Private All The Colors

[Iris Arani]

​

"No, no we're not. Not till you're older."

On that she was adamant about. Zaiya was too innocent for spy work. She deserved to keep that innocence, even if only for a couple more years. And there was nothing innocent in spy work. No place for it, no chance for it to survive. Seeing Zaiya pout though brought quite the chuckle from Iris though. That wasn't an expression she'd expected, but..

"No, you don't stop feeling. You just get better at not showing what you're feeling. You can tell what people have for emotions. I can see them, Domxite can, you likely will soon. But people can learn to hide those emotions, even from my sight. I'm certain that means you can learn to control them."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Oh... so it was really only when I am older? Of course, the follow-up question immediately came spilling out of Lovalla's mouth in query.

"How much older?" she asked, moving to spin on the ball of her foot again and start walking forward normally, falling in line next to Iris as they walked. Domxite found this all pretty entertaining, as the Lovalla could feel the amusement rising from him.

Both brows rose in piqued interest when Iris explained that some sapients had managed to hide their emotions from her. That prompted another bounce in her step, avidly curious.

"So, do you think learning that is a Force skill, or are they just practicing really, really hard in using their mental blocks?" Zaiya asked, musing aloud on how it could be done.

"Or are they just thinking of something else so that they hide what they are feeling?" kinda like when Zaiya has to think of something warm for tapas to increase her temperature.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"Older."

Iris glanced up to Zaiya for a moment. Older was the line on that, and she wasn't about to tell Zaiya what number so she would start plotting things out. Which she had the strongest feeling Zaiya would. Her gaze shifted forward again, now as she started to tuck away medical supplies and make sure the clinic was stocked enough. "I know it's not a Force skill. People can train themselves to hide from the Jedi, from other Force Sensitives, as well as each other. Learning to control and keep a straight face is something people can just do. I don't think you're an exception. If anything, your colors might be a good way to keep people from reading you, once you learn how to control them."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

So, it was going to be 'older' regardless. Zaiya huffed, her lips pressing into a slight pout as her skin lit up with an amusing ombre of amber and cyan hues, reflecting her internal sulk. Why did everything always have to be about patience? Still, her frustration melted away when Iris mentioned something interesting -- that people could train themselves to hide their emotions from other Jedi and Force sensitives.

Even more intriguing was Iris's comment about Zaiya's colorshifting potentially being a strength. The idea caught her off guard, and a swirl of perplexed greys and thoughtful ambers rippled across her mottled spots as she tilted her head, curious. Her colors were... expressive. Transparent. How could they possibly hide anything?

"What do you mean that my colors could keep others from reading me once I control them?" Zaiya asked, her voice laced with a mix of doubt and curiosity. She gestured vaguely at herself, as if to emphasize the obvious. "Don't they just... show exactly what I feel?"

Her bioluminescence gave a faint shimmer, almost as if it was chiming in agreement with her skepticism. Still, a flicker of excitement started to grow. If there was more to her colors than she thought -- if she could use them not just as an open holo book, but as a shield --what else could she do with them?

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"They do. But are you ever just feeling one emotion?" Even now as they looked around, Iris could see the haze and mix of different emotions and feelings. She smiled a bit, actually even grinned to Zaiya. "You learn how to control which emotion you're showing. It's difficult, but it's something you can learn to do. I learned to do it. It's mandatory if you want to do.. Spy stuff." Shadow work, more accurately, but she wasn't going to tell Zaiya just what that path was.

Older. That's what Iris had to remind herself. When Zaiya was older, more in control, then Iris could talk to her about it.

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Oh. She was right, Zaiya mused. She never was just feeling one emotion. In fact, more often than not, it was several at once, which was why her color shifting seemed to be a blend of colors, some even more intricate than most species' spectrums could see.

"So... I could potentially make it that I can only show off one particular color that may mean one thing... but at the same time hide the other feelings I have by muting it?' That was a startling revelation -- but also one that sounded so difficult to master.

The Lovalla Padawan gave a frown, and then she added, curious.

"But... isn't that no different than lying?"

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"If you want to do spy work you're going to have to learn how to lie. But in this case, controlling which emotions you show? It's not lying, it's giving you some privacy. I'm sure with the Lovalla the colors you give off are just a part of your culture and people in such a way privacy has never crossed your mind. But with others who stare?" Being stared at wasn't something that was fun for anyone. Iris was good at being detached, unaware of just how may stares she pulled. Zaiya was different, though. She always gave off her colors. And she was always aware.

"There's nothing wrong with not showing your emotions when you don't want people to see them."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Privacy.

