The star of Dajorra dipped below the horizon, the darkening sky slowly swirling to a violet skirt of stars, gradiating into brilliant, tropical pinks and golds and oranges where the mountains of the Doto Peaks kissed it. Voices and laughter drifted on the air along with fallen flower petals and rich scents of sweets and spice. Though deep into autumn now, the tropical clime meant the evening was still warm, humid, and bright; though, blessedly, less sweltering that the summer months, a perfect and balmy temperature.
The large, rainbow-soiled fields of the Arconan Parade Grounds had once again been repurposed. Amidst the trimmed grasses and small concrete barracks that could normally serve for training of the Armed Forces were crowds of regular citizenry, decorations, music, and stalls and tents of many kinds. Strings of tiny shaped lights glowed overhead, providing more and more illumination to the fair grounds, mingled with streamers of warm, deep colors, reds and oranges and golds. Garlands of bright orange and yellow island flowers were everywhere, in pots, on stalls, on strings, carpeting the ground here and there. Cinnamon, clove, and sugar drifted on the air.
The previous joyful menagerie of children and families had dispersed as night began to fall. Noga and Leda Tenbriss Ya-ir, along with several volunteering trusted parents such as Zujenia, had headed back to the Citadel, where one of the bathrooms had been repurposed, as their idea and heading, as a sleep-away camp. There the old enough children of Arconans, citizens, and guests could have their own little adventure of a carefully supervised sleepover, allowing the children to make friends and have a special night with snacks, holos, and stories amidst their bedrolls and pajamas.
- But back in the Parade Grounds lower down in the city, the festivities continued. Selenians wore ribbons in their hair with a braid or two, and many wore black ribbons in particular, but their striped faces smiled still, speaking of those lost with happy memory.
The chaos was nearly organized with great care: one section had concentrated the food stalls; another held games and races now less populated, face painting and an open sided braiding pavilion; yet another with long bench tables and crafts on hand, though the majority of those activities had been packed up, anticipating few guests now. The stage no longer held performing acts but a single remaining band for the evening, and an open space in front of them was available for dancing or sitting. Fireflies were out in force, little glowing, drifting stars bobbing all about, providing more light.
And perhaps importantly, the stalls were now allowed to sell a selection of spiced, warmed meads and other such alcoholic beverages.
With the children having contently headed off to the sleep over and many families head out, the fairground was far quieter than before.
Zuza was somewhat disappointed in being unable to imbibe in the celebration but still was happy to be present, making her way round still. Her feet were finally starting to hurt a little. Oh well. She took a moment to twirl with the fireflies, laughing at the way they dispersed around her before returning as she stilled. Kriff she loved this little guys.
Back to work!
Vreva walked through the fairgrounds with Diyrian at her side. The crimson zabrak had taken Foxen’s advice, and had used some of the funds from her last job to purchase a very nice suit. It was white with a bloodlike ombre at the bottom of the leg. The jacket had a plunging neckline that displayed a pearl necklace around her throat dotted with red stones. The only part of the ensemble she disliked was the shoes. Why had she chosen to wear heels?
She held her black heels in one hand, already barefoot as she crossed the fairgrounds. “I’m going to kill Luka for suggesting I wear these,” she scowled. “Didn’t think of the grass. They’ll find out when they get here, though.” Though she wandered in her path slightly, she made an almost direct route to the stalls handing out drinks. She had her heart set on mulled cider long before arriving.
At one particular long, picnic style where seats had originally been claimed, a tall wolven hybrid returned, bearing not this time funnel cake but two semi translucent plastic cups of a dark red liquid. They joined empty plates of powdered sugar and two other empty cups on the tabletop as he set them deftly down with just the one hand, as carefully as one would disarm a bomb.
When they touched down, he straightened up and crowed, “Aha! Success! The man at that stall, he owes me five credits.” Large lupine ears flicked this way and that, picking up noises, nose occasionally twitching at new scents on the breeze amidst so many already – the flowers and spices were quite heavy, and there was another one altogether he was truly craving.
Jax sat back down, sliding one large cup of wine towards Evelyn.
“So, how does this one compare?”
He had gone to a different vendor for a different vintage. Though it likely would not be a thing for them to do an entire wine tour of the faire, a few choices was fun.
Evelyn glanced towards the man at the stall, whose jaw was agape at Jax’s skilled maneuvers and then his expression changed into disappointment of knowing he just lost five credits. A red liquid cup was slid to her and she reached over to grab it. She took in a deep inhale and smelled the spices.
“So far, the aroma isn’t bad.” Of course it wasn’t. With Jax’s nose, he doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to wonderful stuff. She took a sip and swirled in her mouth and grinned after swallowing. “This is a good find. Different. Zesty with earthy tones. Kob couldn’t come tonight?”
Sofila pouted as she bid farewell to the kids. Her lips curved into a sly grin. A quick look around to make sure no one was watching, she grasped Cole’s vest in her hands, pulled him towards her, and whispered in his ear, “Do we have to stay?” Sofila murmured.
<@432543120635461643>
Cole raised an eyebrow, looking up into her eyes with amusement.
“No. This was your idea. Though if you don’t mind..”
He started unbuttoning the top three of buttons of his shirt, ignoring her grasp on him and knowing this was either going to frustrate the ever loving kark out of her, or they’d leave.
Either way was a win.
Qyreia and Keira meandered the Parade Grounds arm-in-arm, Ileta and her crispy potato costume carefully laid into the care of Noga and Leda. They were already the go-to babysitters for the couple, so it wasn’t an entirely emotional transition. Plus there was the costumed security detail that would follow the childcare group and quietly escort them to their final destinations. That left the Zeltron and her half-Firrerreo wife to enjoy some time together without the need to worry about diapers or milk bottles. They’d lost the Ya’irs somewhere amongst the festivities, but they were sure they’d run into them again. It’s was practically an inevitability. Keira eyed the face painting stall in particular with a coy grin.
“I remember the last time you came home from a fair out here. Body paint in the fashion of some Selenian fire goddess, if memory serves?”
Qyreia felt a fresh heat in her face. “Something like that.” She was fairly certain the mythology also included love or lust or something, but she definitely remembered the body painting.
“Mh, and how your artist was very. thorough.” She danced her fingers across the hip of the black vampire dress. “You were in quite a mood when you got home.”
Oh, I remember. The Zeltron also remembered sharing an oversized bottle of sweet liquor with Cora after a particularly embarrassing moment with the locals, and some very intense… conversations that came with that while Ruka escorted them both back to their respective homes. This wasn’t the same festival theme, but that didn’t mean she felt the need to tempt fate, so the Zeltron casually guided them away from the face painting tent.
“Speaking of paint and makeup, I about died earlier with Cora and Shay.”
“Oh?”
“He said he ‘liked the makeup for the vampire bite.’”
Keira’s lips pressed together, suppressing the devious, almost hungry grin that she could feel welling up. “And what did you say?”
“I said ‘thank you’ and kept my mouth shut,” she shot back.
“Ah, yea, I knoooow it was my idea but-” The kriffin jerk started unbuttoning his shirt. He stopped at the third one. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him.
“I hate it when you do that.” Sofila spoke low enough for only Cole to hear it. He knew exactly what he was doing. And he knows it.
“Karker.” She cleared her throat and removed her hands from his vest as she attempted to distract herself by dusting the glitter off her robes from playing with the kids at the craft stall.
Cole smiled, it was a slight thing but proof enough that yes, he knew exactly what he was up to. He pulled the now loose sides open, setting it more properly, “So we’re staying?”
“Par-don me, Miss. Now how abouts we mo-zay on thata ways now?”
“Stop.”
“No can do siree, Miss Minnow, ma'am. I gots ta stay in chareecter, ya hear.”
“Kitty, ommigawdno.”
He paused at that nickname, as if something occured to him, and then raised a finger as if to ask her to wait. Minnow stopped in place, turning and looking up at him with hands on her hips, where twin bright pink water guns were belted to her magenta spangled pants.
“What?”
“I say, I say…Meowdy, y'all.”
The tiny Nautolan covered her face with her hands, muffling a scream in them. Unfortunately for her, Bril could still spy the edge of a grin and just laughed as he ripped his large hat.
“noooooooooooo….”
“Hey, that was ingenuitive.”
“That was SO BAD. Ommigawdadadaaaad. Shoo. Go. No. That was bad as Jaxxie.”
“I hear that’s a compliment.”
She swatted him on the rear, and the Zabrak yelped, but not in an at all deterred way.
“Alright, that’s kenough, Mister. Come on. That funnel cake is calling my name.”
They linked arms and kept on their way, matching bantha-wrangling hats and hot pink scarves, though Bril’s get up was black with flamboyant white embroidery and fringe on the chest. Minnie’s was all pink, of course, a tight sleeveless crop top and her vambraces firmly in place. Besides the fake gun belt, she had a pink lasso too, which had been the subject of many jokes between the couple already.
Jax’s ears flicked down and back slightly, his jaw jutting as the smallest whine managed into his words.
“He was…not certain he felt up to the outing today. Not feeling up to so many people.”
It was, in a way, a lie, one on top of so many, but they came easily now, almost reflexively. The lie was crafted entirely out of truth: this was a faire earlier full of Selenian families, and Kobign did not feel he deserved them. Soon enough, they might not want to see him, either of them, again.
So Jax came alone. His lifetime had made rich the skill of finding beauty and richness in the same step as pain and grief. It hurt, being here. But the ache of that was worth having the experience again while he still could.
The hybrid lifted his own cup and mimed a toast to Evelyn, as much cheering his thoughts as the compliments of the brew. He sipped and hummed.
“It is good. Hum, I saw quite a few other selections. And! One stall with novelty drinks.” His eyes danced, and under the table, a foot thumped to the dyed grass. “Evelyn. Novelty drinks. One had blue and smoked! This thing, I must try it.”
“Maybe it’s best if you wait until later tonight,” her long-suffering assistant had warned her. “The invitation said no alcohol allowed until after the kids go home. No, you can’t claim diplomatic immunity from party rules just because you’re a foreign Proconsul.”
Well, at least it had given her time to work on her outfit.
When the Taldryanite arrived, she’d done so in the guise of a pop-culture vision of a “slutty Sith alchemist/sorceress/designated evil female magic-user”. Black hooded robes clung to her form and flashed skin in a way that would be an occupational hazard in a real lab. Vials and pouches hung from a utility belt that’d been sitting in the back of her closet since before half the attendees were born—but it still fit, ha!—and braids made of pieces of creepy-looking preserved creatures that were probably fake dangled from her neck and wrists. Black Sith-style tattoos that read “Don’t Wear Runes You Can’t Read” in ur-Kittât lined her face, and the whole ensemble was topped off with amber contacts.
Her refreshment booth—made of gnarled bloodwood from Kasiya’s Jagd Wastes—was a show all its own. The pop-culture skulls, crystals, and glowing runes were all there, as were a vast array of beakers and chalices, their contents almost as colourful as the grass beneath. Some billowed smoke, some glowed with pale flames, and all were labelled with their thematically-appropriate names in both Sith script (for the vibe) and Basic (for actual readability). Her crew had even divided the drinks into alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, clearly demarcated and separated by a row of spookily-decorated finger foods.
Between her late arrival and not actually knowing many Arconans—or being able to recognise the ones she did know!—Erinyes had, for now, taken up a spot at her booth with couple of her crew. Surely, it wouldn’t be long before she spotted someone she could identify.
The party had started, Edema placed her helmet on a table next to a comfy couch and went off in search for a bottle. She waved to her freinds and attempted idle chit chat, but to be honest, she still was not great in social situations. The bar loomed ahead and she parked her armoured aas on a stool.
“Bar keep, a bottle of your finest Corellian whisky please”
She placed an ample supply of credits on bar which soon encouraged the barman to reach under the bar into the “special store” and withdrew a very nice aged whyrens reserve
“Would madam like some glasses and ice?”
The Sephi chuckled, she knew the barman well and she just smiled, he knew what she liked and loaded the bottle, a halve dozen glasses and a bucket I ice onto a floater tray and pushed it towards the mandalorian.
“Enjoy my dear”
Edema threw a salute at the barman and took hold of the floater, guiding it back to her table.
Eventually she reached her perch and set the floater down on the table, filing a glass with half ice and a good helping of whisky, she sat down and put her legs up on the table, the armoured cybernetics thudding on the surface, she smiled and took a sip, and relaxed, knowing others would eventual join her.
Stomach filled with pilfered treats, but palate desiring the soothing bite of ethyl alcohol in its many flavorings, Vicxa Varis surveyed the spread of options presented before her. So many unguarded bottles, so little time.
“Look, if you’re going to do vhat I think you’re going to, at least have the decency to pay your share,” Tali Sroka chided the Mirialan.
“I don’t have a problem paying,” she replied.
“Goodt.”
“Except for the lack of credits.”
Had her lekku not been tied behind her head in a facsimile of Leekla’s hair, one would have slapped Tali in face in annoyance.
“Vhat do you even do vith all the relics you findt? You’re*always* out of money andt I’m pretty sure ve even pay you a retainer or something.”
“You do? Oooh, that’s where my fuel money comes from! Thanks for that! To be honest, I just exchange them for drinks half the time. Have you any idea how many shots an authentic pre-Republic Sith artifact buys you on Ol'val?”
“You have been selling Sith artifacts on Ol'val?!”
“Ugh, always sticking to the least important things I say. The answer you were looking for is two dozen.”
Tali felt her temper rising, but realized dejectedly this was simply another slight bump in the long road of craters that was running the Shadowport. She’d deal with that problem come Monday.
“Here,” she stated, pressing a credit chit into the thieving relic hunter’s palm. “Don’t spendt it all in one place.”
“I won’t, mommy.”
Vicxa gave her a Cheshire grin and ran off to find some drinking buddies. Tali remained where she was, shaking her head. Seemed her character costume had come with a free helping of immersive Nexu wrangling.
“Unfortunately,” gritted Sofila. There was a moment of pause between them, “You are aware I will make you pay later.” Distraction. She needed a distraction. Drinks sounds great now that the kids aren’t here anymore. She tilted her head towards the food area, “Want to get some drinks, Cole?”
Walking around the festival, a young looking man wearing a canid suit with a red vest was enjoying the smells and sounds of the area. Joy, wonder, fun, these were feelings that filled the Empath, a stark contrast to what he usually felt from others. Eleceos Araave was happy to be at this event, now he just needed to find some of his friends.
A crowd gathered at the darts area as a group of four men couldn’t believe what they were seeing. A light pink skinned Sephi with shoulder length white and pink layered hair, wearing a “Mad Hatter” style costume, had just hit her 5th bullseye in a row. She held one more dart in one hand, and a glass of blueish alcohol in the other.
“Well boys, I think drinks are on y'all tonight, don’t you?”
She let the final dart fly, and…again…hit the bullseye. The men just held their faces as Eevie collected her winnings. Some.may call her a hustler, be she prefers, teacher.
“Now, boys, maybe next time y'all won’t try to take advantage of a pretty little thang, huh. Know your targets, don’t be a dolt. Go and have some fun, if you can still afford too.”
Eevie skipped off into the crowds, one hand holding down her overly large hat.
The Sephi waved to her droid
“he, go see if you can russle up some snacks and food would ya”
The droid bowed
“Of course Lady Kalinor”
And off he walked, she must remeber to slice into his coding and give him a more suitable name, he had been a gift from her uncle but had some odd quirks.
Taking another sip, she just relaxed and watched the proceedings.
It was enough of a reaction that the smile became a small grin for a moment before he let it drop, looking out toward the food area and nodding.
“Sure. They should be serving now.”
They made their way across the festival ground once more, him leading for once this day. Sofila had taken point to aimlessly and hurriedly explore everything and anything and make every use of every moment. Now it was time to go somewhere more directly and he remembered the way.
Not that she necessarily didn’t know the way, but he’d watched her get lost in an a damn near straight hallway once.
There was a stall set up of a newer import, a Zeltron <@645466919415054357> was stood at the stall but she seemed to be just… there and drinking and not in queue so Cole aimed them toward it.
Work’t was rapidly working to reconfigure his shooting gallery. The children were gone! GONE! The tokens were replaced, Tyk had finally arrived with the Secret Project (a large barrel of Ewokian Mead). Work’t had after due conversation with Zuza where she had said people would need an incentive to be crushed by his machines decided to include a free shot of mead with each entry to the game. Little did Zuza know this would also impede accuracy making his machine less likely to be beaten!
He grinned. Tonight would prove his mechanical mastery of small moving targets.
He looked up at the prize, a fully adorable plush verison of Zuza that he defintely did not have the copyright to make. Fortunately, Arcona didn’t have a department of copyright and trading standards present here. She’d hate it!
“I’m sorry, Jax.” There was no one else around that was within earshot, that she was aware of, so she was comfortable with calling him Jax.
Her lips curved into a grin when Jax brought up Novelty drinks. That’s right up his alley.
“Are you going to try to drink them all, Erinos?” Evelyn joked.
A string of muttered and furious Mirialan grumbled out as violet eyes looked over a datapad. One white-gloved hand touched an arm enswathed in thick, diaphormous black cloth, the cloak of a spirit, trying to soothe.
“This is like the third report of missing product we gotten. Who’s been stealing kriff at a festival?”
“Perhaps just a miscounting, Angel,” suggested the Pantoran to his husband, pastel brows furrowing in a sympathetic expression and creasing beautiful and intricate painting on his face.
“Wish I could believe that,” sighed the Mirialan. “And then that one booth too being super hard for the kids…”
“Zuza took care of it.”
“And–”
“And Noga and Leda did just fine with that disruption, also with Zuza’s assistance.”
“They ran into the Taldryan Consul and Anderson too! A kriffing Inquisitor–”
“–who we might end up having over for dinner if things with Melissa and Draca progress.”
“AND the Taldryanite Proconsul.”
“Who we invited. And whose booth looks just phenomenal.”
“But now there’s folks freaking gambling at the darts and it’s only been an hour–”
“Which we didn’t strictly forbid, nor is that type of gambling forbidden here in the city limits besides…It will be alright, Angel. The families had a good time. The children are safe. This was a good day.”
- Hands reached up and carefully cupped an equally painted face, golden eyes all worried and soothing.
“Take a breath. You’re getting anxious. I know it’s the hardest part now, with all the drinks about, but we have plenty of help, and the weapons checks have been thorough, the stalls are vetted, we should be alright. And if there is any trouble, we will handle it together. Alright?”
Ruka took several deep breaths, counting them. One, two, three, four.
“Yeah, yeah, ay.” He sagged into the touch a little, then straightened back up. “Okay, ay.”
Cora nodded, and then lowered his arms to hold out one hand primly for an escorting hold. Ruka tried to smile at him but mostly just looked like he was going to vomit. Nonetheless he offered his arm and they started to walk the grounds again, emerging from the corner of the stage area where they’d been conferring over various messages and notes.
“Why don’t we circulate a bit and check in on our friends?” Corazon suggested, leaning his head on Ruka’s shoulder as much because it was nice as because whenever he did that, Ruka’s stood taller. Saffron eyes scanned the crowd, hoping for– Aha! Perfect! ….well, dear me, hopefully… After all, either Qyreia would inevitably make Ruka feel better, or supremely worse, when it involved alcohol and his upsets. One had to take the risk. “Look, Ru! There’s the ladies. Qyreia! Kiera!”
He waved with his free hand to the couple, strolling much like them.
Goodness, and Qyriea’s neck makeup was still perfect. He had to know which products she’s used.
<@244242409678962689>
Kerissa Monique hadn’t been on the festival ground for long. Hanging out with families hadn’t really been her interest today so she’d slept in, eaten well and taken her time getting into the steam-punky style clothing and corset she’d set up for the event. The Kessurian-hybrid had her tail tucked away, out of view wrapped around her leg under her trousers. Away from grabbing hands. Not that she was completely hiding away her Ryn heritage, shoulders bare with the thin layer of dyed-pink fluff bright against the dull purple of her skin.
The corset had admittedly been the most arduous of those tasks. It was doable alone but for her second time wearing it, it was a struggle. It’d be a pain to take off too but Savi said they were coming so hey, maybe there’d be help.
She approached a stall, a shooting one. She wasn’t good at shooting but hey, a free shot of mead with the ticket to try and play was good enough reasoning for her.
Kerissa waved to the Ewok running the stall, “Heya, how many tokens to take a round?”
“Three!” He cried enthusiastically. “But mead!” Tyk, a younger Ewok walked up and spoke in less broken basic. “Look, just be aware it’s hard as kriff. The old man had a spare hour earlier…”
“Speak of the devil,” Keira chuckled, waving back and directing their course back toward their familiar friends.
“You’re doing this on purpose.”
“You’d rather go try and make friends with all the strangers and the… fur patrol I believe is your moniker for the Voidbreakers these days?”
Qyreia sighed. “Point made. Shut up.”
“Mhm, love you.”
“Love you too.”
The ladies approached arm-in-arm, the Zeltron squeezing her wife’s hand as Ruka’s discomfort reached her subconscious. Wonder what’s bugging him this time. Keira squeezed back, offering an expression that suggested she heard that, but said nothing about it as they entered speaking range.
“Cora, Ruka, fantastic seeing you again.”
“Mh,” Qyreia deadpanned. “Yeah. Crazy.”
At the same time that Kerissa approached the stall, so did two others, drawn by the challenge of a shooting game that was hard as kriff. One, a massive mountain of orange and white-speckled black granite, was some kind of Nautolan hybrid with horns. A completely sheer, cuffed and collared short-sleeved white shirt fluttered over most of his chest, while belted on denim pants with large, stylistic rips open down the fronts showed parts of legs – and all of his, many, many, many scars. The cuffed jeans also ended above short black boots with a slight flat heel, and some jewelry completed the look that was casual only on great purpose.
Beside him, walking close, was an olive-skinned Omwati with red wild type and silver-blue plumage. Like his companion, he didn’t seem so much in costume as a little bit dressed up, with a bright orange heavy hoodie, sweatpants, sandals, and gloves. They walked in lock step despite greatly different heights, and leaned towards each other even as one hopped around and jittered while the other seemed more to be a solid wall slicing through the crowd. The Nautolan would gesture, and the Omwati would chirp replies while also gesturing here and there.
As they approached, bright red unblinking eyes landed on the inhabitants of the stall, cursorily dissecting the female there before skipping down to the smaller Ewok. Recognition lit, and he signed something to the Omwati, who hooted.
“He says, ‘you again,” the bird fellow told Tyk. “This game, yours? We play?” Golden violet eyes flicked back to the Nautolan, whose smile was predatory.
<@350377017713360907>
Tyk clapped excitedly! “Word friend, good to see you again!” Tyk gestured at the mead. “This is mine, Ewokian mead. Abit over strong but Work’t said that’ll probably be fine as-” Work’t glared over and Tyk cut off before smiling at the old bear. “Well anyway, enjoy the mead, all of you! You look very cool too, I like your eyes!”
Foxen, he said, and Flyndt supplied translation. ‘Cool’ red eyes narrowed in consideration, then looked to their partner. Do you want to try? He indicated the shots of said mead.
“Gee,” Ruka deadpanned back. “Don’t sound so excited.”
If both their spouses felt like rolling eyes, they didn’t show it. Or at least, Cora didn’t, being far too polite. His eye rolling muscles were practically untrained.
“Things seem to be picking up,” the Pantoran informed them, dutiful an organizer. “As these things shall inevitably go now the taps are free.”
Ruka grumbled slightly and got a hand pat for it. It wouldn’t be hard to guess what was bugging him this time, given the answer was often the same. One only had to pick of a few tried and true selections.
“You guys gonna go mingle?”
The shots of mead sat on the table, a soft golden honey like colour. It smelt like honey too.
Crimson feathers twitched as the Omwati blinked, not entirely sure whom the small furry person was complimenting the eyes of. He easily switched to interpreting once again for Foxen to the vendor, when the hybrid asked if he wanted any.
“Hrmm,” Flyndt shrugged one hand out of his pocket and leaned forward to examine the mead, noting the enticing color at the very least. His tongue clicked in debate against his beak behind closed lips, a glance to his partner. It was only a little amount. “Sure. I would try your brew.”
Little did the birdman know, he was in fact the complimented one. Tyk took the currency and slid the brew. Upon consumption he would discover the Ewok’s most dangerous weapon. Ewok mead contained almost 40% alchohol. But due to the use a variety of native honeies and herbs, it tasted like liquid sugar. It had a faint aftertaste of alcohol and a warm kick, but deceptively pretended to be low volume. Tyk leaned in, eager for feedback on his first customer. Work’t prepared the toy slug throwers.
Nodding, Foxen in turn picked up one of the shot glasses, handing it to Flyndt and then getting another for himself with the additional credits. He had to pinch the thing between thumb and forefinger, and used his other hand to fingerspell slowly to his home.
Smells like…N-I-E-S? he attempted. His Omwati lexicon was still incredibly small; more focus went towards their conversations in Sign, and teaching Flyndt the Mando'a sign now too, while most of the words or names Foxen gleaned from Flyndt’s language were connected to objects, happenstance, stories of his people.
The pout and whine that were really quite damning faded a bit as he hid them with a smile, showing the tiniest bit of fang, given it was her he was with. Family.
“Ah ha, Wyvern, I am not going to try. I shall succeed,” he declared boldly, and stood back up. The man lifted his cup of wine and chugged it, then shouted, “OYA! Come on! Let us go before they run out of supplies.”
Of course, he very tidily took all their cups and plates and placed them in the RECYCLING after scraping food into COMPOSTING and not TRASH, and then grabbed Evelyn by the wrist like it was basic training all over again.
“Hup to, solider!”
“Hi! You look lonely.” A cheerful voice sounded off to the Sephi’s left. A pocket sized Mirialan was smiling at her from ear to ear, face done up with way too much eyeliner and kohl, and dressed in garishly orange cosplay that the Mandalorian’s seasoned gaze could immediately recognize as actual warplate.
The girl did not wait for much of an answer, deftly jumping the couch and inviting herself around the table.
“So, what are we having?” Vicxa inquired, though her crimson cybernetic’s beeline towards the bottle made it obvious the question was merely rhetorical.
“Hey, welcome!” Erinyes waved at the approaching people. “Happy spooky season! What’re you in the mood for?”
<@432543120635461643> <@216702440140046336>
Kerissa placed three tokens on the counter but was happy to wait for Foxen and Flyndt to finish up, leaning on the edge of the counter and watching with interest.
“I spy with my slitted eyes…”
Sanguine lips curled into a self-satisfied grin as the Shani strolled across the room. A familiar, purple-skinned woman had caught their attention shortly after their arrival, prompting them to make a b-line in her direction, though not so hurriedly that they seemed overly eager to see her. Couldn’t have that, could they?
As was the custom when attending public events, Savi was dressed to command attention. Their outfit was a more revealing version of what someone might wear on those spy holofilms that people always watched: form-fitting black pants with a thick belt, large boots perfect for stomping heads if need be; and nothing but a brassiere, a few completely unnecessary straps running across her bare midriff, and a large designer overcoat.
Coming up from slightly behind and to Kerissa’s right, Savi spoke first. “Didn’t take you to be the shooting type, Kerissa,” they said with a wink and a gentle nudge to the woman’s arm with their elbow.
Honey-colored hues shifted over to Foxen and Flyndt next, watching how they performed. She wondered which of them would notice her first.
Sofila gave Erinyes a friendly smile, “Hiya there! Um…” She paused and wondered for a bit. She hasn’t found a drink she dislike besides the cheap and common beers. Which wasn’t here thankfully. “Anything strong enough to help me forget something 3 kriffin mins ago and make it tasteful.”
Kerissa jumped slightly but then smiled, looking behind and shifting to make room for the Shani.
“How many guards did you sneak past to get in here?” She asked teasingly, patting the collar of the coat and pushing it down flat. “Very fancy gear you got on for it.”
She chuckled, following Savi’s gaze to the game and not picking up on the recognition in their eyes, “And nah but they’re offering shots of mead for each round you play.”
“Do you have whiskey?” Cole asked for more calmly though couldn’t help a slight smile at the slightly teasing but also slightly flustered yet tone of Sofila.
Worth it.
“Debating it,” the Zeltron sighed, playing with her false fangs with her tongue. “Not usually the mingling type. You remember the last time I tried that?”
“Karaoke on the Voidbreaker,” Keira mused. “Some emotional singing mixed with quite a bit of sarcasm for a Shistavanen child, as I recall.”
“They’re not running out any time soon.” A laugh came from Jax’s right, watching him heft a Echani… ish woman. Zuza placed a hand on her foam-armoured hip, a grin bright across her face, “Thank you for using the bins! And the best drinks are probably over there honestly!”
Zuza pointed toward Erinyes’ stall, “At least, in terms of variety. They only just started shipping, but there’s good classics like two tents before then.”
“Hearing more of you singing is kinda a sellin’ point to encourage you,” Ruka pointed out with a nudge and stressed smile. If the man could somehow do standing still faster, he was a master at it. “Annnnd thankfully Carr ain’t here for you to snipe at.”
“He’s really a nice boy,” Cora’s brows furrowed, “you don’t like him?”
The Pantoran didn’t remember that particular, ahem, occasion as well as some others.
“We most certainly do! Would you like it straight, or in a mixer?” Then she eyed Sofila and considered. “As for you… let’s try a kraytblood cocktail.” She waved to the stall crew, who started whipping up a tumbler of something ruby-red.
“They have. One. That. Smokes!” Jax was all but tapping his feet in place at the words, clearly excited. He laughed and grinned closed-mouthed as he released Evelyn in order to salute the Human. “Sir! Or shall I say, Ser?” He winked for her knightly costume, then opened the arm in offer of hug.
Because they had been friends once, and hugging was what they had done. He held himself at ease, as if nothing about lifting his arm towards Zuza felt like inviting a knife to his heart. As if nothing was wrong, and she had not threatened all Kobign held dear, and had not been hurt because of them.
Another lie made of truth. For a little while longer.
“Straight, ice would be nice.” He responded, eyes landing on the crew to not ignore them entirely.
“Now hold- wait- I- Er-” Evelyn couldn’t get one word in with the mad dash this massive man had made. She’s more concerned about him succeeding in drinking every single drink at the booth.
Please, let there only be three drinks. A voice cut in and she was facing Zuza.
Her heart skipped a beat.
“Evening, Lottson, ma'am.”
<@244244163002892288> <@432543120635461643>
“Not when they’re telling me I can’t drink at the bar I subsidize as part of Arcona’s expenses. Or anything else for that matter.”
“Were it the Battleteam Leader or something,” Keira added, “I’m sure it would’ve been a different story. But frankly, I’m with Q on this one.”
Qyreia sighed. “Anyways, what’re you two up to? Got any crazy plans for the evening that don’t involve micromanaging the event?” She pointedly looked at Ruka. They all knew it was true, so it was less accusatory and more stating fact.
Zuza’s smile dimmed just for a beat, the strain of the months heavy on her shoulders even in the rush of the night. But Jax was her friend and no matter what she threatened she wouldn’t truly hurt him. He just.. couldn’t know that yet.
Just in case.
She stepped forward into the hug, grasping on perhaps a bit too tight until they withdrew and her smile was back in place more. The Human turned toward Evelyn <@216702440140046336> and laughed, slightly awkwardly but with no upset to it, “Zuza’s fine, no ma'ams or anything needed. I don’t think we’ve met yet, properly.”
The face was somewhat recognisable but there had been many passing by during the war effort. Zuza held a hand out to shake to Evelyn, her other resting on the small of her own back in a proper knightly poise.
Despite the lack of accusation, Ruka still managed to look a little bit chastised as his chin jutted a little and he mumbled, “No. Just gonna be keepin’ watch. You know how it is.”
As if they didn’t have several “counters” in their offices by now. One for annulments, one for (literal) fires, one for public indecency…
Arconan parties.
“I’m just going to hope that it’s a relatively quiet evening,” Cora chimed. “What of you two? Kiera, the painting booth is the same staff as spring last year. You could go this time! Hum, unless you’re worried about ruining your makeup, Qyreia. You’ve got to tell me what brands you used, by the by, dear. They’ve blended so well, it looks real.”
“Oh, this is Captain Evelyn Wyvern, of Siren Squadron,” Jax supplied, retreating a step after the hug. “I can tell you many stories of her exploits. But, in line! Novelty drinks, ladies!”
The crew smiled their appreciation, both at the attention and that Cole hadn’t ordered something hellishly complex to make. One cracked open a bottle of spear-grain whiskey and flourished it into a tumbler that looked like a crystal skull, then topped it up with ice and handed it to Cole.
Another prepared a claw-shaped drinking horn full of some kind of red juice, stirring in a generous quantity of potently fruity alcohol, then topped the whole thing with a sprinkling of silver balls—presumably the “pearls” of the krayt dragon the drink was named for—and passed it to <@216702440140046336> “This is pretty tart,” the bartender warned her, “but you can let the pearls dissolve and it’ll sweeten the whole thing up.”
Before Evelyn chimed in, Jax had brought up offer of telling Zuza stories of her past missions.
“Please don’t.” She glanced over to Jax, “Let’s not bore, Lottson.” She also didn’t want to be around Zuza for long. She had mixed emotions.
Yet, she kept a straight face.
“It’s a habit, ma'am.” Evelyn explained to Zuza.
<@244244163002892288> <@432543120635461643>
“You wouldn’t be but I can’t have any booze tonight, on duty and I might get jealous if I stick around for all the novelty drinks. Good to meet you Captain.”
Zuza did a small salute, glancing between Jax and Evelyn with a smile, “Maybe another time though?”
<@244244163002892288>
Sofila smiled, “Oooh it’s so PRETTY. Wow. I don’t even want to drink it now.” She grasped the drink. “Thank you!” turned around Sofila blinked at the line. That was quick. Quickly, she got out of the way and waited for Cole.
<@432543120635461643>
Cole was quick to grab his glass and step out of line, keep close to Sofila’s side and taking a careful sip of the whiskey.
A wash of relief warred with one of mourning in Jax’s chest. He knew there would truly be no other time, as this was only part of the ruse. When the trial finished. When the announcements came. And no longer did any of them have to pretend. Zuza would surely and rightly walk away, just as would the others of the crew, just as would Evelyn.
Her most of all of anyone.
But Jax smiled. Closed-mouthed. True. And raised his hand to salute again, crisp.
“Aye, ma'am, another time. Luck to you on your duties. I would offer my eyes and ears as well, but, alas, already have I imbibed. I will make certain to take holos of the best ones for you!”
Then he turned to Evelyn.
“Come on! Last one there does burpees.”
The Force user snorted, unable to contain herself in time in the wake of Cora’s comment. Qyreia tried to defuse the men’s reaction, but it seemed in vain given the raised brows.
“Uh sure. I just got some stuff at the local costume shop and followed a video on HoloTube.”
“You should see what she can do with those teeth.” Keira could feel the heat of her wife’s blush now. “For false fangs, they are remarkably well constructed.”
She felt a gentle elbow in her side and a mental nudge. Why don’t you tell him about the fang markings **you* have then?*
Keira’s lips pursed. Fiiine.
There was little to do to hide the general feelings that accompanied the Zeltron’s blush when all three of the people in very close proximity were in turn close to and familiar with her. And blushing feelings. Kiera’s humor was the final nail in that particular vampire coffin, and Cora’s ears, the only visible part of his skin, turned mulberry. Ruka coughed, trying unsuccessfully to smother it into his shoulder as his husband stiffened up and squeaked.
The Pantoran covered his eyes with his hand carefully.
“Oh Ashla, I thought–” he bemoaned, more at his own silliness striking again than anything else. He blew out his cheeks and shook a finger in the women’s direction. “Oooh and you let me!”
It was the Mirialan’s turn to give a hand pat.
Evelyn pondered for a bit. She wouldn’t mind burpees to be honest. When they made their way over, she paused at seeing Farrow as well.
What the-
Evelyn kept a straight face. “Erinos, I’m guessing the first drink you want to try is that blue one that smokes?” Evelyn turned her attention to Jax.
Cole remained in place beside Sofila but noticed the pilot. His gaze landed on her for a moment, the lingering amusement dashed from his expression but he didn’t pause to stare and moved on. Instead spotting Zuza.
Well this was awkward timing but at least him and Zuza had sorted things out well enough. He raised his hand slightly, greeting her and Zuza waved at the pair of them, smile as bright as ever. Relieved, maybe even to the more closely watching.
“Yes! I suspect it must be dry ice, however–” he was about to go on about various chemical compounds and elements that could create such an effect in reaction, when he saw the drink that Sofila, one of the newest to their Clan, was holding. Everything about it was just as novel. “Oh! Oh I want one of what she is having! Sofila! Sofila, what is that?”
Qyreia raised her hands defensively. “I was trying to spare you the details!”
“And what details they are.”
“Nothelping!”
“I suggest then,” Keira said, grabbing her wife’s hand and one of Cora’s, “that we go find some venue around here to unwind. Perhaps some drinks?” She eyed Qyreia. “Maybe some food?”
Her eyes veered away, but her pout showed acquiescence. “Fine.”
Kerissa teased and Savi did so right back. “What makes you think I snuck passed them?” they quipped, reaching out to touch their friend’s arm as she fixed their collar.
The truth was that the only thing in the outfit that was actually worth anything was the overcoat. Fortunately for Savi, though, they’d won it about a week prior in a heated game of sabacc along with a handsome collection of credits. “Just the coat,” they noted, “But I do wear it well, don’t I?”
A more thorough look at what Kerissa was wearing followed. “And you do as well, of course. I like the retro look. Any idea what you get for winning?”
“I DIDN’T DO IT!” Sofila yelped at someone screaming at her name. She turned and was relieved to see it was Jax. “Jax! HI-” Then she saw Zuza, “ZUUUZZZAA!” Made her way over, the tall Mirialan side hugged Zuza roughly. “Have you been eating? I’ve been sending food to your office but I don’t know if they are- Wait, did you say what kind of drink- oh. Kriff. Cole, what was the name of this drink?”
Evelyn noticed the wave between Cole and Zuza and her eyes narrowed for a second. She patted Jax on the arm, “Going to use the restroom, I’ll be back in ten, Erinos.”
<@432543120635461643> <@244244163002892288>
Corazon’s stomach rumbled loudly, and he gave an embarrassed giggle as he was towed along, Ruka following. “Food would be nice. We rather forgot to eat anything for lunch, supervising everything. Nobody let me near the fried dough, I need something nutritional first.”
Ruka winced a bit, feeling a little bad. All these years of unbelievable prosperity and still, if he missed a meal or three, he wouldn’t notice. He just ignored the sensation automatically. But he shouldn’t have been stressing so much about the event to forget Cora.
“Sorry, babe,” the Mirialan said as he strode alongside, reaching out to take the Pantoran’s free hand.
Zuza squeaked, laughing and reutnring the hug though a touch confused.
“Why- Yeah? You’re the one who’s been sending food? You know that like.. I get paid right?” She laughed but there was a realisation and deep confusion bursting through.
She’d been wondering who the kriff kept ordering food at her. It’d been kind of annyoing cause half the time she hadn’t been hungry for it and she had to find other people to eat it.
-
Cole looked toward Jax, answering amongst the chaos, “Kraytblood cocktail, Jax.”
The chaos masked Evelyn’s sudden departure.
Kerissa grinned. Okay so the coat was the special thing, if they were fixing the collar so carefully.
“You definitely do.”
She looked down at herself and stood a bit straighter, “Yeah, pain to get on solo but it’s pretty savvy.” She couldn’t help it.
“Not a clue what the prize- unless you mean for this?” Kerissa gestured at the stall.
“Oh–” there was quite a bit going on very fast, though his trained ears had been keen to take it all in as Sofila zoomed past him to hug Zuza and then shouted to Cole about the drink’s name. Still he felt the tap on his arm and heard Evelyn. “Alright, soldier–” and she was already striding off. Which left him with Cole.
He smiled his closed smile, waving now to the former crew mate.
