#tragen xo'ric

[queen-scribbles]

Lazy day off Tragen, courtesy of the wonderfully talented @sbeep

#tragen xo'ric #swtor #sith warrior #swtor sith warrior #he's so CUTE #look at my son🤩😊 #wonder who he's smiling at like that :3

[haledamage]

OC Kiss - Nostalgia

(SWtOR; Marii/Tragen)

A friendly sparring match between former enemies, featuring my Jedi Knight Marii and @queen-scribbles Sith Warrior Tragen, with a side of UST (unexpected sexual tension). AU where they exist in the same universe and neither of them are pining after any spy boys or apprentices 😉 This was supposed to be platonic, but I immediately lost control of it when Marii realized how hot Tragen is and Tragen realized he has a Type and that type is “disillusioned former Jedi who still believes in the inherent goodness of people”

--

The training room on Odessen was always busy. It was almost as active as the cantina and command center, with a constant stream of people in and out at all hours. Understandable, with the ragtag collection of soldiers and mercenaries they’d assembled--not to mention the Mandalorians, Sith, and Jedi, who could turn even the simplest workout into a competition if enough of them were present.

So Marii was pleasantly surprised to walk in late one morning and find the place deserted.

Well, mostly deserted. The only person there was the Commander, who was on the far side of the room, dismantling a training dummy with a series of precise, controlled strikes. She took the opportunity to watch him work, under the guise of doing her own warm-up stretches.

Tragen Xo’ric wasn’t what she’d expected from the Wrath. She thought he’d be like Scourge, a mercurial mix of cold pragmatism and burning rage. She thought he’d at least be… well, wrathful. 

But he wasn’t like any Sith she’d ever met. He was compassionate, and honorable, and noble. He spoke carefully, but with conviction, measuring his words like every conversation was a matter of life and death. How such light and warmth had survived so long in the cold rain of Dromund Kaas, she had no idea, but she was grateful for it.

Unfortunately for her, he was also charming and extremely handsome, with a smile that could make her weak in the knees. Of all the ways Tragen had surprised her, that was the one she’d been least prepared for.

He turned that smile in her direction, glancing over his shoulder at her. "Hello, Aramarii. Did you need something?"

She smiled back, but shook her head. “Just wanted to get in a workout before Lana’s mysterious briefing this afternoon. Unless you wanted to be alone? I don’t want to intrude.”

“You and everyone else, it seems,” he replied dryly. He turned away from the dummy, lifting the bottom of his shirt to wipe the sweat from his face.

Marii was so distracted by that brief glimpse of bare skin that she missed what he said next. She was jolted back to reality by a quarterstaff floating into her field of vision.

The only sign that Tragen had noticed her lapse in focus was a thread of pride curling through his aura, like a shaft of sunlight peeking out from behind the clouds. “Would you do me the honor of sparring with me?” he asked, presumably not for the first time.

She didn’t hesitate before taking the offered staff. “Training droids can’t keep up with you?”

“No one can.” It should’ve sounded boastful, but there was no arrogance in his voice. It was just a statement of fact. “But you have quite the reputation yourself, Battlemaster Wrinn,” he said her former title like it was some affectionate pet name, “and I must admit, I’ve been looking for an excuse to put it to the test.”

“Likewise.” She watched him as he stalked over to the collection of training weapons against the wall, returning the shinai he’d been using before and trading it out for a staff like the one she had. “Not every day I get the chance to fight the Empire’s Wrath and expect to survive to brag about it.”

He chuckled, low and dark, and gave her a crisp salute, quarterstaff held vertical in front of his face. “Whenever you’re ready.”

She returned the salute, holding her stick parallel with the floor. Then she lunged.

Their staffs met with a loud clack, and sent a ripple through the Force that knocked them both back a step.

Marii knew she was outmatched from the moment Tragen struck back. 

She wouldn’t say he was a better fighter, necessarily; they were fairly equally skilled, and though he was stronger, she had the edge on speed. But the rumors had never mentioned how smart he was, the way he could predict and counter her every move before she made it, and without needing the Force to do so. Her attacks were reckless and clumsy in comparison, a sledgehammer fighting a scalpel.

That didn’t mean she wouldn’t make him work for it.

“Are you waiting for something, Tragen?” she teased over the tap tap tap of wood on wood. “I can write you a formal invitation.”

“Are you so eager to lose, Aramarii?” he replied in the same tone. “I thought we were having fun.”

As if that had been the cue he’d been waiting for, he knocked her staff to the side with a nonchalant motion. He nimbly side-stepped her attempt at a counter attack, then slipped his quarterstaff under her chin and used it to pull her back against his chest.

In a real fight, that would’ve been the end of it, but Marii didn’t surrender and Tragen didn’t ask her to.

He tipped her head back with a gentle press of the staff until it met his shoulder. “Something about this feels very nostalgic,” he murmured against her ear. “Are you sure we haven’t done this before?”

She tried to turn her head to look at him, but his hold was implacable. “I don’t think I’d have forgotten that. You make an impression.”

Before he could reply, she threw her elbow back into his solar plexus. He grunted at the impact, and his grip loosened just enough that she could slip away and out of reach.

They circled each other slowly, taking the opportunity to catch their breath.

Marii spun her staff in a leisurely flourish. “You know, I’m honestly surprised Vitiate never ordered you to hunt me down.”

“I’m sure he’d have gotten around to it sooner or later.” A shadow passed over Tragen’s face, but it didn’t linger long enough to figure out what it meant. It was replaced with another charming smile. “He never got the chance. Some hotshot Jedi snuck into his base and killed him.”

“‘Hotshot,’ huh?” she repeated, trying to figure out what he meant by that. Neither the Force nor his expression gave her any clues.

He hummed in agreement or amusement. “Not fond of that one? How about ‘brazen’? ‘Fearless’? ‘Beautiful’?”

He closed the distance between them without warning, and Marii didn’t quite get her weapon up fast enough to block him. He disarmed her with an almost casual flick of the wrist, and the tip of his staff was pressed under her chin once more before hers had even clattered to the floor.

“How about ‘hotshot Jedi who needs to adjust her guard on her left side.’” Tragen took a step closer to her, using the end of the staff to tilt her head back, just like he had before--only this time, it was so he could maintain eye contact. With his free hand, he pushed a few errant strands of hair out of her face. “Wouldn’t want you to make that mistake when it counts. I’d hate to see you get hurt because of it.”

“You think I’m beautiful?” she blurted out.

His expression softened, his smile turning hesitant and almost shy. “I do.”

Marii closed the gap between them and pressed her lips to his.

She didn’t fully realize she’d done it until she felt the bright spike of surprise from him through the Force, and the weight under her chin abruptly disappeared as his quarterstaff joined hers on the floor.

And then his fingers tangled in her hair and he was kissing her back with an intensity that was as unexpected as it was thrilling.

A shrill beep sounded from his comm, and the moment was over as soon as it began.

“Yes? What is it?” Tragen was breathing harder than he had been during their entire sparring session. Marii couldn’t hear the reply on the other line, but she recognized Lana’s voice. “Thank you. I’ll be right there.”

He sighed as soon as the call ended, and she couldn’t help but smile at how obviously disappointed he was by the interruption. “The Commander’s work is never done.”

An alert came from her own comm a moment later, and a quick check showed a new message from Theron.

He chuckled. “Neither is yours, it would seem.”

They reluctantly separated, picking up their discarded weapons and returning them to the rack.

“Aramarii--”

“Tragen--”

They both spoke up at the same time, whatever they were going to say next dissolving into nervous laughter.

He rubbed sheepishly at the back of his neck. “You first.”

“I…” she trailed off, unsure where to start, and what came out of her mouth was, “I’m free this evening if you want a rematch.”

“If I want a--” He gave her a warm smile when he caught her meaning. “I’d like that. Assuming whatever waits for us in the command center will let me delay until tomorrow.”

She leaned in to kiss his cheek, slipping away again before he could convince her to linger. She still had a giddy grin on her face when they finally arrived at the war room.

#ockiss23 #rhi writes #aramarii wrinn #tragen xo'ric #marii/tragen #I guess that's a tag that exists now 😂 #I hope I did your boy justice 💖 I love him a whole bunch #even though it's entirely his fault this went off the rails #marii was a goner the moment he started flirting

[queen-scribbles]

I think I've mentioned a few times how much Tragen loves the stars, yes? So when I saw that as a prompt on @valkblue's Advent countdown, I couldn't resist grabbing it for my beloved Sith son.

