Private The end of a lovely evening?

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Damage control to fix a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

Isla looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror with both hands on the side of the sink. She barely recognised the girl looking back at her. How was this the confident and powerful Admiral of the Ashlan Crusade? "For feths sake Isla" she said to herself. "What is going through your head?" she was annoyed at herself. There was no way the Senator didn't feel her inappropriate contact, how could she risk doing something so silly that could jeopardise a productive relationship. Isla didn't even go for women, but she felt something, she didn't know what but there was a spark between them and as Tiresh had cuddled in to her it just felt normal. "Please get better at this!" she said to herself as she straightened her furs out and adjusted her hair again. She was not some silly little girl, she could fix this, if she went out and Tiresh hadn't legged it that is. She took a deep breath and walked back out of the bathroom.

Across at the bar stood Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix nursing her drinks with a perplexed look on her pretty face. It didn't take a genius to see that she was feeling uncomfortable, Isla needed to fix this or lose a potential ally, or even worse she might lose a potential friend, one that she enjoyed a lot.

"I need to apologise to you Senator Kobitana, I was becoming overly familiar with you, I hope that won't affect our friendship." she couldn't get the words out how she wanted. "I, was enjoying your friendliness and I think I may have misinterpreted things, I mean, I didn't mean to start stroking your back." She laughed to herself for every speech she had given and demands for surrender to hostile foes this was uncomfortable to her. "The snow is lightening up, can we walk somewhere?"

She offered her friend her fur shrug and if she refused she would offer her a warm arm to hold. They could walk and talk, she doubted the Senator would likely throw away an effective relationship over a silly faux pas, politicians did it all the time, but she had to act carefully now. A walk back out in the music although prying ears would be more relaxing. And of this was the end of their evening it would be easier for them to part ways and enjoy their solo evenings again without one person having the feeling of being left at the table.

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

The more she replayed the evenings events in her head, the more Tiresh begin to feel a sense of guilt and responsibility for what had transpired between them. Isla may have given her a more overt touch, but it was Tiresh who had invited herself under her fur and cuddled close to the Grand Admiral… It was Tiresh who had probed and encouraged their conversation in an intimate direction. She was the true initiator, whether she had been fully conscious of it or not.

Isla might have crossed a metaphorical line, but it was Tiresh who had escorted her right up to it and gave her an encouraging nudge across it.

What was she thinking?? She shook her head in frustration with herself, unsure of what to make of her own actions and unsure as to what was truly behind her own intentions. As an agent, Kalie had seduced more than a few women in her line of work in order to gain information or use it as a form of manipulation in order to get what she wanted from them…

Was she treating Isla like a mark?

Was that truly her intention?

She had never been drawn to a women before unless it was for the success of an operation or assignment, and so she probed deeper inside of herself… searching desperately for clarity on what was truly going on under the surface of her own subconscious.

Was Kalie subtly influencing her motives? Or… was Tiresh truly drawn to Isla… romantically?

The natural conclusion for Tiresh would be that Kalie was behind it… but as she observed the concept in her mind, it didn’t feel right. It missed the mark.

No… it was not that simple. It was not Kalie.

It was something else….

The truth was, she felt something she had never felt before. It was beyond friendship… it was deeper… it was an alignment of some kind. It was a dream… it was a purpose… it was a kindred spirit… Someone who’s thoughts almost seemed to mirror her own. It was a magnetic attraction, unlike anything she had ever experienced… She was drawn to Isla… attracted to Isla. She resonated with her at some deep level that could not be put into words.

Was something like this even possible as such an early stage of a relationship? She felt like an undisciplined little girl, and her mind scolded her heart and soul for its divergent behavior that was now endangering everything she had been working and laboring towards. She was on the precipice… She could feel it… as if it was almost within her grasp. Her vision for the Kobitana Foundation… for the galactic humanitarian initiative that was about to emerge with their almost divine partnership with Isla…

And she was... flirting with her. For reasons beyond her understanding. Her logic screamed at her in utter agony. And yet, she found herself gripped with an all-too-common fear that had been with her throughout her entire life…

The fear of loss.

The loss of her mother…. The loss of Kalie’s father… two people she had loved with all of her heart, who had been ripped from her, forming an ever-present void inside of her.

And for some reason, her inexplainable connection with Isla was carrying a similar weight. A similar cost.

She could not loose her. She would do anything not to loose her.

What was wrong with her?!

She turned suddenly at Isla’s voice, her heart skipping a beat. She meet her eyes and listened as she provided a rather formal apology. Tiresh cringed internally at the sudden distance she now perceived between them, although she completely understood it. It made perfect sense. She should do the same and pull herself back into something safe and stable. She gave her a warm smile, sharing an expression that almost seemed completely unaware of what had just happened, “Grand Admiral! Please, there is no need to apologize to me at all! I took it simply as a friendly touch, and even if you had intended it to be more… I would have been nothing but flattered.”

She did her best to dissipate any tension or concern that Isla might have been feeling, sharing a light and rather ignorant expression on her face. She felt awful to take the woman’s fur rug from her, instead opting for the arm that was offered as they walked out into the street together.

As they walked, Tiresh felt a knot growing in her throat, the guilt growing due to the fact that Isla had felt as though she herself had been at fault. She knew she should just move on, it would likely be best on all fronts to spend no further time on the matter…

But she felt terrible. And for some reason, beyond her own understanding… she chose to stop in her tracks, pulling both of them to a halt in the street. She didn’t want anything to remain between them… she wanted for their friendship to be able to fully recover...

“Grand Admiral…” She said, her eyes fluttering as she tried to find the right words, “I would like to clear the air between us…” She looked around them, making sure that there was no one too close that might hear what she was about to say, “The truth is... you do not owe me an apology… I fear… I fear that it is me that has misstepped.” Her words were labored, “I feel something… unique... between us… and perhaps I was… exploring our connection, in some way… But I realize that I have jeopardized our relationship and our partnership… and all I can do is offer my deepest and most sincere apologies for my behavior this evening.” She turned to Isla, holding tightly onto her arm, “I promise you that I will never repeat such a mistake again.” She forced a smile as she offered her free hand to Isla for a rather stiff and slightly awkward handshake,

“So then… Friends?”

