Fandom Star Wars: Demesne [Closed]

[cleopat]

“Oh, you want to make fun of me for it, don’t you?” Cora could tell his reaction was meant in jest; or she hoped so at least. But Eli continued on to answer her returned question for him. She hadn’t been surprised by his answer. Did many people in Wild Space even watch live theater? She gathered it was more of a Core event.

“It’s a shame you haven’t. Maybe one day you’ll get to go.” She almost said maybe one day we can go, but Cora had caught herself in time. That would’ve been inappropriate, to assume that they would go together. What if he already had someone in mind he wanted to take one day?

He mentioned his favorite holofilm, and Cora struggled to think if she had seen it before. “I’ve heard of it, but haven’t seen it. It’s certainly...an interesting choice for a favorite.” Admittedly, she knew very little about it, including that it was a dark comedy.

“You seem more relaxed now. Have you ever dipped or spun partners before in any of those past classes?” The question was more for her own curiosity, and to see his response.

~~

Skye took a moment to assess the situation. To assess what the Force was telling her. Count Malvern isn’t working with Thrawn. He was here unannounced. There is currently no danger present for you.

She sighed and sat down in a chair across from his desk. “I’m sorry for accusing you before listening.” She has lived on edge for many years now. She has learned to question everything and everyone, for her life could depend on it.

She took a pause, and listened to what Adlai had to say regarding Thrawn. Skye frowned, but before she could worry for Eira, she recalled their conversation last night.

They may have taken a fancy for one another. Or, at least, Thrawn did for Eira. “What did he want?” She may had only met Eira, but she didn’t want anything to happen to her. Skye had finally found another Jedi, or former Jedi.

She wouldn’t let the Empire kill anymore.

~~

Thrawn didn’t have to wait long to receive a response. Just as the shuttle started up, his datapad pinged with a message from Eira. He read the message, paused, and directed the pilot to not leave just yet. He may need to go somewhere else on Coruscant, and if they were to meet soon, there would be no point in returning to the Chimaera.

I am pleased to hear that. I am on Coruscant now, so I am available at your earliest convenience. Where would be a good place to meet?

He sent the message off soon after he received Eira’s. “Give me just a moment,” he told the pilot, who nodded and waited patiently at the controls.

Would Eira continue to prove to be an enigma? Would Thrawn discover any hidden secrets of hers? Or maybe she was simply different than most of the humans from Mygeeto. And decidedly with a much warmer personality than the climate of the planet.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli did want to see at least one show live, to determine what all the fuss was about. He gave a nod to that statement, that hope, “One day,” he echoed, moving her through turns as they danced in the lab. Such a strange space for it, but he was at least beginning to forget that.

Eli managed not to forget enough that he actually shrugged, though. He just chuckled at her statement, “I know,” most people didn’t take him to be one for dark humor, but something about it amused and entertained him more than most other forms of media.

Likely because his life was one huge joke at this point and the nihilistic nature of it was something he was starting to understand, even if he refused to be a nihilist himself. Voyeuristic nihilism.

“I remember spinning partners,” he said to her question, “but never dipping,” and he hadn’t done well with spinning. Or maybe he had and his partner was just bad. He wasn’t sure. They’d never come back terribly well when they were spun out. “I wasn’t good at it.”

~***~

Adlai didn’t dismiss Skye’s apology, although he considered it unnecessary. He moved around his desk, “I understand,” he was, at least, able to say that much. He’d known Eira long enough to understand the need to hide. Eira had grown comfortable, in some respects, given how closely she worked with Imperials at times.

But she rarely used the Force, even outside of their presence.

As far as he was aware, he was also the only in their group to know.

He took a seat, “He wanted her contact information. I offered it,” he knew that it could be used to track Eira in the wrong hands, but he also suspected it would be nothing for an Imperial to get it, if they wanted it. Not someone like Thrawn, anyways. “I do not know why, and I suspect it isn’t for anything malevolent, but,” a small shrug, “We cannot be too careful in this world.”

He drew attention and ire for his own views, but he’d not been targeted or attacked. So long as it was just words and discontent, it was unlikely anything would happen. That was how he intended for it to remain. At least…to the public eye. “She’s been navigating these waters for a while. I think she’ll be all right,” he added.

He was worried. He’d jump at the slightest buzz of his datapad – but he’d not try to do much. There wasn’t much for him to do. “I believe we’re here about your potential job, though,” he said, then, “What is the full name I should use for you?” Eventually, it could come up – the need for a surname in introductions. He would need to know that.

~***~

On her own, Eira would have gone back to her apartment to review the script, or to one of the gardens, even if something about the gardens bothered her on Coruscant. She suggested neither place to Thrawn, of course. The first was far too personal, and the former she couldn’t imagine would hold much interest.

Monument Plaza should suffice.​

Eira sent that, deciding it would be easy enough to catch a ride there. It wasn’t as populated as other districts at this time, and she certainly didn’t want to take Thrawn into the underworld or lower levels of Coruscant. Besides the obvious risk to him, there was also a risk of running into allies she had that he didn’t need to know anything about.

The upper levels were always more discreet if she came upon anyone.

I’ll see you at the peak.​

An addition, before she’d hail a ride to get there herself. The peak should be obvious enough to find her at, assuming she arrived first. Obvious enough to find him.

 

[cleopat]

Cora felt at ease in Eli’s arms, that she almost forgot they were practicing in a lab. Almost. It was a strange space, but she knew there was no chance at an interruption there that day. She didn’t want to risk any of her colleagues or superiors to see her helping Eli dance better.

Even if she knew it was wrong, she didn’t want to worry about the potential consequences for her work life.

“Well then maybe we can practice that. Those moves always do well at impressing the elites and Imperials. Maybe even some ladies.” She gave him a slight wink, as she wondered if there was anyone he had his mind on. Someone she knew?

“I want you to try and spin me first, so I can see what exactly we need to work on.”

~~

Of course he would understand. Skye gathered that his and Eira’s relationship ran deep. He already knew what people like her had to deal with.

She raised an eyebrow at the information given. Thrawn wanted Eira’s contact information? At first glance, that didn’t seem terrible. If he already had reasons to suspect her, then why not go ahead and either send an Inquisitor after her or arrest her?

But she heard rumors of Thrawn. How calculating he was. He may be gauging and plotting. “I hope you’re right.” If Eira was caught, signs may begin to point to Skye next. Maybe a slightly selfish thought, but she rather liked living.

Even if it was a lonely existence.

Malvern changed the subject. And, so did Skye’s mood. A sight smirk curled on her lips. “Or do you want my name for later?” She hadn’t need for a fake surname in some time, but the one she had used for a while easily came back to her. “Skye Vind.”

~~

Thrawn knew of the Monument Plaza, and determined that he agreed with Eira’s decision to meet there. A popular enough location among the upper levels that no one would pay much attention to them.

Sounds perfect. I’ll see you soon, Eira.

He relayed the information to his pilot. “Slight change in plans. Please take me to the Monument Plaza.”

The pilot nodded. “Of course, Grand Admiral.”

He didn’t know how far this location was from the Plaza, but he was pleased it hadn’t taken too long to reach it. And when he walked out on the plaza, observing the people walking about and glancing at the shops and restaurants, he kept an eye out for Eira.

