Private Why Are You Here?

[Zaiya Ceti]

The Prosperity
Dormrooms - Move in day!
Interacting with: Aris Noble | Mahsa
| Ayhan

-

Zaiya was doing her best to make the best first impression. She had already put her bags into her dormroom - it was free of any personal effects so she assumed it was available - but had decided to wait on completely unpacking to take some time to make some snacks to share with her new dormmates.

Apparently, each cabin had four rooms and a shared communal space, mirroring the dorm layouts at the temple. Zaiya had been assigned to this dorm cabin in the wake of her entry to the Order and the evacuation of all younglings, initiates, and Padawans from Coruscant.

Her colorful hair was tied up in a messy topknot, and she wore what would be equivalent to pajamas, but looked more like a tunic that fell down to her thighs with comfy loose pants and slippers.

The Lovalla had yet to meet all her dormmates, but she figured making a charcuterie board with some snacks and juice drinks would be a great first impression right?

Humming along, Zaiya proceeded to wrap a slice of thin meat around some cheese, making it look like a cute flower.

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris was training. After his duel with Braze Kai'el , he found himself more and more in the training rooms. He wasn't fast enough, wasn't strong enough. Braze could keep up with him with ease. Was even faster at times. And able to rip the air from around Aris. What use was he if the only things he was good at weren't enough? Lord Kalrath had a similar ease just tossing him aside and brushing away his strikes.

He was strong. Way too strong. He brought down the Bokken he was using onto the target and outright shattered them both in a splinter of wood. And he just frowned. The splinters didn't hurt him, even as they hit his skin as if they would. Why was it they were completely able to counter him? Was he subconciously holding back because they were people? Maybe that's what it was now. He needed to work on that.

He needed to stop holding back.

He left the training room, wandering back to his dorm as he dried off his hair. Paused as he smelled food. Has his new roommates decided to make food? Maybe he should too. He could cook, somewhat, now. Maybe. .. Kinda. He was going to offer first thing regardless as he opened the door. only to freeze up once he did see who was there. Zaiya.

".. Did you already settle in your room? Why did you come here first? .. Do you not like your roommates?"

Zaiya Ceti | Mahsa | Ayhan

 

[Mahsa]

MJTS MK 1
Dorm Rooms — Move in day & meet the roommates!

---

Packing her personal belongings had taken almost no effort considering how little the Kazelrrian had to her name. Her clothes were the traditional outfits available for any and all padawans in the Temple; practical, simple, and basic for most—and yet they felt like a luxury compared to the dirty and tattered rags she’d known for most of her life.

Everything had neatly fit inside a large furoshiki bag, a gift she’d received from her master and undoubtedly the most expensive—by her standards, that is—thing Mahsa owned. She took excellent care of the patterned fabric, delighted by its shapes and colors almost as much as its versatility.

The ship’s corridors were still new and unknown for Mahsa, and more than once the girl had been forced to backtrack her steps upon realizing she was headed in the wrong direction. She paused when a known scent tickled her nose, golden eyes quickly looking around the corridor until she’d spotted the familiar tuff of while hair as they took a corner in these corridors.

His voice echoed down the halfway just as the Kazelrrian resumed her steps, impossible to mistake for another’s even if she couldn’t make out the words yet. It’s the dorms, of course Aris would be here too. These were the designated quarters for padawans after all, so coming across him or even Ayhan shouldn’t be much of a surprise.

Her hands gripped the strap of her bag tighter at the thought, before shaking her head to clear them out. She’d rarely come across him back in the Temple as it was, and the handful of times they had he’d been unapproachable. Mahsa knew it’d be foolish to hope things would change just because they’ve all been moved into the same ship, especially considering its massive size... even if she sorely wished things between them would go back to the way they’d been before.

The stars in the night sky didn’t twinkle as brightly when he was absent.

"H-Hey Aris," A small wave accompanied her greeting as she reached the Epicanthix who stood in the foyer of one particular dorm—almost certain that it was the one she’d been assigned to…? Her gaze roved over to the number that identified it and yup, that was the number on her slip.

"I guess we’re r-roommates…" She hadn’t even considered the possibility until now, after all what were the odds of such a thing? However, that still didn’t explain why he was just standing here like a statue. "... is everything alright?"

The delightful aroma of cheeses and meats caught her attention then, the Kazelrrian lured inside as she unconsciously closed the door behind her. "O-Oh… it’s you!" Finally she spotted the familiar and colorful form of another girl, the kind Lovalla she’d met while supporting rescue efforts in the Array back with Knight Pavond.