Whether or not Isla was aware of it, the rather simple and straightforward question was a fairly loaded one. It would help to draw a solidified line for Tiresh and clarify what their relationship would be moving forward. While her face offered an apologetic smile, her eyes searched deeper into Isla’s own, awaiting the Grand Admirals response.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Damage control to fix a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

The two women walked arm in arm until they were far enough for Tiresh to feel comfortable to speak. It gave a moment to think and to try and assess her own mind. With the woman linked in her arms she just felt normal, just a girl out with an exceptionally close friend enjoying the lifeday vibes. She looked a the Senator trying to get a feel for her, maybe if she hoped hard enough she might unlock some latent force potential and feel her emotions, that would make things easier right? Maybe?

She was glad that Tiresh was willing to say that she had felt flattered by Isla's perceived advance, that was something at least. Was it an advance though. Isla felt a little at ease that she had made clear that she isn't the type to drag someone to bed on the first date. She laughed privately to herself, at least that was a statement that might make her feel more comfortable to explore what this is? What? Why was she now even factoring that in?

Tiresh stopped her and pulled her to one side to speak to her, the word Admiral on her lips now had a negative sound to it in Isla's ears, as if a part of her friendship had slipped by without her being able to do anything to stop it.

“I feel something… unique... between us… and perhaps I was… exploring our connection, in some way

"I feel the same way, i don't know what it is, if I am entirely truthful part of me keep wondering whether some trick has been used on me to let my guard down, the bond I already feel with you is so alien to me, I feel like I am searching for answers." she shrugged in a way that said she wasn't accusing her of anything. Isla was just looking for a reason why she was so intrigued by her.

"I don't want your apology, all you have done is treated me like a friend. I think we should go back to Isla and Tiresh, our titles just don't fit right in the mouth for me any more. Is that OK? Senator?" she smiled at the woman. Happy to draw a line under the incident and move on. They had plans that could make the galaxy a better place for billions, they had to put that first.

“I promise you that I will never repeat such a mistake again.”

Isla decided she needed to put her cards on the table "Please don't promise me that, I just mean, everything happens for a reason, and your affection, whether friendly or romantic makes me feel good. And we are absolutely still friends, but," she breathed deeply, trying to find polite word that conveyed her point, "I am not ready to close the door on any future that Ashla lays out for us, do you understand?" she shook Tireshes hand, but it was immediately followed up by Isla giving her a a friendly hug.

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

Tiresh felt a wave of relief upon hearing Isla's response. It seemed that she was not alone in what she was experiencing… It was shared. This revelation immediately let all of the tension and guilt she had been feeling melt away as she embraced her friend with a tight squeeze, letting out a sigh of relief as she pulled away and rested back against her arm, pulling her hair back from her face as she returned to her normal self.

There might not have been a line drawn, but there didn't need to be. They would figure it out together… and whatever happened would happen, whether it grew beyond friendship or not was not the goal…

The goal was to embrace this powerful connection that would not only be a source of personal strength to each other, but also a source of strength for billions of people throughout the galaxy.

"Ok Isla, I guess you'll just have to be stuck with me then at some capacity. For the betterment of the galaxy… and on and on… yada yada…" She gave off a genuine smile and winked at Isla as she likely knew she was being sarcastic… of coarse, she truly and deeply cared about what they were developing together.

"Oh force… I'm so glad thats over with! Did you know I drank three more cups of that vintage back there when you were gone? Am I stress drinking? I don't know what other delightful plans this evening has in store for us… but alcohol should not be on the docket! I have had plenty, thank you very much!" She laughed lightly as they continued their walk, Tiresh now fully content to drift past the previous events and journey forward into the rest of their delightful evening together, celebrating Life day without putting any labels, expectations, or forced boundaries on their relationship.

"So what else does this festival have to offer us?" She asked inquisitively as she surveyed the many stalls that lined the street. Suddenly she discovered a stand with winter coats, blankets, hats… and furs! She brought her hand down Isla's arm and interlinked their fingers together as she pulled the Grand Admiral towards the stall, "Ok! I need your help with this…" As they approached the stand, she let Isla's hand go as she began to skim through their selection of furs, "Being from Lujo, I've never owned a fur myself… but I must say, after experiencing yours, I must have one! And besides… it's still a bit nippy… can't have myself catching a cold, now can I?" Her hand stopped on a white fur scarf. She smiled as she looked it over, then draped it across her shoulder and twirled it around her neck, pressing it into her face with her hand. "What do you think about this one, Isla? I don't know about the different qualities or what to look for, but I'm sure you do."

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Damage control to fix a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

Isla laughed with relief as Tiresh calmed back down and things returned back to how they were, but maybe better as they had aired a few feelings. "Maybe we should hold off on the drinks for a bit then, wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic scandal on alderaan would we now." they walked along a little further, Tiresh did look cold, her delicate skin had goosebumps so Isla rubbed her arm.

She was suprised when Tiresh interlocked fingers and pulled her across to the stall with all the furs, these were beautiful, she ran her manicured fingers through a chocolate brown shoulder fur as she watched Tiresh browse then turn to ask her help.

Being raised on a cold planet then choosing to live on an ice world, Isla had familiarised herself with furs so she took Tiresh's hand again. Interlocking her fingers over the back of the Senators and pushing he had through the fur. "OK, so if you run the had against the grain of the fur, a real, good quality fur should still feel silky soft to the touch. Fake or poor quality with feel rough pushed backwards. Shut your eyes for a second." she allows Tiresh a possible moment of confusion before continuing whether she shut her eyes or not. "can you feel that, there are two layers of fur, one is the tougher outer layer that keeps you dry and keeps the first away. And underneath is a second thicker layer that keeps you warm. They should each feel an even length and be smooth. This scarf has a few little knots in the skin, from defects or even injuries in the skin while it was alive. Its not the end of the world, but it does affect the quality, and also the price." and she gave the stall holder a wink as he looked slightly put out that Isla knew what she was looking for maybe a bit too well.

