives were in the service of the Order, and what they shared was icing on the cake in the moments in between.

But their relationship had quickly evolved, in part driven there by the harsh realities of Jedi life. Tigris and Everest had become very close, their love deepening to something that begged more than the scraps of free time they had. The trip to Selvaris would be their time. Uninterrupted and alone, just the two of them. Tigris was about as giddy with excitement as the brooding tattooed padawan could get.

The place was beautiful and so remote. Tigris had not spent much time in wilderness, aside from training in the deserts of Jakku. This was definitely Everest's world and, Tigris would have to rely on the Echani to show her the way.

As the stood on the platform, Tigris hitched the pack on her back to adjust the straps. She had insisted that Eve give her more of the load. Tigris was more fit, training her physique was an integral part of her relationship with the Force. But Eve insisted on carrying her share. They stepped from the landing pad, that last vestige of civilization they would see for a few days, and onto the path.

Eve looked back. The girl was gorgeous. The hardships of war had not stolen the youthful beauty Eve possessed. Tigris could already see in Everest's face the effects of the immersion into nature. The Echani nearly glowed, she was in her element, far removed from the things that had torn at her being.

"Ready! Lead the way, Angel." Tigris replied with a smile. Then the couple began their trek into the remote jungles.



Everest Vale

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Casual
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

An uninhibited, almost childlike giggle escaped the young Echani. It was the happiest she had seemed in a long time, since even before she left Eshan perhaps. A permanent grin had etched itself on her face as they walked, the weight of the galaxy and everything in it seemed the further thing from her mind.

The jungle air was thick and warm, wrapping around them like a living thing. It was different from the humid heat of Coruscant's underlevels, different from the sterile halls of the Temple or the cold void of space. Selvaris breathed. Every step into its wilderness felt like stepping further from the galaxy they knew, into something untouched, something ancient, something that didn't care for war or duty or titles.

The wooden platform eventually stopped, leading them onto a well-worn trail leading deeper into the jungle. The soil beneath Eve's boots was soft, damp from recent rainfall, and the scent of rich earth, blooming flora, and something faintly sweet lingered in the air. Somewhere overhead, unseen birds chattered away.

For the first time in what felt like forever, there was no urgency in her step. The trail sloped gently ahead, weaving through towering trees with thick, twisting roots breaking through the ground. Sunlight dappled through the canopy, painting shifting golden patterns against the green. Eve exhaled, finally releasing the breath she hadn't realised she was holding. She could feel the sensations of the plants, the feelings of the creatures that scurried out of sight, as her senses seemed to tap into the planet's heart.

She glanced at Tigris. This was the first time they had been alone like this. Truly alone. No training. No battlefield. No one watching. No presence of the Order anywhere nearby. Just the two of them, beneath the vast sky, with nothing but time stretched ahead. It was almost strange. Not unwelcome, but strange. Eve let out a small breath of laughter, shaking her head slightly.

"It still doesn't feel real," she admitted, voice soft but clear against the jungle quiet. "That we actually made it here."

The words felt bigger than just this moment.

The path ahead wound deeper into the trees, disappearing around a bend. For the first time in so long, the unknown didn't feel terrifying. She went to give Tigris' hand another small squeeze, and smiled brightly at her.

"Let's see where this takes us?"

And together, they ventured further into the wild.

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic, Jakku Enclave mantle
Equipment: lightsaber, vibroknife, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon
Tag: Everest Vale


Tigris was not yet as carefree as her girlfriend. The jungle was unfamiliar, its dangers unknown. A wary gaze swept across the landscape around them, and up into the high canopy of the trees. It was beautiful, so teeming with life Tigris could feel it in the Force. It was like the Hall of a Thousand Fountains, where they had their first date, except that the foliage went on for as far as her eyes could see. And the air was thick and warm. Already, sweat was forming on Tigris' inked skin.

Eve's free giddiness did ease the older padawan's concerns. This was Everest's realm, life. The squeeze of her hand also helped bleed of the over alertness and she offered Eve a smile. "No,it doesn't feel real, because I've never been anywhere like this!" She exclaimed, eyes still taking in all the surroundings before settling on the Echani.

Tigris stopped, dug in her heels to bring Eve to a halt. The Recopian pulled Eve against her playfully, kissing the silver-haired teen. "I can't believe we are here either. Away from everything, it's like a dream." Tigris commented, uncharacteristically biting her lip as she looked into captivating silver eyes.

With that, she released Everest so they could follow the path deeper into the jungle. It did feel amazing and hard to believe. They were free to adventure and explore. A new excitement shed any vestige of worry as Tigris nearly bounced a she walked next to Eve.


Everest Vale

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

The Echani's breath hitched as Tigris pulled her into a spontaneous kiss, her face flushing bright red in an instant, more so than from simply the humidity. She leaned into the kiss, a hum of satisfaction escaping her. Their gaze lingered for a while, Eve's quartz eyes peering deep into deep onyx. She could see and feel the love and desire coming from those dark, mysterious eyes, and she too bit her lip as profound feelings brewed within her. A blissful sigh escaped her before they finally broke free from the moment that had arrested them so.

