#i bless the rains down on dromund kaas

[dingoat]

Temperance

Upright: middle path, patience, finding meaning Reversed: extremes, excess, lack of balance

[thatwitchrevan]

Meetra & Revan and musings on pain and sympathy and kindness.

-

Revan sat on the ground, wincing, tugging her leg against her chest and hugging it to herself. Meetra couldn't feel the pain, but she could see it clearly in Revan's clenched jaw, in their far off expression as they tried to disconnect from it.

It was one of Dromund Kaas' many blessings. The constant rain and storms wreaked havoc on old injuries. Revan's small, cold hands rubbed circles on the scarred skin of their knee. After a moment of frustration, she started undoing her prosthetic, easing the metal leg off and setting it gently aside.

Meetra watched her in silence. Revan didn't speak or look to her for pity - she knew she'd find none, and she still seemed as prideful as ever, anyway.

The rain came down hard outside their little tent. The wind was loud, too, and every once in a while Revan flinched as if she was afraid of the thunder.

Meetra reached into her bag and grabbed a kolto pack. Wordlessly she passed it to Revan and went back to staring out the small opening in the tent.

Revan took the pack automatically, as if it was still the most normal thing in the world. Her brain only caught up with her a few seconds later. "I... what?"

Meetra didn't look at them. "You can say thank you."

The silence was heavy even under the sounds of wind and rain. Finally, Revan said "Thank you." It was sincere, not timid, if still confused.

Meetra sighed and hugged her own legs to her chest. "Just cause I hate you doesn't mean I want to see you hurting. Not like this." She gently cradled her sore shoulder. "It's not as bad, but mine hurts too."

She could feel Revan's eyes on her. "I'm sorry."

Force, she had never heard Revan's voice like that. So full of remorse, but so completely resigned.

Meetra shook her head. She looked at her again, reluctant to actually meet her eyes. "From what I've heard... you didn't actually mean to do this." She clutched her shirt. "You told them not to hurt me."

Revan's eyes reflected the forest and the storm like a mirror. "I did."

"You told me to go but you wouldn't let anyone else kill me. And I hate that."

They nodded. "I know. And you still almost died. My fault."

Meetra stared at her. She didn't like seeing the guilt in Revan's eyes as much as she'd thought she would. It just reminded her of herself, of how Revan was one of the few people who could understand her now and she hated them. She looked at the kolto pack that Revan held against her leg. Maybe Meetra didn't quite pity her, but she knew how it felt.

Maybe that counted for something.

[uldren-sov]

@s0tc replied to your post 

god i can already imagine his dramatic ass lying there in his corsucant apartment hating everything. the noise, the sun just because, the space, why his beverage is a 'pop'

THEY DON’T EVEN HAVE GOOD TEA.

[abysskeeper]

Kissing prompt: In the rain. Missing the other.

@trafuris

This is also incredibly self-indulgent. At least it isn’t over 6k...though it probably could be if I let it...hence it isn’t very polished.

Maybe now they’ll leave me alone long enough that I can do fanfic...

---

The hum of the ship’s engines drifted off into nothing as they powered down, the noise slowly being overtaken by the rain hitting the ship’s metal exterior until it was gone completely. As the last of the rumblings stopped and the lights on the dashboard in front of him shut off, Cipher Nine sighed and rested his head against the back of his seat. He finally gave in and indulged the budding sense of relief that had been growing inside of him, pleased to finally be on Rishi after the past month and a half. It had felt far longer than that, especially in the last few weeks, and the amount of work was almost overbearing. Almost.

It was rare for him to feel the need to completely disengage with his work for a few days, rarer still that he actually acted upon that feeling when it did rear its head, but the necessities of the past few weeks were rather intense. Rishi was what he needed now, he wouldn’t deny that.

He watched as the rain fell and streaked down the windshield in front of him. It was a shame about the weather, but even that couldn’t really bother him now. It was to be expected during Rishi’s rainy season and…Trick liked this kind of rain anyways. It wasn’t a downpour, just a soft, steady flow from the sky. She had told him a while ago it was calming for her and often helped with her meditation. He had never considered it before, but now, sitting in his turned off ship listening to it and watching it come down in front of him, he could understand her reasoning. There was a certain, appealing lull to it, when inside anyways. He wasn’t necessarily looking forward to trekking across the beach to their apartment in it.

But…that was ultimately why he was here.

He wouldn’t—couldn’t—deny the major reason Rishi lifted the weight strung around his neck was because he knew she was already here waiting for him. Presumably whole. He knew the past couple of days she hadn’t been able to check in with anyone at all because of a renewed campaign on Corellia she was partaking in. And he knew what awaited her in the form of opposition, he had been overseeing its progress for weeks. He was not the worrying sort, she was more than capable and if anything, worry was an insult to her skill, but compounded with everything else, he felt himself growing increasingly on edge. It was only when she messaged him earlier in the day, saying she had gotten to Rishi, that he felt some of it dissipate. If she could message and get herself to Rishi, then she was likely fine.

Still, the only way he would feel better, to ultimately shrug off the past month and a half and the lingering concern from the past week, was to get into the apartment and see her again in person. Confirm for himself that she was here and she was fine, and then finally take the time together they deserved after too much time apart.

He sighed and stood from his seat, throwing one last glance out across the landing pad and part of his stronghold. The rain wasn’t going to let up any time soon, but it was hardly bad enough to even consider waiting out. A little water was an annoyance but ultimately wasn’t going to prevent him from doing what he wanted. And what he wanted was to be in their apartment, with her, in her arms. With that thought in mind, he made his way through his ship and out the airlock. He paused briefly under the cover of the ship’s wing, only to make sure his comms were secure under a layer of clothing one way or another, before starting his way to the apartment.

He wasn’t running necessarily, but he was going at a quicker pace than usual, keeping his head down to avoid rain getting into his eyes and focusing on not letting his boots sink too deeply into the wet sand. He had made it maybe halfway across the beach when he finally looked up because he heard something several paces ahead of him.

“Tav!!!”

