Starless Horizon RP File #16
(Vela’s part in italics.)
Despite her days being filled with getting to know Dritz better, and the perfect contentment which came along with it, Vela would sometimes find herself deep in thought during the time she was awake while he remained asleep. There was a part of her which just couldn't forget all those she had left behind on her planet, which worried for them and their future, and wanted to save them from lives of harsh coldness and exploitation.
Eventually she could no longer keep such thoughts to herself. Her mind was greatly troubled a few days later as she watched Dritz doing some routine maintenance in the Nova's engine, barely listening to him ramble as he did so. Perhaps it really was best not to let this drag her down alone.
Cautiously she reached out and gave the leg of his trousers a gentle tug, hoping to gain his attention without startling him.
For all of the rambling he had been doing over the last few days, Dritz could sense that something was... off. He was not sure exactly what that might be, but he had strange inklings, a slight nervousness. Vela was both her usual self, but also not quite. She seemed to be distracted, but for the longest time he imagined it was simply what had happened with the two fish men, or maybe with Fera, but he didn't have the heart to ask in case it was more personal. He didn't know if there were any... physical factors involved, knowing that some species had periods of changed moods and the like, though he didn't know why.
The Nova had been quietly allowing him to perform tests. She had been grounded enough that he thought it necessary to test her, not even needing to convince Vela. He was part way through checking the connectors, half-humming and half-singing to himself when he felt a gentle pull at his trousers. He slid out from the engine, looking down his body to Vela.
"'Sup, flower? You okay?"
Vela smiled to show him she was alright, though it was weaker than usual. [I'm fine. I've just been thinking. And I wanted to talk to you about something.]
She paused to look past him into the engine before briefly smoothing the fabric she had touched with one hand. [Are you almost done? Maybe we should sit down somewhere first.] The topic was not going to be an easy one, and she was entirely uncertain how to go about communicating it to Dritz just yet, but she still wanted to try.
With a small grunt of effort, his stiff back throbbing, Dritz sat up, hugging his knees and smiling at her. He reached a hand out and cupped her face, gently rubbing a thumb over her cheekbone.
"Hey, for you, I'm done," he said firmly but kindly. "This can wait. There's obviously something bothering you and I don't like to think of you sat here, fretting away to yourself. So, we should get some tea and have a break. We have actually been working for a while now."
He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek before hauling himself to his feet and leaning down to pick her up too, leading her through the ship to the kitchen. "Do you want a snack?" he asked brightly, trying to assure her he wasn't worried about whatever it was she wanted to speak of. As far as Dritz was concerned, a problem shared was a problem halved.
Dritz's attentiveness and wanting to talk about her problem right away already brought Vela a more relaxed feeling. She allowed him to help her up and lead her along to the kitchen, where she readily agreed to tea, but turned down the offer of any food. Her stomach might feel more unsettled if she attempted to eat just then.
She sat at the table, accepting the drink when Dritz handed it to her: the Chrysalan tea, as usual. The flower in her bowl this time was a soft shade of lavender, and Vela watched it blossoming with a growing feeling of reassurance. Dritz wasn't too worried about what she might have to say. Everything would be alright.
[I've only told you a little about my people,] she began, as confidently as she was able after a few sips of the tea. [Is there anything else you would like to know? Maybe about our way of life? I would like to share as much as possible, now.] If he didn't have any questions in specific, she was prepared to try telling him as much as she thought she could.
They were both quiet as Dritz made them some tea, grabbing one of the many emergency ration bars from the cupboard to snack on, chewing thoughtfully as he watched her sign. There was not the usual engagement from her this time, however, and that worried him more than he might care to give away.
"I guess... I mean, your life was so different to mine, so I do want to know everything, but I hadn't ever thought of specific questions for you," he said slowly. "I suppose... what was it like to grow up there? How did you learn everything that you need to know for life? I mean, we have district academies on Chrysala, so everyone learns to read and write and craft. Was there anything like that for you? Or were you just taught practical jobs?"