#tragen xo'ric #swtor #sith warrior #it's so pretty and comforting and my son is so handsome😍😍😍😍 #tysm angie!!!!! #lovely work as always <3

[queen-scribbles]

I've been sitting on this amazing portrait of Tragen from @commander-sarahs-art so I could post it on his birthday. :3 I ♥ my Sith Son ^^

#tragen xo'ric #swtor #sith warrior #i love this handsome bastard so much #can't believe i've had him for five years already #fun fact! sarah did stars for the background without me saying anything about how much tragen loves them #so that worked out perfectly :D

[queen-scribbles]

I think modern AU Tragen would be a fencer. 👀👀

#queen rambles #tragen xo'ric #this post brought to you by me reading about lightsaber forms on wookieepedia #and the one that's best fit for him (form II) is compared to fencing #and me going 'hmmmm yes this visual pleases me'

[queen-scribbles]

Jaesa has decided two can play this game :3

#queen in space #tragen xo'ric #jaesa willssaam #tragen/jaesa #swtor

[queen-scribbles]

okay just one more: 19. "Your voice is so calming." for my beloved Tragen and his beloved Jaesa (oooor Tragen/Marii 😉)

Did I take the excuse to further enable Tragen/Marii? Yes, yes I did. Did I make it self-indulgent as hell? Also yes. Did I hoard this for two weeks to post as your birthday present? Also ALSO yes. Happy birthday, darling, I love you and hope I got your girl right.🧡💕💖 ----

Marii had a bad feeling about this meeting from the moment she and Tragen stepped off her ship.

She couldn't put her finger on what, precisely, was behind the feeling, but that wasn't unusual. Tragen had picked up on it too; she could sense his shimmering caution before she said anything.

Good we're on the same page, she thought, resisting the urge to rest her hands on her lightsaber hilts as they walked down the hall under escort.

This was ostensibly a diplomatic meeting, with all the trappings. But Marii couldn't shake the nudge from the Force there was a more nefarious intent to the (armed) soldiers keeping pace alongside them, the location chosen for the meeting... Their hosts were hiding something and it had her memorizing details as they walked. How many doors, how do they seal, how many guards, are there blind corners--

"Aramarii." Tragen's voice pulled her from her calculations and she realized they'd reached the room that was their apparent destination.

"Sorry. Admiring the architecture," she said, as if this wasn't one of the blandest, most run-of-the-mill space outposts she'd set foot on.

A smirk pulled the corners of Tragen's mouth, but the escorts were unamused. They halted the progress in the vestibule prior to the main chamber and one held up a hand.

"You will leave weapons here before meeting the Leader-Elect," he said.

Like hell. Marii rolled her eyes. Normally it wouldn't be a problem, but with the feeling curled in her gut she was hesitant to comply this time. She couldn't see Tragen's face from half a step behind, but she hardly needed to.

"Beg pardon?" he asked in that rich, rolling tone that was somehow soothing and sent sparks of heat skittering down her spine at the same time.

"Your weapons," the guard repeated, unfazed by the heavy tonal hint to reconsider. "You will leave them here." He looked pointedly at the dualsaber hanging from Tragen's belt.

"Your coalition has made acts of aggression against my people in the past," Tragen said levelly. "While I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt, and discuss a possible alliance if your feelings toward us have changed, I would be unwise to walk into such a meeting unarmed."

The guard was implacable, mildly mocking smile that had Marii's hackles rising. "And we would be unwise to allow such a powerful individual access to our leader so armed, Commander. We are well aware that both you and your... bodyguard" --he flicked a look at Marii before returning to staring at Tragen-- "have a connection to the Force. You will hardly be defenseless." He gestured to a small case. "Your weapons will remain."

Tragen stared the man down a few moments longer, undoubtedly running risks and benefits, then nodded. "Very well." He unclipped the dualsaber and set it where the man indicated.

The bad feeling spiked until Marii could almost physically taste it and had to swallow it back. "Are you sure?" she murmured to Tragen, moving with far greater reluctance to leave her twin shotos with the dualsaber.

"Sure of their intentions, no," he murmured back, and the shiver that rippled down her spine had nothing to do with the situation, "Sure in our abilities?" He smiled and reached to smooth wayward hair back from her face. "Absolutely."

"On your lead then, Commander," she said, casting a last look at their weapons as she followed him into the main chamber.

Leader-Elect Brin sat behind a small podium on a raised dais, but rose to bow in greeting when they entered, flanked by guards with blasters in hand and electrostaves slung on their backs. "I must admit pleasant surprise you agreed to this meeting, Commander Xo'ric. Sith are not known for giving second chances. Although," he cocked his head as he returned to his seat, "given who is allowed to join and remain at your side, I suppose it's clear you are different."

"It... would be correct to say I am not a typical Sith," Tragen said carefully, tone the most guarded Marii had ever heard it.

She almost snorted a laugh at the sheer understatement of the words.

"Our good fortune, then," Leader-Elect Brin said with a smile that didn't set her at ease in the slightest, "that the Alliance is led by a merciful Sith, who is willing to come hear us out despite past... differences."

"Merciful but not naïve," Tragen said. His posture was relaxed, but there was a tenseness to him in the Force that told Marii his concerns were no more assuaged than hers. "Given your coalition's previous opinion of the Alliance, and openly hostile actions, it is curious to have you reach out so abruptly."

"You are wise indeed to wonder," Brin said. He had that same almost-mocking look as the guard in the vestibule, like he knew a secret he wouldn't be sharing. All of them did, come to think; Brin, the original escort, the guards in the vestibule and here flanking the dais. "Let us say you have impressed us, Commander. Impressed me, with your resilience, resourcefulness, determination. Especially now that you no longer hide behind the Eternal Fleet and that warship. Your people are fortunate to have such a leader."

We certainly are, Marii thought with a smirk of her own.

Tragen held up a hand, giving a small grateful nod. "Not that the compliment is unappreciated, Leader-Elect, but there was a reason you asked to meet, wasn't there?"

"There was." Brin stood, stepped around the decorative podium. The atmosphere shifted as he did so, making Marii's ears pop.

She fought the urge to scowl at the sensation. Wouldn't want them to think she disapproved of the meeting when it was the brief rush of unbalance. Her hearing implants dulled the effect somewhat, but she wasn't entirely immune to the underwater-y muffling feel that came with air pressure changes.

The thought clicked in as Brin halted, hands folded in front of him and that mocking half-smile on full display. They were on a space outpost. A sealed, atmospherically controlled space outpost. There could only be such a shift by design or catastrophic damage.

It was followed swiftly by the realization that hadn't been an atmospheric shift--she couldn't feel the Force danger-nudge that had been there since they stepped off her ship. Now it was her instincts, her gut, screaming at her that something was wrong. She moved closer to Tragen in the same moment he shifted his weight to be leaning toward her.

"Does your Alliance know how fortunate they are? Do they..." Brin chuckled. "...value you enough?"

"I'm hardly a mind-reader," Tragen deflected. He was scanning the room, as Marii was, for details, ways out, where the guards stood. "But I would say so, based on the differences they've put aside, the support and dedication they've shown to both me and the ideals of the Alliance."

"Really?" Brin scoffed. "Because I heard that when you went missing, it only took a couple hours for them to listen to the first power-hungry politician who clawed her way into their attention span."

"And who is now in prison," Tragen said coolly, arms crossed and weight leaned on one leg so his shoulder almost brushed Marii's. He still sounded so calm. "I don't believe Saresh's footsteps are ones you'd wish to follow."

"Of course not." Brin flicked one hand in a dismissive gesture. One that apparently also cued the escort to step close once more. "I don't want your fickle Alliance, Commander. I want their credits. Their resources. So I hope, for your sake, they value your as highly as they should."

Ransom? Seriously? Marii struggled not to let the incredulity show on her face.

"I assume you're aware of the galaxy-wide resource crisis, Brin?" Tragen drawled. He leaned ever so slightly further back, his shoulder brushing hers. Be ready. "The Alliance is not immune to it simply because we stand independent of Empire and Republic. Do you really think we have the excess to pay a ransom?"

Brin laughed at the skepticism in his voice. "I think if they value you as highly as you believe they do, your people will find it somewhere. Trim different budgets. Skim a little on bribes. Cut an operation or two. Thank you for being so obliging as to leave your weapons outside," he added as the vestibule door slammed shut. "We would prefer this go with as little fuss as possible. And the Force will be no help to you; I've made some new friends who saw to that."

Marii instinctively glanced around the room but didn't see anyone or anything out of the ordinary. Brin wasn't lying though; there was an emptiness when she experimentally reached for the Force that made her stomach turn.

"Mm, you really thought of everything." Tragen's tone was still level, but familiarity had Marii catching the faint edge of amusement.

Because they hadn't actually thought of everything.

The guards were closer now, blasters in hand.

Marii kept her breathing even, her stance relaxed even as internally she coiled to spring. She was pretty sure she knew what Tragen was planning.

"I do my best," Brin preened. "Especially where providing for my people is concerned. Do all of us a favor, Commander, and come quietly so we do not have to harm you." He gestured to the quartet of guards, who closed the rest of the distance. The nearer two extended their blasters to nudge Tragen and Marii along.

They struck in tandem, in such perfect sync no one watching would believe this was improvised with no prior communication, grabbing the guards' guns and yanking them forward by the barrels. Marii's got off a shot that went half a meter wide, his grip deadlocked on the hilt. That was fine, she didn't want the blaster.

