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​