Private The Line Between Order and Trust

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace

His thumb gently grazed her jaw line as she woke up, her body stretching away the stiffness of the awkward sleeping position. His other hand instinctively moved to the back of her neck giving a soft massage with his fingers to help ease any tension she may feel.

“All I needed was a small nap. I would not have minded at all if you laid with me. The mattress is big enough.”

He gave her a soft chuckle.

“I'll be honest, I did get worried that it was a dream, until I saw you here.”

He looked back at the cab, taking in the now cleaner, more ordered look to it all. Though it had been cleaned he could still tell where all of his stuff was, including the armor which now laid out on a nearby work table.

“It looks amazing in here, thank you for cleaning.”

He looked back at her, a brighter look in his eye as his thumb gently brushed along her neck.

“I've been meaning to do it myself but…well, I got busy and it was shoved towards the very back of my head.”

When she asked how he felt his hand came up to his cheek, feeling the stubble.

“Like I need a shower. Other than that, I feel worlds better than before.”

He paused for a moment as he looked at her, new questions forming in his head as he processed that he had no idea how long he had slept.

“How long was I out? And where are we?”

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren stirred slowly at his touch, the tension in her neck easing as his fingers worked gently at the muscles there. The stiffness from the pilot's chair faded little by little, and she let out a quiet breath as she finished stretching.

Her eyes lifted to his face, still a little heavy with sleep but warm with quiet amusement.

"A small nap?" she echoed softly, the hint of a smile touching her lips. "You collapsed like a man who had been holding the entire galaxy up on his shoulders."

She shifted slightly in the chair, turning toward him as he spoke about the bed.

"I considered it," she admitted. "But you looked like someone who finally found real sleep. I did not want to disturb that."

Her gaze drifted briefly across the cabin as he mentioned the cleaning, taking in the now orderly interior of the ship before returning to him. "It was not much trouble," she said gently. "Besides, sometimes putting a space back into order helps quiet the mind."

When he asked how long he had been asleep, Seren leaned back slightly in the chair, folding one arm loosely across her middle as she considered it.

"At least ten hours," she answered calmly. "Closer to eleven by now." Her amber eyes flicked toward the viewport for a moment before settling back on him. "And while you were resting, I moved the ship."

There was a quiet calm in her voice as she spoke the name. "We are on Iloh." She tilted her head slightly, watching his reaction. "It is quiet here. Far enough away that no one is likely to come looking for you while you remember how to breathe again."

A faint trace of warmth returned to her expression. "And there are natural hot springs not far from where we landed," she added lightly. "So your shower problem may solve itself rather nicely."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


When she looked up at him, he noticed the influence of sleep was still upon her. The quiet amusement on her face when she looked at him caused his gaze to soften.

“I mean, one would usually want a small nap after carrying all of that.”

He jested and then crouched beside her so he was at more of her level. A small breath escaped his lips when she gave her reason for not using the bed. It was a reasonable reason, yes, but he would not have minded either way.

“Well, tonight we get the bed then. I have fallen asleep in that chair and I know personally, it is not fun.”

He watched as she leaned back into the chair, processing the time and thinking of her answer. When she stated he was unconscious for ten hours a soft whistle escaped him.

“I suppose that is not a small nap at all.”

He looked at the viewport, the sight of a sandy beach and just ahead a massive blue ocean. The sky was cloudless and the sun was just cresting over the horizon. Varin stood up and looked outside, taking in the view as wind rustled nearby palm trees.

“I think quiet is exactly what I need. On Coruscant, it's hard to hear myself think.”

He chuckled lightly, a half jest. He looked back at her when she mentioned that hot springs were nearby. His eyes widened a bit.

“I have never been to a hot spring before.”

A yawn escaped his mouth as he reached his arms up to stretch, his back popped quietly as the muscles tensed and settled.

“It's not too early you think?”