An hour or so went by as they worked progressively deeper through green, and fatigue started to subtly hint at Eve's muscles. It had been a while since she had walked so much, and her calves were adjusting to so much regular movement again, not to mention the weight on her shoulders. The jungle had been dense, thick with twisting roots and towering trees, but then, almost without warning, it opened. Eve stepped forward, pushing aside a curtain of broad-leafed ferns, and the world shifted. Gone was the tangled undergrowth, the winding path, the endless canopy above. Instead, they found themselves standing at the edge of a secluded glade, bathed in golden light as the late afternoon sun filtered through the treetops. The air smelled different here; sweeter, softer, carrying the faintest trace of something floral, something untouched.

In the centre, a small crystal-clear pool reflected the sky, its surface disturbed only by the gentle ripple of water running over smooth stones. Wildflowers bloomed along its edges, their delicate petals swaying in the breeze, painting the glade with hues of violet and gold. Vines crept lazily over ancient stones; not ruins, not anything marked by history, just the quiet remnants of time itself. Eve let out a quiet breath.

"Wow~"

She turned to Tigris, face in awe. The jungle thus far had been unpredictable, untamed, wild... but this? This felt intentional, as if it had been waiting for them. As if, somehow, they were meant to find it, whether by the will of the Force, or something deeper.

Walking down towards the edge of the water, Eve set down the heavy backpack and stretched slow. Her pale skin had pinked from the heat of the jungle and exertion. Her shoulders ached, but she didn't complain, though she did rub them a little to ease the stiffness. She reached for water, taking several gulps before offering it to her love and looking around in every direction she was able to.

"I... can't believe how beautiful this is..."

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic, Jakku Enclave mantle
Equipment: lightsaber, vibroknife, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon
Tag: Everest Vale

The couple trekked deeper into the jungle. Thicker foliage and closer trees made the going slower, but for Tigris, more adventurous. She had never been so far into a forest or jungle, her work never took her to such remote places. Her gaze moved constantly, taking in the variety if plants, insects and birds they encountered along the way. Equally, or perhaps more, enjoyable, was watching Eve. She was at home in such deep nature. The perspiration that beaded on her brow, or began to stain her tunic, didn't detract at all from the Echani's beauty.

Tigris could see Everst start to struggle a bit over some of the larger roots and fallen trees they had to cross. She was about to insist that she take some of Eve's load when the dense foliage gave way to an unexpected clearing. Still sheltered by a thinner canopy of higher branches, the glade was dappled with sunlight. She followed Eve as she entered gleefully, giving the girl a broad smile.

They paused at the edge of the water fed by a tricking stream that gathered in the small then continued on in another small brook. The trickling of the water sounded soothing to Tigris, and the rippling water and colorful flowers were truly beautiful. She found it so only because Everest had shown her how to see beauty. Eve had done that on their first date, when she gave Tigris a flower from Recopia, a world Tigris claimed was not beautiful.

Tigris followed Eve in dropping her backpack and stretching. She drank from the water offered, her eyes again taking in the surroundings, and then Eve herself. She began to remove her boots, and then her socks. Her feet were hot, and the water looked so cool and refreshing.

"Come on, I bet it will feel so good." She said to Eve, grinning, leaning to playfully bump the Echani's shoulder with her own. She stood and dipped a toe into the water, looking back and holding her hand out for her girlfriend, coaxing her to join in.


Everest Vale

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

Eve's silver eyes sparkled as she watched Tigris dip her toe into the water, her expression shifting into something mischievous and inviting. The glade was perfect, untouched, serene, alive. The sunlight danced between the leaves, sending shimmering dapples across the crystal-clear surface of the pool, and the soft gurgling of the stream hummed like a melody of the wild.

She wanted to stay here forever.

Tigris' warm grin made her heart flutter, and when she offered her hand, Eve hesitated only for a second. Not out of doubt, not out of shyness, but to simply savour the moment. The sight of her girlfriend, so effortlessly happy and at ease in this place, filled her with a warmth that rivalled even the sun overhead.

With a soft chuckle, Eve placed her fingers against Tigris' palm, letting herself be drawn forward. The water was cold against her feet, sending an immediate shiver up her spine, but instead of pulling away, she gasped, then laughed.

"Ahh! Okay... That's cold!" she giggled, gripping Tigris' hand tighter as the chill spread through her toes.

Still, the sensation was invigorating, refreshing.

She let out a long breath, adjusting to the temperature as she took another step forward, then another, the water now lapping at her ankles. The smooth stones beneath her feet shifted slightly, but she held firm, trusting Tigris to keep her steady.

Yes. Trust.

That was the core of this, wasn't it? She had trusted Tigris with her heart, her fears, her scars, and every single time, Tigris had held her, never wavering, never letting her fall. The realisation sent a deep, golden warmth through her chest. Smiling softly, Eve squeezed Tigris' hand in silent gratitude. Then, she suddenly flicked her foot forward, sending a playful splash of water up toward her girlfriend.

"Oops," she said quietly, eyes glinting with mischief.

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

They weren't just on a remote world, Tigris felt as if they were in another galaxy. Tigris experienced that sensation more so in that moment than in any time in her life. It was as if they were different people. Not in their personality, and definitely not in their relationship, but in the roles they carried. They weren't Jedi, they weren't part of the Galactic Alliance, not padawans, not veterans of terrible battles. They were Everest and Tigris, adventurers, funseekers, girls in love.

