Private A Day to Celebrate - Everest's Birthday

[Tigris Aphra]

​

Eshan - Near the Vale family homestead​

It had been a conspiracy of love. Everest's 20th birthday party was spearheaded by Eve's mother, Miriana Vale and Tigris, but many had a hand in making the celebration happen.
On the grand day, they were blessed with a balmy, sunlit afternoon. In a wildflower-strewn meadow, several small pavilions were erected, their white gossamer coverings tugged by a cool breeze. Beneath these were set tables of delectables.

From vegetarian Echani dishes like roasted root vegetables with spiced honey glaze and pastries stuffed with seasoned lentils, to Iridonian meat dishes supplied by Azurine Varek , to flat breads and twist loaves with herbed cheese and fresh fruit, the buffet was mouthwatering. A bar featuring Everest's favorite teas set amid bouquet's of fresh blossoms.

Nearby sat a table with an assortment of fresh wild flowers and materials for guests to make their own decorations. Fromt floral wreaths for the head to bloom necklaces, guests were encouraged to use their imagination.

Next to that a table was set up with a hand drawn sign that read "Birthday Wishes". Small pieces of colored stationary and writing utensils were provided for guests to offer Everest their best wishes and encouragements for Everest. The notes were to be placed in a box decorate with pressed petals and bright green leaves.

An area of open grass was set aside for party games, some set up, some stored in a cart. Among the many games was toss-across, where two inclined boards with a single hole in each were set a distant apart. Small bags filled with seeds were toss from one to the other, attempting to land on the board, if not into the hole. A heavy round ball and several bottom heavy wooden pins were set up for lawn bowling. Perhaps the most challenging was the donut game. Donuts were hung by a string from a wooden frame, about mouth-level for contestants. Whoever could finish eating their swinging, swaying donut first without using their hands waas the winner!

Finally, under a pastel blue canopy was a gift table, at the center of which was Everest's birthday cake. Lemon drizzle, of course.

---​

There are no specific objectives for the party. Feel free to mingle with other guests, interact with Eve, enjoy the food, play games, write a note for the birthday girl, make a flower crown and explore Eshan's beautiful countryside!

TAGS
Everest Vale Azurine Varek Colette Katherine Holt Valery Noble Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos Reina Daival Shan Braze​

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet

The day had arrived. Everest's birthday. It was yet another reason to celebrate the girl who had turned Tigris inside out and upside down. Her life changed forever after the arrival of Everest Vale.

The assassin-turned-jedi was once a brooding, violent, guilt-ridden, self-isolated loner who had no concept of what love was. Then came that silver-haired whirlwind. Unassuming, even naïve at times, Everest had toppled millennium old walls behind which the real Tigris had hid, bereft of family, friends, home and affection.

At Eve's encouragement to visit the homeworld Tigris was too young to remember, Tigris visited Atrisia. There, she learned who she was, her bloodline.. She had a name, a real one, a noble one. Tigris was of the Atrisian House Aphra. She was Tigris Aphra.

After all of this, Tigris could not live without Everest Vale, and so she had asked her to marry her.

This is why Tigris was so excited to celebrate the woman who loved her unconditionally.

It wasn't hard to see where Everest learned to love.

Mariana Vale was a fount of love, and she poured it into every dish she created for the party. Tigris had developed a deep affection for her future mother-in-law, whom the orphaned Atrisian already looked to as a mother-figure. But, admittedly incompetent in the kitchen, Tigris left Mariana and Everest to cook in the house.

The Atrisian did assist Azurine in cooking the meat dishes the Iridonian would provide for the omnivores among the guests. The cooking grills were place away from the Vale homestead, out of consideration for Everest, who was purely vegetarian. Tigris also directed some early arrivals to help set up the pavilions, tables and games.

Tigris was eager to join Everest's friends in honoring the woman they all loved so much.