Vela's smile was faint, but she nodded at Dritz's questions. [There are not as many children born on Aurctas. We are taught to sign, read and write by the eldest of us, those who aren't able to work as much as they used to. We learn our own language, of course, but also as much Basic as is necessary to interact with traders. In my case, I studied extra on my own so I could become fluent in understanding Basic for my journey.] She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts before continuing.
[We are only taught mining, as it is all we can do on Aurtas. That comes later, when we're sturdy enough to work. Late childhood, in some cases. We all do our share for the goods we receive in trade. So, in order to be able to study more, I worked less and went without as much food for periods of time. The same when I began teaching myself about space travel from the old texts.] It had been a difficult time in many ways, but not one she regretted in the slightest.
Dritz couldn't quite believe the difference in their lifestyles, their childhoods. He was, of course, aware that every individual, everywhere, would have different upbringings, some more difficult than others, but to have been this far removed from his own was something he hadn't expected, despite all he had learnt so far.
"Wow... It sounds harsh. Chrysalan children start work early, but it's in a school environment, it's not for basic survival at that stage," he said, running a hand through his hair.
He reached across the table and took her hand, stroking his thumb over her knuckles.
"You're incredible. I've said it before, but I'm happy to repeat it until I run out of breath," he grinned. "Teaching yourself space travel? That's... Wow. Wow."
With an appreciative glance at Dritz, Vela turned her hand momentarily so their palms touched, treasuring how warm it felt. She had to disengage to sign further, but almost wish she didn't have to. [Thank you. I have trouble understanding; what I've done doesn't seem remarkable to me. It was the only way.] For a moment she was lost in her own thoughts, but knew she had made the right decision.
[It is harsh. And it continues to be. When I think about all the others I've left behind, what they're going through, how their entire lives are dominated by survival and nothing else... What could my people do, if given the chance? But I worry there's nothing I can do to change their fate.] She sat back to let Dritz think over what she had said, wondering if he would suggest what she hoped he would.
Dritz cocked his head. He wished more than anything that he could reassure her, tell her some sweet lie that might help her feel better, but he knew it would be unfair. So he was left straining his thoughts for any way she-, no, they could help the Aurians. For the first time in his life, Dritz wished he knew about trade agreements, about promoting business. If they could get business and commerce to Aurctas then maybe the people would prosper, they wouldn't need to struggle so much, they'd be able to pursue other careers...
"What if they established a new colony on another planet?" he asked. The suggestion was a surprise even to him, as it had come out of nowhere. "I bet there are plenty of planets where they could establish themselves. Chrysala has taken refugees before, during the Myrani civil war... But that was on a small scale... Still!" He looked at her hopefully, his yellow eyes full of concern.
[I wish that was possible,] Vela gestured, the movements not as confident as normal. [They are very rooted in their ways. Even if I could convince them... We would need a place beforehand. If we could find one...]
Her hands dropped to the table, began pushing the cup of tea slightly to and fro in a restless way. They would need a larger source of transportation. Would Fera... No, that thought wasn't worth entertaining yet. Vela knew he had access to large vessels but wasn't convinced he was friendly enough toward them to even think about it yet. Maybe for now, focusing on finding an actual planet would be best.
[There aren't as many Aurians now as there used to be,] she signed sadly. [If I could find somewhere for them to go, and convince them, then I would like that. But it's a big task. I couldn't ask you to help me, with everything else you've already had to do for my sake.] She kept her eye focused down at her cup, already knowing he would want to help regardless, but feeling slightly bad about it.
"You can't ask me," Dritz repeated, leaning against the table and resting his head on his hand, smiling, "But you don't need to. There's gunna be a way, but we'll have to consider it carefully. It'll take a lot of planning."
Dritz was already considering all it would take in his head. They would need to know the population of Aurctas, and how many would be willing to make new lives elsewhere. What if some elders wouldn't leave? There would be stubbornness, he was sure. Then there was the question of where, and how to get them there. Chrysala had a history of charitable work with other planets, but nothing of that scale.
He watched her nervous fidgeting with a soft sigh before taking both of her hands, "We'll do all we can, no one can ask any more of us, or you. 'Kay?"
Vela allowed Dritz to hold her hands until she felt calmer and better able to think without worrying. She gave him a grateful smile when she was ready to start signing again.