In that incredibly freeing mindset, Tigris had the liberty to drink in Eve, to give the amazing Echani all of her attention, and to indulge in their relationship. So, with only Eve in mind, she looked to the silver-haired beauty. Eve was breathtaking to the broody Recopian. When Tigris looked at Eve, warmth pooled in her core, and a flutter brushed against her chest. Love, desire, comfort all welled up in the presence of the crystaline-eyed teen.

Only through Eve had Tigris come to understand beauty, compassion and tenderness. They had been as foreign to Tigris as the thought of breathing underwater. And, for the most part, Eve was the only person upon which Tigris showered those sentiments. And when Eve's hand brushed against hers, their fingers entwining in a warm embrace, a thrilling jolt of sensation coursed through Tigris' body.

The dark-eyed woman was smiling, probably bigger than she ever had. Her nerves scintillated with the excitement of the adventure with Eve, and the crisp cold touch of the crystal clear water. Tigris momentary enamorement of her girlfriend was interrupted by Eve's cheeky splash.

"Hey!" Tigris yelped with a laugh as the cold water spatter across her body. It was actually refreshing after the humid trek through the jungle. "So, that's how its going to be?" She added, releasing Eve's hand and taking a step back. She leaned down and dipped her hands into the icy water and used both to make an even bigger splash aimed at Everest.


Everest Vale

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

The water hit Eve square in the chest, and she Eve let out a sharp squeal that quickly turned into laughter, as she stumbled back with a hand raised to shield herself as droplets sparkled off her skin.

"Hey!" she gasped between giggles, her cheeks flushed and her heart soaring. "That's not fair, you used both hands!"

But any chance of protest was already dissolving into a grin that stretched ear to ear. She could hardly remember the last time she'd laughed like this; truly, freely, without fear lingering in the shadows of her heart. Here, there was no battlefield. No danger. No roles. Just Tigris and her...

...and water.

So she retaliated.

With a flick of her wrist, she sent a splash of her own sailing back toward Tigris, then another, and before long it became full-on warfare, splash after splash, giggles echoing through the trees like the calls of wild birds. Eve squeaked in childlike delight as the unforgiving battle unfolded amidst an otherwise peaceful setting.

For a moment, Eve slipped and stumbled on the smooth river stones, but didn't fall. Tigris was already there, steadying her with a hand at her waist, laughter crinkling the edges of her dark eyes.

Their gazes met.

Eve's breath caught, not from the cold, but from the way Tigris was looking at her, like there was nothing else in the galaxy worth seeing.

"You're so beautiful..." Eve whispered before she could stop herself, her voice barely a breath above the water's trickle. Her own eyes dove deep into hers, drinking in everything of her.

Then, without needing to say another word, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Tigris's waist. Their soaked clothes clung to their bodies, the chill of the water fading beneath the heat of closeness. She rested her forehead against her girlfriend's chest, heart pounding with something soft and real. She could hear Tigris' own heartbeat thumping against her ear. It gave her utmost comfort.

"I never thought I'd get something like this..." she murmured lovingly, a quiet honesty tucked into every word. "This... You..."

She wasn't sure how long they stood like that, just holding, breathing, listening to the birds and the wind, hearts thudding in sync, but when she finally raised her head again, her eyes were misty with light tears of joy. She bit her lip lightly, cupping Tigris' cheek in her palm, before finally speaking. Her whisper was more delicate than that of a falling leaf.

"Kiss me..."

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

They played like children in the water, the air filled with crystalline droplets and the sound of laughter. Eve's was light and innocent, like the sound of the water tricking itself. Tigris' was edgier, deeper, and louder than she had ever laughed before. She was truly free to know true joy.

"All is fair in love and war, don't you know that, Angel?" Tigris teased as she assaulted her girlfriend with water. The water was cold but refreshing as it clung to Tigris' inked skin and soaked her tunic. The sound of Eve's laughter, like the bells on a child's toy, gave the older girl a happiness that made her heart well up.

In the mayhem of their water fight, Tigris saw Eve slip on the rocks, as if in slow motion. The inked woman darted to Eve's side, her lean but strong arm slipping around the Echani's waist to catch her. In a breath, the atmosphere changed. The intimacy of being so close was not lost on either girl, and Eve moved gracefully to press herself against Tigris. The Recopian wrapped her other arm around Eve and welcomed the curious sensation of cold clothing sticking to warm bodies as the silver-haired teen was held close.

Tigris felt a swoon of sensation, affection and desire swelling within her as Eve looked into her eyes. Time stopped as their gazes met, the cool kiss of Eve's breath on Tigris' wet skin sent scintillating sensations through the woman's body. Eve's words were silently echoed in Tigris' mind. Eve was stunningly beautiful. Her complexion was flawless ivory, glistening from the water, her pretty features youthful and delicate. But Everest's eyes... delving into them made Tigris feel both incredibly strong and helplessly weak. In those silvery pools was a vulnerability that almost frightened Tigris. Eve's love, her trust, was given so generously in that gaze. It humbled Tigris, and yet filled her with a powerful desire to care for and protect Eve with every drop of blood in her veins.

Everest finally murmured a request in the form of a command, the whisper thick with emotion. Tigris could not have denied it if she wanted to. Dark, almond-shaped eyes were torn from the captivation gaze to to take in plush, parted lips, inviting her in a way that Tigris could feel with a visceral want.