She stripped the electrostaff off his back even as she knocked his legs from under him. The weapon hummed readily to life, its weight different from a dualsaber or training stave, but not enough to be a problem.

Tragen stood at her back, having performed a similar move. "Can you get the door?" he asked even as Brin shouted and the rest of the guards rushed forward.

"'Course," she grinned. Slicing a door was one of the first things Theron had made sure she could do when she joined. "If you can hold them off?"

He grinned back, electrostaff humming as he spun it around his hand. "Of course."

As if four on one odds were no serious concern.

Marii nodded and hurried to the door controls. She confirmed it was actually locked before pulling off the panel and digging for the wires she needed. (Nothing more embarrassing than putting extra effort into a door you could've just opened.) Fortunately this station was truly run of the mill in all areas, not just visual design. It only took a few seconds to find the right wires--even when distracted by watching Tragen fight--and shift connections to bypass the lock.

"Tragen!" she called, already dodging through the door as it opened.

He'd follow. She'd deal with the guards waiting in the vestibule. Who both fired the second she came charging through.

Good instincts. She blocked one, but the other singed her hair it flew so close. She cracked the guard across the face, wincing a little at the sizzle of contact and cry of pain. But the staff was set on stun, and they were trying to kidnap her and Tragen, so she wasn't going to feel too bad for him.

The other guard swung wildly with his own electrostaff and she ducked, the lethal crackle passing over her head.

Marii pivoted, sweeping one foot in a spin kick aimed at his ankles before she straightened. She only caught a glancing hit, made him stumble, but that bought her a couple seconds before his next strike. Which, in turn, gave her time to block.

"We want him alive!!" Brin's voice bellowed from the main chamber, even as there was a (muffled) cry of pain and Tragen emerged into the vestibule. It wasn't fair for someone to look so good disheveled, it really wasn't.

The distraction of his arrival gave Marii an opening to knock aside the guard's staff and land a solid hit to his gut that took him down.

"I think they like you better," she teased, spinning the electrostaff with a flourish.

Tragen rolled his eyes but couldn't entirely hide a smile. "Get the door, Aramarii," he said, scooping their lightsabers from the case.

"Not that I blame them," she drawled as she checked the door controls and pried off the panel. "You're far more charming."

He huffed a laugh. "I don't know about far more, but," he swung a one-handed strike at a guard who followed them through, "you are trouble."

The door hissed open.

"Very useful trouble," Marii grinned. She grabbed his arm and dragged him after her into the hall.

She could still feel the Force's absence, throbbing at her temples. She shook it off, calling up her memory of the layout. They'd passed two or three rooms on the way that might lead to barracks or somewhere with more guards--

"Stop them!! Take them alive!" blared over the comm system. Tragen and Marii were only halfway to the nearest blast door when it shut.

"This way!" Marii checked her stride and pivoted so sharply Tragen almost ran into her. If this was your bog-standard space outpost, there'd be a more circuitous--but harder to lock down--route to the hanger over here. They just had to get there and out before the hanger could be locked down.

It was a bog-standard outpost. The door opened to reveal a hallway headed the direction she expected. They didn't waste any time taking it, Tragen now fallen half a step behind to follow her lead.

Behind them rose the clamor of doors opening, comm chatter, pursuit on general. It drove them faster, Tragen surely aware of the same thing looming in her thoughts. Hanger lockdown only took a minute or so at most. They were on a very tight chrono if Brin thought to alert them.

Of course, it might've been locked down from the moment they were out of sight upon arrival. That would be the smart thing to do, in case things went muja-shaped. But Brin struck Marii as just arrogant enough to think it an unnecessary precaution. She counted doors as they ran, noting at a fleeting glance one open room looked to be a rec center with game tables, one a vivarium, lizard-like creatures lounging on trees, one-- Ah.

"Keep going!" she called to Tragen even as she braked to dodge inside one of the rooms. He didn't argue, but she caught the concerned furrow of his brow before losing sight.

A quick trip-strike combo knocked out the comm center operator, and Marii jammed the electrostaff deep into the guts of the console and left it there as she bolted back out and after Tragen.

"Left!" she hollered as he approached a crossways intersection. The guards dangerously close on her heels had to hear, but it was the last turn before a straight shot to the ship. She dug for an extra burst of speed and narrowed the gap halfway as they closed in on the hanger access.

Tragen half-turned as she drew closer, relief she'd caught up shifting to worry when his gaze went back over her shoulder. "Marii--!"

The metallic ting of a grenade being primed was her only further warning before the flash-bang exploded against the floor next to her. Marii's vision went white, heavily interspersed with colored spots, ears ringing from the proximity. She hung onto enough of her wits to guess the hand that grabbed her arm, pulling her the direction they'd been heading, probably belonged to Tragen.

"This way." That was his voice, still level and soothing despite the circumstances. Barely starting to breathe hard. "Any other turns?"

Marii shook her head, almost gasping as they stepped beyond whatever was dampening the Force and it came back in a rush. "Last door," she said, throwing one hand out to trip the controls with the Force as they reached it.

Tragen gave an appreciative grunt. "Good timing," he muttered. It made her wonder how much--or little--he'd felt the Force-loss in the first place. There were some benefits to a lesser connection.

The white was starting to clear from her vision but the spots remained as they raced up the ramp of her ship.

"I'll get us flying," Tragen said, hand reluctantly slipping from her arm. "Can you get to a seat?"

Marii nodded, blinking rapidly. Her head ached, her vision still dim and spotty, but she knew the Defender well enough to navigate blindfolded. (A boast she and Kira had actually tested, once upon a time.) "I'll be fine."

Tragen headed for the bridge with rapid steps, and by the time Marii had strapped in one of the holo-room jump seats, the engines were whining and the hip lurched into motion. She'd've flown it smoother, but she wasn't about to complain at his piloting skill if he was getting them out of here.

She could feel his urgency, the hesitation at semi-familiar controls, and then relief, briefly, that she assumed meant they were out of the hanger. Probably being pursued, if he was still tense. Or he was worried about being fired upon, but outposts like this weren't usually armed--

The Stranger dropped in a sharp dodge to the left. Maybe this one was. Guess Brin gave up on taking us alive. Or thinks they can just cripple us...

But there were no further spikes of emotion from Tragen or sharp changes from the ship.

Still blinking to clear spots from her eyes, Marii unbuckled and moved to the more comfortable bench seat curved around the table. She closed her eyes to block out the pulsing light of the archive bank (light in general) and rested her forehead against the table. Grateful as she was to not have the throbbing Force-absence anymore, the flashbang aftereffects were more than enough to give her a headache.

Fortunately the ringing ears had cleared up with no sign of actual damage to her implants. She heard footsteps clear as day when Tragen joined her.

"We're clear, and I've plotted course." The headache retreated slightly as he spoke. There was a pause, the seat cushion shifting as he sat next to her. "Are you alright, Aramarii?"

"I will be," Marii mumbled into the table. "Soon as the headache clears."

"Good to hear," he said with a sympathetic chuckle, and the ache receded again. His hand came to rest on her shoulder, the warm weight making her bite her lip. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Just... keep talking," Marii said. Stars, she'd never normally admit this, but he deserved an explanation. "You... your voice is calming. Soothing." So soothing. "It's... helping clear things up."

"Ah." She could hear the smile in his voice. "Of course. What would you like me to talk about?"

It really was unfair, the things his voice did to her. "I don't care, anything. Are you alright?" She cracked an eye to look at him, but things were still spotty. He looked fine. "Did I miss any recent Vette shenanigans? Oh-! Why do you seem to like my ship better than yours?"

It was something she'd noticed, the handful of times they'd handled missions together, only once had they used the Celestial Dawn. And that had been a mission to Ziost, in the heart of Imperial space. (Neither of them had spoken much. Ziost was an unpleasant memory for them both.) A couple times they'd used a shuttle, but otherwise, through casual suggestion or off-hand declaration on his part, they'd wound up using the Wayfaring Stranger. Not that she cared; it was a familiar ship to fly, and the Alliance was paying for fuel. It just made her wonder.

Tragen chuckled again, his hand starting to move in long slow sweeps up and down her back as he thought. It took a moment before he spoke. "A few reasons, I suppose. The foremost being appearances. This blends in better most places we go. And for those who do recognize it..." He hesitated, hand still moving in slow sweeps on her back. "A Jedi's arrival inspires hope more often than not, and a Sith's fear. Given what I'm... we're trying to accomplish with the Alliance, I would far rather the former."

There was a note of melancholy in the words that made her wonder how long he'd been stuck with the mere sight of his ship striking fear when all he really wanted was to help. It made her heart squeeze and she slid her hand over to rest on his leg.