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren watched him move toward the viewport, her eyes following the quiet shift in his posture as he took in the sight beyond the glass. The pale gold light of the rising sun washed across the cockpit, catching in the loose strands of her hair as she slowly rose from the chair.

For a moment, she simply looked out with him.

The ocean stretched wide and endless beyond the beach, the water calm and luminous beneath the early morning sky. A warm breeze stirred the tall palms, their fronds whispering softly in the wind. The entire world outside felt still in a way few places in the galaxy ever truly were.

His question brought a faint smile to her lips.

"On a world like this, I do not believe there is such a thing as too early," she said gently.

She stepped closer to the viewport beside him, folding her arms loosely as she studied the horizon.

"The springs will be quiet at this hour. Later in the day, the steam rises higher once the sun warms the air."

Her gaze drifted briefly to him when he mentioned he had never visited one before.

The faintest trace of playful warmth appeared in her eyes.

"Then it seems we have discovered something new for you today."

Seren pushed lightly away from the console, stretching the last bit of stiffness from her shoulders before turning toward the rear of the ship.

"And since you have already declared a need for a shower," she added, her voice carrying that quiet, melodic teasing she rarely pushed too far, "the springs will solve that problem far more pleasantly than the ship's water recycler."

She glanced back over her shoulder at him.

"Give yourself a moment to wake properly. I will gather a few things before we go."

Then, after a brief pause, her expression softened slightly.

"Fresh air and warm water tend to do wonders for the mind."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


“Well, if I am bathing in it, it's probably best we go before people start to gather. I can't stand when people stare.”

His gaze left the viewport and to her as she stepped beside him, taking in the view of the morning in a planet that he found to be very new to him. But even though it was a new planet, it was not one he was trying to conquer, already a much greater change of pace.

“I'm sure the heat won't bother me.”

He smirked at her, a playful hint in his eye before his gaze fell back towards the viewport, watching as the sun continued to rise.

“I have always been a sucker for trying new things. I think you planned this whole thing, ever since I fell asleep at least.”

Varin watched as she turned back around to head towards the back of the ship, moving at a comfortable pace like she had been living here for weeks.

“I certainly hope it will be far more pleasant. The water pressure on this ship is very…lacking. Almost have to fill a bucket and sponge bathe in order to get properly cleaned.”

His eyes caught hers when she looked back over to him. A simple request from her drove a nod from him. Quiet and slow to show that he had heard her, before he headed to the smaller area with a mirror.

He looked at himself for the first time in a mirror in who knew how long. The unkempt hair, the facial hair that had started growing in, the evidence of lines near his eyes indicating lack of sleep. Though it now looked better than before.

He turned on the small faucet of water and grabbed a small razor, wetting the blades before he started dragging it over his neck and chin, removing the stubborn hair as he started to fix himself and become more presentable.

After some time he had finished shaving and cleaned up the mess. He double checked the mirror and made sure he missed no spots. His hair was still a mess, but hopefully the springs would help with that. There wasn't much he could do about his hair.

He exited the small area into the main cabin, rubbing the now softer skin over his chin as the runes upon his body pulsed.

There was always something about shaving, even though it was something small, that made it feel as if the weight of everything melted away.

When he saw Seren again, a grin pulled at his face.

"Hopefully my cleanup is acceptable for you."

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren had moved quietly through the cabin while he cleaned up, carefully gathering a small bundle of necessities from a storage compartment near the rear wall. A light cloth, a soft towel, and a few other simple items found their way into a small satchel that she slung over her shoulder with practiced ease.

When Varin finally stepped back into the main cabin, she immediately glanced up from her task, her focus shifting entirely toward him.

Her amber eyes lingered on him for a long, appreciative moment, taking in the transformation with a quiet intensity.

The change in his appearance was subtle but undeniably noticeable, as the heavy, rough exhaustion of their journey had been replaced by something significantly clearer and lighter. The fresh shave certainly helped reveal the sharp lines of his face, which she was growing increasingly fond of seeing.