He barely had the chance to right himself before something—someone—barreled into him. He just managed to catch hold of her without stumbling backwards as Trick practically launched herself into his arms. He was momentarily shocked at feeling she was soaked, the rain resting on her skin and embedded in her clothes was slowly seeping into his own, but she was warm. And then her lips were against his in a second, hands cupping his face and thumbs tracing new patterns into the raindrops on his cheeks, and nothing else mattered. He sighed and smiled against her, adjusting them both just enough so that he had a better hold on her. Not that it was really needed, her legs only tightened around his waist in response.

She finally pulled away with a laugh, a soft, melodic sound that uncoiled a tension in him he hadn’t even known he was holding. “Hi,” she said with a grin. Despite the rain, he swore he saw stars in her eyes. She was radiant, quite literally, practically glowing in her excitement to finally be with him again. Something warm blossomed in his chest at the thought.

“Hello,” Tavon responded, chuckling before he even thought about it. Her delight was both infectious and equally matched. This—seeing her again—was all he had been thinking about in the quieter moments during the latter half of their time apart.

They stayed quiet for a few moments, letting the sound of the rain and the waves wash over them as they took each other in. He reveled in the feeling of her hands sliding down and around the back of his neck, the feeling as she leaned forward against him and rested her forehead against his, the way her chest steadily rose and fell against his as she breathed. He had missed her, perhaps almost too much. Almost.

“Not that I am complaining about a greeting like that,” he finally broke the silence as the rain started falling a little harder. How could he complain? It was what he wanted…it was better than what he wanted, as she usually proved to do. “But why are you out here? Drenched?”

She shrugged, “I told you, I like the rain when it isn’t cold. It’s nice to meditate in.” She paused for a second and her face darkened a touch, nearly hidden underneath her tattoos. He’d gotten used to spotting it though, he enjoyed causing it maybe a little too much. “Besides, I haven’t been here for that long and I figured you’d be home soon—”

Home. She said the word so easily, as if it was natural and obvious. Maybe it was, but “home” was not a concept he readily had in the past, and it wasn’t one he ever really gave much consideration to. “Home” had always been wherever he landed whenever he had some time off: Nar Shaddaa, Dromund Kaas, even Yavin IV or Tatooine on occasion, it never really mattered so long as it had a bed and allowed him the capability to prepare for whatever he had to do next. And he never really considered any of them home, they were just somewhere to go for a few days. But…he had a pull to Rishi, he had wanted to return to Rishi this time. Well…no, that wasn’t quite right.

He was staring into the eyes of where—to whom—he wanted to return. Nowhere else ever had her before, there was never someone waiting for him. He had never considered home before because there was never someone who he desperately wanted to get back to before now.

She was right, this was home. She was home. Perhaps that contributed to why the past several weeks felt particularly long. Actually, there was no wondering about it, that was why the past several weeks felt particularly long. He simply wanted to go home.

One of her hands rested on his cheek again, pulling him out of his new revelation. Without thinking, he leaned into her touch. “—I missed you, Tav,” she said and smiled. Her eyes traced over his face and he was all too happy to let her take him in again. She met his eyes after several moments and gave another weak shrug, “I wanted to see you again as soon as I could. Even if I only saved a couple of minutes.”

She felt the same, of course she did. Instead of answering her with words, he mimicked her, bringing one of his hands up to cup her cheek. After a moment, his hand slid back and curled into the tangles of her hair, gently guiding her to him so he could kiss her again. She came easily, happily, and fully rested against him as he brushed his lips against her. He was softer, slower this time as he kissed her with intent rather than pleasant surprise, taking the time to fully bask in the feeling of her lips moving against his, the way her body melded to him, and the way her hands were warm against the skin of his neck. He felt the residual remnants of the past weeks sliding away from him as he finally got the proper moment to simply feel her again. And when they pulled apart again and he smiled at her, it only confirmed his latest revelation.

She was soft and she was light and she was home.

She didn’t move very far away, pressing her forehead against his again, their noses brushing. “Tavon,” she mumbled, and he practically felt the way she said his name like a blessing. She was smiling again, not the excited one she had when she first greeted him, it was more tender and crooked and the raindrops hanging onto the lashes only accentuated how it lit up her eyes with love. Love…it wasn’t a word they had used yet, they danced rather expertly around their feelings in general, but when she looked at him like this, with a smile she only ever gave to him, he had no doubt it was with nothing but love. He had even less doubt the feeling that tugged at his heart every time was much the same.

They would get there with time, he knew that.

He smiled and moved his hand back to caress her cheek, nearly overwhelmed and incredibly content at the same time. Words probably wouldn’t cover how he felt, but he knew how to try, “Suffice to say, I missed you too, Nikki.”

Her blush darkened immediately, curling out from behind her tattoos as she bit her lip. “I-I—” she stammered before opening and closing her mouth a few times to say something. Eventually she gave up and shook her head before burying her face in the crook of his neck. She mumbled something, he felt her breath against his skin, but he couldn’t make out what it was. Probably a curse of some sorts.

Maybe he was a little cruel. Maybe he wanted to see her get flustered again—she was adorable—but it truly was the only way he felt he could properly convey just how much he did miss her. Besides, she would get used to her name again eventually, he wanted her to, so he might as well utilize it to his advantage while he could.

Tavon chuckled and momentarily turned his attention towards the sky. Funny how much he didn’t care about the rain now, he was soaked but it didn’t matter much anymore. The same as how nothing from the past month and a half mattered much anymore, the last remnants of tension pooled at his feet along with the rain. He sighed and turned his attention back towards Trick, smiling fondly and kissing the top of her head.

Undoubtedly this was exactly what he needed. He needed to go home.

[rainofaugustsith]

10 OC facts: Viri and Jia

Thank you so much for the tag @the-sith-in-the-sky-with-diamond​! I love doing these! Tagging @a-muirehen @metriorhynchus @chokit-pyrus @celith-wraine

We know who always goes first. My favorite.

1. Viri is 6′2″ or 1.83m. When she was a kid, she hit a huge growth spurt when she was around 12 and was suddenly way taller than her peers. She was extremely self conscious about it and slouched to try to hide her height until she realized that her parents were very tall, like her, and so was her mentor, Darth Merwo. Both her mother and Merwo were tall, strong women who just did not give a fuck what anyone thought of them, and that rubbed off a lot on Viri.

2. If Viri sees dead civilians, Alliance members or Sith on the battlefield she will often recite the Qoorit (the Sith prayer for the dead in my head canon) under her breath for them, even if she can’t do the full rite there.