“Good evening, Cole,” the hybrid greeted. “That sounds quite dramatic! Thank you.” He did not push for small talk, as Cole had never much welcomed it during their time in service together before. If the Human wished to chat, they could, but there was no pressure to it.
Instead, bright lupine eyes turned to examining the stall itself again, each step closer bringing more and more excitement and causing his hips to wiggle and, correspondingly, the pom pom in his pants pocket to rustle. He stilled them with an errand effort of will. Stop that, he thought at the pesky appendage beneath.
As he looked, he also noticed a Zeltron woman. One he recognized as a fellow – well. Former, undisgraced fellow – General. Who also had writing on her.
Jax burst out laughing, having to clutch at his stomach as his head tossed back, Absolutely Perfect Amazing TM hair flying like it was being filmed. He used his thigh to clap, slapping palm to it as he hooted towards Erinyes.
“General Ténama! HELLO THERE! What good advice you give! How kind to save people from ragerts!”
<@432543120635461643> <@645466919415054357>
“Well yea! Cole said you been reallllly busy with leadership and stuff! And I’m getting there too and sometimes I forget to eat and I asked Cole when he saw you for a bit if you been eating but he said he doesn’t know but he didn’t see any food at your makeshift,” Sofila whispered at the last one, “office and that wouldn’t do! So yes, I’ve been sending food!”
Savi raised an eyebrow at the pun and chuckled. “Oh, look at you with the jokes Miss *Kerissma.”
Savi nodded while looking at the stall. “Yeah, for the game. Surely, there’s like a … high score, or something?”
“Evening.” Cole had responded to Jax.
Zuza’s gaze flicked to Cole once before she focussed back on Sofila, “Well- Thank you but. Uh- It’s fine really. There’s the uh, cafeteria and stuff. I just don’t eat much at work so it’s- Well it hasn’t been going to waste but I haven’t known who to ask to stop cause well, I’m not really eating it.” She smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck.
Then her gaze slipped back to Cole and sharpened, only for a moment but Cole had the gall to look somewhat guilty, clearing his throat, averting his gaze and sipping his whiskey.
Erinyes had no idea who the tall lupine figure was, but she grinned and waved to him all the same. “I’m glad I could help– oh, the runes! I was hoping someone would catch on to that. What can we get for you?”
Besides the Kraytsblood Cocktail, an array of drinks in a dizzying selection of colours were lined up on the table, all equally thematic and carefully labelled in both ur-Kittât and Aurebesh.
Sofila pouted for a moment and considered it. She just wanted to help her friends.
“Okay. I’ll stop buuuuuut only if you send me pictures of your food. I’ll try to help you remember! We need to eat to keep our strength up and our mind focused!”
It remains to be seen if she would even remember to message Zuza.
Zuza wanted to accept that as a lovely offer but it just sent a spike of dread through her.
She did her best to hide it, managing to some extent at least so that at a glance she was still smiling and happy, but did respond honestly, “I’d rather you didn’t, I do eat and there’s enough to remember without adding meal checks onto the pile.” She added a soft laugh, trying to abate the awkwardness of it, “We should meet up for dinner some time though, yeah?”
Sofila got completely distracted and caught on the last part, “Yes! Dinner! Sounds wond-” Then she gasped.
“Bring Zig! Four of us can have dinner!”
Jax struck a considering pose, and then declared, “Well, I am hoping to try one of everything, if you all will indulge me so graciously. But I must start with the kraytsblood cocktail,” he quoted of Cole, “and whatever that blue smoking one is! Is there dry ice? Or are you using another ethyl-methyl-soluble compound to achieve sublimation?”
<@645466919415054357>
“You get one of the plushies.”
Kerissa pointed at the row of human looking plushies in the visage of the Selen Training Corp’s Battleteam Leader.
“I dunno why it’s one of the summiter folk but I guess it’s a thing.” She shrugged.
There’d be more puns soon. She just had to think of them.
“That’s what I was wondering, too. I thought she looked familiar.”
Savran folded their arms in front of their chest and surveyed the room. There were a few familiar faces but many more they didn’t recognize. They did notice that both members of the clan’s leadership were there. Maybe they would try to speak to them at some point.
“What’s the plan tonight, Kerissa? Testing the limits of our alcohol tolerance? Or something more fun?”
Zuza was relieved that Sofila attached onto that.
“Brilliant, I’m on duty so I have to go but-” She stepped forward and hugged again, “No more meals and message me when you know when you’re both available for dinner. Zig will be fine with it I’m sure.”
Zig had known for a while that her and Cole had history.
Sofila returned the hug as she pouted. “Fiiiine. No more meals.” She grumbled and then nodded with a smile, “I will!”
She glanced over to Cole, “We should get some food!”
Zuza did fingerguns, shot Cole another slight glare of accusatory betrayal before sliding off back into the crowds.
She was on the look out for the troubled, lost or just someone needing a hand after all.
Erinyes grinned wider, while the two crew members behind the bar looked slightly pained before recovering their composure. Now this was a man after her own heart. “Yes, it’s dry ice, partly for the visual and partly for the temperature. If you’re going to try one of everything, well, I have plenty to offer in both themed drinks and our original products. Have a look and see if anything else catches your interest.” She gestured to the array of drinks and their descriptions: https://i.imgur.com/PEm8Hj2.png
Jax would note that the Sith runes corresponded to the names of each drink. Well, as closely as translation allowed, anyway.
Cole grimaced at the glare he recieved but it was a slight thing. Guilt but at least it was just Sofila.
And kriff it did worry him. It always had.
He shook his head, letting himself ease as he responded to Sofila, “Sure, what were you thinking?”
“Huh?” She frowned and look at Zuza and Cole’s exchange.
“Is everything ok- Waaaaaiiiit a minute-” She stopped, turned, and was right by Jax by some sheer intuition. She looked over at the menu. Properly this time. Then she turned her head to look at Cole, “Oh hold up Cole, I have to try all of them! Are you going to try them all, Jax?” She asked towards the massive man.
“Smells like Nies?” Flyndt repeated outloud for himself with a quirked eyebrow, trying to comprehend why it would smell like a bug. Those around might be baffled at what ‘knees’ had to do with anything. He looked down to the small glass and dipped his head to smell it himself. “Ooh, yes, Nectë o Nies?”
Flyndt repeated the word, spelling it out best he could with galactic script, and nodded. It did smell like honey. The Omwati raised the cup a couple centimeters up in a small cheers sort of gesture, then downed the beverage. Liquid gold, sweet and rich. He nearly trilled in how good it was and while he managed to hide that noise, crimson feathers raised in a crest to betray him.
“It tastes well, very good brew…? Sorry, I know not your name. You know Foxen, I am Flyndt and you?”
Foxen paid special attention to the spelling, noticing a hesitation on the second of three esks and noting to ask about it later; Omwatese had non-standarr Galactic characters. One of several submissions was to expand their personal sign language to include something for all those characters. A better voice for home.
He also paid special attention to Flyndt’s reaction, and watched the crest raise with intensity. Hmm.
With an answering cheer gesture, he took the shot, indeed getting the honey in it. Decent. Deceptively sweet. He could detect the burn beneath.
Red eyes darted to the other miniature mammalian predator that Tyk had indicated owned the drink. In their passing, he spotted a familiar figure now with the female previously considered and ignored save for mental note that she had something hidden around her waist, possibly belt. The eyes narrowed briefly, then his hand lifted in a mercenary signal of acknowledgement. Then he returned to the elderly Ewok.
Rather than interrupt Flyndt speaking to Tyk for translation, he just typed on his datapad and showed it to the ursus.
How much for the mead? Take the lot.
Cole sighed as she immediately snapped away from the idea of getting food.
Try them all?
Cole took a good drink of his whiskey and looked over the food options to make sure she ate something. He got back into line quietly to do so.
“I am almost distracted by your dedication to theme, here. I take it you can fluently write and read ur-Kittât, to have gotten these so close? Ah, to substitute harvest with planet reaping when is just inspired, it would have been all too easy to reach immediately for soulscorn,” which was the more commonly used rune for any action involving gathering of riches to oneself, as Ancient Sith did like to presume to take the very essence, and anything less was simply not granted parlance. He fell in and out of the languages easily mid sentence, going on again, “And to spell Kir Katarn phonetically with those other words instead of trying to transliterate as well saved you quite a bit of space. Ah! But speaking of! Your menu, yes. One must have a mission, after all. These all sound fantastic. I think I shall work my way down from the top then, and usurp the tyrannical triumvirate last.”
Despite his distraction, he did not entirely miss the wince of employees overworked. The hybrid’s ears folded down as he gave them a sheepish look.
“Ah, and many thanks to you for your patience. I will tip gladly.”
“Oh absolutely testing limits. Why, what’s the more fun you’re considering. Something sauve.”
She grinned, leaning forward on the counter again.
The hybrid turned then and grinned demurely down at Sofila.
“That I am. Would you like to join me, vod'ika?”
“Suns, yes.” Finally! A worthy opponent! She took a sip of her cocktail and they were right. The pearls have dissolved and it helped countered the tartness and gave a sweet aftertaste.
“Oh! This is lovely!” She turned her head to look at Cole, “Want to try?”
“I think I’ll stick to simpler drinks for now. I’ll try yours and see if I want a full glass later.” He spoke diplomatically, considering which of the snacks would best line Sofila’s stomach so he didn’t end up physically hauling her home.
He didn’t mind the idea of that but it did ruin other ideas.
“Well then what might you recommend?” Keira diverted soothingly, clearly part of her repertoire at home. As the organizers, I’m sure you know the exact stalls to go to.”
Qyreia shot her Mirialan friend a look, eyes darting toward one of the liquor vendors, that’s said, ‘Don’t let Cora near the booze unless you want shenanigans. You remember last time.’
“Of course,” Savi replied, this time choosing not to make eye contact with the other femme while moving a hand to lightly trace circles atop the smooth countertop to their left, having to reach across Kerissa to do so.
“You are Kerrissitible, after all.”
He vividly. Remembered. Last time.
An equal look was sent back, as warning in turn as acknowledging with a subtle nod.
Cora, meanwhile, was half-dancing along as he walked, stepping on his pointe toes.
“Well, of course there’s the itapas, but I know we have those at home sometimes so if there’s something else you two would prefer that’s just fine! I am a bit curious about the egg inside the sausage inside the other thing, whatever it was, but I’m worried it will be too greasy…”
The crew nodded their gratitude, and taking a cue, Erinyes turned to them: “If one of you wants to take a break, tell me and I’ll hop behind the bar.”
A few moments later, Jax’s Kraytsblood Cocktail slid across the counter. The “blue one with smoke coming out” stayed on ice, since he did say he was coming back for it later, and Ferran’s Rime was meant to be frigid anyway. As it did, Erinyes raised a flask she’d seemingly produced from nowhere to Jax. “To almost-dead languages and lively parties!”
Noting Cole’s expression and his glance at the food section, Erinyes turned to him. “If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, the miniature quiches are great—plenty of eggs and cheese to soak up the booze, and we’ve got a ton of them in the freezer.”
Kerissa snorted, covering her mouth with the back of one hand as she started laughing.
“Oh my stars Savi, where’d you drag that from?”
She shook her head, giggling yet.
“Thanks.” Cole nodded and soon ordered a double of the same whiskey and a trio of the miniature quiches to tactically hand to Sofila.
His hands were full but he came back up beside <@216702440140046336>, “Here take one.”
“Greasy is best drinking food,” the Zeltron chuckled, as if breaking her own warning.
“I don’t know what this egg-sausage thing is, except that it doesn’t sound like a breakfast sandwich, which has me intrigued.”
“Same.” Qyreia eyed a roving drink cart as they passed close by and finally broke. “I’ll catch up with you guys. Imma get some refreshment.”
“Color me surprised.” Keira snickered all the same. “Get me something too?”
“Of course.”
The unspoken implication was, of course, that she would do the same for the pair of men. But what they would receive was perhaps up to chance if they didn’t speak now.
The hybrid made a delighted noise, reaching for the kraytsblood and lifting it back in a cheer. It was probably for the best; he only had the one hand after all. He stepped aside of the line to let Cole and others order, gesturing Sofila with him and stepping closer to the Taldryan shopmistress.
“It occurs to me we may be interrupting you off duty! Would you like to come and join us for these drinks, General?” He mimed another salute with the horn. “I am Irian'Jaxerias Erinos, but you may call me Jax. This is Sofila, and that is Cole, and my dear friend Evelyn should be returning posthaste.”
Evelyn leaned against a back of one of the stalls. Noises from the chatter faded as she stared out in the darkness. With a slow inhale, she shifted and reached into her inside coat pocket and grabbed her datapad. She searched for Foxen’s name and found it.
Letting you know that Jax Erinos made it a goal to drink a booth dry. Might need help later. Will keep you posted.
Evelyn slipped the datapad back to the pocket and regained her senses. Made her way back to the booth, it seemed that the purple haired Mirialan and Cole had settled to be next to Jax. Made sure she was on the opposite side away from Farrow and the unknown Mirialan.
“Erinos, sorry about the wait.”
“Surprise me,” Cora called, indulgent and already trying to recall the number of which stall had the eggs. Besh-277 wasn’t it, which would put it in…that direction…
“Water,” Ruka provided, and then, “or if you find Erinyes’ stall, she told me she shipped out some spiceberry juice too. That’s good stuff. But water’s fine from the cart, don’t gotta go lookin’.”
With that the trio and Zeltron drifted apart, Cora and Kiera still arm in arm and discussing the definition of a sandwich.
“I’d love to. I shouldn’t stray too far in case one of my crew needs a break, but I’m sure there’s a table somewhere close.” Still brandishing her flask, she looked to her stall’s crew to make sure she wouldn’t be needed right away. When they gave her the all-clear, she set off with Jax, Sofila, and Cole for adventures. Adventures, yo.
Sofila heard Cole as she blinked at the food. She never had those. “What are these?” She poked them. Then she heard the offer about a table.
“Aw yea! Here. Let me just-” She set the glass down. “I’ll get us a table and put it by the booth so you can stay close! Stay put.”
“Sofila there is a table right there.”
Cole gestured with a thumb to one of the closer tables within eye sight of the stall.
Sofila pouted as she sighed. “Fiiinnnne”
“Let us be kind to the faire staff and not move any of the property from its designated placement,” Jax counselled, and then looked to Evelyn. “Welcome back! Do you want another drink? Look at this menu!”
<@216702440140046336>
“They’re mini-quiches. Eggs, cheese, and veggies baked into a little pie, so you can hold one in one hand with a drink in the other. Which may or may not explain why they’re one of my favourites.”
Cole nodded, walking to the table to set down the quiches and free his other hand.
“Erinyes?” The kark is that? she thought as she backpedalled from the group toward the vendor. The name sounds familiar enough, but I’m blanking on exactly where from. Not Arconan. I think? Crap, I hope not. I feel bad when I forget about that kind of stuff.
Talking to the man with the cart, she actually recognized him as the same cart-vendor from the spring festival. They talked briefly, mostly concerning how much they enjoyed his floral mead liquor, before she stepped away with a bottle and some cups. Remembering Ruka, she asked about this ‘spiceberry juice’ and if he knew what it was at all.
“Oh, look for the lady with the pink skin and dark red hair. Didn’t want to ask if you knew her, but I think she’s from the same place as you.”
“Zeltros?”
The Selenian shrugged. “If that’s what it’s called, sure. I just know there’s human-pink, then there’s your variety.”
He pointed Qyreia to the stall in question and they went their separate ways, the Zeltron keeping a careful eye on her wife and friends so she didn’t lose them in the crowd or the dark. Even with the artificial and pyrotechnic lights scattered about, there was still a level of darkness all about that could get one turned around if they didn’t pay attention to the direction of Estle City glittering across the face of the mountain nearby. If nothing else though, the vendor’s pointer-finger was accurate. She found the stall easily enough, noting the pink woman seated at a table nearby with some actual familiar faces. Whereas she knew Jax simply from his presence in the AAF hierarchy, Cole and Sofila were acutely familiar for their recent foray into the Ethereal Realm with the Consul.
“Best not bother them,” she muttered to herself, offering a polite glance, but otherwise going to the stall for the special berry juice that Ruka so specifically wanted.
Glancing back at the stall as he indicated Evelyn should get a drink there too, a little guilty looking to have forgotten to get her one himself, Jax noticed the Consul standing there. Given she didn’t approach, and what he knew of her from a few encounters in the same space, the hybrid merely nodded back to her look and offered a slight, closer smile and thumbs up. No need to bother the woman with military pomp when she was likely just trying to enjoy her evening.
“Oooohhhhh! I guess I’ll try them!” Sofila grinned as she sat down at the bench. Cole sat next to her and she scooted closer. The Mirialan placed a now empty glass on the table and place her free hand on Cole’s thigh while she slightly turned to face him.
“I’ll try the quiche now!” She grabbed one and took a bite.
It’s… well, eggs and cheese. You can’t really go wrong with those, right? Especially not with a flaky, buttery crust and tender veggies inside. But mostly the cheese.
Meanwhile, Erinyes glanced around and took a sip from her flask. So many faces in the crowd, so few she recognised—but she quirked an eyebrow when she saw another Zeltron woman whose face she felt like she should remember. Who was… oh. Hmm. The Arconan Consul, and she seemed to be headed for Erinyes’ booth. Part of Erinyes wanted to hop up and greet her, but she also didn’t want to just bail on the others like that.
She decided to bide her time turned to Jax instead. “What do you think of the Kraytblood?”
Cole coughed, feeling a flush to his cheeks. One side was painted and the reddness was thoroughly concealed but the other was still his very pale skin. It was more of a reaction that he ever kriffing wanted to have in public but he was very aware of her hand.
He paused in place for a moment before very slowly sipping his new glass of whiskey.
“Oh, yes! Let us see!”
With great care the hybrid brought the drinking horn up to his mouth and took a sip, mindful of fangs and tongue and trying not to show them. The little pearls that hadn’t dissolved burst on his tongue and he gave a snorting yip, the surge of sweetness tasty, if a bit burning to his sinuses suddenly.
He drank deeper for that noise and set the glass back down on its built in stand with a bit of a wobble, almost spilling.
“Oo, pardon me,” the man frowned slightly at his arm, wondering if it was the alcohol or a spasm, but then smiled to Erinyes. “That is delicious! I will get cavities with these pearls and find it worth it, ahah! Sofila, what did you think?”
<@216702440140046336>
“My names Tyk! I’m a pilot, but today I’m just flying people to the big tastebuds in the sky!” He nodded enthusiastically, oozing positive energy. Work’t rolled his eyes nearby. “Good to meet you Flyndt!”
Sofila took a bite of the quiche. “Mm. This is … different.” She gets Cole’s attention with a squeeze on his thigh, “You should try this!” Sofila set hers down on the plate and will take another bite soon.
Evelyn was still while remained by Jax. She saw a gesture from Jax and even a smile so she turned to see who it was and her posture had straightened and was straighter than a board. Her head snapped back to Jax, her face stoic. Jax had made no military movements towards the Commander in Chief. She made no movement to salute or approach but did not relax. At all.
“Huh?” Sofila turned and looked at Jax. “Oh!” She gestured to the empty glass with a free hand. “It was so good! Honestly, it makes it harder to want to try the other drinks because it’s delicious but also help encourage me want to try the other drinks.” Then she looked around at the table. “Wait, I don’t think I got either of your names?” She looked over to Erinyes and Evelyn.
“I’m Sofila! Well, some people still call me Sagitta which is fine too! Oh, wait, I’m suppose- okay Sofila Sagitta Douve Armis, yes, there we go.”
Evelyn felt a gaze on her and turned to see the Mirialan was looking at her. She looked over to Cole for a moment before back to Sofila, “Pleased to meet you, ma'am. My name is Evelyn Wyvern-”
“OOOOH! Like that mythological creature!”
“Yes ma'am.”
“YOU ARE REALLY PRETTY. Just like them!”
“I-” The hybrid was taken back by the sudden attention of her appearance. Her brows furrowed ever so slightly, almost unnoticeable. “Thank you, Armis.”
“Noooooo Sofila, please! I insist!”
“Sorry ma'am, habit.”
“NOOOOOO, seriously I- Oh this is Cole Farrow!” She grinned as she wrapped her arm around his arm and grinned brightly. His thigh is finally free from her touch.
“Hey, welcome”
Edema slid a glass and ice over to the newcomer.
“Don’t think we have met before, I’m Edema and this is a very good aged year of Whyrens Reserve, you’re more than welcome to share a drink, my droid should be back any moment now with some food”
She took another sip as her new companion poured herself a glass and sipped, Edema could see a moment of delight wash over her visitors face as the aged silken perfection of the whisky hit their taste buds. She smiled and topped up her own glass
“Good stuff isn’t it?”
Work’t spoke back in stunted basic, explaining the price per keg which was abit on the pricy side for mead, but not quite the cost of designer branded stuff. Strangely, there was a discount for buying exactly four barrels.
The Nautolan didn’t seem phased by the price in the slightest. He considered briefly logistics, then nodded, typing back.
Will take four, then. Pick up after festival, tomorrow, this location, 1200?
Savran flashed Kerissa a toothy grin. “I’ve been told I have a munique ability to come up with puns on the fly. What do you think?”
It seemed the festivities had progressed and as such, a change of attire was required. By no means was it necessary, but Anders was a firm believer in first impressions and making a statement.
His crimson-red suit, complete with top hat and golden monocle contrasted the blue-tone of his skin. If you asked him, he’d say it brought out his eyes. He wore a monocle over his right eye and held a magnificent Ruby Scepter in his left hand.
BUDD-E booped and beeped excitedly on Anders’ shoulder.
“Indeed, Buddy. Let us go mingle.”
“I go by Erinyes. Nice to meet you all.” She waved/saluted/otherwise gestured in an introductory manner to everyone else around the table. With Sofila momentarily distracted by the exchange with Evelyn—good lord, the woman talked fast!—she took the opportunity to text the stall crew: 2 Caustics
Cole was feeling slightly manhandled.
Hed coughed when she squeezed his thigh, taking of the quiches to try and hide the fact his face was flushed. Not sure how that works but it was better than just sitting there.
The whiskey was nice too and he swapped between them, more than used to Sofila and her ramblings- okay not used to her grabbing him. And introducing him.
He looked to Evelyn for a moment, his expression impassive but at least making a show of acknowledging she was there before returning to ignoring her. Sofila was happy. This is what they were there for.
Cole still shuffled slightly, testing to see if he could retrieve his arm without distracting the Mirilian.
Long unused muscle memory took over for Qyreia, tucking cups between fingers and cradling the bottle in a way that wouldn’t cramp her hand. All so she could pay for the spiceberry juice that Ruka wanted and still have the ability to carry it away. The various accoutrements weren’t even heavy so much as ungainly, leaving her with an awkward moment as she stowed her credits, rearranged her load, and grabbed up the fresh drink.
Where before she might have stopped over at the picnic table with the familiar faces, now she just wanted to get to her party and the food. It would be rude anyway to just show up and put her things in the middle of their fare. I could at least swing by. That wouldn’t be too intrusive, right?
She strode the short distance over to the table, happening upon Cole and Sofila sharing a moment amidst the conversation. “Sup fellow kids.” She leaned shy of between the lovebirds. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything?”
Jax was just happy as a clam drinking away its lonesomeness as everyone made introductions. When Qyreia came over, he laughed woflishly at fellow kids. The hybrid would have bet a fair few credits he was the oldest at the table, relative to their respective species’ lifetimes.
“A great adventure, ma'am, and no interruption,” Jax answered, lifting and showing off the kraytsblood. “This stall has novelty drinks, and on my oath, I aim to try them all. I hope you are faring well?”
“Well enough, Jax.” The Zeltron offered a genial smile. “Figured I could at least say hello rather than walking by like I don’t know any of you.”
Erinyes half-pivoted as her fellow Zeltron leaned down, and likewise snickered at the “fellow kids” comment. “Thanks for giving me the chance to set up shop here, Consul. Let me know if we can get you anything else—I’d hate to be a bad guest and not bring anything for the host.”
As if summoned by the mention of “novelty drinks”, one of the stall crew appeared with two tumbler-sized cauldrons of something bright green and bubbling. With a gesture from Erinyes, one floated to land in front of Jax, and the other in front of Sofila.
Cole had noticed the Shadow Lord’s approach, glad he had considering where she chose to stop when she started talking.
“Good evening. And no, no interruption.” Cole spoke before sipping his whiskey again.
Sivall came later than the rest of the Ya-ir crew, lagging at least thirty to forty minutes behind them. She had started doing this… positive affirmation thing before going to large gatherings. “You can do this”, “You are safe”, “You look great in your outfit”, “The Children aren’t going to nab you in the middle of a very populated party”— things to that degree. The method was working for the most part.
The medic was matching the rest of her unofficially adopted family, wearing a full body set of pure black robes and her face painted in a multitude of colors. Her hair was drawn back into a neat cluster of curls, all of the small hairs slicked down so that the entire style was smooth. She wanted to look pristine.
The only difference she would have to Ruka and Co. would be the glove on her right hand being thicker than the glove on her left— the Chiss had been dealing with a fair amount of nerve pain since the war, and the glove doubled as a compression glove and barrier.
Siv slowly entered the Fairgrounds and looked around, sanguine eyes scanning faces she recognized and those she didn’t. Did everyone in Arcona come out for this thing? The Chiss medic took in another deep breath, reminding herself of her affirmations. She was here to have fun! And bring Alex some treats home.
Having successfully found their way to the funnel cake stall thanks to Bril’s excellent tracking skills, the sharply dressed duo ordered themselves the largest one that was offered so they could share it. Taking the plate in his hands, Bril extended it to his pink clad Nautolan with a smile. “Fer you, miss,”
This earned a playful roll of the eyes from Minnow, who pinched off a piece of the funnel cake and popped it into her mouth. The rich, buttery flavor of the dough and the sweetness of the powdered sugar made her seafoam eyes widen in clear disbelief of just how good it was. She’d had good funnel cake before but this one took the … cake. Heh.
“Kitty, you have to try this,” she exclaimed. And she wasn’t going to wait for him to answer, either, plucking another piece off the plate and poking it into his mouth.
Bril was only a little surprised by her forwardness, but ended up forgetting about it when he got a proper taste of the treat. Speaking in a slow, drawling accent that he clearly had practiced (though, perhaps not enough), he began: “Well, I do declare, this is the best funnel cake in the quadrant.”
He turned to the Chagrian man working behind the stall and gave him an appreciative nod. “Sir, you’ve earned yerself a loyal customer. Consider this a full endorsement by Brilly the kid, fastest blaster in Outer Rim.”
The Zabrak could practically feel Minnie groan internally, which made a self-satisfied grin stretch across his features.
At the mention of her title, Qyreia’s brow quirked, curious. “And you I feel like I should know, and not just because of the homeworld. Especially since you seem to know my position around here.” She briefly jostled her cups and bottle. “I’d shake your hand, but… I’m Qyreia.”
“Oooo!” Jax immediately leaned towards the bubbly green cauldron, taking a sip that had him coughing and snorting the bubbles out from his sensitive nose good naturedly. He gave another thumbs up even though his face contorted at the sour flavor. “Oh that is different but also good! Ahaha, it tickles.”
Since there was this other in front of him, he took up the kraytsblood and drank the rest of it down in several gulps, shaking his head, hair, and ears when he finished, fur standing on end.
Soooo much sweet!
Sofila jumped at the voice while Evelyn stood and saluted to Qyreia which did not go notice by the Mirialan. “OH HEY QYREIA! How are y-” Then the mini cauldrons arrived. “OH MY STARS!” She yelped as she picked up and showed it to Cole, “Look! Look how cute this is, I could kriffin die, oh my stars, look at it’s wittle little bitty nubs! It’s SO cute! Like you when you were holding that baby!” Then she grinned, “We should have twelev- no. Ten? Hmm. Fourt… Ten kids. Yes. Ten is a nice round number.”
“Homeworld– oh, no, I’m a diaspora baby. I grew up in the Tapani Sector. I’m Erinyes, Ruka’s Taldryan counterpart.”
Whatever else she was going to say, she stopped short at Jax and Sofila’s outburst, and then even shorter at Sofila’s second outburst. She leaned past the Mirialan so Cole could see her, trying desperately to hold back a laugh. “Mate, you uh… might want to think about outsourcing.”
“I think you’re going to run out eventually.” Kerissa laughed, shaking her head and accepting the shot of mead as she got set to take her turn on the game.
She started throwing but.. what the kriff. The targets moved so fast? Tyk hadn’t been kidding by the bloody stars.
She got a few hits in, surprisingly for herself more than anyone else, but it wasn’t enough to win a prize.
“Well that was.. sure was something.”
Cole looked somewhat akin to a fathier in headlights.
He started to try and come up with an answer and then Erinyes leaned over and talked about outsourcing and suddenly everything was rather a bit too much.
Avoiding responding to that announcement, Cole looked to Erinyes and quietly asked, “Do you have something stronger?”
“I’m surprised I managed to get as far as I did, if we’re being honest,” Savi laughed in return.
Once it was Kerissa’s turn to play, her face became a bit more serious. She did have a serious competitive streak about her, after all, so she paid close attention to how her friend performed. She ended up coming up short, but it wasn’t a poor attempt by any means.
“That wasn’t bad,” she added, placing a hand on her shoulder as she stepped toward the booth. “But I think I may have your number, dear.”
After fetching herself a shot of mead and downing it in one go, Savi began her turn. One-by-one, the targets fell with each projectile thrown, until there were none left for her to hit. She allowed her slitted eyes to settle on Tyk and leaned forward on the counter while batting a pair of feathery eyelids. “I’ll take that plushie, now.”
Work’t nodded, sending over contract details for the sale. “Good.” Tyk looked over and chattered exictedly in Ewokese.
“Good job considering I only have a very basic experience level with how to use a blaster.”
Kerissa commented, moving aside so Savi could take a shot.
The big tall Nautalon guy was still there, ordering booze if she had to guess. She watched for a moment before focusing on Savran’s performance and of course they killed it.
“Maybe next time I have you over, I can show you a thing or two,” A pause provided ample time for the Shani to consider their words, “About blasters, I mean.”
Tyk leant forward as Work’t glared angrily at his circuit box. “Haha, you’ve really kriffed his giff, here take this.” He hold forward an adorable plushified Zuza
Savi winked at the two of them while taking the plushie. “Thank you.”
Kerissa’s grin had already been forming.
But she coughed, cleared her throat and despite the still perhaps too wide smile, “Yeah of course, blasters. And eh, I just use the Force if I need to whack someone. I’m not great.. at.. Well. The normal methods of kicking ass.”
Qyreia snort-giggled at the aside to Cole, to say nothing for her reaction to Sofila’s comment. “I see you have your hands as full as mine, so I’ll leave you all to it.” She nodded to her fellow Zeltron. “We’ll have to commiserate later though. Good to meet you, Erinyes.”
There was a brief interplay of farewells and see-you-laters before she once again strolled off into the night. Keira was, meanwhile, rather engaged with Cora and Ruka in perusing the food, trying to parse out this egg-sausage thing they’d mentioned while trying to find some other savories that her wife might enjoy before they went hard on the sugar.
“Do you have any festivals like this on Pantora, Cor?” she asked, staring down the menu like an angry hawk.
Flyndt seemed to perk at the mention of a pilot, clearly interested. But before he could give in to his curiosity, he noted a pair approaching and became acutely aware of the space he was taking. So the Omwati nodded to the Ewok and shifted towards Foxen, hovering by his elbow as he watched the duo participate in the game–
–and by the suns that is Savran. Blue-silver feathers at his nape raised as he watched them annihilate the game. A light tsk escaped him while he turned to Foxen determined, Ready to dominate game, yes?
Erinyes offered her farewells to Q; she knew all too well how rarely a Consul got to enjoy their own parties, and wasn’t about to interrupt that opportunity. Then, she rose and waved for Cole to come with her. “We’ll get you sorted out.”
“We’re usually pretty good about finding time to cover multiple … activities. It could be fun. The Force is great, don’t get me wrong. But sometimes it feels good to just shoot something, you know?”
Savran handed Kerissa the Zuza plushie and promptly looped one of their arms with hers. “Let’s go get something stronger to drink, shall we?”
Out of the corner of their eye, Savi noticed Flyndt briefly glance in their direction. Their discerning eyes caught sight of the lifted feathers on the back of his neck, which earned a sly wink when they made eye contact. That was the last thing they did before leading Kerissa toward the bar–if she obliged, of course.
Confirm, Foxen replied with absolute relish, pleased both by the newly acquired *nectë o nies*drink reserve for Flyndt and by Omwati’s nearness and determination.
And also the urge to crush this game into oblivion.
The massive Nautolan stepped up to one of the tiny mock guns, having to crouch down to grip it properly. He took the time to examine the rudimentary mechanism, assessing exactly how it worked, comparing it to his own favored mechanical firearms over blasterworks. Then he observed the targets and their patterns/movements.
Hrm.
The Mandalorian sniper aimed.
Fired.
Aimed.
Fired.
Aimed.
Fired.
They fell like bodies, one after another after another, until the mock field of painted Clone War Era charicatures was clear save for corpses.
A sharklike grin stretched his lips.
With Sofila having released him in favour of the cocktail, he followed the wave of Erinyes and got up from the picnic table.
He muttered, “Be right back.” And headed off towards the stall with Erinyes
Anders kept mostly too himself as he wandered, taking notice of the various faces and putting names to them. Some might call his obsession with dossiers excessive, but he found it a good exercise in memory and facial recognition.
Particularly right here and now with so many dressed up for the occasion, including himself.
Now holding the plushie of a stranger, Kerissa happily looped her other arm with Savran’s as they walked toward the more booze dedicated area.
“Sureeee. I dunno, I’m more down to just throw them and get back to my book or whatever. I’m an academic, dear Savi.” She took on a teasing tone, before finishing with a more normal voice, “Better drinks sound great.”
Erinyes slid around the back of the bar and started rummaging around in the fridge. “How are you with botanicals? I’ve probably got some tenho-root extract around here, unless you’d rather stick to alcohol.”
And as soon as he left, Evelyn got up looking irritated. He didn’t let his gaze linger but Cole couldn’t help but feel bitterly satisfied hed made her uncomfortable after their last interaction.
Cole focussed on Erinyes though as she started speaking, “Botanicals are fine as long as there’s no unexpected side effects. I’m just looking for something overall stronger.”
As the Consul departed and Cole and Erinyes rose to get more drinks still, Jax felt the alcohol starting to hit, and let himself slump forward a little to sip out of his cauldron closer up and feel the bubblies bursting on his lips and snout. He was just going to start up a conversation about says adorable tiny cauldron when Evelyn rose.
Big ears folded back, and a whine escaped the man before he could stop it.
“You are leaving me too? Already? But…” Blue eyes fell to the wood grain. “Oh, alright. I know you are not having fun and something is wrong. I am sorry. I will miss you though.”
He would miss her so much, when she left.
Blinking wet eyes, Jax siezed the tiny cute brew in his hand, spilling a bit, and drank it down. He would enjoy this night. Even alone.
And not even alone! There was still Sofila right here! Even if all he wanted was Kobign beside him, he had the Mirialan to get to know better, at least for a bit.
“You know,” the hybrid began suddenly, hiccuping from the carbonation. He snuffled. “Ahh, that really does tickle! You know, I met Kobign – that’s my mat– fiance…well husband of sorts, but fiance! Did you know that? I do not know if you knew that. Any the ways! We met at a picnic like this! Lord Qyreia was there as well! And you remind me very much of Atyiru. And! They…we…played games! Of truth or dare with drinks! And then Kobign sat by me and he asked me on a date!”
The Mandalorian’s hips wiggled ferociously on the bench at this retelling, his body vibrating with joy.
“But I was thinking! It is quite fun, and maybe we could play and get to know one another all the better! What do you think, vod'ika?”
“I’ve noticed,” Savi said with a chuckle. At this point, they expected the Kessurian hybrid to have a book somewhere on her person whenever they visited one another. “You’re cute when you’re buried in your studies.”
They approached the novelty drinks stall where a Zeltron woman had just moved behind the bar. And they were speaking with … Cole, of all people. That meant Sofila was here, as well. But Savi couldn’t hear her for once, which was as much a surprise as it was a cause for concern.
Upon hearing mention of “something stronger”, Savi took the opportunity to cut in and address Erinyes. “Ditto. We’re looking for the strongest drinks you have back there.”
They glanced in the human man’s direction, flashing him a grin. “Hey, Cole.”
“It’s a mild euphoric. We normally keep it on hand to give to customers who get a little too combative. I, uh… probably should’ve left it on the ship, actually.” She paused for a moment, realising how much trouble it’d cause if anyone slipped something into the novelty drinks. “We can go stronger, though. How many livers do you have?” That last was raised so Shani and Rissa could hear it, though Erinyes hadn’t actually seen the latter pair yet.
Evelyn’s expression softened. She can’t leave Jax like that. Instead, she silently slipped back onto the bench and sat down. Maybe, she can sneak out later. But for now, she’ll be here for Jax.
“Oh that’s so cute! Meeting your fiance here!” Then her eyes widen, “Atyiru! I know her! I met her! She married Cole and me and then we had file a divorce and it was a whole other thing! Between you and me, I wouldn’t mind being married but we JUST started dating at that time so we were not ready!” She laughed at the memory.
Then she cooed, “Awwwwww that’s so romantic! Cole and I met at some stop and we just hooked up. Then we hooked up again. Then again. You know, I don’t know how many hook ups we had before-” She stopped.
“TRUTH OR DARE Yes! Let’s do this!” She finished the cauldron drink before glancing over. “What’s next on the list!?”
Work’t sighed deeply. “More hard. Next time.” He handed the giant a Zuza.
“I’ll pass on that then.” He responded in to the botanticals. Cole just wasn’t a fan of those kind of-
Savran appeared with a taller Kessurian… ish woman.
“Savran.” He responded, before looking back to Erinyes, “Just one.”
It might’ve been a joke but Cole wasn’t exactly certain.
The Nautolan did not in fact take the plushie that seemed to perhaps mimic the Human designation: Zuza if one were generous to its build. He eyed it and made a disgusted noise.
Do you, he turned to Flyndt, want that thing?
<@244244400488710155>
“Just one,” Savi called out to Erinyes, “But it’s more efficient than most species.”
Savi gave Kerissa a little hip bump. “You handle your alcohol pretty well, too. One liver or two?”
“And Cole, you don’t have to call me Savran, you know. Savi will do.”
Qyreia heard the screeching noise of “TRUTH OR DARE,” and walked faster toward her own group.
Jax chuckled and groaned into his empty cauldron, hiccuping again– oh blast, he was stuck with them. The worst. He yipped when he hiccuped.
But Sofila’s ramblings and Evelyn staying and the warm haze rising around his temples had him forgetting the mild, shame-tipped embarrassment soon enough.
“I do not think– hyip! that that is so strange at all! I kno– hyip! –know I wanted to marry Kobign for – a very long time. I just…had to be selfish enough to ask. I have loved him. So well. For so long. I knew. Even when it meant. Things.”
Thankfully he was still mindful enough not to go talking about anything he should not. Getting towards drunk or not, the Mandalorian was a lifetime soldier, had suffered many tortures and interrogations, and held many confidences. He knew to keep something bloody classified.
Nonetheless his thoughts meandered while Sofila screamed for truth or dare, making his ears fold and him flinch, but that was fine. While he normally wore protective equipment for bomb blasts, such things were not always optimal, and he was accustomed to having his ears blown out on occasion.
“He was my first ‘hook up,’” Jax went back a thread or two in the dialogue, “no shame in you meeting like that, it is allllll…good, mmm, like these drinks! Which is. Harvest time! Yes that was it. Excellent Ancient Sith. Evelyn, will you play the truths or dares too?”
“In that case, do you agree that by accepting this drink, you give up any right to sue us for negligence?” Erinyes’ tone made it clear she was joking as she pulled a bottle of high-proof tihaar—60% ABV, compared to the whiskey’s 40—from the bar freezer, plus one of the claw-shaped cups. The tihaar was halfway to a Kraytsblood anyway, right?
