Private Unexpected Company

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru

The message arrived early in the morning, just as Braze finished tightening the last bolt on one of the Mud Duck's auxiliary thrusters. A familiar name blinked across his datapad. Master Tirin had sent a short request asking him to put the Duck to use by ferrying supplies and people when needed. This time, he was asked to meet a contact outside the Temple and help them collect materials for the relief efforts on Refuge.

Braze accepted without thinking much of it. He expected a farmer, a courier, maybe one of the Temple's volunteers. What he did not know was that the person he had been sent to meet was Aliris Tremiru .

He smiled upon seeing her at the entrance, a quiet curl of amusement touching his lips. Of all the people Master Tirin could have sent, he had not expected her. The morning had just become far more interesting.

Braze padded over and in an a overtly dramatic manner swept one hand over his chest. " My lady. Your transport awaits. " Braze purred gently before adding, " We have some time before the ships loaded so we can go grab a bite to eat if you like. "

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

Relief efforts were as ever a time consuming objective. She'd lost track of just how much work she'd been doing. Weeks, in truth, of just heading from one zone to another, organizing supplies, distributing, cooking, managing employees, all of it. Too busy to take time for herself. Master Tirin had said something about it, that she needed a moment to breath, but she'd spent much too long doing only that in her coma and even when she woke, she spent too much time slowly rebuilding all that lost muscle.

It didn't even click at first. Her eyes were glued to another screen she was sorting out. The voice hit her ears though, at all at once she blinked. It was a voice she'd never forget. Eyes snapped up, blinked once or twice as watched Braze. Another blink. Then, a soft laugh. Amusement flooded her features. "I didn't realize you'd been reduced to a ferryman. Was it because of all your antics lately?"

Tease as she might, the joy of seeing her friend again filled her features in a way she couldn't deny. Not that it wouldn't stop her from trying. Arms folded, datapad held off to the side.

"Or was this a ploy of Master Tirin?"

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

Braze was genuinely glad to see her again. So much had shifted in the time they had spent apart that the sight of her felt strangely steadying. Whoever first said that absence makes the heart grow fonder clearly knew what they were talking about. The truth of it settled in his chest the moment their eyes met, and a warmth blossomed where he had not expected it filling him with a warm fuzzy feeling.

"I do not know if I would call exile from the New Jedi Order an ‘antic,’ but I do believe my precarious arrangement with Master Tirin relies heavily on me doing his bidding lately. Fetch this, go there, check on the location of this rumored temple, bring back some obscure plant from who knows where… I swear the man has turned my entire life into one endless series of errands.

Go climb that cliff and retrieve the moss that only grows on the left side. Track down a farmer who allegedly owns a chicken that may or may not lay blue eggs. Deliver a datapad to someone who refuses to live anywhere with working comms. Pull a crate of artifacts out of a bog that tried to eat me. And yesterday he asked if I could confirm whether or not a mythical fish exists, even though I am fairly certain it was a joke. I completed the task anyway.... But I am very happy to see you. "

He did move to offer her a hug opening his arms for an embrace but he made no move to step towards her and initiate in case she didn't want an embrace.

"You know… of all the people I thought I'd be meeting today, you were not on the list. I'm not complaining. You look stronger than the last time I saw you. How have you been holding up, truly?"

He moved to pick up her luggage, assuming she had packed to travel with the shipment, and took the burden of carrying it from her.
"We can drop this off on the Mud Duck and find a nice spot if you are hungry. I hear there is a great restaurant that sells good steaks and roasted fruit. Does that sound like something you might enjoy?"

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"I could almost call it a cry for attention, if I was feeling even more mean." She said anyway, as if she was in fact that mean. There was a confidence back in her. Not where it had been, not where it was a shield for her insecurity, but one built naturally for who she was today. "I'm glad he didn't cut you out entirely, though. I heard some of what happened. It was.. Worrying, for a bit. But only a bit. I had no doubt you were doing what you had to to help." No hesitation came as she stepped over to hug him. Really hugged him. A squeeze as she closed her eyes and just, enjoyed having her friend there with her again.