Isla then turned the scarf over and ran Tiresh hand across the seam, there was a small opening a few inches along to look inside. "A decent furrier will leave holes like this so you can check the craftsmanship and the back of the skin, it should look almost like sewn together suede, and... yes, this one does." Isla looked at the man and asked him if there was movement on the price before turning to Tiresh and giving her a 'your call' look. "What he is looking for is a little inflated for tourists i suspect, but maybe look at a couple more items and see what you think? Oh.. what is..... oooh."

Isla appeared suddenly distracted by a mewing noise at the back of the shop and let go of Tiresh's hand to go and have a look. From behind, Tiresh would see Isla looking at a large cage under a warm lamp at the back, looking closer, the cages was full of a mass of round furry creatures all purring and sleeping together.

"Tiresh! He has Voorpaks, I haven't seen these outside of the Naboo sector, have you seen them before? Isla poked her finger through the cage and stoked one of them gently. "Women on Naboo use these things a living hand warmers." she was in love, the creatures were so adorable, and she wondered about the etiquette of buying one for each of them considering their evening.

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

As Isla held her hand and pressed into the fur, she did her best to concentrate on her words, closing her eyes and feeling the different qualities and nuances of the fur. Her mind also focused upon the soft touching of their hands and Isla’s smooth and steady tone of voice. “Mmhmm…” She said softly as she bit her lower lip gently, confirming that she was noticing the distinctness of quality in the fur.

She opened her eyes again as Isla engaged with the owner of the stall, trying to repeat the hand motion that Isla had just taught her to do. She then picked up another fur and tried again… oh… this one must not have been as high of quality… wow, she immediately noticed the difference!

She nodded at Isla’s suggestion of looking at a few more. “You know you’re furs, Isla!” She exclaimed with a smile as she was about to try out another when she heard Isla notice something. She turned her head as Isla let go of her hand and ventured towards a large cage in the back of the shop. As Tiresh drew closer to see what was in the cages, she unconsciously placed her hand on Isla’s shoulder and pressed herself gently against the woman’s back, resting her chin on the fur that was draped over Isla's shoulder. She glanced over her shoulder and Tiresh's eyes widened as she saw the most adorable little creatures! Her heart sank slightly as she feared the worst…

“Isla!" She whispered quietly as her lips were already close to her ear, “Are these… did they make the furs from them? If so… I want to buy them all…” She couldn’t stand the thought of these adorable creatures being killed for their fur. She followed Isla’s motion, bringing her free arm up and poking her finger through the cage, gently stroking one of their soft backs. Her voice then changed into a higher pitched whisper as she tried to call to it and get its attention, “Hi! Hi there! What’s your name?”

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Damage control to fix a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

There are these two hunters that wanted to buy permission for my land. Seeing as the land was a gift to me from the the people of Lur it didn't feel right charging them, so they just share hunting stories with me every so often and give me a good deal on quality furs, like this one is reindeer.

As Tiresh pulled herself close, Isla found herself relieved to have that warmness back already after very nearly jeopardising it, she allowed herself a moment to enjoy it before Tiresh spoke.

Oh dear, thought Isla, she hadn't even thought of that when she spotted them, she knew they could be used for their fur, but was fairly certain none of the items Tiresh was interested in was made from them. And looking at the label on the cage it looked like these ones were for sale was pets.

"I don't think they are making fur from these little ones, look how tame they are, I think they are meant to be sold as pets." she looked at a little one that had taken a liking the her friends finger, a mostly white one with brown speckling, it was currently rubbing its head and chin against the Senator. "I think he likes you, would it be appropriate for me to buy him for you? They are lovely little creatures and so friendly. I haven't owned one myself, but I hear they are very low maintenance. They mostly eat bugs I think."

She asked the owner to open the cage and placed the small white creature in Tiresh's open hands, it rose up on its eight spindly legs and walked around a little bit before nuzzling back down into her hands comfortably. It was warm to hold and had a pleasant scent. "I would really like to buy him you if that is OK? You can think about it while you pick out your fur?" she said with a warm smile. "I suppose if you have your own fur I won't have to worry about you cuddling me for warmth any more." she said this with a fun sarcasm, she was enjoying the tactile nature of her friend a lot.

She wouldn't be upset or argue if Tiresh refused, after all, a pet was also a commitment, even if you discounted this was yet another line blurring gesture.

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

As Isla set the little fur ball into her hands, a mixture of delight and timidness flooded her face as her arms stiffened, her eyes growing wide as she wondered what the creature would do. She did not have much experience with pets or animals in general, and so it was definitely out of her comfort zone to be holding such a small living thing… But oh force, it was absolutely adorable!

She lifted her hands up to her face, her eyes intently studying the cute little guy as he let out an adorable yawn while he snuggled into her palms. "Hi!" She whispered in her high voice again. At Isla's inquiry as to whether she could purchase the pet for her, Tiresh looked up from the bundle in her hands, a look of sudden nervousness flooding her features, "Oh! Well… It's just that I've never owned a pet before… I'm terrified that I might kill it or something!" She let out a nervous laugh as she shifted the Voorpaks into one hand and gently stroked his back with her finger, already growing more comfortable with the creature, "…Low maintenance?" She brought him up and nuzzled his nose up against her own, letting out a slight giggle at the delightful experience, "Yes… Yes you can… What a lovely contribution to the Kobitana Foundation indeed!" She let out a laugh… she thought she was pretty funny. Her laugh unfortunately startled the poor little guy, causing him to jump slightly and look up at the Senator who quickly quieted herself and shushed him gently back to his nap.

"Sorry little guy…" She whispered.

She motioned to the man with her shoulder that she would purchase the white fur that was still draped around her shoulders. "The asking price is fine with me." She commented as she popped open her purse and pulled out the amount of credits and handed it to the man. She did not mind buying it at a higher price, as he was likely a refugee. It was her way of helping any way she could.

