Private Of Midnights & Follies

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:
//: Eshan //:
//: Attire //:

A rare moment for the Princess to return home. It was fortunate that her sister had been kind in the past, granting her a form of diplomatic immunity from the usual exile. Quinn was often able to enjoy the comforts of home without anyone attempting to harass her or send her offworld.

Today she had decided to meet someone in the capital. Not having deleted that pesky little app, Quinn let herself indulge in a bit of conversation with someone who seemed interesting enough. The anonymity was helpful; she didn't have to reveal that she was a Sith Princess, the assumed next in line to rule the Eleventh Empire, or anything of the sort. It was nice to simply be Quinn.

As she sent the most recent message to her mystery companion, she paused. It almost made her laugh. She had met Serina Calis this way. One eyebrow raised as she recalled that turbulent relationship and its ending. Still, she hoped Serina was finding her footing outside the forsaken Blackwall. The last she heard, the woman was finally making the moves she had always wanted to make.

But Quinn did not dwell. Her thoughts lingered instead on the stranger who had agreed to meet her at a restaurant in the capital. As much as she wanted to keep her identity quiet, being on Eshan would inevitably betray it.

The Princess dressed simple, but her usual elegance accented the outfit. Her white slacks, hung neatly from her hips, a fitted black top showing just enough midsection to distract, the gold choker completing the look.

It didn't take her long to arrive. The restaurant was one of the capital's most exclusive — carved ivory panels lined the walls, tall crystalline vases overflowed with pale Echani orchids, and soft lantern-light reflected against the polished marble floors. Graceful musicians played gently in the corner, their strings weaving background ambiance.

The staff was prepared. Knowing who Quinn was, they led her to an elegant table draped in silver-threaded cloth, positioned apart from the bustle for privacy.

When her guest arrived, she would be escorted to one of the back rooms — discreet and intimate, with a single candle and rose waiting beside a porcelain tea service.

Quietly waiting, Quinn sat with her tablet open, nose buried in a recently purchased novel.

Even if her date failed to show, the evening was still perfect.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

What had Aiden Porte gotten her into this time? Another surprise. All she really knew was that she was going to see someone, but Reina had managed to put two and two together. The fact that she had been told to dress nicely and the fact she was going to a restaurant that she'd never have been able to go to in her wildest dreams, this was some form of date. In the past she'd have been opposed to the idea. Meeting a random stranger in a restaurant for a date. There was also the slight awkwardness of this being her first date whatsoever...but she decided to take it at her own pace. "Researching" how to date felt like it would just come off as weird.

The redhead had at least tried to go all out on the idea of dressing up nice. Brushing down the white fabric of her dress, she had thought that it would go in well with the idea of being on Eshan. Of course it was somewhat a simple dress, not with a huge amount of details but it felt nice to be in. This was one thing Reina still struggled with at the end of the day, fashion had never been something she truly enjoyed but she was slowly starting to understand it.

In her hand, the redhead also clutched a small bouquet of flowers, Candlewick flowers to be precise. First impressions were important, and people liked flowers. At least most people did. Reina wasn't one of them so if whoever this mysterious stranger was had been anything like Reina...This might not be a great idea.

That didn't matter however as Reina arrived at the restaurant and was brought through towards the backroom, taking in all the different aromas of food she could, before being guided into the backroom where Reina froze. Her eyes settled on the only person sat down, blinking to herself for a moment. The cogs in Reina's brain slowly turning as a gentle blush crept into her cheeks.

"O-Oh. Hey. Long time...no see."

Reina remembered seeing Quinn at what felt like a lifetime ago. They hadn't had much time to actually talk to each other, but Quinn's face wasn't one Reina could find herself forgetting anytime soon. Of course, Reina had changed somewhat herself however. The last time they had seen each other Reina had still be a human. Now? Even if she was able to keep her more fish-like nature hidden, there were still at least some noticeable differences. Reina's voice had more of a musical note to it, almost like it was carried by the wind. Whilst her eyes also glowed slightly with an irisdescent look to them, Reina's golden glow clearly focused on Quinn...Though her eyes did dip towards Quinn's outfit before looking back up.

"I grabbed these. I thought you'd like them."

The Ersansyr held out the bouquet of Candlewick flowers, doing her best attempt at a smile. Oh by the Spirit. Why did it have to be Quinn? Why did it have to be someone Reina knew?