"I'm- better. The dreams aren't there anymore. Or at least infrequent enough I can't remember the last. It's been nice being up on my own two feet again, walking. Running. I can even climb now." She stepped back, idly flexing an arm as if to show off the muscle there. Some definition, some visible strength. She glanced to the luggage she did have. It wasn't much, she never bothered packing much. Some spare outfits, some spare toiletries.

"Meat and fruit is an interesting combination. I'm eager to see how that tastes."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

As she hugged him she would smell the soft mix of dry sandalwood touched with a light, creamy sort of sweetness that made the woody scent feel soft rather than sharp. Beneath it was a faint cedary dryness, bringing out a clean, steady scent. Woven through that woody warmth was a subtle rose note, more like pressed petals than a full bloom, giving a mild floral touch. A hint of musk rounded the edges, adding a low warmth that kept the other scents anchored. He hugged her back just as tight going to far as to pick her up off her feet briefly before setting he rback down.

He half-chuckled at what she said, making no attempt to deny any of her accusations. He perked up when she talked about how her life had improved, how she had regained her strength, enough that she could even climb again. "Sounds like temple raiding might be easier to do again, hmnn~? And just look at those guns. Impressive work. You've been working hard, I see." He offered her a smile as he started off toward the big freighter.

"Yeah, they have a bunch of wait staff who bring around different meats on skewers, and they have roasted pink and gold pineapples. They roll them in sugar and roast everything over an open flame. The ribs are super tender." He spoke softly, almost like he was reliving the taste from a previous.

"The caramelized pineapple with the steak is amazing. Sweet and savory at the same time. And you can eat as much as you want. They also have a nice pop option that tastes like a refreshing citrusy, slightly spiced drink… I think it's made from guaraná." Braze explained as they walked.

He led her up to the Mud Duck and showed her aboard. "Want one of the guest suites, or would you prefer a crew quarters?" he asked, uncertain where she'd be most comfortable.

"We're working on adding new Gravity Beds as part of the upgrades to the ship. I find they help me not have bad dreams." Braze added as they took the lift toward the middle floor. "We've installed them into most of the guest suites so far."

He paused before the lift doors fully opened. "Oh… do you like dogs?" he asked, thinking it might be wise to warn her about the vornskr aboard.

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

There was a light laugh of joy as she was lifted up, the kind that lingered in a joyful smile even as she was set down and stepped back. A smirk returned pretty quick though at the mention of temple raiding. "I don't raid temples anymore, but I suppose I could be convinced to return to a ruin or two, for old times sakes." She walked beside him, hands clasped behind her back as she looked at him. Really looked at him. It'd been some time since they were last together.

He was older now, that much was obvious, but in a way she couldn't quite put her finger on yet.

"That does sound like it'd be good. Fancy, even. Maybe I should dress up proper for such a meal. I'm sure I've got some sort of fancy robe in there, knowing Master Tirin." There was a pause though. Choices for rooms was nice and all, but hearing that these grav beds helped him with his nightmares only brought a single thought to her mind. He suffered them too.

"Which room is yours?" A pause. A beat. Her cheeks flared red before she cleared her throat. ".. So I can pick a room close by. If we're going to be spending a lot of time on board, I'd prefer to have a friend close by." She made no further comment on it, instead tilting her head at the mention of a dog.

"Maaaybe. I haven't spent long with anything but Lothcats, so I might've ended up a crazy cat lady in all that time we've been apart. I suppose you'll have to see."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

"The Jedi ones are much less deadly, I swear," he said with a faint chuckle. "I think dressing up might actually be encouraged at this place. It's a little fancier. The waiters wear little vests and cute bow ties. They also have a strict rule about wearing shirts with sleeves and closed-toed shoes." Braze explained, lifting a hand slightly as if quoting from memory. "If you don't have anything like that, you can always borrow one of my silk robes. I have a ton."