A faint, genuine smile curved across her lips as she took in the sight of him.

"Acceptable?" she echoed softly, stepping a little closer to study him, her expression holding both warmth and a touch of pride. "I think you look far more like the man I know you to be again, Varin."

Her gaze flicked briefly to the intricate runes that pulsed faintly along his skin, watching their rhythm for a heartbeat before returning to the familiar depths of his face.

"It is truly remarkable how ten hours of deep sleep and a proper shave can work such wonders on a man's spirit," she added, her voice carrying a melodic, soothing quality.

She adjusted the weight of the satchel on her shoulder and glanced around the interior of the cabin with a thoughtful, almost domestic air.

"You know…if we are going to make a regular habit of visiting this world together," she said lightly, her tone suggesting she very much hoped they would, "I might honestly need to start keeping a permanent change of clothes in here."

A quiet, unmistakable glimmer of amusement touched her eyes as she considered the idea further.

"Perhaps I should even find a swimsuit that meets your approval," she teased gently.

She gave a small, graceful shrug as she turned toward the exit ramp controls, her movements fluid and relaxed in his presence.

"Though if we are fortunate enough, the springs will still be entirely empty when we arrive," she remarked, looking forward to the seclusion.

Her expression softened with a hint of playful concern, as if the thought of sharing the moment with anyone else was genuinely unappealing.

"I would very much prefer not to have any sort of audience to contend with this early in the morning," she admitted.

With that, she tapped the control panel, and the ramp began to lower slowly, allowing the fragrant, warm island air to spill into the ship alongside the distant, rhythmic sound of the crashing waves.

Seren stepped toward the opening, pausing to glance back at him with that same quiet warmth radiating from her amber gaze.

"Shall we go and find that water?"

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


When she looked at him a sense of pride overcame him as she glanced at the subtle changes he committed to in the mirror. His back straightening and his chest puffing just slightly. Noticeable but slightly.

He always liked to look decent for her.

His hand came up to pull some of his hair back, as if trying to neaten it a bit more. It had grown longer since the last time he had truly looked at it, and certainly longer since Seren had seen it prior.

“Would you like to tame the mane that has overtaken my head?”

He smirked, a small chuckle leaving his chest as he watched her look at his runes. The glow resembling the bright normal warmth that he normally showed off unintentionally when he was out of armor.

“I think ten hours of sleep would do anyone a large favor. I'm happy I did finally crash, though that means I missed out on some of my vacation with you.”

His brow arched when she mentioned visiting this world more often, an interest within him piqued as he thought about the many adventures to be had on this planet. Perhaps he may even learn to swim, that would take a miracle though, probably.

But visiting this planet more often with her? He would never say no to it.

At the mention of her bringing a change of clothes to stay on his ship his eyes widened slightly. A shock to hear from her, but a very welcomed thought.

“Only one set of clothes? May be safe and bring a few days worth, of course though, I would not complain if you just started stealing my shirts.”

The thought of her wearing one of his shirts and the sheer size of it enveloping her like a dress brought a quiet laugh from him as he shook his head.

The mention of her finding a swimsuit that met his approval made him think for a moment as his hands wrapped around his hips.

Would she be more of a one piece or a two piece? Are there more than two pieces?

He pictured her in something that simmered a dark violet, and it just seemed right for her.

He looked at her as she engaged the exit ramp, the sounds of the gentle waves, birds and the smell of salt in the wind wafted into the cab. A sense of calm washed over him as he stepped towards the ramp, the warm sun reflecting heat of the tiny granules of rock, his feet made contact with the sand, sinking in just a bit. A gentle breeze brushed past them.

“Well, if anyone else is there, I'm sure I can clear them out.”

He looked back at her, a warmth reflecting in his eyes.

“Obviously no screaming or threats involved.”

He offered his arm to her, ready to walk with her to the springs.

“A small adventure to locate the hot springs. This sounds like it'll be fun.”

He smiled at her, a genuine warmth in his facial expression.

