Private Let the Candle Burn

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Vakhari Lutris

Malachor V... With its frequent storms, acrid pools of acid and jagged stone, it wasn't the most romantic place in the galaxy, and definitely the last choice for a romantic dinner.

Valaine had done the best that she could, even made a few special orders to get certain few items brought down to the planet, but the scene had finally been set...

Within Vakhari's lab was the doctor's own personal room where she often went to rest, and so it being such a place of expected comfort and sanctuary made it the perfect place for Valaine to utilize. The lights of the room had been dimmed and there stood several candles that dimly lit the area with a warm soft light. She had also brought in a small table with two chairs, upon which was another candle and the food she had prepared.

A dish was plated with a type of poultry breast meat, breaded with light seasoning and blanketed with a melted layer of mild cheese: All of which was served over a sun-dried tomato cream sauce and just a little bit of cut green herbs for garnish and contrast. All in all the young Sangnir had outdone herself. Sure, melting some cheese over meat wasn't that difficult, but it looked really good and she was proud of it.

Besides the plate was naturally a glass of a deep red wine and while Valaine really wasn't much of a drinker she had simply gone for the merchant's choice and hoped that such a drink would suit the young Lutris. She knew that coffee would've been an easy safe choice, but where was the fun in taking the reliable tried and true one? Instead she sought to be a little more bold with her decisions.

Across the whole room there was the final touch that Valaine was certain had to be done in order to complete the scene; red rose petals strewn all about the room. They were sprinkled on the floor, upon the table, and of course the bed as well. It was going to be a pain to clean up afterwards but in her mind it was well worth the effort.

The Sangnir had spared no effort upon herself either; for just once in her life she had actually taken consideration in her appearance. Her long dark hair, which was so often left to just fall freely where it pleased, was now in a loose thick braid that formed halfway down the length of her long straight locks, tied at the end with a ritualistic thread that might be familiar to Vakhari.

Along with this Valaine wore a rather loose and flowing black dress, baring her shoulders and wrapping around her chest firmly, but turning loose as it flowed further down her body. Form-fitting attire was never quite that appealing to the Sangnir who always preferred to hide herself away in such a sense. And of course... there was a generous amount of her own coffee-scented perfume that had been applied to her pale neck and wrists.

It was all set, all as perfect as she hoped it'd be, and now... She just had to wait to surprise Vakhari with her display. The lingering thought that this might be the one time the doctor didn't retire to her room was a dread she didn't want to think about...

 

[Vakhari Lutris]

Tag: Valaine Valentine

It was a long day, the same as ever really. Vakhari working on projects such as the automatic blood farming machine, watching her student just in case she dropped some vial of highly dangerous liquid... And of course doing everything she could to warden over her lab.

The girl had been stuck in her own mind all day, not paying enough attention to keep an eye on Valaine. Normally, a tragedy really... Today? A boon for the lovestruck Sangnir, able to get all her careful preparations done while Vakhari was busy elsewhere in the lab all day.

As she approached her room, her pale little nose never did catch wind of the bounty of food that had been cooked just for her. Was it because she was just too worn out to even notice the smell? No, it was thanks to the very nit picked cleaning/ventilation systems she so adamantly demanded to be installed right where she desired them, and not an inch wrong.

Seeking to retire to her bed for the night, she did her typical little ritual. Attire taken off in a very specific way, a birsk cleaning, followed lastly by adorning her comfy set of pajamas.

As she opened the door, the smell was finally able to hit her. Eyes jutting to life as she hazily glanced around the room, spotting the meal... And of course Valaine.

Almost about to ask why in the world Valaine was just sitting in here with food and garbed in a dress, she remembers now. Days ago she had requested this, and now the surprise was here.

Sheepishly like a cautious mouse, she steps into the room to get a better look at what all was here- and what all Valaine did just for her.

"Uh-"

Her speech stammers as she glances at the rose petals strewn about her room, she didn't quite understand why plant trimmings were put around the space. But, her eyes kept focusing on Valaine time and time again. She looked nice, well kempt, smelled wonderful...

"I- Well- Didn't expect this."

Vakhari chuckles a bit, trying to understand the environment she had entered. Entangled between her habits and the flames of love, it left her far more timid than Valaine had ever seen before.

"You're nicely dressed, and here I am in my sleeping attire."

It was ironic in a way, for once the one with noble blood was the one dressed in less fancy attire.

"Do I umm... Need to change?"

It didn't seem like she was going to sleep just yet.

​

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Vakhari Lutris
(Mentioned - Viscountess Pandora )

Valaine could hear Vakhari approaching towards the door before it opened, and so she took a moment to stand at the ready besides the table to greet her warmly. A hand brushed through her hair, her posture kept straight and a smile was placed upon her face.

Then the door opened.

The young Sangnir realized quickly the fault in her plan as Vakhari entered in her nightwear. The fact it was a surprise meant that she'd absolutely not be dressed for the occasion... But, this was fine. No, this was great actually. She maintained her warm smile as she gestured for the Lutris to come closer as she moved towards one of the chairs and pulled it out for her.