[Alright. We can discuss the details. I would be really happy if my people could find a better life somewhere else. I'm not sure I set out with this goal. But the more I thought about it, the more I knew it was there all along.] She bowed her head toward him, showing a deep thankfulness. [I appreciate that you want to help. I have never met anyone like you.]
Her happiness in that moment felt a little odd. It was a stronger emotion, mostly directed at Dritz, one she had never felt before. It seemed her feelings for him only grew with the amount of kindness he continued to show her.
[Do you want to walk in the garden and talk about it more? We could sit here, but... That place is special to me, especially with you by my side.] Hopefully, she reached to caress one of his hands with a gentle touch as she waited for him to answer.
Dritz considered her signing carefully and when he finally responded, he signed every word that he knew he could manage as he spoke, "It's good that you want to help your people. It's pretty damn rare amongst the more heavily populated planets, y'know. So many folks are just out for themselves."
He smiled in a way that was rare for him. While his usual beams were bright, warm, and always genuine, there was a warmth that went beyond the usual, an odd kind of shyness and vulnerability the Chrysalan did not choose to display often.
"I've never met anyone like you either, " he murmured, leaving the words lingering in the air for a moment before his usual bold smile returned and he squeezed her hands, "I'd love to go to the gardens with you, flower."
Dritz's signing along with his speaking also made Vela feel better. It wasn't any trouble for her to follow along with both, even while some of his signs didn't turn out exactly right. The fact he was willing to try, to communicate in her language and help her, gave her hope there would be more willing to do the same someday.
[Thank you.] She rose from the table, still holding one of Dritz's hands as they made their way off the ship, the rest of the maintenance forgotten for the moment. Her thoughts were focused on them, together, being able to help her people and being happy in each other's company.
The sight of the garden made her stop abruptly and stare. There were tall plants everywhere, the ones Dritz had called "trees," but instead of being colors like gold and red and orange, the leaves were green yet nearly drowned out by a profusion of soft pink and white flowers. It even seemed the petals were falling to the ground in the simulated breeze, and Vela had to walk over to one before turning to Dritz excitedly.
[Can flowers really grow on trees?] She turned back again, reaching as if to cup her hands around a low-hanging spray of blossoms but of course not being able to truly touch it.
While Vela seemed much happier than before, Dritz couldn't quite shake the idea that there was an air of melancholy. Rather than let it worry him too much, he trusted Vela to speak her feelings when she needed.
The walk to the gardens was pleasant, the majority of the crowds going about their working hours, leaving the streets only slightly populated.
The holographic park was always a surprise, always showing some new beauty. Dritz did not often visit before he met Vela, so he didn't recognise the delicate blossoms gracing the trees.
Her wonderful smile was matched with one of his own, "They can! You like them? It's a shame they aren't like real... Maybe we could find a planet with tree blossoms for your people to live on? What do you think, huh?" He followed her over, smiling warmly as he slipped his arms around her tiny waist, kissing the fluffy hair at her temples.
[I like them a lot,] Vela signed, relaxing back against Dritz and turning her head after he kissed her. She knew that this warm, contented feeling was what she longed for more than anything. Her people should have that luxury, too. [That would be nice. But I would settle for any planet that isn't nearly so hostile as Aurctas.]
They wandered around the garden briefly so that Vela could marvel at the flowers a little more, then sat leaning up against one of the wider "trees" which had been projected onto a pillar. She became more serious and a bit more concerned then, signing to Dritz earnestly.
[I think they would be willing to leave. Most of them. There are a few I know are very set in their ways, even welcoming the harsh conditions. I can't understand them, but maybe they could be persuaded. If not, they could... stay.] She had signed the last sentence doubtfully, finding it difficult to imagine a mere handful surviving there alone. [We have no leaders, but many of the elders are respected as being nearly so. If we could gain their support, I think they would all leave.]
She considered a moment, tilting her head slightly. [Maybe we could not be convincing enough. Do you think we could bring someone else to help talk to them? Would anyone on Chrysala be willing to try helping us?] Much as she wished to move the Aurians there without even having visited yet, Vela knew Dritz's home was already heavily populated. Perhaps, at the least, there would be someone eloquent enough to fully communicate to the Aurians that there was a better life for them elsewhere.