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:

Reina's arrival was quiet, for the most part. It seemed the guards wanted to allow the Princess's date to announce herself. As Reina began to speak, Quinn looked over the edge of her datapad, and her bright hazel green eyes watched as the Jedi initially stumbled over her words in surprise. Behind the cover of the datapad, Quinn grinned. It was cute how this revelation baffled the redhead.

Putting the tablet down, Quinn rose to accept the flowers. She smiled, knowing already what they were. "They bloom at night, don't they?" Her question was gentle, as she wanted to hear Reina speak again. The melody in her voice was pleasant, different than before, but was beautiful. Quinn smiled at the flowers and reached for the red rose.

"I'm fond of roses, so I brought one from my garden for you." The rose looked normal, like any other, but there was a hint of the Force lingering on its essence. Quinn smiled.

"It's enhanced by the Force — it won't wilt or lose its vibrancy. Until the end of time remains unchanged." It didn't have any lingering effect of the dark side or the light side. It was only a matter of time, and it moved almost naturally through the Force.

Quinn once more gave the flowers in her hands attention; she let her palm hover over them, giving them life through the Force. Unlike other Sith, Quinn remained muted in the Force when around people. She drew her essence inward till she was nearly silent to other Force users. Her presence was pleasant, unlike the sickening darkness that lingered on others.

The Force moved, shaping the flowers as they blossomed. A smile crossed her face as she inhaled their fragrance. "Beautiful," She mused and set them onto the table.

"I'm quite happy it's you, far better than meeting a stranger," Quinn offered Reina a seat as the first set of food was set in front of them. On the platter was toasted bread topped with a mixture of tomatoes and basil, accompanied by a sweet balsamic drizzle.

"This is one of my favorite places, I hope you like it," she said, sitting down after Reina did and carefully plating one of the appetizers for Reina and then for herself. She knew her manners and wanted to make sure that the Jedi had a good time — just a moment for them to forget the millennia-long battle between light and dark.

"You seem different," Quinn tilted her head, her eyes carefully taking in the sight of the red-headed Jedi.

"I like it, you seem more confident than when I last saw you — it suits you, beautifully."

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

There was something about Quinn that seemed more familiar to Reina than just the night from the club. She could have sworn she had saw Quinn's image in something she had read...but Reina never had the greatest memory when it came to reading. None of that mattered for this moment however as she handed over the bouquet, giving a short nod to Quinn's question.

"Yes. I've always had more of an affinity for the night than anything else. The moon can be beautiful. Like you."

Her voice was slowly starting to gain a small tint of confidence back into it. The overall shock of seeing that it was Quinn was starting to wear off, and most of the nerves remaining was simply that of being on a date with an attractive person. It was natural and normal. Her hand reached out to take the rose carefully, giving it a small appraisal as she couldn't help but break out into a smile.

"...You've made me realise I should have done something like this on the candlewick flowers. Plants have never been my forte however."

Sure, she had done a few lessons in plant surge, but Reina never had a connection to the earth in the same way that she felt attune with the wind and waves.

"I'm...surprised it's you, but don't get me wrong. I'm happy. Maybe finally I can get your name. I left things pretty...abruptly last time we met. I'm sorry for that."

Reina took her seat carefully, brushing down her dress before turning her attention over towards the appetisers. It looked delicious as she carefully ate. Of course, any specific rules about cutlery was lost on the redhead though she did her best to be as formal as she could with the way she ate, her gaze glancing over towards Quinn every so often.

"It's a nice place. I'm not used to the finery. Being raised on a fishing boat will do that to a girl. Have you ever been fishing? It can be relaxing. Out on the waves with your thoughts to keep you company."

Small talk was good, right? That was Reina's thought process at least as she ate. Though Quinn's next statement caused the Ersansyr to freeze for a moment. A small moment of panic flickering through her eyes, before the comment about it suiting Reina beautifully caused another flush to come to her cheeks.

"I've been through a lot since we last saw each other...but thank you. I can tell you about it...but some of it might not be appropriate to talk over food."

One way to lose an appetite was to talk about being kidnapped. And Reina didn't want to ruin this moment. It was enjoyable for a surprise. She was enjoying herself on this date. It helped that Quinn reminded Reina of a Princess in a way...Wait...A Princess.

That's where Reina knew Quinn from. It was all slowly coming to Reina as her eyes fell upon Quinn once more. Her blind date...was a Sith Princess. There was a large part of her that immediately thought of how much this was a bad idea. That something could go wrong. But...Quinn seemed welcoming enough. Friendly enough. Of course, Reina had met other Sith that seemed friendly but there was something different about Quinn.