---

Aris Noble | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Ayhan]

Location: MJTS MK. I, Corridors

For Ayhan there was nowhere specific to be at anytime now. Nor was there anything in particular he wanted to see on the ship. It was cold. Sterile. Entirely unlike the fabricated lush forest of the Cage. Unlike even the Temple, which itself stood for tens of thousands of years of history. Sights, scents, the noise, all of it rang with a story Ayhan found himself sorely missing, despite doing his best not to out of sheer spite. Hell, he even missed Coruscant, with its haze and loud speeders and everything else. Even that was better than the infinite nothing that was the interior of the ship, too new to truly bear and scars or tellings.

Not so with the glittering void of space outside. That was how Ayhan had found himself in a meditation chamber, much to the surprise of some of his old tutors, who knew he'd always hated the effort it took him to relax and empty his mind. Now, with the massive viewport into the vast sanctity of space, Ayhan found that empty mind was quite willing to come to him here.

He'd lost count of the minutes, the hours he'd spent staring out into that sparkling canvas of stars and planets. Lost track of the devastating hunger he felt chewing on his insides. For a while, he forgot everything.

But inevitably, it came to an end when his hunger would tolerate his ignoring it any longer, and let out a very audible growl at him. A couple of heads turned towards him, and Ayhan was certain if he had any emotional range beyond that of an angry vornskr, he wouldn't felt his cheeks flood with heat. Instead, he stood, and decided to go find his new dorm, leave his things there, and then hunt down the mess hall.

He'd put off going to his new dorm so far, not wanting to play the whole 'getting to know you' game that the rest of the denizens of the galaxy seemed so keen on. No hard stares, no fists thrown, no learning your strength and how it measured against your opponent. That was all the Firronthix had ever needed in their four years of life. The Kazells had felt differently, though why, Ayhan had never figured out. He would have had to suffer it eventually though, best to get it over with now, with a half way decent excuse at the ready.

It took longer than the Firronthix would have liked to admit to find the living quarters, let alone his dorm, but by the time he had, his stomach was growing even louder. Still, Ayhan didn't want to go eat whilst lugging around all his personal belongings, painfully little as it was. Just a duffel with clothes and some personal hygiene items.

Finally, Ayhan found the numbers that he'd been assigned to. 2187. From within, he could smell...could it be? Food? His stomach again grumbled, and whatever trepidations that Ayhan felt about meeting his new roommates melted away at the thought of food.

At least until he opened the door and almost walked into an all too familiar figure.

Her scent. He hadn't caught it before, but now close enough that if he'd taken one step further, he would've bowled over her, it was unmistakable. Mahsa. He didn't need to see the white hair to know that. Nor did he feel particularly hungry anymore. "What are you doing here?"

Zaiya Ceti | Aris Noble | Mahsa

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Aris Noble Mahsa Ayhan

To say that Zaiya was surprised and bemused was putting it lightly. As the series of events unfolded, the young teenager, still hilariously held a bologna wrapped flower in her hand. Beside her on a large plate would be a very delicious looking charcuterie, board with fruit, various meats, jam, crackers, and a few different types of nuts.

At first, she gave a quizzing look over at Aris, citrine and grey glowing colors painting over her face. She hadn’t expecting him here. Not that she wasn’t happy to see him, the confused expression changing into a joyful one as light blue with a soft golden glow went rippling over her skin. His hair was wet, sweaty perhaps? And his tanned face flushed, if albeit showing a confused expression himself. Did he just come back from training?

Before Zaiya could answer, Mahsa appeared, to which that made more sense. Especially when the Kazelrrian said that it looked like they were roommates — no wait, Mahsa was looking at Aris when she said that. Wait was Mahsa Aris’s roommate?

“Oh, hello!” Zaiya gingerly waved, finally realizing she had food in her hand. She offered it to Aris, extending her arm to him for him to take the snack or bite into it.

Of course, a shimmer of alarmed colors would beam off her skin once the very tall and gangly figure of Ayhan would shadow over the entryway. It didn’t help that he’d growled out his question, and Zaiya wasn’t sure to whom he was asking.

Wait, was he asking me?

At that point, Zaiya finally said,”Umm, I’m here because I am assigned to this dorm.”

A pause then a grin.

“Want something to eat?”

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris took a few moments of quiet processing as he glanced between the now three others that had joined the room. Mahsa was his roommate. Zaiya was his roommate. And the last, Ayhan, he had to assume the same. Ayhan wouldn't wander into a room that wasn't assigned to him. Did that mean they were all roommates? Given Ayhan's reaction to Mahsa, was that actually a good thing or..?