Thrawn didn’t know how long it would take her to get there, or if she’s already there. He half expected her to be able to spot him and wave him down. His blue skin and crimson eyes stuck out on Coruscant.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli knew that Cora was right, to some degree. Eira dipping Faro certainly had an impact on Faro herself, and he imagined a few others were still gossiping about it. Of course, in their circles, it didn’t necessarily have to mean anything beyond that one was skilled at the art of dancing, and so good for diplomacy or other matters, but as Cora mentioned impressing ladies, he couldn’t help but flush and glance down.

A part of him wanted to ask what if he wasn’t interested in women, but he already heard enough of those rumors from the Chimaera not to want to add any fuel to the fire.

“I don’t think it’s going to help that much,” he found himself murmuring, thinking how difficult it would be to impress the one who taught him and worked with him through it. He couldn’t hide the thought from himself, unbidden as it was, when he realized the one he wanted to impress was the one teaching him.

Even so, he wouldn’t refuse. He wanted to learn, after all, and improve. “All right,” as if he’d never murmured anything, “On the second step then,” and he counted down, his grip on her waist loosening until it was gone, hand raising to allow her to move for the spin.

~***~

‘So do I.’

Adlai did not vocalize that. The sentiment was shared between them, even if Skye barely knew Eira. Eira was a link to the past, something to be treasured for that alone, if they could find a way to trust each other. To speak freely.

He knew how difficult that could be, and so it was on him, in some way, to try and maintain a bridge, and a reason, for Skye to be around.

“Skye Vind,” he repeated with a nod, “Thank you, and I do apologize for misplacing your information,” a slightly cheeky grin touched his face at that sentiment, “I’ve forgotten your experience in this business and much else,” it was an invitation to create the story that he would then believe, in all public settings, were true.

Whether or not she decided she had bodyguard experience, or was fresh to it. How deep the lie would go, and how much surface truth it would have. “So, how many years have you been in the business of being a bodyguard, or within a similar security role?” He inquired, “and what makes you a good fit for being my bodyguard?”

~***~

Eira only briefly regretted not going home to change. The attire she wore was certainly nothing terrible, but for a moment she wanted to dress up more. Thrawn had seen her in something gorgeous, after all. This was rather casual, comparatively speaking, although she hadn’t intended to show up to set for practice in anything ridiculous. She wasn’t even in heels, just a flowing skirt of black that bled into green, and an off-the-shoulder top of a similar green, with loose sleeves. Cora Vessora was called a ‘witch’, and it had brought some thoughts of Nightsisters to her mind, and the magick they’d used. Well, Force – but she didn’t truly understand its manifestation, only that it had been green, and wispy.

And at least, for the moment, she only drew a few looks of recognition.

Other looks would follow when she reached the actual peak ahead of Thrawn, though she eventually saw him amongst the others. He stood out in his white uniform, and of course, blue skin. Eira lifted a hand and drew up on her tiptoes, even if it hardly helped, and waved, “Here!” She thought of attempting to call out with his full name, but stashed that idea. Best to wait until he was closer before the attempt; the tonal quality made it difficult enough for her regular volume, she should not try it at a raised one.

 

[cleopat]

Cora couldn’t help but to raise an eyebrow at Eli’s response. So there was someone he wanted to impress? A woman he liked? She felt slight disappointment, knowing it couldn’t be her, but she was still determined to help him. She promised, and he was still good company.

Eli attempted to spin her, and as she followed through with the movements, spinning and coming back into his arms, there were immediate mistakes Cora could point out.

Once they returned to their previous pace, she would explain them to him. “You hesitated before you even attempted the spin, which is something your partner will be able to tell.” Cora wasn’t callous as she mentioned the mistakes; she wanted to help him improve. “Second, you need to help guide your partner into the spin rather than let her do it.”

~~

Adlai was playing a game. Skye smiled, easily catching onto the genuine interview he had her in. “It can be so easy to lose information. One wrong move and everything is gone.” Much like her anonymity from the Empire.

She ultimately decided to include her actual background information hidden in her answer to his questions, so Adlai may learn more about her, if he could figure it out. “I’ve been in the business for about fifteen years now.”

Fifteen years…

“I think it would be obvious that many would underestimate me, or not even think I am a bodyguard at all.” Her height had proved to be an advantage in the past. No one expected that she could bring a grown man to his knees. “No one would expect me to attack and disable. I always love bringing a man to his knees.”

~~

Thrawn had only been there for a few minutes, and he didn’t grow impatient one bit while he waited. There was much to see while he searched for her arrival, many people to watch and observe.

But a call from a familiar voice drew his attention to the source. There was Eira, dressed in a flowing skirt, waving to him. A light smile touched upon his face, which he smoothed down as he walked over to meet her.

“Nice to see you again, Eira,” he greeted with a slight inclination of his head. Thrawn swore her current attire suited her more than what she wore to the party, but it was a thought he wouldn’t utter out loud. “I trust it’s been a pleasant day so far?”

He didn’t detect any hint of distress, unlike with Count Malvern. But, she was an actress. She was able to hide facial ticks and body movement better than the average person.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli had known there would be errors before he even attempted it. It had been so long since he tried, and he’d never done it well in the class. Still, Cora moved through it, and came back with those comments. He nodded. Hesitation didn’t surprise him, of course.

The other thing caused him to cock his head to the side. “How?”

He hadn’t been taught that, even in the class. He just remembered being told to lift his arm so his partner could spin away from him. He hadn’t been taught how to guide, so much as suggest the action was meant to be taken by the way he’d move his hand off of the waist, and lift his arm. “They didn’t teach us that. At least…not that I remember, anyways.”

He could probably ask Thrawn if he remembered anything about that, but he wasn’t even sure Thrawn committed much of those lessons to memory.

~***~

Fifteen years. Adlai let his brows raise, and he wondered how much of that was her time as a Jedi, and how much of that was afterwards. He wondered if she was counting youngling years, and padawan years. He could ask none of that, but fifteen years? She didn’t look old enough for that, though, neither did Eira.

Sometimes he thought the Force helped them to stay young-looking.

He knew Eira mentioned knowing someone well over 800 years old.

“On that point I agree – I’ve learned not to underestimate people, in general, but there was a time I was foolish enough to do so,” Eira had wiped the floor with him more than once in a spar, without even using the Force. Their fighting styles were similar enough, as well.

His cheeks took color with her comment of enjoying bringing men to their knees, but he wouldn’t stumble over words or offer it any further acknowledgment. He could tell she rather enjoyed adding teasing comments to things, which was still so strange to him. He would get used to it. “What have your most recent jobs been?”

~***~

Eira waited for Thrawn’s approach, her own smile unmasked as he greeted her easily enough. It didn’t falter with his query, even if she shook her head, “It could have been better, but that is the job sometimes. Rewrites always annoy me in theater, but my day seems to be turning around.”

There was little need to hide that she was pleased to see him.

Of course, she was concerned by it, as well, and how he came about it. Why he came about it, “Perhaps, depending on the questions you have for me.”

She’d turn a bit, the silent suggestion that they walk while they talked in the gesture, as she added, “Has your day been well, besides these urgent queries, Mitth’raw’nuruodo?”It was said with a bit of a tease. The pronunciation probably wasn’t right yet, but she had to keep trying, and keep hearing it, if she was ever going to get it right.

She was hardly aware of how Adlai had outed her for repeating it constantly last night before they’d reached the casino.