As she snapped her purse closed, she looked back to Isla as she mentioned not needing to cuddle for warmth anymore, causing Tiresh to raise her eyebrow as she offered a rather mischievous expression, "Now you can cuddle under my fur for warmth, isn't that a wonderful turn of events?" She said playfully. She then motioned with her head towards the large cage, "Are you going to get one for yourself? You seemed to be very drawn to them…" She would have offered to buy one for the Grand Admiral as well, however she had found that, in her experience, it was often better to simply receive a gift rather than try to match it. She would surely venture across something meaningful that she could get for Isla at some other point.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Enjoy the rest of a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

"Yes… Yes you can… What a lovely contribution to the Kobitana Foundation indeed!"

Isla was pleased that her offer had been accepted and she handed the owner some credits, but not before having a little bit more time to pick one out herself, a cute little one with dark mottled fur that purred as she picked it up. She felt a little embarrassed as Tiresh insisted on paying the asking price for the fur. She was right to as well, this market was run almost entirely by people who fled their homes with what they could carry, not the time for wealthy people to haggle. She put her hand on her friend's shoulder, and spoke softly into her ear so only she could hear. "Thank you ignoring my advice on the price, clearly one of us remembers why we are here."

The owner returned with the two pouches one for each of them. They contained sewn liners to protect their hand bags, and tubes if insects to feed them. Isla took them and thanked the man again. She looked at her new pet, trying to think of a name for it. "Aren't you a little cutie, we'll name you later, if you go toilet in my nice purse, I might just call you Dorthea." she laughed to herself.

"Now you can cuddle under my fur for warmth, isn't that a wonderful turn of events?"

"now that does sound very inviting, shall we carry on our walk in the cold?" and she slipped her arm around her friend's waist. "If we are still in the mood for buying live animals, I saw a farmer selling live pigs just on the edge of the fayre, how many do you think we need?"

She led Tiresh out of the the fur stall, the fur she was wearing was lovely and soft and she enjoyed having her arm tucked in underneath it, this was nice. "Maybe this time I won't mess things up by stroking your back inappropriately" she teased.

The music seemed to be getting louder as they walked further down the street, there was a band up ahead playing music and there was the smell of sweet baked goods on the air, "I am starting to feel a little lighter headed from the wine, how you fancy something sweet and then maybe we can find where this music is coming from?"

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

She covered her mouth with her hand as a snort escaped her lips from Isla’s comment about naming the little furry creature Dorothy if it misbehaved. “Oh force!” She exclaimed.

Tiresh nodded with a smile as Isla’s hand wrapped around her waste and pulled he close as they walked back into the street together. She was truly enjoying their evening. In some ways she wished it would never end. She hadn’t carried a thought or concern about board meetings, politics, or any of the chaotic troubles and threats that surrounded them on a daily basis … a very rare moment for the Senator. All too often she felt like the galaxy was bearing down on her, and the weight of it all rested on her shoulders, whether it needed to or not.

As Isla commented on whether they should buy some pigs, she took it as playful banter. “Now that’s an animal fitting of that woman’s namesake. We could buy all of them and name them Dorothy the 1st… Dorothy the 2nd…” Tiresh giggled softly at Isla's other remark about being careful not to mess things up between them by stroking her back. She responded by bringing her arm across her own body and sliding her fingers in-between Isla’s own as her hand was resting against her waist, almost as if she was locking Isla to her side. As Tiresh rested her arm, it tightened Isla’s hold on her waist and brought them both slightly closer together in the process. “There…” She said as she stroked Isla's hand softly with her thumb, “Now I know exactly where your hand is at all times.”

As the sun lowered in the sky, hints of a beautiful sunset began to peak through some of the snow clouds in the distance, sending streaks of orange and purple light that gently accented the bottoms of the clouds. The snow was still lightly falling, and the new light seemed to reflect magically off of each snowflake. The lights strung out throughout the festival began to be accentuated as well as the sun began to bid everyone farewell for the evening.

Tiresh let out a peaceful and content sigh, her head leaning into her fur as she enjoyed its warmth from the cold. The music in the distance seemed very delightful… a very nice accent to the current mood of the evening.

"I am starting to feel a little lighter headed from the wine, how you fancy something sweet and then maybe we can find where this music is coming from?"

Tiresh nodded, “Yes, sounds like a plan. My treat?”

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Enjoy the rest of a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

"Now that's an animal fitting of that woman's namesake. We could buy all of them and name them Dorothy the 1st… Dorothy the 2nd…"

"Oh dear Senator, how undiplomatic of you, and here I am thinking I am the one supposed to be the uncultured sailor?" she laughed and considered the thought of her returning to the her home with pigs in tow and her house staff wondering what on earth she had been up to.

Isla felt Tiresh locking her in closer and interlinking their fingers, she smiled to herself, again enjoying the tactile nature of her friend. "That should keep my hands from wandering over your body and causing mischief" she blushed at the implication that she might start groping her friend if left unchecked. "I mean... oh screw it I can't be bothered explaining.." she giggled a little bit to herself, she could tell Tiresh that she wasn't trying to imply anything inappropriate, but at this point what was the bother. Tiresh didn't seem to mind, and explaining every awkward flirt that came out of her mouth was very unattractive.

"I am really enjoying your company, you are a wonderful person and you make me feel good" Isla said as they walked along toward the smell baked goods. She felt dreamy as Tiresh gently stroked her hand and she leaned in, softly resting her head on the shorter woman.

Up ahead the area was brightly lit with lifeday decorations and the darkening of the sky made the tall tree in the centre glow festively. "I would like some very dainty and Lady like crepes I think" she suggested with a smile, "or a sugar coated fried product the size of a small dog." tray was the good stuff, but maybe she should act Lady like at least once tonight in front of Tiresh. The brass band ahead of them was playing an old alderaani Carol which Isla recognised and started singing along too quietly, but not the lifeday words that would normally accompany it. The tune was taken from an old Ashlan Hymn that Isla grew up singing and those were the lyrics she used.