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren watched the quiet swell of pride in his posture as she looked him over, the faint puff of his chest not escaping her notice. It was subtle, but she had always been good at reading small shifts in people. The sight drew a small, amused warmth into her eyes.

When he asked if she wanted to tame the mane overtaking his head, her gaze drifted up to the longer strands of hair he tried to pull back into order.

"Considering you never stated when you would be returning," she said lightly, "losing ten hours of your vacation is hardly a great tragedy."

She stepped a little closer, studying his hair with a thoughtful tilt of her head.

"You are probably right about one thing, though. If this is truly a vacation, it should be more than a single day."

Her hand lifted briefly, brushing a loose strand away from his forehead before she let it fall again.

"If you would like me to try and tame it, I will," she added with a faint smile. "Though I think it looks perfectly fine as it is. Besides…getting it wet will likely solve most of the problem."

When he reacted to the idea of her leaving clothes aboard the ship, the playful surprise on his face made the corner of her mouth lift again.

"Only one set?" she echoed softly. "Perhaps you are right. A few days' worth might be wiser."

His comment about her stealing his shirts drew a quiet, musical laugh from her.

"Careful what you suggest," she said with gentle amusement. "You might discover your wardrobe slowly disappearing."

By the time the ramp lowered and the ocean air rolled into the cabin, Seren stepped down beside him onto the sand. The warmth beneath her boots and the scent of salt in the wind made her pause for a moment to take in the peacefulness of the island.

When he offered his arm, she accepted it without hesitation, slipping her hand comfortably through his.

"Let us hope your diplomatic talents are not required this morning," she said with quiet humor.

They began walking along the shoreline, the soft rush of waves accompanying them.

"Though I suppose if someone has claimed the springs before us, you will simply have to charm them into sharing."

Her eyes flicked toward him, the warmth in them unmistakable.

"No threats required."

Then she glanced ahead toward the distant greenery where the springs waited somewhere beyond the trees.

"And yes," she added softly, "I think this will be a pleasant little adventure."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


He felt her presence beside him, one he had grown to know intimately well. The sun had started to rise above the horizon line, bathing the beach in a gold and orange glow. When her arm slipped into his he watched the light run over her golden eyes, he looked into them, admiring the color but also admiring her.

The woman who was now beside him had become his main focus for a very long moment as he looked over her. The only person he had let this close to him, and the only person he knew would not stab him in the back for letting them get this close.

What she had said was almost lost to him, before he blinked as they started walking down the beach, a small laugh leaving him from her comment on his diplomacy skills.

“We both know I can be very convincing. But I think we would much prefer the quiet morning, besides, I don't think I would want to share the view with anyone.”

As they crossed over the beach towards the greenery there was a natural trail cutting through the brush. Varin looked at it for a moment.

“Perhaps this way? Most of these trails will lead to some water source.”

He continued down the path beside her, his fingers gently brushing under her arm as they remained linked. As they walked he would brush aside and stray branches or overgrowth to make her journey easier, the sound of birds calling in the trees and the distant waves breaking behind them radiated a feeling of quiet within him.

There were no orders, no shouting, no drills and no combat echoing to the vast expansive sky. Just the sound of nature allowing itself to revolve, unrestrained.

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren walked beside him easily, her hand resting lightly in the crook of his arm as the warmth of the rising sun filtered through the trees ahead of them. The golden light softened the shoreline behind them, turning the ocean into a slow-moving sheet of molten color.

When he spoke about not wanting to share the view, the faintest smile touched her lips.

"I cannot say I disagree," she said quietly. "Some mornings feel as though they were meant to be experienced by only a few people."

Her gaze drifted briefly toward the water behind them before returning to the path as he guided them into the greenery. When he suggested the trail, she followed without hesitation.

"Water does tend to leave clues for those willing to look for them," she replied softly.