 

[cleopat]

Cora easily offered her explanation. “You can’t simply lift your arm. You have to slowly, gently guide them into the spin.” The man, or, simply, the person wishing to spin the other, still had to guide them. “If your teacher didn’t teach you that, then I shudder to think what else they didn’t teach.”

She thought it was basic dance instructions, but she also had these dances classes outside of the academy. They would probably be structured a bit differently, different expectations with teachers.

What else weren’t they taught?

“Do you want to try it again? Or do you want to try a dip first?” Cora offered him the opportunity to choose what he wanted to do next, in an effort to help keep him less tense. Or to help him choose something that wouldn’t frustrate him.

~~

Skye didn’t explain her fifteen years. If Adlai wanted to know more about what exactly she had meant, he could ask her later, when they were somewhere more private.

“We all have that foolish stage in our life. Underestimation of power is how battles are lost.” How had he been foolish in underestimating people? She could tell there was a story involved, but she didn’t ask about it, as he didn’t made any further mention on it.

A smirk danced across her lips. She enjoyed seeing his cheeks flush the way they did. Is he just as easily embarrassed in the bedroom?

Her mood wavered at the question concerning her most recent jobs. Certainly nothing you need to know. Nothing that Eira would approve of for a Jedi. She paused a moment to think of how she would phrase her jobs. “I did a bit of freelance detective work. Something valuable was lost, I would help relocate it for them.” Help them steal from their rivals for a high price.

Never people though. She wouldn’t hunt down people. “But it’s been a while since I’ve had a stable job.”

~~

Her smile didn’t waver once. As far as he could tell, she was genuinely happy to see him, which he found himself quite pleased about. “It seems that every job, unfortunately, have moments we disagree with.” Even he did, when his job entailed a bit of politics.

And that was why he had Eli to help him.

Thrawn almost started to ask why her day was turning around, but it clicked in his head. Oh. And he smiled at Eira, pleased by her statement. “I am glad to hear that.”

His mind began to turn down the path of why he asked her to meet him in the first place, but his full name spilled from her lips. He paused in his steps, glancing down at her with slight admiration. So the Count hadn’t been wrong. She had been practicing.

The pronunciation was still a bit off, but far better than at the party. She was clearly trying. “The Count told me you’ve been practicing, and I can see he was right. While not perfect, there is some improvement.”

He started walking again. “I’d say I’ve already gotten one surprise today. A pleasant one. Aside from irritation from your job, I trust your day has been well otherwise?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Slowly, gently, guide.

Eli had no idea how to do this. The words meant nothing to him and he gave Cora a blank stare as she said it all. How did he guide someone away and into a spin? It was a rather hand’s off procedure, on his part, anyways. At least from what he observed, and what his instructor had indicated.

Like much else, the lead was there more as support. The other was meant to be flashy.

Maybe he had the wrong of it, though.

“I want to try it again,” he said, “But perhaps you could show me?” Since he didn’t understand by her statement, “Lead me through a spin so I can see what needs to be improved?” He wondered if she had learned enough to lead in her time. Hopefully so.

~***~

Adlai was fairly certain that Skye was lying about what she’d done. Or rather, stating it tactfully and omitting the crucial details. However, he was not upset with this. It was a skill she was going to need, if she did actually sign on to work with him. “Mm, it doesn’t sound like that kind of career would be terribly stable,” he agreed.

“This job will have…odd hours, should you come to work with me,” Adlai indicated, “It may also involve travel. Somedays you may not be needed at all, and others you may be needed for over twenty or more hours at a time,” he noted, “depending on the situation and location. I do not expect too many of those, really, my life is quite boring besides the occasional death threat.”

He shrugged.

That was standard at this point. He disagreed with the Emperor openly.

So far, it was just words. No bounties were on his head. Yet. And the Emperor would never put his own name to such a thing. “You’ll be compensated for the time you’re not actually serving, since the job is a bit of an on-call one. Constantly. Vacation will be accounted for, though I’ll need some advance warning.”

The boring stuff – but it would be true if she signed on. “What sort of compensation were you looking for?”

~***~

Thrawn’s pause made Eira wince internally, before she saw the look that Thrawn cast her way. Apparently, she was improving. He looked so pleased. And after a small comment of disagreements with the job, it certainly added to her delight in seeing him. Though, she let out a laugh as he mentioned the Count and what he’d said, a poor attempt to hide the embarrassment that flushed her cheeks.

She was going to keep trying, but it hardly left her immune to that emotion. If she ever let embarrassment stop her, she wouldn’t have gotten anywhere in life.

“Yes, I think I annoyed him a little with it, but he understands,” only too well.

Eira had not a destination in mind, but she let her gaze wander over the area as they walked, to shops, to people. Someone was bound to snap a picture of this. The tabloids would gossip. Nothing she wasn’t used to, and she didn’t intend to let the thought ruin her day. “Yes, my day has gone well besides that,” she answered, for it had.

They were moving forward with a plan to help Kashyyyk, after all. The connection with Nadrine was going to pay off, and she had met another Jedi. Things were going well. “Though I expect I’ll have to deal with irritation from the Count later over all this.” She shook her head, clearly not all that worried about it. “Though I am curious as to what questions you have for me that you had to go through Adlai to get my information so quickly.”

And not Savit, but she didn’t add that.

 

[cleopat]

Cora could tell Eli had no idea what she was talking about, by the blank stare on his face. She lightly bit her lip, wondering if she should attempt to explain further, or if he would want to move onto something else.

But then he answered her question. He wanted to try again, but this time, with her showing him. “It’s a good thing you’re not that much taller than me,” she offered as a light joke. “But yes, I can show you.”

She recalled of how her and her sister would practice dancing as children, dreaming of dancing with a handsome suitor one day in their future. They would both take turns leading, as well as children could.

But she also had years of actual lessons and observing her partner. This would be easy.

“Okay, we start out as you did, but...” she trailed off as she took his hand, and began to lift it for the spin as Eli did, but instead, she guided his hand into the spin with every bit of confidence someone with several years of experience could easily muster.

~~

Skye nodded in her agreement. “Not at all. Some months were great, and others, not so much.” Such was her way of life for a long time, but some of her jobs paid well enough that she could live well enough for some time.

“It all sounds perfect.” And she was truthful. The inconsistency would never give her a dull moment, and as long as the threats never included the Empire, she would be very happy. “Although most don’t consider even the occasional death threat a boring life.”

What would Adlai consider exciting?

“Oh? What kind of compensation?” She winked. It was clear what was her first thought, but upon actually being asked what kind of compensation she wanted, Skye considered for a moment. “If possible, how about a safe place to live?”

~~

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Eira had been caught doing something she didn’t want him to know, and that pleased him for some odd reason. She was practicing his name, and the gesture alone was appreciated more than he would say.

“I am glad he is understanding.” Not that Thrawn cared about what Malvern considered if the situation.

But it seemed that Malvern cared about the situation, as Eira expressed the thought that he may question her over their meeting. Thrawn understood, but that didn’t mean he liked it.

“What that not appropriate?” he casually wondered, knowing quite well how suspicious it may have looked, and knowing that Savit had her information. Though after visiting Malvern’s office, new questions had popped up in his mind. Ones he may not want the answer for, from Eira’s side, but he needed to ask.

“Oh yes, the Count. It was rather interesting the way he decorates his office. Did he always have Separatists leanings, or does he just simply enjoy their symbolism?” With the way he openly displayed them, Eira had to know. Besides, Mygeeto was a Separatist planet. Did she lean that way as well?