3. Viri truly believes that the tattoo on her shoulder - a Sith blessing she loves - has helped protect her.

4. Viri likes really silly, light-hearted movies and shows. She doesn’t like watching a lot of dramas or tragedies because, well, she gets enough of that in her own job.

5. Viri frequently has very loud, ridiculous colors and patterns on her socks and undergarments. Even when she’s wearing the scariest Sith armor ever, there might be neon green stripes underneath.

6. Viri still inwardly cringes whenever she sees a carbonite slab. She will not go near them if she can help it. Taran the bounty hunter has learned that if she’s talking about work, she doesn’t want to discuss carbonite within earshot of Viri.

7. Viri likes wearing Lana’s clothes because they make her feel safe. Of course, since she’s half a foot taller than Lana, the only thing that fits her is Lana’s belt, readjusted.

8. Both Viri and Lana always cover up the Marks of Union (from their Sith marriage ritual for Force bonded partners) on their palms when they’re in public. They love each other to infinity, but they know that if certain people knew they were *that* tightly bonded in the Force, it could potentially be used to hurt them.

9. Viri’s not very good at video games and rage quits.

10. Viri’s parents physically resemble Alison Janney and Stellan Skarsgård.

1. Every single piece of gold Jia wears has some deep significance to her and was given to her by someone she loves in her family. She never takes it off, and if anyone tried to steal it she’d gut them.

2. Jia has a gift for debate and persuasion and can often talk circles around other people until they’re convinced they agree with whatever she’s saying. She doesn’t even need the Force for it, she’s just really adept with her words and reading her audience.

3. In line with #2, Jia is very good at reading people and their intentions. It’s hard to bullshit her because she will catch you on it. 

4. Jia has almost always had hair that has gone to her waist, and she refuses to cut it or put it up in a bun for battles. She’s worked to find ponytail and braid styles so she can keep it mostly down without it getting in her face.

5. Having grown up on Dromund Kaas, Jia hates sunny days. Planets like Tatooine and Hoth where there is a lot of sun and light (Hoth has snow, but it’s bright!) are torture to her. She finds rain very comforting and familiar, and when it’s raining on Odessen, she can often be found taking a walk in it.

6. Jia speaks very softly, and those who don’t know her often describe her as shy and quiet. She doesn’t really show most of her personality until she’s warmed up to you.

7. Jia has a very, very deep hatred of Zakuul since every member of her family perished somehow during the Empire’s war with the Eternal Empire.

8.  During the time of the class stories, Jia was good friends (and occasional lovers) with Lord Zavrasha. They both were apprentices of Darth Mortis so they worked together, and things went from there.

9. Jia still hasn't been to visit Korriban again. She was there when the Eternal Empire attacked, and the memories are too painful for her.

10. Jia and Lana attended the same Sith academies in Dromund Kaas, but since they're different ages and would have been in different classes, they never crossed paths.

[nusaran]

scrosciare - the action of rain pouring down or of waves hitting rocks and cliffs- petrichor - the pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a long period of dry weather- (two of my favorite things)

Thanks for the ask and I apologise sincerely for taking so long ;_; I did both and hope that I did them justice!

Scrosciare

It was incrediblydark outside, Edenye mused numbly, far too dark to still be daytime. Rainsplashed down all around her, soaking her clothes right down to her bones. Waterran down her neck, back and arms… she felt so heavy. A relieving weight as hairstuck to her soaking wet skin on every inch. After being bedbound for days, itwas liberating to be outside.

Even when it wasduring a downpour on Dromund Kaas that doused everything in a deep grey-black.

She tilted herhead up, the drops now hitting her eyelids, forehead and nose. To think thatshe had been on death’s door not days ago and now was sitting in the heavilypouring rain. Away from the too bright medbay, the too clean smell… she justneeded to be alone. To feel – to trulyfeel – that she was still alive. Maybe she could pretend that the poison was beingswept away in the streams flowing from her shivering limbs. The stone bench shewas on was cold, slick and her fingers were numb from trying to keep a grip onit. If she stretched her hand out, she would not even see it. No one would seeher from the lit window screens, alone with no sound other than that of rain.

A blessed illusionof utter loneliness.

Her tunic stuck toher like a second skin and she no longer bothered pulling up the sleeve thathad slipped from her shoulder. It was warm even with the rain, so she didn’tfeel the need to move. Slipping out had been easy enough. Marr and Atrea hadnot yet let her go back to her regular duties, mostly ordering her to rest. Which…she needed to get out, have fresh air! The walls of her chambers had started tofall on her head by the second hour of being left in utter silence. Tolun hadfallen asleep from pure exhaustion and she had not had the heart to wake him tobreak the deafening silence.

Though, she smiledwidely into the downpour, how long would she have before someone came lookingfor her? In this darkness, not seeing anything, she could pretend she wasnowhere and where no one would find her.

Feeling the rainand to just let it wash over her, was exhilarating. Reminded her that she wasstill breathing. No one had told her… what had happened when she lost consciousness.All she was told from Atrea, that it had been critical. That they had thought herlost until Marr had done the impossible. She wondered if she was crying, it wasimpossible to tell with all the rain. Tears of relief? Of realization that shecould have been the first urn in Malgus’ tomb?

Alive… yet she hadsacrificed herself for Marr.

Why he had notspoken to her other than issues related to their duties? It made no sense… notto her. With a wet hand she rubbed her eyes, wiping away any tears she mighthave spilled to clear her eyes. Gripping at the tunic, she sunk her fingersinto the soaked, oh so heavy cloth.

“You should beinside,” Marr’s voice jolted her and she looked down.

His silhouettemelted out of the sheet formed by the rain near her. His boots touched hers andthen he kneeled down.

“Ale…” she went tosay, but her breath caught too short and she had to bend over as a coughing fitwrecked through her.

Sighing, he reachedout to her bare shoulder, cupping it and fumbled for the hem. Tingling spreadfrom where his fingers slipped on her skin, but the rain drowned the feelingquickly. She could not hold on to it, her focus wavering too much.

“Come inside,” he muttered.“You haven’t recovered yet.”

She shook her headsharply.

Sighing in defeat,he sat down next to her. “You nearly died.”

She laughedquietly. “I never thought I’d appreciate the rain like this.”