As they moved deeper beneath the canopy, the shade cooled the air around them. She noticed the way he brushed aside branches and overgrowth, quietly clearing the way before she reached them.

It did not go unnoticed.

"You are very thoughtful this morning," she added gently, a hint of warm amusement in her voice.

The path curved slowly through the trees, the sounds of birds overhead blending with the distant rhythm of waves behind them. Seren let the quiet settle for a few steps before speaking again.

"It is strange how quickly silence can begin to feel like a luxury," she said. "Most people spend their lives surrounded by noise until they forget what the world sounds like without it."

Her eyes lifted briefly toward the filtered sunlight above them.

"Places like this remind you that the galaxy is still capable of peace…when we allow it to be."

Then she glanced back toward him, the warmth in her expression unmistakable.

"And I suspect you needed that reminder more than most."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace​

“It especially leaves more obvious clues, if you know how to pay attention. I sometimes have that talent.”

He smiled as they continued down the trail. After he cleared brush for her her next phrase brought a small pause to him as he walked with her, arm still holding hers.

“Well I couldn’t let you just walk through that. What would that make me?”

He chuckled lightly as they passed through the brush, the golden light bathing over the trees and splitting into small rays above them through the leaves. As he listened to the surrounding noises around them, she brought up a really good point to him. He had spent enough time on Coruscant to have forgotten silence, and the sounds of the galaxy itself untouched by hands. He was silent for a moment, listening further to the various bird calls and insect chirping. The rustling of smaller critters in the underbrush near them caught his attention, but as quickly as it came, his attention was back on her and the trail.

“Silence is one of the luxuries I am most thankful for at times.”

He spoke softly, with a warmth from his chest to show the comfort he felt in this very moment.

“Peace, as much as I would love it, is not an eternal thing. There is always conflict. But, that does not mean I reject the idea of peace.

He looked at her with a warm smile.

“Especially now.”

He continued to guide her down the trail, the area around them had started to change, only minimally but it was still evident. The scent of salt on the air had faded but was soon replaced by a new scent. A scent of hot mineral water that laid in small pools. A small flow of water could be heard nearby as they approached.

Varin also noted, there were no sounds of other people. A sense of relief came over him. Truth be told he had no idea how he could be diplomatic without threatening someone's life in some way, but thankfully that experience was likely to wait longer.

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren walked beside him at an easy pace, her arm still comfortably linked with his as the trail carried them deeper beneath the canopy. The early sunlight filtered through the leaves in scattered beams that painted the path in warm gold and soft shadow. For a time, she said nothing, letting the quiet of the place settle naturally between them.

When he spoke about silence being a luxury, her gaze drifted briefly upward to where the light shimmered through the branches.

"It is a rare one," she said softly. "Most people spend their entire lives trying to escape noise without realizing how deeply it has woven itself into them."

Her voice carried the same calm rhythm as the forest around them.

"Peace may never last forever," she continued gently, "but moments of it are still worth protecting."

She turned her head slightly toward him, catching the warmth in his smile.

"Especially when they are this difficult to come by."

As they continued down the trail, the air slowly shifted around them. Seren noticed the same change he did. The faint scent of salt from the ocean was fading, replaced by the distinct mineral warmth carried on the rising steam of geothermal water.

Her eyes moved ahead through the trees.

"We are close," she murmured.

The sound of softly flowing water reached them next, gentle and steady. When she realized the area remained quiet, her shoulders relaxed slightly.

"And it seems we were fortunate this morning."

A small hint of playful amusement touched her expression as she glanced at him.

"Your diplomacy skills may remain untested after all."

Seren stepped forward through the last stretch of brush where the trees began to open, revealing the rising mist and smooth stone edges of the hot springs ahead.

For a moment, she simply looked at the steaming pools, the surface of the water shimmering faintly in the morning light.

"It appears we have the place to ourselves."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


After she mentioned how noise was more tightly woven into more people than they realised, Varin took a moment to think on that. Let it roll around in his head, perhaps that same noise was also a part of him.