 

[Lucyfer]

“The one time being short isn’t terrible,” Eli muttered, but he didn’t take actual offense by it, nor was he bothered. After all, right now, it was actually a good thing.

Eli would allow her to lead, her steps starting out as his did, but as his hand was lifted, he felt her hand continuing to move in his. Wrist turning, fingers moving. He frowned a bit, obviously not quite in tune with the gestures. He spun under awkwardly, not fully understanding as he felt her hand move around his, and he returned to her.

He still had questions, but he went over it in his head, the way she’d pressed on his hand and drummed.

While trying not to think too hard about all that.

A part of him wanted to ask if all of that was really necessary, “So…really you’re mostly just guiding the person’s body in the direction of the spin, and making sure they don’t step too far, right?”

~***~

Adlai chuckled a bit at Skye’s consideration of his life. “No, politics is rarely boring,” he agreed. Especially not for bodyguards who had to make sure nothing happened to their charges.

Skye spoke of compensation and winked; he only smiled and rolled his eyes, not dignifying that with an actual answer, before she mentioned a place to stay. “My, you are cheap.” He could have easily given that. In fact, “You would have a place within my own residence, regardless,” he said. “It’s no good to have a bodyguard far away when assassins like nothing more than a sleeping target.”

He had security systems and droids; that didn’t mean they caught everything.

“I meant in terms of finances. Room and board is covered as part of this…a pro, or a con, depending on how well we can live together,” he expected further commentary on that. “Or other matters, I suppose, though given I did not mention a living space previously, your interest in it was valid. I hope that puts your thoughts at ease.”

~***~

Eira cocked a smile and shook her head at his query, “It is not the standard way one would go about getting my contact information, although I suppose in your circumstances it makes sense,” he knew she was with Adlai, and he knew he could find Adlai at these hours at his office. There was sound logic to it, even if the method was worrisome and suspicious.

Thrawn’s question was a familiar one. Thankfully, Adlai made his political leanings obvious, “He was a separatist before,” Eira did admit, “But he has accepted reunion with the galaxy as a whole,” and that was true. It wasn’t saying he was loyal to the Empire, but it was close enough to pass over most, “I know he’s been something of a pain, though.”

A sigh, “He still has plenty of thoughts about allowing planets more independence than they currently have.” He had points, of course. Many points that Eira agreed with; not all planets were created equally, nor all species. Needs varied across the galaxy, “And the unification is still so new, and so fragile.”

Not even two decades in.

Eira could see both sides. Of course, that’s what she had been trained for – understanding, empathy, these things came easily to her. “I apologize if he said or did anything that was offensive to you, Grand Admiral.” Being so high up in the ranks, it was quite possible that something Adlai did, or something he displayed, bothered Thrawn immensely, “I know it is often hard to consider that anyone with views edging towards independence could possibly be loyal to the overall goals of galactic unification.”

 

[cleopat]

Once they returned to their original stance, Cora nodded. “Yeah, basically. And also, it ties in to how the person leading is leading their partner in every step.” A bit outdated and almost misogynistic, in her opinion, but it did feel nice to actually dance with someone who made her smile.

And feel his hands on her waist and her other hand.

“But being short isn’t a bad thing.” She smiled, referring to what he had said before the spin. Eli was still a couple of inches taller than her. Cora knew the pain of being short all too well, being the shortest of her siblings. “And if anyone gives you grief over it, kick them in the shins. It worked on my brothers when we were younger.”

~~

Skye raised an eyebrow. A place, completely covered, within his own residence? The deal sounded great, and not only because she would be living with Count Pretty-boy. “That is true. Kind of defeats their purpose when many assassins will strike at night.” Like one had against Senator Amidala, back when Skye was still training.

How well we can live together. That statement led itself too obvious for a comment, but Skye still did give Malvern a sly smile. How well indeed. “This does put my thoughts at ease.

And now that she knew she would have a place to stay, as part of this job, Skye could think about other means for compensation. “I suppose then I will obviously look for monetary compensation. As for how much?” She shrugged. How much did bodyguard positions earn?

“How much did you pay your bodyguards in the past?” She was only looking enough to keep her secure, should something happen and she needed to run, like she had for many years.

~~

Thrawn didn’t consider any other methods to go about obtaining her contact information, and even after Eira mentioned it wasn’t the standard way, he still had no regrets about how he did it. Count Malvern was now a person of interest to him.

“Someone who held separatist leanings is sure to still hold them today, albeit more quietly.” Eira had even stated that Malvern had thoughts of greater independence for the planets, something which could be blasphemous or not, depending on what exactly he had in mind for that. How much independence.

Give them a little freedom, and soon they will demand more.

“I thank you for the apology, but it is hardly your concern to apologize for the Count. Not unless she were to share the same sentiments concerning the old Separatists. “As someone who is...quite close to the Count, do you share in these same ideologies? That maybe the planets should be allowed more independence?”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli did wrinkle his nose a bit at that comment, wondering if the reason he didn’t know so much was because his instructor hadn’t held that notion and preferred the suggestion to the direct leading control of it. He wouldn’t ask, and from the way Cora said it, he wasn’t sure that she saw it as necessarily bad.

Perhaps it fell in line with comments he’d heard that a good lead could make a novice look skilled.

“Oh yeah?” He had kicked a few shins, though in far more dire situations than simple teasing, “And what do you do if the person is shorter than you?” He was sure that didn’t come up often, someone shorter teasing another of being shorter – but he wouldn’t put it past a few he’d met in his life to be so petty as that.

And some Stormtroopers.

The height restriction with them was ridiculous, in Eli’s not so humble opinion. The Clone Wars were over. They needed to make new armor and allow people of varying heights and forms to be Stormtroopers. They had enough money.

~***~

Whether or not it was all for the act, or whether Skye was truly interested in the offer, Malvern was not sure. It could be solely to get through this conversation, to be agreeable for now, and step out after the exhibit. They would see.

He did consider what he’d paid others, and leaned back as he did so, steepling his fingers under his chin a moment, before moving them down to his lap, “I admit it has fluctuated based on the experience they’ve come to me with, and many have seen raises the longer they’ve stayed with me. For one of your history, I would think 4,500 credits a month would be a sufficient salary, given room and board is already included. You will have to buy your own food, though.”

Which she could get easily enough for that, and store some away.

“Does that seem sufficient?” He inquired.

~***~

Eira’s smile took on that embarrassed bend again, “I am in the habit of apologizing for him on these things,” she didn’t apologize again for apologizing, though she knew it was likely to happen.

A part of it was a shield for him.

A part of it was that some of her views did fall in line with his.

Eira shook her head, “No,” which was true. She was a Jedi at heart, in too many ways. She still believed in galactic unification, though not the way it was now, “However, I do acknowledge that planets differ from each other, and equality is not the same as equity.”

She was veering too much into politics, perhaps, but she was an actress ‘dating’ a politician. She had influence, in her own way, and was expected to have opinions, and be educated on them, “Mon Cala is far different from Coruscant, in many ways, as an obvious example,” she gestured forward with an open hand, “I am sure even you see how art differs across the galaxy, and points to differences in planets. It is possible to have unification and account for individual needs, I think.”