Given how the beach went, he was just confused on what their relationship was. So.. He didn't bother thinking on it long. He smiled as he reached out to take a piece of meat, nodding his thanks to Zaiya.

There was going to be a conversation to have, but food. Food was a good focus for now.

Zaiya Ceti | Mahsa | Ayhan

 

[Mahsa]

MJTS MK 1
Dorm Rooms — Move in day & meet the roommates!

---

“Oh, hello!” She couldn’t help the wide smile as the Lovalla shimmered joyfully, the wave returned with one of her own. "Hey Zaiya, nice to see you again."

A soft chuckle escaped her upon seeing the colorful teen realize there was food in her hand still, the snack promptly offered for Aris to take. This is nice. She’d barely interacted with her old roommates, and she hadn’t expected that to change when the new room assignments had been dolled out, but maybe this time things would be differ—

"What are you doing here?"

There was a click behind her as the door opened before an unmistakable scent had flooded her senses, but whatever joy her mind had been attempting to process was quickly interrupted by the growl in his voice.It felt as if someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over her as the chill reached her very bones, and she didn’t need to glance back to know who had stepped into the dorm.

It only took a moment for her skin to visibly pale, her hands tightening around the strap of her bag as the color in her hair started to shift. Gone were the usual pastels of pinks and yellows that had colored it whenever they had shared a space together in the past, replaced instead by inky tendrils that reached up from snow white tips and stained them black.

Zaiya’s voice broke the spell that had the Kazelrrian frozen in place, but there had been no time to warn or stop the Lovalla as she mistakenly answered his question. "Not you." His response had been curt, and as Mahsa turned to finally face the Firronthix she could see his eyes had never left her smaller form.

"I-I uuhm..." She struggled to find her voice, finally reminded of the piece of paper clutched tightly in her hand when she averted her gaze from Ayhan. "I w-was assigned to this d-dorm…?"

The crumpled slip was finally held out for him to inspect, and sure enough the numbers 2187 were printed on them.

---

Aris Noble | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Zaiya was pleased that Aris Noble took the snack, motioning with a hand that there was more on the table beside her. The Epicanthix was free to dig in, but just in case she grabbed some ice grapes to start handing over to him too. She knew he loved to eat and probably was very hungry after training if he was this sweaty.

However, the happy pleased demeanor the Lovalla had faded a bit along with her colorful vibrancy as soon as Ayhan made his gruff response that his question wasn’t for her. A frown drew forward in confusion, pattens rippling a dove grey.

Wait did he mean Mahsa ?

Zaiya caught Aris glance back and forth between the pair, so now the teen was wondering if there was an argument between them. There was no mistaking how the tips of Mahsa’a hair turned black. That wasn’t a good thing right? Then she stammered and seemed to curl right into herself.

Determined to not have Mahsa feel bad, Zaiya stepped forward and pressed a reassuring hand on the Kazelrrian’s shoulder.

“That’s cool Mahsa! Guess we are all roommates now! Want to eat? I prepared snacks and fruit juice boxes.” Zaiya lifted a brow and a lift of a chin to Ayhan, tilting her head back to meet his scowling face.

“You look hungry. You should eat. People get snarly when they don’t eat.”

Zaiya was going to give him the benefit of the doubt. But if he was mean to Mahsa she was gonna glower at him.

And maybe kick his shin.

 

[Aris Noble]

Mahsa was uncomfortable.

Aris blinked as he chewed, glancing again between Mahsa and Ayhan. They were close, that much was obvious, but did he have a place to say something? They were both his friends. Did something happen? Did something change between them? Was he supposed to let them sort this out themselves or was he supposed to help? He continued to munch while he debated just what he was supposed to do, as Zaiya was the one who spoke up.

He stayed quiet, just glancing between the three now. If Ayhan didn't stop being mean, he'd say something.

Mahsa | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti

 

[Ayhan]

Clearly, Ayhan had interrupted something when he'd walked through the door. Though his gaze had been fixed on the Kazellrian in front of him, he didn't miss the smiles that dropped from the others' face, nor the way the temperature in the room seemed to lower of its own accord.

"Umm, I'm here because I am assigned to this dorm," the glowing, familiar girl said, mistaking Ayhan's question as being addressed to her, before offering him food. "Not you," the Firronthix said, his response shorter than he'd meant it to be, given she'd just offered him and his desperately hungry stomach food. He didn't even bother to look over at the other girl as her bright colors dulled.