"The other reasons are, admittedly, more selfish," Tragen continued, tone a bit sheepish but still warm. "The Dawn is an Imperial military vessel by design, and no amount of renaming it or Vette strong-arming me and Jaesa into movie nights will change that, not really. It's... austere. Livable, but all sharp edges and hard angles and dim lights and..." He sighed. Marii rolled her head to the side to peek at him, just in time to catch his free hand raking through his hair, gaze fixed on the far wall. "The Stranger's more..."

"Homey?" she offered.

"For lack of a better term. Welcoming. Comfortable." He shifted on the cushioned bench, thigh pressing against hers. "Better lit."

"Mmm." It made her smile that he specifically singled that out. "Can't you change it? If it bothers you that much? At least the lights. You aren't on Imperial payroll, so to speak, anymore. It's not like it would raise eyebrows."

"I've thought about it," Tragen said, his touch faltering as it traced up her spine. "But it would have to be completely stripped and... remodeled, and I'm not so selfish as to waste resources on such a project that could be put to better use elsewhere."

"Just selfish enough to regularly borrow my ship b'cause yours is gloomy," Marii teased. The headache was gone, as was the spots-infused vision, and she straightened.

"Ah, but your ship comes with the added bonus of your company," Tragen countered, amusement glittering in his eyes.

She almost put her head right back down on the table, to hide a blush rather than fight a headache this time. You can have that anyway. "So there's an ulterior motive," she said playfully.

"I told you it was selfish," he drawled, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Marii gave a faux-gasp. "You mean you aren't perfect?"

Tragen chuckled, fingers lingering against her jaw. "I know that's the popular rumor, but no." He smirked a little and tipped her chin up. "I did, after all, abuse my authority to get the partner I wanted for this."

She had been a little surprised when he brought her instead of Lana for what was supposedly a diplomatic meeting. But then, if he suspected something wasn't right about their invitation, the two of them did make a good team in a fight.

"Scandalous," she murmured, smiling. His voice always did things to her, but pitched low and just for her like this never failed to make her toes curl. "But it can be our little secret."

"Mm. Good." His hand slid to cup the side of her neck as he guided her in for a kiss.

Marii leaned into it, hand pressing his thigh for balance, trying to get closer but stymied by the table and the bench's curved design. It was so hard to find time for them, with the Alliance spread in so many directions, nurture what had started months ago in the training room with a sparring match and blurted 'You think I'm beautiful?'. If the time traveling to and from a (botched) diplomatic mission was all she got, she'd be damned if she didn't take it. She slid partway into his lap to work around the bench problem, arm circling his neck for balance as their legs tangled under the table.

Tragen laughed into the kiss before pulling back just enough to murmur, "I take it your headache is gone, Aramarii?"

"Mmhm," she hummed, shiver rolling down her spine when he said her name like that. "But maybe you should keep talking, just to make sure it doesn't come back."

He gave her a fond smile, thumb rubbing arcs on her cheek. "There is one more reason I like your ship, and by extension, working with you." He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "I don't have to fly the ship."

Marii curled in with a laugh until her forehead rested against his shoulder. "That's right, one of your weaknesses," she needled. "Sorry it didn't completely work out for you this time. Though you did alright getting us out of there."

"Hmm, thank you," Tragen said with a huffed laugh. "I was more motivated than usual; didn't want your ship getting damaged. Oh, our lightsabers are still up there, on the copilot's seat unless my flying knocked them off-"

He shifted as if to go get them and Marii grabbed the front of his shirt to keep him sitting. "As long as they're on the ship it's fine. They're not going anywhere."

"You're alright with lightsabers potentially rolling around the bridge of your ship?" he drawled, brows arched.

"We're in hyperspace, Tragen," she pointed out. "It's smooth sailing from here to Odessen." But he did have a point. She just wasn't ready for this to be done yet. "...Alright, maybe we should get them somewhere more secure. Then we can relocate" --she kissed his temple-- "to my quarters, maybe."

Tragen chuckled, his thumb rubbing small circles on the nape of her neck. She hadn't even noticed his arm slipping around her shoulders. "Not done with me yet?"

Not by a long shot. "Have to take what I can before the responsibility and datawork get their claws into us," Marii said dryly. She tapped her heel against his calf. "All I'm thinking is there's more room to stretch out."

Comfortable as the seat was, they were both of a height to make this niche a tight fit for cuddling attempts.

"Mmm, tempting." He nudged her closer to steal another kiss, this one almost chaste. "I like how you think."

Both the words and the tone in which they were uttered made something curl in Marii's gut. She couldn't think of a better--more clever--response then humming in gratitude as they untangled themselves and slid off the curved bench seat.

She wobbled slightly upon standing, equilibrium apparently still off from that damn flashbang. But she steadied herself quickly enough and followed Tragen to the bridge.

One shoto had dropped in the dip between seat and back of the copilot chair, but the other and Tragen's dualsaber had indeed rolled under the console and needed to be retrieved. The weapons locker was just outside Marii's quarters, making it an easy destination after they stowed their lightsabers.

Marii rubbed her temples when Tragen wasn't looking. Walking plus the console lights had the headache teasing the edges again. Not that she'd admit--

"Need me to talk about something again?" He was smiling sympathetically when she looked.

She huffed a sigh and dropped onto the bed, shoving off her boots. "I'd never turn it down. And, again, don't give a damn about topic. Winning dejarik strategies. Recite the plot of your favorite holovid or book, I don't care." Knowing him, he actually had those memorized. She was just annoyed the headache was coming back.

Tragen joined her, tugging off his boots as they settled in. "Once upon a time..."

Marii rolled her eyes and laughed as she whacked his arm.

He chuckled. "I'll think of something."

"I know you will."

Contrary to how it started, she had a good feeling about what was left of this trip.

#queens fic #sleepy prompt #it is in there! #just buried under 3k of combat/action sequence #bc you know i love writing combat <3 #tragen xo'ric #aramarii wrinn #tragen/marii #guess they need a ship name now lmao #i couldn't find if/what marii named her ship in her tag #so rhi lmk if you actually named it and i'll sprinkle that in there too <33 #fun fact! the draft of this was titled tragen asmr bc it seemed fitting #hope you enjoyed and have a fabulous birthday <3333

[queen-scribbles]

Vette: Jaesa, you've been off in la-la land for a long time, everything okay? Jaesa: Hm? Yeah, just enjoying the view The view:

(Vette: 😏😏😏)

#queen in space #tragen xo'ric #tragen/jaesa #swtor #this came to me working on the crack fic xD #wherein jaesa spent a long time looking very disrespectfully at my son xD

[queen-scribbles]

Easier Said than Done

aka the Tragen Looks Damn Good in the Expatriate Armor fic. 😂😏👀

---

A Jedi's strength was in her focus.

There were other things as well, of course. Compassion. Justice. Defending the Republic, fighting Sith, keeping peace. But unwavering focus regardless of distractions was the bedrock on which those were built, and the hallmark of a good Jedi.

Jaesa was, by that metric, not being a good Jedi.

It was Tragen's fault.

Certainly, previous visits to this planet meant they were familiar with the climate. Certainly, that climate was hot enough to warrant--necessitate, even--wardrobe adjustments. Jaesa had opted for a lightweight tunic, single layer, breathable fabric, so she understood wearing something different to counter the heat.

But at least hers had sleeves.

Then again, she mused, sneaking a sidelong glance at Tragen as they walked, she'd seen him in a tank top before. Training, relaxing, sleeping, before and after they were together. Sure, he had nice arms(really nice arms), but they'd never done this to her before. She bit her lip. Which meant it was either the gauntlets--fingerless, with flexible light metal plating that stopped just shy of his elbows, and a lining sleeve underneath that came slightly higher--or the cut of the tank top itself.

That was probably it. The combination of higher collar and covering right to the edge of his shoulders in front, with the deep, wide cuts in back that covered little more than his spine and just above his belt. Though the way the gauntlets drew attention to his biceps didn't help.

She should really be thinking about why they were here. The negotiations. Sussing out if anyone had dishonorable intentions. Making sure nothing happened to disrupt the peace talks--

(Three white lines curved back along his ribcage, scarred deep by rakghoul claws over decade ago. She wanted to trace them with her fingertips like she did when they--)

"-Jaesa."

She flinched at the interruption, head snapping up. "Hm?"

Tragen was looking over his shoulder at her as he walked. "Is everything alright? You were starting to lag..."

She was. Jaesa cleared her throat and tucked her hair behind her ear. "Just, um, lost in thought. Today's going to be tricky."

"A bit." He nodded in agreement. "The number of attendees will make it no easy task. But so long as we're both on guard, I believe it shall be fine."

Don't get distracted, in other words. Easier said than done when the way he'd turned accentuated the muscles in his back and made his shirt shift so she could see the circular burn just to the left of his spine.

"I'll stay alert while we're there," she promised, though she had no idea how she'd keep that if he was anywhere in her line of sight.

"As will I," he said with a smile as he turned his gaze forward once more.

Oh, stars, she hoped he hadn't picked up what she was thinking. Not that she minded if he knew she found him attractive, but right now it was distracting to the point of embarrassment. They were working. This was a mission, she was on-duty. There was a reason she was here, and ogling him was not it. Those thoughts could wait for later. When lives weren't depending on her ability to focus.