He remained silent,drew her closer so her head was nestled against his neck. Tugged the sleeve up toits original position where he kept his hands. There was an unspoken feelinghanging around him. Like a blanket that wrapped around her. Fear? Relief? Shedid not know… For now, she’d just let herself feel, smell the rain.

Know she was alive,that the pain was being washed away and all the duties swept away into thelittle streams to their feet. Marr was an anchor keeping her still, to not loseherself in this utterly consuming feeling.

Petrichor

Colourful lanterns swung in thelight breeze that swept through the near deserted streets in the capital cityof Ziost. Most Sith and Imperials were gathered in the large square where thefestival on the anniversary of reconquering the planet was still ongoing even afterhours. Firedancers, speeches, food and dances… the whole program with smaller attractionsset up. But that was not where Edenye was heading with Marr in tow.

Who was wearing a grey cloak withthe hood drawn up to obscure his face. So no one could recognize him he hadinsisted, when she had proposed the idea to him. To go to a festival withoutthe armour, without the mask. To experience the Empire as not as a DarkCouncilor, but as a young Sith who had not the Empire’s fate on theirshoulders. Still, he had not wanted anyone to see his face, anything to givehis rivals any information on him. Something she did not quite understand, butshe did not argue. After all, it was not her place yet and she had not wantedto sabotage the trust they were slowly starting to establish.

But it would be good for him to seethe Empire he was working day and night to defend. Not as Darth Marr, but as himself.A man who had never been truly outside without his status, insignia….

They passed underneath a stone archwhere flowers were wound around the pillars. There was a hidden alcove nearby,one she had found years ago with Temare. Where he could look down on the massesand decide whether he wanted to mingle. Quietly, she motioned for him to huddleinto this narrow street that would lead to the terrace that she prayed would bedeserted.

It was… thank the stars. She pulledhim into the shadows that the overhanging roofs provided. There below them wasthe festival grounds that was crawling with Imperials and Sith between stagesand stalls. Their laughter and indistinguishable words floating up to them. Lanternsswayed gently above their heads now glowing soft blue. Smiling she watched thembefore turning to look at him.

He had stepped to the railing,gripping it hard as he stared down. Another breeze came up, making his cloakflutter behind him. Speechless, utter awe prickling along his skin, he watched.Tugging her hood down, she watched him. It was… strange… the feeling was likerain dancing off her skin. Pleasant. So she leaned back, letting him absorbeverything on his own time in his own space.

The sky was dove-blue grey. A freshsmell of flowers… earth and something else she could not describe. Rain… thelong-awaited rain that had fallen this morning and stopped in time. All thewhile Marr stared down, in awe and slowly realizing that he was unrecognized. Awayfrom his duties and just as a citizen of the Empire. Slowly he turned his headto her, a tilted smile tugging on his mouth as the smell grew more intense. Thechilly breeze picked up making their cloaks fly up again. Bringing the promiseof rain on their faces.

Maybe… she now knew. This was the feeling of joy precedingunwavering hope.

[sunsetofdoom]

i love it when you try to save me

@capiapoa asked:  [Suddenly feels around the bed to search for the other’s hand / body when they’re sleeping] for Thirteen and Seidala 

(It was bundled with another prompt, so I’m putting it here so I can answer that one separately. I’d like to apologize for the shit screenshot, I tried to get her blinking, it didn’t really work. Seidala belongs to @a-muirehen. Title is from 1950 by King Princess.)

-

Cold. It was cold, and there were hands- big, leathery handprints on her legs, her back. Searing hot, or just so cold that it burned? Red eyes stared at her like an accusation, like an indictment, and she didn’t know- she couldn’t breathe- everything was blue and ice-cold and it hurt it hurt-

Thirteen woke up feeling as though she might swallow her own tongue, gasping like a beached fish. Thrashing, she felt her arms bound, where was she? Were they medical restraints, or ropes, or just cuffs that could be picked? She couldn’t see. Was she blindfolded, about to be interrogated-

There was a faint red glow to her surroundings. Slowly, Thirteen realized that it was the light of her own eyes, reflecting the rain-spattered streetlights of Dromund Kaas into the bedroom that she shared with Seidala. The restraints around her arms and legs were their sheets, tangled into knotted chaos by her midnight panic.

Knowing what they were, it was easy to get the sheets off of her wrists and thighs, wrapped around with clumsy twisting in her sleep. Her hair fell into a reassuring curtain around her- Thirteen never left her hair unbound in the field. The loose waves made it easier to breathe.

The faintest hint of a snore came from the bed beside her. Thirteen jolted, and then dove back to the silk-sheeted bed. They’d gone to sleep two feet apart; a compromise between new lovers’ need for each other and the sticky heat of a Dromund Kaas summer. But now, contact was vital, live-giving. Thirteen inched up to Seidala’s skin, trying to chase the cold away.

“Whmphrgnh?” Said Seidala.

And, bless her, before her eyes were even open, her strong arms wrapped tight around Thirteen’s form. 

Shivering, Thirteen curled up in the embrace. It didn’t matter that it was warm outside after all; Seidala would still hold her when she needed to be held.

The memories were getting worse, daring to cross the barrier that made up her memory wipe. She didn’t want them, she didn’t want them to come back. Whatever hid behind that wall was a horror show that she could not bear to relive; child’s eyes stared out at her from across the years, and the worst thing she could think of was that they were her own- blaming her for forgetting, accusing her of taking the coward’s way out.

 Naked and petrified, she wrapped up tight in Seidala’s arms, wriggling her way closer and closer until they were pressed hip-to-hip, ensconced in the nest of cool sheets.

“Amarys?” Seidala asked, her voice thick and rough with sleep. “Wh’s wrong?”

Her name, her real and true name, falling from Seidala’s lips was- as always- enough to calm her. Thirteen took a deep breath, held it, and released the warm air against the ridges of her lover’s chest. It made Seidala twitch- Thirteen huffed in amusement. She’d often taken advantage of the sensitive cartilage jutting from Seidala’s ribs, but not quite like this.

“A dream.” Thirteen murmured, nestling down until she was held like a child against Seidala’s chest, listening to her heartbeat. Steady. Strong. Dependable. “Nothing more. I needed you.”