Before they came to the open area there was a moments privacy and Isla took a risk, she was feeling grateful for the nicest evening she had had in a while. Leaning in close she planted a gentle kiss on Tiresh's cheek. Tiresh might be appalled, but she didn't think so any more. "Thank you for this evening my friend, it has been very special"​

​

 

[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana


She blurted out an unfiltered laugh as Isla playfully rebuked her comment about the naming of the pigs, her head flipping backwards as her body responded to the outburst, “Oh my… I know! And it feels amazing!! I haven’t been this brazen in a long time...”

She couldn’t help but blush bright red at Islas remarks about her hands wandering over her body and causing mischief. She buried her face in her fur, trying to hide it from Isla. She adored Isla’s attention, and every probing remark such as this seemed to throttle her with delight. Although she loved it, she didn’t necessarily know what to do with it… and so it seemed to manifest itself with an appearance of embarrassment from being the focus of such direct attention from the Grand Admiral.

“I think we’re both beyond the need for any explanation…” She said shyly into her fur. It seemed that they were very much moving forward in a certain direction… or rather the direction seemed to be moving them… almost like they were on an escalator that only had one inevitable destination, and if neither one of them chose to jump off, then they would both surely arrive in the most natural and fluid manner possible. Was it the will of the Force? Could she ever be so arrogant as to assume that such a thing could be the case?

All she knew is that she had never felt this way before… And everything inside of her wanted more of it… Wanted to guard it… Protect it… Cherish it.

As the night had progressed, she found herself speaking less and less. She wasn’t sure why… maybe it was because words were starting to… almost get in the way… of the moment. As Isla shared with her about how much she enjoyed her company, and that she was a wonderful person, Tiresh closed her eyes and rested her head underneath that of her treasured companions, a simple and unfiltered expression of joy rested comfortably on her face. It was an expression that had rarely, if ever, been experienced by the Senator… One that, although it should feel like a complete stranger to her, felt like…

Coming home.

“mmhmm… I feel the same.” She said gently as they continued to walk and enjoy the beauty around them, moving closer to the food stalls and the music.

"I would like some very dainty and Lady like crepes I think" she suggested with a smile, "or a sugar coated fried product the size of a small dog."

Tiresh, now with a much different tone of voice and posture which was less filtered than the elegant and collected senator that had begun the night, looked up at Isla as she bumped her with a shoulder playfully, “Well which is it? A cutesie desert that we both have been conditioned to favor… or what we both really want, but would never go for in public?” She raised her finger into the air with playful determination, pointed in the direction of the fried desert the size of a small dog, “Onward!” She said confidently, followed quickly by a fit of giggles. Was she under a spell? If she was… she didn’t mind in the least.

Oh yeah… she had also drunk quite a bit of that spiced wine…. Maybe that was really starting to hit her system? Meh…

As Isla began to sing along with the music, Tiresh listened, enjoying the timbre of her voice. She didn’t know the words to the song, and so after she had learned the melody, Tiresh started to hum along subtly with a higher harmony to accompany.

As they came to a more private spot, Tiresh felt Isla lean in close and give her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you for this evening my friend, it has been very special"

Tiresh looked up into Isla’s eyes, a simple and content smile etched onto her pretty face. She mused upon her own thoughts for a moment, then snuggled back under her friends chin into her fur, squeezing Isla’s hand tightly that was still in her grasp.

“You know Isla…” She said, looking out over the beautiful sunset, “I have never had an evening quite like this.” She paused, nudging her cheek in deeper to her friends neck, “I don’t know what galaxy I’m on right now… It doesn’t seem real… It all seems like a dream that I know I must wake up from… but I am terrified to wake up from it. You know… I haven’t given a second thought all night to the Senate… the Separation of the New Jedi Order from the Alliance… The Brotherhood of the Maw… the New Sith Empire… The pain… the trauma… the worlds that have been thrown into chaos…” She let out a disheartened sigh as each statement seemed to bring back the heavy weight she had grown accustomed to carrying, “I guess I never thought I could have something like this… I never thought that I could…” She paused, trying to find the right words, “…This is what I am fighting for others to be able to have… not myself.”

She shook her head slowly as tears begin to fill her eyes, “But now I’ve tasted this… and I’m terrified to wake up. I don’t want to wake up. I just want to be here… with you… in a galaxy where everything is right.” She nodded, as if confirming her own words, blinking her eyes to try to keep the tears at bay. Curse her emotions! She wished she could keep them at bay like Isla. But she was a bleeding heart… she had learned how to conceal her emotions long ago, but they always seemed to find a way through.

“But I know that... tomorrow... You and I are going to wake up to a galaxy in chaos… a galaxy that needs us… a galaxy where you need an heir… a galaxy with so much expected of us… so many worries… so much to do.” She sighed deeply, pulling Isla's body as close to herself as she could for fear that this moment would pass them all too soon.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Enjoy the rest of a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

Isla was pleased that she made Tiresh smile, and that laugh was quite infectious, she could listen to it all day, she herself hadn't just let her hair down like this for ages and it felt great, the weight of the Crusade was gone from her shoulders, and despite knowing she had ships in orbit only a few hundred miles above them, she felt they could be light years away.

“Well which is it? A cutesie desert that we both have been conditioned to favor… or what we both really want, but would never go for in public?”

"I am not entirely sure that are only talking about deserts there Tiresh?" She said with a look of mock scandal on her face, before being led towards the fried pastry section, they smelled divine.

It all seems like a dream that I know I must wake up from

"unfortunately I know exactly what you mean, it has been wonderful here, but it will eventually end and we will go back to our seperate lives, maybe only seeing each other when some catastrophe strikes, I hope that isn't the case, but it easily could be. And even now while we enjoy ourselves, the galaxy hasn't stopped for us, those horrible things you mention, they are still out their just waiting for us."

It was like a kick to the stomach that brought her back into the real world, even if it didn't seem like her world right now. She didn't have the luxury to just mess around stuffing her face at parties, she wished she did, but that wasn't her life. She looked as Tiresh began to get upset.