As they leaned against the projected tree, Dritz pulled Vela into his arms, tucking her against him where she fit so well, it was almost like she had always belonged there. But that was a silly thought. He adjusted to allow for her signing and his own line of sight to it, kissing her cheek.
He considered carefully. He'd never approached the overseers council before, but he knew that they welcomed residents of their districts regularly, so long as the cause was serious.
"Szna," he said, lost in his own thoughts for a moment. "She is the overseer for the district I lived in, so she'd be a good place to start. I mean... She doesn't tend to go for offworld affairs usually, but if we can convince her to take it to the council, there are at least two or three highly charitable overseers who love building relationships with other planets. I really think they'd go for it. Szna is a kind woman, but is very protective of her people, particularly those in her district, so maybe we can appeal to her desire to keep them happy. If we were to go to the district at large, convince enough people that the Aurians need help, she'll concede to her citizens. So... We could go to her first, and if she disagrees, we go to the people of the district to persuade her. 'Your citizens want you to do this for the Aurians', it'll be perfect," he rambled, getting increasingly excited as the plan formed in his head.
Nestled at Dritz's side, Vela felt more than ready to tackle the subject. It was not so daunting as it would be alone.
She struggled to try pronouncing the name he had given her. "Sisssna." The 'z' sound was difficult for her tongue, it seemed. [Do you think she can be convinced that way?] Another thought occurred to her, one that made her frown. [And... I suppose I don't know why the Chrysalans could be made to care about my people. Wouldn't they need some motivation? I suppose our planets could be allies. But the Aurians have very little to offer right now in the way of trade or services.]
The thought was also disheartening, and she leaned closer against Dritz for comfort. [But we could be productive again one day, I know. We have old texts that are remarkably advanced for their age. I think ancient Aurians were incredibly smart and able to invent new technologies with ease. I believe it could be that way again, when life is no longer a constant struggle for survival.] She peered up at him hopefully. [Do you think that would be enough? I only worry that no one would care for an advancement they may not see in their lifetime.]
Dritz chortled lightly, enjoying Vela's attempted pronunciation of the Chrysalan name. Considering he imagined she had only spoken a handful of times in her life, he thought the attempt was a good one, and squeezed her gently.
It was a sad consideration, that the council might not assist without gain for Chrysala. He rubbed his chin lazily, thinking.
"Maybe we should pitch the idea as charitable to begin with, but the potential for fair labour and engineering work is definitely something we should keep to persuade them," he said carefully. "I've never really visited the overseer with an idea, but I have used my not inconsiderable charm to persuade others before." He smirked at her, wiggling one eyebrow playfully.
At first Vela only stared at him, wondering why he was moving his eyebrow in such a strange way. Then she realized what he had told her.
[You are good at persuading others?] She leaned toward him a little more closely, obviously excited. [Then maybe we would not need anyone else. What sorts of things have you persuaded others to do?] She had a genuine curiosity to learn more about Dritz, and if this was some sort of talent which she had yet to discover, then she wanted to know all about it.
"Yeah, I like to think so," Dritz said confidently. "Well... The Papilio was not originally my ship, for example. He belonged to a big collector, who was selling him for far more than he was worth. See, Papilio needed a lot of work. Selling price of twelve thousand UCs, and maybe another three thousand for the work that needed doing; but you can get new ships for less. Admittedly, they're shuttle class, very small vessels, but still better. I managed to convince him it was in his best interest to sell Pap for cheap; even if he lost out on money, I pointed out that I'd then go and tell friends about the great deal I got. He knocked a couple of thousand credits off." Dritz seemed very pleased by this information.
Vela cocked her head, listening with a faint smile. Persuading someone on selling a ship was one thing, but getting an entire species to leave a planet they had lived on for thousands of years was surely another.
[That is very impressive,] she agreed truthfully. [We might need all the help we can get. With you and I, and your council member, maybe some others? I am sure we can convince them.] She was not the most confident on the matter, but for now she would have to believe in her own words.
