Private Soft Steps Into Something New

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin adjusted the cuff of his shirt for the fourth time. It was plain, dark, neatly pressed. Nothing fancy — he didn't really own anything fancy — but it fit him well, even if he felt vaguely like he was wearing someone else’s skin. His boots had been scrubbed clean. His hair tied back. He’d even remembered to shave.

The city rose tall around him, all angles and glass, light spilling like reflections on a lake. He didn’t mind it. The crowds were loud, the air smelled like durasteel and smog, but he could feel the pulse of life beneath it all — roots beneath stone.

But he wasn’t thinking about the buildings.

He was thinking about Katherine.

He stood just outside the restaurant’s entrance — a modest place with warm lights behind its tall windows — hands in his pockets, shoulders set with that quiet stillness he always carried. Except now there was a touch of tension there, a line drawn a little too tight.

He shifted his weight, glancing down the street again.

She wasn’t late. He was early.

Still… he exhaled through his nose, a barely-there smile curling as he looked away.

He wasn’t used to this. Not the city, not the clothes, not the anticipation curling low and nervous in his chest. But he was glad to be here. Because she would be here too.

And that made all the difference.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain
​

I think my stomach is full to the brim with butterflies.

That was the predominant thought in Katherine’s mind as she walked towards the restaurant. It had been bad enough when she had first met Torin, and throughout their time on Dxun. At least then, she could be ‘distracted’ by the looming threat and danger of madness-driven beasts trying to kill them.

Right now there was none of that, just her own thoughts as she walked. Sure, Katherine could’ve had the taxi drop her off right outside the restaurant. But with how nervous she was feeling, the redhead knew she needed a bit more time to try and walk them off.

Fought against an over-alchemized Terentatek, and yet I’m more nervous about this?

Katherine just couldn’t understand it.

Instead, she pushed her lingering thoughts towards the events that had led up to this point. To say she was overjoyed when Torin reached out, would’ve been an understatement. She might’ve even done a little happy dance, but then again no one else was around to verify the truth of that.

The redhead was admittedly surprised at Torin’s choice for where to go. She had almost assumed he’d have picked a nature walk, or a picnic. While thinking about it, Katherine realized she was thinking a bit stereotypically.

It dawned on her that he chose this because of her, stepping out of his own comfort zone to pick something she’d likely find comfortable instead. You sweet adorable man.

Eventually, Katherine turned a corner and came into sight of the establishment itself. Almost immediately, her eye fell upon Torin as he stood waiting. Katherine could feel heat creeping across her cheeks as she looked him up and down.

He looked like a stark contrast to how he had been on Dxun. But then again, so was she.

Katherine had opted for one of her favourite outfit combinations. A white/light cream top, long green floral skirt, with a brown jacket to top it off. She had also decided to leave her hair down, rather than its usual ponytail style.

“I have to say, for someone who lived amongst forests for most of his life. That style suits you very well.”

 

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin had been trying to keep his breathing steady. Hands clasped loosely behind his back, he stood just to the side of the restaurant's entrance, eyes occasionally flicking up at the passing speeders and pedestrians. City noise blurred into the background. He wasn’t tense exactly, but he was certainly out of his element.

Too much stone. Too much sky without trees to hold it up.

But then she turned the corner.

His breath caught. Just slightly. Just enough to notice.

She looked like she belonged in a dream. Elegant without trying to be, the kind of beauty that didn’t demand attention, but quietly stole it. He smiled before he could stop himself, warm and honest.

"I’m more used to moss underfoot than duracrete, it's true," he said lightly, a grin forming as she approached. "But I’m not completely a stranger to civilisation. I can manage... especially if it means spending time with you."

Their eyes met.

And for a moment, the bustle and noise of the street fell away completely. His voice, when it came again, was quieter. Warmer. Certain.

"You are... very beautiful, Katherine."

After a breath, he offered his arm.

"So... Shall we? I am... rather new to this, so you will have to show me the ropes in there."

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain​

Katherine chuckled lightly at Torin’s answer, using it as an excuse to check him out again. She knew he wasn’t exactly a stranger to things that weren’t nature-related. But it was still quite the shock to see the man all dressed up.

Especially given his choice of attire during their Dxun mission. Not that Katherine would’ve complained, not in the absolute slightest. And that wasn’t even touching on their little cave reprieve to escape the storm.

His comment about spending time with her had the redhead’s cheeks burn a little. Only for them to practically glow red at his follow up comment calling her beautiful. Katherine looked down for a moment, a smile on her face before she looked back up at the druid.

There’s that fluttering feeling in my stomach again.

“Thank you Torin. You’re very handsome yourself.”

With an absolutely happy hop to her step, Katherine took Torin’s offer and looped her arm around his. “Oh don’t you worry, I’ll show you all the ropes.” She replied, a big smile on her face as they went to walk inside the restaurant.

“Though I am curious, did you pick this place for a specific reason, or on a whim?”

 

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin let out a soft exhale, the last hints of tension in his shoulders easing as Katherine slipped her arm through his. Her touch was light but grounding, the sort of quiet connection that steadied his nerves far better than any deep breath ever could.

Together, they stepped inside. The restaurant opened up around them like the hush of leaves parting in a forest glade. Light pooled gently from delicate fixtures overhead, casting a soft golden glow across polished wood and sleek stone. Tables were arranged with thoughtful distance, creating pockets of quiet conversation, punctuated only by the soft clink of glassware and low murmurs of diners.

Everything felt carefully arranged, not ostentatious, but refined. A place where the world slowed down, where laughter and shared glances seemed to bloom naturally between people. A hint of spice and something floral lingered in the air, drifting from discreetly arranged blooms at each table.

Torin let his eyes sweep the room once, quietly taking it in, then returned his attention to Katherine as they made their way toward the host stand.

"I, ah… don't really know much about restaurants," he admitted, his voice low, edged with sheepish honesty. A faint grin tugged at his mouth as he glanced at her. "But I did a bit of reading. Wanted to find somewhere… beautiful. And peaceful. Somewhere I thought you might like." He turned toward the host, clearing his throat lightly. "Ah, reservation under Emberlain."

A polite nod, and they were led through the gentle glow of hanging lights to a table nestled against one wall. It offered a view of the restaurant while still feeling like its own quiet corner. Two slender candles flickered between them, their glow dancing in soft reflections off the glassware.

Torin eased himself into his seat, glancing across at her with a small, genuine smile that reached all the way into the quiet lines around his eyes. As a waiter approached and set two menus before them, Torin glanced at his briefly, then looked up again.

"So…" he asked, voice gentle, curiosity in his eyes. "What kind of food do you like, Katherine?"

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain​

As they stepped into the restaurant, Katherine couldn’t help but look around. It didn’t surprise her that the establishment had a healthy amount of greenery as part of its decoration. It added a pleasant touch atop the typical modern look. She had a feeling that played a part in why Torin had chosen it.

“Well, I think you picked very well for your first time.” She replied, a smile on her face as she gave his arm a small squeeze.

And that smile never left as they walked over to their designated table. Katherine slid her jacket off, draping it over the back of the chair. Only for Torin to then pull it from the table for her. She didn’t say anything, but the faint blush on her cheeks, and the look in her eyes said it all.

“They really went all out, didn’t they?” She said, her eyes sweeping across the table’s arrangements, before settling on Torin seated opposite. Once the waiter approached, menus in hand, Katherine didn’t hesitate to start browsing. Whenever she was on a new planet, or a new city on a planet, she was always curious to see what local foods were available.

“Well, you know me, I’ve got a metabolism that doesn’t know how to be slow.” Katherine said, letting out a small chuckle. “So I won’t go too crazy, the soup for starter and the local steak for a main course looks good.”

Once Torin had given his order, the waiter clapped his hands together. “Wonderful, wonderful! Now what about drinks? Might I suggest a wine, Mrs Emberlain?”

Katherine opened her mouth to speak, but a second later it clicked just what the waiter had said. Words failed to leave her lips, and instead her cheeks turned a rosy red.

 

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin blinked once, then again.
A flicker of colour touched his cheeks. He opened his mouth — just barely — to offer some kind of correction, but the words tangled before they even formed. The waiter, noticing the moment, chuckled nervously and waved a hand.

"Ah—my apologies! The way you two looked—well, no matter! A wine it is."

Torin managed a small nod, still slightly red.

"Wine would be excellent."

The waiter dipped his head and retreated, leaving the table in a hush. Torin let out a breath through his nose. Across from him, Katherine sat quiet, her own expression still flustered. He looked at her for a moment longer, then a small grin curved his lips, gentle, amused and fond. There was something about her reaction that eased his own nerves, grounding him.

The waiter soon returned with a dark green bottle, pouring a modest measure into each glass before vanishing again with a bow.

Torin lifted his glass slowly, still feeling the faint heat in his face. He looked into Katherine’s eyes, hesitated as if to speak… then paused.

"To..."

He wasn’t a man for speeches. His lips parted slightly, but nothing came. A second passed. He looked down, then back up, and offered only a sheepish, breath-soft smile.

The glass lingered in the air between them, waiting.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain​

Despite her flustered expression, there was a small warm smile on Katherine’s face. Especially so when she caught Torin’s gaze, and saw his own small grin. The redhead chuckled lightly, shaking her head.

Of course they’d end up being mistaken for a married couple.

It didn’t take long for the waiter to return, wine bottle in hand. Katherine wondered if the speed of which was to make up for his minor blunder. Not that she entirely minded, it was an honest mistake after all.

She thanked the waiter after he poured the wine, leaving the two to their own devices. Katherine grabbed the glass carefully, taking a moment to swish it around a little. She looked over at Torin as he raised his glass, his eyes speaking volumes that he wanted to say something.

The redhead smiled, finding Torin to be absolutely adorable in that moment. Katherine raised her glass up.

“To taking first steps in exploring something new, together.” With that, she gently tapped her glass against Torin’s.

It was probably cheesy as hell to say, but it felt right to Katherine.

 

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin lifted his glass, meeting Kat’s with a soft clink. Her words lingered in the quiet between them, and for a long moment, he only looked at her, steady and intent, as if he were committing this small, simple moment to memory.

"Yes," he said finally, a warm smile deepening. "To new steps." He took a sip. The wine was sweet and full-bodied.

He let out a slow breath and, almost without meaning to, his gaze wandered briefly around the restaurant. Laughter at nearby tables, the quiet hum of conversation, the sound of cutlery against plates. It all felt distant, but easy.

"It’s good," he said quietly, his voice low but certain. "Seeing so many people happy and laughing. Even with everything happening out there… it reminds me why we do what we do. Why it matters."

Then his grey eyes returned to hers, softening with a warmth that carried something unspoken — something just for her. His mouth curved into the faintest of smiles.

"And," he added gently. "I think... this is the best reminder of all."

He held her gaze, steady and grounded, and let the soft quiet stretch, unhurried and calm.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain​

After the soft clink of glasses, Katherine brought hers to her lips and took a sip of the wine. She paused for a moment, taking in the taste given…well this was her first time drinking wine. It was nice, certainly a lot more pleasant than the drinks she had drunk with the other girls that night out.

Realizing Torin was glancing around, Katherine joined him, taking in just how calm and serene their surroundings were. People were smiling and laughing, they were happy.

“Agreed, it’s good to have the reminder that not every place in the galaxy has been caught up in the chaos of conflict. Because sometimes, you just feel like the cynicism tries to get you to believe otherwise…”

Katherine’s focus wandered a little, until she realized Torin was looking at her. That smile of his, even as faint as it was, got the redhead blushing. All the same though, Katherine couldn’t help but smile, the warm, pleasant and fluttering feeling in her stomach returning.

“Given Dxun hadn’t really given us an opportunity to talk a lot, I’ve been wanting to ask…” She began, taking a moment to sip at her wine. “What was it like growing up in a forest? Like were you completely living off the land?”