When she mentioned that moments of peace were worth fighting for he looked back at her, a calmer demeanor about him.

“I agree with that.”

When she looked back at him he slowly looked up the trail ahead.

“When something is hard to fight for, or to maintain, it is usually worth it in the end.”

He exhaled softly as a slight twitch to his lips developed a curve at the corners.

“Or so I have been told. Some things, from my experience, are not always worth it. Peace and quiet, that is one of the ones worth pursuing.”

When they both had noticed the spring coming up and its quiet nature, the sign that no one else was there, the relief over his body was felt between the two of them as a soft breath escaped him.

“I will not lie, I was struggling to think how I would peacefully clear the place out.”

He chuckled as he guided her towards the rising mists of the water. The light from the sun bled through the foggy clouds of heated moisture, dancing shadows of branches and leaves sprinkled throughout the clouds around them. He could feel his pores open and the very vicinity of the place brought a relaxing nature to the tightly wound muscles over his body.

Knots he did not realize he had already started relaxing, a tense muscle over his shoulders and neck eased as his body slowly relaxed further.

He looked around until his gaze found her, surrounded by the rays of sunlight and the dancing shadows. He could not help but linger his gaze upon her.

“Wow…”

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren followed him through the final stretch of mist and stone, the soft mineral warmth of the springs wrapping around them like a living breath. Steam curled lazily upward where the morning sunlight broke through the canopy, turning the air into drifting ribbons of gold and white.

She watched the tension leave his shoulders as they approached the water, his posture easing as the heat touched his skin even before he stepped in. A faint, satisfied smile crossed her lips at that.

"I suspected you might enjoy this place," she said quietly.

When his attention lingered on her and the quiet wow left his lips, Seren's amber eyes softened with a hint of amused warmth.

Without much ceremony, she slipped out of her outer garments, setting them carefully on a smooth rock near the edge of the pool. Her movements were unhurried and natural, as though she had done this many times before. The rising mist and the angled sunlight softened the lines of her silhouette as she stepped toward the water.

As she turned slightly, the tattoo on her back became visible through the drifting steam. The mark resembled a stylized eye wreathed in flame, with curved, almost ritualistic lines extending downward into a sharp point. The design was dark and deliberate, the kind of symbol that clearly carried meaning older than simple decoration.

She stepped down into the spring slowly, lowering herself into the warm mineral water until it rose to her shoulders. The heat drew a quiet breath from her as she leaned back against the smooth stone edge of the pool, letting the water carry away the lingering chill of the morning air.

Her gaze lifted toward Varin through the rising steam, a small playful glimmer returning to her eyes.

"You should try it before the moment passes," she said softly. "Standing there admiring the scenery will only make the water seem colder when you finally step in."

She tilted her head slightly, one arm resting along the edge of the spring as the sunlight shimmered across the surface of the water.

"And I promise the springs are far more relaxing than that ship shower you were describing earlier."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


Varin's gaze almost averted when she had removed her garments, but it lingered. Unable to look away at the sight of the woman he had fallen hard for. Speechless at first, then he noticed the tattoo on her back.

A specialized design it seemed, one that held significant meaning.

The way she moved through the fog with an unhurried ease, fluid and unbothered. He watched her step into the spring before him.

Varin slowly looked around and reached out with the force, searching for any prying eyes. He concentrated for a moment, until he was clear he did not feel any presence nearby.

When she spoke his attention returned to her, noticing the glint in her eye, he removed the sleep pants and set them aside and then stood for a moment, studying the water just a bit, before he slowly stepped into the heated pool.

A slight exhale forced out of his chest as his back muscles tightened and then slowly released after adapting to the change in temperature.

For a moment longer he stood in the center, the water coming up to the mid point of his ribs, slowly he inhaled and exhaled, taking in the heat and relaxing his body further.

His eyes slowly opened and he looked at her, a playful smirk appearing on his face before he sunk all the way down into the water.