Iris had hit the solid-light hammer on the nail regarding that one. There had been plenty of times where the Lovalla Padawan had felt as if she stuck out like a bright holo-banner whenever she couldn't help her biolumienece from flaring -- especially more recently when it came to Aris. More so when she realized there were other empaths or Force sensitive that while they couldn't understand what the different glow effects or color shifting meant, they could still get a read at what she felt unless she had her mental shields up.

It's not the sort of public display Zaiya wants to show off all the time.

"Right. Privacy. No, that makes sense," Zaiya murmured quietly, thinking about this as she let it settle in her mind, a sweep of burnished amber giving gentle pulsing waves over her rosy golden skin in contemplation.

"So kinda like the Lorrdians? I hear that they are able to read someone's body language to the point it is considered to be a kinetic form of communication -- but that is why they also have a tendency to wear baggy clothing and such to ensure anyone else who knows how to read kinetic communication can't read what they are actually feeling or thinking." Zaiya had been researching other cultures for something similar to what Lovalla were, and those had come up during her search.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"Clothing to cover yourself would only do so much. Unless you dress like a Tusken, I suppose."

Which just seemed silly to Iris. Zaiya seemed to mostly enjoy showing off her colors when she wanted to so having to hide completely felt like shaming who she was as a person. "Domxite can help. We've both learned a lot on how to meld our intentions and emotions. Melding with them will let you see first hand what to do, since, well, that's the difficult part usually."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya immediately made a face at the suggestion of dressing like a Tusken, a half horrified scowl drawing over her expression at the thought of that.

"Oh no, no... no nono no," She replied adamantly, shaking her colorful head. Even Domxite seemed to think it was funny, as humor seemed to bubble from them at the Lovalla Padawan's reaction.

"No. I want to make sure I am dressing in pretty clothes and so that I can show off as much of my skin as possible. It is a matter of principle," And okay, maybe a little bit of pride. She had been getting more vibrant in her colorshifting and like any Lovalla, she wanted to show it off.

"But that would be neat to learn from you and Domxite!" She hadn't realized that melding would also allow her to learn techniques in such a way, but thinking about it made sense.

"... so like, eventually, I might be embarrassed on the inside, but I'll just show off my blue and white colors when I'm calm?"

That was such a wild thought to consider -- and it made her so excited to think of the day when she could be able to do so!

 

[Iris Arani]

​

Iris paused and turned her head to look right at Zaiya. "Not too much skin. You're still just a teenager." No butts either, given the sternness in Iris's expression. But, she turned her gaze back around to what they were doing. "Yes, that would be the idea. Displaying calm, while still feeling nervous. It's an important skill to have as a Jedi. It's not that you stop feeling emotions, but you learn how to keep from displaying them. Our calmness keep others calm, keep them feeling safe."

There was a pause.

"But that doesn't mean you stop feeling at all, got it? You can always come to me and tell me what it is you've been keeping from others. You can do that with anyone you trust."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Not too much skin?

A mild ripple of confusion painted pretty luminescent grey dapples over her mottled spots.

"Well what's too much?" She asked, now concerned, glancing down at her sleeveless robe. Sure it bared her arms and revealed her colorbones, but she didn't think it was too bad. Whenever they went on missions, Zaiya did try to keep it practical and functional.. but she still wanted to look pretty and be as colorful as she could be -- her bright colorful dyed hair was a testament to that.

Either way, Zaiya was glad that the training wouldn't mean that she would have to stop feeling what she felt at all, and she gave Iris and Domxite a relieved smile.

"Okay, good." The Padawan replied, visibly showing off that gratitude in the dancing of colors and bounce in her step. A warm smile curved up then.

"I'd like that. To be able to talk to you. Sometimes I have a lot of things that concern me... Aris is a great listener and Mahsa is too... but sometimes I don't want to overwhelm them thinking that I may be a bit silly at what i'm feeling or thinking..."

Which was dumb in of it self when Aris told her she could talk to him about anything. Granted, it wasn't as if she could have talked to him before about her crush on him before he told her he like-liked her too. That had been... a conundrum. Especially since it felt so new and strange with Zaiya and she hadn't been sure what she'd been feeling.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"We'll figure it out as we go. I'm not sure what's too much with words." A bridge to cross when they crossed it. Zaiya didn't have it in her at all to dress for that kind of attention, as far as Iris could see. In fact, it was almost like those thoughts didn't exist to her. Which was good in Iris's mind. No danger of pregnant teenagers in that case. Sort of.

No there were still problems with that.

"That's easy to feel, especially with your peers. Everyone has so much going on, you don't want to add to it. I felt the same, a lot, actually. But- As your Master, that's what I'm supposed to do. And you as my Padawan, are supposed to lean on me. So, don't stop leaning on me."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya gave a nod at what Iris replied, thinking that made sense. The Lovalla then gave Domxite a comforting caress, prompting a smile when Iris told her to keep leaning on her.