"Please don't get upset Tiresh," She wiped a tear away gently with the back of her fingers as she turned and stroked Tiresh's hair behind her ear "I know it doesn't make things easier, but we were put here for a reason, I don't know why Ashla, or the force chose these paths for us, but our lives and the sacrifices we make, give so many more people the chance to experience the sort of pleasure we have. That is what I tell myself when I feel I am missing those things in my life."

She had thought many times to herself, if she was removed from Galactic history, would the galaxy be better or worse, she felt she had done many good things with the Crusade and had to consider herself part of the greater good, otherwise what was the point of it all?

I don’t want to wake up. I just want to be here… with you… in a galaxy where everything is right.”

She wished so much for that too, and unusual thoughts crossed her mind. How easy would it be for Isla to ask Tiresh to spend the night with her? She didn't know in herself if she meant that as a friend for company or something more. She wasn't the sort of person who went for drunken flings so it would be nothing sordid, but even the idea of that right now didn't feel sordid.

"Can we pretend? Just for tonight that we are a normal couple, just hanging out and enjoying ourself, potentially squeezing jam all down our nice dresses and collapsing with laughter in the street?" and she pulled on Tiresh's hand to lead her to those fried products they were now tantalisingly close to eating. She stopped suddenly and blushed "I didn't mean to say couple OK, I mean... you know what I mean."

She laughed and shrugged her shoulders.

"and just in case any nasty Sith or Maw want to try and ruin our evening again, I can summon fire thousand heavily armed women with the press of a button." Isla gave a salute in the direction that SAINT told her the star destroyer she arrived in was stationed.

"you owe me a dessert."



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[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

"I am not entirely sure that you are only talking about deserts there Tiresh?"

Her mouth dropped open and eyes widened at the sudden realization of how her words could be interpreted. After a brief moment of quiet shock, she burst into laughter. “Wow! Well… I mean… depends on your definition of desert!” She bit her lip and cringed a bit at how that might have come across as a bit dirtier than she had intended.


____________________________

"Can we pretend? Just for tonight that we are a normal couple, just hanging out and enjoying ourself, potentially squeezing jam all down our nice dresses and collapsing with laughter in the street?"

Tiresh let out a deep sigh as she attempted to release the built up tension that she had introduced into their evening. She seemed to pause, musing deeply upon Isla’s suggestion, looking up into her beautiful eyes… studying every feature of her face… her beautiful neck… her long flowing hair…. She pivoted her body slightly as she ran her free hand slowly down through it. Then she brought her eyes back up to meet Isla’s once again.

And this was the exact moment where the last pretense fell. Tiresh, completely enraptured in Isla’s presence, determined within herself to embrace their short time together to the absolute fullest. She had no time for pretending anymore… for questioning herself… for insecurity. This moment was something terribly special and important to her in a way that was beyond words.

While Isla carried a more reserved record when it came to romance, Tiresh could not say the same for herself... She had engaged in more than a few flings… some rather sporadic passions of the moment… but it was not because she was careless or irreverent regarding her affections… But more a product of a developed coping mechanism to help temporarily distract herself from the severe riggers and stress of her insane life. Another coping mechanism that helped achieve a similar affect was her ever-present drinking addiction.

While being a Senator, the representative of a prestigious foundation, and the CO-CEO of a business would be a full enough palate as it was… she was also Kalie Alverez … a SIA Senior Agent… a spy who constantly put her life in danger and engaged in taxing operations and missions on a constant basis. She lived two lives… two occupations… two completely different worlds…

And it was taking its toll on her. In many ways.

And while she did want to engage in a passionate evening with Isla, the reasons were more than simply a quick fix or a mere distraction of the moment…. She felt the strongest connection to Isla, far beyond anything she had ever experienced. It was beyond physical attraction… it was an attraction of the soul. And she wanted to establish this connection… she wanted to cross the line and remove any ambiguity in their relationship. She didn’t want for them to drift apart in the chaos of their separate lives…

Isla pulled on Tiresh's hand to lead her to those fried products they were now tantalizingly close to eating. She stopped suddenly and blushed "I didn't mean to say couple OK, I mean... you know what I mean."

As Isla tried to backpedal, Tiresh quickly brought her hand up to Isla's cheek and gently turned her face towards her own. Tiresh’s eyes were locked intently on Isla's as she brought her lips up to meet hers, just pausing before they touched. Their breath graced each others lips softly as they breathed in and out, Tiresh holding for a moment, her eyes closing as she finally moved closer, letting their lips finally touch for the first time. She trembled as a sensation like lighting pulsed through her body. The intimate moment was everything she had hoped it would be, albeit short lived. She quickly pulled away, biting her lower lip as her eyes searched Isla's to see if this was truly what she wanted as well, “Is… that what you mean?” She whispered softly as she searched for signs from Isla as to how she had received her kiss.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Enjoy the rest of a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

As Isla felt Tiresh's hand on her cheek and felt her moving in, her heart quickened, she felt that this is what their evening had been building too all along. Tiresh's hand felt silky smooth against her skin and as she came closer, Isla shut her own eyes, just savouring the touch, why did this feel so right? This wasn't what Isla had originally sought, but she wouldn't change even a moment. As she felt her friend's breath on her, her lips parted ever so slightly to accept the kiss.

Butterflies filled Isla's stomach and the whole world melted away for the few moments that the two women shared their first kiss. Isla had not felt a kiss like that for a very long time, it wasn't the longest, or the deepest kiss, but the intensity of connection was undeniable. This wasn't a kiss from someone who only intended friendship, this was something special.

“Is… that what you mean?”

"Mmhmm" murmered Isla as Tiresh moves away, Isla barely opened her eyes, seeing the beautiful woman, waiting to see if her feelings would be rejected, Isla smiled warmly and with a great deal of affection. She still didn't know what she wanted, she knew she desired Tiresh, at it was much more than some kind of physical desire. The emotional attraction completely went past the fact that Isla only dated men. Was this a huge mistake? Was she risking everything just to satisfy her curiosity? Maybe? But right now it was all she wanted.