Sitting back again, she could not hide the distracted look on her face. [After that, we need to transport them. But who would be willing to take them all? There would need to be payment, probably.] Much as she didn't want to mention it, there was no other way. [They could mine a lot of Ve, and it could pay their way. Maybe even enough to set them up in a new home. I think money would actually not be a problem.] She glanced at the ground, distant as she thought this over.
"Hey," Dritz turned her towards him gently, kissing her forehead, "It's gunna be alright. Don't worry about any of that yet. We will do our best, and even the smallest victory will help the Aurians. We'll keep working towards keeping them safe."
He pulled her close, lifting her to rest on his lap and wrapping his arms around her small frame. "It will be alright. We will do everything we can. Let's start small though, yeah?"
He was already considering the ships himself. The Chrysalan military fleet would be the only body of vessels that he could think of, and they would surely not allow the fleet for transportation. He frowned in thought, nuzzling against Vela's hair.
As Dritz lifted her to his lap and enfolded her in his arms, Vela felt a small part of herself becoming overwhelmed with gratitude and affection. For a while she simply held him in return, her face resting in the hollow between his neck and shoulder, feeling warm and incredibly safe.
Dritz said he would help, that they could work together for the betterment of her people. That was how kind he was, how much he cared about her. She almost couldn't believe there was someone off Aurctas who would do any of that for her.
She had to relax herself back away from him again in order to speak, but stayed seated on his lap, finding she liked it there. [Thank you. It's not enough for me to just say that. But I hope someday I can do something for you too.]
Start small. The words repeated over in her mind, and she nodded. [Do you want to go with me, to look for any planets that may be suitable? I doubt there are any uninhabited. But maybe there are some with small populations, who would welcome a secondary group. We couldn't travel too far. Maybe a few months in one direction before we return? A total trip of half a year before we decide what to do after. But it's still a big journey.]
She smiled at him, then awaited a response as she wrapped her arms around him once more, this time resting her head against his chest.
Dritz watched her sign with a small smile. Her motions were back to being confident, and with purpose, as though she had been renewed, even a little. He considered it all carefully. They worked well together with regard to the running of the ship, and he knew they'd enjoy the time together. Really, he hadn't considered the thought of him not being with her through this search.
"I'm with you all the way, flower," he said brightly, stroking his fingers lightly up and down her back.
With a final gentle squeeze, Vela had to finally release Dritz and move to separate herself, standing up and stretching just slightly. She did feel reenergized in a way, as though the comfort she could take from him was truly helping, which she did not doubt it was.
She glanced around the garden a little longer, her expression soft, then turned back to him. [We will need plenty of supplies. I'm sure there are stations out there but we won't count on it, just in case. And we need to study the maps to figure out the best direction to start in, set up a route and maybe plot the course fully for the navigation system so we don't run into any trouble. Having you onboard as a mechanic will help a lot in case we run into any problems there.] Not fully aware of it, she had begun signing quickly as her thoughts poured out through her hands in an unchecked stream, which Dritz may or may not have trouble following.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Dritz said, holding his hands up with a grin, "I caught... Supplies, and... Plotting the course. Slow down for me?" He waited for Vela to repeat for him and nodded, chuckling.
"Yeah, definitely. We'll stock up on, bleh, space food. Ooh, though we can get some slightly nicer meals for the odd occasion. I'd advise getting some sleep aid as well, just in case. We'll need to be rested, and sometimes it can be difficult with prolonged space travel. Do you want to get the supplies bought and back to the ship now, then we can take our time with the plotting?"
Vela took Dritz's suggestions into consideration, nodding as she thought it all over in more detail, and a little more slowly. She supposed that the thought of actually helping her fellow Aurians was making her more excited than she could have imagined.
[Yes. We will get the supplies, some of it can be nicer, of course. And I didn't know that, about the sleep aid.] Dritz would likely need it more than her, but she did think it was a good idea. [We'll go now, and then have the rest of the day to plan our course.]
She didn't think to ask Dritz if this was alright, and it didn't come back to mind again until they had purchased all of their supplies and brought them back to the ship, settling themselves at the navigation console after having moved the two seats close together. Abruptly she turned to him with a serious expression.
