Spoiled (in bed)

Thrawn wakes before Eli, but that isn’t unusual. Eli has never been a morning person, even less so when his body finally decides to surrender after who knows how many days of abuse.

There had been many times, when they worked for the Empire, when Eli would try to keep pace with him and would end up asleep for an entire sleep cycle. It appears that some things never change. Like how Eli sleeps on his stomach with his head turned towards Thrawn. That is another constant.

They’ve only shared a bed once before—somewhere between their early days when the Empire was still actively trying to oust both of them and when Thrawn had become someone of note.

Then, he had woken up to find Eli on his stomach, reaching for him with the arm that hadn’t been pillowed under his head. Or how when Eli is in deep sleep, the crinkle between his eyebrows softens.

In his youth, his forehead had been completely smooth, peaceful and far off in the land of dreams. Now, it remains, but as a wrinkle—a soft reminder of the stress he carries and the years that have passed. Thrawn reaches up with a gentle finger and traces down the line.

He has always known, of course, that as a Human, Eli runs warm, but his smooth skin feels like a day felt in the sun.

Eli hums and curls closer to him, pressing his hot feet to Thrawn’s chilly shins. “C’mere,” he mumbles in Basic. “I’m burning up.” Thrawn can’t help his smile.

There had also been many times, years ago, when he would find Eli entangled in his sheets, his own warmth too unbearable under a sea of blankets. He moves closer, wrapping his cooler fingers around the back of Eli’s neck. Eli moans in response and peers at Thrawn through hooded lids. “You can just do that forever."

"It would be my pleasure," Thrawn says.

A sleepy smile spreads across Eli's lips. "You're still here."

"I have no intention of leaving."

"It's my cooking ain't it?"

Thrawn huffs a laugh. "Perhaps."

[This is "Misty" by amukmuk]

~

[Photo: the mug is a wonderful gift from @kotoroa, and the art is by @blackmonitor_official ]

How would they feel?

“It’s Supreme General Ba’kif.”

“Ba’kif?” Wutroow repeated, frowning. “What’s he doing—? Oh. Right. Thrawn.”

“Probably,” Ar’alani said. []

“Senior Captain Thrawn recorded a message for you before he left Sposia. Are you secure?”

“Yes, sir,” Ar’alani said. Beside her, Wutroow made a questioning rumble in her throat. Ar’alani shook her head and gestured for her to stay by the chair. “Ready to receive.” [] Ar’alani listened in silence as the message played out. “Measured by sheer boldness,” she commented when it was finished, “I think Thrawn has finally outdone himself.” []

“Any idea who else you’re going to ask into this madness?”

“I have some ideas,” Ar’alani said. “I’ll start with Thrawn’s friends.”

Ba’kif grunted. “I’m guessing that’s a short list.”

Ar’alani nodded heavily. “Yes. It is.”

~

“Signal coming in, Mid Captain, [] It’s the Vigilant.”

“This is Mid Captain Samakro aboard the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet warship Springhawk,” he said formally.

“This is Admiral Ar’alani,” Ar’alani’s voice came back. “Welcome to Senior Captain Thrawn’s last stand.”

Samakro grunted. “Not really funny, Admiral.”

“Sorry,” Ar’alani apologized. []

“Where’s everyone else?”

“Thrawn and Uingali are out at that asteroid cluster you passed on your way in,” Ar’alani said. [] “With all that clutter it’s fairly hard to see into, which would make it a perfect sniper nest. Thrawn thinks he has a better plan for it.”

“I’m not surprised,” Samakro said drily. “What does Uingali think?”

“They’re keeping this one very close to the table,” Ar’alani said. “If they come back with Uingali convinced, that’ll be your answer.” []

“How many of your old subordinates were you able to contact before you left the Ascendancy?”

“More than I expected, frankly,” Ar’alani said. []

“How did they sound?” Samakro asked.

“Receptive,” Ar’alani said. []

“And Senior Captain Thrawn does have something of a reputation,” Samakro pointed out.

“As a commander or an ungimbaled laser?”

~

Now, imagine saying to these people, this *family*, that the man they trust and love will soon be known by most of the unlettered fandom as an unmerciful and remorseless villain.

How would they feel?

Yeah. THAT.