And so Reina was willing to give Quinn a chance. In this moment, Reina was not the Jedi Padawan that fought against the darkness. She was Reina Daival, the woman enjoying her meal with her date.

"I apologise if I leave most of the direction of this to you. It's my first date at the end of the day."

That was the way Reina approached her sudden realisation. Not to even mention it. It wasn't important. It was also in this moment that Reina had decided the best place to store the rose Quinn had given her was atop Reina's ear, gently trying to slide it into her hair to keep it in place.

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:

Quinn smiled, accepting the compliment. To be compared to the Moon as an Echani was one of the most beautiful things anyone could ever tell someone. The Moon was sacred to the Echani people, and Quinn relished the words of the padawan.

As Reina mentioned, she was thinking about the flowers and what she had done. Quinn's eyes drifted back to them, and she smiled. She knew that plant surge was typically a Jedi power; it shaped the life of the plants. Her mother had been a natural practitioner, and Quinn had easily fallen in love with the skill as a child.

Plants were the only thing that could seemingly survive around her.

She didn't linger on her thoughts for too long, more curious about the Jedi in front of her. She wasn't like the others, who often were more ready to try and change her than just accept her as she was. Touching the light was something Quinn knew was an impossible feat for her.

"No need to apologize, I'm Quinn." She let her name hang between them. She didn't introduce herself as a princess or even the heir apparent to the Empire. No, she just wanted Reina to know her as Quinn. Leaning back, she let her smile continue, "Quinn Varanin."

Her last name held history, legacy, but she wouldn't lean into it here, not with Reina. The girl was simple, raised on a fishing boat, as she had said — the thought was intriguing.

"No, I haven't fished before, but I've eaten fish, something I would like to do more of." Her eyes lingered for a moment on the woman, whose hair reminded her of the sun. A lovely contrast, a woman who walked in the light, with hair the color of sun and flame — on a date with one born in the dark, and a beauty compared to the Moon.

Quinn's nose wrinkled in playful thought as she continued to listen to Reina.

"Don't worry, I'm fine taking the lead as long as you're comfortable." She tilted her head out of curiosity about the Jedi and the changes that had happened. If they were grim, she wouldn't want to force Reina to speak about them.

Still…

"Any conversation, in my opinion, is appropriate for dinner." She smiled, "If it's something you'd like to talk about, I'm all ears."

As the Princess ate, with a grace only one of her status would hold, under the table, Reina would feel the point of Quinn's foot caress gently behind her ankle, moving just to the base of her calf and down.

The motion was quiet, almost aloof, as she focused on the food and their conversation. Quinn smiled, wondering if Reina would react in kind, or if she would pretend that it wasn't happening.

In a worst-case scenario, she'd ask to stop. Quinn hoped that wouldn't be the case, and it only offered comfort in a sense to the Jedi.

"So now that you know my name, will you grace me with yours?" A cheeky little grin spread across the Princess's face, "Or I get to call you beautiful the rest of our time together."

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

If anything, the comparison to the moon had been a coincidence. Reina wasn't familiar with Echani culture that well. She simply stated what she had believed. That the same beauty that laid within a Moon laid within Quinn as well. Yet the Ersansyr blinked for a moment as Quinn gave her name. It was familiar. Very familiar. For perhaps all the wrong reason as Reina stopped, mid sip of her glass.

"...I've heard that name before. My master has told me of it. And your encounter with her on Woostri. I was there myself. It was the first time I came across the terror of the Dark Side. To see how...powerless I was before it."

If Reina seemed disturbed by what she was saying, she didn't show it on her face as her gaze moved from her glass over towards Quinn's face for a moment, in contemplation. Taking in the beauty of the Princess' hazel eyes before Reina put her glass down.

"And yet...I don't feel that terror looking at you. I see...beauty. Perhaps dangerous...but beauty all the same. Though...That brings me to my own question Quinn. What do you feel, looking at me?...My master perhaps would not be proud of me staying here...but I'm not here as a Jedi..."

Confirmation. Verbally. Reina did not care for the Dark Side nor Light. Not in this moment...and to be honest, not in most moments. Instead she returned to her meal, listening to Quinn discuss her experience with fishing. Or lack there of.