[You are... alright with all of this? I hope I'm not rushing. I guess I thought we could leave tomorrow... but it could wait a few more days, if you want to be certain of everything.] Her desire to travel, and to start helping right at that very moment, meant she had jumped ahead stopping to be sure of what he thought.
It didn't take long for them to stock up on all the necessary supplies for their journey, and for them to pack them away into the secure stores. Of course, Dritz had insisted on a handful of preserved meals to serve as their "treats"; enough higher quality dried packs that they could enjoy one every few weeks. He'd also brought a few flavoured drink powders and some sweets to keep in his toolbag ("They keep me going if I'm really busy!").
Their navigations were just beginning when Vela turned to him. "We should make sure that the fixes to the engine are finished, but I can have them done by midday tomorrow! So long as the Nova is happy to fly, I'm happy to go," he said cheerily, kissing her.
Pleased, Vela returned the kiss before turning back to the console and pulling up the largest star chart possible. Her brow furrowed as she studied it closely, deliberating on what she knew of the galaxy and what their best options might be.
[Here.] She used a finger, hovering just above the screen, to trace a path through a series of somewhat distant planets which lay at what was termed a "northeast" direction, even though in actuality there were no true directions in space. [We can try these. I know a little about them, and I can tell you more during the journey. I had a lot of time to study planets on my trip to Hesperus." She looked over at Dritz and smiled before beginning to punch in the long series of coordinates that would make the trip far smoother than navigating the entirety of the course manually, something which put a strain on her.
Cocking his head, Dritz followed Vela's course, Together they plotted an appropriate course to the planet Vela had pointed out. The way was fairly clear, and the Aurian really had studied the planet. Not only that, but it was as though she had already plotted a course before, for fun or the like, since she knew it well.
"Looks perfect, cap'n," Dritz announced when they were done, clapping his hands together, "Damn, we're going to have a lot of time to fill." Rather than sounding daunted by the idea, however, he was visibly eager. "How long were you onboard before getting to Hesperus? You must be good with long periods of... well, potential boredom. We won't be bored together, though."
Though she was tempted to double check the course, Vela leaned back in her chair to listen to Dritz, knowing she would likely do it later.
[There is a lot of free time. It took me what you would think of as eight months to get from Aurctas to Hesperus. I wasn't bored. I practiced with the navigation controls, and read all the documents stored on the computer. I do mean all of them.] She smiled weakly. [I have a very good memory for information I have only seen or read once. Most Aurians do, especially with practice. I will be able to tell you about many things on our journey; everything I know about the planet, and anything I can think of about my people. If you're going to help, I think you should know as much as possible. It will also impress them, once they meet you.]
The idea of the other Aurians actually meeting Dritz was not one she had thought over in much depth. They would be suspicious at first, maybe, but they would see how caring and wonderful he was, she was certain. How they would feel about Vela having chosen him as a partner was another matter.
[I don't think we'll be bored together, either. Besides what I will tell you, we can continue the games you have showed me. Maybe you could teach me your juggling? We would be able to relax a lot together.] Vela felt her face warm as she considered this. They would need to be together almost always aboard the ship, and she could imagine that being so close could lead to a new element in their relationship.
Dritz chirped with surprise, "Phew, eight months is a long time! It took me... Wow, maybe one and a half, two from Chrysala, but Pap wasn't built for speed, he was solid and reliable. That's why we were such good friends!" He laughed to himself before looking back at Vela with a grin.
"I'd really like you to teach me what you know. Planets and travel aren't my best subjects. I mean, I know the basics of traveling, otherwise I wouldn't have made it this far!" He draped both arms around her shoulders, kissing her forehead. "We'll have you juggling like a pro, and me plotting courses, we'll be multi talented by the end of our journey!"
[It is a long time. But it won't take as long to get back, with the Nova's engine upgraded.] Vela's remaining eye had begun to shine with excitement at the thought of being able to travel for so long, as she did enjoy it. [Assuming we'll be using the Nova, of course.]
She continued to smile softly as he spoke to her, putting his arms on her shoulders and kissing her forehead. It made her really think about how he seemed to enjoy kissing her, an act which was definitely not as common for Aurians. Based on his own behavior, she thought he might like it if she did the same more often.