"Right now I'm staying in the Haven suite. If you're not afraid of vornskrs, you can stay there with me, I don't mind. I'll have to introduce you to Kujo, though," he added, thinking about the big pupper he'd been taking care of in Okuma Milogen 's absence.

The Haven suite was the largest room on the ship, centered around one of the main observation deck windows. Several beds and small bedrooms branched off from the main space, giving it more of a penthouse layout than a typical starship cabin. It would certainly keep her closer to where he slept. "There are other guest suites in the corridor here," he said, guiding her down the hallway. "The room at the end is the Haven."

Outside the suite's door, a few extra structural reinforcements had been installed for security, and a posted sign reminded individuals not to open the room without clearance due to the vornskr inside. Braze paused there to let her make her decision. "They all have ensuite baths," he added lightly.

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

It was a fancy place? Amusement bloomed across Aliris's features. "Sounds like you're planning on taking me on quite the date. Making up for something?" She kept that bit of a grin, but her head tilted at the mention of Kujo. A Vornskr of all things? She chuckled. Leave it to Braze to keep a Force Hunter as a pet. The how was something she'd ask about some other time.

"I can't sleep in the same room as you. Not because of Kujo, though. I'll take this one." One right next door. That'd be close enough. Had to be close enough. "I'll see what Tirin ended up packing me, and we can head out? I'd like to eat." Hunger was surprisingly prevalent right now. She hung in the doorway, smiling ever so faintly as she watched Braze.

".. I'm really glad master ended up tricking you onto this."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

Braze nodded at her choice of room and moved to open the door. "Whatever makes you most comfortable is the best option~" he chirped as he stepped into the guest suite, setting her bag gently on the bed.

"I haven't seen you in a very long time, and it feels like we've missed out on so much together. I'm grateful for the chance to spend some actual downtime with you. I'm eager to hear everything you've been doing on Lothal with Jalen Kai'el . "

"I'll give you some space and go swap a few articles of clothing and meet you down by the ramp when you're ready." He offered the words with a small bow of his head before slipping out and leaving her alone in the room.

The interior of the guest suites felt far closer to a hotel than the standard crew bunks. The flooring had a solid stone like feel to it, crafted to mimic the texture of realistic wood. The beds were more refined in design, giving the space a simple, higher-end luxury. Plush upholstered seating and soft fabrics like velvet and satin added warmth and comfort to the room, creating an inviting atmosphere very unlike the utilitarian crew quarters elsewhere on the ship.

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"You're going to be rather disappointed that not much has happened, in truth. I certainly don't have any tales to impress or inspire." She smiled ever so faintly. Before, it might have been embarrassing, especially comparing herself to Braze. Aliris turned her gaze to the room, head tilting for a moment before she took a seat on the bed just to feel over the covers.

This wasn't anything like the humble bed she had in the temple. "I won't be long, at least. Maybe. I feel the need to shower up. Totally not because I can see that's a waterfall shower and I've missed running water more than I thought." An opportunity she wasn't about to pass up. And, well, maybe she wanted to be a bit more clean than having worked all day to make sure the supplies were set up to go out for dinner at a nice restaurant.

The idea this was the kind of life Braze had found himself was amazing in itself. She wouldn't keep him long, instead taking a quick shower before stepping back out into the room to look at her pack. ".. He did smell good." For a moment, her brow furrowed before she rather vigorously dried her hair. She was thinking too much, letting her thoughts travel too much. Get dressed. Focus on that. As she pulled out the various basic Jedi robes, the one left for her was certainly what she expected.

".. Alright, fine Master Tirin."

It was only a little while longer before Aliris stepped beside Braze. She'd taken a little longer to get properly dressed up, fussed as ever as she smiled faintly. Shyly, even, if only for a moment. "So, shall we go?"

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

"We shall see. Let em know if there's anything extra you may need or want and I'll get it sorted for you. It should eb freshly stocked. " Braze called over his shoulder before leaving her to relax.