As she popped up from behind the counter, she glanced back to the group and noted that Jax and Sofila’s drinks were empty. Making a mental note to start on a couple of Harvest Ciders, she turned to the newest single-livered arrivals. “Are you on the ‘one of everything’ train too, or– Kerissa! Hi!”
“Throw some mixer in it and ill take liability for my decisions.” Cole commented, getting the joke this time and looking amused.
He considered the request from Savran. Thatd be.. strange. “Savi.. right.”
It was hard not to miss the call of truth and dare and added on, “Make two of them.”
Kerissa looked between Cole and Savi, not noticing who was serving the drinks initially but going wide eyed for a moment when she did.
“Erinyes oh my gosh! How are you?” The Kessurian mix grinned, going to the counter and leaning over, “Was there any updates on how the designs were going? I know we got sorted for basic business set up and finances but I haven’t heard anything yet from the supplier.”
“You know, I actually haven’t the faintest idea. I’ve never been to Pantora,” said Pantoran mused, looking over the list, if with less of a huntress’ intensity than Kiera. “My family immigrated to Kiast some generations back, oh, six or seven, perhaps eight? I used to have this memorized, goodness, my mother would be faint about now, but I suppose one makes room for other things. Anyhow, my many times great grandfather established our House and brought his fortune to the Vatali to grow it. Kiast has some festivals, but they are quite different, all in the Vatali tradition. Nothing so…hum, earthy and spirited as these. I much prefer it here.”
As they searched, Cora suddenly pointed at one page.
“Oh! This is it! A Scotch Egg! Goodness that’s what it was!” He read out the description: “‘A boiled egg wrapped in sausage, wrapped in bacon, wrapped in breadcrumbs and fried, with mustard dipping sauce.’”
Ahhh. There was Sofila. The sound of the woman shouting, presumably at the top of her lungs, about truth or dare eliminated any doubt that the Mirialan wasn’t in attendance.
Savi waved their hand at Eriynes’ comments. “Yes, yes, it’s strong alcohol. Sign me up,”
They raised an eyebrow when Kerissa and the Zeltron woman began to speak. “You two are acquainted?”
Savran nodded to Cole. “You’ll get used to it. How have things been?”
Keira followed his direction and sighed. Longingly, it seemed. “That sounds fantastic. When you said sausage, I half imagined links instead of ground meat around the egg. This makes much more sense.”
She ordered a large portion of the eggs, enough for them all to share, as well as a couple roasted fowl drumsticks. The primal idea of meat off the bone called to her, and the greasy dark meat would surely be to her Zeltron’s liking.
“So what is Kiast like then, when it comes to festivities? Everything relegated to the ballrooms, or is there some sort of secret carnal underbelly to their high society?”
TRUTH OR DARE! The shout rung out through the fairgrounds, summoning a yellow blur from a nearby stall. Tiny, webbed, orange hands smacked down on the end of the table. The Nautolan they belonged to was wearing a banana suit, a really cheaply made one, and her large, completely black eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Did someone say truth or dare? I love truth or dare.”
It didn’t seem to bother the Nautolan woman one bit that she knew not a single soul at the table, nor that she was wearing a very stupid costume.
White lips spread into a wide smile, producing sharp teeth from within. A hand was shoved in greeting out to Sofila, who was unfortunately the closest person to her.
“Names Lehua! And yeeeerrrrr—?“
“Yeah, sorry about that, I meant to get in touch with you. I was in the middle of negotiating with the supplier when we had some, uh, internal matters come up on Kasiya. I got made Vice-Chancellor. It was horrible. And then all the other stuff going on… I did check with them to make sure the deal was still on, but I haven’t had time to actually go close it.”
She decided to let Kerissa field Savi’s question while she got to work preparing the drinks—it was about time for one of the stall crew to go on break anyway. A second claw-shaped drinking horn joined the first on the bartop. Then came two servings of high-strength tihaar, notably less of the unidentified red juice mixer than either Jax or Sofila had gotten in their version of the drink, and two healthy sprinkles of sugar pearls. “If you decide to guzzle these back-to-back, warn me so I can call the medics,” she said, floating them over to Cole with a wave of her hand. Her other hand conjured two miniature cauldrons and two rustic-looking glazed mugs to the bartop from a nearby dish rack.
The process began anew. The cauldrons received generous helpings of a juice approximately the same hue as Sofila, followed by a brighter green liqueur and topped off with a splash of something bubbly. Those two beverages floated over the counter to Savi and Kerissa. “A couple of Caustic Cocktails for you fine people. If you’re planning to join the group over at that table, would you mind waiting a moment and taking these over to Jax and Sofila? I have to stay back here while Rayce and Toma take their breaks.”
“These” were the two mugs that Erinyes was still working on. First, pale amber fruit juice. Second, some form of orange puree—a gourd, maybe? Finally, a darker amber liquid that smelled of sugar, alcohol, and baking spices. Erinyes set the last bottle aside with a flourish, and with a wave of her empty hand, the two Harvest-Time Ciders floated up to join the cauldrons.
“Fine.” Cole responded, a bit too quickly. He internally winced but followed through with truth to distract from the initial response, “Sofila has been doing better. Not perfect but.. better.”
He took his pair of drinks once they were passed over, taking on the warning provided.
Kerissa nodded to Savran, quickly filling them in before letting them reacquaint with Cole, “Yeah we met at the farmers market on Arx.”
Her attention returned to Erinyes, “We can take them over for you sure. And… sorry to hear about you getting busier. If you want me to handle closing things out, I’d just need the notes to make sure they don’t try anything cheeky with me.”
Eevie was walking through the festival, admiring her credit winnings from earlier. She needed a drink and something fun to do. Hustling these normies had grown stale for the moment.
Then she heard it. The yell of Truth or Dare. Eevie had always loved that game! She was in a playful mood for sure! So she ran towards the sounds, looking for the group intent on playing such a marvelous game.
While no one was watching, or so she hopes, Sofila slowly sneaked the empty claw-printed glass and the small cauldron into her massive pockets.
“LEHUA!” Sofila exclaimed, grasping her hand and pulled her into a hug.
“Hi Iknowwejustmetbutilikeyoualot, my name is Sofila!!!! Come on!” She released Lehua from her grasp and patted at the sit next to her. “Sit down! Oh my stars, I love your outfit!!!”
Jax did a double take, thinking for a moment his vod'ika had come crashing in, and not in pink for once.
But it was not Minnow. She named herself Lehua, and he could tell differences after a moment of blinking. The hybrid gave a closed-mouthed smile and wave.
“Hello, Lehua! Welcome! You can call me Jax. This is Evelyn, that is Cole, Erinyes, and–” he spotted another familiar face and waved to them too. “Eevie! Come join us!”
“Jax! Hey there! Did I hear y'all were gonna play Truth or Dare??? I’m in! I’m so in!”
“That would be great. Just send me a message so I don’t forget, and I’ll get the info to you, uh, before I leave Selen if nothing else.”
“Sure! I’ll drop you a message in the morning. I’m here to enjoy as many of the wares as I can.” She grinned, taking hold of her own drink and one of the ones for the table.
“Awesome! I’ll be over to join you all as soon as I’m done here.”
“You better be!” Kerissa grinned, sipping her drink and humming.
It was very bubbly.
Savran took the drink with a silent nod, examining the design of the cup it came in. It was certainly a creative design choice.
Cole said he was fine, but it was clear that he was anything but. Another attempt at deception betrayed by his subtle – or so he thought – attempt at avoiding eye contact, and the palpable tension he exuded that only attenuated at his mention of Sofila. Something was eating at him. He didn’t seem like himself; granted, Savi wasn’t terribly familiar with him, but they liked to think they were a great study of character. Slipping their hand into their coat pocket to fetch their datapad, they quickly sent a message to the contact labeled “Cole.” It read:
Not going to blow up your cover here, but let’s talk later.
They broke their gaze at the human man to smile at Kerissa as she explained how the two had become acquainted. “Wonderful. You two are in business together, then? Trading goods?”
Savi took a sip of her drink, letting the bubbling spirit swish behind onyx-painted lips so they could savor the taste. Then, they leaned a bit closer to whisper to Kerissa. “She’s a cute one, isn’t she?” they asked while gesturing toward Erinyes with a conspicuous gaze.
Cole watched them take the data pad out and heard his own ping.
Well. That wasn’t a good sign.
He headed back toward the table, placing his drinks down and taking a moment to read the message before dismissing it. Hopefully itd be forgotten. Or.. left until a much later point.
Cole settled down beside Sofila, leaving a bit of space as he usually did but intentionally sat with her as he sipped the concoction Erinyes made. It was.. powerful. That was a word for it. Good, though. The sugar pearls helped.
-
Kerissa nodded, noticing the data pad exchange but leaving the topic alone. “We’re making a clothing business to accommodate folk with additional limbs, different extremities and overall just.. more accessible for the range of species out in the world. We were talking about having to make tail holes and.. kriff there’s all sorts. So we decided to just give it a shot, why not right?”
A more mischievous grin crossed her face, leaning back in, “Mhm.”
Kerissa quickly leaned away though, amused but not wanting to be that person while Erinyes was working.
Vicxa took another sip—and another.
“Wait, was there alcoho—oooh, there it is!” the Mirialan cooed as the smooth liquor bared its teeth.
“Hi, I’m Vix!” she chirped, offering her right hand for a shake. The metal of the cybernetic was worn and the paint chipped, but despite the wear and tear it seemed functional.
“DId I hear you right? You mentioned snacks…” She was starting to like her day even more by the minute. People should dress up in silly cartoon costumes more often, if it meant good drink and free snacks.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Kerissa,” Savi answered, sounding genuinely impressed with the idea. “If there’s anything I can do to help out, just let me know. Granted, I’m not sure how much my kind of connections would be able to help, but … you never know.”
They knew how difficult it’d been to find headwear that accommodated their vast plumage, and they imagined that Kerissa herself had encountered similar issue for clothing that made room for her tail. It was an opportunity for them to help a lot of people out, which they admired greatly.
When Cole left and returned to the table where Sofila sat, Savi addressed Kerissa once more. “Shall we join a larger group? Or remain on our own for now?”
“The big table is just starting truth or dare so, I’m down if you are?” Kerissa bumped her hip against theirs, “Gonna take their drinks over either way to get Erinyes a hand.”
Leena sidled up to the party, cautiously eyeing the festival-goers. She muttered under her breath as she made her way toward the ticket booth. The Twi'lek hadn’t ever been to the Arconan territories, and she wasn’t sure exactly why she was asked to go now. Maybe ‘asked’ wasn’t the right word, but she knew better than to question.
A family beset with a few children surrounded her for a moment as they were leaving, a whirlwind of giggles and mischief as they tied a ribbon around her wrist. As the scent of fried dough and spices wafted over to her on a breeze, a lek twitched, and a faint smile bloomed behind her violet eyes. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so terrible after all. Maybe he was right. Maybe she needed this.
At the very least, she needed a funnel cake.
“Not sure fastest blaster is a title that fits you, Kitty,” his Nautolan countered, reaching with powder sugared fingers to pinch his rear and leaving a two white prints behind. Her hope was obviously to stroke a little ego and get him to break character. “Leave the nice man alone, gosh. Thanks sir!”
She waved to the Chagrin, a little bit curiously looking back as they wandered off, having not seen a full member of the species before, despite her big brother’s mixed blood. Definitely got the horns there, but not much else.
As they walked, Bril was like to retort, nearly tempted by his pur'ika into submission – but ah, not quite yet. He had trained with the Dagoyan Order, with Jedi and the spirits of his Dathomirian ancestors…he could balance this too. And he had a long list of available Outer Rim outlaws from fanfics and holos his beloved’s elder would probably call trash.
Missing out, much.
Before he got a word out, however, his always open senses beckoned him to a familiar presence like a beacon of warmth.
His lora.
“Mi– I mean, Missus Minnow, ma'am, let’s get along and giddy up thataways. I darn tootin’ think we got a blue friend that way.”
“Briiiil,” Minnie groaned, though she easily parsed what he was saying, and brightened a moment later, her tiny headtails curling and bobbing. “Sivvy? Where?” She tugged on his arm.
“Shall yer mighty steed lead on–”
“Yah, yah, giddy up, boy.”
This time the smack on his butt was firmer.
Before they got too handsy, the Zabrak lead them like a compass through the crowd, until suddenly there they were approaching a woman in dark clothes and face paint. Minnie squealed and went flying.
“SIIIIIIV! BABYCAKES!”
<@264959101384130560>
“That sounds good to me,” Savi smiled and bumped her hip in kind. “Let’s go.”
The search for the funnel cake was on!
It didn’t take long for Zuza to spot a semi-lost looking Twi'lek amongst the crowd. Well. Not lost but on the hunt was almost definitely suited. Probably. It was enough to draw the short Human’s attention to approach with a wave and a smile.
“Hey there! Looking for something?”
Her staff badge was clipped onto one of the pieces of her foam armour, name prominent against the black and white background.
With the drinks gathered, Kerissa led the way over to the table and placed the drinks for Sofila and Jax in front of them respectively. The novelty cocktails or whatever. They looked nice honestly.
“I heard truth or dare?”
She smiled, looking over the rather large group that had gathered.
She instinctively paused, turning her head slightly to the side as she regarded the pale woman. It wasn’t paranoia, she kept telling herself, if it was warranted. She looked again, the woman’s smile warm and disarming as she stepped closer. A lek twitched again, wariness in her home tongue, but only half a measure. Leena managed a smile, looking to the woman, hopefulness in her tone.
“Yes, I think so.” Leena paused, sniffing the air, the warming spices filling her nose. “Please tell me that is funnel cakes that I smell.”
Zuza grinned, “Yes it is.” She confirmed, looking around for a moment before back to Leena. “There’s a bunch of stalls but the best one I’ve seen isn’t too far, they do em huge and still really tasty. The topping options are great there too. Bit more pricy but soooo worth it. I can show you if you’d like?”
“That would be wonderful.” Leena smiled, reaching out a hand. “I’m Leena, by the by…wait. You said that there’s more than one place making them now?” Her lekku wrapped around the other loosely, an eyebrow up in question. The smells were starting to get to her, her mouth salivating.
Sofila turned as Cole returned. She scotted closer. They were practically squished. “Hi.” She rose her hand and gently took off his flatcap and placed it on his thigh. She brushed and fluffed his hair a bit to fix the edges that the flatcap left and propped her elbows on the table. “You’re really handsome.” She winked. She heard a pair of familiar voices and her eyes brightened. “SAVI! KERISSSA! OH MY SUNS, YES! Sit sit! Let’s play some truth and dare! Jax! You start us off!”
It was getting loud. And crowded. Fast. She didn’t even answer Jax. Evelyn felt like her skin was being crawled like bugs though she doesn’t show it. When she got up from the table, her knee hit the edge of the table as she grimaced.
“Here you go,” She gestured to Eevie, Savi, and Kerissa to the empty spots on the table. “The table is full, I’m hungry. So all yours.”
Savi unlooped her arm from Kerissa but remained a bit closer to her than the others when they sat. Lifting a hand to wave to Sofila. “Hey there, best friend,” she said with a grin.
“Mhm! We’ve got loads of stalls making all sorts of food. There’s a part of the row that’s just all fried- well everything.” Zuza took the hand, unsure if this was a shake or a lead me gesture but not really questioning it.
“Zuza Lottson, it’s good to meet you. This way!”
Hand held or not, she started leading the way.
Cole stiffened at Sofila just- grabbing the hap. Fluffing his hair. Everyone was right there. He didn’t know what to do and the complete lost-ness was thankfully covered by her moving on again a moment later. He held the flat cap in both hands, hesistating before carefully putting it back on.
His eyes glanced over the gathered group, the crowd, uneasiness making a pit in his stomach.
With the hat back on he took hold of his glass again, taking a longer draught of it but careful to not just knock it back. Yet most of it was still gone when he lowered it back down.
Mikhail lowered himself into a seat at a mostly empty table, setting down a flimsy plate with a messy heap of fried noddle like dough dusted with white sugar. He also set down a mug filled with a foamy spicy drink that smelled warmly seasonal, and very alcoholic. After staring at the behemoth of cake infront of him, the Arkanian started slowly prying into the funnel cake with a fork and knife, face puzzled as if he was experimenting with a strange alien body rather than some food.
The woman’s hand felt warm as Leena found herself dragged into the crowd. A thought passed through her head about protesting, but she let it run. Spun sugar cotton caught her eye along the other side, bright clouds of sweet confection that would paint the tongue. She hadn’t had that since… She blinked, the memory slipping away from her like some ephemeral thing.
She spied a Selenian, a huge mug of steaming brown….was it cider? Meade? Mulled wine? Either way, she drooled. She had brought a fair bit of cash to this shindig, but she now wondered if the food stalls were going to separate her from them in short order.
They came to a stop in front of a vendor, the shorter line giving her pause until she saw that it was less a function of their offerings being inferior and more a function of their efficiency. She watched as the crew managed to drizzle the batter into the fryer, flip it, sugar it and serve it within moments. Credits exchanged, she inhaled deeply, the spices soothing her mind, reminding her vaguely of home. She looked at Zuza as the warmth from the cake seeped through the wrapper into her fingers. “Thank you! Allow me to buy you one?”
In the growing rowdiness and new faces joining, Jax saw Evelyn stiffen and grow even paler, her green eyes darting about. A sure sign of the soldier overwhelmed. This time, he did not try to stop her. He merely lifted his hand in the sign they used as pilots, a raised fist from passing cockpits flowing into a sort of forward salute.
I see you. Safe flight.
Then he turned his attention back to the crowding table and Sofila’s passing him the metaphorical torch as the new arrivals passed him a pumpkin with alcohol in it.
“I would be delighted, hyip!” The hybrid rose to his own feet, whacking his knees and then nearly tripping on his own pantleg as his metal food caught fabric he didn’t feel having slipped underneath – he felt the slightest give as the tearaway pants tugged down a bit on that leg but did not detach entirely. Whoops. Steadying and wobbling, the Mandalorian alor'ad cleared his throat, then slapped the table multiple times for attention.
“OYA OYA OYA!” he cheered, putting on his best sergeant voice. If one discounted puppyish hiccups. “Here here! Listen up, contenders! Now, I want a gourd, clean game here!” He snickered to himself, inspired by the Harvest drink. “Noooo dares that will be dangerous or compromising! No lawbreaking! And no questions of the same! If anyone does not wish to do their dare or question, they may drink or eat a snack! No shaming any passes, and no questioning a pass! So say we all? Agreed?”
Blue eyes, despite their slight haze, locked on and sought each person, peering into their souls with all the belief in their goodness as a person there could be.
The blue-grey Chagrian gave a simple smile and nod to the Zabrak’s compliments, and another to his companion with her gratitude. He watched the Zabrak and Nautolan pair interact for a moment, his gaze lightly glancing up from stirring batter to catch small ticks of features and lilts of tone. He certainly did not miss the curious gaze the Nautolan gave him when they walked away, how the light cast from the torches caught those yellow golden hues.
The stirring stopped.
Turning around, the man untied the apron around him, lifted it off over his tendrils and horns to hand to the old Selenian funnel cake master behind him. Blue hands clasped around tan as the Chagrian gave the man a grin, “Thank you for the opportunity to learn your trade, and to practice with you, Miask'li. If I make my way to Estle again, I would love to visit your shop there. It has been an honor.”
He stepped back and released the vendor’s hands, having returned the apron, clasped his shoulder with a squeeze once and excused himself. While he had come to experience the culture and society here, he felt accomplished in the first and an early retirement needed.
Her face lingering in his mind…
Cole nodded. He didn’t particularly want to play but he’d stay for Sofila. For now at least.
“Nah, I can grab one whenever I take a break next but thank you. Do you like it?”
Zuza was keeping an eye on the crowd still, watching people moving to and thro and glad that everything was going smoothly. She’d even solved a mystery tonight so that was nice. Resolved it too.
Eevie Was more then excited to be playing the game. She held her drunk in her hand and let out a happy cheer.
Sofila whooped in agreement. “Agreed!” She then leaned back and glanced over to the stall with a smile, “We’re sooooo wwwweady for the nexth drinkt!” Sofila called out to the stall. She then rested her free hand on Cole’s thigh. Again.
<@645466919415054357> <@432543120635461643>
“But I have not had my pumpkin!” Jax faux whined, chuckling but still cognizant enough to wonder if maaaaybe Sofila needed to slow down.
Maybe him too.
“Alright then! hmmmmmmMMM. Who shall I choose FIRST?” He surveyed his options, and decided to chose at random, closing his eyes before pointing. When he opened them, his sole pointer finger was aimed at Eevie. “Vod'ika, truth or dare?”
<@206692046424113152>
Cole slipped his hand under hers and lifted slightly, moving to interwine their fingers and keep her hand off of his in one same quiet move.
A sly grin framed the Sephi Mando’s face before she answered.
“Let’s start things off easy… truth.”
Eleceos, still in his canid costume, was walking through the crowds of fun loving party goers. Slightly high on the happy vibes all around. Unfortunately for the Miraluka a slightly out of place bit of the floor caught his foot and he tripped. Stumbling over, the costumed Jedi bumped into a man seated by himself at a table.
From the man, Ele could feel his weariness. He was concerned, his thoughts were searching and inquisitive. And he was deeply tired. And now, surprised to have a dog-costumed Miraluka bumping into him.
“Oh no…I’m so sorry! I tripped over my own feet, like a clutz…are you ok?*
<@160141735354171394>
Jax gave a sagely nod, striking a considering pose like a thinker in an art museum before he went a little too sideways, almost upended said pumpkin, and finally managed back into his seat with a little scrambling. He chuckled at himself again and said, “Alright, then! Well we have so many new friends here, tell us… what is one thing you are proud of?”
Eevie got kinda quiet ad she thought of an answer. Boisterous as she may be, and self aware of her strengths and weaknesses, pride was never a thought she gave much weight to. Eventually she cane up with an answer.
“I’m proud… of the life I’ve built here. I came from… mixed origins and many hard paths along the way. I’ve done not so great things, and been around with not so great people. But my life here now, as an Erinos, as a member on this Clan, with a man I genuinely love and care about… that’s what I’m proud of.”
She then drank the rest of her glass.
The next drink? The next drink was…
Erinyes laughed. Oh, this one.
Two… no, three wide wine glasses with charms dangling from the stems and the logo of Clan Taldryan—not the Taldryan Republic, Senate be damned—etched in gold, silver, and bronze up the sides. A bottle of inky blackness that smelled as dry as Karufr’s dust. Then another black liquid, but this one seemed sharper than before. like the edges of an obsidian blade.
Last came the third bottle, this time of crimson. This one had at least met sweetness in a bar, and gone back to her place for something spicy—though judging by the tartness, it must’ve left before she woke up. It hadn’t made a mark on the cocktail’s colour, either.
Astringent, sour, eye-wateringly spicy with an afterthought of sweetness, and sharp enough to turn would-be hunters into prey. With a smirk and a wave of her hand, Erinyes sent two of the glasses to Jax and Sofila, reserving the third for herself. The katarn charms on the glass’ stems stared at the two novelty drinkers, daring them to try, if they thought they were hard enough.
Jax raised his pumpkin glass in a cheer, “OYA, to that!” and drank. Only once done did he declare, “It is your turn then, proud one.”
After ordering a much stronger drink, Eevie turned to look around before landing on…
“Sofila right? Truth or Dare, chere?”
<@216702440140046336>
Flyndt whistled after Foxen mowed down all the targets, with how fast they moved he wondered for a moment if the Nautolan hybrid would get them all. He glanced at the reward the man had won, some brown haired near-human looking being. Honestly, he really had no strong desire towards it itself but this was a marker of their prowess and success.
“Let us make that two prizes,” the Omwati nodded as he settled into one of the ‘blasters’ and fired away.
His brow was furrowed with focus and his crimson crest raised in defiance. No amount of iron, or spiteful, determination was to make up for his lack of skills with blasters or slugthrowers for that matter. Only a couple shots manage to hit and were more mere grazes. An exhale as he stood up straighter and looked at the game with pursed lips before rolling his shoulders.
“Well, you are the victor, yes?” Sunset eyes flicked to Foxen, a smile choosing to replace his disappointment. “Maybe Minnow or Tajga would like this stuffed toy?”
Sofila was startled at the touch of her hand as she realized where it was and calmed down quicker than you can say Mando'a. She felt at peace and tamed. Like a heavy blanket that had washed over her when his rough hand grasped hers. She gave a slight squeeze when their fingers intertwined.
Just like that, her loud crashing waves had stilled into ripples.
She listened to Eevie as she cooed, “Awwww, who is the man? That’s sooo sweet! I mean-” She stopped as it was her turn. With a mischievous grin, “Dare.”
The drink had arrived.
“OOOOOooohhhh It’s preetttty wow.”
<@645466919415054357> <@206692046424113152>
The Nautolan’s expression did something melty then, another smile but less predatory and preening and more…besotted.
Good thought, for Tajga. Could give to her, yes. He hummed, mmm, a low bass sound nearly lost to the carnival noise around them, more sensed from where their bodies touched as Foxen leaned past him to collect the bizarre and disturbing stuffed Human representation. He lingered leaning low for a moment, just for the closeness, breath puffing over defiant feathers fallen before straightening up.
You would win also, if not inferior device. Needs more knives.
With a smirk, she replies, “Only 1 answer per truth, Darlin. As for your dare…I wanna see you move. Give us all a little dance.”
She gave her dare with a wink.
Sofila blinked.
“Oh kriff! Come on now, I’m not a dancer!” Then she pondered for a bit.
“Welllll I guess there was this silly dance that Buir taught me when I was young. It was called Yub Yub Nub.” She let go of Cole’s hand and swirled around in her seat to stand.
She started laughing at the sudden attention, “This is so weird without music! Ooookay! HEEERRE GOES!” She does the cha cha slide and breaking the fourth wall here cause f you.
It didn’t last long as she was in stitches. “SOOOO weird without music! My STARS.” She sat down very close to Cole again, and glanced over to Kerissa.
“Kerissa! Truth or dare!”
<@432543120635461643>
Cole kept his hands in his lap, forearms covering where she’d been grabbing. He’d smiled at her display, amused and glad she was enjoying herself.
-
Kerissa hrrmed very dramatically, sipping her drink as she thought about it. “Dare. Why not start strong?”
Eevie couldn’t help but smile and laugh at the absurdity of that dance without the music. Sofila seemed a good sport about the dare, and her willingness to be silly gave Eevie more respect for her. She clapped along and applauded Sofila’s antics.
Despite her attempt not to, Diyrian laughed lightly not at Vreva’s plight but the sense of solidarity or karma their pal would find coming to them apparently. She followed with ease after the tall Zabrak woman, her knee-high black boots handling the turf with ease and more than peaking out the long slits of her dark skirt with every stride. The faux-Zelosian was dressed up as a sorceress or witch, an enticing lady of the magics. Her skirt was paired with a matching, strappy black halter crop top and a wide, floppy brim hat. Dark green curls were gathered into two low bushy buns and she donned two toned lips, the upper black and the lower green.
As much as the woman dressed like a mage, her own skills were limited at best to fortune telling the past with a brush of your favorite glass. And part of her really longed to do just that, eyeing a gathering group at the picnic tables. Yet, she also really rather wait until after this whole meeting with Luka and their man was over. So Diy followed Vreva’s lead towards the vendor close by them.
Ocean-green eyes scanned over the propped up menus, reading over the basic and the brief description. She paused on the alcoholic section for a moment before turning her attention to those without.
“Hey, how ya doin’?” the Kiffar asked the pink skinned Zeltron behind the stall, leaning lightly forward against the table with a wide smile. “I have a lil question. Ya think any of these can be made without the alcohol in them? Especially eyein’ the Kir Katarn or Okemi’s Brand, somethin’ with a kick o’ spice, yeah? Hey Vevee, whatcha gettin’?”
<@645466919415054357> <@227960499948486666>
Jax laughed and danced along in his seat, thankfully only smacking himself with his own flailing hand and elbow. He slapped the table in applause when she sat back down, then took a drink of the new black darkitty drink.
And promptly choked slightly.
He had not stopped to smell it for spiciness.
The wolven hybrid struggled to keep his high pitched whine contained, nor to grab at his nose and snout and rub at it or snort. The drink tasted good after all, and he did not want to offend or make a scene or for everyone here to see him panting. Outwardly, the Mandalorian held his ground.
But his sensitive sinuses burned.
Thatwouldopenthemfordays.
Thiswasfine.
“Iwishyouwerehererightnow,” he burbled directly into the surface of his drink, very quietly, smothering the whine despite how his flattened ears might possibly give him away. He just wanted to put his whole face into Kobign’s neck. And get head pats and ear scratches for his predicament, even if he had brought it in himself.
Yes, noise, chaos, interactions. The bananatolan was basically humming with energy in the seat she had taken next to Sofila, her eyes glimmering all the while. She took in names and connections happily, soaking up everything like an orange little sponge.
She was happy she picked this group.
Sofila’s dance quickly had her giggling, the little stem of her costume bobbing with her fit of child-like giggling. Once the mirialan was finished she gave the green woman a round of applause happily, then slyly scooted a mysteriously appearing glass of water towards the wolf-man of the group who seemed like he could use it.
Erinyes perked up at the approaching couple and their blend of “witchy high femme” and “disaster lesbian in a power suit” vibes, and flashed a grin at the Fauxlosian. “The Okemi’s Brand, if we took the alcohol out of that it’d be an empty glass. The Kir, though, absolutely. It even has Ruka’s stamp of approval, although the spice nearly killed–”
She stopped and looked over at the table by reflex when she heard Jax nearly drown himself. After waiting a moment to make sure he wasn’t in physical distress, she turned back to the Fauxlosian.
“–make that two people.” Then, to Vreva: “If you need a minute, I can get started on the Kir.” And back to both: “Feel free to have a look around at the snacks, too. Plenty of fruits from Kasiya, including one in a slutty sorceress getup.”
“HOW ABOUT-” She stopped for a moment and her eyes flickered over to Jax. She snapped her gaze back with a smile, “Sing us a happy upbeat song! This is to make up for dancing without music, ha!” She grabbed her drink with both hands and took a sip.
Seeing water appear in his line of sight, the hybrid followed the hand back to its origin for a moment before he clicked out a simple Nautlia thank you, and took the refreshing dihydrogen monoxide to sip at with his spicy drink.
“I’ll try the Okemi, then,” Vreva spoke up with a grin. She had been watching the Truth or Dare group make their way through the rounds with interesting results. That, and she didn’t want to be sober when Luka and their new boy-toy showed up.
She turned her back to the stand as she waited, and watched the faire crowd with interest. Hopefully the Talk wouldn’t take too long. She saw a few familiar faces she’d like to mingle with.
“The way Luka’s been going on about this guy… Did they tell you how they met?” She looked to Diy as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Anything Ruboi can handle, I assure I can too. I’m used to Zabrak fare after all,” Diy winked at the woman. “I’ll take that challenge.”
She stood straightened and shifted to let Vreva get her order in, when the Zeltron’s final comment clicked her smile shifted into a grin. Oh she will have to catch the woman’s name after she’s done.
Diy turned back to Vreva in the mean time, leaving her one hand to idly trace the stall’s counter as they talked. “Yeah, at like a cafe or somethin’. Then they went on a date, a couple times I guess. I can’t believe he actually went on like a date date.”
<@227960499948486666>
“OOooh you scoundrel.” Kerissa laughed, considering it for a moment before nodding, “I got one.”
She straightened her back, tapping a finger on her thigh a few times before singing in a mostly stable tune, Dancing Queen.
It was upbeat and Kerissa was happily swaying along, playing the music in her head to keep on beat as much as she could.
She laughed as she got to the end of the first chorus, shaking her head, “Aaaand okay okay, that’s all I got. No one wants to hear more than that.” Kerissa laughed, thoroughly aware her voice wasn’t that good.
Corazon’s blush was more for her phrasing this time, though it wasn’t nearly so bad as to reach his ears, and so didn’t show. He just shook his head and sighed slightly while they found a place to sit with their protein-packed purchases before smiling in his polite way, one Kiera knew by now as a little more put on than his genuine ones.
“No, not really any…ahem, underbelly to it. Or rather,” he waved the little disposable fork and knife Ruka had grabbed for him, a napkin tucked now into his collar while he primly cut up the scotch egg. “Roughly ninety percent of Kiast society would be considered the underbelly, the creme on the top above it all. That is the Vatali. The Sephi royal houses and their assorted nobility. And yes, very much relegated to the ballrooms. Or theaters, parks, opera houses, suchlike for soirees and art performances and so on. Everywhere else on the planet, it’s quite diverse. I came to know Mirialan traditions from Ruka’s family,” he smiled at his husband “but on that same street there were many other families that did different things. Much more a melting pot of species. If we all ever manage to plan a Life Day half on Zeltros with Alayne and Beren and half with my mother, you’ll get to see a bit of it. Perhaps a little overly formal, but a unique experience.”
Ruka gave a soft groan at the reminder that they somehow had to fit holiday plans into everything else going on, much like last year. At least there was greasy food for eating his stress.
Jax stuck two fingers in his mouth to whistle in appreciation, as though cheering for an encore.
“Well fought, Kerissa, was it?”
Eevie gave Kerissa a standing ovation for the wonderful performance.
“Excellent choices, ladies.” Erinyes retrieved a Taldryan wine glass and a crystal tumbler—was that a real Barab ingot?—from beneath the counter as she turned to the other person at the stall. “Hey Toma, can you get a quad of cream liqueur for our loud linguist friend? He seems like he could use something to wash the spice down.”
The second, tamer Katarn came together much smoother than the drink itself was, then it was on to Okemi’s Brand.
A stream of smoky dark amber, then the same blood-red liqueur as had gone into Jax and Sofila’s Katarns, all topped off with… grains of pepper? Erinyes deftly sprayed some kind of thin gel on top of the drink, and with a spark from her fingertips, lit the whole thing ablaze.
“And there you are!” She levitated the two drinks to Diy and Vreva, because… well, one was on fire. “Don’t worry, the gel on the Okemi doesn’t burn hot enough to ignite the alcohol. You might want to give it a second if you like your eyebrows, though.”
<@244244400488710155>
Meanwhile, Toma had darted around to the Truth or Dare table, glass of something milky in hand that he handed to Jax sympathetically. “Here you go, sir.” <@244244163002892288>
Sofila listened as she laughed and cheered. “That was amazing!”“
And just like that her drink was gone.
"NEXT!” She asked the people at the stall as she slipped the kir katarn glass into one of the many pockets in her robes.
Ears perked up again and a nose twitched towards the smell of cream, though it was sharper and distinct from milk. “Thank you,” he said, knowing well the chemical warfare happening in his mouth and how this offering would quiet it. He took the smaller glass and started…lapping at it. Then seemed to catch himself and drank like a Normal Functioning Near Human, mhm yes just so.
It helped quickly, and the hybrid gave a relieved sigh, setting his cheek on the table top. Not because he was sleepy. Just because it felt amazing. He rubbed it there, a poor substitute for what he was looking for, but pleasant nonetheless.
“Yoooou pick, Keriss…uh,” the General directed, very eloquently, from the woodgrain.
Between dares and truths, Eevie ordered a Tiamuts Spark. Obviously the folks around her knew how to party, and she needed to get on the level.
Kerissa laughed slightly at both Jax and Eevie, shaking her head. “Yeah, I’m Kerissa. What a way to meet huh?”
Sofila yelled for the next person and she had to withhold a chuckle, shaking her head but looking back to the big man himself, Jax, “What about you Jax, Truth or Dare?”
Evelyn managed to find a spot where she wouldn’t be seen. It took her some time but she gathered her thoughts and calmed down. She pulled out her datapad. Hmm. No respond from Foxen. That was odd.
Well. Time for an update.
Had to leave. Jax Erinos is seated at a table in front of a stall where they serve novelty drinks. He wasn’t in good shape when I left. Too many people, too loud.
The others with him were Eevie Erinos, Cole Farrow, Sofila Sagitta Douve Armis, Savi, and two others whose name I did not get.
I do apologize for bothering you. I can return to table if you wish me to.
She felt bad for leaving Jax. They were so loud. She usually can handle Jax when it’s just him and Kob or few others alone. Not with some loudmouths.
Evelyn still needed to clear her mind. So she started to sing a quiet Chiss’s lullaby softly to herself.
“Are vah, are vah vacosetahn ch'at ch'asb….”
Mikhail wasn’t a stranger to being bumped, though it was more unusual to have happen when sitting. His subconscious immediately made him check his pockets for his compad as he swung to look up at… a blind dog. His eyebrows furrowed, confused and taken out of the stupor he was in while examining the faire “food”.
“I am fine, are you? Can you..” he trailed off, not certain how to finish his question. He assumed they were navigating.. somehow.
<@244244400488710155> “Pfft, sure they met at a cafe. Luka’s not the type to date, and I doubt that’s changed in the past- How long has it been since Kob dropped them?”
Vreva’s gaze lit up when her drink was set ablaze, and she was swiftly distracted. “Kark yes! That’s what I’m talking about!” Her grin widened as she accepted her glass and held it up to inspect it. “Thanks!” she added, remembering her manners, and gave a slight nod.
“So… how long until the fire…?” As the red zabrak spoke, the flames died down so that she could take a hesitant sip. Her eyes widened with delight. “That’s good! Real good.”
A Tiamat’s Spark? Now things were getting interesting. And historical, for the nerds in the crowd.
Another large crystal tumbler, this time fashioned after the electrified Sorian gem that certain Brotherhood members used in their lightsabers. Two streams flowed into it from the bottles in Erinyes’ hands, one deep violet and one clear, combining to form a glowing purple. The scent was slightly metallic, extremely clean, and a little… floral? And yet, somehow, it also carried the ozone of a nearby lightning strike.
“Oh oh oh, hum,” he stopped rubbing his cheek on the table (he was, in fact, still rubbing his cheek on the table) long enough to consider. “Oh what’s more funnn? Let’s say–”
He could not tell the truth.
The cheek rubbing grew distinctly…sadder.
The Mandalorian heaved himself up with an effort of will, knocking down the thankfully empty pumpkin and cream glasses when he moved, and raised a fist towards the sky in challenge.
“Dare, I say!”
Kerissa sipped her drink, considering carefully before, “I dare you, Mr Jax sir, to swap shirts with someone!”
She just hoped someone would be willing to relinquish theirs.
“I’d offer but it took me a full thirty minutes to get this corset on and I don’t think we want to wait that long.” She added on, with a slight grin and pulled on the offending item that covered the vest she wore. It was a lot of very randomly complicated metallic components. She’d maybe gone a little over the top with the idea.
“I would love to experience high society, as you describe it. It sounds far better than…” She eyed Ruka carefully. “…Well, at any rate, if we’re with your family, it should be fine. I can imagine how Qyreia would react to the rich and noble out in public.”
“What’m I reacting to?”
Ever perfectly timed, the Zeltron appeared in the glow of the lights carrying her ill-gotten gains. When she spied the food glistening with grease and caught the scent of the bacon, her expression became almost sultry. Keira took that as opportunity to shift the topic.
“Cora was suggesting we take part of the Life Day season on Kiast with his family.”
The Zeltron’s expression dropped slightly, but she say anyway, filling out the drinks. “Mkay.”
“We would spend the actual holiday with your folks,” she assured, trading food for honey liquor. “Then swing over to Kiast.”
“I’d need to do some travel math,” Qyreia intoned matter-of-factly as she passed the sizable cup of juice to Ruka. “Cor I… I’m sorry, I forgot what you asked for, so I just got this. Want a cup down memory lane?”
“I’m glad you’re ok. I’m fine as well, I was just a bit…caught up in the good vibrations of it all. I’m thankful I didn’t hurt you or anything.” “Looking” into Mikhail, Ele decided to stay put. “Do you…mind if I sit down? Been on my feet awhile and you….feel safe.”
Jax’s ears flicked upright, and he laughed. Though it was not very visible, a flush touched his furred cheeks.