A moment of silence surrounded Seren.

Then without warning, she felt his arms wrap around her waist as he carried her partially up out of the water.

“You were right. I already feel much better than I did ten minutes ago.”

He gave her a warm playful smile.

"Turns out, these springs carry damsels."

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren had been leaning back against the smooth stone edge of the spring, her eyes half-lidded as the warmth of the mineral water slowly eased the last lingering tension from her shoulders. The steam curled lazily around her, catching the morning sunlight in shifting ribbons that softened the quiet moment.

She heard him move through the water, but she did not immediately open her eyes.

The Force told her enough.

Then suddenly the water shifted, and strong arms wrapped around her waist.

She gave a soft, surprised breath as he lifted her slightly from the spring, the warm water cascading back around them in gentle ripples. For a brief moment, she simply looked at him, amber eyes bright with amused disbelief.

Then his comment landed.

A small laugh escaped her before she could stop it.

"Damsels?" she repeated, one eyebrow lifting slightly as her hands came to rest lightly against his shoulders for balance.

The sunlight filtering through the mist caught the gold in her eyes as she studied him with playful scrutiny.

"Careful, Varin," she said, her voice warm with teasing amusement. "If you start rescuing people from perfectly comfortable hot springs, your heroic reputation may become terribly confusing."

She shifted slightly in his arms, the movement sending small waves across the surface of the pool.

"Besides," she added with a soft, mischievous smile, "I do not recall asking to be rescued."

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she tilted her head just slightly.

"Though I will admit… your timing was excellent."

One hand slid from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her fingers brushing lightly there as she leaned a fraction closer.

"And the springs do seem to be working already."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace


He leaned forward with her, pulling her closer. A small chuckle leaving him as one of his hands rested on her upper back to give her more support.

His lips gently pressing to hers.

“Hm, well, my heroic reputation is already spotty at best. So I figured I would at least stay consistent.”

His other arm swept behind her knees holding her into a comfortable cradle in his arms as he walked them to the edge of the spring, the water rippling behind him as the steam rolled off his back. There he sat on a smooth rock formation, a natural made seat as he held her.

“Sure, you might not have asked to be saved, but”

He paused for a moment as he looked into her eyes, his dark brown eye dilating just a bit as he looked at her. The world around them, at least to him, drew to a halt. Speechless for but a quick moment he gently exhaled a breathy chuckle as he finally composed himself.

“I guess I am just full of surprises.”

The warmth of the spring enveloped both of them as he sat with her, holding her in his arms, loose enough for her to escape if she wished, but tight enough for support.

“Timing is everything, as I'm told. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I don't.”

His thumb gently brushed over her shoulder blade as he held her, the rhythm mimicking the movement she demonstrated over his neck.

“I think the only thing we may be missing is some wine.”

He chuckled.

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren returned his kiss without hesitation, the warmth of the springs and the morning sun turning the moment into something slow and unhurried. When he lifted her from the water and carried her to the smooth stone seat at the edge of the pool, she did not resist. One arm settled lightly around his shoulders as he sat, the other resting against his chest as the steam curled around them.

The world beyond the mist felt distant and unimportant.

When he finished speaking, Seren studied him for a moment, the warmth in her amber eyes unmistakable. A small, amused smile curved across her lips as his thumb brushed along her shoulder blade.

"Full of surprises?" she murmured softly.

Her fingers slid lightly along the side of his neck, tracing the line there with an affectionate familiarity that matched his gentle touch.

"I have noticed."

She leaned slightly closer, her voice lowering into a playful whisper near his ear.

"Though I must admit, I rather enjoy discovering them."

Pulling back just enough to look at him again, Seren tilted her head slightly as if considering his final observation.

"Wine would certainly complete the scene," she said with quiet amusement. "But I suspect if you had planned that as well, I might begin to think this entire morning was a carefully orchestrated trap."

Her gaze drifted briefly over the mist-covered spring and the golden light filtering through the trees before returning to him.