(And on the surroundings, not the way Tragen's gauntlets drew attention to his biceps and the natural follow-through to his shoulders and how all of it together made her want to grab fistfuls of the shirtfront and kiss him until neither of them could breathe anymore.

Among other things.)

This time she was just aware enough to stop herself from walking into Tragen's back when he slowed his pace.

"We're here," he said, gesturing to the low gazebo a stone's throw ahead. "After you."

"Oh, thank you." Jaesa had never been so grateful for the flashes of decorum that held over from his upbringing. Still, even with him behind her, guiding hand light on her waist, it was easier said than done to wrench her thoughts in a more appropriate and professional direction.

She managed, thank the stars, meeting the host with a smile--even as he greeted them with small talk about the wisdom of 'dressing for the weather'. It took enough effort to keep her focus in the right place she barely registered the absent-minded caress of Tragen's thumb at the curve of her hip--and almost missed the early shimmer of something across their Bond before he cut it off and suggested they get to work.

---

The meeting went without a hitch. No threats, no shenanigans, and after a brief moment to pause and fall back on her training to center herself, Jaesa did manage to keep her thoughts from veering off the task at hand. She and Tragen accepted the host's effusive thanks the Alliance had been willing to step in, that the Commander himself had come, and then headed back for their shuttle.

"Nice to have an easy one for once," Jaesa commented as they walked.

"Indeed," Tragen nodded, a smile pulling the corner of his mouth. His hand settled at her waist again. "It was a relief to have it not warrant the vigilance we thought would be required."

Her neck warmed and she ducked her head. But she did give into the temptation to slide her arm around his waist as well, fingers more-or-less on purpose brushing bare skin as she did, and bit back a smile at the shiver that rolled through him. "I am sorry I was distracted on the way."

"That was unlike you," he said, fingers tracing small, light circles at her hip. "What-"

How did he not know?! "You," she blurted before she could overthink or--more likely--spontaneously combust. "You were distracting me."

It was gratifying to see the flush creeping up around his neck and ears to match hers. "Ah." He was silent a moment, the shuttle coming into view before he spoke again. "I am flattered, but, if I may... that's never been a... struggle for you bef--"

"You've never worn a shirt like this before!" She swooped her fingers across one of the exposed sections of his back to emphasize her outburst. "I'm used to seeing your arms, that's not the problem. But it... flaunts part of what I'm used to only seeing when we're alone, and I-I..." the words trailed off in a flustered exhale, and she raked her hands through her hair, staring semi-straight ahead rather than look at him. If her face got any hotter she really was going to combust.

"Jaesa." Tragen stopped her with a chuckle at the base of the shuttle ramp. "As I said, I'm flattered. And if it helps..." he turned her to face him, one hand resting on each of her hips, and whispered in her ear, "...I had a similar problem."

She started, embarrassment forgotten as she met his eyes. "What?!"

"This is a very good color for you," he said softly, rubbing a fold of her deep teal tunic between his fingers. "And it drapes well." His hands slid to the small of her back and then returned to her hips. "And it is so. very. soft."

It was very comfortable, she had to admit. And she was keenly aware of it as he spoke.

He chuckled again, sheepishly. "It's made it rather easier said than done keeping my hands--and thoughts--off you." He kissed her forehead. "Though I don't think I had as much of a struggle as you."

She briefly considered smacking him(not hard) for the teasing note in his voice, but she did have it coming. So Jaesa rested her hands on his arms, just high enough for her fingers to brush skin. "Mind you, I do like this shirt," she said playfully, "just maybe a little too much."

"I'll endeavor to remember that," Tragen said. He smiled and leaned in to whisper, "I'll promise to wear it again if you promise it'll survive the trip home."

She snorted--"Easier said than done"-- and felt the laugh rumble in his chest as she grabbed two fistfuls of said shirt to drag him in for a kiss as they stumbled up the boarding ramp. As she'd envisioned earlier, she didn't let him go until both of them were breathless.

And then went in for more.

After all, a Jedi's strength was in her focus.

#queens fic #tragen xo'ric #jaesa willsaam #tragen/jaesa #otp: my north star #swtor #swtor fic #oh this was FUN #i've just been v wrapped up in writing the fluffy one and keep forgetting to edit #finally took care of that so HERE YA GO

[queen-scribbles]

Willpower? Don't know 'er not when it comes to the Sith Son

#queen in space #tragen xo'ric #swtor #i held out for two whole days!!! #but LOOK AT HIM #i did sub in the pit boss pants + force apprentice boots #bc they work better with his physique #ft. a couple peeks at my half-decorated manaan sh xD #me? playing favorites? noooooooooo #i say as i shell out twice the cc's i've ever spent on armor for this bastard

[queen-scribbles]

Babes🤩💖

#queen in space #tragen xo'ric #jaesa willsaam #tragen/jaesa #swtor #their kids are just gonna be the most gorgeous rugrats anyone has every seen

[queen-scribbles]

this screenshot is 100% to show the texture upgrade in the Expatriate top and totally not bc of the close-up of Tragen's shoulder

#queen in space #tragen xo'ric #this armor is so damn dangerous

[queen-scribbles]

This one deserves its own post🤩

#queen in space #tragen xo'ric #potentially my most attractive child #in armor that accentuates that #i'm taking SO MANY SCREENSHOT #the jasea muse is feeling v vindicated rn

[queen-scribbles]

This art of Tragen, aka The Worst Sith Ever™ is brought to you by the insanely talented and wonderful @lupotterdraws

#tragen xo'ric #swtor #sith warrior #LOOK AT HIMMMMMM #🥰🥰😍🥰😍🥰😍 #HANDSOME BASTARD #he's already gorgeous and lu made him EVEN MORE GORGEOUS #THAT SMILE #HIS HAIR #aaaahhhHHHHHHHHHH #i literally dropped my phone when i first saw it #fortunately onto the couch lol

[queen-scribbles]

Constant

Happy birthday to the Sith Son, have just shy of 6k Tragen/Jaesa fluff that was pure joy to write. :D

---

Force Bonds made it blasted hard to keep secrets.

You had to bury them very deep and hide them very well. Maintain control always to not let anything slip. Tragen had quite a lot of practice burying things deep and hiding them well, and even more not letting things slip.

But never from her.

At least Alderaan had gone smoothly, despite Vette's knowing smirk why she was along instead of Jaesa. Who was conveniently busy helping Sana-Rae with something.

Tragen deflected any attempts to pry, and he wasn't lying to say he wanted to spend more time with Vette. It went without a hitch--official and unofficial missions both--and they were back on Odessen in short order, where a potentially much more difficult negotiation awaited.

"Lana, Jaesa and I need a week."

She arched a brow. "For what?"

"For ourselves," Tragen clarified.

"And I'd love to say we can manage without you so you could have it," she replied, lowering her datapad. "Stars know you deserve it." She cocked her head. "Romantic getaway?"

"In part," Tragen said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've been promising all parties she and I would visit my family again, and as my birthday is nearing, I thought it would be fitting if we could get the timing to work out."

"You mother, sister, and girlfriend all together for such an occasion?" Lana chuckled and steepled her fingers. "Brave man."

"Oh, I feel like Vette would also need to be present for it to be a true test of courage," he deadpanned with a fond smile, before sobering. "We've been doing so much for so long. Jaesa needs a break. I need a break. And as there's no current major crisis, just multiple smaller issues, this seems as good a time as we're going to get."

"You're not wrong," Lana said wryly. "This sounds more like you're informing me of plans you have no intention to change than asking to be accommodated..." She sat back with a sigh. "...You are the Commander, I suppose you don't truly need to ask...."

Tragen shrugged. He hadn't been planning to say it, not so bluntly, anyway. "I'd never intentionally leave you and the Alliance in the lurch."

"Diplomatic as always." Lana smiled, staring at him as if attempting to divine why he was so insistent in this. He wondered if she found it. "I appreciate that, Commander. The two of you do indeed deserve some time. We'll make it work."

"It won't be long; I'm sure you will manage just fine. And thank you." He inclined his head in a polite and grateful farewell as he took his leave. With the harder pieces now in place, he could find Jaesa to tell her he was whisking her away.

---

Jaesa was all too happy to be whisked away, particularly to visit his family over his birthday.

"Glad you finally learned how to be a little bit selfish," she teased.

"Such sage Jedi advice today," he returned lightly, leaning in to steal a kiss.

Jaesa giggled--"Touché"--and cupped his face in her hands, mirth dancing in her eyes. "But it would be a shame for the Alliance Commander to burn himself out," she murmured, claiming another kiss. "Your mother will be elated with this development."

Tragen hummed an agreement. "She's going to pop my spine again, I know it," he chuckled ruefully. They'd only managed one visit back to Stenos prior to the Wild Space expedition, and none since, only comm calls. Elated was likely an understatement.