[I will teach you everything I can. And you will teach me,] she signed, leaning back just long enough to do so. Then she leaned forward again so their knees touched, placing both her hands on his legs and stretching up to softly kiss his lips.
Dritz had been so distracted with being close to Vela, caught up in her excitement for their journey, that it was almost too much additional surprise to feel her hands on his legs and then her lips on his. The kiss was gentle and sweet, as it always was with her, but he felt a flicker of a deeper passion as he returned it, his face growing warm.
When they pulled away, he cleared his throat and grinned, "So... are we ready to go? We can get some sleep, pay up some rent on the room and then get straight to the journey? Most of our stuff isn't unpacked yet, so it won't take much to get ready before take off. Or... you wanna go now?" His eyes were twinkling with a sense of adventure that reflected her own.
Through one half-lidded eye, Vela watched Dritz for a moment after their kiss, able to tell he had enjoyed it and smiling in pleasure. There had been the promise of a little more that time, one that intrigued her, and she felt eager to see how much it could grow as they spent more time alone.
[I would love to go now,] she signed happily, [but we should be practical. I will handle the rent while you get some rest tonight, and then I will join you. It won't take long to gather the rest of our things. Would you... mind showing me what clothes you are taking? I don't really know what I should take...] The request had been partly serious and partly out of a curiosity to know what he might consider essential.
"Of course I'll show you," Dritz grinned, reaching up and playing with a small flick of white hair that was beginning to stick out from the rest.
Once they got back to their room, Dritz laid out the clothing he was taking. He had chosen some items for practical reasons, like heavy boots for colder climates and rougher terrain, lighter shoes for more temperate places, an enormous jacket with a soft, fur-like lining and an eye-watering tesselated pattern, two of his other ludicrously patterned lighter jackets, a thick, surprisingly muted sweater, numerous grubby vests and a set of overalls that were clearly for extended periods of engine work, a set of gloves, and finally a hat, which he explained he would need if they ended up very cold, to protect his antennae.
"If you, uh... Wanna borrow anything? You can. I don't know how much you brought with you," he offered as he folded his things away.
Vela studied all of the clothing Dritz laid out with care. It made sense to her, once she considered it. [I never had to think about different climates before,] she explained, even though he probably would have realized without her doing so. [But I'm also fine in normal temperatures with my heavier clothing, so it might be alright that I don't have much lighter to wear yet.] She did, however, make a mental note to purchase more light clothing in the future, possibly even on the next planet they visited if such goods were available.
Similarly, she began taking out her own clothes and placing them next to Dritz's before folding them into a bag. There were several sets of thick, warm tops and leggings, her own boots, long undergarments, and of course the vest he had chosen for her. His suggestion that she borrow clothes from him made her pause a long moment before giving a shy shrug.
[If I need to, that would be nice. Thank you. But... I'm not sure they suit me. They would be too big, but it's more than that. I'm not sure the colors would look right on me.] Much as she admired the strange patterns and colors Dritz favored as an association with him, she was naturally hesitant to try something so different than what she was used to, wondering what he would possibly even think of her being dressed in any of his clothes.
Dritz laughed loudly, "Well yeah, but all of your own clothes are kinda too big for you!"
He touched the sleeve of the large, layered top she had been wearing when they first met, "Like this one. I reckon even I'd manage to fit in there." Admittedly it would be snug, but that went without saying.
"As for colours, you never know until you try," he said brightly, bringing a bright orange shirt from the clothing he wouldn't be bringing up against her chest. "Hmmm... Orange is too overpowering because you're a pretty pale flower, but how about-" he lifted a cobalt blue and yellow striped vest, "Yes. These colours look great, see?"
[I hadn't thought of that,] Vela signed, a little embarrassed. It was true her clothes tended to be oversized, but maybe that was because she thought it meant they were warmer. [If you want to borrow it...] she teased suddenly, smiling.
She considered the colors he showed her, agreeing easily that the orange was too much. The vest did seem nice, however. [I'll think about it. I just think I would look.... strange.] The lilac top had been one matter, but several bright colors at once felt like another. Of course, just because she was used to the black and white shades of Aurctas, it didn't mean she had to dress the same forever. Not that she had ever considered wearing white...