Cuddling Thirteen up like a soft toy, Seidala hummed in sleepy contentment. “M’here.” She reassured. She tangled their legs together, the sheets and the open window forgotten, the warmth of skin-on-skin just enough.

Thirteen let her eyes flutter closed again, opening to the deep red of Seidala’s skin, closing once more, then opening. She blinked like that, listening to the rain and Seidala’s heartbeat, until she felt safe enough to close her eyes and sleep again.

[kunoichi-ume]

21) collapse Nuada and Ari

micro story prompt list. 

So this story got so far ahead of me. I went “Oh! I can write that thing from them being kids we talked about once” to “oh but then this needs to happen…” and then “this” and here we are. No long micro, a full on drabble for you. From my Sithy Bunch story with @cinlat​ this features the children as kids, the boys 8 and 7ish, the twins 3. Ari and Bridae both belong to Cinlat.

Nuada Techtmar and Ari Drellik:

Zaria Techtmar and Bridae Techtmar:

Ari’s arms shook at the strength of the blow he just barely managed to block in time. Nuada grinned, sensing his little brother was going to have to give in soon. They were dancing with trouble, playing with some of Uncle Talos’ vibroswords they found. Never mind that they shouldn’t have been poking around in the store room alone, Ari was sure his father wouldn’t mind. Much.

This was far more fun than following unspoken rules.

The boys had snuck into the training room while their mother was out of the house. The uncles were home of course, Mal and Pierce very purposely staying on opposite sides of the house. While most of their strange, large family got along well those two interacted as little as possible. That was how the boys managed to sneak off for their impromptu “training” session.

Nuada jumped backward, the tip of Ari’s vibrosword just missing his arm. They had the vibro-generators turned down as far as they went, but the edges were still sharp enough to cut. Swinging his own sword around, he forced his brother to retreat before spying Uncle Quinn’s workstation behind him.

Remembering his strategy lessons on the importance of gaining the high ground, Nuada darted over to the table and leapt up on to it. He turned just in time to see that Ari had the same idea, landing on the other side of the table.

Facing one another again, blades held at the ready like they had been taught, they exchanged feral grins. 

They were about to lunge at one another when the door opened, and the twins came tearing in. At three years old they were terrors. The girls ran into the room calling for their brothers, though it sounded more like Bridae was saying “brudda”.

“Get out,” Ari yelled, voice raised to be heard over them, and looking away from his brother. When the girls didn’t listen, running around the room as they took turns trying to catch one another, both boys stepped closer to the edge of the table. It was one thing for them to be in here, but the girls could get hurt and they knew who would be in trouble if they did. 

Zaria turned toward them, grinning before she started running toward them as fast and her little legs could carry her. Ari started looking for somewhere to put his sword when Nuada shoved his into his brother’s hands. Struggling to get a hold of both hilts, the staggered backward and the table creaked terrifyingly before collapsing beneath their combined weight. 

Several things happened all at once. The boys fell hard to the floor, Ari’s precarious hold on the weapons failing as they flew out of his hands toward their little sister, two hands stretched out, reaching with untrained Force connections to try and catch them.

Neither boy noticed the other doing the same and tried to stop both swords.\

One stalled midair, Nuada’s focus on it overwhelming Ari’s and sending it clattering to the ground, but the other was caught between their simultaneous pulls. It twisted in the air, spinning dangerously. 

Zaria tried to stop when the boys fell but her forward momentum was too much for her small body to overcome. To Ari’s horror she was headed straight into the rogue blade’s arc. Abandoning the attempt to stop the sword, he pushed her backward just as the blade swung toward her head. He was fast enough to stop her from taking the full blow as she stumbled backward, but not enough to stop the tip of the sword from tearing open her chin. 

She fell to the floor with a shriek as the sword struck the wall. For a moment both boys stared in shock at the blood pouring down her chin to soak her shirt before Bridae screamed when she saw her sister’s wound. 

Rushing over to her, Nuada pulled Zaria into his arms and tried to get his hand over the wound. He had never seen so much blood before but remembered Uncle Mal telling him how important applying pressure to a bleeding wound was. Uncle had been speaking about a cut on Nuada’s hand, but he hoped it would work the same. 

Ari had grabbed Bridae, trying to stop her from getting too close to the blood. “Is she okay?”

Nuada looked up at him, eyes wide with fear when he realized he didn’t know. “Go get Uncle Mal,” he snapped. “Now!” 

Malavai Quinn was in his room, reading the newest reports about Zakuul’s activities in the galaxy and searching for any sign of his lost love. It had been just over a year since Tuathal Techtmar, his lord and lover, had disappeared. The Empire had declared him dead, but Quinn and Tuathal’s wife Ma’at, refused to believe it. 

He needed Tuathal to be alive. 

However, it seemed the news of the day wouldn’t be any help. Soon he was going to need to take more proactive measures to find him. He would be gone already if Ma’at hadn’t asked him to stay for a while. Quinn had a suspicion that she felt it was her responsibility to keep him safe in her husband’s absence, but when she asked him to stay for Nuada and the twin’s sake he couldn’t refuse. Ari still had his father, and Talos loved Nuada and the twins as his own but they were Tuathal’s children. He owed it to them, and to Tuathal, to be there for them as long as he could. The selfish part of himself was acutely aware they were the only bit of Tuathal he had left. 

He sighed heavily, setting his datapad down on the table and picking up his tea. Looking out at the Dromund Kaas rain he tried not to remember relaxing mornings spent with Tuathal, the man who should be sitting opposite him. 

Quinn’s contemplation, because he refused to admit he was sulking over his grief, was interrupted by the loud pounding of feet and a voice yelling his name. He was already standing when Ari burst into his room, panic evident on his face and gasping for breath. 

“What happened Ari?” Quinn asked, his mind supplying countless horrific scenarios.

With Ari the one running for help it was likely something had happened to one of the other children, one of Tuathal’s children. 

“Uncle Mal, hurry,” the boy gasped, leaning with his hand against the doorway. “Zaria’s hurt in the training room.”

Quinn didn’t remember sprinting out of his room as soon as the words were out of Ari’s mouth, or that he took the stairs two at a time – something he often got after the boys for doing – only that he needed to get to her as soon as possible. He hadn’t stopped to ask how she was hurt, or the severity, but could only imagine the worse and it made him feel sick as he ran. He was their doctor and he didn’t think he could live with himself if something happened to any of them.