His gaze never left Mahsa. Not as she turned around to face him, practically quivering in her boots. She stumbled over her words. The first syllable in fact. Several times, before her mouth finally formulated the words to explain she was assigned to the same dorm. She held out the crumpled piece of paper towards Ayhan, who stared at the numbers written on it. Eyes flicked up towards Mahsa's and before either could say anything, the glowing one intervened.

Ayhan had to squint to look at her, as she once again offered him food...and called him 'snarly'. Instead of answering, Ayhan frowned. And then turned around and let the door slide close behind him.

In the hallway, Ayhan reached into his pocket and pulled out a communicator, bringing it up to his ear. It rang a couple of times before someone finally answered. "Ayhan?" Hera said on the other end, and explosion echoing over the comm. "Now's not really a good time, can I call you back later?"
"Master, how do I request a room transfer?"
There was a moment of surprisingly silence on the other end of the line, considering Hera was apparently in the middle of a battle, before the Twi'lek replied. "Did you punch someone already?"
"No," Ayhan almost snarled at the insinuation. "Just can't stand my roommate."
"Look, Ayhan, you're gonna have to learn to play nice even- hold on-" A few brief grunts could be heard before the sizzling sound of a saber piercing a body signaled an end to who or whatever Hera was fighting and returned to the commline. "You're gonna have to learn to play nice eventually." Hera paused as if expecting a retort, but hearing none she continued. "Dorm assignments are permanent, even if I knew how to get you a transfer, it'd be denied. There's not enough time or space to be shuffling younglings and padawans around right now, sorry. Look, I gotta go, just try to get along with your roommates and make some friends!" And before Ayhan could protest, Hera closed the line.

Grumbling to himself, Ayhan went back to the dorm door, and paused in front of it before steeling himself. Don't be unpleasant. To everyone at least. The Firronthix told himself, as if it were a truly herculean task. And then he entered the dorm. "Which room is mine?"

Zaiya Ceti | Aris Noble | Mahsa

 

[Mahsa]

MJTS MK 1
Dorm Rooms — Move in day & meet the roommates!

---

There was a light jolt to her shoulder when Zaiya pressed a hand to it, she’d forgotten that the Epicanthix and the Lovalla were present the moment her eyes had met Ayhan’s. "Aah y-yes, that’s pretty cool…" Her gaze broke off from his long enough to offer Zaiya a faint smile, though that was quickly erased when the teen turned her attention towards Ayhan next.

"Z-Zaiya w—" She was too slow, a bright shade of orange overtaking the blackened tips of her hair as the word snarly tumbled out of the Lovalla’s mouth. Her gaze instantly returned back to Ayhan, the expression on her face a mix of worry and fear as he frowned, before the taller boy surprised her.

He’d been full of surprises these past few months, none of which had been good for her poor heart.

". . ." Part of her had hoped he would’ve accepted things as they were and stayed, but the soft click of the door as it slid back into place confirmed the Firronthix had indeed left—no doubt to request a change of dorms.

She felt a familiar sting around the corners of her eyes, before Mahsa took a deep breath and swallowed down the lump in her throat as she turned to give a light bow for the other two. "S-Sorry about that." It was impossible to miss how happy the Lovalla had looked after Aris had stepped into the dorm, undoubtedly excited to have a friend as a roommate. Mahsa didn’t wish to dampen the moment anymore than it already was.

"Thanks for the snacks Zaiya, w-what did you mak—" She’d barely had enough time to walk a few steps further into the dorm before the door slid open again, her voice instantly cutting off as Ayhan’s scent returned.

"Which room is mine?"

Mahsa couldn’t help but blink twice before flinching slightly a second after—biting the inside of her cheek had hurt, so she wasn’t dreaming… right? The Firronthix did pose a valid question however, and her gaze finally turned to the two in the room who could give a proper answer to both of the Cage children present.

---

Aris Noble | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

”I think he’s hungry.” Zaiya explained once Ayhan left, the Force slowly revealing little bits of information to the empath as she continued to practice it. Granted, there was more to it than that. The tall teen seemed to also have some issues with Mahsa but Zaiya wasn’t sure what. His actions were contradictory since he had done all he could to save her from drowning yet got all gruff. Maybe that was just his general disposition?

Zaiya tuned to look at Aris Noble with an expression that asked what he thought of the matter. Maybe something to discuss later.