“Well…” hazy blue eyes darted around the table. “I do not, hum, think anyone’s clothing will fit me.” At best, Sofila’s wouldn’t be as short on him as others, but width was, he was a bit out of luck. “How about! A concordant! A mmmcompromise! Someone can have my jacket, and I will just take it off.”
With a rather practiced and impressive (to some) motion, he gripped the hem of the hood in his teeth and pulled down the zipper with a flourish, then gripped the jacket at the back of his collar and whipped it off and overhead. Complete with twirling it and a shimmy in his seat. “Hurrah, to the ceiling!” he laughed again.
Underneath that loose, baggy blue tracksuit jacket was a significantly smaller top, also blue and white. It was cropped such that the bottoms of the man’s pectorals were not even covered, closer to two halter sleeves hugging around in an arch over his collar bones and shoulder blades than anything else. The limited space on the back panel did not say CEILING but rather YOU. It was very obviously a costume with…stages, despite seemingly just being a terrible pun at first.
With the hood dangling off one claw tip, Jax held the jacket out in offering. Being fit to purposeful bagginess on his 8'2" frame, it was large, and one sleeve was tied off, but present.
“Any takers?”
Kerissa had nodded to the compromise, agreeable to it, “Fair enough!”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Can I get you two anything else?”
<@244244400488710155>
Noting the triumphant hoot-howl-noise from the ToD table, Erinyes was confident that Jax had recovered from his… misadventure enough that she could move into the Final Bosses of the Drink Challenge. First up, the one Jax had ordered earlier and probably forgotten about by now: Ferran’s Rime. Blue and clear streams flowed into a pair of crystal tumbler that could’ve been carved from solid blocks of ice, or maybe kyber crystals from the arctic world of Ilum. Even the flavour was extremely cool, fresh, and… sweet? Menthol, maybe? It would be nice change of pace from Jax’s tastebuds being scorched off, anyway.
Unannounced, the two glasses of winter appeared on the table beside Jax and Sofila, billowing smoke. Their new challenger had arrived.
<@244244163002892288> <@216702440140046336>
Cole finished his first glass of stronger stuff and placed the emptied glass to the side.
Eevei began drinking her Tiamuts Spark, and the first sip was like a bomb of flavor went off in her mouth. She could feel the alcohol levels in her blood growing.
“My word, this drink is strong!”
She looked over to the server and gave a wide eyed thumbs up.
“Darlin, you’re a master with these concoctions. Keep em coming please.”
He blinked, slightly perplexed by the wording of Feeling safe But nodded and gestured to a seat near him. “Feel free to. It’s a.. party after all. I can’t hog the whole table”
Passing the jacket off as dared, Jax was about to select another player when the Blue Smokey Thing floated down in front of him, pouring vapor from the chunks of frozen carbon dioxide contained in the liquid. His head snapped around to it, eyes locked on, jaw dropping open slightly in an instinctive reaction of excitement.
“Yesssss!” he barked. “Look, Evelyn, it is the blue smokey–”
He remembered Evelyn was not here anymore. The toomanypeople and toomuchnoise had chased her off.
He should have stayed with her. Kept things quiet. Not insisted on these drinks or this game.
Not come out.
Stayed home with Kobign.
No, no, those were bad thought patterns. Not today, bad thoughts! Savoring memories to be made while they still could be. Meeting people. Saying hello.
And goodbye.
All good things.
“Look, everyone!” the hybrid recovered. He lifted the glass, cool to the touch, and wafted it to make the mist pour out. The carbon dioxide smoke pooled, then ran down the table, quickly seeking the ground where it rushed out and puddled from there; the density was higher, so it would always do that, lingering and pooling a bit before eventually dissipating. Outside like this, or in well ventilated areas, that was just fine. “The Rime!” he gasped dramatically, and then made a show of drinking it as one would a chalice of poison on stage over lover’s plight.
Oh and it was tasty. It tasted like blue!
He sucked it down halfway before stopping to savor, and fumbled back to something like sitting.
“Now who shall tempt fate and fortune next? Hmm?” He spun a finger, spellcasting, and pointed at Cole. “You!”
Ele smiled as he sat at the table.
“Even so, I wanted to be courteous to you. So…. are you enjoying the festivities? I can’t exactly see any of it, but I can feel the happiness exuding from most of these people.”
Kerissa took the jacket, planning to give it back later but for now shouldering it with a slight grin.
Cole was mid sip when a finger pointed at him. Kist.
“Uh- truth?”
Erinyes waved back to Eevie. “Same thing, or surprise you?”
Lupine eyes fixed at Cole, and Jax once again acted lost of thought, then declared, growling tones falling soft, “Tell us… something that makes you happy.”
“Surpise me hun! You know what yer doin!”
Oh that was easy at least.
Cole glanced to the side, as despite the fact she was uncomfortably pressed up against him and he was kriffing stressed out about it, the main something was right there.
So he just pointed, “Well she’s one right there.”
“Ferran it is…” After a moment, a glass of smoking blue liquid made its way across the space between Eevie and the bar.
Jax grinned, a knowing twinkle in his eyes, a match to the silver in his hair.
“Yes, it seems so.”
“Ooooh! Hello there~” Sofila purred to the blue drink as she took a sip. It was cute. Not bad. Not her favorite so far. She got distracted by seeing a drink on legit fire, “HEY HEY HEY! I WANT THAT ONE NEXT PLEA-“ Wait- it Cole’s turn? She paid attention as much as she possibly could since Jax had picked Cole next. Truth! What made him happy?
Hmmmm. Coffee? Maybe a memory with his brother? Kark his father, not him. Swimming? He said he like those. Maybe holomovies, he started to like those. Especially the ones she introduced him to.
Then he pointed and gestured to her.
Oh.
“Oh.” Sofila whispered. Her heart fluttered and she can feel she was getting a bit choked up.
She… she was helping? She wasn’t that annoying? She actually makes him happy? With all the arguments they had lately had planted some seeds of doubt in her mind.
Cole looked side ways and smiled, ever so slightly. Then, the publicity of the moment bore down again. His mind whirred with things he knew were kriffing unrealistic to happen but…
He moved on, eyes glancing over the crowd around them before settling back over the table, landing on Savi who hadn’t gone yet and got the game moving, not wanting to linger.
“Savr- Savi. Truth or dare?” <@1056685516441006091>
For most of the game, Savi had been off in her own little world, likely pondering what their next meal would be. It wasn’t until the familiar voice of their newest acquaintance at the table brought them out of their musings that they returned to the present.
“Hm? Oh. Let’s go with …‘ they shifted their attention to Kerissa for a moment. She had chosen dare and, not one to be outdone, Savi decided to do the same. "Dare. And make it a good one, Cole.”
“Oh spirits, don’t ask me. Been long enough, ‘n’ hell if they find someone to set their attentions to other than that she-akk or bouncin’ around haphazardly, Imma be happy for them. I just–”
Drinks arriving cut her off, and in hindsight she was thankful for that! Taking the briefest second to admire the on fire drink, woo pyrotechnics babbeh! She took up her own glass and sipped for it without hesitation, letting the liquid wash over the back of her tongue. Man, the lady was not lying! The spice hit all the right places and left her craving the chase for more of it.
“Mm, mm yes gurl! You ‘n’ me, we gonna be best friends tonight, I’m tellin’ ya,” Diy snapped her fingers and tapped the table, her broad smile returning. She winked to the Zeltron. “The name’s Diyrian Grivna, call me Diy.” There was a little chuff before she continued, “I will be comin’ back later fer more.”
<@227960499948486666>
Eevie took a drink of the new blue drink that matched the others. Again she was surprised by the flavors and stregnth of the drink. She needed to hire this one.
“Give us the worst string of curses you know. Doesn’t have to be Basic alone.”
Cole sipped his drink.
Jax perked excitedly.
LANGUAGE!
“How, Diy. I’m Erinyes.” She grinned and waved as the two women departed.
“I am… Trying to. I am not entirely familiar with these sorts of festivities, and the one I came with left early. I decided to stick around so that I could observe and learn what happens during these things.” He lifted the foamy mug and sipped, then cringed and pressed the side of his fist into his sternum.
Why is it spicy?
“Yeah, I’m honestly still new to this stuff too. I wasn’t allowed to be a part of things like this growing up. But bo one should be alone during a festival. If you’d like, I could stay with you till you wanna leave.” *Ele gave a friendly smile to Mikhail.
Well, that was on easy one. Savi had lived for nearly three centuries and was perfectly fluent in three separate languages. A mischievous grin stretched across their features as they contemplated what they would say. Once they had the words in mind, Savi uttered a sentence that was a … colorful mix of swears from Basic, Mando'a, and Shani. Many of which were a mix of modern curse words and those that hadn’t been used in decades, some even for centuries. And for those who didn’t speak their species native tongue, Shani, well, they’d certainly be in for a treat. The groups of Shani that lived on Savi’s homeworld were fond of swearing, and as such, had multiple redundancies on that front.
After completing their dare, Savi scanned the table and leveled their gaze on the Sephi woman sitting at the table. “Truth or dare?”
Eevie sat back, polishing off her drink before giving a daring grin to Savi.
“Well, last time I did a Truth, so gimme a dare!”
Savi eyed the woman for a moment before briefly shifting their gaze to the drink they held. “I dare you to take a triple shot of the strongest drink being served tonight.”
Sofila shook her head and smiled as she went back to small sips of her drink.
Then she almost spat out her drink at Savi’s colorful cuss words. Especially the Mando’a. With a chuckle, she turned to look to Cole and leaned in to whisper to him.
Cole had a slight grin at the slew of curses. He didn’t recognise all of them but there was something to hearing them anyway that was pleasing. He raised his glass to Savi before taking a large drink from his glass, feeling the burn.
Sofila was looking toward him, he didn’t exactly need to lean to hear but did turn his face toward her, nodding in confirmation to her and relaxing ever so slightly.
Kerissa had covered mouth at the sheer number of swears Savi knew. It was incredible.
She couldn’t hear much past it really but then it didn’t help that she could hear a lot of what was going on. A lot of slurping drinks. She inhaled slowly. Coverings were in her pockets, but Kerissa held off for now. It wasn’t too bad currently.
Jax was vibrating in his seat, having turned an ear towards the sounds of a language he didn’t recognize. And there were not many of those.
“I have GOT to hear you speak more of that last sibilant tongue,” he enthused. “I do not recognize this thing! And I have quite the ear for languages! You are Shani, no? Please, if you would ever like to talk, let us do so. I would be honored to know of your people.”
Earnest blue eyes gazed at the mercenary in a distinctly puppyish fashion,
“That is very kind of you. But do not feel the need to accompany me if you have the opportunity to do other things you’d enjoy.” He gulped and took another swig of the spiced drink, then poked at the funnel cake a few more times with a fork. It vaguely reminded him of when meat rations would come unprocessed.
“Now that’s a dare!”
Eeveie ordered up 3 strong shots from the mix master, Erinyes. After being given 3 shots of Tihaar, the Sephi slammed the 3 drinks in quick sucession. As the alcohol settled, she felt her stomach dropping out.
“Ooof….that….wasn’t as pleasant as I hoped.”
Keeping the smile on her face, she slumped back into her chair.
“I won’t be drinking anything else for a moment, save for some water.”
Turning to the others, he eyes landed back on Cole.
“How about you, hun. Wanna go again? Truth or Dare.”
Savi raised their drink in kind with a wink.
Then, she shifted their attention to Kerissa, who seemed to be … uncomfortable. They’d been around her enough to recognize that look. Leaning over to whisper to their friend, Savi said: “Do you need to wear your coverings, Kerissa? There’s a lot going on in here, I’m sure.”
The next on the list to address was Jax, the largest of those present. He was enthusiastic, to say the least. But it wasn’t the worst thing. “You’re the first person to show an interest in my people. My dialect of Shani is very old–lost to time, really. I wouldn’t mind sharing some details with you if you can compensate me for my time.”
Kerissa shook her head, “Not yet.” she murmured, giving a slight smile. It.. felt nice for someone to know. To know to notice and to care to.
Was it wrong to say truth twice in a row? He could always drink if it was childish he supposed.
Cole cleared his throat before responding, somewhat cautiously, “Dare.”
“Nah, I don’t have anything else to do right now. Besides, you could use the company, I think.”
Eleceos gave a smile then **gazed* around the square, taking in the sea of colorful Force aura all around.*
Grinning like a mad-woman, this Mad-Hatter had an idea up her sleeve.
“You seem awful close to the gal on yer shoulda. How about ya ger her a kiss for us all.” She winked at him as she said, “I dare ya.”
The zabrak nearly choked on her drink in her haste to respond. “Vreva. Yes. Definitely coming for more!” Vreva tossed a few creds on the stall bar for a tip. She did not care if tipping wasn’t custom here. The drink felt like a slap in the face - in a good way. Before Vreva could figure out the words to say so, she caught sight of a familiar figure approaching the fairgrounds.
“And speak of the bouncing devil,” she murmured in an aside to Diy as she pointed. She rolled her yellow eyes. “Couples’ costumes already. You said a couple dates?” She gave a huff of a laugh.
Luka arrived to the fairgrounds with a handsome male Kiffar. They had their arm entwined with his, and they talked animatedly as they walked. Luka seemed oblivious to their observers until they approached the drink stalls. Too focused on their private conversation. Vreva gave a small two-fingered wave to get their attention.
“Oh! Didn’t see you in the crowd.” The human gave a sheepish smile and brushed back their brown curls. Luka’s excitement was palpable as they looked between their friends and their partner. “Well! Uh, this is Yeo~” They leaned in closer to their partner and gave a gentle nudge with their elbow. “And here are my friends! Diy and Vreva. I can grab a quick drink for us both and we could find a table, maybe? Get acquainted?”
“Sure,” Vreva replied in a median tone with a slight incline of their head in acknowledgement of Yeo. “Nice to meet you.”
“Color me impressed,” Savi said smiling at the woman before returning their attention to Kerissa.
A tattooed hand found its place on Kerissa’s back, giving it a gentle caress in the hopes of easing her nerves a bit. “You just let me know and we can go somewhere quieter, okay?” Usually, Savi maintained an air of flirty playfulness with Kerissa, but this time, they were serious. They hadn’t showed this side of themselves often, this level of concern, but it had become more common following their last night out with Sofila.
Ah. Cole managed to contain any real visible uncomfortable response but still was uneasy at the dare. But neither did he want to embarass Sofila by refusing to just kiss her when they were clearly together anyway. Stuid kriffing-
He turned his head, pecking Sofila on the cheek. That was a kiss. It was short and probably not what Eevie was considering but this was enough. He cleared his throat again, looking to the Sephi before taking another sip of his drink as he considered who to pass it to now.
Eevie gave a chuckle at the cute little kiss. Some people aren’t publicly affectionate, but to her, someone as beautiful as Sofila was deserved a good passion filled snogging.
Kerissa smiled softly, murmuring back to the Shani, “Thank you. I have the mitts if I need them though, I don’t want to miss out.” She put her arm around Savi’s back, leaning in and giving them a gentle sideways hug for a moment before seperating again, cheeks slightly flushed.
There was no protest. He looked at Lehua, the strnage Nautalon who’d managed to evade a turn thus far, “What about you, truth or dare?”
Siv’s face split into a wide smile as she spotted a familiar pair of her favorite people. Covered arms wrapped around Minnie as the Nautolan hugged her, the Chiss trying her best to not smear her face paint in respect for how long it had taken Cora to do.
“Minmin! Botmun’i! I’m glad to see familiar faces here… I forget how big Arcona actually is.”
The medic released Minnie and she quickly pulled her Zabraki brother into a hug. She felt his innate connection humming in her head and made an effort to not close herself off to him.
She was good. This was good. She was okay.
Savi warmed to Kerissa’s touch and briefly, ever-so-briefly, dipped their head to the side to boop Kerissa’s shoulder when she hugged them. “Very well,” the replied, making note of her cheeks’ change in hue.
A loud gasp, perhaps too loud for someone who obviously wasn’t drunk but definitely too excited to have been picked. Vibrations increased as Lehua bounced in her seat.
“Oooooh! Hmmmm… Dare! Dare sounds great!” All the dares so far had been great and looked like so much fun! Plus, no one wanted to know about silly ol’ her. Yes, yes, this was obviously the best choice.
Eager. He didn’t really know them so just went for somethign he’d seen Graham be dared to do once and was funny enough.
“I dare you to lick your elbow.” He spoke deadpan, not really sure if it was a good dare or not but attempting.
Challenge. Karking. Accepted. With what can only be described as a chuckle worthy of a gremlin in some holofic, Lehua slowly raised one black-fabric covered arm, bent it at the elbow, contorted their shoulder so it was within licking distance, then slowly licked her entire elbow with a fluorescently orange tongue.
With a pop, she dropped her arm, but kept her tongue stuck out.
“Like that? That was easy peasey lemon squeezey, serious-face-guy.”
Cole shrugged and finished off his drink. Usually that was… harder but then Humans were structured differently. An Amphibian race probably made sense to be more flexible. Oops.
“Your turn to ask.”
Lehua smirked widely again. She was so awesome at this! Pitch black eyes searched the table till they landed on Sofila, and then narrowed.
“New bestie, I pick you! Truth or dare?”
Eleceos sat in his chair not wanting to push or pry with the other occupant of the table. He listened to the melodies of the festival around them. An old song came into his mind, and without thinking of present company, he began to softly sing it.
The melody coming from Ele was in perfect pitch, even if reserved. His voice carried on the air before being drowned in the festival delights.
Some of the passersby stopped to listen to the Miralukas voice as he continued to the end of the song.
<@160141735354171394>
Mikhail flinched at the notes of song that originated from the Miraluka next to him. After the shock, panic set into him, not understanding the meaning behind him singing, but quite well understanding the lyrics. An old, unfaced pain reverberated through him. The song was similar to those some loyalists would sing, back when he was enlisted. It seemed to strike a sensitive cord with the Arkanian, who proceeded to swallow whatever was rising inside him.
His eyes bore holes into the alien fried confection infront of him, mind taking a trip to his youth, where songs were common place in his life.
As he finished his absent-minded song, Eleceos found that he could feel the panic emanating from Mikhail. The pain that the Arkanian felt reverberated though his mind. The Miraluka felt extreme levels of guilt at the hurt he accidentally caused.
“I…I am so sorry for the negative feelings I have caused you. Your presence brought me safety, and my words brought you only pain. Perhaps it would be best that I move away before I hurt you again.”
“No. It’s fine to sing.” He unclenched his jaw, frowning at the plate in front of him. He didn’t particularly like the idea that he was being read by a blind man. He focused on closing down any feelings that remained.
“You are a good singer, and it.. reminded me of when I used to sing.” He loosened his grip on his fork and set it down, having only sampled small shreds of the cake. “Not all of those memories are pleasant. Some are, others… more bittersweet.”
“ To me, that Song is a story of hope. The kind of hope I think we all share. But the idea of hope…or the lack thereof… can certainly be bittersweet.” Ele had the gentle clink of the fork. Perhaps the food he smelt wasn’t too his liking. “Perhaps this food is not to your liking? We could go try something else? Or perhaps a less crowded area? Your comfort is paramount to me right now.”
There Anders was, minding his own business when…
Wait, was that Cheunh?
A small lullaby. He hadn’t heard it in over two decades, but how could he miss that melody? How could he miss that sweet hum that entered one ear and out the other like a soothing river on a calm day? His mother had sang that song to him as a small boy on Csilla before…
Anders shook the thoughts from his head. He never wanted to think of Csilla or the Chiss Ascendancy. He hated those wretched places with every fibre of his being. Especially his father who tossed him out onto the streets like common vermin.
Still, the way Evelyn sang produced a calmness in him. Maybe it was the song?
He found himself standing close to her, just… listening. Remembering better memories before his world turned on him for what he was, for what he couldn’t help…
“Hrmm.”
That dangerous deep vibration reverberating off the avian’s tongue only spelled ingenious or dangerous. Both? Both. His hand reached around to the small of his back as if reaching for something tucked into the several cloth belts he wore. The action was aborted, seemingly catching himself and straightening up.
Another time, he will defeat this game but for now Flyndt would settle with Foxen’s victory.
Agreed, he hooted with a flash of hands. The Omwati glanced around the after dark festival, noting the various costumes and catching couples roaming between the booths. For brief moment his mind flashed back to that lingering shadow and warm breath, a peach hue passing over his cheeks as he reached out to brush his hand against Foxen’s, leaving it hovering just there, seeking permission.“Do you, want to walk around? See more?”
Evelyn felt like she was being watched. Her hairs stood on ends and this soldier knew to never ignore it. She stopped singing and looked around to see a Chiss staring at her.
Her heart skipped a beat for two reasons.
First reason, he was the Taldryan’s High Inquisitor himself. She turned to face him, feet shoulder apart, hands behind her back, and she straightened her posture. He was here as a guest and she will be respectful.
As long as he was.
Second reason, her grief was almost overwhelming today. Her late wife …
“Ch'ithe'umi'aco, ren'musi,” she started, “Is there anything I can help you with, sir?”
“Ttis'ah, k'ir tuscah ror,” Anders returned the use of his native language with a phrase of his own. “It has been a long time since I heard that particular melody. What is your name?”
Sofila laughed and was so happy to see Jax enjoying himself! She was worried about him earlier. Picked up the drink to finish it, she pouted when she realized it was already finished. Her head turned to look at the stall as she started to give puppy eyes. Well. the best she can.
Cole spoke dare and she turned to look at him, eyebrow rose. Well. She was certain that he would drink his drink than to do any of the dares.
Sofila tensed at Eevie’s dare to Cole, “Ah, n-” She stopped in surprise as he kissed her on the cheek.
Oh. Then he glanced over to Lehua and she loves her energy. The Mirialan can feel her energy started to rise. It was infectious. Oooh, licking of an elbow! That was hard to-
Or not. Sofila blinked while she watched Lehua. Oh. Right. Nautolans.
“YAY!” Sofila brightly smiled towards Lehua, “Weeeellll I did dare last time! Let’s do truth this time! Let’s go!”
Evelyn’s arms went to her side and her shoulders slightly relaxed. She got a more proper look of his costume. Hmm. Who made that? The thread work from what she can see, was decent. No noticeable frays or inaccurate measurements.
“Evelyn Wyvern, sir. My late wife, Kra'ket'akri was the one that taught me the lullaby.” She paused for a moment before adding, “If you wish, I can show you around?”
Late wife?
Anders logged that information in the back of his mind.
“I do apologise for bringing painful memories up to the surface. If i may inquire, was your late wife a Chiss too?” Anders then tipped his hat lightly in Evelyn’s direction. “How rude of me. Where are my manners? I am High Inquisitor Anderson, though you may call me Anders if you prefer.”
BUDD-E protested on his shoulder, causing Anders to roll his eyes. “Yes, yes. And this here is Buddy.”
The little droid chirped happily.
“No need to apologize, sir. I can handle the memories quite well.” Therapy works wonders.
Her lips curved into a small smile at the memory of Aketa. “Yes, she was a Chiss.” It was refreshing somewhat.
When Anders tipped his hat, she bowed slightly. “Plea-” She stopped as she heard beeping sounds. She knew Binary but wasn’t going to just be rude when Anders was the one providing the name to her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms Wyvern. Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with the area as I am not a local. I am here with my young protégé who may or may not be getting himself into trouble.”
Anders chuckled at the thought of Ruka’s face if Draca was indeed getting into mischief. He disregarded those thoughts as soon as they came. Draca was a sensible, respectful young man. He wouldn’t do anything out of sorts.
Not intentionally, anyways.
Anders offered his spare arm to Evelyn. “Perhaps you might be willing to accompany me?”
BUDD-E shook it’s cranium, beeping a low ‘smooth, Anders,’ which Evelyn may or may not have picked up.
Lehua bounced excitedly, biting on one lip with sharp teeth.
“Eeeeeeee! Okay, okay. What is the biggest lie you’ve ever told.”
Cole raised an eyebrow at such a… pointed question. Jeez. He looked toward Sofila, slight concern in his face.
He hoped she remembered she can just drink, sipping his own. It was almost empty.
It was almost uncomfortable, how a person he had hardly ever seen before was so caring about his comfort. The Miraluka wasn’t off putting however, despite Mikhail’s uncertainness. “I am fine, thank you. I do not need your worry.” He gently massaged his temple, eyes closing. “Please do not take my reactions as being displeased, I am not used to outwardly socializing with people during large gatherings.
With a deep breath, Elly re-entered the party. After dropping Sulla off with the rest of the kids, she quickly ran back to her hotel to grab her black three piece and bought some devil horns on the way back along with a tail to attach to the back of her belt when she inevitably takes her jacket off.
She started to walk around to see if she could find anyone she might know or maybe get a drink to calm her nerves. In a big open space like this she was rather nervous and indecision plagued her every move. <@244244163002892288>
Ele smiled in embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head.
“I do apologize for being…overly concerned. I have been told that I can be a…people pleaser. I lived in solitude for so long that I guess I tend to.do whatever I can to make others never feel alone. I have also realized that this entire time…I never actually introduced myself. My name is Eleceos, but you may call me Ele if you prefer.”
Evelyn gave him a friendly smile and hooked her arm around his. She normally doesn’t like to be touched but with her fabric and the thickness, it won’t be a bother today.
“I’ll be happy to,” she said, amused. She heard BUDD-E but didn’t take it to heart. It takes much more than that to find the way in.
“Where to, sir? Do we need to find your protégé? As for what we have here, there’s foods, drinks, games, and activities. I believe there’s dancing, a maze, apple bobbing… to name a few.”
Sofila was taken back by the question.
“Oh kark, that’s a good one! Hmmmm.” She pondered for a bit. She suddenly felt pressure with everyone watching her and waiting. Not that she can blame them, it was a juicy question.
Sadly, it had brought back all the memories she didn’t want to have. Not now. Not here. She saw movement out of hte corner of her eye with Cole right by her side and he… made a pointed look at her and drank.
“Oh! Well. Sorry, going have to drink this one out!” She laugh as she frowned at her empty glass and gestured to Cole’s drink, “Gimme.”
When he does, she knocked it back and started coughing harshly. “Wh- coughcough the cough k- coughcough”
Cole watched and then grimaced slightly. Kriff. He forgot that this was.. a strong ass drink.
“60%.” He mumbled, looking mildly awkward. It was funny but he did feel a touch guilty.
“Theres no need to find him. He’s already… occupied, I suppose you could say. The boy is on his first date and I’d hate to interrupt him,” Anders thought for a moment. To hell with it. This was a party. He could have fun too, right? “Apple-bobbing sounds entertaining. Maybe I can give Buddy a bath whilst we are there?”
The little droid protested, much to the smirk on Anders’ face.
“Eleceos.” He confirmed the name, assigning it to memory. “It is nice to meet you. I am Kadnikov Mikhail Petrovich. Mikhail is what you can call me” he wasn’t sure if he should stick a hand out? After a moment of hesitation, He decided to forgo the shake.
Evelyn was honestly surprised at his choice of activity. Apple bobbing can be a bit difficult and messy.
“Apple bobbing it is, sir. Much to Buddy’s dismay, I’m sure.” She tilted her head towards BUDD-E with a small playful smile before guiding them to the apple bobbing area.
“You mentioned it’s a first date for your student? That’s quite the stepping stone.” She still remembered hers. How could she not. Aketa stormed up to her while she was fixing her ship and announced they were going to have a date that night. The next several years was history.
“This is a good place for first date, Mr. Anderson. Crowded for security reasons. Activities and food. I hope it goes well for them.”
Thick, scarred black fingers curled not just permissively but eagerly with smaller, still weapon-calloused ones sheathed in new gloves; a thinner and softer pair than those from Omwat. Foxen hummed again, admiring peached cheeks before glancing about and giving a shrug, a nod.
With you. Yes.
As they moved away from the booth with the plushie in tow, Foxen felt his datapad’s soft vibration. It had gone off earlier as well, but he had ignored it, much preferring having his attention elsewhere. Twice, though, from someone that he had set to notification at all, was probably something to check. Minnie was here somewhere, and so was Jax.
Tucking the plush under his arm and unwilling to give up the hand holding Flyndt’s as the Omwati guided them along while Foxen masterfully juggled device/dollZuza like one would disassemble a pistol one-handed in under 8.3 seconds, he read two new messages from the Wyvern.
And groaned in disgust.
Flyndt’s feathers flicked up, a hoo of question, curiosity/concern. He hrmed his bitchiest hrm back.
“He needs….we go help?”
The crest had pressed down. Concern/stress/disappointment.
No.
Foxen shook his head.
He stowed the pad so he could talk, Flyndt giving him his other hand back. Literally pushing it back towards him with a look and a soft chirp clack of beak that said, be reasonable.
“Can hold again.”
“Hmph,” Foxen said, and then, Will make sure he gets home, obviously, but he’s a grown ass man. He wants to make bad choices he can. If he passes out, then will carry back. But until then, this is us time. Pierced brows rose. Besides, have better idea. Detour. Go check on his status. Tell traitor rat dog to move his ass.
Flyndt was well versed in his many “nicknames” for Kobign; the Omwati had several himself, chiefly puhta. The bird seemed to find this agreeable enough, and nodded.
They held hands again on the way to the designated drink stall and found the group easily enough. With silent coordination a challenge was made of it, Flyndt cloaking and taking the datapad to go over and snap a holo of their target. Then he ghosted back, chin lifted in success.
Traitor
🦈: Wherever you are that’s not here, get your shit together and come pick up this mess. 🦈: I will leave him on the curb. 🦈: [attachment]
Foxen sent his missive, and made assessment of his brother and the general group, and then chose another direction to wander. There was much to see and do. A little too much, too many people, too much noise.
However: Flyndt.
He was safe.
<@244244400488710155>
Sofila winced as she whimpered quietily for a second. She glared at Cole.
Not becuase he didn’t have time to stop her, but more concern to how strong that kriffin drink was. What the-
“OH it’s my turn!” She cleared her throat and coughed a few more times. She needed water. But that can be dealt with later.
“Eevie, your turn! Truth or dare!” <@206692046424113152>
“I’ll get you water.” Cole stated, getting up to go get her water and himself another drink of that cause honestly it wasn’t bad. To him.
He asked Erinyes’ crew for the order, the stall less busy and not needing to wait long before the drinks were being poured.
Jax was going to loudly gasp at the sheer shame of him being the first to express such interest, and very happily agree to any sort of compensation for their time…but he saw the way the Shani turned to their companion – friend? Lover? The touch was very familiar, the expression soft with concern, a quiet intimacy as they murmured to each other softly – and…decided not to. He left them to it, smiling into the remains of his icy rime drink even as his ears pressed down and tears gathered to wet the fur under his eyes.
…proud of them life I’ve made here… Makes happy…Well one of them is right here…just let me know and we can go somewhere quieter, okay?…give a kiss
It was just a lot of affection – enthusiastic and reserved alike – and reminder of his mate, and of his missing presence like a gaping hole at his side. Which was silly. They’d had waffles this morning and talked about going and Kobign had offered if he really wanted him there and Jax had said no, do not strain yourself because it was a Peanut Butter Waffle Day. But silly never made any feeling any less true.
Blast… They were going to have to take…talk about this. Later. When he could brain more good.
The Mandalorian nodded to himself absently, muzzle-down in his beverage, and left off it to lay his head back on the table and rub his cheek there some more while the dares and truths spun overhead and elbows were licked.
(This was, of course, exactly the pose in which Flyndt took a picture, the hybrid plastered to a picnic table with empty novelty glasses all around and on the ground. RIP buddy.)
“Did we not have…have…more threeo? Trio. Triad, yes. Tyrants?” he asked in Sofila’s direction. Ferran was conquered but there were two others in the Brotherhood’s founding lore.
Eevie gave an over-the-top thinking pose for a moment, then gave a big thumbs up/grin to Sofila.
“I say, Truth!”
“Ohmigawsh Sivvy you look so good! That’s ahMAYzing guuurl!” Minnie enthused, peering at the facepaint and not having to stand on her tiptoes to do it thankyouverymuch. “Aaaaahfhdhfn I just wanna,” she made grabby-hands at the Chiss’ face. “Grab you and tell you how good you’re doing being here strutting like that, sweetheart, but no ruining all the art.”
Instead, Minnie just hugged her again, squishing Siv between her and Bril for a blueberry sandwich. She pulled back after to give a little breathing space.
“Isn’t this place great? I forgot how much I loved these festivals, gOsh, we used to go growing up. I could never get braids of course,” she pouted, “but face painting yaaaas! Maybe I’ll get some. Not like yours obviously, that’s for your family rite??”
As she chattered, seafoam eyes drifted, spying A Tall walking by. Why was it always giant people that gave her neck aches?! No faaaair.
But what really drew the tiny Nautolan’s attention was the suited Fierrio rocher I can’t spell this’s demeanor. She knew, very well, the look of someone who wanted to be left alone, and someone who was left alone.
And nobody should be that.
“Actually – hold that thought, gorgeous, Kitty, if you guys don’t mind, I'ma go make us a new friend. Grab us a table maybe?” she requested, standing (yes on tiptoes ugh) to kiss Bril’s cheek before she bounded off. “DON’T LET HIM PUN AT YOU!” was the last she called over her shoulder before grabbing her hat to hold it down and running off.
Minnow slowed as she trotted up to the devil-costumed woman, smiling brightly and waving to get her attention.
“Howdy–” dammit Kitty! “Rrgh, hiya, sister! I really like your suit! You look so fierce!” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Minnow!”
<@1056685516441006091> <@301514304845381632>
Sofila pouted when Cole removed himself to get some more water. She didn’t want anymore water. She wanted him and the rest of the drinks. Jax was on the same thought about the drinks.
“Ah-oooh I don’t knooooow, HEY COLE,” Sofila leaned back to shout at him, “How many- Oh truth?” Her head snapped back to look at Eevie, “Thank kark, I was hoping you would say that now tell me about that guy you mentioned earlier! Everything!” She propped her elbows up on the table as if she was ready for a sweet bedtime story.
<@432543120635461643> <@206692046424113152>
How many what? Cole didn’t really want to yell back over to her, looking over the crowd. A few looked but carried on. His skin crawled but was drawn out of it by one of the crew clearing their throat.
Cole apologised, taking the drinks and heading back over to the table. He once again sat with a couple inches between his side and Sofila’s, placing the water in front of her and sipping his drink again.
Eevie went a little quiet at the request as her pinkish cheeks blushed. She looked deep in thought about what to say.
“His name is Avery, and he is another Erinos Mandalorian. He is very much a gentleman, and a good man. When we met…he was kinda a player. The two of of hooked up, I was rebounding and he was happy to be the rebound. I never thought we’d actually have a connection…but we really did. And then…and then he saved my life. My past caught up with me and he scoured th galaxy to find me. I’d be dead fight now if not for him. But now…now I live my life wanting to be by his side. To help him raise his son…and who knows what else really.”
Eevie looked truly happy to anyone looking at her. A genuine, real, heart filled smile.
“Plus he’s great in bed.” she gave a wink as she grinned devilishly.
Jax did not seem to notice the new drinks at first. He kept cheek rubbing, lost in his own ruminations and slippery emotions, though he did smile at Eevie’s talk of Avery. Maybe one friend he would not lose, perhaps, when it all came out.
Perhaps not.
“…he was one of my…fmm…Foundlings, a good…better man,” the Mandalorian piped up slowly in the drum beats after Eevie stopped talking. Or maybe that was the vibrations he was feeling through the table of all the people walking around everywhere, and someone’s legs jostling.
Oh that was his leg.
Haha.
Why did it smell like something was burning?
Instinct, animal as much as nearly thirty five years of demolitions, drew the hybrid’s head up sharply. Everything spun and tipped. But there in front of him was fire. A bark escaped him before he realized it was the drink.
Bright red, flaming, and with oil that smelled like chilles.
“Maybe…I just try this one,” he said, thinking to take a quick sip and hopefully not expire.
Sofila could feel her eyes started to water up. She didn’t even notice Cole had returned. She sniffled, turned to see if Cole was back. “Oh that’s so swe-”
Then finally, she stopped staring at Eevies long enough to noticed something flickered at the corner of her eye.
Fire.
Sofila aggressively recoiled back, instinctively grabbed Cole’s entire arm and squeezed the ever-loving stars out of it as she flinched. Her eyes were wide and her jaw was tight.
Distracted by her stall crew changing shifts, it had taken Erinyes a moment to join the Truth or Dare table, but she finally made her way over. One hand held a tray with three Tiamat’s Spark, three tumblers of something pale blue, and a tumbler of the same cream liqueur that had rescued Jax earlier.
And not a moment too soon, because it seemed like Jax was almost ready to concede. She couldn’t let that happen.
“No surrender, General!” She slapped Jax on the shoulder, careful not to knock him towards the flame, then placed the new pup cup beside the Tumbler of Burning. “You’ve got reinforcements, and Tiamat’s Spark is on the next hill.”
“You don’t need to be nervous about my lack of eyes. I may not see as you do, but I do see. I see the real you, the real everyone. As they are in the Force.”
Ele gave a friendly smile and offered his hand to Mikhail.
“It is most certainly a pleasure to meet you Mikhail. Can I buy you a drink?”
Despite her sudden clench on his arm Cole shifted it, grabbing her as she shot backward and stopping Sofila from falling backward off of the bench.
His other arm went aross to her opposing shoulder, holding onto it to angle her away from the fire.
It was not hard to spot someone reacting fearfully, nevermind to flame, which had been his companion for so long. Most of his work was watching for this exact kind of thing, being aware of hazards and taking precautions, and very little to do with that actual explosions.
A lot of the time, either he got it right, or it would not be his problem anymore.
(Or he was down another limb, but who was counting?)
Reaching out with surprising steadiness, the demolitions expert quickly grabbed one of his empty glasses, the cauldron with its wide rim, and tipped it over, setting the bowl on top of Sofila’s glass. Once the flame died low and went out, smothering, he lifted it off to a waft of spicy-fruity smoke and then repeated the process over his own glass.
“Look,” he bid in a soft, growling tone, pointing at the green glow of the caged flame, as if behind thick green lantern glass, “it is like a firefly, no?” And then he pointed up at the ones bobbing lazily around them and the faire, a distraction. “There! Tada. All gone, all better. Not even hot, see?”
He pulled the glass off again and stuck his finger in the concoction demonstrably. Indeed it was not warm. Just sticky.
And thankfully, Erinyes’ arrival was most timely too. And tears were not so noticable in his fur. That address ripped open his chest.
“Ahah! General! Hello there! Sir, yes, sir! Not giving up yet, just–” he hiccuped, from the booze, one would hopefully think, “JUST! Tactduckle…tackle…tataduct, tactic-ly planning. My approach.” A grin forced. “I’m going to TRY the Okemi.. But not have the whole thing, yes. One must know when to re– hyip, –treat.”
“Once you engage, I’ll flank and finish them off. Deal?” Wouldn’t be the first time she’d finished someone else’s drink. “How about you, Sofila? Ready for more?”
Mikhail shuddered. He was not one that enjoyed being seen, least of all being truly seen. He liked his secrets, and the idea that someone could “look” at him and see everything he had worked to hide was one he didn’t enjoy. Still, his manners forced him to accept the handshake. “If you insist, I would not mind another drink.” Though, he still had to finish his own
The l o o k that Ruka and Kiera shared, nevermind sudden dimming Cora’s expression, said exactly what the lot of them could imagine how their Zeltron would react to ‘the rich and noble out in public.’ The tepid response from the Consul was well-expected and thus not too much a stir for either man, though Ruka’s hand moved to the small of the Pantoran’s back in a subtle offer of comfort. Cora leaned a little into his side while the Mirialan reached out to take the cup.
“Geez, crovjami, that were you went so long? Thanks,” he said, and Cora easily smiled at Qyreia.
“Oh, that will be just fine, dear, thank you. I can afford a cup as long as I eat this first. Look! It was a scotch egg, apparently.” He showed her his cut-open one to reveal the bacon-wrapped and fried layers.