He was in a state of total panic by the time he reached the training room. It wasn’t until he saw Nuada holding his baby sister, Bridae close by, and her blood dripping down into her lap and coating his hand that he was able to push the panic down and get into what Tuathal had once lovingly called “medic mode”. Quinn crossed the room quickly, barely hearing Nuada’s panicked explanations and the twins crying as he visually assessed her injuries.  

Kneeling next to the children, Quinn took a quick moment to smile comfortingly at Zaria and brush her hair out of her eyes before motioning for Nuada to move his hand. To his relief the cut on her chin was deep, severing much of the orbicularis oris muscle on her chin but the laceration didn’t cut all the way through to her mouth. She would need stitches and an application of kolto, something for the pain, but she would be okay.

Quinn released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding before looking up at Nuada. “Is anyone else injured?”

The boy shook his head. “No Uncle Mal.”

“Good,” Quinn nodded, taking Zaria into his arms. She grabbed his short tightly, getting blood on the pristine cloth but he didn’t mind. His thoughts were already several steps ahead, thinking out how he was going to treat her wound and trying to decide if he should alert Ma’at right away or if it was better to wait until Zaria was taken care of.

The decision was made for him when he arrived at the infirmary and saw Ari and Pierce waiting for them.

“What happened?” Pierce growled, taking in the blood covering both Quinn and the child in his arms.

“I am not sure,” Quinn answered honestly, ignoring the other man’s hostility. If either of the boys had said, he hadn’t heard in his panicked rush to reach Zaria. “It doesn’t look life threatening but she will need stitches. Alert Lord Ma’at and Talos so I can start treatment.”

If Pierce objected to being ordered about, as he usually did, Quinn ignored him. He had more important things to worry about at the moment. When he reached the exam table and was trying to convince Zaria to let him go so he could work, he looked over his shoulder to see the soldier punching numbers into his holo.

“And keep an eye on the other three, we don’t need anymore injuries today.”

Ma’at’s heart had been in her throat since Pierce had called. She had been a mother for eight years but they had been lucky, injuries and scares few and far between, so getting a call while she was attending to matters in her office that one of her children was hurt, bleeding, and getting stitched up while she was away was a shock. It was a blessing that Talos had been with her, she wasn’t sure she would have been able to pilot her speeder in her current state.

Pierce had assured her Zaria would be okay and that Quinn seemed to have it all in hand but she couldn’t help but worry. Force she wished Tuathal was here, he was always so composed in a crisis and feeling his calm focus when things went wrong always helped steady her. Ma’at was far from alone, her lover in the seat next to her proof enough of that, but it felt so wrong that Zaria’s father couldn’t rush to her side as well when she needed him.

Clutching her hands in her lap, Ma’at tried to force her thoughts anywhere else. The pain of Tully’s loss was still so raw, even after all this time, despite her firm belief that he couldn’t be dead. And then there was the even more troubling thought, if he wasn’t dead what in the galaxy could keep a man like Tuathal Techtmar away from his family?

Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good, and her heart ached at the possible theories for his absence. He could be hurt, or being tortured, right this moment and she wouldn’t know it. Ma’at’s only hope was that he could survive whatever trial he faced and returned to them someday. She’s wait, no matter how long it took.

Talos pulled the speeder into an open space on their penthouse’s balcony and Ma’at was jumping over the side before he had even put the vehicle into park. She hurried into the house, heading straight for the infirmary. She wanted an explanation for how her child had been hurt, but first she needed to see Zaria for herself. She needed to hold her baby and know that she was alright.

Outside the infirmary Nuada and Ari were sitting, the former wearing a shirt stained with blood that made her heart miss a beat, under the watchful eye of Pierce. Bridae was in his arms, and tried to reach for Ma’at when she stopped in front of her son’s. Ma’at smiled tightly at her daughter before looking down at the boys. “Are either of you hurt?”

Neither would look up at her but shook their heads. Satisfied for the moment, she swept past them to see out her other child. She froze just inside the doorway, unprepared for the shock of seeing her baby in a hospital bed, gauze taped to her chin. Her eyes were closed and for one awful, terrible, second Ma’at feared the worse.

“She’s sleeping,” Quinn spoke, breaking Ma’at from her shock. He had been standing at one of the monitors in the room and truthfully the Sith hadn’t noticed his presence.  He moved to stand next to the bed and Ma’at followed, sitting on the edge and running her hand across Zaria’s forehead. “I gave her a mild sedative, to help her sleep though the stitches.”

Ma’at looked up at him. “She will be okay?”

Quinn nodded. “Yes, there may be a small scar but the cut was not deep enough to do any irreparable damage.”

“Oh thank the stars,” Ma’at sighed reaching across the bed to grasp his hand. “Thank you, so much, for being here to take care of her.”

Clearing his throat, Quinn nodded awkwardly. She could almost see the guilt coming off him in waves. Whether he felt guilty for her getting hurt in the first place while he was one of the adults in the house, or because she was aware how much he wanted to tear across the galaxy to look for the man they both loved she didn’t know. Ma’at wasn’t going to ask and force him to admit either one.

Taking her hand back, Ma’at turned back to Zaria and longed to hold her but didn’t want to disturb her rest. “Will she sleep long?”

“A few hours perhaps,” was his reply before he moved back over to his monitor. “I am putting together a low dose of pain medication that won’t be too strong for her for when she wakes.”

“Good.” Ma’at stood, wanting nothing more than to stay there with her baby but knowing she needed to address the boys in the hall and learn how Zaria ended up injured.

When she exited the infirmary Talos was there, Bridae now in his arms and Pierce leaning against the wall with his eyes fixed on the still sheepish boys. Talos looked to her the moment she was in view, the question already on his lips.

“Is she okay?” Ma’at’s heart soared at the concern in his voice. There weren’t enough words to express how much it meant to her that Talos loved and cared for all of her children as much as he did Ari. It wasn’t ideal, raising three children without their father present, and having him there to help fill that role was a blessing. He could never replace Tully, not as their father or as her husband, but he was always there when she needed him.

Ma’at smiled as she nodded. “Yes, she’s sleeping at the moment. I’m going to sit with her,” she said before turning her attention to her sons, “once I get an explanation.”

