Xian Xiao
Elementalist
Xian stood very still as the Empress spoke.
Not out of fear—out of instinctive respect.
She kept her hands loosely folded in front of her, posture careful without being rigid, dark eyes lifting only when it felt appropriate. The library felt different this close to the Empress, the air heavier, layered with something she couldn't quite name. Not oppressive. Just… present. The kind of presence that reminded you the world had teeth long before you were born.
When the Empress mentioned pheromones, Xian's brow furrowed slightly, not in discomfort but in quiet processing. It explained more than she expected. Noriko's reactions. The strange pull of the palace. The way the air itself sometimes felt charged, with nothing to do with the Force.
"I didn't realize it worked that way," Xian said honestly, her voice soft but steady. "We're taught to be aware of emotional influence, of the Force and its echoes—but not… this." She hesitated a fraction of a second, then added carefully, "It makes sense. Just not something most outsiders are prepared for."
At the mention of her master, a faint warmth touched her expression. Not amusement exactly. Something more grounded.
"Noriko has always… experienced the galaxy very directly," Xian said, choosing her words with care. "She doesn't turn away from things that affect her. She tries to understand them instead—even when they're overwhelming."
She paused, then inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the weight behind the Empress's observation.
"I don't think she'd take your words lightly," Xian added. "Being remembered across that kind of time carries meaning."
The Empress's mention of the airship drew Xian's gaze upward now, curiosity winning out over restraint. Mountains. Ancient palaces. Dragon riders. Her imagination caught and held.
"That sounds…" She stopped, searching for a word that didn't feel small. "…extraordinary."
A beat. Then, more quietly:
"Thank you. For allowing us passage. And for sharing this place—even briefly."
Xian straightened again, resolve settling back into her spine.
"I'll make sure I appreciate it properly."
Noriko Ike
Not out of fear—out of instinctive respect.
She kept her hands loosely folded in front of her, posture careful without being rigid, dark eyes lifting only when it felt appropriate. The library felt different this close to the Empress, the air heavier, layered with something she couldn't quite name. Not oppressive. Just… present. The kind of presence that reminded you the world had teeth long before you were born.
When the Empress mentioned pheromones, Xian's brow furrowed slightly, not in discomfort but in quiet processing. It explained more than she expected. Noriko's reactions. The strange pull of the palace. The way the air itself sometimes felt charged, with nothing to do with the Force.
"I didn't realize it worked that way," Xian said honestly, her voice soft but steady. "We're taught to be aware of emotional influence, of the Force and its echoes—but not… this." She hesitated a fraction of a second, then added carefully, "It makes sense. Just not something most outsiders are prepared for."
At the mention of her master, a faint warmth touched her expression. Not amusement exactly. Something more grounded.
"Noriko has always… experienced the galaxy very directly," Xian said, choosing her words with care. "She doesn't turn away from things that affect her. She tries to understand them instead—even when they're overwhelming."
She paused, then inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the weight behind the Empress's observation.
"I don't think she'd take your words lightly," Xian added. "Being remembered across that kind of time carries meaning."
The Empress's mention of the airship drew Xian's gaze upward now, curiosity winning out over restraint. Mountains. Ancient palaces. Dragon riders. Her imagination caught and held.
"That sounds…" She stopped, searching for a word that didn't feel small. "…extraordinary."
A beat. Then, more quietly:
"Thank you. For allowing us passage. And for sharing this place—even briefly."
Xian straightened again, resolve settling back into her spine.
"I'll make sure I appreciate it properly."
Noriko Ike