"Perhaps in the future, I can bring you some fish to eat. I'm not a master chef, but I've had a fair bit of experience preparing it."

There was the idea of offering to take Quinn on a fishing trip...but that was an option in the future. If things went well that was. Instead she contemplated the idea of telling Quinn what had happened to her. How she had been forcibly altered against her will. By a Sith. Yet did she trust to tell Quinn about it? Trust wasn't something Reina gave easily...Yet that thought was abruptly ended as she felt the foot gently caressing the back of her leg.

She fought the urge to look under the table to see what was going on. Quinn smiled, so it clearly was meant to be something..."good". Reina herself wasn't sure how to react. Physical contact had been something she had...reserved for most people. People she was close to. People she trusted. And so...she answered her own question about the matter of trust. As she gently moved her own foot to gently caress against Quinn's own calf. A small blush on the redhead's cheeks, alongside a shy smile. Was she doing this right? She didn't know. But she was liking it.

"...I was captured. By a Sith. Serina Calis. It was...roughly before the invasion of Coruscant. I had taken time away to help my sister with her work...and found myself stuck on Tatooine. Where She found me. I knew she wanted to capture me. To take me...and so I attempted to take matters into my own hands...and to end my own life."

A grim statement. But...Reina was willing to tell Quinn this. The full extent of the damage and perhaps fear Serina had instilled to Reina needed to be told in her eyes. As she spoke, Reina couldn't help but bring a hand up to her neck, where her gills were.

"It did not work. I had tried to take my Destiny into my own hands and failed. Instead...I shut down. She took me to her lab. Where...she altered me. Changed who I was on a genetic level. She turned me into an Ersansyr. She wanted to mould me into her ideal version of me. What she thought was perfect...I ended up being saved...but there are scars she has inflicted that have not healed. The fear that I'm being played...The fear that...I am not good enough as I am. The fear of being touched...I do not know if they can heal fully...but..."

Her eyes drifted over towards Quinn's hand for a moment before Reina reached out to gently rest her hand atop Quinn's once there was a moment to. One pale hand atop the other. A conscious effort from Reina to take a step forward. To try and push past her fears and heal one of her scars.

"...It appears they can heal at least somewhat."

And with that, Reina gently brushed her thumb along the top of Quinn's hand before pulling her own hand away to focus back on eating.

"And my name is Reina. Reina Daival. That's the third time I've told you now though. Third time is the charm after all. If Reina isn't good enough for you, you can call me Raini. That is my birth name. Raini Pekerish. Long story."

Of course, Reina wasn't actually bothered about giving her name again, evident by the slight smirk flickering on her face.

"Apparently Reina means Queen, or Beauty. I don't see it. Same with Raini, though that can also mean rain and prosperity."

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:

The Princess hadn't expected this type of openness on the first date. But she listened. It was the one thing she could do. Quinn wasn't someone who could reach into the past and change every aspect of someone's life…

No, she couldn't, but she wasn't going to do it because it could make things worse. She had done it once. Allowing Kirie to see her mother once again, to allow her to introduce Quinn and prove to the woman before her untimely death that her daughter was loved and taken care of.

What a great lie to tell…

Quinn pushed the thoughts from her mind as she continued to listen to Reina's story. Bits of it washed over the Echani as she had very little understanding of it. Still, the moment Serina's name slipped from the woman's lips, Quinn took a particular interest. It had only been a few weeks or months since the woman had invaded her home and harassed Kirie. It was the last straw for many things, and to know that she was doing things outside of people's wills burned at the Echani's skin.

Before she could condemn the woman, Reina's hand rested gently upon hers. The Echani took it as a moment of calm. Reina seemed to have moved past it for the most part, while still bearing the scars — she was trying. Quinn exhaled softly and nodded; she allowed her fingers to move slightly till they were laced with the Jedi's.

"We all have trials and mountains to climb, it's how we celebrate overcoming them and how we end up at the end — that's what's important." Her voice acknowledged the attempt with her own gentleness. Her heart burned at the thought of Serina, who was nothing more than unchecked corruption. Maybe it was right that her father had exiled the woman.

She was a cancer that had been swiftly dealt with.

Quinn enjoyed the gentleness of Reina's touch, but the woman had pulled back before she could indulge further. The Echani pouted slightly as her attention returned to her food as well.

Still, under the table, Quinn continued the closeness as she let their legs mingle.