However, she offered a light shrug, and lowered her hand, “Then again, I didn’t go into politics, and I would likely fail any economics test presented to me,” an easy laugh at the thought of it, “I just think a lot of politicians like to argue over pointless things for the sake of arguing, on both sides of the issue.”

Some things should be common sense – that Mon Cala could not provide wheat crops was one, and yet she was certain she’d heard someone in the Core suggest their use as an agri-world before and she’d nearly died of laughter. Before wanting to cry. These were the same people who didn’t think wookiees were sentient creatures, after all. If they decided the Mon Calamari weren’t contributing enough, because they weren’t capable of contributing what was asked, then they’d enslave them, too, on some flimsy basis.

 

[cleopat]

Cora shrugged. The situation indeed hadn’t come up very often, but she imagined it would be more common with women than shorter men teasing taller men. “Depends on what kind of height differences we’re talking about, and the seriousness of this situation. Maybe punch them in the face. Maybe a chokehold.”

The latter something her brothers made her endure.

“If someone is shorter than me, anything goes.” No mercy in a real fight. Little mercy in a fake one.

Eli seemed comfortable enough, in her eyes, with the basic steps of dancing. “How do you feel about this now? The dancing, that is. Anything else you wanted to learn more about right now?”

Cora hoped she had been a decent enough instructor that he would come back to her for more practice and tips.

~~

When Skye came to Malvern’s office earlier, she didn’t know what she expected by the end of the meeting. Before the casino last night, she expected to be far away from Coruscant by then. But then she had met Eira, and she yearned for that sense of camaraderie and to be near someone who knew the troubles she faced.

She hoped she wouldn’t come to regret this entire exchange, if she does actually end up being Malvern’s new bodyguard.

Her gaze flickered to his fingers, resting under his chin, before her eyes flickered to his lips, followed by back to his eyes. “4,500 credits with room and board already included?” It was hardly something she could turn down. She could live comfortably in Coruscant. “I think I’ll be able to manage to buy my own food.”

Although I already see something I want to devour. For once, Skye didn’t say the inappropriate thought that flashed across her mind.

She leaned back, a pleased expression resting on her face. “Yes, I think all of that sounds quite sufficient.”

~~

Thrawn noted the embarrassed look on her face once again. Did he catch her? Or maybe another societal incident he didn’t quite understand…

He should ask Eli to teach him all about the art of politics.

Eira answered ‘no’ to his question, and he readily believed her. Deep down, he knew it was because he wanted to, due to his fascination with her, borderline infatuation. “That is good to hear.”

Her addition didn’t disappoint him. He, too, acknowledged the differences in the planets, along with their differing equality. It was one reason he studied art so much, was because he understood how different they were. Also, as an alien amongst the humans, he was well aware of the differences in equality.

Maybe his biggest complaint about the Empire.

“Oh yes, I don’t think there’s any denying that every planet is different, and comes with their own traditions and customs.” But many officers in the Empire didn’t bother studying those traditions.

“Don’t mention to anyone that I have told you this, but I agree that many politicians like to argue over pointless things.” Thrawn had leaned in slightly, with a half-smirk on his face. Of course, politics still eluded him. He was a war strategist. Not a politician.

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli laughed at Cora’s suggestions, not thinking of anything so serious for such an offense. Then again, maybe it was deserved. He’d have to keep those in mind. Chokeholds could be quite useful when he needed someone taken alive. He might have to work a bit more on that maneuver.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Good thing I’m not shorter than you. I just have to worry about my knees.” His mirth was obvious in his eyes, and his smile.

Cora asked, however, if he wanted to do something else. His smile faltered a bit, “You’re going to let me off that easily without making me practice that spin, huh? You are an easy teacher – but I think if I don’t practice that, I’ll completely forget what you did.”

And he would try, stepping into it once more, letting his hand leave her waist, and lifting his arm, while trying to twist his wrist and use the pressure of his fingers to help guide Cora through the spin.

He figured it at least couldn’t be worse than before.

~***~

Skye was definitely not subtle. Not from their first meeting, and not to this moment, as her eyes took him in. It was unusual, only in the way it was so overt. Most people who held an interest in him kept it veiled, aware of who he was with. Skye, however, knew all of that was a lie, and knew where she could live.

He wondered idly how much of the fact he’d be living there enticed her to her own decision.

For now, she argued for nothing else, which was useful. It simplified things. “Well then, do you have any further questions for me about this job?”

There wasn’t much more he had to say, and he knew he still needed to let her and Eira truly meet, and talk some things out. He knew he couldn’t hire Skye until Eira had made certain she wasn’t a carefully disguised Inquisitor, or someone else.

But he had time to think on that. He wasn’t hiring on the spot, after all.

~***~

Thrawn wasn’t a fool, Eira had known that, but plenty in the Empire still toed the party line. Her comment wasn’t expressly dangerous, but it was enough to raise some hackles. Thrawn, however, was in a unique position as an alien, and a connoisseur of art. He understood the differences in cultures, in places.

Perhaps it wasn’t quite a slippery slope – but it was a useful belief to the rebel causes, all the same. If Imperials could see the flaws in the system, they could try to change them. And Thrawn was in just such a position.

But besides that, Eira was simply glad he did have that understanding. She wouldn’t have been able to tolerate him long if he didn’t hold to that, and she did want to tolerate him. Quite a bit more than tolerate him, really, as he offered a conspiratorial comment on politicians. Eira lifted a finger to her own lips, “Not a soul,” she promised, before giggling a bit at the inanity of such a thing.

But at least he agreed that politicians could be so frivolous. “It is a good thing about the transition, though. The Republic was even worse about these pointless arguments,” a good thing, a balance to her own beliefs of planets being different, and so needing different things.

And it wasn’t a lie, about the Republic being a mess. It was possible there were good parts of the Empire they could take over, when they rebuilt…but saying so among Rebels was bad. Saying so among Imperial officers? Fantastic.

“But do you really want to talk politics all day, or do you want to get gelato? My treat.” She’d spotted one of her favorite places ahead.

 

[cleopat]

Cora snorted. “Watch it. I’m sure I can ruin a few kneecaps.” Not that she could find an excuse to ever do that to Eli. Nor would she want to. But, she smiled at the light-hearted humor. “Though trying to explain to the Grand Admiral why his most-trusted assistant is wheelchair bound is not something I would like to do.”

Eli wanted to attempt the spin again, which had surprised Cora. She figured he would want to get away from it, but she would humor him. Before she could comment, his hands went through the motions of the spin, which Cora followed until she was back in her position from before.

“You’re a fast learner, Vanto. That was much better.” She gave him a wide smile as they moved back into the rhythm of the dance. “A little more practice, and you’ll be nearly flawless at this.”

~~

Skye crossed one leg over the other, as she thought about any questions she may have for him. Really, the job seemed decent, and she would be able to stay in one location for an indeterminate amount of time.

But isn’t that what you’re trying to avoid?

Well, maybe so. But she was willing to test these waters for the consistent money. And the pretty senator she would be guarding.

“I’m sure I will think of questions to ask later, after thinking everything over again.” I have questions I can’t ask in a public setting. Not when anyone could hear her. Not when she still had some doubts over Count Malvern. He may have a pretty face, but pretty faces could be deceiving.

“Since I’m sure a man like yourself is so busy, I shouldn’t keep you much longer.” She uncrossed her legs and stood up. “But I eagerly look forward to seeing you again.” A twinkle of mischief was evident on her face, and she held out one hand for him to shake. “Maybe before that museum gallery?”