"You hug like her when you're excited, you know," Jaesa said, sliding her arms around his waist.

"High praise." He kissed her forehead. "Would you like to be present when I comm her?"

"Would I," she grinned. "I can pack after."

His mother's excitement was indeed palpable, even over a holocall. "Of course, we'd love for you to visit! And over your birthday?! I'll have to see what we can--"

Tragen chuckled, bit back a smile. "Mother, please don't make too much of a fuss."

She snorted and the flickering blue holo turned to Jaesa. "D'you hear him?! First birthday at home in over twenty years and he wants me to not make a big fuss."

Jaesa's laugh shook her shoulders and rippled across their bond. It was endearing.

"What was I thinking," he drawled. "No presents."

"I'll try to keep it somewhat low-key," his mother said with a teasing sigh. "You know it would just be the family, regardless."

Jaesa slipped away to pack as the talk turned to logistics and Tragen's gaze drifted to watch her go. His mother was smiling when he turned back to the holo. "What?"

"I know you're very busy, darling, but how are things going there?"

"Very well." He smiled as his gaze drifted back to the doorway. "Very, very well."

"That sounds promising."

Tragen smirked at the hinting in her voice. "Aren't you normally much better at subtlety?"

"That's for work," she gestured dismissively, "not family."

He almost told her, but this was more fun. "A man has to have some secrets, Mother." Besides, Jaesa might pick up something through their bond if he let his hold slip. "We'll see you soon."

"Oh, fine," she laughed. "Have your secrets. I'll look forward to prying them out of you in person."

"You're welcome to try," Tragen couldn't resist countering before he ended the call. He bit back a smile, buried certain thoughts very deep once more, and left to follow Jaesa's example in packing.

---

Much to his relief, no galactic crises arose in the interim, and he and Jaesa were able to depart for Stenos on schedule. The journey was uneventful, though it was still slightly odd having the Dawn entirely to themselves. Tragen used the trip from the spaceport to his family's estate to mark what had changed since his childhood, and indeed since their last visit. Landmarks and buildings that were gone or altered, a gap in the view that used to show rock spires, new business that looked weathered--from the Eternal Empire's conquest, he assumed.

Not everything had changed, however. The parliament chamber façade was still the same, if bearing some signs of skillful repair work. The starter school he'd attended before looked largely as he remembered. And just before they reached the family estate, the far edge of the city came into view, and Tragen gave a reflexive sigh of relief.

The observatory was still there.

Jaesa cocked her head. "Everything alright?"

He nodded, interlacing their finger to squeeze her hand. "Just grateful some things remain the same." The speeder cab came to a stop and they climbed out. Tragen indicated the unmistakable silhouette as they retrieved their bags. "The observatory is one of the lynchpin memories from my childhood."

Back before the war, and the Sith, and everything going to hell.

"Oh, you'll have to show me at some point while we're here," she said with a smile. "If it was that important to you."

Her enthusiasm made his heart squeeze. "Definitely," he promised, sliding one arm around her waist to pull her in for a kiss. "I would share everything with you."

"Mmm, romantic," Jaesa hummed, leaning into the kiss. "But your family should come first."

"Of course." He was eager to see them, the occasional holocoall over the last few years was nowhere near enough. "Shall we?"

Jaesa stepped back, sliding free of his arm to intertwine their fingers. "We shall."

The door opened as they reached it, only the first sign how eagerly anticipated their arrival was.

The second was his mother waiting in the vestibule to hug them both. She did pop his spine. He sent Jaesa an amused look over her head that made a surge of mirth dance across their bond.

"I feel as if I'm missing an inside joke," Mother commented, stepping back to look between them.

"Instincts sharp as ever. But no." Tragen kissed her cheek. "We'd discussed your enthusiasm at the visit beforehand and I'm grateful to see it unabated."

She laughed and hugged him again. "We haven't seen you in... eight years, darling. The spires would crumble before my enthusiasm does."

"A fair point. Are Father and Jeniyha--"

"Equally excited? Yes. Home? Also yes." She gestured down the hall. "They're just down there. Alternately, if you'd like a few minutes to settle in, there a room prepared upstairs...?"

"Oh, I'd much rather say hello first," Tragen said, sensing Jaesa's assent even before she nodded. "I've missed you all."

Mother beamed and summoned a housekeeping droid to take care of their bags, then led the way down the hall.

---

His mother had been correct; Father and Jeniyha's greetings were equally thrilled--if slightly more reserved in comparison to her own. Jeniyha was clearly following Mother's example when it came to hugs.

"Leadership suits you," she commented, looking him over. A sly and mischievous gleam filled her eyes as she glanced at Jaesa. "As does being in love."

"Correct, on both counts," Tragen agreed easily. "Very intuitive, little sister."

She rolled her eyes (admittedly, his intention) but didn't deign to react beyond that. "Being able to read people does help with security work."

"Hm, and has it helped you find a special someone I can tease you about?" he deadpanned.

"Not yet." Jeniyha smiled sweetly. "I'm afraid you and Jaesa still get that spotlight. I am, as some say, married to the job."

"Ah, yes, I have some friends like that," Tragen drawled.

"Do you nag them as much as Mother and Father do me?" she asked with a laugh.

"Likely not," he laughed in reply, "but only because I'm too busy myself to nag as often as I'd like."

Mother smiled as they all took a seat. "That does come with the territory of leadership, I'm afraid."

"Mm." Tragen smiled when Jaesa hand slipped into his. "I don't mind it, for the most part. It's good being able to help." --rather than harm. Finally.

"And I imagine you get to see end to end of the galaxy while you're about it," Father commented, his first interjection since they exchanged greetings. He had always been one to observe, to listen, before speaking.

"Frequently." Tragen couldn't keep the wry note out of his voice. It lost some of the luster after you bounced around enough. "Most recently Dantooine and Alderaan."

There was a flicker of surprise from Jaesa.

He squeezed her hand. They're fine.

Relief and gratitude twined with wistfulness answered his assurance, but she didn't say anything, letting the conversation carry on.

It largely stayed on surface topics; what they'd all been doing--Jeniyha had a recent promotion, Father had handled a couple different trade negotiations--plans for the next couple days, how the journey had been, until it naturally started to wind down. There were still a couple hours until dinner, so Tragen and Jaesa took their time to settle in. This visit, unfortunately, wasn't long enough to warrant unpacking, but they could get comfortable in the room.

Tragen did, at least. There was something... hesitant to Jaesa's sense that finally prompted him to ask. "Is everything alright, Jaesa? You've been quiet."

She nodded, running her fingers absently along the edge of the bedclothes, and flashed a sheepish smile. "I think there's a little of the handmaiden left in me; grand houses like this" --she gestured to the large room with its rich furnishings and balcony-- "leave me a little... off-balance? Remind me who I was before everything." She laughed and ran a hand over her hair as she looked out through the colored glass of the balcony doors. That I don't fit anywhere, she thought and he heard. "I suppose I did revert to... fading into the background, didn't I?"

"Not for me," Tragen answered the words spoken and not. He circled the bed to wrap an arm around her waist.

"Yes, well, that would be the Force Bond," Jaesa said playfully, with a grateful smile all the same, clasping her hands at the back of his neck.

"In part," he conceded with a laugh, "but it's also because I love you" --kissed her forehead-- "and care about you."

"Is that why you checked on my parents?"

In part. He nodded. "I know they're important to you. And they're settled in well, back somewhere familiar. It appears Baras didn't get much chance to... interact with them before paranoia made one of his apprentices an all-consuming focus."

She hummed a small laugh at his dry tone. "Well, thank you for being distraction enough to save them from his tender mercies."

"Seems only right, since I'm the reason they were at those mercies to begin with," Tragen muttered.

Jaesa smiled, her thumb caressing arcs against his scarred right cheek. "It worked out alright. They're alive, settled in from what you said."

He nodded. "Though I think they're still adjusting to having so much space just for the two of them."

Her smile turned wistful. "I wish I could have gone."

"As do I." Tragen tucked her hair behind her ear with his index finger. "Had my mission been less urgent, I would have waited until you were free to accompany me."

"What was your mission?"

Tragen tugged her toward the balcony as he answered. "We'd received intelligence Rist was manipulating some of the other houses into conflict so they could play all sides to increase their holdings, but it would have destabilized the entire planet had they succeeded."

"The usual Alderaanian politics, then," Jaesa sighed and leaned against the rail to take in the view.

"Mm. Vette was more than happy to tag along, but" --he stepped up next to her, so close their shoulders touched, and took her hand-- "I'm sure we can work something out for you to visit."

The warmth that flared across their bond was more than matched by her smile. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "My birthday's in a couple months, you think that's enough time to work it out?"

"Yes." Tragen kissed the top of her head. "I'll discuss things with Lana, do what needs doing to accomplish it."

"Just like that?" Jaesa straightened to arch a brow.

"For you? Of course."

She bit her lip, looked out at the horizon and back, then leaned in to kiss him. "I love you, you know."