Tag: Everest Vale Azurine Varek Colette Katherine Holt Valery Noble Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos Reina Daival Shan Braze

 

[Azurine Varek]

Sisters Not By Blood, But By Soul

Outfit: Colorful Summer Clothing | Right Arm | Talisman | Purple Bracelet
Weapons: Lightsaber [x] (Hidden in arm compartment)

Azurine hadn't gotten to plan something truly lighthearted in... well, honestly, she couldn't remember when. Of course she'd put together ladies night or the infamous dodgeball game, but those were minimal effort, only taking some general organization and invites. This, however, was different—it was for Everest, her little sister in everything but blood. So when Tigris told her about the plan, she went all out.

Azzie had spent the last week zipping from one end of the galaxy to the next, gathering supplies for it and helping with absolutely anything she had the skill for. That, and she'd shown up a day early just to make sure she was properly acquainted with Eve's mother, Mariana Vale, as well as to be there with enough time to get things organized with Tigris.

Spicy kababs, as well as rice and assorted types of noodles using a special type of flour, were just being finished up and set aside on warming plates. She'd spent a good portion of the morning prepping and cooking with the aid of Tigris. Azzie had also gone out of her way to spend some credits on digestive enzyme pills for herself and any other strict carnivore species in order to participate in things like the doughnut game without many repercussions if they chose to do so.

Dusting the occasional splash of spicy powders from her floral-patterned wrap skirt and shorts, she headed back to Tigris and gave her a quick hug. "I won't lie, I'm glad this isn't right on top of an ocean." She joked while waiting for others to arrive. In her hand was a small drawstring pouch, nothing wrapped but rather tied with a small white ribbon. A little surprise she'd poured her time and love into.

Everest Vale | Tigris Aphra | Valery Noble | Aadihr Lidos | Aris Noble | Katherine Holt | Braze | Colette | Reina Daival | Shan​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Azurine Varek Valery Noble Katherine Holt Colette Aris Noble Reina Daival Shan Braze Aadihr Lidos

The meadow shimmered in the light. A breeze moved through the long grasses like a soft breath, stirring the pale wildflowers and making the pavilions flutter like sails. Eve stood beneath one of them, a wicker basket balanced on one hip, half-filled with lavender sprigs and pale yellow blooms. Her fingers smelled faintly of thyme and honey from the decorations she'd been helping arrange, until — for the third time that morning — she was ambushed.

"Eevee," Mariana scolded, emerging from the food table with a flour-dusted apron and an amused glint in her eyes. "Shoo. Go. This is everyone else's job today."

"I just wanted to make things easier, you're all doing so much," Eve said, voice small but grinning.

"You’re not helping. You’re stealing jobs," her mother said, wagging a spoon at her. "Go find your fiancé and leave all this to me or I swear to goodness-knows-what..." She took the basket of flowers from her grip and placed it on the table.

Eve giggled. It was strange, having everyone dote on her like this. Strange in a soft, awkward way, as if she didn’t know where to put all the love being handed to her, or how to hold it properly without dropping something.

She murmured a thank you to her mother and wandered off. At her heels, silent and gliding through the grass like smoke, padded Isari.

The silver-eyed fox had remained close all morning, never straying far from her side. She barely made a sound, but Eve felt her presence as surely as the sun, a low, living thread of calm just beneath the surface of the day. Every now and then, Isari would pause to sniff the breeze or bat at a falling petal, but she never wandered. Not today.

As Eve passed one of the cooking stations, she spotted a familiar silhouette. Eve's chest ached in that warm way it always did. Azzie's energy pulsed like fire beneath soft laughter and spice, and the scent of her food was unmistakable. Eve stopped for a moment. Their eyes met and Eve grinned in a way a child might, happy and joyous and untethered. She said morning, but her gaze spoke everything. She carried on.

The sun had risen fully by the time Eve found Tigris, near the edge of the meadow where the herb-roasted breads were cooling on a rack. Her fiancé was focused on something. Checking the arrangement of plates, maybe, or gently nudging a row of pitchers to precise angles. It didn't matter.

Eve stepped forward and slipped her arms around Tigris' waist from behind. She buried her face in the warmth of her back, breathing her in, smoke and spice and safety.

"Thank you, for all of this. Love you," she whispered.

She tilted her head up and kissed the edge of Tigris' jaw. Isari brushed lightly past their legs.