~~

The corner of Thrawn’s lips quirked upward at the mirthful display of Eira. Although in his time he’s known her, less than twenty-four hours, he has yet to see her as anything other than possessing a cheerful facade. Was this just her natural disposition?

He found that he couldn’t complain, if it was. Perhaps she could act and sing her way to everyone’s hearts through her charismatic nature.

She offered her opinion of the Republic worse with arguments, and it was a point he couldn’t for sure know if it was fact or not. He took her word for it though, as she suggested a change in conversation by offering a treat he never heard of before.

Thrawn raised one eyebrow as curiosity struck him. “Gelato? What is that? I’m afraid I have never had this treat before.” He couldn’t even haphazard a guess as to where it came from. One local to Coruscant?

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli wouldn’t doubt Cora’s ability to ruin kneecaps. Perhaps it was exaggerated, but in sharp enough heels, he might regret doubting her. He also had no desire to end up in such a bad spot with her. Maybe only jokingly. Or in a spar. He would have to teach her a bit if she went forward with desiring to learn more combat.

Hopefully, she’d never need those lessons, but one could never be certain.

Eli was pleased that he at least managed the spin better. “That’s the goal,” he said, intending to at least get good enough at the basic steps, and a few of the tricks, to manage not to flub up in front of the officials.

He’d never impress his teacher, except perhaps with how quick he learned. “You also mentioned a dip, right?” That was not something he’d practiced even in his classes at the academy.

Likely, the risk of dropping and injuring a partner kept it out of the routine.

~***~

Adlai would accept that answer. There was likely much more for her to consider, that being confined in the office space wouldn’t allow. “I understand.” He would rise from his seat as well, smiling easily at Skye, “I will be available to answer those questions as they arise. I can certainly give you my contact information,” he recalled they hadn’t exchanged such things prior to this.

He also considered her request, but smiled, and shook his head, “No, I find that unlikely. Not before you’ve made another meeting on your own with my associate,” he wouldn’t voice who. Eira had told him that she’d given Skye her information, without taking any in turn. Speaking of Eira as someone who needed to look into his future body guards was also simply strange.

They didn’t present a possessive or jealous relationship to the world.

As Skye had her concerns, he had his own, and a private meeting could hardly happen before she was vetted by Eira herself.

What might pass for mischief in her eyes right now, could truly be that irksome victorious look he’d seen in a few foes who thought they’d trapped him, in some fashion.

~***~

Eira’s expression flashed through surprise, before delight. She had to resist the urge to grab Thrawn’s hand to pull him towards the gelato storefront. “I think it is time you learn what gelato is. You’ll learn better by tasting it.”

Eira veered off their path towards the establishment, a place that didn’t stand out, keeping to the same antiquated designs that made the area feel ‘quaint’ – or as quaint as anywhere on Coruscant could get, despite the name A La Mode. Given, it was a turn of phrase that usually meant to serve something with a cold treat, it also meant ‘fashionable’.

“What sorts of flavors do you like?” She inquired as she reached the door, a bell ringing as she pushed it open.

Another silly little quaint feature.

There would be a couple of teenaged humans there, and rows of the gelato available behind glass.

 

[cleopat]

“And soon maybe you’ll even be in high demand for a dance at these Empire functions.” Again, that thought didn’t sit entirely well with her, for reasons she didn’t know. Or didn’t want to think about.

She nodded, her grin shifting into a simple, but still satisfied, smile. “I did. A dip, a dance move that may not be entirely necessary for Empire-related functions, but can still impress your dance partner or anyone who’s watching.”

Cora didn’t know if Eli wanted to try the move himself first, or if he wanted her to show him, like she did with the spin. Either way, she would start with a simple explanation of the move. “I would say the most important thing concerning dips, is that you need to make is that you’ve got a good grip on your partner, though not tight, and have your arm supporting her back before you go in for the dip.”

Cora has had many partners in the past who failed those basic steps, and the lessons ended with her dropped on the dance floor, head forming a bruise.

~~

Skye felt a little disappointment in Malvern’s answer, that she would likely not see him again before the gallery. Not before you’ve made another meeting on your own with my associate. She took a pause, not understanding his intention. She didn’t recall an associate…

But then it hit her. Eira. He wanted her and Eira to talk first. Skye smiled and nodded. “Of course, that only seems fair.” She still had Eira’s information, and after the meeting was over and she left the building, she would contact the woman.

They had much to talk about.

“Well, it was a pleasure talking with you, Count Malvern.” She extended her arm to offer Adlai her hand, a handshake goodbye.

But it wouldn’t be for long. They would see each other again. And before then, she would hopefully see and talk to another Jedi. A chance at not feeling alone anymore.

~~

Tasting? Suddenly Thrawn wondered if he should have entertained Eira’s request for shared gelato, but he didn’t say anything more. He would entertain her.

She steered them towards an establishment that blended in to the rest of the architecture around them. A La Mode. He recalled hearing the phrase before, normally in the context of food. Oh, what was it again?

“Flavors?” He frowned, noting the ring of the bell as they stepped into the establishment. It had been some time since he’s been in a shop with an actual bell. “I am not sure.”

And indeed, there were a variety of flavors, some he knew of, such as vanilla and chocolate, to more exotic flavors, including savory profiles. “Well, what do you like? What would you recommend?”

 

[Lucyfer]

“I doubt I’ll ever be in high demand for a dance,” Eli said, but not without some humor. There remained the truth that he was from Wild Space, even worse than the Outer Rim. There was also the fact he was second to an alien on a ship. People would certainly wonder why he wasn’t heading the ship with the alien in a subordinate role.

They already did, really.

But the thought was nice, and he wouldn’t argue it too much.

What Cora said was, indeed, basic, but having never performed the gesture before, Eli wasn’t sure how easy it was to actually pull off. “Okay,” he gave a nod. “I’ll try it, and then you can tell me how bad it was,” he said, the hand on her waist moving a bit to move along her back, to make sure he’d have some support there already, before he even attempted to bring her low.

“Not in the dance yet…I want to make sure I get the actual dip right before I try to work it into a dance,” he said, so she wouldn’t be too bothered by that part, trying to recall how he’d seen Eira do it.

Except, he didn’t think he could pull off a dip quite like that, that low, and he didn’t think Cora would like it if his other hand was on the back of her head.

Faro must have, though, imagining Eira might draw her up a bit more.

He pushed the thought aside of the intimacy of that, and would let Cora adjust herself, before he would step forward and attempt to dip her, keeping her hand locked in his, while he held one against her back.

~***~

Adlai saw the moment of understanding, and was glad he didn’t have to try and elaborate further. She understood.

He reached out to take her hand, “Indeed. I’ll have to think this over for a bit – I’ve had other applicants, but you have impressed me,” he would grasp her own hand and shake, although his thumb ran along her hand. It was subtle, but an entirely unnecessary gesture.

Prolonging the hold only a little too long, before he squeezed her hand and released, “I’ll get back to you on whether or not the position is yours, if you want it.”

When she, too, had time to consider the risks and gains of such a thing.

~***~

Eira enjoyed gelato all too much for someone from an ice planet, probably. Then again, for all she knew, Mygeeto really liked ice creams and gelato, too. She hadn’t indulged during her time there, though she was sure she’d found a place or two. “Well, it does depend on your preferences,” Eira noted, but she would move to the glass.