“I’m fine.”
Sofila felt embarrassed. She grabbed the drink as if nothing happened and took a sip.
Because nothing happened. Nope. Nada. That was not a thing that just happ-
SPICY.
KARK.
Oh hello there, where have you been all my life?‘ Sofila mused silently.
“Huh?” She said towards Erinyes. “More!? YES PLEASE!?” she grinned and was actually taking her time with Okemi. This may be her favorite.
“I’ll take hers if she can’t.” Cole commented to Erinyes, taking his hand off of Sofila’s shoulder but keeping the other around her back for a moment longer before fully withdrawing,
“Looks like you might have to fight her for it.” Erinyes eyed the Mirialan’s reaction, mildly amazed that the Okemi had lasted more than one gulp. “But here, have this in the meantime. It’s a basic tsiraki and tonic, but I developed the botanical blend myself.” She passed one of the pale blue tumblers to him.
Then, to Sof and Jax: “You two can have the Tiamat when you either finish your Okemis or tap out.”
<@244244163002892288> <@216702440140046336>
“Ah, thank you.” Cole commented, taking the tumbler with interest but also caution.
“The.. euphoric one?” He asked after a considering moment.
“No, but there’s a forest worth of herbs and spices in it. Consul’s Choice is my baby, and the reason we founded the distillery in the first place.”
Cole nodded, “Thank you.” And left it sat beside his first glass.
One at a time. Espeically with the strength of these.
“The #1 choice for drunk-ass former Consuls everywhere in the Caelus System.” She held up her hip flask for emphasis.
Sofila glared at Cole.
“No. NOOOOOO Sir. Nuh-uh. I’m having more.”
Oooh! They can have the TIamat when they are finish with the Okemi.
But the Okemi was soooo good.
Ugh. Fine.
With a deep inhale, she knocked it back and giggled. “SPICY! I love it. Am I spicy, Cole?”
Cole raised his glass to Erinyes, albiet a tad awkward considering it was the one that wasn’t filled with the drink she’d brought but he’d get to it.
He blinked at Sofila’s question initially, looking at her and trying to work out what the kriff that meant.
Nope. No idea. He opened his mouth once and then closed it. Surely.. wait was spicy good in this situation? Literal? Metaphorical? Karking suns-
It seemed the magic word had struck somewhere in all that mess, even as Jax heartily laugh-criedhiccped along with Erinyes’ tactical planning.
Tap out.
He had been many things in his life. General no longer. Traitor was now one. Husband bought and paid gladly for with that mantel. His bowed head lifted proudly.
Mandalorian – that was still true.
And he had been enduring drinking games and eating contests and comparing other various big sticks with a whole Clan just as stubborn for three decades. From a people that preferred drinks that could blind, food that scorched, and fights bloody.
Tap out?
Blast that he was retired he did not need to be smart and retreat anymore.
A clawed finger pointed at Erinyes, blue eyes narrowing.
“Serve the Tiamat,” he growled, and tipped back the Okemi and drank.
And drank.
And drank without pause, until the tumbler was empty, then set it back down even as his nose and eyes streamed and his muscles shook and his throat cracked.
“N-ext.”
Erinyes grinned wolfishly. Not as wolfishly as Jax would’ve, since… well, he kind of had an advantage there. But definitely wolfishly.
Two of the three Tiamats lifted off the tray, and began to dance through the air with each other, around a column of lightning—lightning, folks, that streamed upwards from Erinyes’ fingertips. Flickers followed the drinks and even danced across their surfaces, before the crystal glasses captured the sparks, lighting the whole thing up in purple.
After a moment, the two drinks came to rest in mid-air in front of Jax and Sofila, just… waiting. Expectantly.
Meanwhile, Erinyes reached for the third Tiamat on the tray. Not nearly as theatrical, but a show like that did take a fair bit of concentration.
“Oh.” Sofila gaze removed from Cole’s as she looked down at the table. She… wasn’t spicy?
“Oh!” She exclaimed as Tiamat has arrived. Aw. No spicy energy from this one. She took a sniff and her nose twitched. Floral?
“Waaaait a muuuuument,” Sofila’s gaze went over to Erinyes, “Is dis the wast one on the uh ah the uh uuuuuhhhh ahhhhh list-y thingymingy?”
<@645466919415054357> <@432543120635461643>
“The last on the list, but not the last one in the fridge. Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty more where that came from.”
“Hey Drink lady! I wanna ask you, Truth or Dare!”
Was not being spicy a bad thing???
Cole didn’t know and panic flickered in his chest but then she was distracted and he just didn’t know.
He downed the rest of the really strong stuff, grimacing but he wouldn’t be drinking much more anyway with how Sofila was slurring and with how he felt… light. It was weird.
That was the last drink for her too, he sipped the new one, not wanting to waste it espeically after tasting it, but they ought to go. Soon.
“Truth. Dares are more fun when I’m less sober.” She took a prolonged sip of her Tiamat.
Her brow quirked, and her grin returned. “Somehow I’ve never had one. You’d think it would be standard fare back home.”
Keira placed a hand on the Zeltron’s shoulder, motioning toward their friends subtly.
The grin turned to grimace, if only because she recognized her faux pas. “Sorry guys I…” She paused to fill Cora’s cup, passing it over the table to him before hurriedly filling her own with lightly shaking hands. “I just wasn’t expecting that. Really, I just need to do the astrogation math to maximize family time at each place. Nothing against anyone. Promise.”
Her pale Force user offered a squeeze on her caped shoulder, eyeing the other two with a mild pleading expression. As if to say, ‘This is what I was talking about.’
Qyreia refocused her attention on the food, grabbing up the leg of meat. “Now this is definitely my speed.”
Eevie had lobe on the mind, her thought filled with Avery’s embrace. She couldn’t wait to see him later. This being the case she knew what to ask.
“Have you ever been in love? And if so, tell us about it.”
“Whew… like, in love in love?” She planted herself on a nearby chair—if it was close enough for her to retrieve with the Force, it was nearby—and kicked her feet up, staring upward as she contemplated the question. “Y'know, I don’t think I ever have. Plenty of infatuations, but honestly, I’m probably too self-centred for anyone to put up with me in a serious relationship. Kark, I’d hate dating someone like me.”
“Don’t worry about it, little flower,” Ruka said, waving his juice, which he was much more interested in than the food. “There’s always next year when things is calmer. ‘Sides, pretty sure Alayne would literally fight me for the baby. And I would win.”
“Ru,” Cora chided along playfully, not at all missing the shaking or Kiera’s look, knowing the Mirialan was trying to joke. He took a delicate forkful of egg, bacon and sausage, then looked at the Zeltron with her turkey leg and said in a light, posh tone, “Goodness, this is a lot of meat to have in my mouth at once.”
Ruka choked on his drink.
Sofila pouted for a moment and considered it. Her gaze went over to Cole’s. Hmmm. This was difficult. She leaned forward and poked the glass a few times.
“You know what?!” She downed the the last drink as she slammed it on the table.
“Let me show YOU spicy, Cole.” With that, she got up from the bench and all the glasses she had been sneaking had fallen off.
She went into a fit of giggles.
“No no, hold on, I can explain, I swear, just - let me just, here clear the tabbbbbleeee.” Somehow, despite her head buzzing and spinning, she executed a handstand that was near perfect. Bile threatened and burnt her throat so she quickly was back on her feet and on the grass.
Then turning to Erinyes as if she hasn’t tried to steal the karkin glasses “Can.. I take those hoooome? Pwetty Pwease?” She clasps her hands together and gave her puppy eyes.
Cole pinched the bridge of his nose.
It was at that point Cassandra suddenly joined the group, holding a cup of green liquid, her left arm across her chest with her hand on her right arm. “You’re definitely not too self-centered. I think you’d be fine, Erin.”
Jax’s eyes, dilating wide now with the alcohol and multiple instances of stubbornly chugging it, even for a lot of man like him, fixed on the floating, spinning, sparking glasses. The tiniest ring of blue still surrounded his pupils, which went around and around along with his head, ears perked, body gone rigid.
Even when Sofila took hers he did not move, still, watching, until it floating just a bit down and then–
Thankfully for everyone around the table, he didn’t just smack it right out of the air. Sofila’s hand stand pulled his attention away, and the Mandalorian slapped his thigh in applause.
Oooh, applesauce.
That would be good with waffles. In waffles?
Kobign.
His lip wobbled and he carefully took the last drink now and started lapping at it pathetically.
“It’s good to know oneself so well. Love yourself, sis! Your turn!”
Erinyes pointed a finger at the mountain of a Taldryan Chancellor who had just appeared. “You are either a sweetheart or trying to butter me up for a kark mission. We’ll see if you still feel that way when you get to know me better. Also, where the kriff is your security detail?”
Then she heard Sofila’s request. She turned, opened her mouth to answer, stopped, shut it, thought for a moment. “You know what? If you drank all that and still did a kriffing handstand? Yes. You can take them home.”
The coughing choke that erupted from the Zeltron had her doubled over, while Keira suppressed her own chuckle at the comment, redoubled at Ruka’s reaction. When Qyreia’s half-mewled pained laughs retained a sticky, thick quality to them, Keira tried to catch her face.
“Q honey?”
“Auughb, ihs ihb mby dose.”
“What?!”
“Da turkgeh!” she laughed. “Ids ibh muh ndose!” She shook her head, looking frantically for a napkin. “Goddabbit Cora.”
Keira’s laughter redoubled, practically falling out of her seat at the realization.
Jax pulled his face out of his drink, lolling tongue licking lips.
“If I do a handstand can I take them home?” he asked, but more slurred.
The tiny cauldron and pumpkin would be excellent decorations.
“Yes. You can. Actually, that’ll be my dare,” she said to Eevie. “Jax, I dare you to do a handstand.” Kriff, if the man could pull that off kark-faced and with one arm, she might even give him the drinks for free.
Despite his deep purple ears giving away his embarrassment at such a randy joke, he smiled at the ladies’ laughter. Ruka was bent over his forearms and no help at all as his shoulders shook harder at ‘the turkey,’ so the Pantoran helpfully piled over napkins into the Zeltrons flailing hands.
Well, Ashla help him, in for a credit, as they did say.
“Happens to the best of us, dear. One gets better with practice.”
Sofila squealed as she ran over and hugged Erinyes, “Thank you thank you thankthankank ankle yooou!” She then let go and started to pick up the glasses. “Look Cole! Gifts!”
Okay yep.
Cole knocked back the last drink. He took time to enjoy it yes, the flavours were layered and kark he’d have to make sure to order it again at some point but the Human moved up and away from the bench, blinking hard but mostly stable.
“Let’s get them home then, yeah?” He smiled slightly, albiet a touch desperately
She snatched a napkin and held it to her face. “Fragck…” She paused and blew her nose hard into the paper, broken in slimy staccatos throughout. “Ugh. Frack you.” A pause to swallow back the snot clinging to the back of her throat. “Urgh. Chunky.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah. Just… it’s the worse rendition of laughing while drinking.”
“This happened before?”
“Mh,” she nodded. “Not sure if it’s worse or better when it’s noodles.”
Keira leaned over and handed the cup to her wife. “Here. Something to wash it down.”
The massive hybrid growled in acceptance of the challenge, daunting though it was. He had the perfect image in his mind’s eye of that pumpkin on the little shelf by the door of their new apartment, holding keys.
He put his hand flat on the table and pushed up. And listed horribly sideways, claws digging into the wood and leaving furrows to hold himself upright as he swayed back the other direction, wobbling.
“Hrk– grrrr.” He lifted one foot, pulled out from the bench, got the metal toes caught, pulled some more, nearly went backwards– and then landed on his flesh foot, arm pinwheeling to counterbalance.
Standing! Success!
No wait. On hands. Hand-s.
Other direction.
“I accept… Mthis der…dare!” he said, in Zabraki. Or was that Twi'lekki? No no… definitely Basic. He had understood it so! There.
The ground and horizon criss crossed and vertigo was strong. He nearly sat back down.
But no. He had. A goal. And whenever they got home, now, because they had one that was theirs, real, where Kobign could feel real– and they would get home and put the keys in the pumpkin and Jax could say it was gourd to be home.
Determined, the Mandalorian lifted his single arm, then his cybernetic foot, knowing well its weight and moves like this from ages of K'thri, and swung forward. His palm smacked flat into the soil. His legs swung up. For seconds he stood straight on just one arm.
And then tipped and toppled over backwards.
Surprise turned to astonishment as Erinyes watched the even-taller-than-Cassandra mountain lumber to his feet, lean forward on to his single arm, and… balance. The crazy son of a bitch had actually done it–
Oh no.
Erinyes flicked a hand out when she saw the “ceiling fan” falling, falling, falling… The Force gripped Jax in mid-air, suspending him a few centimetres off the ground. She wasn’t about to risk the diplomatic incident of someone getting hurt as a result of getting drunk on her supply and making bad decisions. Especially not with her boss standing right there to see it all.
At least, she hadn’t meant to, but Sofila happened.
Getting tackle-hugged while she wasn’t paying attention was enough to bowl Erinyes off her chair. The drink Erinyes had been holding went splashing everywhere, both women tumbled to the ground, and Jax soon followed as the Mirialan inadvertently broke the Zeltron’s concentration.
<@216702440140046336>
“Hi. You’re really pretty you know that? Like gorgeous.” Sofila grinned at Erinyes, not realizing the chaos that had been occuring.
“Yeah…saw that coming.” Cassandra said with a laugh as she downed more of her glass. “Good attempt though, and now my poor Vice-Chancellor is all wet.”
Cole stood, concerned for Jax but also getting free of the table and hopefully wrangling his rampant girlfriend off of people and.. cups.
She shared a room with L'ara. Where the kriff was she keeping cups?
“Hi. You’re a flatterer, and if you didn’t have a boyfriend who’s clearly trying to get you home, that might lead to something.” She helped Cole leverage Sofila to a stand, then got up herself, brushing off what dirt hadn’t already become alcoholic mud as she turned to Jax. “As for you, sir… yes, you can have the cups. I had no idea someone your size could be that agile.”
Then, she shot a look to <@61385159655559168> . It was one the Taldryan Consul Chancellor would recognise as the “there are too many ways I could respond to that and I probably shouldn’t say any of them” look.
<@244244163002892288>
Instead of saying anything back, all Cass did was give a smiling wink in response before she tipped the cup back and took another drink.
“Awww, you’re soooo sweet.” She booped Erinyes’s nose with a soft giggle.
“Hey hey! Easy!” She got back on her feet with Cole’s and Erinyes’s help.
“Oooh yes. Home. Okay. Home for the glasses. Glasses. Home. Yes.”
Then she felt sad. She was going to miss hanging out-
Then she glanced over at Cole. His kriffin unbutton three button shirt with that vest and flatcap.
Home is good.
“Home.” Cole reconfirmed, getting his arm under hers to act as a support more than anything else and trying to think of the best path out that didn’t lead by something she’d want to do.
He wasn’t wholly certain he’d be able to stop her as inebriated as he was.
Savi had spent their time watching the … interesting sequence of events that came about as more of the “Truth or Dare” contestants became intoxicated. That was realized they’d been nursing their drink since they’d arrived. “I shouldn’t let this go to waste,” they muttered to themselves before lifting the cauldron-shaped cup off the table.
Lips painted the color onyx found their place on the cup’s brim. Savi tilted their head backward and downed the shot in a single gulp, careful not to spill any of the assumedly expensive alcohol. The bubbly drink lit their taste buds aflame, causing them to momentarily shut their eyes tightly to gather themselves for a moment.
“Wow.”
They sat the cup on the table and slid it away in the hopes of distancing themselves from the drink that was more akin to starship fuel than a beverage. This was why they preferred wine; it was something that could actually be enjoyed for its flavors. But they had asked for the strongest drink on the menu, so, they had to live with the choice. They were here to enjoy themselves after all. Their eyes drifted over to Kerissa, who appeared to be watching the others’ shenanigans just as they had been.
And enjoy themselves they would.
It didn’t take long for the alcohol to kick in and, without fully realizing what they were doing, Savi’s plumage started to expand as they scanned the Kessurian mix’s countenance. Cinnamon, canary yellow, emerald, and black feathers roused and ruffled, though not to their full extent.
Kerissa felt the prickle of someone watching the back of her head, turning in time to witness the feathers beginning to raise. She’d seen this before a few times and she had a feeling from the way their eyes were on her, Kerissa knew what the cause and chuckled, shaking her head in amusement and giving a nudge of her elbow.
Still, there were games to play.
“Well, uh, who’s next?” It was a query to the table at large as the Kessurian mix leant forward on her elbows, finishing her own cauldron of liquor.
Erinyes looked at Jax, on the ground, then at Kerissa. “Maybe you should pick.”
“OK, cool. What do you like to drink? I haven’t…drank a whole lot myself, save for a brief period, but I’m comfortable trying some new things out.”
Ele was hard pressed to not come off as eager or overbearing.
Diy turned to look the direction Vreva pointed, giving a small tempered laugh at the comment and a light hip check. She slipped easily into her extroverted shell, the confident public facade that was approachable and friendly with her trademark smile fixed by the time the pair halted in front of them. The faux-Zelosian’s gaze shifted from the stripe in Luka’s hair and their white gown'e details to finally examining their companion as they introduced them all.
A distressed labcoat, stained and restitched in places worn over a simple tshirt and slacks,a name tag fashioned on the jacket. Black curls were tied and shaped with care into a squarish shape, save for two small braids with two thin metal beads that dangled at the edge of his neatly trimmed short beard. Her own aquamarine eyes shifted to meet dark brown irises behind glasses and nestled not above a golden inked line but a green dash and hook on his right cheek, still visible beneath the pale powder and black eyeliner scars. It somewhat surprised her, seeing that instead of a mirror like she expected. Diy quickly realized she was staring and pulled away to catch Luka’s suggestion briefly, nodding in agreement.
“Sounds good, Ba–Luks,” she caught herself, censoring her nickname for them, “We’ll scope out the table.”
She then turned back to the Kiffar and outstretched a hand, pausing when she caught a lingering look of his own as if the man had something eating away at him – recognition? Uh-uh, no, we are nooot reading into this.
“Hey, I’m Diyrian Grivna, call me Diy as Luka mentioned. Glad to meet you.” .
Yeo gave a sheepish smile at first, probably catching himself too, that grew into a warmer one as he accepted her handshake with a punctuating nod. His voice was velvety and open when he spoke, glancing from her to Vreva in turn and back, “Yeoni Grivna. It is good to meet the both of you, and another clanmate at that.” He released her hand to turn to Luka with a small chuff, “Want me to come with? I can lend a hand with the drinks. I already been lent one myself before.”
He raised his hand up, white sleeve slipping down to reveal the fake stitching around the bottom of his tranverse carpal ligament for the corny joke.
Elly’s attention was caught by the small nautolan. Confusion was the first thing the woman felt. She had no idea who this person was yet they were waving at her and walking over.
“Hey” the lawyer chuckled at Minnow’s description of her appearance. Fierce certainly wasn’t the first word that came to mind, though she hadn’t exactly had the chance to look in a mirror. She reached down and lightly grasped Minnow’s hand and shook it “My name is Ellisyn.”
“Nice ta meetcha, Ellisyn!” Dropping the shake, the Nautolan took a step back just so she wouldn’t have to crane her neck so bad. “Geesh, you’re nearly as tall as my big brothers. And trust me, those butts are big. Anyway, hi! Sorry if I’m bugging you any, hon, buuuut I wanted to come see if you wanted to hang out with us?” She jerked a thumb back over her shoulder at Bril and Siv. “No pressure, just might be fun!”
Ellisyn listened intently, softly chuckling at the comments on her height. “You’re not bugging me,” she assured “and I wouldn’t mind some sompany.” Elly was certainly appreciative of the rescue from her aimless wander.
Mikhail sips from the glass he brought, finishing it off despite the spice. He cleared his throat, then gazed over towards where drinks were being served. “I am not too picky. Anything with vodka, and perhaps not too spice heavy”
“Awesome, girlfriend!” Minnie cheered, doing a little whoop and pose with her hat, pink fringe twirling. She lead the way back towards her baes. “Gaaaaaais! This is Elly! Mind if I call you Elly? She said Ellisyn, my b. This is Bril,” she gestured to the Zabrak, blowing him a kiss, “and Siv. She’s great. He’s just Ken. And he’s about to talk at you like a really BAD banthaboy. I’m so sorry in advance.”
<@1056685516441006091> <@264959101384130560>
“In that case, I will be right back with our drinks.”
Eleceos gave a friendly smile, before standing and walking off towards a bar set-up. Finding one he ordered a drink that fit Mikhail’s preference, as well as a hard-cider for himself. After a few moments he returned to deliver the drink to the Arkanian.
Elly watched the bundle of energy’s small display and held back a laugh. This would certainly prove to be interesting. She followed Minnow to her friends, looking the two of them over. She assumed what with the blown kiss and the matching costumes that Minnow and Bril were an item, something to definitely ask about later.
“I suppose there’s no need to be too formal, so Elly is alright” she assured Minnow. She then addressed Bril and Siv saying, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both”
<@1056685516441006091> <@264959101384130560>
Bril had, for the most part, been taking the moment to simply vibe with his Chiss sister. With things between them on more positive terms following their lengthy post-war discussions, the two were finally starting to reach a point that could be described as “normal.” As such, they didn’t really have to say anything to one another, instead letting their feelings and enjoyment of each other’s presence buzz across their Force bond.
When Minnow returned with someone else, whom he guessed was the new friend she’d mentioned during her initial departure, Bril smiled and tipped his hat to the slightly taller woman. “Well, howdy. Pleasure to make yer acquaintance, Elly. The name’s Bril, Buffalo Bril.”
Minnow put her hand to her face.
“Thank you.” He accepted the drink, setting it down infront of him. He then stared at his hands, frowning. “I apologize for what ever you may have gleaned from Me. I can not imagine how you see, and what you can learn it. My first impressions with people are usually.. different. For better or worse.”
“Trust me, you have nothing to apologize for.” Ele was enjoying the company of Mikhail, but he also knew that the Arkanian was a different person to himself, so he kept his physicality down a bit.
“I try not to judge on first impressions. There’s usually so much more beneath the surface. But I also understand that everyone has their own unique experiences that help determine their current mindframe. My offer to you is merely company. For whatever you want or are comfortable with at this moment. I can also be a sympathetic and unbiased ear to talk to without fear of repercussion or judgement.”
“At the end of the day…I think we all just need a friend, or just someone to show us empathy.”
There was a yip somewhere as gravity reacquainted with the scholar and he fell until an unseen force had caught him, the nearness of the ground so looming present. A heartbeat later and it was gone. The hybrid sunk into a cushion around his head and something hooking under his one good arm. A scent of cinnamon and cig smoke wafted to Jax’s longing nose, turning blue eyes up to catch salt and pepper curls and a hazel gaze staring back down at him.
Kobign.
“Hey, didn’t expect to have you falling for me again, sir,” the half-Selenian uttered, a flash of a small grin and his necklace slipping from his grey t-shirt – a ring clinking against id-tags and a blue crystal.
Kobign cleared his throat, conscious of the poor joke, and aided the larger man into a sitting position, his own metal hand cold against Jax’s bare arm. A bare arm not under a blue jacket. He glanced over the rest of the man and went rigid. Whatever he was about to say was converted to a cough, heat rising to his cheeks. Left distracted, he didn’t catch the jingle of the lead clipped to his belt as a lean red and tan Cythraul leapt onto the both of them, generously licking Jax’s face and hand with a light whine.
Powdered sugar and spices coated her lips as she moved toward one of the drink vendors. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth as she debated having yet another bite of the fried dough. The smell of something warm and sweet wafted over from someone as they walked from the head of the line, a mug in their hands. It wasn’t that it was entirely chilly out, but it was enough that the warmth would just feel good. The difference was something that you didn’t really get in the climate controlled perfectly comfortable settings of the starships. Waiting there in line, she centered herself, letting her senses broaden as she felt everyone moving around her, taking everything in. People carousing, drinking themselves silly amongst friends, laughing maniacally, dancing, having animated discussions.
She smiled unabashedly for the first time in a little while. She had made a habit of being so involved in her work that she often forgot why she even did it. Here, in the unlikeliest of spaces, however many parsecs from her babies - her droids - she remembered. Laying down a couple of credits on the plank, she shuffled her change into a jacket pocket before filling that hand with a warm mug and turning back toward the concourse. She took a tentative sip, letting the drink play across her tongue. Was it cider or meade, she didn’t really ask. Either way, the spice and warmth was a treat. Raising her eyes, she blew on the surface of the liquid, the steam parting long enough to see the red eyes of a Chiss looking directly at her.
She raised an eyebrow, her right lekku tip flicking to the side abrubtly as she met his gaze. His uniform was vaguely familiar, the markings something that itched at memory. Her old friend anxiety knocked at the door, the steam of her drink obscuring her vision for a moment as she debated her options. <@837236610684813342>
Now, wasn’t this interesting? Upon first inspection and if you squinted really hard, one could almost believe the Twi'lek in front of him was none other than one of Arcona’s Quaestors.
The tattoos upon the back of her hand told a different story. It was a story of deceit, control, violence, and power. Upon his promotion to High Inquisitor, Anders had studiously read previously classified details, including those of the Nephilim.
Jedi Killers.
The fists of Grand Master Muz Ashen himself.
Given that Anders had gloriously failed to impress the Grand Master on a recent endeavour, maybe cushioning up to one of his subordinates would be most beneficial to his goals? At the very least, it kept her away from Draca.
He didn’t want anyone from the Nephilim getting anywhere near him.
“Good afternoon,” Anders addressed Leena with Evelyn still in his arm. “I am High Inquisitor Anderson. This here is Mrs Evelyn Wyvern. We are looking to engage in party activities. Do you care to join us?”
Socorra watched the festivities passively from somewhere on the side, the spiced cider in her hand blazing hot, thankfully keeping her from chugging through them. She mostly watched Jax, thrilled that the gentle giant seemed to be enjoying himself despite everything. She had been waiting for the chance to interact with him yet somehow he managed to keep the center of attention even with his table coming and going. Her vod’ika keeled over from the booze finally and the woman had started to move, to set him back, to finally do what needed to be done, but Kobign just somehow knew. And Chi-Chi, of course.
They made such a bizarre and yet lovely couple.
Disappointed, she took another hot sip and watched and waited.
Lurching, gravity, the sensation of a fall, and then– warmth, steadiness.
Blown-wide eyes landed on hazel, that warm spiced, smokey scent wreathing him, hisoursus, homehappybelong. The clink and glint of the metal band, this one is mine.
The line was an arrow straight to his heart, beating out of chest, fast and high with liquid heat and effervescent happiness. Jax beamed, yipping joyfully and vibrating and wiggling on the grass as his hips shook with the Force of the wagging stub of a tail under his remaining clothes. He didn’t seem to notice at all anything else in the world.
“KOBIGN–”
At least until that something was a tongue in his mouth, and not the one he was looking for.
“Pffftfftftf–ade–”
The cythraul succeeded in pushing them both into the dirt, the Half-Selenian caught between two furry balls of hyper excitement and affection. Jax devolved into what to some might seem like nonsense noise, or whining and barking just like the wolf itself, but was actually Shistavanen going about a mile a minute.
It at least sounded like good things, all full of pure joy as the massive and drunk man tried simultaneously to pet Canchi while also clinging onto his fiance and burying his face in Kobign’s neck. He kept rubbing his cheek to the other man’s, whimpering and snuffling.
<@244244400488710155> <@160141735354171394>
“uuuh-”
Kerissa looked around at those remaining and shrugged, focussing on Evie ( <@206692046424113152> ).
“You again, truth or dare?”
Well, escaping without a conversation was no longer an option. Leena mused to herself, turning to see Zuza smiling, eyes darting between the three, no doubt happy to introduce more people at this shindig.
“Nice to meet you, High …inquisitor.” Leena paused, mind racing. Pravus’s Inquisition was hell on so many deemed ‘undesirable’ by that Dark Lord. She certainly would have ticked several of their criteria, had she not been… She let the thought freeze, wondering if the Chiss was reading her. “My name is Leena'Shylow, But you can call me ‘Leena’.” She paused, taking a sip to guage any reaction.
“Activities, you say?”
Zuza waved at Evelyn, recognising the woman from earlier but quickly focussing on Anders.
“Heya!”
But mostly stayed back, not wanting to overshine Leena with knowing people and content to stand aside and eat a funnel cake she definitely meant to be eating right now. Absolutely.
It smelled too good.
“Lady Zuza,” Anders gave her a smile. “Always a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Anders was, indeed, trying to read Leena as best he could. She did indeed seem slightly perturbed by his presence judging by her reaction to his position.
“Activities indeed. Evelyn here is escorting me to the apple bobbing. Would you both care to join us? Perhaps you would care to take part? Make it a competitionon who can get the most. Ill even wager a few credits.”
<@284848346672136192> <@216702440140046336>
“I’m not entirely sure that I’ve ever done the apple bobbing, but I suppose I can give it a go.” She smiled, adjusting the headband with fake ears attached. The band was starting to pinch behind her earcones, but the invite said it was a costumed affair. “I’m not much one to gamble, though.” She smiled briefly. “I work too hard for my credits.”
She turned back to the woman, violet eyes flashing. “Lady Zuza, is it? You didn’t say that you were royalty…”
<@216702440140046336> <@432543120635461643>
“Anders likes to make people sound fancy.” Zuza waved a hand, smiling yet, “I’m on the Arconan summit but that’s it. Don’t make me royality and Zuza is just fine.”
Her eyes flicked to Anders, grinning for a moment before refocussing on Leena, “I could probably take my break now if you guys don’t mind me tagging along.”
<@837236610684813342> <@284848346672136192>
There was a purple Twi'lek sitting with Lottson, who shows up in an inconvenient places like horde of purrgils while hyperspacing. For a moment, she thought the Twi'lek was Tali.
Evelyn was no longer guiding as Anderson had taken charge. Did he know them? That theory was disproven when Anderson had introduced them both. And it wasn’t Tali.
Mrs.
Her hand twitched slightly. Today had been mentally challenging. When Lottson saw her, she waved widly in which Evelyn simply nodded her head once in return. Evelyn withdrew her arm and patted Anderson’s arm, “I believe you are in good hands now, Mr. Anderson.”
<@432543120635461643> <@837236610684813342> <@284848346672136192>
Not too far from the jumbled mess of fur and whimpering, Doon quietly lapped up the last remains of a mug of reserve. His golden eye remained on Jax and his companions, obviously eavesdropping on the Shistavanen noises the cluster emitted. He drank down the rest of the drink, then let a soft rumble go from his chest.
He took a step closer towards them, head tilted slightly at the gathering, having witnessed the fall.
“Are you well, Jax?” he spoke in their shared tongue, then repeated it in standard.
The large black Shista was dressed peculiarly. His lower half wore fake inflated legs, and his top half jutted out from the bottom of a fake pair of legs curled up in a Woden cage. Behind the cage was a fake Rancor head, attached to his legs. The whole outfit looked like a disproportionate mini Doon caged and carried around by a Rancor. Inside the cage, he held a now empty cup, with two other small empty ones on the bottom of the box by his fake mini legs. It seemed he could only fit the small size cups into the cage bars.
“Well.. company can be.. nice.” He gently swirled his drink before taking a large sip. He took a few moments to eye Eleceos and his outfit, deciding it would be best to change the subject.
“Did you teach yourself to sing?” He couldn’t think of much else to ask, but this seemed at least appropriate.
“I did. I listened to alot of music, and audio stories as a kid. It was my only real connection to people. I worked to emulate what I heard, and I guess I was born with a decent voice. I haven’t sang much in front of other though.”
Ele took a drink of his drink as well, enjoying the company.
Anders addressed Leema first with a coy smile. “Believe me, my dear. I too rarely take part. Lady Zuza here should accept the title, do you not agree? I do not hand out such respect easily. I am a man from which it must be earned.”
Anders quickly noted he was getting sidetracked thanks to BUDD-E beeping lightly in his ear.
However, it is the festivities. A time for enjoying one’s self, is it not?“
Anders then raised a brow when he felt Evelyn slip out of his arm. Had he hit a nerve? Interesting. The only logical explanation was the use of Mrs, given her late wife. It must still be a sore spot.
"Will you not be joining us, Evelyn?” Anders inquired.
<@216702440140046336> <@432543120635461643>
Jax seemed oblivious to the costume, busy trying to burrow into and under Kobign and also crawl into his lap and straddle him all at the same time. He just heard the words, and barked back in the same way.
“YES! WELL! GOOD GOOD BEST!” He headbutted up under his partner’s chin (oh God Jax watch the horns watch the horns plz bby) and nipped at Kobign’s jaw, just below the ear. Pulling away just long enough to grin ear to ear at his fellow wolf, he added, preening, “Mate here mine, happy.”
Then, turning back to Kobign, and noticing the way the man held himself stiff and how he smelled, he whimpered and found Basic letters again.
“The pants tear off.” He wiggled harder. “Help me out?”
<@244244400488710155>
Zuza waved a hand to Anders’ insistence, shaking her head but amused by it all the same. She didn’t mind the address but it was quite fancy for what she was.
She looked to Evelyn, going to protest the woman’s depature but couldn’t help but notice Evelyn’s posture. She’d been hiding it well yet… there was anger. Upset. At her?
Zuza resisted frowning, asking why but they were strangers. It was strange and perhaps best not to ask right now.
It stalled her from openly asking Evelyn to join them.
Luka had thought of getting the drinks and letting the three of them sort out the awkwardness of a first meeting. However the shout of their ex’s name over the crowd changed their mind. Their wide smile was their mask as they clung to their date, chuckling at his joke. “Sure~ I might need two extra. You ladies need a refill?” They pointed between the two.
“Definitely,” replied Vreva, still with a flat tone. “This Okemi hits pretty hard enough. You’d like it, Lu.” Though she responded to Luka, her golden gaze was fixed on Yeoni. No doubt it was intimidating, to say the least. “Want something different, Diy?” Only then her gaze shifted as the zabrak searched Diyrian’s expression for any discomfort there. Regardless, Vreva would no doubt be kriff-talking the man when the two left the table.
Doon blinked a few times. What did he just say?
He cleared his throat and spoke up. “As fun as I am sure you’d find that, I’d recommend saving it until you’re out from the middle of a carnival. Someone might get the wrong idea of what you’re advertising.” He glanced around, then positioned himself between the duo and the closest group of people to them. Just in case.
“Sorry, Qyreia,” Cora said with some real sympathy then, wincing a bit but smiling sheepish. “Do you need some water?” He seemed dubious about the alcohol’s soothing ability for throat and sinuses.
“Noodles,” Ruka weighed in on the unasked question. “Cause they long and you stuck snortin’ the whole thing unless it breaks. Like when you eat somethin’ with melted cheese and like, a string of it goes down your throat but you still chewing? And just that second of choking panic.”
Typically, he was gesticulating as he spoke, and pointed at Qyreia then with his spiceberry juice.
“Ay! What I tell you? Birds. Trying to kill you.”
Qyreia snorted in a mix of amusement and derision at his phobia joke, even if it was his phobia and not hers. “I’m good, Cor. Rather drown away the chunky sensation in my nose. Not sure if this is better or worse than what the others are up to.”
“What’s that?” Keira asked, sipping at her own drink.
“Truth or dare. The staple source of drama for Arcona.”
Erinyes stood up from her chair between Kerissa and Eevie. “I’m going to see how many more drinks I can peddle to people, but I’ll be back later on for another round. Feel free to grab anything from the stall in the meantime.” <@206692046424113152> <@432543120635461643>
“Bogan and Ashla, ay, my gods,” Ruka groaned at the very thought, as if their Zeltron had invoked a curse. In fact, he dipped his fingers in his drink and sprinkled the table, making a shooing motion. “None of that evil here tonight.”
“It can be…f-un,” Cora started to defend, though he coughed part way through and turned to sipping his mead instead, eyelashes lowering. “And likely less. Ahem. Chunky out your nose.”
“You did get a nice sweater out of one of those games,” Keira intoned. “Couldn’t be all bad.”
“A hoodie,” the Zeltron corrected with a grin to Ruka, “among other things that I got that night.”
Keira leaned over to Cora, whispering into his still purpled ear, “It was friendship; not pregnancy.”
It was the Pantoran’s turn to choke on his drink.
“A sacred hoodie that is hers forever.” Ruka nodded as the reached over and rubbed Cora’s back. “You okay, babe? Wrong pipe?”
Gold eyes squinted at Kiera, an acknowledgement of spousal revenge. “Yes, just a bit. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s okay, Cor.” Qyreia grinned deviously. “You just need some practice with the right pipe.”
Keira bit back a laugh while her Zeltron refreshed their cups. “So. Other than monitoring the shenanigans, what were your plans for this eve? Other than testing your respective gag reflexes.”
Mikhail felt a sense of familiarity with those words. He let out a soft breath, shoulders relaxing as he nods. “I understand. You are talented then, it took me a few years of choir training to become at all confident.”
Somewhere in the vicinity of their sector of the festival the sound of a trilling hoot occured before slipping back into the din of the crowd.
Yeoni let his hand fall to his pocket and just smiled at Luka while they pressed into him. His gaze lifted naturally to the two addressed ladies, catching Vreva’s unrelenting gaze. He made no comment, only shifting slightly in indication that the stare was well noted, a brief reflexive smile.
The other Kiffar glanced over to Vreva, blinking before replying. “I wouldn’t say no,” Diy turned to her long time friend, “whatever they’re willing to make virg, Luks.”
She watched the pair leave before turning and promptly finished off her drink. It wasn’t long till the empty glass found a new home on the picnic table the ladies claimed, Diyrian settling down to straddle one of the benches. A low whistle escaped her followed by a sigh.
“Well…I don’t know, first look?”
After the short walk back to the stall, Erinyes began throwing drinks together and putting them on a hovercart. At least two of everything on the novelty menu, plus virgin versions where possible. A variety of speciality cocktails made from the Kasiya Estates line. Juices. Snacks, ranging from skewers to “dianoga eyes” to quiches to harvest-fresh fruits. All in all, a small mountain of stuff.
Eevie looked over to Kerissa before answering.
“I’ll do another dare.”
“Thank you. I never saw myself as particularly great myself.*
Eleceos continued to nurse his drink.
"What do you like to do for enjoyment?”
“I believe you are in good hands with Ms. Lottson, Mr. Anderson.” Evelyn gave him a kind smile and avoided looking at Zuza.
<@284848346672136192> <@432543120635461643> <@837236610684813342>
As he approached the parade grounds, Thane’s arrival was preceded by the head of a Crystal Raptor by a solid five seconds. The creature swayed with a glow from within and a subtle but consistent whurring noise.
That would be the fan.
The costume—an unfortunate insistence perpetrated by his daughter Keira—was made of a sturdy fabric that was light enough to have its shape maintained by air pressure alone.
Thane glanced down at the false legs of the raptor’s rider as they flopped around with the impact of each step. The Firrerreo could only sigh. The things you do for family, right?
He continued his advance as his black-gold eyes flit around. His mind was sharp and focused, taking in as much as he could amongst the crowd. He disliked crowds. Too many people. But, a promise made is a promise held.
Socorra choked on the piping hot spiced cider upon seeing the ridiculous costume waddle into the grounds, further choking at the familiar Force signature exuding from it. Her jaw dropped.
This isn’t real spice is it? Am I really seeing this?
She dared a half-wave in her sea pirate getup, a friendly hand sign that she normally abstained from ever using.
Cora wheezed again, ears permanently purple now with open talk of gagging. Ruka was opening his mouth to reply to Kiera when that hoot reached his ears. His head whipped around, long green and silvered locs flying, and violet eyes searched the skyline. His head sank down a little towards his shoulders in an unnerved hunch and he pressed closer into the table, as if about to dive underneath it. Except if he did that he’d be abandoning his loved ones to Them.
[Sits still faster.]
