Private The Night Finds Its Own

[Seo Linn]

Seo's smile lingered as he spoke, her gaze steady and warm when it met his. There was something quietly reassuring in the simplicity of what he suggested, in how little he tried to dress it up or make it more than it was.

"It does," she agreed softly.

She let out a small, almost amused breath. "Dinner, conversation, and learning about each other sounds like a very good place to begin." A faint, playful note slipped into her voice. "And drinks, within reason. I would prefer to remember all of it."

Her fingers shifted lightly against his arm as they continued walking. "I have spent so much of my life moving from one crisis to the next," Seo admitted quietly. "It is… nice, to plan something ordinary for once."

She glanced up at him again, sincerity clear in her expression. "I am glad this is how we are starting."

Malcolm Ironmaster

 

[Malcolm Ironmaster]

He smiled and found a restaurant. "Hopefully this will suffice," he said. "Appears to be Nabooan-Chandrilan fusion."

 

[Seo Linn]

Seo slowed beside him, her gaze lifting to take in the restaurant's exterior, warm light spilling onto the promenade. She gave a small nod, the corner of her mouth lifting.

"It will do," she said softly. "Fusion sounds… diplomatic."

There was a faint hint of humor in her tone.

She stepped forward with him and entered, the scent of seasoned meats and fresh herbs greeting them immediately. The interior was intimate but not crowded, low light and polished wood giving the space a quiet elegance that suited the night.

As they were shown to a table, she glanced at him.

"Then perhaps this is fitting," she added gently. "Chandrila and Naboo sharing a table."

She eased into her seat, folding her veil neatly against her collar.

"Let's see what happens when two worlds blend."

Malcolm Ironmaster

 

[Malcolm Ironmaster]

Malcolm removed his cape, folded it neatly, and laid it over the back of his chair. "It should be interesting," he said. "Chandrilan cuisine involves a lot of flavorful but spicy sauces, fermented vegetables, and sometimes raw fish, though I'm partial to roast squall. Nabooan cuisine, from what I've seen, tends towards fragrant herbal seasonings and rich sauces that aren't as spicy."

 

[Seo Linn]

Seo listened with quiet interest as he spoke, her expression thoughtful rather than hesitant. She eased into her chair more comfortably, folding her hands loosely in her lap as she considered his description.

“That sounds… balanced,” she said gently. “Bold, but not overwhelming.” A faint smile touched her lips. “I appreciate food that has depth without trying to overpower you.”

She glanced briefly at the menu before looking back to him. “Where I grew up, spices were used to hide how little there sometimes was,” she admitted calmly. “So I learned to pay attention to flavor early. To notice what was intentional and what was simply survival.”

Her tone softened again, lighter now. “This sounds like something made for enjoyment, not necessity. I think I would like that.”

She tilted her head slightly, curiosity returning. “And roast squall sounds like something I should probably try at least once, if it is your favorite.” A small, amused smile followed. “Consider it part of my education.”

Malcolm Ironmaster