Tiran Kandros stands just inside the threshold of her apothecary nook, modestly lit, fragrant with herbs, tucked away behind a quiet corridor on the Nexus. He’s been meaning to stop by for a while. Today, he finally does.

"I hope I’m not interrupting."

His voice is calm, low. Not his usual commanding tone, but something quieter, more careful.

"I just... wanted to thank you. One of my people came back from Kadara with a toxin the med bay couldn’t identify. They said you recognized the plant on sight, and had a cure mixed before they finished the scan."

He looks around, taking in the orderly jars, the delicate bundles of drying herbs, and the small cot tucked into the corner like she never quite leaves this space. There’s respect in his eyes. Curiosity too.

"You’ve built something here... personal. And steady. Feels like the kind of place people come to when they don’t know where else to go."

He hesitates for a moment before meeting her eyes, striking in a way that makes him forget what he was going to say next. He smiles, a little sheepishly.

"I’ve seen you heading out with collection packs, alone, time and again. No escort. No fuss. Just... quiet purpose. You’re brave. And smart. And I guess I just wondered...."

He falters for a moment, then softens his tone even more.

"What drives someone like you to care this much?"

She doesn’t answer right away, but she offers him a quiet smile. Soft, unguarded, and brighter than he expected. It stops him mid-thought.

Tiran’s breath catches for a moment. Then he huffs a quiet laugh, more to himself than anything.

"Guess I should’ve led with a simple hello, huh?"

He scratches lightly at the edge of his fringe, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands. His voice stays gentle.

"I’m not great at this sort of thing... but I meant what I said. You’ve got a way of making chaos feel a little more grounded. Thought you should know that."