“Did you hear that?” the Mirialan demanded, and though he looked, he couldn’t see any birds overhead or in the nearby trees or rooftops. But it was dark out, and there were all the garlands, and the things were probably flocking around the tables for dropped popcorn and food and reeeee.
Cora reached over and took his hand, squeezing. He made a show of closing his eyes as if to extend his senses, searching for anything particularly avian whose will he could nudge.
“I don’t feel anything, Angel. I think it’s alright.”
Ruka grumbled, squeezing back hard, and flipped the hood up on his voluminous cloak. Kiera and Qyreia would barely be able to see him in there, if it weren’t for the brightness of the paints; probably part of the intended effect, really.
“Honestly, we’re not sure. Probably get to bed early if we can help it, once Mela gets home.” He squeed. “From her first date.”
Ruka grumbled more.
Loading a few final bottles and spare glasses on to the cart—you don’t need to take the whole stall with you—Erinyes fiddled with the repulsorlift controls. A soft hum began to issue as the box floated into the air, and the diagnostic panels lit up green. Honestly, it looked less like a “cart” and more like someone had stuck a bridge control console on the side of a floating kitchen island. A hot section for most of the food, a chilled section for most of the drinks… but hey, as a walking advertisement, you could do a lot worse.
Speaking of hot and cold sections, setting the device up was thirsty work. Rather than deplete the cart, Erinyes wandered back behind the bar and began fixing herself a T&T—Zeltron-strength, of course. Food seemed like a nice idea, too. The mini-quiches were calling her name.
Mmm, cheese.
With snack finished and drink in hand, Erinyes nudged her cart into motion and set off down one of the fairground’s wide aisles. They’d done a wonderful job prettying the place up—a military base, of all things, her intelligence file had said. A military base! You never would’ve guessed it by the mood in the air. The festivalgoers spirits were as bright as the colours etched into the soil.
It was nothing like the last time she’d been here. Maybe that was for the best, though.
As the Zeltron’s thoughts meandered back to the present, she spotted an odd couple down the way: a very tall maybe-Nautolan-mixed-with-something-else, and a blue-skinned near-Human with feathers in place of hair. “Evening, friends! Care for some refreshments?”
<@244244163002892288> <@244244400488710155>
Anders was going to protest further, but did not want to appear too pushy. The fact she no longer wanted his company told him all he needed to know.
It indeed, was a sore spot.
He shrugged, offering his now vacant arm to Leema instead. However, his attention was diverted by…
Was that the Deputy Grand Master dressed as a crystal raptor and its rider?
Anders had not had anything to drink yet, had he?
“Buddy… make sure you are recording the events of tonight. I have a feeling it will be entertaining for years to come.”
<@185936112441622529> <@284848346672136192> <@432543120635461643>
What took Anders attention-
Despite the uncomfortable tension that Evelyn held, Zuza’s jaw dropped on seeing Thane. She side glanced Anders, primarily keeping her gaze on the miracle they were witnessing.
“Did.. Is that an illusion? Please tell me its not.”
“If it is, it is an extremely good one. I cannot detect any trace of it being false,” Anders confirmed.
The time was good.
After the ursine shooting gallery, Flyndt won a game involving rings and tossing them over bottlenecks by one point. As they walked to another, he told Foxen about a very different but reminded of game in his tribe that involved sticks and hoops, made from bending and treating a specific type of wood from one species of tree. Arguably, the Nautolan hybrid enjoyed this secret far more than the actual Literally Everything Else going on.
The attendant at the Test of Strength didn’t even look up from their datapad when Foxen rung the bell. They’d taken one glance on approach and gotten out a stuffed animal (why were there so many stuffed toys?) Said attendant gawked however, jaw dropping 5.4 cm, when Flyndt did the same. He full-on leapt and lifted with the hammer roughly half his height, swinging it down as he landed with Force-enhanced strength, and the bell shot up and off the top.
(They stop to recover the object and replace it, the Omwati climbing on top of Foxen’s shoulders and easily screwing loose bolts back into place. The barely-over teenager seems relieved.)
They almost bypass the apple bobbing entirely. It requires wetting of feathers, which Flyndt generally dislikes in public. Also: there is an unequal advantage. However, when he looks over and sees Foxen’s raised brow and smirk, the perfect ease of knowing one is assured victory, those sunset eyes narrow and the beak clacks in challenge.
They bob for apples. Flyndt does get one, through an effort of sheer spite and stubbornness, dripping on his hoodie. Foxen smiles to show him a mouthful of red skinned fruits where all the teeth would be.
Flyndt expouses on the game’s stupidity, and several apples get spat out (subpar quality: disgusting.)
Advantage: offering to duck behind one tent and help dry him off.
- After several more competitions, the amount of plush things is getting unwieldy, but there are no infants and adolescents left present to hand them out to, and very few Erinos Foundlings that could use them. Tajga and Aksel are well accounted for. But then, Flyndt’s stomach grumbles.
Hungry? Foxen asks, cocking his head. Earlier, Flyndt had gaped when he ordered food from a Selenian vendor; Foxen had pointed out that experts in their own local cuisine were sacred, and that he hoped to try Omwati food the proper way, one day. The smile then is small, and stiff, falling, but they still carry on anyway, smiling for one another and agreeing to head in the direction of fried scents.
They did not get all the way there before a hawker called to them in address.
Foxen turns with a hrm, regarding a female Zeltron, 1.75 m, approximately 75-80 kg, dressed in… something. She pushes a cart with ‘refreshments.’ The hybrid looked to his partner, gesturing question. <@244244400488710155>
Leena finished the last bite of her funnel cake, balling up the wrapper and pitching it into a nearby receptacle. Looking up, she blinked at the newcomer, one of her lekku wrapping around the other as she took the Chiss’ arm. She blinked again incredulously and then stared at her drink with an accusatory look. “What in the blue hells did they spike this with?”
She blinked yet again, realizing what she said and started to stammer for a moment, trying to find the words to recover. “Sorry, not blue… I mean… not that blue is…” She moved, positioning herself so that Anderson was between her and the inflatable …whatever that was.
<@837236610684813342>
Zuza snorted, raising her hand to cover her mouth and forcibly stop herself giggling aloud. Once calm she exhaled, looking to Leena after the effort of ripping her eyes away from Thane.
“Hey who knows, maybe they’re purple too.” She smiled, taking another bite of her own funnel cake, “Did you ask for it to be no alcohol? We could get you another.”
“No, no, I don’t…” Leena rambled at Zuza, tilting her head as she looked at the man. If this was to be the kind of …she didn’t even have words for it, but if it was what she could expect for the rest of the festival, then she would definitely need the social lubricant. Maybe more than just a glass. She rubbed her eyes briefly, the folding of that arm bringing herself closer to the Chiss as she did so, bumping her costume headband out of position and irritating her earcones yet again.
“You said there was some sort of apple activity?” She eyed the man in the raptor costume warily, as she adjusted the ears again. “Somewhere…not here?” <@837236610684813342>
The women shared a look, but it was Qyreia that replied with, “Who the kark is Mela?”
“Melissa,” they elaborated at the same time, whom the women would recognize as the couple’s newest “adopted child,” a flighty but sweet Echani young woman that seemed either constantly lost in visions or completely naive to the world but curious to learn about it. Ruka had had visions of her for some time before requesting a week to go and find her a few months previously. He was training her in the Force now, and she’d essentially become part of the family, guarded by even Noga and Leda in their prickly, protective fashion.
The eldest Mirialan didn’t find the remarks that he was becoming “as bad as Atty” particularly amusing.
“Ay! I don’t run around marryin’ people without they permission or being… You know!”
“Creepy and overly personally obsessed?”
“That’s just hurtful. You bein’ hurtful.”
Presently at the table, Cora went on, since Ruka was busy pouting, more or less, “She met a boy at that farmer’s market on Arx a bit back. His name is Draca. He’s quite nice.”
“But he’s attached to a High Inquisitor,” Ruka groused into his juice. If it wasn’t already black in color, his scowl would surely do it. “Don’t mind the kid. Do mind him.”
“We’re going to have them over for dinner,” the Pantoran went on. “Anderson, is his guardian. He is also the Taldryan spy master. He accompanied the Taldryan Consul and Proconsul here today too.”
Ruka grumbled himself face down into the table, the grumpy thing he was.
“Yes, indeed I did. Lady Zuza, would you mind escorting us to the activity, please? May I say, you are both looking marvelous on this fine evening,” Anders commented with a smile. “Perhaps we should grab some food and drinks afterwards whilst we are in the vicinity? There is simply so much to see and do.”
<@432543120635461643>
The Consul blinked. “The Taldryan spymas-… is there anyone else of particular note that’s on my goddamn planet that I should know about?!”
“Qyreia…”
The Zeltron bit back her steam, pausing things with a motion of her hand and took a drink. “Well. I at least vaguely remember Melissa from the Voidbreaker karaoke night.”
Thane offered a downward nod in greeting to Socorra’s half-wave. He didn’t immediately drift over to someone familiar, recalling his daughter’s directive to ‘see the sights’. So, instead, the Deputy Grand Master and his ridiculous outfit advanced further, dodging through the crowd.
‘Dodging’ was the important descriptor there. With the inflatable crystal raptor reaching several feet forward and back thanks to the head and tail, it was a mission requiring focus.
He managed to rotate past a group only to tail whip another. Thane’s frown was his form of apology after he quickly glanced back at the collision before pressing on.
<@141239709291511808>
Ruka picked himself up from his emo Dad-flavored moping to exchange a glance with Corazon at that question. Brows furrowed, and then one of the Mirialan’s rose, and he looked pointedly at her neck while Cora offered, oblivious, “My apologies, Qyreia, I thought you had gotten our report that the Taldryanites responded to our invitation…the Consul and Proconsul are here, Anderson was included in their itinerary as their escort. I believe you’ve met Lady Erinyes when you got the juice? And then Draca himself of course. We didn’t get any formal replies from anyone else, but I do know a ship from Kyataru came into the port registered to a Leeann'shylow? Not a planet I’m familiar with, I’m afraid.”
“And you aquaylo.”
“I think they know her father is here, dear.”
“M’ just sayin’.”
“My grandfather isn’t here, Ru,” she snipped back despite actively trying to be genial. She knew the Mirialan word though. “But no. I didn’t get your message.”
“If it was anytime after this morning,” Keira offered, “then she was busy at home… preparing her costume.”
The Zeltron sighed heavily through her nostrils, memories of work clothes coming off, and a hazy interim of activity before she actually put the black-and-red ensemble on. Ileta had, surprisingly, been fairly easy to get into her outfit.
“Not your grandpapi. Ileta’s. Thane.” The Mirialan made a motion in Kiera’s direction, while Cora seemed to finally catch the implication and blushed all over again.
His sip of mead was loud.
“Ugh, please don’t call him that regardless. Somehow it’ll feed his goddamn ego, and those Council space wizards are bad enough already.”
The cup may not have been sizable, but she still took it down in a single movement of her arm as if to punctuate her point. It was a good segue to try the scotch eggs as a greasy follow up to the sweet honey liquor. Keira kept commentary to herself. It wasn’t the worst thing she’d ever said about that half of her genes, and she was honestly used to the spurts of venting.
It wasn’t as if the pair didn’t know a thing or two about blood not necessarily being family to them or their children, especially on Ruka’s side. They frowned, and Ruka reached over to touch her bare forearm in apology.
“Gotcha. Sorry. Won’t happen again,” he said, Cora nodding. Then as if in offer of reparation, offered his cup, “Wanna try? It’s spicy. Kinda the virgin version of one of the drinks she makes. Or a wine? I dunno what it was. Black booze.”
“Black booze? That sounds… interesting.” She turned to Keira. “Something your dad would like.”
Her expression deadpanned. “Because darkitty-dark?”
“Mhm.”
“Har.”
“You picked me.”
“You guilt-tripped me into it.”
“And you liked it.”
Keira sighed. “Frack, fair point.”
The Consul cast her glace to her Shadow Scion. “And you. You’re fine. I was more trying to be funny but… you know how I get when it comes to who or what I call ‘family’. I get… twitchy.”
“Hi twitchy, I’m twitchy,” Ruka replied with a little toast, setting his drink back down since it wasn’t taken. “Part of why we get along.”
“I tried it and died a little,” Cora offered to Kiera, knowing her interests in food in general. “Lady Erinyes also runs the farm and such of the…grapes? No, it was something else, a crossbreed…they use. Well, point being, you might like talking to her,” gold eyes went to Qyreia, “and you may like her imports.”
Having finished his egg, he delicately folded over the plastic silverware and sipped again at the mead. It was barely three quarters gone, the Pantoran being conservative for good reason.
“Is ‘imports’ a euphemism?” Qyreia asked, actively trying to see if she could get Cora to turn an even darker shade than he was already. It earned her a playful slap on the shoulder from Keira.
“Bad.”
“Oh no, whatever will you do with this bad girl?” Before the reacitons could properly manifest, the Zeltron cleared her throat and sipped innocently at her drink. “Sorry. That… that came out before I realized inside voice wasn’t inside.”
Vreva chuffed and sat down beside Diyrian with her back to the table. She knocked back the last of her drink and set the glass down beside the other. The zabrak seemed to be mulling over her words, a low hum in her chest.
“They’re laying it on pretty thick,” she said finally. She kept her voice low, even though the other two were a distance away. Her yellow gaze followed the two as they approached the drink stalls, then searched the crowd. “Got two of their exploits here - well…” She tilted her head to the side and gave a knowing look to Diy. “Y'know. Luka doesn’t leave the house without a party mask. Not sure if I want to trust it. He’s cute, I guess.”
The zabrak rapped on the picnic table with her fingertips. “So is he a relative of yours? You look like a ghost passed through you.” She gave an airy chuckle.
-
Meanwhile Luka poured over the drink menu as they shifted their weight between their feet. They were in no hurry to return to the table. Though Vreva’s glare had been directed at Yeoni, they had felt her imposing presence in waves of ice water.
“Vreva will learn to like you,” they said with their gaze still on the menu. “But don’t let her worry you, darling. She’s all bark unless you do something very untoward.” They looked over to the Kiffar with a slight grin and bumped him with their hip.
“I ..how could that be…it–” Cora seemed to be fumbling with figuring out imports as dirty in the first place, mental images of shipping containers abound, though he knew what she was getting at and did consequently blush. Ruka pulled slightly at his collar himself when the inside voice thoughts came out, memories inconveniently resurfacing of a camping trip.
Man, juice was just, so good, definitely drinking more.
“If we’re going to play embarrass me all night,” the Pantoran declared with a huff, though he didn’t seem truly offended, only a bit piqued. “Then I am getting myself some funnel cake, and yes, there will be white stuff on it and me resultingly, thank you very much.” He stood up. “Any other takers?”
“Hell to the yes!” Qyreia all but vaulted up, stuffing another fried bacon-egg in her mouth. “Ke-wah? ‘ou wan’ ‘un?”
The half-breed laughed behind a polite hand. “Sure. I doubt we’ll have any leftovers to take home anyway.”
A hurried chew and hard swallow later, Qyreia was smiling gleefully. “Aight. Ruka? You want some white stuff on your face too?”
The Mirialan looked up at her and folded his arms, completely straight (hah) faced when he replied, “I don’t get it in my face, I get it in my mouth. But sure, ay. With cinnamon.”
Cora made a sound of minor death and flapped a hand at Ruka’s shoulder.
The Zeltron winked and wrapped an arm across Cora’s shoulder. “You know, Keira could be the white stuff, I could be the cinnamon.”
“Behave!” Keira barked after her, amused but wanting the topic to change back to something more wholesome. She sighed, offering Ruka a concilliatory look. “She’s a handful tonight.”
There was a comment there about Kiera already having gotten a handful alright. Ruka could hear the joke in his head, in the Zeltron’s voice, snickering to herself. He ignored it, rolling his eyes.
“Yeah,” the Mirialan said instead, smiling back to Kiera. “I’ll take it, ay. It’s nice. Seeing her smile like that again.” They watched their spouses go, and he snorted as he took another contemplative sip. “Hang in there, Cor.”
Of course, the Pantoran was thinking along similar lines, trying gamely for the lewd jokes already specifically for the sake of levity, but that didn’t mean Qyriea wasn’t liable to make him squeak as the two went in search of sweet fried dough.
“To be fair, he started it.” Keira watched him, grinning. “I believe he mentioned something about ‘meat in his mouth’ and it was all downhill from there.”
“He’s trying,” Ruka said, chuckling. With the Zeltron gone for the moment, he arched a brow at the half-Fierroero nope still can’t spell won’t spell. “So. No calling Renatus Ileta’s grandad to her. What about to you?”
“I mean…” She shrugged. “Technically? He is my father, and he does care in his own way, even if she doesn’t see it.” She tucked a loose strand of raven hair behind her ear and relaxed against the table. “I think the strange part is more in calling him grandpa. You don’t call your mother ‘aquayla’ simply because you have children, right?” Her head bobbed meekly, “And sorry if I butchered the pronunciation. I listen when she practices, but it’s still very much a ‘her thing’.”
The war hadn’t been easy for anyone, and it seemed as if that strife hadn’t missed Siv and Bril as well. But if there was one thing she could thank the war for, it was the maturity that cane with it and the chance to be close to Bril again. The chance for her botmun’i to feel like comfort again, for them not to fight every time they talked.
Minnie disappeared and Siv chuckled, watching the ball of sunshine and color disappear to talk to someone else. While the nautolan was gone, Siv just happily people-watched, letting her nerves settle down to a faint hum.
Minnie soon returned with a new face and Siv bowed politely, as formal as she always was. The chiss seemed utterly unbothered by Bril’s horrendous cowboy-inspired nickname.
“Elly.. it’s nice to meet you too. As Minnow mentioned, I’m Sivall or Siv, a medic for Arcona.”
“You didn’t do half bad. Don’t mind it sounding funny, you tryin’ means a lot.” His smile was genuine, if haunted around the eyes for the topic. It fell after a moment. “And no, we ain’t call my mama that. But that’s because she ain’t ever been their mother. If either of them ever had kids, doubt they’d call her aquayla then either for the same reason. I dunno how much Qy ever told you bout what I told her. But that’s why I’m asking. So I know better for you two AND Iletaze. I call mine that though, and so do the kids. But they don’t call Cora’s mom that. She’s not…ehhh…family enough. Still family. Just not there.”
He shrugged.
“But hey. You ever want someone to talk to that gets the parents being shit or just not there stuff…we can…talk? Qy sympathizes kinda, but she’ll never get it. Alayne and Beren blow my mind. They’re great.”
“An angel, more like it. Don’t let her sell herself short. This medic saved my brother’s life.” Minnie lightly elbowed the Chiss, and tiptoed to kiss next to her cheek, but not touching the makeup. “And we love her bunches. Is there anything y'all–” she shot Bril a warning look, as if mad he was saying it now too, but in a drawl, “wanna do? Games, food, drinks?”
Elly looked down upon the Chiss woman, studying her makeup and getup as a whole. “A medic? You must’ve seen your share of action then,” she commented, sorta fumbling her way through the conversation a bit, seeming hella awkward. She cleared her throat. “What do you prefer to be called?” The lawyer asked Siv, trying her bestest to be polite.
“Well, I was just wandering around, so I don’t really have any big ideas,” Elly responded to Minnow next. “I’ve never been to a costume party like this before,” she admitted, a small amount of shame in her voice for the lack of social life.
“Of course. As you might imagine, I’m good at listening. Though,” she pointed out with her cup on the cusp of her lip, “I was strictly speaking linguistically when I asked about the grandma thing. Just to clarify.”
“So Cor,” Qyreia began hesitantly, “are you guys… okay? I know we’re all on edge after this latest fiasco, but you seem… extra nice? Accommodating? You don’t usually partake in the dirty humor.”
“I reckon we could mosey on over to one of them drank stalls and have us one'r'three,” chimed Bril, while gesturing toward one of the stalls where alcohol was being served.
“Just Siv is fine, or anything else you want to call me.” A soft smile spread on the medic’s lips as she pushed away the conversation with Cora about her name.
“And yes, alcohol sounds good. I saw Mr. Jax with a pumpkin shaped drink earlier? I want to try it.”
Canchi relaxed pretty fast, seemingly content that Jax was alright and settled pressed against Kobign’s side. His tongue lolled with every clumsy pet and ear rub the hybrid gave him around his master. And when those ceased with the man’s distractions, the cythraul ears perked up, amber eyes watching their surroundings as he panted.
“Okay, yes, I’m here, hi,” Kobign responded to what very little he could make out from the fast paced yipping, muffled occasionally with Jax’s nuzzling.
It…really wasn’t helping his brain recalibrate from noting the man’s clothes, but the reek of alcohol off his breath did. Like a snap his thoughts took a hard shift, his chest tightening as he swallowed. The tall hybrid attempting to wiggle under and on top of him put him in an easy position to lock the man’s legs with his own, quieting half of him as he continued liberally giving Kob affection. He stopped himself short from gripping the back of his neck, uncertain if the act would help or not right now. A exasperated ‘Irian’ escaping under his breath. “Sir.”
Somehow over all of this, Kobign noted the sound of his canine going absolutely silent. He glanced behind him to catch Canchi sitting up slightly, his gaze locked on something with iron focus. Learning not to ignore such alertness, the half-Selenian tilted his head back just in time to see a massive costumed Rancor with a disproportionate Shistavanen looming over them, oriented sideways from their prone position. He recognized the man from the Voidbreaker, back when he would visit Jax there but remembering a name was a bit difficult right now – he flexed his thighs in his gentle restraint, his fiance still aggressively affectionate. Kobign could only guess what they were conversing, thank the gods someone remembered basic. .
“Hey there, he should be fine, drank–”
A headbutt interrupted him and he bit his tongue, just the tip. The nip that followed had him jumping where he laid. Both of his hands, flesh and cybernetic, ripped themselves free to hold Jax’s cheeks, widen hazel gaze locking with lidded blue eyes. That teasing information tidbit following after.
Sweetmotherofallspaceshits, Irian!
“Aye,” Kobign coughed twice and gave the full-blooded Shista a nod of thanks, both for the comment and repositioning. He turned back to Jax and weaseled his way out of the tangle of limbs, getting his own legs back under him while one hand locked wrists with his husband – keeping contact with. “Let’s worry about getting home first. Come on, Lieu–hun, up we go.”
<@244244163002892288>
The Omwati certainly did not notice the address at first, it blended into the various chatter and hollers of the more excitable young adults about. Foxen pivoting to the sound pulled Flyndt away from his idle thoughts, gaze flicking up to meet his before craning to see a pink woman looking their direction. It took a second for him to registered what was on the cart she had. When it did his crest rose slightly and a small curious hoo escaped him. He had not thought these vendors would be mobile. Flyndt adjusted the Allquiróna plushie – a Selenian four legged sea mammal he already had a plush of but this one was bigger and pink? – under his arm one handedly, refusing to remove his bare green hand from the Nautolan’s gloved one, a glove that was more a sleeve for his larger palm with all the sections for fingers and knuckles removed.
“Sure, it may be…cool,” the avian trilled, shifting in the direction of the woman. His crimson crest raised as he gave a small smile upon approach. “Hello, you said have refresh mints?”
<@645466919415054357>
Was it a pun? A misunderstanding? Either way, the Zeltron rolled with it. “We have a minty drink that’s quite refreshing, yes! Although, that one is pretty strong, so it’s not to everyone’s taste. We also have other refresh-drinks and a variety of hot and cold refresh-snacks.”
Erinyes made sure the holo-menu was lit up, then popped open the cart’s doors to reveal its contents. Besides the rows of cocktails, mocktails, and obviously non-alcoholic-and-non-mocktail drinks, there were two large compartments—one hot, one cold—containing different types of vittles. The warm compartment featured savoury sausage rolls (decorated to look like a half-unwrapped mummy, in keeping with the festival’s theme), skewers with chunks of meat and long beans coated in delectable-smelling red spices, and miniature pies filled with a mixture of eggs, cheese, and chunks of vegetables.
The cold compartment, meanwhile, contained ✨ produce ✨: apples, pears, grapes, and plums of unfamiliar varieties, a sweet-smelling yellow-spotted fruit that looked like an apple if apples were Foxen-sized, something that looked like a bright yellow tomato, and bunches of dark red-purple berries. And no meilooruns, or any similar melon, for that matter.
“Please, let me know if anything catches your eye.”
While the pair browsed, Erinyes took a sip from her flask.
<@244244163002892288>
“Absolutely. And thank you!” Zuza flexed, her foam armour looking far more impressive than her arm muscles did (Zig would disagree) but a moment later thr Human started walking toward the apple bobbing.
“There’s stalls everywhere so I wouldn’t worry about finding food and drink.” She announced as she led the little group along. She glanced back for Evelyn but the woman had stated disinterest and.. didn’t like her for whatever reason. She wasn’t surprised to see the Siren Squad pilot had remained behind.
<@837236610684813342> <@284848346672136192>
“Ah,” Ruka’s expression was harder to read thanks to the distraction of the bright paint, but with enough study one could see his body language grew awkward again. “My bad. Went right to the culture side.” He shrugged a bit. “And I guess I more just meant…if you wanted to talk about your parents, you can too. Don’t just mean ranting to you.”
Meanwhile, on the way to one of many booths that smelled of deep fried everything, from dough to cookies to slices of cheesecake and water, the red and blue pair strolled. Cora turned a soft, if embarrassed, smile at the question.
“Ah, you’ve caught me. We’re– well, as well as can be, given another war. But this,” he gestured daintily between them, “is more…yes, accommodating.” His brows covered by the paint, squinched. “Doing things ‘my way’ so to speak didn’t really work very well, however well-intentioned…I know you felt bought even if that wasn’t even a thought in my mind so much as spa day! So…I am trying to go a little more your way. At least tonight.” The Pantoran fiddled with his cuffs, smoothed his shirt and cloak folds. “Even if it is…lewd.”
“Ooooh, that sounds great! Yaaaas Jaxxie get dat pumpy spice. Wonder if Kobbydobs came…” Jax hadn’t said so in their group chat, but he had asked Minnie’s opinion of his outfit plans a few weeks back, whew. “Alrighty, then! Drinks? And we can just relax a bit!” She linked arms with Bril on one side then offered the other to Elly, grinning at the Near-Human. “Heeeey, no shame now! That just means we gotta make your first time awesome, don’t we, gorgeous? C'mon!”
<@301514304845381632> <@1056685516441006091> <@264959101384130560>
After leaving children at the sleepover and making sure that they are safe there, but also that their creatures wouldn’t make any troubles, Archian came back to the party.
He found a stand from his home planet which was selling mead made and sold with agreement and licenced by Arx. The quiet, elderly Shistavanen Monk was sitting behind the stand at the small chair, reading a small book “The guide to the Arx - for old and unsure.”
When he saw a familiar Arconian coming to the stand, put the book away, and reached for the bucket. Archian was aware of the bucket rule around Ruka, and quickly shaked head to the Monk and pointed at the large mug. Elderly Shistavanen didn’t argue, but turned on the tap with mead, and passed the filled to the edge mug to Archian. Red tried a little mead with tongue, and with satisfaction sat down at the bench provided by Monk and focused at slow sipping of the drink.
The Half-Selenian’s efforts of sheer will and determination were rewarded with a long whine the moment he achieved any space between them in standing upright again; a whine couched slightly by the tight hold on his wrist. Wide black eyes fell half-lidded at the gentle order, a whimper falling next while the oversized mutant hybrid went pliant, as if he’d gone half syrup from that grip on his wrist where the massive amounts of alcohol had not been able to still him.
“Yessir,” Jax yipped back, ears perking back forward in focus from their affection bend. A purr throbbed in his chest and words. He followed Kobign’s tug, trying to leap to his feat, to show how well and good he was listening.
Well. He tried. He really did.
But two cups of wine from sampling with Evelyn and eight novelty cocktails later, it just wasn’t happening, even for a wolfman his size.
Legs going out, Jax sharply listed and flopped right back down, only barely not taking Kobign with him as Canchi, the Goodest Boy, lunged forward to grab his master’s pants in his teeth and pull back. A yelp escaped the man as his cybernetic forced the limb to twist awkwardly, nevermind the wide-eyed look of shock, nausea, and fear that briefly stole over his features.
- Really it wasn’t all that disastrous (even if the man’s personal scale for DISASTER involved limb loss, buildings collapsing, explosive decompression, and total heat/radiation annihilation), likely a pulled muscle and strained ligaments, some minor tearing and abrasions around where the cybernetic connected just below his canid knee. And yet, Jax looked instantly and irreparably devastated.
Ears pinned backwards to the skull. Barely-blue eyes flooded with tears. A mournful, hiccuping howl rose in his throat only to sputter with every hitch of breath.
“I’m– s-s-sor-ree,” he whimpered to Kobign, staring up at his mate like he’d disappear any second, “I didn– mean– to– I’ll be b-bet-t-t-er, don– dun l-eef me.”
Whether he was apologizing for his failure at standing or for getting so drunk it was a problem in the first place was not clear. The man scrabbled to try and get up again, but only succeeded in wobbling and swaying in circles with the spinning of his head.
<@244244400488710155> <@160141735354171394>
You didn’t buy Sithspit because all you did was sideline the real issue. Qyreia hid the thought behind a sigh. Be good. Don’t aggravate. Don’t punch his noble blue nose into his face.
“Don’t force yourself to do things you don’t want,” she replied almost flatly, her tone lost in a gray space between concern and irritation. “Or didn’t you hear me telling Shay that you shouldn’t force fun?”
“We get along, Ruka, but I think I’ll leave the family rants to my Red Qek.” Keira offered a consoling smile to show there were no hard feelings over the matter. “How are Noga and Leda doing, by the way? They only tell us so much when they visit or babysit, and you know how disappointed Qyreia was to hear that Leda’d abandoned her Zeltron crush for… Carr was it?”
Corazon’s smile fell, and his slumping shoulders worked well to ease out of the arm she’d originally looped around his back with such gusto.
“I… I’m just trying to…” He frowned now, and the empath could distinctly detect the sudden downturn of dashed hopes. “I thought we were having a bit of fun for once. I’m fully capable of adventuring well out of my comforts to participate in something my loved ones do enjoy, and enjoy it with them. Why is it that you’ve got that look like you want to hit me for that?”
–
Ruka shrugged and lifted his drink to the half hazelnut chocolate. “Fair ‘nuff.” It wasn’t as though he was all that keen on confiding the same sort of things with anyone else. He looked surprised though at the last. “Carr? I mean, they friends, him and her and Noga, but she ain’t said anything about him that way. Kinda wonder sometimes, but she hasn’t said anything. Neither of them have.”
He took another spicy sip, humming, and almost scratched at his painted cheek before catching himself. He scowled at his hand, face twitching, but dropped it again.
“They’re…okay. They’re doing good in they school. They tell us things, they watch out for they friends and for Mela and Siv, they’re kriffing…such good kids. Just starting to feel like they’re gonna be getting away from us pretty soon. They asked to come run all this,” he gestured around. “Be chaperones. I’m getting worried they caught too much of my crap. Ours, the Brotherhood’s– I dunno. But the daily stuff…good.” He raised a brow. “I still don’t really get why Qy’s so down about the thing?”
Despite not being a question, it curled up like one, as if hoping for some expert insights.
He took a long drink after that question, the subtle burn edging away the tense muscles he felt. He set the drink down and hung his head slightly. “I.. enjoy making things. Artificery. Playing a piano and.. relaxing in silence.”
“Siv works for me” Elly nodded to the Chiss woman. She turned to Minnow and quickly agreed “Drinks and relaxing sound perfect right about now” she was rather anxious already and could use some liquid courage to ease her mind.
Very awkwardly she locked her arm with Minnie’s, having to bend a bit in order to do so. “This is weird.” She stated. <@1056685516441006091> <@264959101384130560>
“Because as much as she tries to keep everyone at arm’s length, she love Noga and Leda both and wants the best for them.” Keira stared into the starry sky, searching for the right words. “And in a weird way, she felt like she did a good thing for Leda on Zeltros beyond just finding a doctor for her transition. Like she was part of their life beyond just her connection to you.”
It was crazy sometimes to think how much she really knew about the Zeltron. Not just because they were married, or had been together for years now. There were couples out there in the galaxy that were an item for decades and still hadn’t figured each other out. But Qyreia just seemed so obvious to her. Yet for every time she thought that, it was tempered by the knowledge that the Red Qek kept most all of it locked away from anyone else.
“It’s really hard to tell anymore when she wants you close or is trying to push you away.”
—-
“I want to hit you for the same reasons I usually do.”
Her lips pressed together. Goddammit, I let that leave my head again. Frack!
“Cora… Kark. Do you really wanna know?”
“My gods,” Ruka gasped, staring at Kiera with the sudden desperation of hearing someone else saying exactly what they’re feeling, “it really is.”
He sighed then, long and hard.
“She is part of their life,” his tone grew soft. He joined her looking up. “But I know you can’t just tell stuff like that…maybe something else will give her that feeling again.”
“Please,” the Pantoran plead, painted brows furrowing. They had reached the stall, but he sidestepped out of line, gesturing them to a quiet spot. “I do want to know. I want us to actually be able to be a fa… apologies, to be closer. Or if that isn’t something that’s possible to fix or you don’t want to, just…at least let’s both know why.”
“A little, maybe,” Minnie laughed and winked. “Sorry, I should give ya the tall guy, huh? Here.” The tiny Nautolan quickly released arms and then darted over, taking Siv’s free one instead and leaving Elly and Bril to link up in their little daisy chain. “Girl you wouldn’t believe the neck aches I get! Okie. Let’s find us some drinks!”
Altogether the little yellow spitfire bustled them towards some stalls serving food and drinks. There were several tables around still free, though some had been left pretty sticky from the families in the daytime. With a skeptic waitress’s eye, Minnie eventually decided the only decent one was already half occupied. Would they mind?
“Excuse us,” she called to the two people chatting, a Miraluka and a man in a dope crystal costume. “Hai! Is it okie if we sit here too?”
As she got closer though, the humid Selenian air gave a hint of some serious and heavy emotions along her headtails. Oh, heck, she’d interrupted a moment.
<@301514304845381632> <@1056685516441006091> <@264959101384130560> <@160141735354171394> <@206692046424113152>
Eleceos smiled at the mention of the Arkanians’ interests.
“Creating things, and the piano. That is actually really beautiful.”
Hearing the comment about silence, it was only too understandable from Ele’s perspective.
“I can definitely understand your preference to relaxing in silence. Sometimes I just need to…be away from everything and decompress.*
Seeing the newcomers, Ele gave a friendly smile.
“I am not opposed, but out of respect for my friend here, I shall allow him to set the stage.*
“I’ll take your word for it,” Yeoni chuckled. He stepped closer to the human and leaned in slightly to join the reading of the menu, his hand coming to rest lightly against their back. After a short moment he spoke again, his baritone voice hushed in the close proximity, a conversation of their own apart from all the festivities.
“It sounds like you’ve known Vreva for a long while,” he paused, looking up from the list, “I don’t want to rob her the question of how you met, but perhaps you know of what cuisine she may enjoy? On me of course.”
A dark eyebrow rose at first while Diy listened to Vreva. It quickly came apparent whom she thought was ‘laying it down’ when the “exploits” were mentioned. Luka. The faux-Zelosian leaned sideways against the table, running her fingers gently through her curls, sighing. She hummed lightly, trying think the last time she’s caught them really opening up. Their chat about the apartment avoidance? “That’s true as kark.”
Diy shifted as the talk turned to herself, propping a leg up on the bench and hugging it loosely. A shrug. “Don’t know, couldn’t tell you if we’ve ever knew each other either. I can’t remember a thing before my teenage years, since before…”
Diy gave a small wince of a smile and huffed, redirecting, “Eh, I was too busy lookin’ for some recognition that I didn’t want to see. Distances myself from the Kiffar stuff and any I’ve met recently weren’t all to familiar with the Grivna clan.”
Escorted by Lady Zuza, both Anders and Leema were escorted to the apple bobbing. For some odd reason, the apples seemed rather suggestively shaped round and plush like…
He shrugged. It was probably just his imagination, right?
“So, ladies first? Or would you both prefer I take the first go?” Anders asked courteously.
<@284848346672136192> <@432543120635461643>
Flyndt listened as his sunset gaze naturally flicked towards the lit up menu, any play on words or puns were missed on him. After a short moment of scanning some of the aurebesh scrawled there, he lost focus with the reading and turned instead to investigating the wares themselves.
His eyes naturally migrated towards the various fruits, noting especially the round purple-red plums and berries, and the large yellow spotted fruit. The Omwati shifted to the warmer variety. The sausages were odd but the skewers, those got his feathered crest raising. It was something he recognized the shape of, familiar and undoubtedly he would enjoy. He was equally curious of what looked like an egg pastry of sorts, not too unlike something smaller Foxen had made.
His stomach rumbled again.
“Hrmm.” There were too many choices. Flyndt glanced up at his partner briefly in an attempt to read his judgement of what was there. While waiting, he shifted focus back to the minty suggestion of the vendor that sounded like a challenge, ‘pretty strong’ and ‘not to everyone’s taste.’ Mint had become a favorite of his, especially in sparkling beverages.
“I would like to try this minty drink? Do you brew it yourself?” He asked with a small smile, genuinely curious of crafters.
<@244244163002892288>
“I work with the people who do. As I understand it, they soak mint leaves in strong alcohol for several months, then add a sugar syrup to sweeten it. There’s a lot of alcohol in the finished drink, but if you’d prefer something virgin, maybe we can improvise?” She tapped her chin with her finger and inspected the cart, looking for ideas.
After a moment, she grabbed a bottle of a clear liqueur from inside the refigerated portion of the cart and poured two fingers’ worth into a tall glass. Then she took a spare skewer and held it in the grill long enough for the wood to catch fire. Holding both the glass of highly alcoholic sugar syrup and the burning brand at arm’s length, in a move that was entirely safe and could only end well, she inserted the skewer into the glass and–
Wait. She could use the Force for this.
The glass and still-burning skewer floated another arm’s length away from the Zeltron’s face, and only then did she touch the flame to the surface of the mint liqueur. The action sent a blue-orange jet of flame shooting out of the mouth of the glass with a pop, startling several nearby fairegoers, and causing a few others to applaud at the display.
It would be a dishonor to not try it the proper way. Flyndt shook his head at the offer to alter it, “I would not mind it as is.”
Feathered brows rose as the Omwati watched the woman prepare what he assumed was the aforementioned drink, thoroughly curious at the odd burning of wood and waited to see what she intended to do. Red plumage rose when the glass and skewer floated before his eyes. Oh, another Force adherent!
And then there was flames hungrily roaring to life, licking at the sky wanting. An audible hoot escaped Flyndt as his eyes widened at the display, an initial mix of surprise and awe and bewilderment – why the suns would one set a drink on fire?! Seconds later he blinked and twisted his head, more than seemed natural for a near-human, to check on the Nautolan hybrid behind him. The Omwati shifted slightly to be more between him and the flame, a subtle quiet and protective barrier.
<@244244163002892288>
After a moment, Erinyes’ eyes widened in slight alarm, and she winced at the scorched edge of a nearby tent awning. Her hands flew out in motions that were absolutely those of a skilled Force-user, not those of someone panicking at their own poor decisions. A side plate flew off the cart and clamped down on the improvised flamethrower, holding it firmly in place to snuff the fire out.
Then, she heard the Omwati’s response.
“Oh, uh, well. In that case, let’s try something a little less… exciting.”
She gestured for the now-extinguished drink to land on the ground beside the cart. Once it had safely settled, the Zeltron retrieved the same bottle of clear liqueur from inside the cart, along with a short glass into which she poured the minty spirit, like a normal person. After the addition of a few ice cubes, she held the drink out for the bird-man. “Here, try this instead.”
<@244244163002892288>
“You can go first.”
Zuza wanted clear eyes for this. She looked to Buddy, hoping the droid would record.
BUDD-E hopped onto Zuza’s shoulder, seemingly taunting Anders with a series of condescending beeps and boops.