Reina once more introduced herself. And Quinn was embarrassed, "I promise I won't forget, my apologies — Reina is a beautiful name… I prefer it." She nodded with a small sheepish smile. Other things had been said that Quinn wanted to address, particularly the woman's master.

Quinn wrinkled her nose. "I vaguely remember her; she wasn't particularly strong… more of an annoyance that wouldn't shut up about her stupid values." She shrugged, not caring too much for this particular Jedi.

"Last I heard was she was trying to find me to arrest me…" Quinn gave a puzzled look.

"She lacks a brain and an understanding of diplomatic immunities. At the end of the day, I'm a Princess of a Nation, an Empire — it's beyond the fickleness of Jedi and Sith." Her fork waved as she wanted to move away from the topic of the Jedi.

"Besides the point," she smiled again, her hand now reaching for Reina, fingertips caressing carefully along the girl's forearm. With a half-lidded gaze, the Echani mused.

"You know, Echani speak through touch, it breaks my heart that you fear it," Quinn tilted her head, her eyes flickering to the girl's arm where she caressed, then back to Reina's face.

"Maybe I could help you overcome that?"

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

It's how we celebrate overcoming them...That was the difficult part for Reina. She wasn't sure if she had overcame anything. Of course she had, but it was hard to visualise what she had managed to accomplish. Other people would simply say that surviving and moving onto the next day was enough but not for Reina. She wanted to achieve something. Something notable. But that was neither here nor there. Her focus should be on Quinn, which was simple enough. Whilst Reina wasn't the most comfortable with physical touch, that hadn't stopped her from gazing at the Princess, taking in as much as she could.

It didn't feel as if Quinn was looking down on Reina. It didn't even feel like she was being pitied. Reina was being listened to, and it had been something Reina had wanted for a long time. And then the compliment about her name. How Quinn preferred it. A small fluttering sensation grew beneath her chest as she tried not to focus on that, yet the sensation only grew. Warmth slowly spreading throughout Reina, before she spoke, quietly and gently, almost like a whisper.

"...Thank you Quinn. You don't need to apologise however. We didn't talk much when we first met. Didn't get to spend much time together. Hopefully...today, we can spend as much time as we want."

For a moment, Reina reached her hand out towards Quinn's. It wasn't much of a touch, just Reina gently resting her fingers under Quinn's. A constant sensation, even as Reina's heart raced beneath her chest. The last time Reina could recall feeling like this was when she had realised how she felt about Everest. It was both a good but also terrible realisation for Reina. It meant she was moving on from Everest...but it also meant she was falling for Quinn. A Princess. Someone who could do better than Reina. It was a thought she tried to dismiss from her mind. She wouldn't let herself be self destructive

Though Reina tilted her head as Quinn spoke about Colette. It was clear enough that Quinn didn't particularly remember Colette, which was...fine by Reina's standards. And perhaps shamefully, Reina ended up giggling at Quinn's comments about Colette. Reina couldn't entirely disagree with them at the end of the day.

"She's been trying to teach me how to be a pacifist...It's not been what I wanted. I've always wanted to be...a Knight. Not a Jedi one. But one who would serve the people...or even a Princess. It was a dream of mine, before I realised how childish it was. But...now isn't the time for us to talk about that. Today, I'm not a Jedi. And you aren't a Sith. I'm just a girl who is...enjoying her date."

Reina had agreed with the concept of not talking about Jedi. There was a part of her that had wanted to talk about it to someone. About her thoughts to do with leaving the Order...but that was something that could come another day. Her eyes flickered towards Quinn's moving hand, watching it come closer before she felt the Echani's fingertips gently caress Reina's arm, sending various small tingles up her arm. In a way, it was similar to how Serina would touch Reina. Soft. Gentle. Yet...Quinn lacked the possessiveness. It was not as if she was claiming Reina as her own. And that's what made Reina relax.

"...Of course. I want to overcome it...I want to be able to speak your language."

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:

Quinn wanted to recoil. To be a Knight… to a Princess reminded her of something, someone, and it plagued her. She closed her eyes, trying to push the thought away. Reina wasn't that person; her words were innocent and not self-serving. She didn't seem to be the type to use and use until there was nothing left. The feeling passed quicker than Quinn thought it would. A positive sign.

She nodded along, understanding Reina's plight. It was almost comical, a pacifist Jedi. How did that even work? Things made sense now, why Reina struggled. To be a pacifist is to give up wanting to live, in Quinn's opinion.