"Please, kiss me again Tiresh." she moved her hand, that had found itself on her shoulder up to the back of the Senator's head and wound her fingers in to her dark hair. Isla gently pulled the two of them back together. This time it was her turn to do the kissing. Isla was a dignified woman with significant self restraint, in this public setting it would be entirely unbecoming of her to kiss with the full passion that she felt urged to. And yet the kiss she gave to Tiresh was much more than the beautifully gentle touch she had just received. It was enough to leave Tiresh in no doubt as to the feelings that Isla had developed for her.

When Isla pulled away, she felt her lips tingling, as if the nerves in them were calling for more. She stood, their arms still wrapped around each other and gazed into her eyes, with a shy, slightly embarrassed but completely content smile on her face. She said nothing, happy to just look at Tiresh and enjoy this moment as the music nearby continued to float by and the smell of spiced cinnamon pasty wafted by. Whatever happened from this point on, she would remember this moment forever.



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[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

"Please, kiss me again Tiresh."

She let out a soft gasp of relief, her eyelashes fluttered as she felt Isla’s hand at the back of her head, weaving its way through her hair. She felt almost weightless as she closed her eyes, letting Isla guide her in for another kiss. As their lips touched, Tiresh turned her head slightly and opening her mouth for a much deeper connection than the first. Their faces fit perfectly together, as if by design. Tiresh released a pleasurable sound of delight, bringing her hand that had gently settled against Isla’s cheek up behind her head, pulling her in even deeper, her fingers running through her glorious golden locks.

And in this moment, nothing else mattered.

Her heart seemed to leap out of her skin as their unique connection sparked into a glorious fire... it was like throwing gasoline on a flame. Snowflakes gently settled against their hair, the glorious sky choosing to cast a deeper red hue as the sun continued its own journey towards slumber.

She blinked her eyes open slowly as their lips finally separated. It was an absolutely stunning kiss... One that Tiresh would surely remember forever. Her eyes danced playfully back and forth between Isla’s own, a look of utter contentment settled across all of her features. Her hand gently pulled some hair away from Islas cheek, then brought itself softly down her face and settled against her neck.

“So… um…” She said softly as she bit her lip, her cheeks slightly reddened as she finally broke the silence. “Grand Admiral…” She flashed a quick smile and a slight giggle at using her official title in the midst of such intimacy, “I think you might be rather fond of me.” Her eyes drifted to Isla’s fur that had slid off her shoulder, using her hand to escort it back in place and then brushing it with her fingers. “And if I’m honest… I think I am rather fond of you to…” She then brought Isla’s fur up to her face and pressed it against her own cheek, a rather dreamy look graced her face as she brought her eyes back up to Isla’s. “How about you find us a cozy place to sit and enjoy the music, and I’ll run quickly and get us some desert?” Her voice was soft and smooth, much like her skin and her touch. "And then we can squeeze jelly down our beautiful dresses and collapse in laughter on the street? Yes.... I would like that very much..."

She was happy. Everything about this evening seemed perfect… even the earlier bits of awkwardness and uncertainty. It was all truly perfect.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Enjoy the rest of a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

"Fond is not the word," Isla smiled, "This, this is something I can't describe."

She leaned her head into Tiresh's hand, right now she felt powerless, but it was not a bad feeling by any means, she wanted to be close to this woman more than anything and she had no idea where it had come from, from very early on she knew that she liked her and could see an excellent potential for a working relationship, but the feelings she had now were exquisite.

As Tiresh offered to find them food, Isla just nodded lovingly, she was more than happy to be treated like this, tomorrow she could think about what this all was. Were they now a romantic item? Was this a one night thing then back to normal tomorrow?

As Tiresh walked away, Isla looked at her, whe was beautiful. Isla wasn't blind, she already knew what a beautiful woman looked like, but looking at Tiresh, she now suddenly felt desire for her. She smiled and raised her eyebrows at herself, she either needed to sober up or she needed another stiff drink in her, she couldn't decide which.

She walked a little further and found a spot, it was a small gazebo like structure wrapped in Holly and Ivy with a small table. Ashla must have been smiling on her as it looked like the last table available with any sort of privacy, and the previous occupants stood to leave at the perfect moment as Isla walked past. She slid into the table and relaxed to wait for Tiresh's return. "SAINT, please tell me if I am crazy."

The holographic representation of her AI appeared next to her in the booth drinking from a stein. <<Your previous psyche evaluations showed no signs of psychosis or other mental illness, several markers for stress disorder have been picked up and will be reviewed at your next evaluation>> Isla laughed as she looked at the AI giving an answer as literal as the person she suspected she was modelled after. Isla waved away the AI and say back down, she pulled out her data pad and started writing out a letter to herself, she wanted to tell herself what she was feeling right now, so if she felt different in the cold light of day, she would be able to read it.

She sat and wrote as she waited, as she wrote she gently touched her own lips almost subconsciously, trying to bring back that wonderful feeling she was trying to describe to future Isla.

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[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

As she walked away, Tiresh let her hand drift behind her and remain with Isla until she grew out of reach, turning her head back and giving Isla a loving and tender expression as she headed towards the food stalls. My, what a gorgeous woman Isla was! Everything about her was beautiful. Her touch… her eyes… her hair… her lips… her form… which Tiresh desired to explore much more of at the earliest convenience.

Tiresh beamed from ear to ear, her steps light and playful as she surveyed their options for a desert. She found herself humming the melody that she had learned form Isla a little while ago, the notes now seeming to represent the grace and beauty of the lovely woman who had sung it. Tiresh finally stopped at a stall, a finger pressed softly against her lips as she mused upon her desire to get back as quickly as possible in order to cover the Grand Admiral in more of her affectionate kisses.

"I'll take one jelly filled pastry… and one hot chocolate, please." She popped open her purse and gave the vender the correct amount, then took hold of the paper bag and cup, giving a nod of thanks as she twirled herself around and was about to make her way straight back to Isla before…

"Oh!" Her eyes caught the glimmer of a jewelry stand just down the way. She wanted to get something for Isla… something to help both of them remember this night with fondness. She quickly strolled up to the vender and leaned across the counter, looking down at the exquisite pieces that were on display. Her eyes searched for a moment before she finally found the perfect thing…

"These…" She said as her finger pointed at two connecting snowflake necklaces… simple, elegant, embroidered with stunning diamonds…. The woman behind the display smiled as she opened the back and pulled them out for Tiresh to get a better look.