“You do not think I can achieve victory?” Anders scoffed at his droid. He removed his top hat, passing it to Zuza, then removed his monocle and passed it over to Leema along with his Ruby Scepter.
“Watch and learn.”
Anders dipped his head in the water with the confidence of a man who ‘got dis’. However, he was not prepared for how difficult the task actually was. The apples kept avoiding his mouth, the gush of apple-flavoured water filling his sense of taste.
He lifted his head up, wiping the water from his face. Without looking at anyone, he declared.
“I am going to try again.”
Zuza had whispered as soon as Anders dipped his head, tilting her head toward Buddy, “Record this and send it to me and Draca yeah?”
And then enjoyed the show of one of the most uptight people she knew bobbing for apples and was stifling giggles by the end.
“You’ve got this Anders!” She cheered.
Anders rolled his eyes and their cheering. He was a Sith. A High Inquisitor. Of course he had this.
Last time was a practice. That’s all.
He shoved his head into the water again, and by some miracle, or perhaps skill, an apple floated in front of his mouth. He sunk his teeth into it like a snake hunting vermin and lifted his head out of the water.
He dropped the apple into his hand before giving it to Zuza.
“There. Its just a matter of learning the space. That is all. Miss Leema, would you care to go next?”
Anders’ tone presented a challenge. The question was, would Leema accept and could she do better?
<@284848346672136192>
Catch his eye something did.
Though, watching Flyndt and his every twitch/coo/head tilt/lean towards various interesting things on the cart: not intended instruction.
Hmm.
He turned his attention away, but briefly, since the hand was still holding his and the point of contact would be enough for about 46.8 seconds of perusal.
Once he was paying attention though, Foxen began closely assessing the display. First up wasn’t even the contents, but the cart: the inlaid and lit up menu was mildly obnoxious but convenient of function; the separate hot and cool compartments, whose temperature differentials he could both see from air humidifying/steaming and feel at a distance of 0.2 m when they drew closer and he held his other hand out testingly, were obviously well insulated and regulated.
Hmm. Approved.
Also: many drinks. No broken glass, arrangement well-displayed, variety wide. The female had showmanship, even down to her mobile bar. Approved.
The decoration of the sausage rolls, while the kind of novel that Jax enjoyed, was frankly amateur plaiting at best, lost of definition and only three-strand, unindentical. The meat smelled well-seaseoned, though, with sage and yrtloe. So too the nerf skewers and their cumin cayenne and whatever that other spice was that he would need to inquire; the color suggested it might be the unfamiliar berries. And the miniature quiches were…adequate. Too pale color, but decent crimping; likely a press. He could see cheese, however. A shame since his bird had been looking at them.
He looked next to the frigid compartment, starting with the other one that had interested Flyndt: fruits. It was all adequate. Fresh enough, for however long and wherever she had imported from to achieve this festival. Those plums, would they be sweet enough for Flyndt?
- He reached out and plucked one up while the Zeltron began pouring mint liqueur. Bit in. Blinked once.
Pleasant, zesty, tart. Sour. Unfortunate again. Flyndt had looked longest at them. Then there was the golden berries, and the largest other fruit with its yellow speckling. The apples and pears would be fine. The dark berries were curious. He took small sampling bites of each, cataloguing and documenting mentally, then picked up another of the speckled ones.
Hmm.
Red eyes unblinking still caught the goings on. He noted the female moving to light the alcohol in display, and his gaze clocked to his home, lips pulling at the edges up in anticipation of reaction. Surely Flyndt would enjoy the flame.
Damn. He’s errored. Should’ve flambéed something for the bird by now.
The display becomes hazard in -.03 seconds, however, with addition of floating and over large amount of high proof liquid and skewer in shaped tall flute glass. He can imagine what Jax would have to say. Flame shoots towards a tent, and Flyndt hoots in delight/surprise.
…then twists to look at him, stepping in front/blocking. Protecting.
His smile grows wider, and his broken voice hums, cracks from overuse.
Thank you, O.K. he signs to the Omwati while the female goes and hides her sleight of hand/chemistry shame by smothering flame with mind magic. She is a clumsy presenter, or perhaps partaking of her own wares. However: her implements are solid quality, and her produce acceptable.
And her show made Flyndt do a happy noise.
Points.
While the female prepared a new drink, he offered the Omwati an adoring look and the speckled fruit.
Those are sour, he pointed at the plums, and the quiches have melted cheese. When Foxen had first fingerspelled that word for him, Flyndt had pronounced it as quickie, and the Nautolan had had to stomp down some thoughts quickly.
Then he looked to the producer.
Where is your product from?
<@645466919415054357> <@244244400488710155>
Erinyes saw the tall Nautolan inspecting her wares, the critical eye and the small tastes of each. He was clearly very picky discerning about his craft. She could respect that; it had taken years of experimentation to develop her personal blend of tsiraki. Some of that time had even been actual development, with mixology experts and everything, instead of just “taste testing”.
She blinked for a moment when she saw the Nautolan sign. There she was with one of the tutors Great-Aunt Estalle had arranged for, many years ago. Nobody will even notice you watching, they’d told her. You can learn a lot by being overlooked.
Easy for them to say. They never had to live with it.
She snapped back to the present when the Nautolan turned to address her. It took a moment for the stuck-from-disuse gears to parse his question, and another for her to form an answer.
K-A-S-I-Y-A. C-A-E-L-U-S system. A pause. Talk O-K? Sign R-U-S-T-Y.
<@244244400488710155>
Leena watched as the Chiss shook off the water, the scent ofapple heavy in the fine droplets. “I suppose someone has to go next.” She stepped forward, picking an apple out, targeting it in her mind. Placing a hand on either side of the basin, she took a deep breath and lunged forward. The chill of the water was bracing, the sensation of liquid up her nose, in her eyes took her by surprise, her plan going sideways as the apple she had planned on getting bobbed away almost mockingly. Feeling another one of the fruits grazing her cheek, Leena turned her head suddenly, setting her teeth into the flesh and rearing back upright.
She smiled, her teeth meeting to drop the apple, sans a bite, into her waiting hand. It was sweet, if waterlogged, but the cool crisp texture was welcome, despite the damp. Looking back at Anderson and Zuza, she raised an eyebrow. Drying her face with her sleeve, the whiskers drawn on her face as part of the simple costume smearing. “That leaves you, <@432543120635461643> …”
Pierced brows arched at the slow and hesitant hand movements, like stumbling over words.
The people knowing his language were growing on trees these days. What had happened in the last five years. Social revolution?
O.K. he said to her, and then, I can hear you. You don’t have to sign. Have been to that system, Flyndt wouldn’t know the sign for it yet, and no need to spell when pronoun would work. But not recently. 7 years 4 months last. Don’t recall these berries or your company. New?
“Thanks. It’s, uh, been a long time since I’ve used sign.” In fact, she still had to focus intently on the Nautolan’s hands—feeling a little bad for not looking him in the eye—and take a moment to turn the signs over in her head before she felt like she understood. “I think the spiceberry farmers formed their co-op about… four or five years ago? They never really got their crops on to the market before that.
"My company is a little over two years old. We started off as a distillery and winery, which meant growing our own fruit, then looking into food pairings and finding out more about local agriculture, and… well, one thing led to another.”
Mikhail looked up at the aproaching ground. It looked like they needed a table, and he and Eleceos were taking up one. Part of him wanted to surrender the table to them, and move elsewhere, but instead he found himself gesturing the to seats around. “Be my guest. Plenty of chairs to go around, at least there should be.” He swayed one way, then blinked at the drink he was holding.
The Arkaninan softly hmms and takes another long drink, finishing it off. He turns his attention to the newcommers, crystal orbs scanning them each over. There appearead to be an.. Interesting bunch.
<@206692046424113152>
“Hey, thankies, hons!” Minnie chirped, beaming at them and sitting down on one side. She patted the seat next to her for whoever would claim it. “I like your costumes! You’re a dog? And… hmmmmmmMMM let me guess. Um. Crystal space pirate? Steampunk magician? So cool. I’m Bar'bie! He’s just Ken. But you can call us Minnow and Bril. And that’s Elly and Siv. I don’t wanna explain their costumes for them though!”
<@216702440140046336> <@1056685516441006091> <@206692046424113152> <@160141735354171394> <@301514304845381632> <@264959101384130560>
Spiceberry. That had to be the dark ones that were so eponymously full of heat.
A considering croak rumbled from the Nautolan hybrid. He said, You are understanding well. Then, I would be interested in hearing more about the farming/ranching practices and of your acquisitions and production. Might be willing to invest. If he likes your products. A nod indicated the bird between them awaiting his first drink.
<@244244400488710155>
“I’m sure your costumes look amazing! I am an unemployed guide dog. But you can call me Eleceos.”
“Unemploy– ohmigawd,” the tiny Nautolan started to burst out in giggles but clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, kark, is that rude? Geez I dunno!”
“Meowdy, partners!” exclaimed Bril as they approached the table with the two strangers. Content to allow Minnow to warm up to her new friend, Elly, Bril took a seat next to his lora
“It'sa pleasure to meet ya both.” He tipped his hat to Mikhail and Eleceos.
The corner of Mikhail’s lip twitches as he reached up towards his face. His fingers brushed the smooth crystal surface along his neck, following it up until his palm blocks most of the glow from his cheek. He watches as a droplet of his drink falls down the edge of the glass, slowly shrinking in size until it meets the table and vanishes into the wooden surface.
“It is nice to meet you all as well.” He spoke mostly towards the table
Siv happily followed along her group of old and new friends, taking her place at the table. However, her eyes caught on Mikhail and stuck for a moment, sanguine eyes watching as the man’s fingers brushed along the crystals.
Crystals she knew well. Crystals she skinned off of her arm.
A soft frown filled her features and the chiss adjusted in her seat, her left hand moving to remove the thick glove off of her right. Black fabric gave way to a patchwork marbling of pale blue scars, clustered worse at the fingers and becoming less scarce the further up her hand and arm it spanned.
She drew no further attention to it, but hoped it was a silent support of the man. A reassurance she knew what those crystals felt like, of how they burned at the nerves like the surface of a sun. He wasn’t alone.
“I’m Siv. A pleasure, for sure.”
Elly sat down with the lil group and joined the two strangers, “As she said, my name is Ellisyn, and I guess I’m dressed up as a devil.”
The lawyer vaguely recognized the Arkanian from when he sold her daughter a knife. The individual sitting beside him was unknown, But she got a good chuckle when he said his costume.
“Welcome to the table Siv. You ad well Elly. I hope you are all having fun at this festival.”
Ele could feel the good feelings from they newcomers, and he tried to not get overly happy, especially to not overwhelm Mikhail.
“Why’d you pause? What? Be a family?” Her flash of frustration seemed oddly more hostile with her false fangs. “I think you and I both know why that will never work.”
——
A twitch of disturbance poked at Keira’s consciousness, and she cast a glance toward the food stalls their spouses had gone off to. While she couldn’t make out exactly where they were, she could at least see that they weren’t in the food line.
She sighed, casting a look at Ruka. “I think our partners are at it again.”
“Yes, be a family.” Cora met her gaze. He just looked sad and resigned towards her literally bared fangs. “How isn’t that what we are? All of us? We love each other. We choose each other. Protect each other. You love our children, and they love you both as well they can. All of us would do anything for Ileta. We share meals, we’ve got clothes in each other’s apartments, baby toys, holo nights– we share stresses and dreams and hopes– there’s only one thing we don’t. And it’s not even his heart. He loves you, too.” He sighed. “So why, Qyreia? I really want to know. Please tell me.”
-
Pulled from the starscape, the Mirialan followed her gaze, turning his attention back to his own bond with his partner. The emotions there weren’t blaring neon embarrassment and bright happiness anymore.
“Ay, mierda.” He glanced back. “What you think? Let ‘em have it?”
“So long as they don’t get violent; and I think we’re fairly safe on that account.” Another sigh. “Truth or dare might have been safer.”
——
“Because nothing ever gets resolved with you. Either of you.” Qyreia stepped left then right, pacing without changing position. “Frack, all I did was ask if you were okay, and it’s become this Sithspit all over again.”
“And I answered you that I was okay,” the Pantoran replied levelly. “Embarrassed, and a tad uncomfortable, but okay making the effort for you. But that irritated you somehow. I don’t understand. Help me to. What’s unresolved?”
Between the apologies already made and the multiple attempts at peacemaking personally between all their joint family time, he genuinely seemed at a loss for where to go from here or how far back to search for a wrong.
-
“Throw a stone. We could find a game,” Ruka muttered, and rubbed at his brow. His fingers came back with paint. “Oh, kriff.”
Keira cast a glance upward and saw the light smearing. “Woops. You… want any help with that?”
She offered a napkin for his hands at least. Fixing the face makeup would be another matter. Not impossible though. And there was always the face painting stall.
“Took a second for me to realize you were talking about that and not the fight going on.”
——
Qyreia pinched the bridge of her nose. “The problems I have with you aren’t going to get solved tonight, much less standing in the dark by a food stand.” She turned back toward the line, waving him and the argument off. “Do with that what you like.”
“I just feel…well, sadness, from Cor,” he sighed, accepting the napkin to wipe his fingers. “Not any punches flying. He’s got a compact on him still, we can touch it up when they back. Thanks though.”
-
Corazon exhaled softly, but agreed, “Alright, Qyreia.” He stepped after her, and they got back into line.
After a few shuffling steps forward in durasteel thick silence, the Pantoran spoke only to ask, “Who is buying what?”
Qyreia sighed. “I dunno, Cor. Something fried and covered in sugar. I honestly didn’t think I’d be in a goddamn mood tonight, so I just want comfort food now.”
Fortunately there was plenty of that. In particular were the large, pancake shaped fried discs of dough showered with cinnamon and granulated sugar. A couple of those for her, and one for Keira.
“And some of the fruit pastries,” she told the vendor, managing at least a polite tone despite the lingering frustration that radiated from her. Credits changed hands and she waited off to the side, as much for her food and for Cora to collect his things.
It wasn’t the spirit in which he’d meant the question, but the action answered it all the same. The Pantoran quietly waited for Qyreia to finish and step aside before he stepped up and conversing in a pleasant tone, asking the vendor about their day and their shift, complimenting braids and ribbons. He got some fried cinnamon and sugar sticks and an extra plate of funnel cake as well. And one of the fried cookies, for the novelty.
Then he joined the Zeltron.
“Me too,” he commented, nodding back at the stall. “On the comfort food part. At least it’s readily available.” A pause, in which his nerves were revealed by the way he pointe-toed in place. “I’m sorry. For what it is worth.”
“I don’t even know what you’re apologizing for.” The vamipress tore into one of her fried ‘ears’ almost as a venting mechanism. “What do you want from me, Cora?”
“Well, currently, for tripping into putting you in a mood, somehow.” He threw up his hands, though on the prim Pantoran, that particular gesture looked more like shooing off a baby bird or a buzzing fly. Still, it was one he’d gotten from Ruka. “I just told you what I want. But we’re not solving it tonight. So now I would just like to commiserate our bad bloody moods, stuff our faces with these, and maybe still have a nice time.”
If it hadn’t been for the way Siv rolled up her sleeve, Minnie might not have connected the dots as to the slight discomfort with their arrival Mikhail seemed to show despite his kind words. She’d just assumed he wasn’t vibing a bunch of strangers crashing in, and duh! Who wouldn’t? Some folks were just more introverts NOT looking for an extrovert to adopt them.
But Siv did roll up her sleeves, and the gal never showed skin if she could help it normally, nevermind her arms these days, for Reasons. Good ones. Ones that made Minnie want to get her rifle and burn through a blockade.
Seafoam eyes darted between Siv’s scars, then to Mikhail’s face, and she realized her mistake like a punch in the teeth.
Not a costume.
Crap crap frak on a stick she needed to apologize! But drawing more attention to it could be worse! Maybe she could talk to him later, ask for just a sec? Or just leave him alone? Her thoughts raced, flying through various social possibilities while Elly and Eleceos talked.
“–um, yeah! Having fun. Just got here a bit ago really, we were gonna grab drinks, maybe play some games? Is what you’re having good?” The little Nautolan latched on to the topic, launched like a conversational javelin, and smiled, trying to put out as many good vibes as possible.
<@206692046424113152> <@160141735354171394> <@264959101384130560> <@301514304845381632> <@1056685516441006091>
“I want to commiserate about as much as I need the people around me making themselves uncomfortable just to try and cheer me up.”
She took another tear out of her food, spotting the picnic table with their spouses and their heads already turned their way.
“And kark me if they haven’t been listening in.”
Oh, dear. Bril recognized that face as much as he did his own. The masked look of panic coupled with her headtails going pink meant that Minnow was embarrassed … very embarrassed. His eyes charted the same course that hers had, first looking to Sivall’s arm before looking to Mikhail, eyes lingering on the former for a moment before he coughed and decided to cut in to spare his Nautolan of embarrassing herself further.
“Games’re a good idea, Miss Minnow. Nah, I reckon we should play that, er …” he snapped his fingers a few times while pretending to search for the name. “Let’s play that ‘Would'ja Rather’ game over a round of dranks. Sound good?”
“Indeed,” he observed, deciding not to try any further on the previous topic. “But only because they care. Annnnd because we can’t really help it.” He said we like he was speaking here not of just the three Force Users, but also Qyreia and her empathy. “At least they probably won’t ask and just make us feel better. Shall we?”
He offered the arm that wasn’t holding two stacked plates of fried glory.
“What do you say, Lady Zuza. Do you think you can grab an apple faster than our dear Leema?” Anders asked, a cocktail grin adorning his face.
<@432543120635461643>
“That sounds great! If y'all wanna play?” She looked to the table, relieved by Bril’s suggestion.
Even if he said DRANKS.
“We had so much fun the last time we played a drinking game together-“ even if I did learn more than I ever wanted to about botmun’i “-I agree it would be great.”
“Would you rather?” Ellisyn pondered. Seemed like a quick and easy way to get to know people and potentially embarrass herself “Sounds fun, I’m up for it if you all are”
The response was an instant deadpan expression, one cheek puffed with fried dough. What might have come off as just a crass continuation of the argument was rectified at least someone when she motioned with her arms to indicate the goods she was carefully balancing in them. Her refusal was simply because she didn’t have the room. It was a good enough excuse, at least.
“The conquering heroes return,” Keira said as they got closer, not quite sure what to make of the situation.
“Wif lotsh of loot.” The Zeltron stepped ahead of Cora to lay out her haul, taking the opportunity to finish her bite. “I take no blame for your waistline.”
“Given what I make at home, I wouldn’t expect you to.”
“I got you cimettaze you don’t have to make for once,” Cora said, smiling to the pair as he set down the cinnamon sugar sticks for Ruka. The smaller plate with the fried chocolate and cream cookie was nudged towards the center. “I don’t know if you’ve had these before or not, Kiera, but it might be a new thing? If not, oh well, still tasty.”
Then he sat back down next to Ruka and began trying valiantly to eat funnel cake without getting aforementioned white stuff everywhere. In full black clothing. As they sat, gold eyes glanced at his husband, only catching the disruption of paint the second or third look. “Oh! What happened?”
“Touched my face,” groaned the Mirialan in obvious defeat. “All day we made it and my nose has itched so much and aaaah.”
“Yeah!” Minnie chirped. “I can explain! Do you two wanna play too?” She looked up the pair.
<@160141735354171394> <@206692046424113152>
Ele gave a brief **glance* towards Mikhail, hoping to.make sure he wasn’t getting overwhelmed or negative reaction before answering.*
“If all are in agreement of the game, then sure. I wouldn’t mind taking part.”
“Hmmm maybe.”
Zuza took the challenge to heart evidently, taking in a deep and slow breath before diving her face into the water. Her hands gripped the edge of the barrel, lifting slightly off of her feet to get full reach. The Arconan was quick and that helped in allowing her to chomp into one of the apples quickly enough, the shape wasn’t that difficult to get a hold after all if you knew what you were doing.
Resurfacing with the apple in mouth, Zuza cheered for a moment before removing the fruit and taking a bite from it.
“Was I faster?”
She leaned her head to the side, squeezing her hair with her free hand to release the water.
<@284848346672136192>
“Reasons I don’t do full face makeup for anything anymore,” Keira chuckled, offering a little more lightheartedness into the mix while she cast a look at her wife. ‘Okay, what happened?’
Qyreia all but glared at her in the midst of cheeks stuffed with pastry. ‘I don’t want to talk about it.’
The Force user his her exasperated sigh behind her lingering laughter, picking up one of the fruit-filled confections and taking a bite. “Sho…” She paused, politely finishing her bite. “So, what did you two have planned other than keeping us company and Ruka worrying over the gathered audience of the festival?”
“What did you do it for before?” Cora seemed immediately intrigued by the cosmetics topic, and no small bit searching for some lighter conversation to ease them back in. He was dabbing his mouth of powdered sugar and digging into a purse that appeared out of those large robes, drawing out not a makeup compact but a paint pallete. He opened it up, and Ruka turned towards him without a word, mid-munch of fried cinnamon goodness, closing his eyes. Cora licked a thumb, then dabbed at the smeared spot, cleaning it up before he got out a tiny brush. “And like we said… No real plans. Sort of on the job as it were. But I might like to go back by the petting zoo again before we leave. They’re so cute.”
“They are.” Keira cast a glance at her spouse. “Even if we didn’t get to see most of it courtesy of a small child.”
“Hey, Shay saw plenty. Not my fault you all hung around in one place while me an Vai gave her the grand tour.”
“And Cora. He was with you too.”
“Yes, Cora too.” Qyreia cast a glance at the pale woman. “But the child was the focus for me.”
“Fair.”
“She tells the story better, anyway,” Luka replied with a dismissing wave. “As for favorite cuisine - anything spicy. She likes her food to fight back.”
They trailed a finger down the menu list. “There’s a curry that may suffice.” Bold red lettering warned that the meal was ‘HOT’.
“I prefer my meal on the savory side,” they added as they looked to Yeoni with a raised brow and coy smile.
Vreva nodded in understanding. “Not good memories if you remember them at all, I imagine. Well, hey - new memories or whatever.” Her attempt to sound comforting didn’t sound the best to herself.
She leaned in closer. “If it makes you feel better… I’m more suspicious of Luka, here. The guy seems… nice, I guess. And if he isn’t, I’m not either.” She gave a wry smile, then turned her gaze to watch as the other two returned. Her expression returned to her own mask of indifference.
“Shay was very cute seeing them all too,” Cora said, his tongue poking out in concentration as he went silent for few seconds applying one layer of paint, repairing the base coat. “I was a tad distracted carrying little Barsali. But it was a success. So maybe we can go back, if nothing catches fire or explodes.”
He picked another color and leaned up, blowing on the wet spot to dry it faster. Ruka’s face tried to scrunch.
“Sorry to keep you from seeing too much, K,” the Mirialan spoke up. “I got distracted with tater tot.”
Zae’s muzzle rose in the air as she sniffed. He’s here somewhere but she’ll leave him be. They already met up and now it was time for her to try to get along with others before officially moving into the Voidbreakers. Her ears flattened against the base of her skull for a moment as she remembered Doon’s warning for her not to harm people that isn’t harming her or others. Her nose secreted at the strong aromas of the festival as she licked over her nose to groom for a moment. It was strong here. Loud.
And it bothered her.
With a low growl to herself and a twitch of the tail, she continued to explore. Her ears rotated in different directions as her movements were careful. She overheard of a table about to play games. Her ears twitched in interest though she hesitated for a moment. That bright Nautolan was high pitched and had shrilling vocal cords.
Make friends. Not food.
“Got room for another?”
Minnie turned and saw an gorgeous Shistavanen standing a bit away, ears bent a little and the skin around her nose pinched like she might be uncomfortable. Too many noises and smells, if she had to guess. She’d nearly knocked Jaxxie unconscious a few times growing up with a hug and a bad perfume choice…
“Hiya!” she waved to the newcomer, signing absently as she spoke. “Sure, hey, why not? More the merrier! C'mon! I’m Minnow, and this is Bril, Siv, Elly, Eleceos, and Mikhail. Your coat is really pretty!”
Mikhail was easily overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of everyone, and a Shistavanen woman who also sat down. His eyes darted around the table, as he sucked in a deep breath. He grasped the empty glass infront of him and tilted it to the side slightly.
“I will play.. if there are drinks supplied.”
The movement to remove a glove was not lost on him. He spent a few seconds staring into those scars, lips twitching towards a frown before he broke and looked away, incidentally staring towards Zae. He was lost in thought for a few moments, eyes focused on the star like pinpoints in her fur.
“As is proper.”
A sliver of motherly pride broke through the Zeltron’s crust. “Yeah. She’s a cutie.” She looked at her cup, refilled it, and drank; almost as if one smooth motion. “Speaking of,” she said thickly as if still swallowing, “haven’t you mentioned before doing a roundabout version of what me and Keira did?”
A paintbrush fumbled mid air, as did a bite of cinnamon sugar artery death. Ruka opened his eyes and looked over, briefly, before his gaze fell away. Cora just stared straight on, gave a soft sigh, and went back to painting.
“Yeah,” the Mirialan said, and shrugged. “We were planning it, but…things changed. Hasn’t been a good time.”
“Too much going on,” Cora affirmed, voice too light, dipping his brush again. He paused, seeming to notice something, and reached for Ruka’s hair. “Oh, did we get paint in here?”
But when a blue thumb rubbed at the strand, the white didn’t crumble off; it was just another gray. The Pantoran huffed a strained chuckle.
“Oh, Angel. You’ve got another one I swear you didn’t this morning.”
Ruka just groan-grunted and dropped his snack back to his plate.
“Ruka getting grays?” Keira sniggered into her cup. “Oh no.”
Qyreia seemed to ignore that aspect, taking a more serious turn of the conversation. “There’s no such thing as a ‘good time’. Only good time is sooner rather than too late.”
The Force user gave her red lady a look, but much as she derided the sober turn of the conversation — however briefly — she wasn’t wrong. “Yeah. That… was oddly enough one of the big deciding factors.”
Eleceos leaned forward and held out a hand towards Mikhail.
“I’ll go grab you another drink.”
With a smile, he offered the Arkanian his assistance.
Zae looked at the bright yellow lady before looking at the hooded robe she was wearing. This was a coat? She gave Minnie a small nod in thanks.
“Zae.” She sat down at the table.
“We know,” Ruka sighed, not seeming to understand the sniggering and hunching a little at it. He drummed one finger against the table, and finally, with a few last strokes, Cora made a noise that seemed to mean you’re good, you can move now. “And it’s good you guys did. Cause Ileta is the best damn thing. And there ain’t no such thing as a good time. There’s just…worse ones.”
Cora’s paint pallete clicked close, and he tucked his things back away, returning to a more proper seated position.
“We decided,” he began, and Ruka shot him a look of alarm, hands raising in a no don’t sort of motion, one that an answering golden look quelled. The Pantoran turned back to the women. “We decided not to proceed until our duties to the Clan are done. And perhaps not then, depending upon wherever we all are. Noga and Leda are growing up. Melissa is finding her feet. It’s too much. We can’t do it all.”
‘Don’t say it,’ Keira chided preemptively in her lover’s mind.
‘I wasn’t gonna!’ The Zeltron refilled her cup, finally taking her time with enjoying its bouquet while she contemplated her response. “You were going to have Cora’s sister carry, if I remember right?”
“Oh? Would you move her to Selen, or would you all be disappearing to Kiast for a while?”
“Angie offered, yes,” Cora said. “We’d likely have to go back, as her work is there, and she wouldn’t stop a day sooner than she needed to. But…” Another shared look.
“Noga and Leda wouldn’t be happy there again,” Ruka commented, staring off a ways. “They’d do it, but they’d be enduring it, y'know? And we don’t…want that for them.”
“It’s going to be extremely disruptive either way.”
“And we got two great kids. We don’t need more.”
Mikhail blinked, looking away from the stary fur to hand over his glass. “Thank you, Eleceos. I appreciate it.” Despite drinking, his throat was quite dry as he spoke.
After handing the glass off, he ran his fingers through his hair, combing it back before idly tracing the crystal back down his neck. “How does one go about starting this game? I have not really.. participated in similar.”
Eleceos took the glass from Mikhail, as well as his own and made his way over to the bar again. Ordering the same drinks again, the Miraluka waited for a few moments as the drinks were made, then made his way back to the table to give his new friend.
Doon let out a relieved sigh. At least the worst of it was avoided. Now though he had to deal with a large drunk Jax. Something about his behavior was familiar. The black wolf recalled the first time he got into the ships Grog well, and Jax’s behavior wasn’t too far off from his drunken shame. Though, he at least kept what clothes he had on at the time.
Doon suck both arms through the slots in the cage, bending the wooden planks outward to fit his biceps. He held a paw down to both of them, offering them a steady (for the most part) hand to stand with. “Come on. On your feet, then you can march off somewhere quiet if you’d like. I’m sure there’s a nice peaceful forest nearby somewhere” his dry tone jest was supported by a toothy smirk.
BUDD-E beeped on Zuza’s shoulder. As it turned out, the little droid had timed them both whilst recording.
They both tied, whilst Anders was the slowest.
The Chiss scoffed, folding his arms across his chest as he rolled his eyes.
“Show offs…” He muttered under his breath.
Zuza grinned, offering a fist out to Leena <@284848346672136192> for a fist bump while simultaneously commenting.
“Some folk are just better with their mouths than others.”
There was a certain mischief in the Human’s gaze.
BUDD-E seemed to taunt Anders from Zuza’s shoulder.
“Oh, be quiet, you.”
If droids could laugh, then that was what BUDD-E was doing right there.
Zuza grinned at the Droid.
Leena chuckled at the droid, taking another bite of the apple. Idle thoughts crept in, her violet eyes locking on the BD unit’s chassis. It would be all too easy. Just a little push, a little bit of work and those fine wires and circuits could have actual life. She took a short breath. It was almost too addictive, the art. Zuza looked at her and she snapped back to reality. The moral and ethical considerations aside, if she so much as touched the Force here, they would all know. They’d feel her. And friendly enough as they seemed outwardly, she had no way of knowing how they would react to her, to where she was from, what she was capable of. For frell’s sake, the Chiss was a High Inquisitor.
“So…” She took a deep breath, forcing a smile, hoping that her unease was not immediately obvious. “What’s next?”
<@432543120635461643> <@837236610684813342>
Mikhail nodded in thanks, then held the glass with both hands, close to his chest on the table.
Cassandra raised her glass of tsiraki, and took a sip as she watched everyone silently from afar. It was a strange time, that was certain, but watching in the shadows…she could only nod and approve.
Kob nearly stumbled backwards with the less than steadying tug by his cythraul companion. The motions of all three involved forced him to release the hybrid man’s wrist. He twisted to look at Canchi who, uncertain on what to do, had grabbed up the pumpkin cup and was stepping between them – somehow not tripping the half-Selenian up in the process.
When he looked back to his husband, his face dropped. That hiccuping whine cut into him but more so did the broken up and slurred ‘don’t leave me.’ Kobign swallowed before crouching, a hand guiding Canchi to the side, and reaching out to gently massage Jax’s arm. His cyberhand reached out to brush a stray ginger lock out of his face.
“I’m not going anywhere. It’s okay,” he smiled to reassure, his synthetic thumb stoking that furred cheek lightly. It was very evident that his partner was suffering from vertigo and unsteadiness. Simply helping him walk home was not going to cut it. Kob withdrew his hand and let his other slide down the length of Jax’s arm until he snagged the big man’s own in his, giving it a light peck. “Why don’t you sit here and I’ll call a speeder cab for us, okay?”
The half-Selenian let that sink in before rising and stepping behind Jax, letting him lean against his legs. He pulled out a comm device between petting redbrown hair and sent a call to a service he’s used before for Zyanya and Ollin after the Selenian woman overexerted her aging bones while helping Marelai with gardening. Ollin was disappointed about cutting short hanging out with Maxzain. Kobign smiled shortly to himself, a bittersweet memory now to file away. He pocketed the device and shifted his attention to the familiar black Shistavanen, still carding through Jax’s hair.
“Hey, thank you for coming to check on him and, well, the help. I’ve seen you before on the Voidbreaker. Kobign Settgré, sir, good to formerly meet you.” A metallic hand covered in a translucent glove was offered out to be shaken.
<@160141735354171394>
The verbal reassurances and pets were like flipping a switch on the – we cannot stress enough – very drunk wolfman. Jax’s active crying died away instantly into a whine at the first touch, and then even that hiccuping soothed further into hard purrs when his hand was kissed and his hair was stroked over.
“Okay, love,” he yipped to the simple sit here instruction, happy to be doing something well. (He was sitting there very hard, after all). Sit while mate called. Wait hadn’t there been something about going into the forest? Yes yes yesyesgoodmmyes. Cab to forest. He leaned back into Kobign’s bracing legs in a clingy sprawl, winding his one arm between them and up around one thigh, his face turning to nuzzle affectionately at the inside of it. Forest and no pants and then home with ade and pumpkin and gourd to be home, very good.
At shuffling movements, nearly black blue eyes cracked back open, fixing on the motions above them (for once) and following the hand that his partner extended with laser focus. One eye narrowed at the rancor-Shistavanen male, watching, a warning rumble stoked in Jax’s chest. To Doon’s ears, it was a very clear: careful, mine.
Once Eleceos came back with another drink for Mikhail and Minnie got some for the others, she settled back down and clapped her hands together for everyone’s attention.
“Okie! Great question, Mikki! No worries, okie? Everybody’s never played something! But that’s another game. Would You Rather is a pretty easy one. It’s meant to facilitate conversation and help you get to know each other in sillier ways! Or whatever, you could do questions that are like, gross or sexy or stuff. But it’s just meant for fun. We take turns asking questions and everyone answers! If we want to do drinks too, we can just incorporate it. Like, every other round, we all drink. Or every time everyone picks the same option, we all drink. Stuff like that. But we can also just drink when we want or not at all. Okie?”
Seafoam eyes looked to each participant, gauging understanding, before she smiled and hoped in her seat, giving a cheer.
“Oya! Alright! I’ll go first so you pretty people have an example. Would you raaaaather…hmm. Oh! Would you rather be turned into a mynock, OR have to act like a mynock to every new person you met?”
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Eleceos gave a slight chuckle at the ridiculous but funny question.
“You know, most people think mynocks are this gross pest of a creature, but like all life, they are beautiful. That being said, I’m quite happy being me, so I would go with acting like a mynock when I first meet someone. If they can’t accept me at my worst, they don’t deserve me at my best.”
Minnie snapped her fingers rapidly in a sort of applause. “Yaaaasss, babes, that is the spirit! Self! Love! And! Acceptance! Tho c'mon me acting like a mynock would still be me at my best, I’m adorable.”
She demonstrated her impression, sticking her hands up at her sides and wiggling them, baring her tiny razor teeth and miming chomping.
“Waaaah, I’m ruining your hyperdrive’s coolant system for the third time this month waaaah!”
Ellisyn raised a brow. That was definitely a question, something her daughter would love to answer.
“I’ll have to agree with them” She pointed to Elecos “It’s not like I’m any better at introductions than a mynock anyway.”
She quietly giggled at yet another energitic display from Minnie. She certainly was a ball of energy.
Eleceos could make out Millie’s form and her iradiance of neon pinks and yellows. It was a pleasant assault on his Force senses.
“Can confirm, she is,” chimed Bril, who was chuckling madly by the end of Minnie’s mynock impression. She was definitely speaking from experience on that one. “Something tells me that if I went with the first option, I’d end up on the bad end of a broom with this one around. So, I’ll go with impersonating one.”
And, without missing a beat, he did his best attempt at a mynock that somehow maintained the same accent he’d been speaking with this entire time. “I’d have a little mynock hat, too.”
Minnie choked on her drink, reaching over the table to swat playfully at the Zabrak. “Stoooooohhhp.”
Siv was quiet for a moment, pondering minnie’s question. “I’d probably go for the acting like a mynock. I’ve done much more embarrassing things. I think I could live with that.”
“I’m starting to think,” Minnie hiccuped as she finished coughing, her first drink going down hard while she laughed, “that I shoulda said like, something cozier. Like, a t–” she stumbled but recovered, with a glance at Siv, “a puppy or something, yanno? I’d totally be down for that. Sleep whenever and just be cute and get lovin’s and pay no bills, amirite?”
“I’m dressed like a dog today….does that count?”
Zae glared at Minnie then her eyes shifted over to Eleceos.
Minnie had started to laugh-groan, when she caught sight of the frankly bloodthirsty glare Zae was sending her way then the Miraluka’s way that he couldn’t see.
Oh crap.
Best to just jump on the grenade and own it.
“Uh, shit, sorry! I bet he didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t mean it like that. My bad, Zae. Is there better language we can use for you when talking about canine animals?”
Mikhail frowned. To become an energy sucking bat creature, or to act like one infront of people. “They both have their… silver linings. If I meet very few new people, I won’t have to behave like that. Or I could negate the embarrassment and just accept Mynock.” He took a long sip from his drink, grimacing slightly at the situation with Zae. “I would.. Accept Mynock. Suck down some energy in a safe nook or cranny.”
Ellisyn drummed her fingers on the table, feeling extremely awkward now with Zae glaring at the people she had just met. She could get it to an extent, having been teased for her more animalistic tendencies before but she knew it was nothing close to what Zae must experience
“It’s fine.” Zae shifted her glare away as she looked around at the party, ears rotating at different sounds. She knows there are canine pets and she knew what Minnie meant.
These people get spooked so easily.
Ele could sense the aggression coming off Zae. He felt bad for any I’ll feeling he may have caused.
“Zae, I’m not sure if I’ve upset you, but I do apologize.”
“Well, uh…” The Nautolan rallied to recover. Everyone else had answered. “What about you, Zae? Mynock or acting?”
Flyndt’s nose wrinkled just below where the mauve birthmark touched the bridge of it. A faint look of disappointment and mild disgust at the cheese and sour plums, ‘O.K.’ He took the speckled fruit almost bigger than his hand with a dip of his head. He sniffed it, noting the sweet smelling scent it had before sinking his beak into the thin skin. Juice wet his tattooed lips as flavor bursted over his speckled tongue.
“Mmm, this is very good. What call it?” He said around his bare green palm as he chewed, accepting the prepared beverage from the Zeltron afterwards, “Thank you.”
Another sniff, this time of the clear liquid and ice. It smelt strong, really strong, but not enough to deter the avian. The first sip was small – there was nothing more disrespectful than spewing a drink or food offered. It was much sweeter than he had imagine with the stench, a heavy mint explosion cutting through it, richer than the bubbly infused water Foxen made. Flyndt took another deeper drink before nodding and passing the cup to Foxen, ice clinking against the glass.
It was then that he noted Foxen signing. As he started to interpret, he caught the woman responding back, albeit slowly and with a great deal of spelling much like he had early into learning. He smiled lightly and caged the newly develop habit of translating unless asked to if confusion occured. Instead, he listened and watched while digging into more of the sweet spotted fruit, the places and words such as ‘Kasiya, Caelus system’ and ‘distillery’ going over his head.
<@645466919415054357>
Sensing the tension, Bril saw his opportunity to interject. “Naw, naw, let’s all let bygones be bygones and continue this here game!”
“You did not.” The Shista said honestly towards Eleceos. It was more of the environment and the overwhelming of her senses that was irritating her.
Zae considered the question for a moment. The answer would be neither obviously but if she had to choose… She doesn’t like meeting new people and destroying things on the fly could be fun.
“Mynock.”
“Why be a Mynock?” Elly spoke up, wanting to hopefully get Zae to open up more
Zae shrugged, “Destroying fun.”
Erinyes turned to Flyndt. “The local name for it translates as ‘sand pear’, I think because the texture is rougher than the other pears they grow. The other kind of local pear has a texture more like an apple. Which is… a little confusing if you’re used to off-world varieties. How are you liking it, though? The Mari—the local nomads—make a cordial out of both kinds of pears, like the mint one.”
She mused for a moment. “Come to think of it, we’re holding a food expo on Kasiya in a couple of weeks. If you’d like to see more of the local culture, I"m sure we can arrange something.”