The bath was stocked with sweetpea blossom and violet shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. The shelves held chocolate colored bath sheets that had been freshly pressed and folded. A matching plush robe and a pair of new slippers were still sealed in their plastic packaging on top of the stack of towels. Every detail spoke of a guest suite meant for comfortable, stylish travel.

Braze waited for Aliris Tremiru at the landing bay entrance, dressed in a slightly more refined version of his usual black and white ensemble. When she arrived in a gown of soft shifting colors, he paused in mild surprise. The hues suited her perfectly.

"Oh. That is very nice. It flatters your complexion." Braze said with clear sincerity.

He offered her his hand and guided her toward the armored speeder waiting just outside. He opened the passenger door for her and made sure her skirts were safely gathered so the fabric would not snag on anything before helping her settle into the seat.

It was only a short ride before they reached their destination. Braze stepped out quickly and helped her down with the same quiet care.

The restaurant's interior carried a warm, refined atmosphere suited for fine dining. Soft lights, polished wood, and muted colors created a sense of comfort without pretension. A host guided them to a small booth and handed each of them a menu for drinks. The salad and soup bar stood nearby, and servers moved gracefully between tables.

Their server brought cheddar bread biscuits and small fried bananas dusted with sugar as a starter. They were both asked how they preferred their meat cooked and were given little cards to flip over whenever they wanted a pause from the circulating servers who carried skewers of different cuts.

Braze drummed his fingers once on the menu before speaking.
"I hope tonight is alright for you. I have not done something like this in a while. If there is anything you prefer differently, tell me."

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"I'm glad you think so. I've not worn something like this before." It showed, in truth, as parts of her outfit weren't properly set. Disheveled, if neat, sort of deal. She sat with him, smiling ever so faintly in the back of the speeder. It was interesting to see him treat her like this. For once, she was alright with being a little pampered. Whether it was because of it being Braze or because she hadn't been treated like this, hard to say.

But she was enjoying it.

Aliris went so far as to just hold Braze's arm once he helped her out, even as they walked into the restaurant. She was wide eyed, almost, exploring with a bright smile before her gaze shifted to Braze himself. Just watching him in his suit, his mannerisms. She really had missed him. She took her seat, idly looking around again before she took up one of the chips to munch on.

"I've never done anything like this. So.. I'm alright with you leading me, mm?" She smirked faintly, almost teasingly as she looked into his eyes. Only for a moment though before her gaze went traveling around again.

"There's so much I haven't experienced yet."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru
​

"I can imagine. There is always more to do than can be done in a single lifetime, even if that lifetime is as long as a Hutt's. So feel free to try anything you like. They also bring out sausage, poultry, and seafood on rotation. I will help you pick anything you want, and you can always get more." He offered this while placing an order for that funny pop drink he said he enjoyed.

His attention stayed on her often, openly meeting her gaze with unabashed eye-contact as they talked. He unfolded his handkerchief and settled it neatly across his lap.

He preferred his steaks medium rare, so he took a few slices of filet and especially some of the rib meat that nearly fell apart under a fork. He added pieces of pineapple and cut the steak so each bite paired with the sweet, caramelized fruit.

Whenever the waiters stopped by, he made sure to ask if she wanted to try anything. He was not shy about calling someone back for seconds of anything she enjoyed. He helped her with the tongs and selected portions for her, setting each choice down on her plate in a tidy array. He had no problem speaking up on her behalf to make sure they received good service. The wait staff here was very attentive, which made everything move smoothly. It created an interesting rhythm in the conversation, too, with how often something new arrived before giving them a moment to chat between servings.

"Ko is helping me set up all my little farms. Loomi and I have been enjoying the seaside, far away from all the war," he said quietly. "I am hoping to produce a high yield of food from the different little farms so I can help in a way that is less about fighting. I am just tired of all the battles near the core... Have any new aspirations or desiers? "

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

Everything was sampled, or outright devoured. Aliris wasn't bothering to hold back on what she tried, only keeping to manners simply because they were in such a high end place. She didn't often break away from the eye contact, only doing so to try something new, to look at her food, to look around. All of this was just so new.