A hand slipped up to rest at the back of Eve's head, fingers entangling in the wet locks. she kissed Everest. The first was soft, barely a brush, in which their breaths mingled with a delicious anticipation. The second kiss lingered, pressed more firmly, her lips sliding tenderly against Eve's. The third kiss carried Tigris' passion, her own lips parting, pressing firmly to Eve's, the kiss deepening, her tongue gently testing, before Tigris finally withdrew with a sigh of satisfaction and desire for the woman in her arms.

"I love you, Eve. I didn't even know what love was, until I met you." Tigris spoke softly.

Everest Vale

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

The words melted through her like sunlight. Eve felt her breath catch, chest rising and falling as her heart thudded like a soft drum inside her. The water was still cool against her skin, but she barely noticed it now. All she could feel was the heat blooming in her chest, the shape of Tigris' hands at her back, the warmth still lingering on her lips. It was like her whole being had turned into a single, fragile heartbeat.

She didn't speak right away. She just looked at her. Tigris. Her mountain. Her anchor. Her warmth. She had never seen her look more beautiful than she did now, here in the dappled light, droplets clinging to her inked skin like stars caught on midnight. Eve's hand slowly reached up to brush a stray lock of wet hair behind Tigris' ear, fingers trembling just slightly with the weight of the moment.

"I love you too, Tigris," she finally whispered, her voice barely louder than the rustle of leaves, as everything else melted away. She leaned in and rested her forehead against Tigris', letting her eyes close, just breathing her in. "I've been falling in love with you since the first day we met, and... I find I only fall more and more in love, every single day." Her voice was so delicate, so intimate, not even the waters could hear. It was only for her.

For a moment, the sounds of the forest returned; birdsong in the canopy, the gentle bubbling of the stream, the wind combing through the trees. It was a pocket of the galaxy untouched by chaos. And in it, they had carved something entirely their own.

They stayed like that for a while, caught in the calm that followed the storm of emotion, letting the world soften around them. Eventually, the golden light of afternoon began to stretch into dusk, shadows lengthening as the sky above the trees deepened into shades of rose and indigo. Without a word, they had gathered their things and found a spot to make camp just a little further up the slope, where the trees thinned enough to catch glimpses of the stars between the branches.

Now, as twilight settled in and the fire crackled softly between them, the warmth of the moment still lingered in the space they shared, not just in touch, but in glances, in the small, unspoken smiles exchanged across the flicker of flame. The world felt quieter out here. Safer. Like time had slowed just for them.

The fire snapped gently, sending little sparks dancing upward into the encroaching dark. Eve sat cross-legged beside it, her cloak draped around her shoulders, the warmth of the fire kissing her cheeks and hands. Her pack lay open beside her, and she rummaged through it carefully, pulling out the supplies they'd brought — a few bundles of preserved root vegetables, grains, dried fruit, and herbs wrapped in cloth. It wasn't much, but to her, it was perfect.

She hummed an Echani lullaby softly under her breath as she worked, using her small field knife to cut chunks and thin slices. She placed them in a small, travel-sized pot that now balanced atop a tripod over the fire. It wasn't Echani cuisine exactly, but it reminded her of simple meals from home, things her mother would make during cool spring evenings. Earthy, warming. Healing. Her eyes flicked across the fire to Tigris now and then, watching the way the flickering light painted her in warm golds and soft shadow. There was a peace on her face that made Eve's heart swell all over again. She smiled to herself and gently stirred the pot, breathing in the herbal steam that rose with each turn.

"This should be ready soon," she said softly, her voice carrying just enough to reach her love. "It's nothing fancy, but... I thought we could eat something that feels... homey."

She paused for a moment, glancing up through the canopy where the stars had begun to peek through. There it was again, that quiet feeling. That knowing. That maybe here, in this tiny borrowed corner of the galaxy, under the leaves and beside the fire, she was exactly where she was meant to be.

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

The day had proven to be one of the best days Tigris could remember. Not one to usually take the time to ponder whether a day was good or bad, the woman simply took each day as it came, absorbed its experiences, good or bad, and left it at that. Everest turned that upside down, as she had many things in Tigris' life.

As the tattooed padawan sat by the fire, she watched Eve prepare their meal. Tigris felt...cozy. She had shed the clothes of the day, still a bit damp from their water fight and from sweat, and laid them out to dry. She had packed a simple tank top and a pair of shorts with large pockets, and donned those. This allowed her to feel the comforting heat of the fire on the inked skin of her bared arms and legs.

She had brought one of her few indulgences. Tea. A small pot had been filled with water from the pool and set on a rock near the fire to heat. two small cups sat nearby, as well as a tiny container of Atrisian tea.

As she waited for the water to heat, Tigris fiddled with her unactivated vibroknife. The manner in which it moved so quickly and easily between her slight fingers betrayed her proficiency in it's use. She was much more comfortable with the small blade than she was her light saber, a fact proven during the battle for Woostri where the simple weapon slew many Sith soldiers. Conversely, all had seen during her tournament duel with Aris Noble her lack of skill with the light saber. Without a master, Tigris had recieved limited training in the use of such a unique weapon. Both of those events Tigris wished to forget.

Almost self-consciously, Tigris slipped the knife back into its sheath. It was not the time nor place for weapons. Instead, Tigris allowed her eyes to close for a moment and relish the moment with her other senses. The sweet sound of Eve singing with the background of the crackling fire and jungle creatures, the scents of the rich foliage mingling with the aroma of the simple meal. She breathed in deep, as if allowing the rich air to cleanse her of anything that would distract from their here and now.