“Mahsa want something to eat and drink? Feel free to get what you like or you can pick whatever room you’d like. I think the ones to the left both are free. I took the free one to the right.” Meaning the one next to Aris.

It didn’t take long for tall and broody to return. Stepping forward, Zaiya decided to take charge so Mahsa wouldn’t feel tense or under the scope again. Maybe Aris could comfort her or talk to her?

“You can follow me. I’ll show you. My name is Zaiya. What’s your name?”

​

 

[Aris Noble]

Zaiya was.. Good.

Aris had remained standing there, half eating as he watched the interactions. Thought through what he could say or do. Analysis paralysis for certain. They were all his friends, and he didn't want to overstep or say something that made it worse. Even as Ayhan left he couldn't help but glance to the door. He could hear the conversation on the other side. Ayhan didn't want to be here. Why? It was obvious it had something to do with Mahsa, but, they seemed to get along before?

But Zaiya didn't hesitate. As soon as Ayhan was back in she was smiling and offered to show him his room and just, break the ice without bringing attention to the tension. He ended up smiling a little as he nodded to her. Whatever the case, they were all in this together now.

"Finger food, mostly. Fruits are what she likes the most. Do you have a favored fruit? If it's not on the tray we can see if they have some in the fridge."

Whatever the case, they were going to focus now on coexisting and being comfortable. So, food. Food was a good way to help. He smiled warm to Mahsa, motioning to the kitchen. Zaiya had this, so he'd be sure to back her up.

Mahsa | Zaiya Ceti | Ayhan

 

[Ayhan]

Ayhan hadn't been looking at anyone in particular when he asked his question. Not in an attempt to be rude but rather, the exact opposite. He did not know how he was supposed to act, he'd realized as soon as he'd walked into the dorm. He didn't dare look any of the others in the eye, fearing he'd appear to be issuing some kind of challenge. That he was being more confrontational than he had already made himself out to be.

Something akin to gratitude sparked in Ayhan though, when the glowy girl didn't hesitate to offer to show him which room would be his, and ask his name. "Ayhan," the Firronthix said, just as short as before, but lacking the bite of his first few words to her.

He let the girl show him the few steps to his room, the door sliding open as they neared. Just a few steps inside, and Ayhan dropped his bag, turning slowly as he surveyed the room. Almost as if he were searching for...something.

Ayhan went to the closet, and peered inside. The bathroom, the shower, and then back into the main bedroom and checking beneath the bed. After searching for a few more nooks and crannies Ayhan simply stood in the center of the room and said: "Okay."

Zaiya Ceti | Aris Noble | Mahsa

 

[Mahsa]

The Lovalla wasn’t exactly wrong in her initial assessment of the Firronthix, a faint smile tugging at the ends of her lips as Mahsa nodded. "P-Probably… Firronthix are always hungry." Her eyes purposely avoided staring directly into the gaze of either roommate as she spoke, hoping that—with some luck—Ayhan’s initial behavior could be waved off as him just being hangry.

The last thing Mahsa wanted was for things to sour between him and his roommates just because she was here as well.

A quiet sigh of relief left her when Zaiya cheerfully stepped up to answer Ayhan’s question, going so far as to guide the Firronthix towards the two remaining rooms on the left side so he could take his pick. The lack of a bite behind his words as he introduced himself calmed the Kazelrrian, the colors in her hair fading away to neutrality as Aris asked a question.

"My favorite…?" She couldn’t help but blink up at the taller Epicanthix, delicate brows furrowed as Mahsa thought about it seriously. "I d-don’t think there’s any I dislike."

That much was true, after all no one could be a picky eater if they were looking to survive in the Cage. Sure, some of the things served in the refectory weren’t exactly to her liking, but Mahsa had never turned anything down and her plates were always clean as they could be when she returned them.

"M-Maybe… uuhm," She hesitated for a moment, hands tightening around the strap of her bag once more, before she caught the warm smile on Aris as he motioned towards the kitchen. "S-Strawberries?"

---

Aris Noble | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Zaiya curiously watched Ayhan from the door as he peered and searched and almost did his best to check there went anyone hiding away.

“Are you making sure no one these is in here?” Zaiya asked curiously as he came back and said ok. Bright orange colors painting over her patterns in a curious ripple.

“It’s nice to meet you though, Ayhan.” Always one to ask questions and probably the ones that just strike at her, she also followed up with quietly so the others don’t hear,” Do you not like Mahsa? I’m not sure if you are hungry but you sounded really mean to her. Even her hair turned black which I think means she’s scared. Which is weird cause I know you cared enough to save her when she was drowning. So which is it? Do you not like her or are you just really grumpy hungry?”