<@244244163002892288>
“Destruction can certainly be fun. Is that the only reason, though? Certainly you could destroy much more in your current state”
Minnie was watching Zae closely now, though also getting the feeling they were all piling on her with good intentions and probably too much attention, oops…and noticed the long pauses between her speaking. The short phrases, only a word or three.
Just like Tolly.
At least, back when she’d still gotten to hear him talk.
“Oh,” she said softly to herself, and then, “oh, hey, gais, let’s not make her talk too much! I think I hear a sore throat there. Don’t worry, Zae! You can still play! We’ll just do like this! One,” she held up one finger, “or two!”
The other went up, like flashing a peace sign.
“That way you don’t have to strain your voice just to play with us!” She smiled, hoping her guess was right. Even if she felt something in her gut, a feeling could be wrong. She could be projecting onto the Shistavanen woman. Then Minnie threw a wink to Elly. “Good question tho, Ellybelle! That’s the spirit of the game!”
Elly very quickly zipped her lips, sighing internally. Just her luck, she tries to socialize and just ends up making someone uncomfortable.
When Flyndt passed him the drink, having still left half, the Nautolan’s chest fluttered. His soft, near silent hum was a lost thing to the fairground noise, but a brush of fingers spoke appreciation.
He caught Flyndt’s gaze before lifting the cup to his lips over the same place his bird had and drinking. There are thoughts for this: that the alcohol is overpowering the rest of the beverage, preventing it from truly shining, a heavy pour perhaps. But they are secondary to the bittersweet action of this sharing, as he offers the cup back to Flyndt, when there is suitable pause in conversation with the Zeltron/munching of fruit to allow it.
Rightly, the Zeltron asks Flyndt how he is appreciating the food– points, lady. Racking them up. Given it’s nearly ¾ths consumed already, including seeded core, Foxen felt it a safe sample of ‘good,’ but awaited his home’s formal judgement.
The sound of a food expo is…intriguing. He smiles at the thought of them going.
However.
- The space the mind made for Just Happiness tonight shifts over, and Mission reminds of priorities. These little daily things are allowable, indulgences of mutual joys and wants permitted within parameters. They accompany the healing, which is necessary for mission function. They are Good Things. Just Good. Inventory: hikes, lazy mornings, sparring, stories, cooking, touches, the farmer’s market as a day trip, this festival the same, the list goes on.
A dedicated trip to another system just to see produce and browse culinary fellowship, however…is excessive. Selfish.
The joy, safety, and love he feels with Flyndt is. Beyond measure. Enjoying it while pursuing Mission: Find Gaile is okay.
Being distracted from Mission is not.
How can he ask Flyndt to go on a vacation when his brother is missing and he misses his real home and is sad and anxious and battling grief and sensation of failure? No. He cannot have that.
First: find Gaile. Then: if Flyndt wanted to spend more time before leaving, then, he can ask. And find more sand apples, maybe.
But these are suppositions. The question is, in a sideways manner, being asked of them now. Foxen sets his thoughts to quiet, and turns to look down at the Omwati, head titling in silent question towards the woman and her offer.
<@244244400488710155> <@645466919415054357>
“Is that so?” Yeoni chuckled and leaned in, hovering close to Luka for a moment. He nodded at the menu, the playful mirth under his velvety tone, “Two mini quiches and sweet potatoes, beets fries then.”
A few minutes later, the pair returned with a lent tray each to carry four various drinks, two trays of curry after confirming Diy liked the spice as well, two mini quiches and side of fries to share. Diyrian gave Vreva a relieved smile, just as glad the Zabrak wasn’t really interested into digging farther, and turned to greet the returning couple.
“Ay, thanks! Wasn’t expectin’ food too.”
“Luka mentioned the two of you liked hot food and considering we hadn’t eaten yet thought you might want something too,” the Kiffar man explained;with a smile as he passed out the aforementioned curry. “No worries if our assumption was wrong.”
He settled down on a bench beside Luka and opposite of the ladies, taking a second to arrange his drink and their own tray before them. He sipped the pale orange cider from its mug as they all settled.
“Well you’re not wrong, really thanks, you two. ” The faux-Zelosian sampled the curry, which struck a happy place switch in her brain and eased the nerves a bit. She took another bite before washing it down with spiceberry juice and breaking into conversation first. Control the awkward by controlling the convo, right? “So…Yeo, Luks said you two met at a cafe? What do you do, like for work?” .
“Mm,” Yeo finished a eating a fry and chewing – questions always being asked mid eating. With a quick wipe off of his hands on a napkin, he turned his attention to Diy. “Yes, we did, though I like to think the most notable meeting was grabbing drinks later. Actually having a conversation, you know? As for work, I am a pathologist currently employed with the Estle City Medical Center.”
“Ah, cool.” What the hell was a pathologist?
“How about you? Luka mentioned the three of you having related government jobs, which I understand comes with confidentiality so feel free to spare me the details.”
“Yes, well, I’m a pilot with the Armed Forces and also work with a humanitarian relief group occasionally,” Diy replied, hugging her drink in hand casually.
“Well… why don’t I go next.”
Ele began to think of a question to ask the group, taking a drink before he spoke.
“Would you rather never hear your loved ones voice again but see them every day, or never see them again, but hear their voice everyday.”
The first question had been a funny one, but he wanted to go deeper. While he didn’t **see* what everyone else did, he could still see the ones he loved.*
“That’s…a little heavy,” Minnie hedged, thinking she’d maybe need to work out some guidelines. “I should make an addendum anyone can pass on an answer if they don’t like it! But! I actually will take this one, Eleceos. To share a little bit.”
Shifting back somewhat so as many of them could easily look at her as possible, she started signing fully while she spoke.
“My big brother raised me. He’s mute, or non-speaking, whatever you want to call it. So we communicate this way in my family, with signing. He can still speak, very quietly, sometimes. But it has gotten harder for him, and sometimes it’s worse than others. About six years ago now, he went missing on a mission. We thought he was never coming back, but then he did. I don’t remember what his voice sounded like anymore. I haven’t heard it in too long, and I might not hear it again. But that’s okay, because I have him. I don’t need to hear his voice; he has a voice. He talks. We speak with our hands, in our language, and people he loves have learned to speak how he does. I think that’s beautiful. There are lots of different ways people perceive the world. I’m sure yours is pretty different to us, Ele! But this is one of mine.”
She smiled when she was done, and settled forward again.
“I think that was a beautiful answer. Obviously, as Miraluka have no eyes, sound is incredibly important to our methods of communication. The Sight I get through the Force…I would sacrifice it to never lose the sounds of the world around me. I think the fact that we all experience the world around us so differently is one of the most amazing things in this galaxy. Thank you for your thoughtful answer Minnie. I do hope my question, deep and…emotionally charged as it may be…was not felt to be an attack or harsh towards anyone.”
Ele gave Minnie a bow as he responded to her. He moved his head to meet the gaze of everyone at the table as he spoke.
“If anyone doesn’t feel comfortable answering, feel free to not do so. I do apologize for the…heaviness of the question.”
“Mm, I do like it, good flavor and, uh, texture,” Flyndt trilled.
The Mari, a nomad tribe local to her home? His gaze lowered to the sand pear. There was curiosity in learning of another nomadic tribe and their culture, something he would not have considered much thought outside of Omwat before meeting Foxen, Minnie, Jax, Bril, Karran, the Shistavanen kiddoes of Archian…but there was also a heavy feeling that sunk onto his shoulders. That dark longing sadness for home, a rinder of time passed and things missing and gone. His hand brushed back against Foxen’s as the liqueur glass was returned and it became the shape of a bowl in his mind passed from long bony and wrinkly old hands with watchful greying eyes beneath the dusty plumage of an elder.
Yet the glass held not opaque pinkish brew but clear nose curling sweetness. The scent along enough for him to refocus on the invitation. He did not know what an ‘expo’ was, but there was context enough in the words he reformed around it.
“Hrmm.”
Sunset irises looked up to meet sanguine, a large black and tendril covered head tilted in question, waiting. There was, in terms the Nautolan would use, a seventy percent belief his partner would enjoy going to a gathering around food. Not for the people themselves maybe, although the way his hands shaped around explaining local cultural cuisine may prove differently, but at least the produce and goods. Cooking was a passion, an action that healed and gave the hybrid such liberty and space. There was nothing he enjoyed more, save quiet moments listening to his heart and breath, than watching him in the kitchen.
Yes. Maybe it was taking time away from the search, but he could work harder around it. He wanted…
He wanted to take him somewhere enjoyable too. Foxen deserved that for himself.
“I am interested, if do not mind, and if you are?” Flyndt shifted his gaze to Erinyes than back to Foxen, checking with him.
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Red eyes widened slightly in surprise before a shark-toothed smile spread across the hybrid’s features, and he squeezed the hand that had found his again, drawing circle on bare palm, sticky of fruit juice, with his thumb.
Would love to go with you, ner vercopa. His gestures were nearly excitable.
Seeing Foxen’s acceptance, that emphasis on going with him and the term of endearment, gave him a breathe to breath. A smile, more pronounced than any of the small ones he offered anyone else, graced his lips. Flyndt squeezed back.
“O.K.”
Several seconds passed before the Omwati pulled his gaze away and returned his attention to the vendor. “Thank you, for the offer. I am Flyndt and this is Foxen. You are?”
<@645466919415054357>
It didn’t take Zeltron empathy to spot the exchange of emotion between the Nautolan and the Omwati, but Erinyes had it. The two of them just had so many feelings. Hesitation, hopefulness, guilt, the narrowest sliver of someone allowing themselves excitement, the oddly-unflavoured effort of containing other, deeper emotions, and so, so much turbulence. She couldn’t make out exactly what was coming from who, and it seemed rude to try to study them in order to find out. One way or another, it seemed like these two could use a change of pace.
“Everyone calls me Erinyes. I’d love to arrange something for you. I can send you more info on Kasiya, if you like. Maybe you’ll find something you’re interested in doing alongside the food.”
<@244244163002892288>
The food went over well, for both Vreva and Luka. The human happily munched on the fries as they observed the conversation. Even Vreva had nothing to complain about with the curry.
Vreva sipped at her drink as she considered how best to answer that question. Where did she work? No doubt ‘I kill people for a living’ would not go over well. Instead she chose to be vague. From the sound of it, Luka had been as well.
“I do odd jobs. Whatever needs a body, y'know.” She gave a shrug. “So a pathologist, huh? Fancy word for a doctor or?”
Vreva’s gaze flicked to Luka’s just as they rolled their eyes and shook their head. They said nothing. Vreva’s brow furrowed and she turned around in her seat to see everyone better. She caught Diy’s knee with her foot as she shifted it over the seat, and quickly apologized under her breath.
“So not a doc, then?” She leaned forward with her elbow on the table.
Siv listened to Minnie and reached over, giving the Nautolan a slight squeeze on the elbow to show her that she was there and she understood. Having been near Foxen enough after his recovery, of seeing their relationship together, of trying to learn bits of sign language here and there so Foxen didn’t have to strain so much to communicate with her. She saw the strain on her friend, she knew that even though Minnie didn’t show it much, she missed hearing Foxen talk.
She turned from her mandalorian friend and gave the question some thought in regards to her. It was… a hard question, for sure. She wasn’t sure if she could even answer it currently, after everything that had happened recently. The idea of never hearing Alex’s voice again, of never hearing him call her Cyare again, of missing all his sleepy good-nights… it was enough to tug at her heart strings. Alexandyr had become such a pivotal part of her life, one of the only reasons she could sit in an apartment alone again.
To never hear his voice again sounded like torture.
But to never see her loved ones again? She already had dreams enough of running through endless darkness, searching for Ruka or Bril or Zuji and being unable to find them but hearing them call out to her for help as it was. For that to become reality? It seemed almost as bad as never hearing the voice of the person she had begun to call her partner. Eyes habitually snapped up to search through the crowd, looking for costumes that matched her own, quickly taking a tally of the Ya-ir family where she could see and hear them.
Cora? Check. Ruka? Check. The kids? Check.
Shoulders tensed and then relaxed as the chiss forced herself to stay calm in front of the audience she had. Her nervousness flittered across her bond to Bril and she tried to quickly douse it to not sour his mood.
It was just a question. Can’t hurt you.
The medic took a deep breath and knitted her fingers together so she didn’t pick at her scars. “I think I’ll pass this one,” she softly commented, offering what she hoped was a reassuring smile. She could handle this, she could.
“That’s completely valid. It’s definitely not an easy choice to make, which is why I’m glad it’s merely a hypothetical question.”
Ele gave Siv and friendly and sincere smile.
Mikhail couldn’t listen to the stories, he was too focused on a distant ringing, staring at the drink infront of him. After a few moments, He raises the glass to drink and swallows hard. “I already hear her whenever I sing, but seeing… Would be hell. I will stick to the devil I know.”
I’d give up both if it meant he’d come back, Elly thought to herself. But those were the kinds of thoughts that one doesn’t speak aloud. She went from feeling bad for trying to get Zae to talk more to feeling worse about her past love. All in all, she expected worse.
A quick smirk flashed across her lips, and she huffed out a small chuckle. “I’m gonna pass on this one,” she mumbled before taking a hefty sip of her drink, wincing at the feeling of alcohol burning through her.
Ele listened to Mikhail’s words, and then Elly’s choice in not replying. There was no judgement, no deeper thought than respect for them.
“I appreciate your choosing to open up, Mikhail. This is a safe place for you, I hope you know that about us all. And Elly, your valid decision is respected. Thank you for reaching a decision that is safe and secure for your own mental health.”
Minnie…stared at Ele for a second.
“Uh, bud, are you like, therapizing us? ‘Cause not that that’s not valuable sometimes but it’s really best to ask the folks if they want that and not just do it, yanno? Just try to have fun. We’re playing a game. Okie?” She smiled even knowing he couldn’t see it in a traditional sense. “Like, how about another example? Would y'all rather, hmm…have one rancor-sized duck, or twelve duck-dized rancors? Which for reference, would be like…”
She looked around then pointed at one of the barracks buildings.
“That’s rancor sized,” and then measured out with her hands, “and this is duck-sized. And if you’ve never seen a rancor or duck, uh…well we can look it up on the holonet!”
“Not trying to….therapize….anyone. I apologize if that is how I am coming off.”
Ele looked slightly dejected, thinking on how he may be coming off to the others.
“I would choose the 12. More friends to play with I guess.”
“Apology accepted!” the tiny Nautolan said brightly to show that it was okay. “And hey! Twelve tiny rancors as friends? Geez you must really love animals. I dunno if I’ve met anyone else who’d wanna be friends with a rancor…” She paused to consider. “Well…maybe that Karran guy…”
“Just because they’re not cute and cuddly doesn’t mean they can’t be loving creatures. I do feel close to animals.”
He replied with a small smile.
“Seeing as i grew up with ducks, having a giant one wouldn’t be too bad. Could be nice to cuddle” Elly answered, trying to get out of her negative headspace.
“And Eleceos. It was a good question, I liked it. Just a bit too personal for a party”
Mikhail’s head lowered against his arm, elbow propped up against the table top. The friction messed his hair up a bit from the normal tucked back swoop, and when he raised it again to address the new asker, his hair had a more wild, unkempt swoosh to it with more hanging over his forehead. “Chicken sized Rancors. Build a team of them, like gremlins, train them to help around with things… maybe. If you can train them.” His voice was a little louder, but that just made it easier to hear him as his words got a little loose.
“Big chicken would be. Bad. Except for food.”
“You grew up with ducks?” Minnie asked, intrigued. “I did too! I mean, kinda. Selen doesn’t have ducks, it’s more like, yanno… parrot-ducks. Otter-ducks. Axolotl-ducks. Dog-ducks. Bantha-ducks! But I’ve swam with em all!”
“My aunt met a Duckling on a job and adopted it and then it just turned into a whole thing. The rest of the family was… confused to say the least”
Confirm, Foxen said, and then faced a quandary: to exchange contact information would require the datapad. Which would limit signing.
And he is not willing to stop holding hands.
Ugh, bipedalism. So inconvenient.
Pause. Need to type. Give your contact information and also that of the M-A-R-I? if they are willing to be contacted via holonet. If not, will need to plan to go myself. Talk to them directly about seeing their land, not you. Also: do you have a name sign? If no: spell for me here in contact field. One moment.
Then commenced the one-handed typings. Fortunately he had excellent reflexes and muscle memory/control for this. Also: all five digits on this hand makes task exponentially easier. Using his left hand to hold the pad these days, without pinkie to brace, is an order of magnitude more difficult.
(Of course, he has still mastered it, because weakness/lack of adjustment is disallowed under operational conditions, but it’s fraking annoying.)
When he is done, he offers the datapad. A blank contact field for comm code and name greet the Zeltron, heading an unsent message on his end listing his secure business code.
Contact: xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xx. Foxen Erinos. I don’t go by anything else. Will message to follow with further parameters/preferences. Please list your required compensation for arrangements/contact and acceptable contact method and window.
A golden hand waved off the resituating mishap, Diy shifting herself to make more room. Meanwhile, Yeo didn’t question the odd jobs or seem to mind the generalized inquiry. His smile did lift at the edges sheepishly, having caught the exchange between the human and zabrak.
“Ah, curse brevity, am I right? I am a doctor technically. Received a medical doctorate from Coruscant University of Medical Sciences. But as a medical examiner,” the Kiffar man rubbed his neck lightly, “my work more lies in, well, the recently passed.”
The recently passed…corpses.
Diyrian managed not to choked on her food. Internally, however, the lady was trying not to think about past moments of brushing against death and its past brushing back. She took a couple drinks and cleared her throat. “Learnin’ new things bout medics today.”
Erinyes watched Foxen’s signs carefully—it was getting easier with practice, whew—and mused for a moment as she took the offered datapad.
Rather than sign, she spoke aloud, while also tapping data into the pad. “The Mari have a city called Shanjiaoxia—er, just sign it as S-J-X—that’s open to outsiders. They also run their own tourism bureau with HoloNet access. I’ll give you their info so you can talk to them directly.”
“I don’t have a name-sign at the moment, but…” A pause. “The Mari call me ‘Red Woman’ in their own language, so maybe use this?” She stroked her extended index finger down over her lips, then opened her hand into a “5” shape and held it sideways with her thumb-tip against her chin, before pulling her hand down to her chest.
“You two can work out compensation with the Mari once you’ve decided what you’d like to do—I don’t take a cut from it or anything. If you’re still interested in my business, we can discuss that separately.”
<@244244400488710155>
“Well there’s a haybale maze if you’d want to try that out?” Zuza offered, pointing toward where the crests of the bales were visible just across the ways behind some of the other activity stalls.
“Buuuut I might have to leave ya both. Lots of games to play too but I’m only on break so long!”
<@837236610684813342>
Flyndt had finished the fruit awhile ago and sipped on what little remained of the minty drink while he followed the exchange. His crimson plumage rose gradually a bit with the information given about the Mari and their city, and he noted their moniker for Erinyes – aptly fitting for the Zeltron. His own cheeks had a peach hue cutting through the olive green when he set the glass down in a bin with other dirty glasses it seemed, or he hoped they were. Whether the warmth he felt there was the alcohol or the excitement of planning this ‘date’ with Foxen.
“Red woman? I see,” Flyndt mimicked the gesture, attempting to comment it to memory. He performed his own in returned, as given by Foxen or the one he can do one-handed. F-L-N with the closed fist of the N opening up and outward towards the sky.
“Look forward to talking with them,” the omwati nodded. It was good to hear that the tribe was independent. Despite the other cultures and governments on Omwat’s influence, the Han'duwil had maintained their own governance and lifestyles. Flyndt glanced to Foxen in regards of the last question.
<@244244163002892288>
Likewise, Foxen copied Erinyes’ new sign, lips curling and face soft to see Flyndt demonstrate his own. It always made that thing in his chest light, when the Omwati used that gesture, identifying with something from him…known by it. He in turn demonstrated his own for the red woman; something Flyndt, looking at him already, assisted with by offering up the F of a fox’s head with one hand for him to use his own free one to mimic crushing it with a bite.
Then he turned to the questions/commentary, pleased to hear that communication with the tribe could be accomplished from Selen, and that the Erinyes allegedly did not exploit the locals (set sub task: further investigate Taldryan’s possible colonialism on the planet). Flyndt’s acceptance and even excitement, displayed in his riveting peach flush, were all the better. For a long moment he just stared at his Omwati, eyes hungrily following that blush down to the dark tattoo of his throat where it disappeared into hoodie collar. The ink obscured, but the burning heat of his skin would belie its presence, and that peach hue would reemerge at olive collarbones, blooming across chest and…
It took him a few seconds longer to remember he actually had to answer something here, frak.
The hybrid shifted, lightly shaking his head and tearing his gaze back to the Zeltron that hadn’t actually stopped existing. He nodded to her.
Confirm, would still be interested in business with you. You’ve impressed.
He left it at that, extending his hand to take the pad back.
<@645466919415054357>
Erinyes nodded as she committed the two name-signs to memory, and returned Foxen’s datapad. The… satisfaction? distraction? that often accompanied a conversation coming to a close permeated the space between the three of them. “Great. I’ll look forward to hearing from you, and hopefully seeing you on Kasiya.”
“Can I get you anything else? Skewers, more fruit, another drink? Maybe something less overpowering than the mint cordial.”
<@244244400488710155>
Bril put far more time into this question than he should have. “Well, that’s a mighty fine question, Miss Minnow. I reckon I’d rather have a rancor-sized duck. Would make fer an interestin’ nautical voyage, Itellyouhwat.”
“Of course, Lady Zuza. I would hate to occupy more of your time than necessary,” Anders flashed Leema a coy smile. “What do you say, my dear? Do you fancy getting lost together inside a maze?”
<@284848346672136192>
Zae was thrown off by Minnie’s interjection when the devil dressed female was asking her questions. She stayed quiet and still. It was part of her habit. To learn movements and habit of others to try to predict what they would do next. It becomes handy when she’s hunting.
The blindfolded male asked a heavy question as she turned her head away. Loved ones. That was a department she lacked in. Sure, there’s the pack which she gets along with so far but it wasn’t… what they considered to be ‘loved’ ones.
Then food was brought up. Ducks. Her stomach slightly growled as she started to sniff the air a bit. To pinpoint the direction where the smells were coming from so she can stalk to find it later.
Zae deadpan stared at Bril before leaning over to Elly and spoke lowly, “He drunk?” She had met many Zabraks due to her past jobs but none of them had an accent like him.
<@301514304845381632>
Elly’s heart lifted just a tad when Zae spoke to her, feeling the guilt of potentially hurting/making Zae’s vocal cords uncomfortable lift off her shoulders. Certainly a relief.
The Devil leaned slightly towards Zae. “Sure, seems like. Minnow apologized for how he was going to speak but never said if it was alcohol related,” she murmured back.
Vreva had slowly nodded as Yeoni made the distinction. A whole lot of big words. Doctorate from Coruscant. Probably has money. Good on you, Luka. The zabrak’s chilly demeanor lit up like a flame at the last piece of information. Her head tilted to the side. “So you work in the morgue? Ha! Should have started with that. Pathologist… That’s kriffin’ neat, isn’t it?”
“Isn’t it?” Luka interjected as they lounged on the table, head propped up on a bent arm.
“Of course you’d think so, with your wandering fingers,” Vreva scoffed as she wriggled her fingers at them. She gave a bark of a laugh, then turned her attention to Yeo. “I mean it as a joke. They’re not that bad. You know they’re a psycho-psychometrist, right?”
Zuza leaving…complicated things. Leena felt a lekku twitch involuntarily, her eyes darting to make sure no others heard it. Alone, with a High Inquisitor. On a Brotherhood Clan’s planet. This was less than a great idea. The best of possible outcomes was probably not what she intended, and that was assuming that she wasn’t completely misreading the man. She probably was. She awlays seemed to have that knack of missing social cues, then overthinking and absolutely savaging herself for the next few weeks for her inability with meatware programming. Circuitry was infinitely easier. She felt her lekku start to twitch again, so she grabbed it and threw it over her shoulder. She smiled at the Chiss as warmly as she could manage, letting a little je ne sais quoi from her old days slip into her tone.
“Exactly what kind of girl do you think I am?” She held the smile and watched him for a moment, then looked at Zuza and back again. “Perhaps instead, another …drink, and call it a good evening?” She stumbled over the word ‘drink’, still unsure if that was a sort of cider or meade. Either way, delicious…and she could always have one of her droids pilot her back home if it was too potent.
“Naw, hold on a minute,” Bril interjected upon hearing Elly and Zae’s comments. “I’ve only just started drinkin’ and I'lltellyouwhat, Buffalo Bril can hold his spirits.”
He tipped his hat to the both of them with a wink. “This is jus’ how I talk.”
<@216702440140046336>
“That is not how he talks,” Minnie deadpanned, smacking her hand to her forehead again. “He’s doing a part. Don’t trust a thing he says.”
“Miss Minnow likes to play games with new friends,” he interjected, while shooting her a look. “But I can assure ya, this is indeed, how I talk.”
Elly looked between the two parts of a couple, a small amount of disbelief in her eyes “That’s… that’s good I guess.” She couldn’t help but feel a bit of pity for Minnow, seeing how she disliked the accent.
What kind of girl did Anders think she was? Attractive, potentially available and with powerful connections? He took notice of the twitching lekku, but decided not to comment.
“A drink does indeed sound wonderful. How about I buy the first round? My treat.”
Seafoam eyes met Bril’s look and narrowed, halfway between actually annoyed and just playful, but she smiled at Elly and offered, “Why don’t you try one, Ellebelle?”
<@1056685516441006091> <@301514304845381632> <@264959101384130560> <@160141735354171394> <@206692046424113152> <@216702440140046336>
“Oh, uhm…” Elly was woefully unprepared for this game and didn’t have any questions in mind. A reminder from her body that she hadn’t eaten anything gave her an idea “Would you rather only be able to eat savory foods or sweet foods?”
<@1056685516441006091> <@264959101384130560> <@160141735354171394> <@206692046424113152> <@216702440140046336>
Siv had a quick answer for this one– on top of trying more things recently, trying to live, and trying her best to make dinner for Alex every night unless they were both too tired, she had tried a LOT of new foods recently. In fact, she had become so interested in cooking that she had had a few conversations with Foxen regarding different recipes and how to do certain things.
“Savory foods, I think,” the Chiss leaned forward a little bit, obviously drawn into the discussion matter, “Because like… savory foods aren’t always JUST savory, yeah? You can use sweet things in savory dishes and the dish not be sweet. There’s this fish here on Dajorra that cooks really well with ginger and lemon, and it’s super flaky and-”
The medic cut herself off, realizing she might have gotten too into what she was talking about and immediately relaxed in her seat and cleared her throat.
“If you stick to just sweet things, you risk cavities and gum disease and that’s not great.”
“Ohmigawsh that’s so haaard,” Minnie groaned theatrically, though she was looking at Sivall talking so much with a happiness that practically sparkled from her eyes and headtails. “Sivvy makes good points but like. Boba is sweet! How am I supposed to live without my boba?! Aaaaaa…”
She dramatically slumped to the table.
“I’m with Siv on this one. I love my sweets, but there is just something about a good savory dish…also bacon.”
Ele just then realized he hadn’t eaten that day as his stomach let out a loud rumble. Luckily it was mostly covered by the festivities sounds around them.
“Ninety pervent of Zabraki cuisine is savory, so, if I couldn’t eat that I’d probably just die,” Bril noted, “So, I’d go with savory foods.”
He nodded in agreement with his lora‘s point and did the same with Eleceos. “Bacon is really good, especially with extra fat on it.”
Minnie’s reaction to the hypothetical loss of her precious boba made him snort. “Wouldn’t be so bad for me since I’m the one she always sends to go get it,” he leaned over to whisper to Sivall, hopefully quiet enough for Nautolan to not hear.
The tiny Nautolan’s head snapped up as if she’d smelled blood in the water – or in this case, heard someone’s stomach growl to her right and her Ken across from her.
She sat up and crossed her arms, still dramatic, turning away from him with a huff.
“Well if you hate going so much then don’t offer! I’ll just go get it myself from now on.” She stood up, having spied one of many fried food vendors wheeling by the drinks stands. “I’ll fend for myself, thankyouverymuch. Be-arr-bees.”
Bril looked like a tauntaun in headlights. Rising from his seat and finally breaking character, he followed after Minnie.
“Pur'ka, wait. It was a joke!” he said while following after her.
Elly just sat there for a moment before clearing her throat “Well that happened.” She stated “I guess I’ll answer my own question quick. I’d pick savory as well, I don’t think I’d be able to survive without meat in my life”
Siv shook her head and watcher her botmun'i and Minnie storm off to one of the stands, a slight smile on her face.
“They’ll be okay, don’t worry about it.”
“Oh REALLY,” the Nautolan huffed, puffing up her chest and putting hands on her hips as she spun around to face him. She stuck her finger in his chest again, standing on her tiptoes to lean in. “Well then, Mister Brilly the Kid, since you don’t mind, you can help me carry a buncha funnel cake back to the table. Someone’s hungry over there, I heard tummy rumbles, but better we don’t pressure nobody tho by just offering the group, yanno?”
She grinned at him, then leaned up and kissed his cheek.
“Good to hear you can still remember how to talk without the accent tho. I’d prefer your voice later when I save a horse and ride a cowboy. Now giddy up. Tnck, tnck.”
“Well I hope so. They seem pretty adorable together.”
Bril stood there looking dumbfounded. The slightly orange tint to his skin turned a deeper, brick red color between his tattoos as her final comment registered in his mind. “Y-Yes ma'am, Miss Minnow.”
And he promptly followed to help her gather snacks for the table.
“They are, and they’re good for eachother too. They’ve already been through so much. I’m proud of them.” Her smile became warmer, a distant look filling her eyes for a moment and she remembered the last couple of months and the toll it had taken on everyone. “I think they’ll be together for a long while. Nothing lasts forever, unforunately.”
An extremely pained and forced smile found itself on Elly’s lips “Well here’s to hoping it lasts as long as possible” she took her drink and quickly downed the rest of it
The adorable couple returned in no time at all, carrying at least ten or so servings of funnel cake. Minnie had a knack for it, given she waitressed in roller skates, having three plates stacked up each arm. Bril just used the Force for his extra. One plate even had fried chicken and syrup, which she had gotten specifically for Zae. Just in case she was like them and Jaxxie.
Once the spread was laid out, they settled back in their seats. Minnie almost frowned at what seemed a bit of something around Elly and Siv, but decided to bull paste it.
“Okie, you savory-loving heathens. Awesome question beeteedubs Ells, love it and hate it so that means you’re playing right. Someone else go too. And eat up! No passing out on empty stomachs or drinking without food on my watch!” She clapped her hands. “Sivvy or Bril Bril, go go!”
“Would you rather live somewhere where it’s hot all the time, or cold all the time?” Siv asked, quickly snatching some of the funnel cakes for herself. There would be no mention about how she was so nervous for this whole thing that she hadn’t eaten herself, or how she had fallen back into old habits of hyperfocusing into not so great research topics after the war.
This was a nice distraction from all of that.
“Selen’s like, never cold,” Minnie commented. “I am not a cold water amphibian, nOpe. Roast me baby.”
“Kasiya is cold most of the time, I’ve grown to like it quite a bit. Gets a little inconvenient at night but I dunno how well I’d do in the heat.” Elly eyed the chicken on the table but would never be the first to grab something when she knew someone else would probably want it more. It’s why she usually kept some dried jerky in her bag. “I guess id rather live somewhere cold but wouldn’t mind trying somewhere hot”
Ele pondered the question as he ate some funnel cake. The question made the Miraluka blush, though he pushed the reasoning down.
“I would…prefer the heat. Cold numbs things too much, and I like being on a beach under the sun.”
What he didn’t say out loud was he enjoyed the comfort of less clothes as opposed to the many layers needed for the cold.
Absolutely wired internally from the prospects brought forth from this conversation. He felt generous, and still hungry really. The fruit had been good and nearly feeling but what he would give for something meat, and not just–
“Hmm, two skewers?” Flyndt asked, fumbling to grab a pouch with some credits in it from his belt. Clicking his tongue thoughtfully behind his beak, the omwati’s lips pulled into a smile to Erinyes, “And maybe another drink? What do you recommend?”
<@244244163002892288>
“Mm, let’s see…” Erinyes grabbed two skewers, loaded with thick chunks of roba and long, pale green beans, all slightly charred from the heat. She tapped them against the side of the heated compartment to shake off any excess grease, then sprinkled a generous helping of bright red seasoning over them. A thought flickered across her mind as she handed the long, meaty skewers to the two men.
Don’t say **anything.**
“If you liked the sand pear, we have bottles of sand pear juice. It’ll go well with the seasonings from the skewers, brighten up the earthiness a little bit.” She grabbed a tall bottle of the juice from the underside of the cart. “Do you need a bag?”
<@244244163002892288>
Yeo nearly spat his drink at ‘wandering fingers’. He set his glass down and nodded with a chuff. His shoulders seemed to relax a bit more with the shift in the Zabrak’s airs. The wonder that fascination with the dead was a way to connect past the wall she seemed to have up.
“We actually had a conversation about that. It’s a skill we both share and D–discussed about. It’s fairly common among Kiffar.” He adjusted his glasses before munching on another fry.
Diy shifted uncomfortably as she listened to the exchanged. Something sat with her in an unsettled way, the thought of having the skill and choosing to work in such field. She chirped up without a thought, “How do you do it?”
“Hm?”
“Your work with the psychometry?” she clarified.
“I learned pretty quick to hone my conrtol over it,” the Kiffar man smiled lightly and raised a hand, “That and double layers of Large sized ppe gloves give a surprising buffer.” His brown gaze lingered briefly before looking to both her and Vreva, invitingly. “Any more questions on the apparently intriguing facts about my morbid profession? Or shall we shift to other interesting topics? Like what do you all enjoy for fun here in Estle City?”
“I have a question!” Vreva nearly shouted. Her eyes held a wild light that Luka knew to be the sign that the topic should move on.
“I know a cantina in the area. Cheap drinks, dancing space. Should be nice?” They hoped it would dissuade Vreva from making any embarrassing remarks. “I’ll pay.”
That was good enough for Vreva. “Alright! Never turn down free drinks.” She shifted in her seat, already eager to be on the move. “Let’s finish ours here and get going!”
With that, Vreva and Luka picked up two glasses from the table. Neither of them noticed that they had grabbed the wrong one until Vreva tasted something sweet and fruity and Luka coughed on the stronger alcohol.
“Well, that is…” Luka shook their head. Why was it spicy, too? “I think I got your drink.” The human grimaced and set the empty glass back down. Their brow furrowed as they determined whether they liked it or not.
“Ha! Yeah. Got your little cocktail. It’s nice, but…” She slid the half-finished cocktail back to them. “I prefer something stronger.”
“Right,” Luka said with a wince. They finished the rest of the other drink, happy that it could wash out the taste of the other. “So, cantina? Will you be our designated pilot, Diy? I can also pay for a cab, if needed.”
“Since when are you a moneybag?” Vreva interjected, suspicious. Luka shrugged, which only increased her suspicion.
Evelyn silently made her way over to where she last left Jax. She stuck to the shadows and walked behind the stalls. Her brows furrowed in concern and worry when she didn’t see Jax. She reached for her datapad and took a look. No response from Foxen.
Not that she blamed him. He was here on his own time. Evelyn felt bad for bothering him. She slid the datapad into her inside coat pocket, she looked around with her emerald hues. Searching. Seeking.
There. Towards the forest. It was obvious. Jax and Kob. A small sad smile curved on her lips as she inhaled and exhaled deeply. Her shoulders felt heavy. Her body was tired. She was getting fatigued. Evelyn figured it’s from the mental challenges she went through today.
Should she update Foxen?
Yes.
She reached for her datapad again:
Update. Kob came and got Jax. Have a good nig-
A water droplet had fell onto her screen. With a soft frown, she wiped it away with her thumb and quickly finished the message-
ht
Her free hand went up to her cheek and she realized she shed a tear or two.
Well. That was a problem. Evelyn turned soundlessly and walked in the darkness to leave and go home.
Foxen considered the many stuffed animals already set down around them once things had gotten handsier.
Juice and multiple bags, please, confirm, he said, and went about some rearranging. It required sacrifice of holding Flyndt’s hand for a moment.
DENY.
Yeah, I know. Me too.
Actually, there were quite a lot of stuffed things here. Perhaps an offering. Minnow liked things after all.
Once 7/8 fluffy gifts for the Shistavanen children were secured, it left more accomodations for their limitations of only having two hands each. He took a skewer so Flyndt could have a free hand, hopefully for holding his. His meat-holding arm held in a flexed bend weighing multiple bags of fruit/juice/plush, but it was barely any effort at all. The free hand offered the last toy.
Want this? he asked the Zeltron.
<@645466919415054357>
Thank the spirits! Diy mused internally, shooting Luka a grateful look. She finished the last of her mocktail and waved a hand, “Nah, I got you. Cantina sounds good, gettin’ a bit chilly out here anyways.”
Yeo nodded in agreement to the change of plans. “I don’t mind whatever we do. Here,” He started to stand to gather the cups and trays, “Let me run these back–”
“Let me, I want to get a card from that merchant actually thanks,” the faux-Zelosian took the stack out of his hands before he could refuse, happy to get a break away from the table for a moment. No doubt Luka will have the man distracted from conversations on the dance floor later. “Meet ya guys at…Uh, might need to call a cab, I brought the speeder.”
“Hmm,” Yeoni glanced to Luka, “well, we took the festival shuffle out here. I imagine we could catch one back. Can meet you guys at the cantina then.”
“That works, okay.”
And then Diy slipped off to leave the three to start heading off. She made the short jaunt to return the dishes to the food stall. That Zeltron lady wasn’t there, went off to peddle the others said as they handed a flimsiplast business card over. A shame…aquamarine eyes drifted to where the woman stood talking to a familiar couple. Tall dark and amphibian and his little bird too. Been a minute since she’s seen Flyndt stop by to train with Karran.
The faux-Zelosian borrowed a stylus and scribbled on the back of the card, and moseyed on over. She took her time so that Erinyes would be freed by the time she approached.
<@645466919415054357>
“Oh, sure! I can use it as a mascot.” She took the stuffed cythraul and placed it high up on the cart, facing forward like a bow ornament. As she did, she spotted Diy en route and shot the woman a wink.
Customers first, though.
“Enjoy the skewers, gents, and see you in a couple weeks.”
<@244244400488710155>
“Thank you, and see you then,” Flyndt returned with a smile.
He grabbed ahold of Foxen’s free hand and motioned for them to leave, half leading the way to he didn’t know where. Just somewhere, back home? Yes. The bold Omwati suggested such, mind too busy planning how to convince the Nautolan to sample this meat to notice the familiar faux-Zelosian as they exited stage right.
Honestly, the two of them? Pretty cute. Even if Foxen had broke Karran’s leg. Big boys be Big Boys, Diy mused. She caught the wink form Erinyes, which brought the faux-Zelosian’s grin to her lips, visible even under the wide brim of her hat.
A whistle.
“Hope they didn’t clean you out.” Diy stopped across the cart from Erinyes with an amused chuff, doing a passing glance over the wares remaining. She paused on some familiar berries and the label of their carton. *Well ain’t that the fruit Jeanie baked those muffins with. Those had * she uttered to herself. Her gaze shifted back to the Zeltron. “Must say everythin’ I sampled of yers was karkin’ fantastic. Had to come back and give you this.”
She handed over Erinyes’ own business card.
“In case, a certain pink fruit needs a night to ripen out on the town. Hit me up,” Diyrian’s painted lips curled as she mimed a comm gesture.
Erinyes grinned and took the card. “I might just take you up on that once we’re finished up here. It’d be nice to… get to know people better.”
“I have plans tonight sadly, but depending on how long you’ll be in the system, I could show you around tomorrow or whenever you pop back in,” she offered.