Almond-shaped eyes opened when Eve spoke. A small smile touched Tigris' lips and those dark eyes. She was a woman of few words, but when it came to Everest, Tigris' expressions spoke loudly. Appreciation, affection, love, and peace colored her face.

The older woman's gaze lifted as Eve's did. Tigris had been focused on watching Eve and the fire, she had barely noticed the fall of night. She peered through the canopy of leaves as well, viewing the stars, mentally identifying a few, before stopping. No. This wasn't about astonomy, it was about the entirety of the moment, the umbrella of the heavens covering the simple camp site of two people who cared very much for one another. Their love was often hidden, or pushed to the back of their lives. But in that place, the couple could indulge in their love without restraint.

"I can't think of a more beautiful moment in my life." Tigris finally breathed with an unusual depth of sentiment. "Thanks for bringing me here." She added, turning to look at Eve and moving to kiss her on the cheek.

Tigris felt exceptionally happy. "Alright..." Tigris' tone had changed to a more playful one. "I'm hungry, you better feed me, Angel, before I get grumpy." She teased with a smirk, giving Eve a playful pat on her rear and a wink.

Moving back to the fire, Tigris took up a small rag and removed the tea pot and added some tea.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

A small closed-mouth squeak came from Eve at the playful swat, followed by a soft, bubbling giggle, as warmth bloomed across her cheeks that had nothing to do with the fire. Her grin said everything she was incapable of vocalising as she moved to serve the food, scooping the warm mixture into two simple bowls.

The food was simple, rustic, just a warm vegetable stew she had pieced together from their supplies and a few herbs foraged from earlier. It wasn’t anything grand, but after the long hike and their joyful frolick in the water, it was everything. The heat of it filled her, loosening the muscles in her back, calming the lingering excitement that still buzzed faintly through her body.

Eve watched as Tigris tasted it, then slowly leaned back with a satisfied little nod and a smile. That was enough. The smile on her face lingered as she stirred her own bowl, savouring the mix of earthiness and spice. The act of eating together, sitting cross-legged across from one another in the glow of the fire, was oddly grounding. It reminded Eve of home, of nights on the farm when her mother would prepare warm bowls just like this — simple, filling, full of love.

There was a wordless comfort in it. Each glance they shared said more than conversation ever could. That unspoken language they had always been able to speak — even before they understood what they were becoming to each other. When they were finished, Eve quietly set the bowls aside. The tea still steeped gently in its pot, but neither of them moved to pour it yet. The silence grew deeper, but not empty. It wrapped around them, tender and expectant.

Eve shifted closer.

The blanket pulled over them brought the two together, legs brushing. The air was cooling with the fall of night, but beneath the fabric, her skin was flush, whether from the fire or something else, she didn’t know. Her breath slowed. Her fingers moved again to find Tigris’, brushing first, then slipping between.

There was a stillness in the moment, but not without movement. The world was hushed, and something unseen pulsed gently between them. It began not in her mind, but in her chest. A resonance, a rhythm not entirely her own. She blinked, uncertain for a breath, then exhaled as her forehead gently rested against Tigris’ shoulder. She could feel everything, not just touch, not just her own heart... but hers.

Their connection was no longer just physical, or emotional. Something in the Force had begun to weave them together, invisible but undeniable. Like water finding its way around stone — a river winding its way gently around a mountain — not overtaking, but embracing.

It was quiet. Holy, even. And Eve, without needing to speak, simply let herself surrender to it.

She raised her head and looked to her again, her glistening silver eyes watching hers with an undeniable yearning ache, and naught but the soft crackle of the fire and gentle hum of distant wildlife flanking the edges of that silence that held them so profoundly. Soft lips parted halfway, as Eve could see the flicker of gentle firelight reflected in the eyes of her love, and the warmth of their breath coalesced into one.

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

The playful moment added a breath of levity to the rich sentiment that lingered over their little campsite. But that deep sentimental atmosphere didn't dissipate, it remained over them and around them. They grew quiet again as they ate. Not an awkward silence, but one almost reverent. The solemnity of the nature, the glen with its pool seemed almost sacred to the jungle around them. It was a peaceful feeling, and the warmth of the simple meal seemed to go hand in hand with the mood.

It was a delicious, simple stew. Tigris was, in her being, a simple woman. She had been raised with singular purpose, even if it was nefarious. She had learned to live with little, or nothing, as they were sometimes trained to do. There were no complicatiosn of relationships in the Seyugi. Simply masters and learners, and when ready, solo assassins. Perhaps that was why that trip to the jungle seemed to sit so well with Tigris. The complexities of her new world and its politics into which she had been drawn, the Jedi Order, and the myriad of people with which she interacted, were far away, forgotten. That night, it was just the jungle, the fire, a bowl of stew, and Eve. Words seemed inappropriate when they shared that serene setting, as glances spoke more clear than the complications of spoken word.

Tigris welcomed Eve as she drew close, draping the blanket around them both. Hands found each other and clasped lovingly. It was almost symbolic of how their relationship had grown. Two as one. They had not been one physically yet, but emotionally they had become intimate. And it was more. Not truly discernible from those strong emotional feelings, Tigris, a rather analytical woman, began to see a separate connection. Cords that didn't ebb and flow with the tide of emotion, or even their will, for love was, at its core, an act of will. No, it was steady, and carried the resonating hum of....