Tragen shifted, leaning his hip against the rail and cupping her jaw with one hand to kiss her back more deeply. "And I love you, you know."

The temptation was strong. So very strong. But he had a plan, and if he debated changing it too long, something would surely slip across their bond.

As it was, Jaesa was giving him a What are you hiding? look when he fought off the temptation. Nothing bad. And nothing you won't learn in due time.

Curiosity was replaced with trust, so easily it made his breath catch, and she tucked herself close with her back to his chest. "We should enjoy this view a bit more before dinner, don't you think?"

"Yes, we should." Tragen wrapped an arm around her shoulders and rested his chin atop her head.

Not much longer, he promised himself, and hoped he could keep it.

---

Dinner was a light-hearted affair, with conversation that flowed as easily as before. What started as a group discussion worked its way around to breaking off; Tragen talking to his parents and Jaesa with Jeniyha.

He was thrilled the two of them were hitting it off(even knowing they were probably talking about him). The sense of warm amusement at Jaesa's end of their bond made him smile and he missed a question his mother asked. "Sorry?"

"Plans for tomorrow?" she repeated, playing with the spiral pendent of her necklace.

"Nothing set in stone," Tragen said, arching a brow at the jewelry. "My time is usually very full and scheduled, I wanted to take the day as it comes. The only intention is to take Jaesa sight-seeing. We didn't have time on our last visit and she wants to see where I grew up."

"Makes sense," Mother nodded with a small smile.

"There's no set time for that, however, just when it fits in the day. " He tipped his head toward the pendent. "When did you start wearing your engagement necklace as everyday jewelry? That used to be for your anniversary or fancy occasions only, if I recall."

Father smirked. "Told you he'd notice, Jamilah."

She laughed. "It isn't everyday jewelry; you and Jaesa visiting is hardly everyday."

Tragen chuckled. "Dropping hints, Mother?"

"Perhaps, son," she replied with a mischievous smile.

"Always the diplomat," he smiled back, dodging the hint. Perhaps you don't need to. "Saying even more without words than with them. I'm sure you had designs for some of our time tomorrow. What do I need to plan around?"

For half a moment, he thought she was going to dig further, a tricky situation with Jaesa right there. But she accepted his redirect with a wry smile. "Aside from planning to include some favorites at meals, we were thinking dinner out, and--if you want--we have a reserved box at the theatre."

Tragen paused to work out the timing in his head. Stenosi evenings lingered this time of year. "Depending on the showtime, that sounds perfect." It was about as 'toned down' as he could expect her to go.

"Evening plans?" she arched a brow looking at Jaesa.

"Possibly. But they are also... flexible." To an extent. "I'll discuss it with Jaesa, but that should be a lovely evening."

"Discuss what with me?" Jaesa's head swiveled their direction hearing her name.

He relayed the proposal for his birthday evening. "We can also take the day as it comes--"

"No, that sounds nice, long as someone has a dress they can lend me; I didn't bring anything fancy."

"I can definitely help there," Jeniyha chipped in. "I work security at a lot of upper class places, so it'll be stunning" --smirked at Tragen--"and comfortable."

With that settled, their conversation turned back to more general topics until it petered out for the night and they all turned in.

---

He woke on his birthday with Jaesa snuggled atop his chest. Warm brown eyes and a small smile, as she'd clearly been watching him sleep.

Tragen matched her smile with a lazy one of his own. "Good morning." He ran his fingers up her spine. "Did you sleep well?"

"Mm." She nodded, resting her chin on his chest.

"What?" he asked, still lazily rubbing her back, when she continued studying him.

"I love your nose." She traced one fingertip down it, along the curve of his lips, "...your smile..." up the side of his face. "...your eyes. All of you, really." She pushed herself up to kiss him and Tragen hummed gratitude as he leaned into it.

"I love you, too," he said softly, tucking her hair behind her ear as she settled back on his chest. He would be... quite happy to spend most--if not all--of the day right here, watching the colored light from the balcony window play green, pink, blue across her hair, her skin. "Very, very much."

Jaesa kissed his collarbone. "Happy birthday, Tragen."

He chuckled, slightly breathless. "Thank you."

They lay in silence, simply enjoying the comfortable bed and each other's company.

Until Tragen's stomach growled.

"Suppose that's our cue to go get breakfast," Jaesa teased, stealing another light kiss before she rolled away out of bed.

"Suppose so," he muttered, disappointed it had come so soon regardless, as he followed her example. They dressed and headed downstairs, just in time to catch Jeniyha on her way out.

"Quick consult job this morning," she explained, darting back to give Tragen a hug. "But I should be back by lunch, and happy birthday." She was gone before he could open his mouth to thank her.

"Did everyone in your family choose... demanding careers?" Jaesa asked, sliding her arm around his waist.

Tragen laughed and rested his arm around her shoulders. "Mine was more... thrust upon me, but yes. Busyness was always something of a constant for us."

Mother was waiting for them in the dining room and joined for breakfast, though from the little she took, Tragen suspected she'd actually eaten with Jeniyha. They chatted, confirmed the loose flow of plans for the day, and then Tragen and Jaesa set off.

He hadn't realized how many places there were he wanted to show her until he started listing destinations for the speeder cab's droid pilot. "How much do you want to see...?"

"Everything important to you first," she said, with barely a hesitation, "then the more sightseer-tourist type places."

"Noted." There were a couple that fit both descriptions, and he plotted for those first.

---

Their timing worked out perfectly, and they arrived at the Gerida spire observation platform just in time to watch the skimmer cranes' daily departure. After watching the iridescent birds disappear toward the horizon, they spent some more time enjoying the magnificent view. (He told her how he and Dieq used to sit with their feet hanging off the edge and drop pebbles, to watch the way the spire sparkled when they hit and broke.)

Tragen had forgotten how breathtaking some of his homeworld's natural vistas could be. Watching Jaesa's face as she moved along the platform to take it in at different angles was a study in wonder that made his chest tight. He waited until she was satisfied and asking where to next before they moved along to some of the more personal places.

---

The midschool he'd attended was gone, which was a surprise, but he could show her some of the museums he'd enjoyed visiting as a child. And by some miracle both the crystalline lake of summers off and the arcade of childhood weekends were still around. Tragen chuckled for a moment at the irony of the arcade outlasting the school. They passed by the street with Dieq and Norra's house--any closer would have felt odd, but this way he could point out where his best friend had lived--before turning back toward the family house.

"What about the observatory?" Jaesa asked, confusion evident even if the angle of her head resting on his chest hid her face.

"That's best visited later, sunset or further into the evening," Tragen explained, linking their fingers and idly playing with her hand. "I thought we'd return home for lunch, have some time to relax before dinner and the theatre with my family. There's also tomorrow for seeing anything we don't get to today."

"I like that plan," Jaesa said with a contented sigh. She settled their linked hands in her lap. "You're very smart, that's something else I love about you."

"Is this going to be a pattern today?" Tragen chuckled, kissing her temple. "Randomly mentioned things you love about me?"

"Yes." She giggled. "It is. It's your birthday; I can be a little more vocal about my very long list."

He rested his cheek against the top of her head. "I'll return the favor on your birthday."

---

The afternoon passed quickly, despite them not doing much of anything. Lunch, which was delicious, then sitting on the balcony of their room to read--which turned into a nap for Jaesa, and Tragen wouldn't have moved for galaxies with her head on his shoulder--then a meandering tour of the Xo'ric family home. The latter lasted until Jeniyha tracked them down to kidnap Jaesa for dress selection. Tragen sat in the far-flung garden gazebo, enjoying the peace until it was time for him to get ready as well.

He found himself fending off the first vestiges of nerves. Almost time. He'd waited long enough for this. Too long, part of him grumbled.

That part got louder at his first sight of Jaesa 'all dolled up' as she bashfully called it. Jeniyha had been correct; she was stunning. Breathtaking. Her borrowed deep blue dress draped in an off-shoulder fashion, supported by narrow straps covered in delicate silver beading. A wide swirling, swooping design was likewise beaded around the midriff, and the skirt fell in silky folds below it to just above the ground. Her hair was side parted, showing off a silver filigree ear cuff.

The feeling was mutual if her expression was anything to go by. Or the way her hands settled on his arms; caressing the near-black-purple jacket sleeves.

"Jaesa, you..." He made himself take a breath, arms sliding around her waist. "I fear I won't catch a moment of this show." He tipped her chin up when she started to duck her head. "You look lovely." He kissed her, light and almost chaste.

"Thank you," she murmured against his mouth. "You're... I think I'll be distracted, too."

Tragen smiled, thumb rubbing her cheek. "We'll be a source of great amusement for my family, I'm sure."

"Speaking of which, we should go." Despite her words, Jaesa rocked up for one more kiss before turning toward the door.