"And I would hate to discover that the fearless warrior who carried me out of the water is secretly a romantic strategist."

The corner of her mouth lifted again as she shifted slightly in his arms, clearly comfortable there.

"Though if you truly wish to improve your timing," she added playfully, "you might simply remember to bring wine the next time you decide to rescue someone."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace​

As her soft touch made contact with his shoulders and his chest, the runic carvings along his chest and ribs pulsed lightly as she made her soft gentle movements along his skin. His body’s equivalent to goosebumps. He closed his eyes with the touch, enjoying the moment as the sounds of the forest around them continued. Her next words made him partially open his eyes and he hummed in agreement. A shiver ran up his spine as her touch ran up his neck.

When she leaned in to whisper into his ear, he leaned in as well. The loose hair that was lazily pulled back over his head falling back forward.

“Oh really now? There’s probably more where that came from.”

A soft laugh escaped him at her next statement about the wine.

“Well, unfortunately that's where my surprises stop. As much as I would like to feel like a romantic strategist, I have some limits.”

He did however make a mental note for some other getaway at a different time. Perhaps on this same planet, perhaps on a different one. But the details of those plans would wait for now, as his focused narrowed back to her.

“Well, right now, there is only one damsel in my life, and technically she’s not a damsel. She’s far too dangerous to be considered a damsel.”

He smiled at her.

“Some would say she is more of a sorceress and a master of the shadows.”

His expression softened when he once again looked into her golden eyes.

“With eyes as vibrant as the sun. A star, one would say.”

His arm behind her shoulder gently cradled her in the crook of his elbow allowing his finger to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her cheek. All of the mist, the sun ray visuals and the sounds of the forest and the spring, slowly bringing out something he had held in to himself for quite some time now.

His voice came out soft and quiet, meant only for her ears as he spoke the ancient High Sith language to her.

"Ki Hadzuska W'ana"

A warm, soft smile appearing over his lips as he continued to look into her eyes, the golden hues that have helped guide his steps through so much since the day they met.

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

The morning light filtered through the rising steam, casting a golden haze over the moment as Seren allowed her gaze to linger on Varin's face. The silence between them wasn't empty; it was heavy with the weight of the ancient High Sith words he had just spoken, a sacred whisper that seemed to anchor them both to a history far older than their own.

Her hand, which had been resting against his chest, moved with slow, deliberate grace to cradle the side of his face, her palm absorbing the warmth of his skin. Her thumb brushed lightly along the curve of his cheek, tracing the line of his jaw as if she were memorizing the heartbeat beneath it.

"You know the old language," she murmured, her voice stripped of its usual playful defense and replaced by a soft, resonant warmth. "And I suspect you chose those words with the kind of care that only someone who truly understands their weight would dare to use."

She leaned forward until her forehead rested gently against his, closing the distance between them so completely that the rest of the forest seemed to dissolve into the mist. The world narrowed down to the rhythmic sound of their breathing and the faint, shimmering pulse of the runes that still echoed against her senses.

"You have been guiding my steps through the dark for some time as well, Varin," she whispered into the small space between them, her fingers sliding deep into his hair to smooth the dark strands with a tenderness she rarely permitted herself to show. "Perhaps it was a path we were weaving together long before either of us had the clarity to realize where it was leading."

Drawing back just enough to catch the reflection of the golden morning light in his eyes, she let a faint, genuine smile play across her lips. One that carried the quiet thrill of a shared secret.

"There is a certain irony in it, I suppose," she added, her thumb once again tracing the line of his cheek in a slow, possessive sweep. "The galaxy remembers a man who once turned entire battlefields to ash and struck terror into the hearts of thousands, and yet here he is, looking at me with a softness that could disarm the stars themselves."

Her voice dropped to a breathy, intimate sliver of sound as she leaned in once more.

"And I must admit, Varin...I find that I do not dislike it in the slightest."

Varin Mortifer