​

 

[Aris Noble]

Aris paused as he glanced back to Mahsa. There was a realization there, in his eyes. There were some hints that she was like him, here and there. Her and Ayhan. But now it had all clicked. Ayhan had told him they were vat born, but Aris didn't want to pry any further. They were raised like he was until his father and mother had adopted him. An experiment, not a person. His expression stilled into a calm smile as he nodded to the platter of fruits, cheeses, meats.

Right to the strawberries.

"I'll cut up some more for you. You should eat those ones. They're delicious."

Mahsa | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti

 

[Ayhan]

"Are you making sure no one these is in here?" the glowing- Zaiya asked as Ayhan paused in the middle of 'his' room, trying to figure just what it was he was supposed to do with the space. He'd struggled with that same question when they'd shown him to his room in the Temple as well. Four solid walls, a real bed, a desk and chair and sofa. They were all things Ayhan had only ever heard of until that first day in the Temple. In the end, Ayhan only ever used the room to wash himself and sleep in.

"And looking for places where someone might hide," Ayhan admitted, eyes scanning the room again, the ceilings, the floor. Being polite, Zaiya didn't comment but instead expressed a general nicety that had Ayhan looking at the girl from the corner of his eyes. He knew he wasn't pleasant. Or nice. The white lie grated against him, but instead of saying something un-nice, Ayhan asked, "Do you not-?" Before he'd finished though Zaiya softly fired off a number of questions at him.

All in all, they made Ayhan pause. Both as he processed the questions, and became confused at the questions themselves. Had he not made it clear he didn't want to be anywhere near Mahsa? But, Zaiya was right, he'd gone into the water, not knowing how to swim himself, to try and save her from drowning. The memory sent a chill down the FIrronthix's back. But the idea of even being in the same room with her, let alone living in the same dorm made him antsy. A tension in his body like a spring, ready to bolt at any moment. And did he get grumpy when he was hungry? Possibly? He definitely did not want to talk to people when he was hungry. More so than when he wasn't hungry.

This was making his brain hurt.

"Can't it be both?" the Firronthix finally answered after many moments of silence, through gritted teeth. "I am hungry," he then amended, as if it were the only answer that mattered.

Zaiya Ceti | Aris Noble | Mahsa

 

[Mahsa]

There was a pause after she’d answered, the momentary silence causing the girl to tilt her head in confusion. Had she said something wrong? Worry barely had time to settle in the stomach as the Epicanthix finally smiled at her, before he guided her towards the charcuterie board that Zaiya had worked so hard on.

"Ooh, this looks so pretty!"

The flowery design made by the Lovalla wasn’t lost on Mahsa, the Kazelrrian carefully shifting the strap of her bag from her shoulder to dangle from one of the nearby stools. A slight sense of guilt gnawed in the back of her mind at the thought of disturbing the arrangement, golden eyes peering up at Aris as if to confirm it was truly alright for her to eat the strawberries present.

"A-Alright…" He'd said so himself, and Aris wasn’t one to lie—or at least that’s how she’d come to view the boy—so with a final nod she gingerly settled down onto that same stool as a hand reached for some of the fruit slices.

Her complexion was immediately brightened by the yellow highlights that emerged in her hair after the first bite. They were cool and fresh, their flavor a pleasant balance of tart and sweetness that the Kazelrrian enjoyed. She’d reached out for another slice before the murmurs from the nearby room caused her to pause, certain that she’d heard her name called out among the voices.

The shine in her hair dulled as her eyebrows creased with worry, her attention now focused in the direction that Ayhan and Zaiya had disappeared into as the Lovalla had offered to show him to his room.

---

Aris Noble | Ayhan | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

Just looking at the complex switch of emotions that twisted over Ayhan 's face told Zaiya plenty. Well, enough that yes, he was hungry, but also he wasn't even very sure what he felt regarding Mahsa other than grumpy. This means his answer of Why can't it be both then following up with, I'm hungry, meant that, on some level, he didn't hate Mahsa.

It was just going to be a bit more complicated than that.

"Well, there is food. You are welcome to have some. But if you can't say anything nice to Mahsa while you are here, I will glower at you in disapproval, and then I won't share my food with you. " A big deal coming from a Lovalla, where sharing food was such an intimate social bonding process.

Who wanted to bond and share food with someone trying to be mean to someone else in front of her? Especially someone Zaiya wanted to become friends with. She was sure it would bother Aris Noble as well.