His prediction proved correct; while conversation with his family was enough to keep him focused during dinner, his attention kept drifting to Jaesa from the moment they took their seats at the theatre. He tried to watch the play, he really did. But Jaesa's thumb was rubbing soft, absent arcs against the heel of his hand as they sat with fingers loosely tangled atop the armrest between them. And what he could sense from their Force bond... She was happy, she was content, she was occasionally distracted by him(as she'd predicted).

His family didn't seem surprised when he said he and Jaesa would return separately afterwards. "I promised to show her the observatory."

"Of course, this is the best time," Mother said with a smile at their linked arms, glancing up at the red, gold, and pink just starting to fade from the sky. "We'll see you when you get back."

"How much of the show did you catch?" Jaesa asked mischievously once they were in their cab.

"Bits," Tragen admitted with a sheepish laugh. "It was a drama, yes? Star-crossed lovers?"

"Mm. They got a happy ending."

"Good to know." He selected the option to reserve the cab for a set amount of time rather than single trip before giving the destination. "In case Mother asks."

"Oh, I'm not helping you fake it to her," Jaesa said with a laugh. "I'm sure she'll be thrilled to hear where your attention was instead."

"Minx," he grumbled--not an ounce of heat in the word--as he leaned in for a kiss.

"And you love me," she grinned, hand sliding to the back of his neck.

"More than I can put into words."

"That honesty's another thing I love about you," Jaesa murmured just before their lips met.

Ironic, since when they met he'd been living a lie. But not to her. Never to her. The truth was a constant, he was an open book where she was concerned.

The trip felt ages long and far too short all at once before the cab slotted into one of the idling spaces near the observatory doors and they exited. Tragen left his jacket on the seat.

"There's no one here," Jaesa commented, looking around.

"According to Mother, while still open to the public, the observatory has largely fallen into disuse, save nights of 'extraordinary celestial events'," Tragen explained, rolling up his sleeves before taking her hand to walk inside. "A shame, but I'm grateful we should have the whole place to ourselves."

Jaesa smiled shyly, bit her lip. "You mentioned it was important to you...?"

"Mmhm." He briefly released her hand to pass the turnstile in the lobby, squeezing it once they rejoined. "There was a school trip here when I was... seven? eight? We stayed overnight to observe a meteor shower, and I was entranced by the stars as a whole. I started visiting whenever I could, learned all the constellations, how they tracked across the sky." Their steps echoed in the dim, empty space as they climbed the stairs to the main observation galley. "This was one of my favorite places," Tragen continued (heartbeat matching the echo of their footsteps), "I'd come for quiet, to watch the stars, to clear my head after fights with friends or my sister..." They reached the platform and he rested a hand on the railing. "The stars don't change. They're always there, whether or not you can see them." He nodded toward the large, wispy clouds obscuring half the sky, hiding the moons. "And that's been no small source of comfort through my life."

Jaesa studied him for a long moment, sense dancing with a mix of emotions and she reached for him through their bond, before, softly, "Thank you for showing me something that's so important to you."

"Of course." He tugged her closer, kissed her forehead. "Seems only fitting to share one constant in my life with another."

Jaesa rocked into the kiss, then pulled away to lean against the railing with a small, rueful laugh. "Constant aside from the seven year gap."

"Which was no more your doing or desire than my own," Tragen countered, resting his hip against the rail and studying her profile. "And I knew you were there, even when we were not together." Much like the stars. "I thought of you often, and that was its own source of strength."

"I'm glad," she said, so quietly he barely heard, a whirl of emotion surging through their Bond that did little to slow his pounding heart. She glanced at the 'scopes, the softly flickering information terminals scattered around, then up at the sky. "You have a lot of good memories here," she commented, tracing one finger along the railing in front of her.

"Quite a few," he agreed, chest tight and his own emotions too high to contain any longer. "I'm... hoping to add another."

I've waited long enough.

Jaesa's head snapped toward him, reading something in his eyes or the intention he could no longer hide through their bond.

"Yes," she said, voice breaking, eyes bright. She leaned in, grabbing the loosened collar of his shirt to pull him close enough for a kiss, mumbling, "Yes, I will," against his mouth.

His fingers dug into her hair, relief and joy and too many other emotions to parse escaping as a laugh, and Tragen couldn't help teasing, "Not even planning to let me ask properly?"

Jaesa pulled away enough to meet his eye, her hands cupping his face. "Tragen, you were asking on your birthday, in a place you called a lynchpin memory from your childhood. Do you honestly expect me to believe you didn't know I'd say yes?"

He chuckled, still breathless and giddy. "Alright, you've got me there."

She smiled coyly and slid her arms down around his waist. "I'd like to think I have you everywhere."

"That, too," he laughed, fingers carding through her hair as he kissed her. Yes. She said yes.

"The Force Bond also helped," Jaesa added when they broke away, eyes dancing.

"That did make it rather hard to keep secret as long as I did," Tragen said with a wry smile.

"You did a good job," she said. "I know how hard that is, and you only slipped right at the end." She kissed the tip of his nose. "Can't really blame you for that."

"For which I am most grateful." He hummed another small laugh and tucked her hair back so he could see her face. Stunningly beautiful, the stars and his own joy reflected in her eyes. A sight well worth committing to memory. "So then, Jaesa Willsaam, you will marry me?"

A shiver of delight ran along the bond as she smiled--and oh, he'd unseated emperors and that smile was enough to make his knees weak.

Jaesa slid her hands up to link behind his neck. "In a heartbeat, Tragen Xo'ric, and for all the heartbeats I have left." She pulled him down for a kiss. "You've been my constant at least as much as I've been yours," she murmured. "Steady as the stars."

Tragen smiled and rested his forehead to hers. "That makes this seem even more fitting..." His slipped his hand in his pocket for the small box he'd been all-too-aware of since they departed for dinner. "It is Stenosi tradition, upon committing to an engagement, for the asker to seal said commitment with a gift."

He drew the box from his pocket as he spoke, and Jaesa gave a small gasp as she took and opened it. "This is... beautiful."

The cresting wave of her emotions made clear the word's inadequacy. He understood.

Words in general felt... not enough right now.

"By tradition, the necklace's design is things that unite the couple," Tragen said as the softly glowing lights caught the etched circle of stars with a lightsaber crystal in the center of the roughly thumbnail-sized pendent. "The stone is merezite, carefully harvested from a small cluster of the spires; light, delicate, and far stronger than its appearance suggests." He tipped her chin up with his knuckle and smiled. "Very fitting, I think."

Jaesa smiled back and bit her lip. "Could you... help me put it on?"

Tragen nodded, willing his hands not to shake as he freed the delicate chain and fastened it around her neck. He brushed a kiss to the curve of her shoulder once the clasp was fastened.

She gave a small, whining hum at the gesture. "Should we... head back?"

He chuckled and kissed just behind her ear, relishing her delighted shiver as he tugged her back against his chest. "Much as I like the thought of having you all to myself under the stars..." He wrapped his arm around her middle to hold her close, "...I suppose we can do so just as easily in our room."

"The balcony is nice," Jaesa said softly, leaning her head back against his cheek. "And we'd have privacy and could be in more comfortable clothes" --her hand rested on his forearm, tracing light patterns over the skin--"much as the dressed-down-fancy look suits you."

Tragen kissed her temple for the compliment. "A compelling case. Let's return home."

They descended the stairs in content--giddy--silence, his arm around her shoulders, and her hand raised to link their fingers. It was after they were back in the speeder cab, whisking toward his family's estate that Tragen spoke again.

"Just to prepare you," he began, playing with Jaesa's fingers as their hands sat tangled together between them, "my mother will very likely notice the necklace and piece together what happened within moments of our entering." He huffed a laugh. "And if she doesn't, Jeniyha will."

"We'd be telling them anyway, so..." Jaesa shrugged and stilled his hand to give it a squeeze.

Tragen chuckled. "Just wanted you to be ready."

"Consider me braced," she teased. "And you looking out for me in things like this is another reason I love you."

"Squeezing in one more before the end of the day?" he drawled.

Jaesa gave him a mischievous smile. "Oh, I'm sure I'll be reminded of a few more before it truly ends," she said, not breaking eye contact as she raised their joined hands to press a kiss at the base of his thumb. "At least."

He didn't need the bond to take her meaning.

Tragen grinned. "I'll look forward to exceeding your expectations-"

The words were partly cut off as she closed the distance to kiss him, and he laughed into it, grateful that he could now focus on enjoying the benefits of a Force Bond on the best day of his life.

--

God, do these two deserve this, and there was much "Oh god it's happening.gif"-ing on my part while I was writing it.

Cannot WAIT until they tell Vette. :3 The whoop of joy will be audible from space(impressive, with how vacuum works and all).

#queens fic #tragen xo'ric #jaesa willsaam #tragen/jaesa #otp: my north star

[queen-scribbles]

Something I realized about making Tragen's home planet one with, like, maybe two paragraphs on the wiki...

Pros: I get to invent most of the lore 😁 Cons: I have to invent most of the lore 😐

#queen rambles #writer stuff #tragen xo'ric