“Okay. I will. But don’t complain if I get clingy!” She teased the Knight, ripples of mischievous cyan painting her rosy golden skin.

“Okay. So what’s the plan? More healing practice? New neat skills…” Zaiya began to chirp out with witty humor, each new guess making her iridescent blue eyed twinkle further.

“…learn the best way borrow a shuttle and pilot it without getting caught?”

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"You're supposed to be, to an extent, while I teach you." If Zaiya got too clingy, then, all the better for Iris to teach her how to be more independent. They were Jedi after all, this was part of what they'd learn. She did smile softly, full on prepared to continue the evening teaching Zaiya more on the healing side of things. Only to pause, blink, then stare right at Zaiya.

".. Benefit of the doubt, why are you stealing ships again?"

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya couldn't help but laugh at Iris's incredulous stare. Her colorful spots shimmered in soft light blues and cyan hues as she raised her hands in a placating gesture, trying to explain herself. Even Domxite was avidly curious, if a touch amused.

"Not stealing!" she emphasized, her voice tilting with mock offense as she wagged a finger.

"Borrowing. Big difference." A flicker of coral and pink danced over her cheeks, revealing her amusement even as she defended her point.

"Out of all the Padawans I know, I think only Braze can pilot properly! Seriously, what if I'm out on a mission, and something happens? What if I need to get off world fast, and there's no Jedi shuttle available? Am I just supposed to sit there, stranded? No thanks."

She gestured animatedly, her hands sweeping as she painted out the scenario in the air. "I'm just being prepared! Things can suddenly turn unpredictable."

Her grin widened as she added, "So, you know... I'm just making sure I don't get stuck somewhere. Just trying to have options."

And maybe also not have Aris get in trouble for taking the Bastion out on a trip again...

 

[Iris Arani]

​

Iris squinted. She could tell there was more. She didn't need Zaiya's glowing skin to know as much, but, she knew. Rather than bring it up though, Iris just let out a sigh and nodded her head. Smiled after a moment. It wasn't something she could argue against, ultimately. It was a valid point. "Alright, alright. I'll teach you some things on that. And how to pilot, if you want. I'm pretty good of a pilot myself. Keshain eyes can see a lot to make it easier."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Even Zaiya could see that Iris didn't fully believe the explanation, but at least her Master was willing to see the benefit of thinking outside the box and helping the Padawan with flying lessons to get better at it.

"Awesome!" Zaiya exclaimed, giving a little fist pump in response, a shimmer of colors dancing over her skin in anticipation and glee.

"Thank you so much!" she added with a bounce, continuing their walk.

"Hmm... question. Just how do Jedi make money? Like, what if I want to save up some to get my own small shuttle or ship?" she had a little money from her parent's trust fund left for her after they passed, but other than that, since she became a Jedi, her food, lodgings, and clothing had been provided to her, besides the few items she bought with her allowance from the fund.

 

[Iris Arani]

​

"Technically, you don't need money. The Order lives off of the donations of others, and everything that's provided is from that and volunteers. We don't make money. But, a lot do on the side. I sell my paintings, some times. Now at least. Apparently there's a cult following for my work that dish out quite a bit of credits for them. And the covers of the Lady Velvet books pay decent enough."

She shrugged her shoulders. Money wasn't something many Jedi worried about at all. Though, now she tilted her head again.

"If you need your own ship, I can get you one. That's no problem. Jedi are often given their own ships because of the need to be able to get to other world sand help people."

Zaiya Ceti

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

“Ohh… so then that means I’ll need to try to do something on the side if I want some spending money…” Zaiya murmured, musing to herself o what that could be. While she had fun creating prototype gadgets, she couldn’t really do anything too expensive or fancy because materials were costly and she wasn’t sure how much of a profit would come from that when it was just prototypes.

Maybe I can try to make something and sell the design? Make royalties that way?

The Lovalla padawan mused some more, before picking up on what her Master said.

“You sell your paintings?” Oh that made sense. It made Zaiya smile.

“They are really great. I can see why people would enjoy them to buy them for themselves.” She thought back to the colorful paintings and portraits she’d seen Iris paint.

Of course, Zaiya hadn’t heard about Lady Velvet yet, and in her mind, the title of Lady made the teenager think it was some sort of nobility book club.

It was the mention of Iris helping the teen get a small shuttle that immediately drew her from those thoughts.

“Wait, a ship? Really really?!” Zaiya asked with a burst of excitement and a flurry of colors and bioluminescence.

“But I’m still a Padawan, would the Order be okay with me having one?”