The Force.

With Everest so close, all of those connections scintillated within Tigris. The physical contact, where they touched side by side, was viscerally exciting. Warmth, gentle pressure, that connection was very real and easy to feel. The emotion, the new emotions for Tigris, were sometimes almost clunky as she tried to navigate feelings she had been taught to deny so long ago. But with Eve so close, they flowed unhindered, making her chest feel as if it swelled and her belly flutter with beetle wings. And then, that deep connection, it was only a whisper, but it seemed to entwine the other two sensations, as the Force that permeated them both flowed along unseen, and until the moment, unnoticed between the couple.

Sometimes it was overwhelming. A very big rock had been through into Tigris' pond. And the tattooed woman praised the Force for the Echani angel who threw the stone. In the solitude of that moment, surrounded by darkness and lit only by the soft orange light of primitive fire, Tigris simply savored it all, her body feeling alive, her heart swooning with unknown contentment, and the realization that she not only loved Everest, she needed her like food and water.

She felt the soft press of Eve's head on her shoulder. Tigris loved snuggling with Eve, sharing such gentle, intimate moments. But she craved more. Tigris couldn't get close enough, physcially, emotionally to Everest. She adored the woman, she desired the woman in everyway. It was both scary, freeing and invigorating for Tigris.

The older girl reached to place a finger under Eve's chin. Gently Tigris urged Eve to lift her head, until their eyes met. Tigris' dark gaze was thick with affection and desire and she held Eve's silver eyes before hers slid shut and she drew even closer. Tigris' parted lips hovered near Eve's, almost brushing them, their warm breath exchanging. The tattooed girl's heart thumped in her chest, her core warming to a tight heat. Then she pressed yet another kiss to Everest's tender lips. The kiss carried that deep want. Firm, lips parted, passionate. Tigris shifted slightly, her hand caressing Eve's porcelain cheek then slid along her neck to rest on her shoulder.

Tigris's kiss strayed off to blaze a trail along Eve's jawline, then down the side of her neck, gentle kisses against supple skin. The dark-haired woman paused only long enough to speak soft words against Eve's skin. "I love you more than anything in this galaxy."

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

Beneath the blanket, the firelight danced across them both, painting them in gold and shadow. Eve's breath caught as Tigris’ fingers traced along her jaw, soft and sure, brushing strands of silver hair away from her face. She leaned into the touch, her heart fluttering like wings against her ribs, not from fear, but from the overwhelming weight of what this moment meant. They weren’t Jedi right now. Not soldiers, not students of war. Just two people, two souls, baring themselves not just in body, but in spirit.

Eve lifted her hand, letting her fingers gently trace the curve of Tigris’ shoulder, her collarbone, down to the place where skin met fabric. Her movements were delicate, reverent, as if learning the shape of her for the very first time. She could feel the tension in her own limbs start to melt as Tigris leaned into her, their lips meeting in a kiss that deepened not with urgency, but with understanding. She parted her lips slowly, allowing the kiss to breathe, to become more than touch; a conversation in silence, a surrendering of trust.

As Tigris started to kiss along her neck, Eve's breath turned heavy, laden with something deep and yearning, the need within her now inescapable. As she spoke, Eve sighed from the words and everything they meant. She knew she loved her. She could feel it in every single way, in the way she held her, kissed her, looked at her, and she returned that love just as much. When Eve spoke back, her breathy voice came as barely a whisper, tender, delicate, yet full of love and desperate need.

"I... I love you too~"

It was all she could manage as every sense, every thought, every feeling was flooded with Tigris, flooded with nothing but the intense fire of their love. But she knew that she has never been more sure of anything in her entire life. The Force swirled about them like a stream, like a growing hurricane, weaving them closer, and Eve willingly surrendered herself to all of it.

The blanket shifted as Eve pressed closer, her legs brushing along Tigris’ as she leaned against her, their bodies aligning like pieces of the same shape. Her tunic was loosened, her breath shallow, and the chill of the night couldn’t reach her now, not with the warmth that bloomed between them, slow and growing, like the steady heat of a rising sun.

Her hand moved across Tigris’ back, fingers mapping muscle and memory, until it rested at the curve of her waist. She paused there, trembling slightly, caught in the gravity of the moment. Then, with a breath, she leaned in once more. There was no rush. No expectation. Only this, only them, the way their bodies began to move, soft and exploring, the quiet hum of a bond beginning to root itself not just in emotion, but in the Force.

Everything else — the jungle, the stars, the galaxy — faded.

Only the two of them remained.

 

[Tigris]

A​

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

The rays of the sun pierced the thinner canopy over the glen, casting its light on the sleeping couple. They had not even set up the tent the night before. The padawans simply lay naked on Tigris' mantle, lain on the soft grass, with Eve's blanket over them. The campfire smoldered next to them, just hot coals and a single tendril of wispy smoke reaching into the air.

The night had been brought Eve and Tigris into a sweet union, an evening of exploring their love in deeper ways, their passions finally shared in a rich, loving intimacy. Exhausted and supremely content, they simply had no desire to erect the small pup tent they brought, happy to just hold each other under the blanket by the fire.

