Outfit: x x x x x |
Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x | Companion: Domxite
Interacting with:
Valery Noble
Mahsa
Azurine Varek
Zaiya did her best to manage her usual clingy tendencies, even though it went against every fiber of her Lovalla nature. Lovallas
craved physical affection -- it was like breathing for her -- but she'd learned over the last couple of years that most people weren't
exactly fans of sudden hugs or leaning into their personal space. That didn't mean that with her close friends, Zaiya wasn't affectionate, she was. And she always enjoyed meeting new people, being as happy and peppy as she could be. The thing is with Azzie, though, things were...
complicated.
On the one hand, Zaiya wanted to be friendly , Azzie wasn't
really a rival, not when Aris had already told Zaiya he like-liked her. But that didn't stop the little pang of jealousy that flared whenever Azzie was around. She admired the older Iridonian girl's skill in combat, but every sparring match felt like a test, not just of her abilities but of how much space she could take up in Aris's world. Still, she'd let Azzie call her by a nickname, so… progress?
But when Azzie tried to hug her, Zaiya wasn't sure how to respond. They only spoke three times before; the first at the spar fields when she fought with Aris, the second time at the tea party and that had been odd especially since Azzie had worn an iridescent colorful dress that directly flared Zaiya's Lovalla sense of competitiveness, and the third time had been at the training session where they sparred together. She didn't really count the rescue mission at Tython, as everyone had been busy simply trying to survive and get out.
As it was, Zaiya's reciprocation was more awkward than she intended, a stiff kind of side hug that felt unnatural even to herself. Azzie wasn't
Mahsa
, who could fling an arm around her without a second thought, or
Loomi
,
Braze
, or
Aris Noble
, who all fit comfortably into Zaiya's mental map of affection. Vera was Aris's sister, and Zaiya was doing her best to get to know her better during the few times they interacted, but Zaiya knew that Vera didn't seem the touchy sort of person, the Lovalla unaware of Vera's past that had affected how she hesitated opening up to others. Even
Ayhan
-- who she had come to understand communicated more through sparring than touch -- was easier to read. But Azzie? Zaiya wasn't quite sure where to put her yet.
Zaiya's mental shields stayed firmly in place, masking any stray thoughts, though she gave her best attempt at a warm smile. It wasn't Azzie's fault that Zaiya's feelings were a little tangled. Even Domxite noticed, who trilled in curiosity enough for Zaiya to blush a bit in response.
I'll talk about this later, she told them through the Force, recalling what Iris told her that she and Domxite were there to talk to when needed.
Then Mahsa's comment cut through the noise like a vibroblade.
The chaos of greetings screeched to a halt. Zaiya blinked, tilting her head to the side, the pearly grey of confusion brushing over the mottled spots on her cheeks.
"Huh?"
She exchanged a wide eyed look with Valery, who looked just as baffled. Unlike Mahsa, Zaiya didn't have enhanced senses, so she had no idea what her friend was picking up on.
Was that something you just… said out loud? Zaiya's cheeks flushed pink, embarrassment sparking on Mahsa's behalf.
Before things got any more awkward, Zaiya plastered on her brightest smile, the colors on her skin fluttering into warm, soft golds. She was quick to redirect the conversation, her tone light and cheerful.
"Thank you so much, Grandmaster! We really appreciate everything you're doing for us," she said, the words tumbling out in a practiced cadence.
"I'm sure we'll have so much fun. And who doesn't love trying on pretty things?"
With a little flounce in her step, Zaiya turned to the group, beaming.
"So! Should we shop first or grab a snack? Your call!"