She gestured to one, a vanilla flavor with dark brown and light brown syrups running through it, “This is called stracciatella, a vanilla gelato with caramel, chocolate, and chocolate pieces within it, always a good choice,” and she gestured to another one, “This is blumfruit, a sort of cherry flavor. They also have it with chocolate chunks,” which was her favorite, if only for the nostalgia. “There’s also Jogan cheesecake gelato, which can be good.”

Usually she wasn’t in the mood for it, more due to the cheesecake aspect over the jogan fruit, “There’s also foie gras from porg?” She asked, and received a nod, “I…won’t be trying that one, but I’ve heard it’s rich and sweet,” she chuckled a bit, “and, there is the spicy gelato, which is strangely good, made with spicy warra nuts,” she offered, “The gelato itself seems to lessen the heat, just a little.”

 

[cleopat]

Cora wanted to argue against Eli. She wanted to say that he would be, that the ladies will want to dance with him, but she realized quickly why he said that. A Wild Spaceling working beneath an alien didn’t appeal to many in the Empire.

A selfish part of her was glad. It meant she could dance with him more. But what if he didn’t want to and only danced with you now just to practice before moving on?

She pushed the thought aside. It would only sour the mood.

Eli agreed to try it, and she smiled at him, encouraging him. “Do whatever you need to be comfortable,” she urged. Cora didn’t mind that he wanted to practice it outside of the dance. As long as he learned what and where to hold, and how not to drop her.

She knew his hand would migrate to her back, but her breath still hitched slightly when she felt its gentle pressure. Her grip on his shoulder tightened somewhat to prepare for the dip, and as he went through the motions, she willed herself to trust him in the dip, before straightening back up.

“That was a good first attempt,” she offered, which wasn’t a lie. “Again, there’s that confidence thing you need to work on. Also, when you step forward, try and lunge more into your step.”

~~

“I am very pleased that I seemed to stand out from the others.” Skye expected Adlai to simply grab her hand then pull away, but she felt the skim of his thumb over her skin. The unexpected action, though very small, shocked her, but she wouldn’t say anything about it in his office.

And she would deny anyone who said her cheeks had the lightest flush to them.

Longer than societal expectations, but not long enough for her, Adlai let go of her hand. Skye dropped her hand back to her side, and she nodded. “And I can’t wait to see if I end up in this position.” Another sly smirk sent his way, and Skye turned to make her way out of his office.

She would need to contact Eira soon.

~~

Thrawn didn’t know which flavor he would enjoy more. To be safe, he wanted to fall back on the flavors he had heard before, but the idea of trying a bold one in front of Eira seemed tempting.

But he would pass on the foie gras. He wouldn’t be that adventurous.

He paused at the blumfruit gelato. He recalled liking cherries in the past, and she did say the flavor profile was similar. Maybe he would enjoy that one. And it would be a safe choice, but not so boring as vanilla or chocolate.

“I think I’ll pass on those more savory options.” He glanced up at the worker behind the counter. “Um, the blumfruit, please.” Once his order was placed, Thrawn looked back down at Eira. “And which flavor are you choosing?”

 

[Lucyfer]

The tightened grip was expected, but it still nearly sent a shiver down Eli’s spine as he dipped. The position was in focus for those few seconds. Her grip. How close their faces were, before they straightened up.

Her criticisms weren’t hurtful, and he could agree with the confidence. The more practice he got, the more comfortable he’d become. After all, he hadn’t even attempted this in a dance, because he had some concerns of dropping her.

He didn’t, thankfully.

“Right,” he nodded. Lunge more. “I can do that. We can try a few more times – maybe I can work it into a dance, or just get more comfortable with the move – if that’s all right?” He wouldn’t want to bore her entirely in his attempt to get the gesture down.

At least he wasn’t making her dizzy with spins?

~***~

There was likely an innuendo about positions meant in her comment, but Adlai wouldn’t dare comment on that. He gave a small inclination of his head, “Good bye, Skye,” he said, and he would let her leave the office without walking her out. She knew the way.

He took a seat back in his chair, and sighed.

He considered sending a message to Eira, but opted to wait. Odds were, she was with Thrawn. Best not to draw attention to that when he was meant to be busy, on the chance Thrawn saw who was messaging her. And what it was about.

He’d wait until she reached out to him.

~***~

Thrawn chose the very option that Eira herself intended. She wasn’t sure if she should be hopeful, or bothered by it. “Well, now I’m tempted to reconsider,” she said, but of course, she wouldn’t. “Another blumfruit, please,” she ordered, and moved down to the cashier to pay for it.

She had said it was her treat, after all – and this was hardly an expense.

She might have to make sure not to mention it to her trainer, though – even if the woman wasn’t likely to hold one minor slip against her.

The gelato was soon brought to them, and Eira took both small bowls, and held out Thrawn’s to him, “It’s my favorite flavor,” she allowed. “I still like to indulge in others on occasion, but I always return to this one."

And after meeting Skye, she was feeling particularly nostalgic for it. She’d had it for the first time with Master Yoda, when she sought him out, still so young, because things were not going well with her Master. Yoda had helped. Yoda always had time for the children.

She’d take them back outside to a table to eat them at, lifting the spoon in her bowl to her lips and enjoying that wonderfully familiar flavor.

It was exactly what she needed.

 

[cleopat]

Cora entertained the thought of what would happen if their faces were any closer. What would happen if their lips drew closer together…

She smiled at his questioning of continuing practice. He still had hesitance over if everything was alright for her. It was cute. Endearing.

“Of course it’s all right. It’s why we’re doing this, isn’t it?” To help him learn how to dance, while their bodies remained close. That’s all. “So feel free to do it as much as you feel like you need to.” And she would continue to offer constructive criticism to help him get better.

~~

When Skye had left the office, she took a pause to pull out her datapad, information for Eira still saved. Without hesitation, aware of where she still was, she composed a quick message for the ex-Jedi.

I think your boyfriend is hot. Maybe we should talk about him over coffee very soon.

Of course it wouldn’t be over coffee, not when they had matters of extreme secrecy they needed to talk about. She could only hope Eira understand the hidden message.

And Skye continued on, to find something to occupy her time so she wouldn’t get too bored.

~~

Thrawn was baffled by her statement, but he was quick to figure out what she meant by it. Eira had ordered the flavor for herself as well.

He didn’t consider stopping her from paying for the treat. As she said, it was no issue, and the treat was of no expense. Thrawn would allow it this time, but he filed the event away for later. If there was a later.

And he found himself wanting there to be a later.

He graciously took the small bowl from Eira, humming at her comment. “I’m eager to see why it’s your favorite.” It gave him high hopes that the gelato was actually good.

And once he saw Eira take that first bite, he did the same. The first was a small scoop, hesitant on this gelato actually tasting decent.

The sensation was pleasant. The treat was cold, as described, but the flavor profile was pleasing on his tongue. It had been some time since Thrawn last indulged in a treat, but if this gelato was common, he would have to indulge a little more.

“It is quite nice,” he commented, going for another scoop. In the future, would he risk going for a different flavor? Or stick with the one he already knew was decent?

 

[Lucyfer]

It was why they were doing, but still, Eli managed a half-hearted shrug, “Yeah – but I know you probably have other things you could be doing, or people you’d rather be hanging out with,” or just to be on her own. She had indicated she didn’t have too many friends on the Chimaera yet, so he suspected she was usually more introverted than this.