"This is a wonderful choice…" The woman commented as she showed how the two snowflakes could separate into distinct necklaces, then reconnected them into one. "...Especially if you have a special someone to share it with." Tiresh smiled and blushed slightly as she took them into her hands, rubbing the snowflakes carefully with her thumb. "They're perfect." She stated, shifting them into one hand as she popped open her purse with the other, "How much?" The vender pointed to the asking price, which was considerable, "We have a special Life Day Discount available to you as well, 25% off all jewelry." Tiresh shook her head, instead pulling out the full asking price and handing it to the woman, "Thats ok… I would like to pay the full amount please." Slightly shocked, the vender took the credits without comment and placed the necklaces into an elegant jewelry box, handing it to Tiresh who smiled, nodded with thanks, then turned on her feet to head back to Isla as quickly as possible.

She didn't want her gift to Isla to be at a discounted price… she wanted to truly embrace the full weight and value of the gift… for some reason, it just felt like it meant more if she had to spend more on it. And she wanted it to mean everything.

As she approached the park, she spotted Isla in a rather secluded Gazebo. Tiresh's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. As she drew close, she attempted to sneak up on Isla. It seemed she was writing something down and was in deep thought. Tiresh quietly stepped into the Gazebo and moved behind her, a sense of pure and unfiltered desire gripping her as she looked the woman over unabashedly from behind.

Tiresh then gently pressed her chest up against Isla's bare back, nuzzling her chin into her shoulder and cheek as she peered down at the data pad in front of her.

"What are you writing?" She whispered in Isla's ear as both hands squeezed themselves in-between Isla's arms and upper body, one hand setting the paper bag down in front of Isla and the other setting down the cup of hot chocolate. "I've found an exquisite pastry, filled to the brim with a delicious fruit filling… and a hot chocolate for the cold…" She turned her face inward towards Isla and breathed in her smell, which released an intoxicating sensation throughout her entire body. Tiresh then pressed her lips against Isla's neck, kissing the soft exposed skin tenderly. "Did you miss me?" She asked quietly as she brought her hands down and wrapped them around Isla's stomach from behind in a warm and intimate embrace.

 

[Isla Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Lifeday party on Alderaan
Objective: Enjoy the rest of a lovely evening
Wearing: This dress
Tag: Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix

Isla continued to write and didn't hear the light footsteps approaching her. She felt she warm arms of Tiresh slide around her and her warm body press against her. They had not embraced body to body yet and it felt wonderful. Isla have herself a moment to enjoy shape of Tiresh's body against her own while she discretely switched her pad off.

"oh its nothing," she blushed, wondering how much she had read and if she had seen her name. "maybe it is an apology to the Galactic Alliance that one of their Senators is now under the protection of the Ashlan Crusade" There was a self conscious laugh before she confessed. "It is just a little reminder to myself of this lovely night, so when I wake up and have to go to the cold grey corridors of my ship, I can believe myself."

Looking at the packages in front of her, peeping inside at the pastry, her mouth was watering at the fresh fried dough smell coming off of it. This could get very messy, she smiled to herself, wondering about both the donut and the situation in general.

Her skin tingled as she felt Tiresh's lips on her neck, sending electricity across her body. She murmured gently, not wanting her to ever stop.

"Did you miss me?"

"with every part of me" she allowed herself to admit putting her hands on Tiresh's to gold them tight while turning her head round to try and trail her kisses from her back to her face. They kissed again, the angle was not ideal so it was short, but the feeling was amazing.

"I feel like kissing you might be my new favourite thing." she smiled playfully before turning back round to her food, and slipping it out of the bag into her hand. "I do hope that you are ready for me to lose the last semblance of being a lady." she smiled hungrily before taking a large bite into the pastry, very nearly losing jam out of the side but catching it on her finger. "come and sit with me Senator." she said with a grin on her sugar coated lips. This was divine, a beautiful and charming person to share her night with, the most wonderful pastry she has ever tasted and holiday music. Light years away from the diplomatic meetings she had planned over the next few days.

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[Tiresh Kobitana-Draellix]

Isla Draellix-Kobitana

Tiresh laughed at her remark about the Ashlan Crusade now being her protective escort. Then she nuzzled closer to her with a gush of affection as she revealed that she had actually been writing a letter about Tiresh to her future self. “mmm… Thats nice.” She said quietly. She looked forward to giving the snowflake necklace to her as another reminder of their night together, but she would wait until they weren’t stuffing their faces with jelly-filled pastries.

She smiled as Isla turned her head towards her kisses, causing their lips to touch again. She kissed her lips gently and tenderly, euphoric at the sensation.

"I feel like kissing you might be my new favorite thing."

Tiresh giggled, licking her lips, “I could really get use to your lovely kisses.” She confessed. The Senator smiled warmly as she slid her arms from Islas frame and sat down next to the Grand Admiral at her request. Every word of her affections seemed to wash over her soul a delightful sense of warmth.

She chuckled lightly at the comment of loosing all semblance of being a lady, resting a reassuring hand against Isla’s arm. “I think we both could use a short reprieve from being all ‘ladylike and elegant’ all the time.” She said candidly with a smile as she reached over and ripped off a piece of the fried dough, then used it to scoop up the jelly that had found itself on Islas finger. She stuffed it into her mouth, letting out a chuckle mixed with a sound of pure pleasure at the delightful taste.

She then eyed the hot chocolate and had a brilliant idea…. Tiresh tore off another piece and dunked it into the hot chocolate, then brought it to her lips and sampled the experiment. Yumm! “Hey, that kinda works! Try it!” She said as she brought the chocolate-saturated pastry up to Isla’s mouth to feed it to her.

The music gently filled the air, snow still casually making its way down to the earth. Tiresh wished that this night could go on forever.