"I believe you shouldn't give up on your dream. To be a Knight…" She tilted her head, her eyes watched Reina's face, looking for every bit of expression. She wanted to read the girl, to know that her advancements were welcomed, the last thing she wanted, especially after Virelia was to make her uncomfortable.

Her touch was quiet, easy, and smooth. Each finger glided against the woman's skin, feeling the way her body twitched and moved against it. She could read the fear, but also the underlying desire to overcome it.

Quinn found it enlightening, but she knew she couldn't move too fast.

"Dreams that we have as children are sometimes the most honest we'll ever be. I know you said you didn't want to discuss it," Quinn smiled as her fingers laced gently with the former Jedi's.

"But don't give it up, maybe you're just meant to go down a different path while ending up at your dream. Not a bad thing, just means you have other lessons to learn." Her smile remained as she nodded towards the waiter, who gestured that the bill was taken care of. Her hand retreated while she grabbed her coat.

"Let's go somewhere we can actually enjoy each other's company. While this is secluded, I doubt you'd want anyone on Eshan…" she thought quietly. She chuckled, "Particularly the horrid enclave that was recently built in the mountains from finding out."

Her face showed her disapproval, feigning annoyance.

"And they say the Sith are evil, but we're not imposing our beliefs on people despite treaties and other documentation to avoid it." She sighed and then shrugged, "I won't say anything more on the matter."

She waited for Reina to gather herself, then, when she stood, Quinn quickly looped her arm with the woman's and smiled.

"Mm, I'm staying nearby if you want to come have some after-dinner drinks, perhaps dessert?"

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

"I don't put much stock into dreams anymore. They rarely turn out how you want them."

Reina gave a small dismissive wave of her hand. Of course, she didn't know the reaction Quinn was having internally to Reina's dream of being a Knight. Every so often however, Reina's gaze kept moving over towards Quinn, as if trying to steal glances. The conversation was...going well in Reina's eyes. She wasn't frustrated. She wasn't angry. If anything, she felt heard.

"They were just...stories I enjoyed hearing when I was a kid. Stories that helped me forget that I was alone. That I didn't have family. Instead I was able to imagine myself as a Knight...Of course, I found my family. So I don't need to imagine myself as a Knight."

As much as she had said she didn't want to discuss it, Reina seemed to be unable to keep to her own wants. Feeling Quinn's fingers gently lacing around her own, causing the Ersansyr's gaze to drift down towards their hands. The cogs in Reina's head twisting and turning as she took in what Quinn had said. A different path. She didn't have to go down the path of being a Jedi to be a Knight. She just had to prove herself. Most importantly, she had to prove herself, to herself.

She blinked when Quinn suggested going somewhere else to enjoy each other's company. She hadn't even thought about the Enclave on the planet, even though Reina had been there quite often. It wasn't that bad to Reina yet she hadn't thought about the effect it could have on the people of Eshan. Now that she thought about it, it also made the planet more of a target for those who wanted to attack Jedi Enclaves.

"...I wouldn't mind someone seeing us. I know they'd disapprove...but it doesn't matter what they think. It matters what we think."

With that, as Reina spoke, she gave Quinn's hand a soft and gentle squeeze. Trying to give reassurance both verbally and physically that Reina wasn't paranoid about what other Jedi would think. She already knew she didn't seem like a proper Jedi to them, so this would just be more fuel to a fire that didn't matter.

"And if you want to talk more about the matter...I wouldn't mind listening. I don't actually know that much about the Sith. All I was "taught" is that they're bad. That I should try to redeem them to the Light."

It was almost ironic in a way. That it took a date with a Sith Princess for Reina to be more willing to open her eyes to the Galaxy as a whole. Yet that seemed to be how it worked for her. She hated the Mandalorians, until she spent time with one of them. And similarly, she hated the Sith until now.

As Quinn looped her arm with Reina's, the redhead glanced to her side, biting her lip in thought for a moment. Doing her best to try and stay as relaxed as she could. Quinn wasn't Serina. She didn't mean Reina harm. She wasn't being affectionate to try and manipulate Reina. No. This was just how Echani communicated. And so Reina leaned against Quinn gently, resting her head against the Echani's shoulder. Part of her wanted to ask if this was okay with Quinn, but she kept that question to herself.

"Hm? Some drinks could be nice. And desert is always sweet. I've found myself having a sweet tooth recently. Don't let me drink too much though. I can't handle it as much anymore."