He wouldn’t want to drain her, either.

Still, they moved through more attempts at dips, and then a few attempts to work it into the dance. His lunge wasn’t perfectly in step, but he wasn’t struggling to keep her up. That was good, and he was becoming more fluid in the act. It was the lunge in time with the tempo that was throwing him – but he knew what to work on, and so as he drew it to a close, he was happy with the results.

He would part from her with some reluctance, his fingers missing the warmth almost immediately. “Thank you, Cora. I really do appreciate your help,” and he hoped he wasn’t too flushed from how rapidly he’d drawn Cora up from the last dip, how close it had brought them, in his haste not to linger and stick with the tempo.

The way his thoughts turned caused him to decide he’d done enough for now.

~***~

Eira would not have been upset if Thrawn didn’t like the flavor. Blumfruit wasn’t for everyone, after all, but it would forever hold a place for her. Still, she did hope he enjoyed it. It would be one small thing they had in common, one small link.

He was also hesitant about it, the size of the amount he selected obvious. She refrained from grinning too broadly at that, but the grin broke across her lips at the way he lit up after that first taste. “Yes, it is,” Eira agreed, “You see why I like it now?” And on a pleasant day – which, almost every day on Coruscant was that with their weather manipulators – it was almost always good.

Her datapad pinged in her purse, and she drew it out, glanced at the unknown name, but brought up the message before laughing and shaking her head. She set it aside without response. That could wait, “I’m sorry, my friend – I thought it might be work – but it was just my friend,” something she could deal with later, it didn’t need her immediate attention.

And she hardly wanted to be exchanging messages with Skye when Thrawn was right there. “Do you get to try many desserts?”

 

[cleopat]

Cora wanted to deny Eli’s assumptions. No, I have nothing else to do on my day off, nor anyone else I want to talk to. But she didn’t. She bit her tongue, and the continued to practice dancing with the dips. And when needed, she would offer critiques and direct him on how to improve his form.

Their practice drew to a close. They drew apart, and Cora found herself missing the soft touch of Eli, and the warmth of his body. You barely know the man. You need to get these silly thoughts out of you head, especially over a Wild Spaceling. What would people think?

“I’m happy to help.” She assumed they were done now, with the way that Eli stepped away. Did he decide he was done with being so close to her? “Truly, I’m happy to help you whenever you need the practice.”

~~

Eira’s smile brought one to Thrawn’s face, but the gelato only served to widen the expression. Yes, it was very pleasant, which he emphasized with a slightly larger scoop.

He was still aware of the cold temperature of the treat, so he didn’t test his luck with too much at once. There was a phrase in Basic that mentioned cold foods, but he couldn’t recall it. He may be able to ask Eli later.

Thrawn nodded. “Oh yes, it’s certainly pleasant. The texture is nice, and this flavor is appealing. I can see why you would enjoy it.” Another bite of a similar portion.

His attention was drawn away by a ping of a datapad. Thrawn knew it wasn’t his, and Eira confirmed that only a second later when she checked hers, and laughed at something she read. An eyebrow rose, but he wouldn’t immediately question it. That would look suspicious.

He nodded at her explanation of a friend. It seemed likely, with the way she reacted.

She hadn’t responded to it, so their conversation continued. He shook his head. “No often. Occasionally I’ll try something unfamiliar at one of the Empire’s parties, but that is mainly to satisfy the prying of other officers. What about you? I imagine someone of your position would have the opportunity to try many desserts.”

 

[Lucyfer]

Eli heard Cora’s words, but he didn’t fully believe them. HE believed she would continue to help, of course, but he didn’t think he could call on her every single day to practice. That was unrealistic. “I’ll definitely reach out to you in the future for help. I don’t want to get rusty before I have some idea of what I’m doing.” He’d need to stay up on it, or else he’d forget again.

And then be at another party, and just as awkward as before.

He didn’t have years and years behind him in dance, after all. It wasn’t exactly like hopping on a speeder. He didn’t just have that muscle memory to do it that easily again. Perhaps one day, but he wasn’t there yet.

“Er, speaking of that, what is your schedule like, though?” He knew it could change once they were called away, but he should at least know what she was up to, or make sure she had time to work on the project of transcription that she was doing here.

It may be tedious, but these things were still important.

Not to mention time to put into her mapping project, too.

~***~

Thrawn either lacked a sweet tooth, or a limited interest in foods. Eira wondered at it, thinking with his interest in art and exposure to so many foods at those parties, he might have been more interested in it. Then again, he was chiss. It was possible some foods that humans could eat, were poison to him. There might not yet be enough exposure, in general, for him to be certain if some foods would harm him.

She really hoped blumfruit wouldn’t.

And although she gave a nod, her smile faltered a bit, “Plenty of opportunity, and a very angry personal trainer if I indulge too often. I just get to nibble at sweets now and then,” she gave a light sigh. One or two small bites were nothing. One truffle now and then, one bowl of gelato, but she was still on a strict diet. At least it helped her with excuses for avoiding alcohol and the like.

Empty calories.

“She’s already going to be upset over this,” Eira’s light laughter indicated she wasn’t unfamiliar with dealing with this anger, though, “but that just means she gets to enjoy killing me a little more when I see her, so I don’t think she minds. To be honest, I’m still trying to argue against being as waifish as they want me for this next role.” The difficulties of navigating this life….

Apparently, a ‘witch’ should be a ‘waif’. No physical strength, all magical.

Frustrating. They knew so little of the Force and its rigorous, disciplined training, of mind and body. “I half-suspected that might be the reason you were unfamiliar – a certain Imperial discipline required for Officers of your rank,” although there were those who didn’t exactly have such form as Thrawn did. Savit was a bit more on the portly side.

 

[cleopat]

Cora was happy to hear Eli’s words. If he spoke the truth and not some lie to make her feel better, then he would reach out to her again for dance practice. And, again, they would be close as Eli attempted a spin or a dip. She gave him a nod, “And I’ll be happy to help you.”

She didn’t have to think too long over her schedule It largely remained consistent, unless there was an upcoming deadline to meet. “It stays the same. I work the morning and afternoon shifts for five days in a row, then I’ll have two days off.”

But Eli worked with Thrawn. She knew his schedule would be different. “What about yours?”

~~

Thrawn noticed the dimming of her smile. She didn’t like how her personal trainer prevented her from indulging too often. He personally couldn’t understand that, but he knew of others who complained too often of wanting to indulge, but they also wanted to stay in shape as ambitious officers.

“As you are now, I’m sure it’s possible to simply sneak away from her, and indulge without ever having to tell her?” It made her sad, in how she couldn’t indulge how she wanted. In his mind, surely an additional treat here or there wouldn’t hurt anything.

Waifish. That image didn’t stick well with him. Was it completely necessary to tell a story? If they fought for her to get that figure, then surely it couldn’t be very healthy for her? “I hope you continue to argue and win. Or tell them I object to how they want you to become a waif.”

Maybe his name would scare them.

Another spoonful, and Thrawn gave a slight inclination of his head. “At least, it is for me. Officers of a certain rank seem to stop caring so much about their physical strengths, but I argue it’s when you need it more. You are still someone lower-ranking officers look up to, and you need to maintain top physical and mental strength.”

But he knew many didn’t, especially as they got older. They became more comfortable.