[Fera,] she signed abruptly, remembering him from the color he habitually wore. [He was supposed to check on us occasionally, make it seem like he had a claim on me, to keep those men away. What will happen if he can't find us for six months? But they might give up as well, if it appears we've gone.] It made sense she had forgotten about the Coronal prince until now, considering he was the last person she tended to want to think about.
Dritz snorted with amusement, shaking his head, "I get this feeling that if I wore it, it would end up even bigger on you!"
Mention of the prince of Coronus gave him pause, and for a few moments he seemed visibly shaken by the reminder. "Oh, crap... Yeah, you're right. I mean... He doesn't really seem to like us that much, right? So... It'll be okay if he doesn't see us?" he said uncertainly. The pink haired man remained such a mystery to him that he wasn't even sure of his own words. "Maybe he'll be happy, since he seems to see us as some sort of inconvenience."
The room seemed quieter after that, with Dritz frowning just slightly, his antennae arched at the base but flat against his hair at the ends. "Anyway... We have to do our own thing too. If he wanted us to be around him more, he'd say. Or something. We can't be at his beck and call."
It was impossible not to notice the quieter mood that resulted from the mention of Fera. Vela agreed with Dritz's thoughts on the matter, nodding to show her support. They did have to follow their own course, without having to stop and consider the whims of a rude and snobbish prince at every turn.
[He will probably forget all about us,] she signed reassuringly. [And so will those horrible men.] She couldn't help but watch the way Dritz held his antennae. Lately she had been using them to gauge his moods, even if they usually didn't deviate far from "happy." To comfort him further, she moved forward to wrap her arms around him in a tight embrace.
When she finally pulled back, she smiled at him. [It's getting late, and most of our things are ready to go. Do you want to go to bed? I can finish the rest while I'm still awake, but... I can join you until you fall asleep, if you like.] The shy feeling was returning, even though she would currently like nothing more than to be held close to his warmth.
Vela had managed to successfully calm him, and soon all Dritz was thinking about was her body against his, and how much he was enjoying her squeezing him tightly. It pleased him that she seemed to be just as fond of cuddling as he was.
He hadn't even thought about how tired he was feeling, but considering going to bed certainly brought attention to the fact. He nodded, his antennae relaxing back into their usual state, undulating lazily as he looked at her.
"I'd like it if we could carry on cuddling until I fall asleep, if you're okay to?" he asked, stroking her hair once again.
Dritz was lightly touching her hair and Vela relaxed into it, now feeling slightly weary herself. She reached up to run her fingers along his arm before nodding. [I don't have a problem with that. In fact, I would love it.]
Shyly she waited as he removed his clothing down to his undergarments, and after another moment of thought she did the same. She was still fully covered, but the material was thinner, and she would be able to better feel his warmth, she had no doubt.
She watched him as he laid down and looked at her in a way which she could only describe as adoring. With a smile, she climbed into bed with him and without even thinking, turned around on her side so that he might wrap around her from behind. They had never done this before, but in Vela's imagination it would turn out to be incredibly warm and comfortable.
For the first time, Dritz was somewhat shy when he removed his clothes, but not because he felt self conscious. Completely the opposite, in actual fact. It was flattering to be aware of Vela's eyes on his body, and he wanted that feeling to last. He couldn't help letting his gaze roam over her when she removed most of her own clothes too, leaving her dark, form fitting undergarment. He was fond of how it made her pale, almost translucent skin stand out.
After a moment of allowing her space to get comfortable, Dritz pressed himself against her back, throwing an arm around her and pulling her even closer, though that seemed impossible, and rubbing his nose against the finer hair at the nape of her neck, sighing contentedly. Knowing she couldn't reply to him in her sign language, he kissed her shoulder blade and murmured, "Sleep well, flower."
Vela couldn't help a gentle sigh of her own as Dritz pulled her closer, and she was able to feel his warmth surrounding her. She couldn't reply, unable to yet form the words she would like ('goodnight, sleep well'), but she managed to say them in her mind as she could feel herself beginning to drift off, more tired than she originally might have imagined.