The hallway settled into silence as they waited, the boys fidgeting uncomfortably where they sat. She gave them a few minutes to see if one of them would volunteer to speak up before clearing her throat. “Anytime now.”

Nuada stood slowly and Ari followed his lead. Finally they looked up and Ma’at frowned at the pained expressions on her face. Whatever had happened, it was clear the boys felt terrible about it.

“I’m so sorry mother,” Nuada said, “it really was an accident.”

Ari nodded his agreement. “I tried to get her out of the way, I was too slow.”

Taking pity on them, Ma’at placed a hand on both of their shoulders and guided them back to the bench before kneeling in front of them. “I know you wouldn’t hurt Zaria on purpose, I never once thought so. Just please, tell me everything.”

When all was said and done, the boys were grounded from watching their favorite holotoons for the next two weeks for getting into Talos’ things and playing with dangerous weapons. During that part of their day Ma’at decided they would instead start training with practice sabers. If they were so anxious to start combat training that they would sneak off to do it unsupervised she hoped official training would deter them from trying it again. Between Ma’at, Ashara, Xalik and Jaesa they could more than make up for Tuathal not being able to start their training himself.

And Ma’at would hold on to the hope that he would return to finish it.

[darth-salem-emperor-of-earth]

Day Three: Constant, Ever Loving

For Day 3 of my OC Kiss Week with the theme “tender” is my OC Zoraa Lashem with @gwyncath‘s Mathim Zagen. Like with Mirri and Aster, this theme fitted them oh so well. They’re be so disgustingly sweet when I wrote--they can’t be stopped with their level of cuteness. 

And I hope I did your grouchy Mat justice! :)

While Dromund Kaas was known for its humid jungles and almost non-stop rain, Zoraa didn’t mind the rather bleak weather. She was warm and cozy  inside the apartment Mathim invited her over, bundled up at least two blankets that nearly covered her from head to toe. When Mat returned with a cup of tea for her, he stopped short, amber eyes roaming her rolled up form while she smiled broadly, giggling. 

“I swear I left Zoraa right here several minutes ago but it appears she has been replaced with a pile of blankets,” he remarked, heading towards the coach to set the mug down in front of her. “Looks like you’ll be having her tea instead of her.”

“See, I knew you could joke,” the togruta pointed out triumphantly, wiggling herself out of her blanket cocoon to grab the mug and deeply inhale the tea’s aroma. A beautiful floral and citrus blend--her favorite. “Whoever said you didn’t have a sense of humor was wrong.” 

Mat smiled softly as she carefully sipped her steaming beverage, no doubt to make sure not to scorch her tongue or the roof of her mouth. “That would have been several people and they still would say I’m not very humorous.”

Setting the tea down, Zoraa shook her head. “Well, you’re funny to me and that’s what matters, right?”

Nodding, he sat down beside his lover and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, bringing her in closer. In an instant, she took the opportunity to snuggle up against him, resting her cheek on his chest. He was blessed to have meet Zoraa and have her in his life, over time she had been carefully mending the damage his crazy brother Valefor (being called “his brother” was too good for that scum of the earth) had caused as well as healing the scars etched on his heart from his first love’s death. She was patient, so compassionate and caring, and utterly selfless. She was definitely was no typical Sith and yet, proved time and time again she was strong and peerless as one. It was all those traits and more that prompted Mat to start falling for this kind togruta. 

His emotions interlaced with his actions, Mathim leaned forward and brushed his lips against her head, keeping the first kiss loving and chaste before tilting Zoraa’s chin up so their eyes could meet and held each other’s longing gaze for a few seconds. She reached out to touch his face, cupping his jaw gently, her thumb rubbing his cheek, soft and inviting. Lost in her tranquil, pretty grey eyes, he slowly dipped his head down to capture her waiting, lush mouth, hands clutching her arms as if he was frightened someone would come and snatch her away. 

Engulfed in such bliss, Zoraa kissed her lover back, continuing to stroke his face as their lips tenderly worked together in unison. Mat was quite thoughtful in his touches and kisses, so warm and affectionate. He always gave more than she asked or ever desired and she always wanted to return the favor, even if it was something as simple as a kiss or shouldering his burden. 

“I love you, Mat,” she whispered in-between a series of quick, tender kisses. She had said it before but enjoyed telling him how much he meant to her. “You’re so good to me. You make me so elated.”

Caressing her chin fondly, the said man grinned ever so slightly, his love for her illuminating so brightly in those striking golden eyes of his. “I love you too, snowflake,” he began, using his pet name for her and she blushed, adoring the nickname every time he spoke it. “You have made me the luckiest and happiest man alive.” Positively radiant with his words, Zoraa tossed her arms around him and trapped him in an affectionate embrace, all the while using the opportunity to cuddle with him once more. Not that he minded. Mat found Zoraa’s cuddles and the weight of her body to be very comforting, a reminder that she was real and a constant factor. That she was really and truly there in his life and always will be. 

There wasn’t a Sith like Zoraa, his sweet little snowflake.   

[rainofaugustsith]

♦️ for Viri/Lana please from the SWTOR prompt list

Thank you so much for the ask! :) Naboo reminds me of Italy somewhat, which is why there’s food with Italian names in this story. ♦    Introducing their romantic interest (orbest friend) to a food specific to their home planet

Lunchtime on Odessen. Truthfully, Viri muses, there’s no such time frame. TheAlliance is a 24-hour operation, the kitchen is always open, and there are alwayspeople eating meals at odd hours. The cafeteria staff does their best to accommodate the various culinary needsof people from a wide range of worlds and palates, but it’s not always easy.There are always standard Dromund Kaas and Coruscant staples available, as wellas vegetarian options. The Alliance’s Force users often prefer to eat togetheramong the artifacts in the Enclave; the underworld and military staff are oftenon the go. Still, the cafeteria is usually bustling. 

Viri wanders past the main kitchen and ambles down thehallway. Nobody minds; the members of the Alliance are used to seeing theirCommander roaming around the base, talking to as many people as she can. Today, she’s following a delicious aroma down the corridor. It smells like hometo her; like the meals her grandmother made for her on Naboo. As she stops atthe threshold of one of the smaller kitchens, she takes a moment to savor it.