[Art: BarBCraftsShop]

Rules to be broken (he has a type)

“What exactly do you want from me, Commander Mitthrawnuruodo?”

“Nothing too burdensome,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said. “I merely wish your company for a time.”

“Why?”

“Partly to learn about your people,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said. “But primarily so that you may teach me your language. [] It would be merely an indulgence of my curiosity.”

“I see,” Car’das said cautiously. []

“For you, there would be an equal satisfaction of your own curiosity.” Mitth’raw’nuruodo lifted his eyebrows. “You do wish to know more about my people, don’t you?”

“Very much,” Car’das said. []

“Then it’s agreed,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said, standing up.

“One more thing,” Car’das said, scrambling to his feet. “I’ll be happy to teach you Basic, but I’d also like some language lessons myself. Would you be willing in turn to teach me the Chiss language, or to have one of your people do so?”

“I can teach you to understand Cheunh,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo said, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “But I doubt you’ll ever be able to properly speak it. I’ve noticed you don’t even pronounce my name very well.”

Car’das felt his face warm. “I’m sorry.”

“No apology needed,” Mitth’raw’nuruodo assured him. [] “However, I believe I could teach you to speak Minnisiat. It’s a trade language widely used in the regions around our territory.”

“That would be wonderful,” Car’das said. “Thank you, Commander Mitth—uh … Commander.” []

“Perhaps it would be easier if you called me by my core name, Thrawn.”

Car’das frowned. “Is that permissible?”

Mitth’raw’nuruodo—Thrawn—shrugged. “It’s questionable,” he conceded. “In general, full names are required for formal occasions, for strangers, and for those who are socially inferior.”

“And I’m guessing we qualify on all three counts.”

“Yes,” Thrawn said. “But I believe such rules may be broken when there are good and valid reasons for doing so. In this case, there are.”

“It will certainly make things easier,” Car’das agreed, bowing his head. “Thank you, Commander Thrawn.”

“You’re welcome,” Thrawn said. “And now, a light refreshment has been prepared for you and the others. After that, the language lessons can begin.”

~

Aren't they perfect?

[Tiny tiny pin by Wickedinthecastle on Etsy]

Allegiances on May the 4th

“Senior Captain Thrawn is of the Mitth []. I’m wondering… [] could there be a political aspect to this?”

“An excellent question,” Samakro agreed. “Let me give you a simple answer: no.”

Laknym frowned. “No, sir?”

“No,” Samakro repeated. “I understand your concern []. But the truth is…”

He paused []. “The truth, Laknym, is that I’ve been Thrawn’s first officer since he came aboard. I’ve watched him in battles, in preparation for battles, in the aftermath of battles, and dealing with Aristocra and senior officers.” He looked back at Laknym. “And I have never—never—seen anyone as utterly incompetent at politics as he is.” []

“You’re saying, sir, that Senior Captain Thrawn isn’t playing politics here because he never plays politics?”

“I’m saying,” Samakro corrected, “that Senior Captain Thrawn never plays politics because he doesn’t know how to play politics.” He took a deep breath, huffed it out. “Bottom line. When Thrawn comes up with a plan, it’s strictly military. Nothing more, nothing less.”

~

“You should not know this,” [Ar’alani] said. Her voice holds resignation, but also stubbornness. “The Council will be furious if my words leave this room.”

“They will not.”

“Not even to your Emperor?”

“He commands only the loyalty of my actions, not the loyalty of my heart and mind. The deepest secrets of the Chiss will always remain secrets.”

~

“Let me explain something, Qilori of Uandualon,” the Chiss said softly. “My job— the sole reason for my existence— is to defend the Chiss Ascendancy and protect my people. I will do whatever is necessary to achieve that goal, and I will allow nothing and no one to stand in my way. Do you understand?”

~

While highlighting allegiances, I gloriously wrap this May the 4th.

Thank you, beautiful souls, for another year of incredible posts and stories.

Thank you for sharing your insightful ideas, for your wit and your kindness.

I cherish every single one of you, and I will never be able to fully express how exponentially you make my days better.

[Photo: I am ashamed to reveal the number of editing hours that this -actual- photo required me. I just hope that I gave justice to these magnificent earrings by @geekablycute]