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn listened. There was a part of her that understood the need to let childhood dreams die. As children, you could only fathom so much of the future, and nothing ever stayed the same. It was okay. Quinn accepted the woman's words and simply pocketed them. It was nice to be close to someone — to feel the warmth of another being beside her.

It could be considered a terrible habit, one that Quinn often found herself slipping into. But Reina seemed safe; she had, at one point, been a Jedi. And Quinn could see that despite everything she'd endured, she was sweet.

Perhaps too sweet for someone like Quinn.

It was easy to ignore the thought, pushing it down as they walked in stride. Quinn let Reina lean into her, their closeness keeping them warm in the early evening. Reina seemed to play along, agreeing that dessert was something they both wanted.

Another thought tugged at Quinn's mind as she wondered how innocent the Jedi kept their students. In reality, they could be talking about two very different things.

How funny that would be…

"I'm glad — we seem to be on the same page then." Quinn smiled. She led Reina to a nearby building, several stories up, to the private penthouse the Princess had access to. It was lavish: furniture that looked untouched, everything trimmed in silver and blue. Quinn wandered inside, her fingers trailing down the former Jedi's arm until their fingers laced together.

"You seem shy?" she asked, curiosity threading through her voice. "You don't have to be. Like you said — you don't care who sees." She shrugged, her hand remaining in Reina's. Lingering in the living room, Quinn mused, wondering if Reina would be able to let go — to feel the moment and nothing more.

Though the Princess was curious, if Reina's thoughts were elsewhere, she wasn't showing the usual tells. Maybe Quinn was simply worried, recalling their conversation over dinner. Perhaps she had been too forward in bringing Reina back here, teasing her for being shy — but that was how Quinn played this game.

"Mm, we don't have to drink anything," she murmured, releasing Reina's hand as she stepped back, her gaze catching on the copper-haired woman as she slowly slipped off her thin black jacket, revealing the fitted crop top underneath.

Her smile curled, mischief glinting at its edge.

"We could just go straight to dessert?"

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

It was strange. To be listened to, and actually heard. Instead of having someone else throw their own opinion at you, trying to act as if their opinion was fact. But Quinn was far the opposite from that. It was amusing in a way. She had been told they asserted their own will over others. But Quinn seemed to be showing her the opposite of that. Letting Reina truly be heard. There was a large part of her, the part that had been damaged and hurt by sweet words before, that was worried this was an act. That she'd get hurt in the exact same way she had with Serina...but she couldn't let herself stop because of that. You had to push through it.

"Mhm. I rarely feel as if I'm on the same page with anyone recently."

The irony. It was of course lost on Reina. How would she know that her and Quinn were thinking of different things in the moment? Her gaze focused on the penthouse, her eyes sparkling for a moment. Even the Jedi Temples didn't seem as lavish as this. Did Quinn even live here? Maybe it was one of those little hide aways Reina knew rich people had. It was a completely different world that she was seeing...and she was loving every moment of it. Reina would happily leave the Jedi behind to have a place like this...Maybe that was just further evidence that she wasn't cut out for it.

"I...am shy. This is my first time. Being on a date with someone...And I'm enjoying it. I'm afraid of messing up. Like I usually do."

Living in the moment was hard for Reina. It hadn't always been. Before she had joined the Jedi, and worked simply on selling fish she had caught on various worlds, it was a day to day matter. Reina couldn't afford to focus on the future. It was the here and now. But with the comfort of the Jedi, and not entirely having to work for her living in the same way as she used to, she had been able to think of the future...

"I've never been good with people...I have a habit of pushing them away. At least...that's what I've been told...And I'm afraid if I open my mouth more...I'll end up pushing you away."

Reina hadn't even realised that Quinn was being forward. In her still quiet innocent mind, she believed they were going to have some actual desert. So as Quinn released Reina's hand, the redhead's gaze scanned around the penthouse, noticing a distinct...lack of any sweet treats. At least not sweet treats in the way she had in mind. Her eyes swiftly returning to the Princess, as a sudden flush came over the redhead's cheeks, burning brightly.

"I-I...I'm...not seeing...the desert...Thou-Though...I am...seeing a sweet...sight."

Fluster. For all of Reina's stubbornness, and aggressive she could have in a fight, when it came to intimacy, it was something that was an unknown to her. It was only around now that the proverbial lightbulb switched on. Quinn had never met desert in the first place.

"...Oh. I...I...don't think...we were on the same page...I thought you meant...actual desert. You...didn't. Right?"