She was obviously not used to any of it.

"Nothing more than what I've already been doing, in truth. I'm not sure if there's anything else I want to do. I like helping people as I have been, you know? You're starting to sound like a lord, though." There was a teasing edge to her voice before she took another bite of a steak cooked rare before humming her delight with it. The food was much too good.

"Maybe I should come by and help out. I think I could pull off a good butler."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

Braze huffed a quiet laugh, shoulders loosening as he leaned back in his chair. "A lord? How do you figure that? I suppose I do sound like a landlord now…" He tipped his fork in a lazy little circle, as if sketching the coastline in the air. "You're welcome to come stay at Tidewatch and help out, or you can stay at the temple. They're only a few miles apart, close enough to walk on a good day."

He cut into his steak, the knife scraping softly against the plate as he went on. "I made sure there'd be plenty of guest rooms. A few special ones too, for friends and family." He paused to take a bite, speaking again once he had swallowed. "I still need to work on some security systems, though. We do not have anything close to the kind of setups I have seen out there." His tone stayed gentle, more thoughtful than worried, as if he was already turning over ideas in the back of his mind.

"I wanted to ask... What planet are you from if any?"

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"Mm. If they're not far apart I might stay at the Temple. Depends on some things." A lot of things, in truth. As nice as this was to spend time with Braze again, she didn't want to just insert herself into his life. Into the life he'd built without her. She took another look around the restaurant with a faint and almost distant smile. She'd return to the temple after all this. Would they stay in touch?

"Dromuund Kaas. I'm apparently nobility or something. I don't know anything about it, though. Why? .. Have I not told you that before?" There was a thoughtful tilt of her head as she looked back to Braze.

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

"I don't think so. I had a chance to visit not too long ago, and I can't say it's a very welcoming place... I did incidentally se... the citadel. Royalty huh? It's okay we don't have to talk about it. " Braze offered gently. "I'd like to show you Refuge, though. It's a planet not too far from Veridia. It's where Jasper has been working." He added softly.

"My uh... Parents are back together again... I'm not really sure how I feel about that so I've been giving them space. "

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"Nobility, not royalty. A budding Lord such as you should learn the difference so you don't make the fool in a noble court." She was practically sing songing her tease there with quite the grin, just before taking another bite of her food. It was a deflection, as much as trying to make light of the idea of Dromuund Kaas. She didn't like that world at all.

"Your parents, though? .. That's complicated, yeah."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Aliris Tremiru ​

He offered a curious tilt of his head at that.

"Oh~? What is the difference, I wonder? I guess royalty is specifically the ruling family? I suppose you could teach me a thing or two~" He teased. " I am not really sure I understand what nobility is supposed to be. I was very bad at keeping up with what I learned from Master Zark San Tekka . Though I certainly learned how to swallow less than appetizing food. You know he made me eat his portion of kabatha too? I wish he had given me the glowing treat after that, not before. Bleh." He practically shuddered at the memory.

"Yeah, I thought my father was dead for the longest time. He has been making me these odd little candies, but they are made out of medicinal stuff," Braze offered as he selected a few more pieces of fillet, which were considerably more appetizing.

He cut into them eagerly. "I think he is not sure how to talk to me either," he added lightly. "Yeah, it is pretty complicated. Have you met the insufferable one yet?"

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"That would very much be the distinction~ Most cultures with nobility separations often have the classes be drastically ranked out through commoners, nobility, and royalty, with each rung above giving incredible power of the ones below." It was a terrible system ripe for abuse when one was considered more valuable than another. She would've actually frowned at the thought if he didn't mention food. A giggle bubbled out, which she hid behind a hand. Proper manners and all.

Though eventually her hand fell as she nodded, smiling much softer now.

"No, I don't think I've met the insufferable one. But it does sound like your father is trying at least. That's a good sign, right?"

Braze