Tigris' eyes cracked open when the rays of the sun reached them. Head facing skyward, she was greeted by blue sky peering behind green leaves. The sound of insects had lulled them to sleep, and the calls of jungle birds heralded their morning. As usual, Tigris laid still, taking a toll of her body. She felt good, even for sleeping on the ground. Most noticable was the warm press of Eve's body against her, the Echani's silvery-maned head resting on Tigris' chest. A tattooed arm was wrapped around Eve, holding her loose but close.

An unseen smile touched Tigris' lips. She heard, felt, Eve's deep, restful breathing. They had become closer the night before, an experience that had deepened Tigris' love for the girl to depths the Recopian...no Atrisian, could not have imagined. Even as she lay holding Eve, Tigris could feel their connection. It was more than physical, more than emotional. Something had begun to form between them beyond those mortal-bound things. Tigris knew it was something in the Force.

While making love, their pulses had mirrored one another perfectly, the pace of their breaths in rhythmn. Through the Force, they were becoming more as one than they could ever be physically. That notion was profoundly moving for a woman who had known no close relationship since being taken from her parents as a child. It was deeply humbling.

Slipping gently from Eve, Tigris stood, laying the blanket back over the Echani. she found a quiet place to relieve herself, finding no need to be modest in the middle of the jungle. She then slid back into her tunic. but left her boots off. The coals of the campfire were still hot underneath, and she stirred them with a stick to expose their heat. The girls had never drunk the tea she had made, so she placed the kettle onto the hot coals. She tied her long black hair into a ponytail behind her head. Then she paused to look at Eve. Everest slept so peacefully. Tigris could not believe how beautiful her girlfriend was as she slept, looking more like an angel than ever.

Returning to Eve's side, Tigris knelt down, leaning to press a kiss to those soft lips. "Angel..." She whispered brushing a strand of white hair from Eve's face, hoping to stir her.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

A quiet hum stirred in the air, birdsong layered over the rustle of leaves, the soft gurgle of the nearby stream, and the faint hiss of the pot now warming over the coals. But to Eve, the first thing she became aware of was warmth.

Not just the warmth of the sun on her skin, or the soft weight of the blanket pulled around her shoulders, but the memory of last night; of touch, of closeness, of love woven so deeply that it still pulsed through her chest like a second heartbeat. There was a tenderness in her body, in the way her muscles still hummed with memory, in the way her heart settled with an ease she had never known.

She shifted faintly, the blanket brushing against bare skin, and let out a soft breath. Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused at first, catching golden slivers of light filtering through the canopy above.

"Mm... Tigris?"

Her voice was groggy, rough with sleep but touched with affection. As her gaze adjusted, it found the figure kneeling beside her, silhouetted by the light behind. Bronze skin glowing faintly in the morning light. The draping of her hair. The curve of her smile.

And the kiss.

Eve melted into it, sighing softly against her girlfriend's lips, eyes fluttering closed again as her hand reached out blindly, finding Tigris' arm and giving it a sleepy squeeze.

"Morning..." she whispered, curling slightly beneath the blanket like a cat reluctant to rise. Her limbs were heavy, but not sore, her body simply content.

The aroma of steeping tea reached her nose, and her stomach gave a very tiny, very unladylike growl. Eve blinked again, smiled shyly, and slowly sat up, keeping the blanket wrapped tightly around herself. Her silver-white hair fell loosely about her shoulders in soft waves, catching the dawn light.

Her eyes found Tigris again, soft and full of wonder, like waking up to a dream that hadn't faded.

"I don't think I've ever woken up this happy," she murmured.

Then, bashfully, with a sheepish little grin, she added "...or this hungry."

Slowly, she rose, sitting up and crossing her legs and pulling the blanket over her front. As she eased back into her waking body, Eve could feel the every place their bodies touched throughout the night, not in the shy, uncertain way of before, but in a quiet knowing; an afterglow of something sacred and eternal.

 

[Tigris]

A​

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

Tigris leaned back on her haunches , watching Eve stir patiently. The Echani's silvery eyes opened. How often did Tigris gaze into them the night before, by light of their fire. In the morning, they almost scintillated when rays of sun through the leaves caught those orbs. A smile touched Tigris' lips as her girlfriend, and lover, sat up. Everest's mane of light hair was a muss, but somehow still seemed to flow over her creamy shoulders like falling water.

Warmth touched Tigris at the sight of Eve. She too found a flood of sweet memories from the night before cascade through her mind, her body responding with tingling. The awoke that morning not different, but...deeper. The subtle hum in the Force that Tigris was learning to identify as Eve tugged stronger as the girl woke up. Tigris could feel it viscerally, like a tangible cord between them. Not restrictive, but connecting.

"I don't think I've ever woken up this happy...or this hungry."

Tigris laughed lightly as Eve spoke. "Me too...there is good reason for both." The tattooed girl smirked impishly, again, referring to the night before. "You get ready, I'll get out something to eat." She insisted, her eyes lingering on Eve in a long gaze of admiration. Then she went to her pack. She retrieved some dried fruit and some small flat bread. Next was a small jar of a savory spread made with a protein-rich legume. She laid out a serving of fruit for each of them, then smeared spread on the pieces of bread.

Tigris' gazed darted often to Eve, a habit she could not resist. She poured each of them a cup of hot tea. As she did, she asked Eve a question. "Last night..." she paused as the memory of it struck her, "... did you feel it? Especially after we... it felt like something happened. I can sense you stronger this morning." She didn't elaborate. The phenomenon was quite unexpected and Tigris didn't probe it much to test its extent.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, Backpack, Camping Gear, Bracelet, Uneti Flute
Tag: Tigris

Eve sat up slowly, her silver hair a tumble of tangled threads around her shoulders. The morning light filtered through the canopy above, casting warm golden streaks over the glen and lighting her skin in soft glow. Her limbs still felt loose and languid from sleep, but more than that — she felt whole. Not in the grand, epic sense of the word, but in a way that settled into the chest like morning tea. Quiet. Real. Hers.

She hugged her knees to her chest for a moment, watching Tigris moving around their little camp. The way her bronze skin caught the light, the casual grace in the way she worked, the fond little glances she kept stealing Eve's way... It all made something tighten in her chest.

Eve bit her lip gently, cheeks warming with memory. The night before hadn't just been closeness, not just exploration. It had been everything. It had been sacred. Something had clicked into place. She felt it still, humming faintly in her chest like a second heartbeat — the rhythm of two spirits now gently intertwined. As she shifted to begin dressing — soft, unhurried movements as she wrapped herself in the familiar pieces of her tunic — she glanced over to Tigris at the question. Her smile was quiet, but wide, and her voice carried a dreamy softness.

"Mhm, I felt it," she said. "I don't know what it is exactly, but... it's like... I can feel you." She pressed a hand gently to her chest. "Like you're with me in here. Truly there, a part of me. And it's comforting. It's warm. I... I didn't know something like this could happen."

She paused, struggling to find all the right words, but maybe words weren't necessary anymore. Her silvery gaze lifted, catching Tigris' across the soft space between them. She rose, slow and barefoot in the morning grass, and walked toward her. Then, she wrapped her arms around her love — fully, warmly — pressing her face to her lover's shoulder with a contented exhale, savouring her warmth, her smell, the security of the moment. Her fingers curled gently at her back, holding her close. For a long, quiet moment, there were no words, only the hush of jungle birds, the scent of earth and tea, and the steady beat of two hearts, quietly learning to echo each other.

"I love you," Eve whispered at last, voice muffled slightly against warm skin. "I love you so much. I'm so glad you're here. I'm so glad you're mine."

 

[Tigris]

Outfit: Tunic
Equipment: Lightsaber, vibroknife, Bracelet, Echo stone, NJO utility belt, emergency beacon, Jakku Enclave Guardian Mantle
Tag: Everest Vale

Tigris watched Eve dress without shame. She could recall every curve, every line, every swell of her love's slender body. The night before had been unprecedented for tigris, a woman who had never known love. What Eve and she had shared by the fire was the most profound experience Tigris had ever known. Certainly, she had known physical intimacy, but even then in meaningless, manipulative ways. In a past lifetime, Tigris performed those deeds in the dark, void of feeling, deceptive, always motivated as a means to an end for the cultic assassin's nefarious missions.

But the night with Eve, well, that was as far from those past encounters as one end of the galaxy was from the other. In their shared passion, Tigris had come to know Eve in the most intimate ways. Precious memories passed before her as dark eyes drank in Eve's porcelain-skinned body as the Echani slipped into her tunic. Tigris had explored every inch of the Echani during those quiet hours, discovered Eve with every sense, sought to know her with intention, as one would meticulously and reverently study something sacred. Eve had, in one night, obliterated every memory of those empty carnal deeds of the assassin, and redeemed physical intimacy to something profoundly beautiful. For that alone, Tigris would be eternally grateful.

But what the couple encountered under the blanket was far more than physical. That visceral, sensual experience was inseparable from the deepening of emotions between them. Emotions Tigris had not known, and still strove to fathom. And yet, there was more, something...metaphyiscal entanged the two woman. Why? How? Tigris couldn't explain. Was it the intensity of their love that rendered the cord of energy between them? Or had the Force always destined them to be together and bound them with it's own energy?

Tigris musings were swept away as Eve drew closer and embraced her. Such physical contact would have repulsed the tattooed woman at one time. She had never used her body to show affection, kindness or goodness. She had used her body to kill, steal and destroy. Just like the emotional ressurection Eve had brought to Tigris, the sweet Echani teen had shown her that she was capable of being more than a tool for violence. That there was touching that was tender, comforting and encouraging.

Tigris laced her arms around Eve's waist, silently relishing the warmth of Everest against her, the kiss of heated breath against her skin. As Eve expressed her feelings again, Tigris kissed her head. Still not one for a plethora of words, Tigris spoke softly into rich silver hair, "I love you, Angel." Then she kissed Eve's head. "Come on love, let's fill your little grumbling belly!" She teased, finally releasing Eve after a wonderful, unhurried moment of embrace.

She moved to the smoldering fire, picking up a piece of the bread and a cup of tea, offering it to Eve. Then she took hers and sat by the ashes of the fire. She sipped at the tea. Not quite as good as fresh, but in the wilderness, it would do. Nor was the breakfast as comforting and delicious as Eve's warm dinner. But it would fuel them until they could eat again.

"Eve..." Tigris began. She paused. Navigating the flood of untested emotions Eve had unleased in her would take time to sort. But Tigris felt more alive becuase if it. "...I have never been with someone...I mean, like that before. With love. It was... indescribable." Tigris spoke matter of fact. Her tone was even, but her eyes betrayed the depth of the statement. She was not sure Eve could grasp the full truth of it. It felt as if she had had been corrupted, stained, and what Eve and she did purified her, restored her innocence in a way.