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Reina Daival //:

It was cute.

Quinn paused as she tossed her jacket onto the couch and watched as Reina seemed to have caught up with what was going to happen or could happen at the penthouse. Like any of her dates, Quinn assumed this was the course of action: dinner, conversation, and then her date would get what they truly wanted from her. It wasn't as one-sided as it often sounded. Quinn got what she wanted in the end: validation.

So, hearing Reina confused about the reason for coming back to the apartment, Quinn felt her chest grow lighter. So, Reina did enjoy their conversation; she had enjoyed dinner and expected an actual dessert upon arriving at the penthouse.

It made Quinn want to continue down the typical course of action, but when she heard it was Reina's first date, she slowed down. There was almost something satisfying about the fact that Reina was untouched by Calis. More often, she assumed those associated with the woman were tainted or stained. It wouldn't have stopped her, but she knew that the touch of the amateur temptress was often traumatizing.

It wasn't the first time she had heard it, but the other time was another reminder that she failed at the simplest of tasks for a loved one.

"No," she laughed playfully at her date, "The dessert in question is… me."

Quinn tilted her head, her fingertips trailing along her own jawline. It was precious and very innocent how Reina didn't realize what was happening. Still, Quinn would move slowly; no reason to let it spoil the evening.

Stepping towards Reina, the Princess took the woman's hand and led her to the couch. She didn't shove or force but let the Eransyr take her time to absorb what was occurring. After a moment, Quinn nudged her to sit, and there, the Princess took her seat.

Upon the lap of the other woman.

Stradling Reina's lap, she let her delicate fingers brush back any stray strands of copper. With each brush, the tips of her fingers would glide like whispers against her cheek and face.

"I'm going to kiss you," Quinn smiled, "Let you sample a bit of what I offer." She pulled the woman's hands and placed them gently on her own hips.

"You can touch, I give you permission." Another smile as she leaned and gently placed her lips against Reina's. She didn't deepen the kiss, yet — only letting Reina make the call to move forward.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Quinn Varanin
Location: Eshan
Objective: Don't Make A Fool Of yourself

All of this was a surprise for Reina. She hadn't expected this to happen on a first date of all things. Her first, first date. But she wasn't complaining.

That is not to say Reina wasn't nervous however. This was a situation Reina had no experience with. How was she meant to feel about it all? Intimacy had near enough been ruined for her. Affection was different. You were still able to leave up some walls when it came to that, but Reina had to decide how far she wanted to go with it. Would she let Serina ruin her life?...Or would Reina try to take control of her life once again, and pray that it did not blow up in her face...

"...You do look pretty sweet, at least. Sinfully so."

Sinfully. As if Reina should feel wrong about this. Even now her gaze was firmly fixed on Quinn, biting her lip in thought as the Echani traced her fingers along her jaw, whilst the redhead watched. Absorbing as much as she could, as she wrapped her head around it all. In fact, she was so focused on her thoughts that the Ersansyr didn't flinch as Quinn took her hand, leading Reina to the couch where she took a seat.

"I-Eek!"

As she opened her mouth to talk, Reina found the Echani sitting herself down on Reina's lap, causing the redhead to let out a small squeak of surprise. She didn't even realise she could squeak like that as her eyes drifted towards Quinn's, and as the Princess' fingers whispered along Reina's face, the redhead reached her hand up to gently rest it atop of Quinn's, holding the fingers against her cheek gently.

"It's...my first kiss. I hope that's okay...I mean...I've read about them and see people kiss...but...it's different...and...I give you permission to kiss me? Is...Is that how it works?"

Her hands gripped onto Quinn's sides gently as they were placed on the Princess' hips, even as Reina's heart was racing beneath her chest. Breathing was the main thing the Ersansyr was focused on, reassuring herself that this was okay. It was going slow enough that Reina wasn't being overwhelmed with her thoughts...though as Quinn placed her lips against Reina's, it was as if the air had been stolen from the Ersansyr's lungs and replaced with a soft warmth that radiated throughout her.

Hesitation. Wide-eyes. That was Reina's reaction at first...before her grip tightened around Quinn, pulling the Echani closer before Reina brought her head forward to reciprocate the kiss. Her eyes fluttering shut as she focused on the feeling of warmth. Reina had taken a risk opening herself to this, to potentially being manipulated again...but this experience was proving to her that it was worth every moment.

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >