Private Talking trees

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

Delvin smiled as she met him half way for their kiss it felt right there was passion but not an overwhelming amount it felt grounded. Especially Compared to before her hand on his arm felt warm to the touch and as she pulled back he looked into her eyes those golden eyes as their foreheads remained together.

As she spoke he listened "i bet you would have been beautiful with violet eyes but your perfect the way you are" he said as his hand still touched her arm gently. As she leaned back in for a kiss delvin met her half way and kissed her matching her passion and level.

As she pulled back so did delvin sitting there he felt her lean in close enough that their shoulders touched and as she spoke "curiosity bring spice to life" he said as he wrapped his muscular arm around nityas waist not to pull her in more to just have it there it felt natural. "What is this zorren trial you spoke of" he asked looking into her eyes "if you dont want to talk about it i will understand completely" he said as he looked into to her eyes.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

Nitya didn't pull away when his arm settled around her waist. If anything, she leaned into the contact just a fraction, not seeking to be held tighter, only acknowledging that it was there. Her posture remained relaxed and open, and when he asked the question, she didn't tense. She appreciated that he gave her space to refuse, even as his eyes stayed on hers.

"It's all right," she said softly. "I don't mind talking about it."

Her golden eyes drifted away for a moment, not from discomfort, but from memory. When she spoke again, her voice carried a quiet steadiness, the tone of someone recounting something difficult but long since integrated into who they were.

"The Zorren trials are…entirely racial," she began. "My mother is full Zorren. My father was human. Being half-Zorren means the change doesn't happen naturally or safely without intervention."

She turned her gaze back to him, making sure he understood before continuing.

"When a Zorren comes of age, they're sent into a harsh environment. Veradune is common, though some clans choose other worlds. The place itself isn't the point. The isolation is." A small pause. "The body doesn't transform on its own. It needs a catalyst. Stress. Fear. Survival. Something that forces the change to happen."

Her hand rested lightly over his forearm at her waist, grounding herself as much as him.

"You're alone. No tools beyond what you can find. No one to guide you. And you have to survive not just the environment, but the transformation itself. The pain. The disorientation. The loss of what you were before." Her lips curved faintly, not quite a smile. "If you fail, you don't die immediately. You just…never fully become."

She met his eyes again, steady and unflinching.

"For me, it meant being left on Veradune while my body changed in ways I couldn't control. My senses sharpened. My sight shifted. My connection to the Force deepened, but it also became louder. Harder to ignore." Her thumb brushed absently along his arm. "The golden glow you see now is part of that. A sign the trial took."

There was no pride in her voice. No bitterness either.

"It wasn't about proving strength," she finished quietly. "It was about learning who I was when nothing else was left to lean on."

She tilted her head slightly, studying him in return now.

"That's why Oralis Prime matters to me," she added. "After surviving something like that, you don't chase chaos. You learn to choose stillness."

Her eyes softened just a little. "And you asked respectfully," she said. "That matters too."

Delvin jeth

 

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

Delvin sat there listening to her speak and tell him what the zorren trials where as he sat there his arm wrapped around he waist his eyes looking into hers. As she spoke he remained silent as he spoke he was taking in what she said it sounded like a coming of age ritual that some races have but more violent and stressful then most he had heard of.

"I get why you like this planet a little more now it is peaceful quiet and has natural beauty and I also get why you dont want to leave it easily" he said sitting there. He thought for a moment what she had endured would change almost anyone as his arm remained around her waist her hand on his arm. "That sounds like quite the ordeal to go through im sorry I brought it up but without it I wouldn't have been drawn to the woman you are today" he offered sitting there as his thumb exploded her waist innocently. Sitting there with her he wasn't sure what to say honestly as he sat there.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

Nitya didn't pull away from his touch when his thumb brushed her waist. Instead, she breathed out softly, the sound more a release than a sigh, and let herself settle a little more fully against him. His silence as she spoke had mattered to her, and so did the care in his words now.

"You don't need to apologize," she said gently. "You asked because you wanted to understand, not because you were looking for something painful."

Her gaze stayed on his, steady and warm, not haunted by the memory he'd stirred but shaped by it.

"It was an ordeal," she admitted. "And it changed me. But not in the way people usually think." Her lips curved faintly. "It didn't make me harder. It made me more deliberate. More aware of what I choose to carry with me, and what I leave behind."

She shifted just enough that her shoulder rested more comfortably against his chest, her hand still lightly on his arm, grounding.

"You're right," she continued. "After something like that, peace stops being boring. It becomes precious. This planet gives me room to breathe, to listen to myself, to the Force, without being pulled apart by noise or expectation."

At his words about being drawn to the woman she'd become, something softened visibly in her expression. Not pride, but acceptance.

"The trial didn't create me," she said quietly. "It just stripped everything else away long enough for me to see who I already was."

She looked at him for a moment longer, then added, with quiet honesty,

"And the fact that you can hear that, and still choose to sit here with me, tells me just as much about you."

Her thumb brushed once along his forearm in an echo of his own innocent touch.

"You don't always have to know what to say," she murmured. "Sometimes staying is enough."

And in the calm that followed, it truly was.

Delvin jeth

 

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

Sitting there with her his arm around her waist as they both sat there he listened to her as he looked her over he had grown to like her over their relatively short time together as she snuggled up closer to him and looked at him he gave her a quick kiss. A sign that he cared thar he wouldn't leave and as his arm remained he sipped his tea. "Do you want to go on a date?" He asked bluntly as he awaited her answer he was being serious with her.

"We can go star gazing i found a small restaurant not to far that we could go eat at then come back and look at the stars" he offered sitting there "I'll pay naturally for dinner" he said as he sat there. He found his heart was beating slightly faster as he awaited her response he wasn't sure if she would like the idea or not hopefully she would.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

Nitya didn't answer him right away.

Not because she was unsure, but because she wanted to meet the moment with the same care he'd finally learned to bring to her. She felt the steady warmth of his arm at her waist, the quiet certainty in the way he asked the question without posturing or games, and the simple honesty of it made her chest tighten in the best way.

She turned her head slightly to look at him, golden eyes calm but bright, studying his face as if committing this version of him to memory. When she spoke, her voice was soft, but there was no hesitation in it.

"Yes," she said.

Just that at first. Clear. Certain.

Then her lips curved into a small, genuine smile as she leaned in, pressing a brief kiss to his cheek, slower and more deliberate than the one he'd given her earlier.

"I'd like that," she continued. "Very much."

At his offer, she let out a quiet breath of amusement, not teasing, just fond.

"You don't have to pay because you think you should," she added gently. "But I won't argue if you want to." Her eyes warmed as she met his again. "The rest sounds perfect. Food, stars, and nowhere we have to be afterward."

She shifted a little closer, comfortable, unguarded.

"I like that you asked me directly," she said. "And that you didn't try to impress me with something loud or extravagant. This feels…thoughtful."

Her hand rested briefly over his, a grounding touch.

"So yes," she repeated, just to be sure he heard it. "Let's go stargazing."

And for the first time since he'd returned, the future didn't feel like something she was bracing for.

It felt like something she was choosing.

Delvin jeth

 

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

To say he felt a change in her after he asked her out was an understatement even before he saw it in her eyes and he didn't need the force to see it. Her demeanor changed he should have asked her out on a date before he left but he needed time to collect his thoughts and and when he came back it felt natural but he watched her reaction.

"It makes me glad beyond words that you want to go on a date with me" he said as his chest tightened a bit in a good way as a smile formed on his lips as she kissed his cheek. He was glad he came to this planet and was found by her now. As they sat they sat there now officially dating "I guess it was a good thing I was feeling things out before I asked you out then otherwise I might have gone for extravagant or loud" he offered.

"I might have misspoke when I said I'd be willing to pay i meant to say i am paying" he said as his thumb rubbed her waist as he looked at her this felt right and he wanted to choose whatever this was and see it to its conclusion.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

The afternoon slipped by without either of them noticing when it truly began to fade.

Tea was refilled more than once, the kettle warmed again out of habit rather than need, conversation drifting easily between subjects that didn't require effort or defense. Sometimes they spoke at length, sometimes not at all. The quiet between them was never heavy. It was companionable, punctuated by small smiles, the occasional brush of fingers, the steady comfort of being chosen and choosing in return.

By the time the light outside softened and lengthened, dusk had already settled into evening.

Nitya was the first to notice the change. She rose and moved toward the doorway, opening it just enough to let the cool night air spill in. The forest beyond her home was washed in silver and shadow, the sky above deepening into a field of stars one by one, unhurried in their appearance.

"It's night already," she said softly, more to herself than to him.

She turned back toward Delvin, the glow from inside catching the gold of her eyes, her expression relaxed and content in a way that felt earned rather than fleeting.

"I think we did exactly what the afternoon wanted of us," she added, a faint smile touching her lips. "Nothing rushed. Nothing demanded."

She stepped back toward him, close again, easy in the space they now shared.

"When you're ready," she continued gently, "we can go."

There was no urgency in her tone—just invitation.

"The stars will still be there."

Delvin jeth

 

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

Delvin was happy to spend the afternoon with nitya sitting and talking she seemed more relaxed. And happier since he asked her out maybe it was just him or she was actually happier that afternoon was calming and fulfilling in a way delvin could never have hoped or imagined.

The tea tasted great as usual as they talked and sat there together and as the evening came to a close he saw nitya get up first. Going to the door and opening it the way the setting sun showed by her body the light from within her temple caught her eyes. "Right now you are the most beautiful thing I've seen i know you don't want me complimenting your beauty and im sorry but it has to be said" he stated as he stood up.

"And I've been ready to go" he said as he walked towards her and as they walked he stayed next to her. As they walked delvin led them to a clearing with a soft blanket layed out with pillows and a basket with a thermos. "I know i promised a restaurant but since you like peace and quite I figured a picnic under the stars i had sandwiches packed with snacks although i dont know what you like and a thermos of your favorite tea fresh as can be" he said as he walked towards the blanket on the ground hopefully she would like it.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

Nitya paused just inside the threshold when he spoke, the last light of day spilling across her shoulders and catching in her eyes. She didn't turn away from the compliment this time. She didn't correct him or redirect it. She let it land, quiet and sincere, because she could hear the care behind it.

She looked at him then, really looked at him, and the warmth in her expression had nothing to do with the sunset.

"You can say it," she replied softly. "Just… say it the way you did now. Like an observation, not a claim." A small smile curved at her lips. "And thank you."

As they walked together, her steps naturally matched his, unhurried and easy, the kind of rhythm that didn't need to be discussed. When he led her into the clearing, and she saw what he'd prepared, she stopped for a moment, taking it all in. The blanket, the pillows, the care with which everything had been arranged. The thermos. The quiet.

She let out a breath that was almost a laugh, not from amusement but from being genuinely touched.

"This," she said gently, "is exactly right."

She stepped closer to the blanket and knelt, running her fingers briefly over the fabric as if grounding herself in the reality of it. When she looked back up at him, her golden eyes were bright, open, unmistakably pleased.

"You listened," she continued. "That matters more to me than any restaurant ever could." Her gaze flicked to the basket, then back to his face. "And you didn't need to know exactly what I like. You made space for discovery."

She settled onto the blanket, inviting him to join her without words, then added lightly,

"And for the record… I do like sandwiches. Especially when they come with stars and quiet."

As the first true darkness of night settled in and the sky began to open above them, she leaned back on her hands, content, present.

"I'm really glad you brought me here, Delvin," she said. "This feels like the kind of evening worth remembering."

And she meant it.

Delvin jeth

 

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

Delvin smiled as she accepted his compliment as he walked to her his frame walking with a practiced grace and that of a warrior relaxed as the light let into the room veiled his body in light. "Good to know nitya i will remember that for the future" he said registering that in his mind. As they began walking he was still surprised they met and things whent this well.

He had let his guard down without realizing it with her and he didn't mind he usually minded as they approached the clearing. He stood back watching her the diminishing light from the setting sun gave him a reddish golden glow as light shined right on him and his paler complexion. As he watched her with a soft smile on his face "of course if remembered" he said genuine affection in his voice.

As he saw her lay down he walked over "well first dates are learning experiences anyway so I figured if I messed up here I could do better for our second date" he said as he sat down between her and the basket he opened the basket. Pulling out two metal cups as he set one beside nitya as he grabbed the thermos and poured hot tea for them both it was the same kind of tea she shared with him that reminded her of simpler times. "I will remember that sandwiches go better with stars and quiet" he said half joking as a smirk came across his face as he sat there.

He was being serious as he handed her a sandwich "I looked up if zorrens have any kind of intolerances for foods and didn't find any but I did make sandwiches that the typical zorren would like if you dont like them let me know" he said he cared and wanted her to enjoy tonight "that's what I wanted a night that you would never forget and if there is anything I can do to make it better just ask" he said his voice carrying concern as his eyes looked into hers.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

Nitya smiled softly at his explanation, clearly touched by the care he'd taken. She accepted the sandwich and cup, settling more comfortably against the blanket, the fabric warm beneath her palms.

"That's actually a good way to think about it," she said with quiet amusement. "If you imagine what canines shouldn't have, you'll avoid most problems. Heightened senses mean we notice everything. Taste, scent, texture. It makes food either very good…or very wrong."

She took a small bite, thought for a moment, then nodded.

"You did well," she added. "This is good."

As the stars continued to emerge overhead, she leaned back slightly, one knee drawn in, tea warming her hands. The clearing felt still, held, as though the night itself had decided to linger with them.

"You didn't need to make this perfect," she said gently. "But the fact that you wanted to make it right…that matters." Her golden eyes lifted to his again, steady and sincere. "This already feels like a night worth remembering."

She paused, then smiled, softer now.

"And for the record," she continued, "second dates don't have to be bigger. Or grander."

Her voice lowered just a touch.

"Just keep showing up."

She leaned in then, slow and deliberate, giving him time to meet her if he wished. Her lips brushed his in a quiet, unhurried kiss, warm and certain, carrying no urgency, only choice. When she pulled back, she stayed close, her forehead resting lightly against his for a heartbeat, content in the closeness they'd earned.

The stars shone on, indifferent and endless.

But here, in the quiet, everything felt exactly right.

Delvin jeth

 

[Delvin jeth]

Nitya Xeraic

Delvin smiled he was detail oriented it was how his mind worked "well good to know dont buy you chocolate then" he said somewhat teasing at her canine comment. He looked at the night sky it was beautiful and the blanket below them was warm he set his cup down as he held his sandwich in his hand. And took a bite if he was being honest he didn't make these sandwiches he had his chef aboard his ship make these after he left.

He was glad the chef did as he instructed sure the sandwiches where simple but he wanted to make sure nitya didn't get sick from them. And he wanted her to enjoy tonight as much as possible as his eyes met hers he saw the happiness in her own eyes "if there is anything I can do to make tonight even more unforgettable let me know" he said happily. Seeing the happiness in her eyes he found he liked that look in her eyes alot it made him blush slightly seeing her like that.

"Maybe second dates dont have to bigger or more grand but I find myself wanting to impress you and make you happy" he said sitting there as he took a sip of his tea before continuing. "So I find myself trying to make things like this perfect for your sake" he offered plainly.

"You'd find it hard to keep me away"

He said as he sat there as he saw her lean in he met her half way and felt her light kiss and kept his forehead against hers as his eyes where locked onto hers. The quiet of tonight the stillness of the air "i find i could stare into your eyes forever they express so much and are beautiful" he whisperer loud enough for her to hear as he sat there.

 

[Nitya Xeraic]

Nitya let out a quiet, breath-soft laugh at his teasing, the sound easy and unguarded. It wasn't the kind of laughter meant to perform or deflect, just something that surfaced naturally in the calm between them.

"That is good information to have," she said lightly, tilting her head just enough for her hair to brush her shoulder. "Though the intent would still be appreciated."

She followed his gaze up to the night sky for a moment, letting the silence stretch without needing to fill it. The stars above Oralis Prime always felt closer than they should have, as if the dark itself leaned in to listen. When she looked back at him, she didn't miss the way his attention kept returning to her, careful and earnest in a way that felt rare.

Her expression softened when he spoke of wanting to make things perfect. Not because she needed perfection, but because she could hear the honesty beneath it.

"You don't need to impress me," Nitya said gently, reaching out to rest her hand over his where it lay near the blanket, her touch warm and steady. "What you're doing now. Showing up, paying attention, choosing care over spectacle…that matters far more than anything grand."

She studied his face as he spoke, the faint flush at his cheeks not going unnoticed, and something warm settled in her chest at the sight. When he leaned in, she met him without hesitation, her forehead resting against his as easily as if it had always belonged there. The closeness didn't rush her. It grounded her.

Her golden eyes held his, bright in the starlight, thoughtful and open.

"You don't need to make tonight unforgettable," she murmured. "It already is. Not because of the stars or the tea or the effort you put into it… but because you're here, and you're being exactly who you are."

At his whispered words, she didn't look away. Instead, her thumb brushed lightly against his hand, a quiet acknowledgment of being seen.

"And you don't have to keep me from pushing you away," she added softly. "I'm not going anywhere."

The moment lingered between them, unhurried and sincere, the kind of closeness that didn't demand more but promised that, in time, there could be.

Delvin jeth