 “Are you making pasta?” Viri asks, leaning in the doorway.  ”Commander! You know it?” A tall woman with brown hair turns and smiles atViri. “It’s from my home planet. I’m surprised.” ”Would that be Naboo?” Viri grins, speaking the language. “My father’s Naboo. Ilived there for several years.” ”Bless!” the woman says, touchingher hands to Viri’s face. “Gimna Belfin. I work with Beywan Aygo’s people onweapons tech. Love your setup here, but the cafeteria…these soldiersneed some decent food.”

”And you volunteered?” Viri grins. ”We’re Naboo. Of course we did,” Gimna smiles as a robust man walks into theroom, carrying a cheese grater. “Luckily, you have enough supplies here to makeziti and tortellini from scratch. This is my husband, Byrt. Honey, the Commander’sNaboo!“”No wonder we already feel at home here!” Byrt extends his hand. “Byrt Belfin.I’m in weapons tech, too. We’re honored to be part of your Alliance.” ”I’m glad to have you,” Viri says, still speaking Naboo. “Sit. You must eat with us, now. I wanted to make one test batch beforeunleashing it on the cafeteria. With your permission, of course, Commander.” ”If you can teach the cafeteria staff to cook Naboo food, I think I’ll love youforever,” Viri says, swooning. “Can I please bring a guest to lunch?” ”The Alliance Commander is polite enough to ask if she can have a guest? Youreally are Naboo!” Gimna laughs. ”Lana, I need you in cafeteria kitchen, room 3,” Viri says into her comlink. ”Commander, what’s wrong?” ”Nothing, just get over here!” Lana appears in the doorway a few minutes later, with aconfused expression on her face. ”Lana, look, two new recruits!” ”Welcome to the Alliance,” Lana says with a smile. “But Commander, why—“Viri smiles ear to ear. “They’re Naboo. And they’re going to feedus. Gimna Belfin, Byrt Belfin, this is Lana Beniko. She’s theAlliance’s top advisor and my right-hand woman, so you’ll be seeing her arounda lot.” ”Then you must join us- Miss Beniko? Advisor?” Gimna says, pulling out a chairfor her. ”Lana’s just fine,” Lana smiles, and takes the chair. ”Are you two girlfriends?” Byrt asks bluntly. “Or is that something you don’twant people to know?”Lana and Viri look at each other. “It’s not a secret but it’s not advertised,just for safety’s sake.” ”Smart,” Gimna says. “But you’re adorable together, just so you know. Do youlike Naboo cuisine, Lana?” “I can’t say I’ve ever had it,” Lanasays. Byrt drops the cheese grater. ”This poor woman has never had—all right. You’re eating with us for the nextweek, at least.” ”That’s very kind of you,” Lana says. “Is it really that special?”There’s complete silence in the room as Viri, Gimna and Byrt stare at her inhorror.

“Food is an art form on Naboo,” Viri explains. “It’s not justnourishment. It’s meant to be savored and loved. You like a lot of interestingfood…you enjoy eating, right? That’s what Naboo cuisine is all about, butmultiply that by a thousand.””What’s on the menu?” Lana asks. “I’m looking forward to this now.” ”We’ve got ziti ready,” Byrt smiles. “Pasta with cheese and tomato sauce. Soundgood?””I’ve always wanted to try pasta,” Lana says. The room falls silent again. ”They don’t have pasta in the Empire?!” Gimna looks horrified.  

“There’s one Naboo restaurant I found that has it, but it’son Nar Shaddaa. There’s another on Corellia. But on Dromund Kaas…not so much,”Viri says.

”And you haven’t taken your lady friend there because…?” ”It’s not really safe for us to go beyond Odessen for leisure time,” Viri says.“Of course, that’s true. Well, I’m sure you’ll love it,Lana.” Byrt says, bringing a large dish over to the table.

“Garlic bread,” Gimna says, setting down a basket. “And canI offer you some wine?” ”Just a touch for me,” Viri says. ”I’d love that. Thank you,” Lana says, offering up her glass. ”I can’t thank you two enough for your hospitality,” Viri says. “You’vewelcomed us like family.” ”Our Commander is Naboo, and is starving out here in the Odessen wildernesswith no pasta? This isn’t hospitality, it’s necessary,” Gimna laughs. Sheraises her glass for a toast, and the four begin piling ziti onto theirplates.  

As Lana raises her fork to her mouth, she suddenly realizesthat everyone else around the table is staring at her. Viri has her hands onher chin and is watching her intently. ”Um. What’s the matter?” ”You’re eating Naboo food for the first time. I just want to see yourreaction,” Viri says. “I promise I will stop being weird in a second.” ”You never stop being weird,” Lana laughs, but she takes a bite of her pasta.Her eyes open wide with approval. “This is very, very good.” Viri and the Belfins are smiling ear to ear. For the next hour, the Belfins, Viri and Lana sit around the table, eating,talking and laughing. Lana finds herself scraping her plate and going back forseconds, and then thirds. They leave the Belfins with handshakes, promising tocome back for lunch tomorrow. ”Force, I had so much to eat,” Lana groans, rubbing her stomach, as they walk back to her suite.“That food was delicious.” ”I’m so glad you liked it,” Viri says. “Gimna mentioned they want to get someNaboo cuisine into the cafeteria. I’m all for it. It’s nice having that here.” Lana flops onto her couch. Viri follows, resting her head on Lana’s lap.  

“I have a boat shoe,” Lana says in Naboo. Viri raises an eyebrow at her. ”Um…I see cats raining? I run fire circles?” ”Are you turning into me? Those are my lines,” Viri smiles. ”I was trying to say I love you,” Lana says, switching back to Basic. Viri says it for her in Naboo, once and then again. “Actually…there are twodifferent ways to say it. This is the first – and this is the second.” ”What’s the difference?” Lana takes off her gloves and strokes her hands acrossViri’s forehead.  

“The first is a straight-up ‘I love you.’ The secondtranslates a bit differently. It’s an idiom. Technically, it means ‘your lightlives in my soul.’ It’s for very deep love.””I’ve heard you say that to me,” Lana says. ”Yes. You have.” Viri locks eyes with her as she says it again. ”That’s the one I wanted,” Lana says softly, and repeats the phrase to Viri.Viri says it back to her as she snuggles closer.