"It's fine, this night is about you, 'Khari, so you don't have to change, you just need to wear whatever you're comfortable in." she spoke softly in return. "I'm... Just hoping you're not too tired." she chuckled somewhat nervously, trying to hide her concern that she picked an awful time for this. She glanced down at her own attire and gave a light nod of thanks, the blush on her pale cheeks clear to see at the small compliment.

"You like it? Thought I'd uh, give it a try you know? Pandora's pretty fashion-minded... really into that kinda stuff, so I just sort of... raided her wardrobe. I'm sure she won't miss just one dress..." She then glanced around the room for a moment. "And... You know, I'll clean this all up too, the petals, candles, dishes, so don't worry about any of it. Just take a seat, have a drink, eat some food, and I'll take care of the rest."

Her intent was clear, as much as this was a date she was going to pamper Vakhari too, especially since she had walked in seemingly tired...

 

[Vakhari Lutris]

Tag: Valaine Valentine

She is ushered to her seat, Valaine being sure to inform her that the nightwear was fine... Worked for Vakhari, after a long day she kinda didn't want to change out of her gown anyway.

"Don't worry about me, I can stay awake."

Vakhari says, the dark bags under her ruby eyes told a different story. Yet the smell of the food, a person she actually cared about... Dim lights too even. It all helped her get a little more comfortable despite the flustered feelings she wrestled with in her gut.

"You cooked all this?"

The girl smiles, taking a better look at the food. Had anyone ever bothered to treat her like this that wasn't obligated to? No, not at all.

Did she enjoy it...? Yes, but with mixed feelings. She wasn't sure how to feel, her pale face warming as she kept her smile just thinking about Valaine.

Taking her assigned cup she lifts it close to her nose, sniffing at the provided liquid. Was this wine? She had never drank alcohol before, why drink a poison?

At first she starts to lower the cup, her senses wrinkling at the very thought of the wine. However, she had taken a plunge into the unknown by indulging in the strange feelings she has for Valaine- Why not just give it a try?

Putting her trust in Valaine she takes a minor but curious sip, the red wine staining her soft lips as she actually enjoyed the taste... Licking her lips afterward.

"Wait- You... 'raided' someone else's wardrobe?"

Valaine can see as Vakhari looks over at her own wardrobe, raising a brow at the Sangnir.

"Just messing with you."

She giggles, setting down her cup.

"Soooo what are the petals for?"

It was extremely easy to see that Vakhari had zero clue why there was parts of a plant strung about her room.​

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Vakhari Lutris

Valaine waited for Vakhari to sit down, lightly pushing her chair forward again before she then moved to her side and leaned down to meet her face. Vakhari could smell the coffee-scented perfume on the Sangnir who seemed to be looking towards her eyes, but not into them, at the mention of the doctor being awake.

Gently she reached her hand forward as her pale clean thumb brushed just under one of Vakhari's eyes with a light pout. "You look as tired as I do." she commented softly. She was a lot more bold around the doctor these days, willing to casually touch her in such a fashion more often, and it helped that Vakhari was typically always assured that the Sangnir frequently washed her hands now.

With a light sniff Valaine's heightened senses picked up a scent as her tired grey eyes shifted towards Vakhari's long white hair. "Mm, you hair smells nice... Did you do something different...?" she asked before she finally leaned back and stood up, making her way over to her own seat as she sat down with a smile of content as she now looked across the table towards the doctor.

"You cooked all this?"

"Not too bad, huh?" she asked proudly. "It looks more complicated than it actually was, though... But it should taste really good. It's uh, poultry, cheese, and the soup under it all is tomato-something." she answered, she couldn't remember the specific names herself. As she watched Vakhari smile she felt a beat in her own heart, to catch her looking so pleased with something Valaine had done was all she could have asked for. If that was the only thing she gave her for this whole night she'd be happy with it.

When Vakhari moved to take a sip of her wine Valaine did the same as she reached for her own glass. She didn't know anything about wine, at all, and so she just took a curious sip of the glass and then winced. It turns out Valaine didn't like red wine, much to the shame of every Sangnir out there no doubt. But she tried not to let it show on her face as she set the glass back down. At the very least it seemed that her teacher enjoyed it.

"Hah, well, I think any of your clothes would be way too small on me." she smirked softly in response. "Not that I'm not curious what kind of wardrobe Miss Lutris here keeps of course. Only ever see you in your labcoat most of the time." she chuckled as she picked up her knife and fork, taking the first cut of her meal as she brought it to her lips and ate.

Thankfully, at least for the Sangnir, her own cooking was delicious. The meat perfectly cooked through, the cheese complimenting the crunchy texture of the breading, the sauce adding just an extra pinch of flavor, and with a savory taste that when all combined melted in the mouth. She gave a light hum of delight in response to the taste before she swallowed down.

"Soooo what are the petals for?"

At the question she glanced towards the rose petals on the floor, and some of the ones on the table as she pinched one and lifted it. "Well... Apparently it's uh, romantic. I... Couldn't really tell you why though. But... well, do you like it? Do you feel... Romanticized by it?" she asked with a light raise of a brow in question, letting the petal drift from her finger after a light blow from her lips.