And then, she was moving again, adjusting chairs, straightening petals, brushing flour from the edge of a napkin someone had already knocked askew, simply letting herself slip into the quiet hum of doing. A habit of her mother's inherited. A part of her still lingered in that embrace, but her hands moved with purpose. She glanced over and saw Azzie approach Tigris, and smiled warmly at the sight of two of the most important people in her life bonding in such a way.

The first guests would arrive soon. Her heart already ached, overflowing with love.

 

[Reina Daival]

Location: Eshan
Tags: Tigris Aphra Azurine Varek Everest Vale



Reina had arrived at the wrong time. Freezing mid step with her present in hand, her hands slowly tightening around the box for a moment. Hearing a comment about how Azurine was pleased that the party wasn't on top of an ocean didn't sit well with the redhead as she sighed to herself. It wasn't important. Today, it was Everest's day. Reina wasn't going to risk ruining it as she sighed to herself. If it had been anyone else, Reina wouldn't have bothered coming to the party but Everest was special. She had held Reina's party, even if it hadn't felt that special...With that all being said...

"I'm just going to sit over here."

She'd call out over towards the group, before jabbing her thumb in the direction of the side of the meadow before she headed off to the gift table to leave her little box, and then making her way off towards the side of the meadow. Whilst she could have grabbed something to eat, the redhead had found herself extremely lacking when it came to her appetite. It would be better for her to just sit off to the side and do her own thing. She was here, physically and spiritually. Just not entirely emotionally. Sitting herself down amongst the grass and pulling her knees up to her chest to stare at the view instead, resting her chin atop her knees instead, as she did her best to put a fake smile on her face.

Just...have to be here for Everest. I don't need to talk to anyone else...or acknowledge them.

With that, the woman just closed her eyes to meditate and steady herself.


​

 

[Katherine Holt]

Location: Vale Family Homestead
Outfit: Link
Tags: Everest Vale | Tigris Aphra | Azurine Varek | Valery Noble | Aris Noble | Aadihr Lidos | Reina Daival | Shan | Braze
​

Katherine had been counting down the days towards Everest's birthday. The date of which had come up in one of their random chitchats during the period of time when the Echani was still recovering from her injuries. Even then, the redhead had started concocting ideas on what to get Everest.

What she hadn’t expected was to learn of the engagement news between her and Tigris. It was probably a good thing Everest had told her over a call, otherwise Katherine would’ve almost crushed her in a big ol’ bear hug.

Not that she was going to get scot free today from a few of them.

But it did push Katherine to one particular idea she had in mind. One that in a way was inspired by Shan. Their recent adventure out into the galaxy; to discover and learn a new culture, had reminded the redhead of her earlier adventures.

Of when she was a lot more curious, eager to learn whatever she could.

She was reminded of an encounter with a small tribe of people that were at the time dealing with an issue relating to the neighbouring fauna. Katherine hadn’t hesitated to help, and they offered a reward as thanks. The Valkyrie however declined, more than happy to play a part in making their daily lives better.

In the wake of the recent news however, Katherine couldn’t think of a more perfect gift.

When the day finally arrived, the redhead made a beeline for the destination. Though of course, as was her habit, Katherine took some time for a fly around beforehand. Especially to take in the kind of scenery Everest got to grow up surrounded by.

Eventually though, the winged Jedi soared towards the Vale Family Homestead. She landed onto the grass with a soft thud, the length of her green skirt billowing as she did.

Katherine let out a short, impressed whistle as she took everything in. “You really weren’t kidding about those supply runs, were you Azzie?” The redhead smiled as she walked over towards where she, Everest and Tigris were standing. As she approached, it became clear that the redhead was holding a decorative wooden box under one of her arms.

Her first order of business was giving the Iridonian a big hug, as they were often to do whenever seeing each other. Afterwards, Katherine placed the box down on a nearby table, and turned to face the two recently-engaged couple.

“Come here you two, been too damn long since I’ve given you both a hug.” She opened her arms wide to hug both Everest and Tigris at the same time. Outright lifting the two up off the ground in the process. “Especially you,” she said, glancing at Everest. “The audacity to tell me the engagement news over holo.” Katherine tried to sound offended, but the joking tone was too clear in her voice. “You were overdue a big hug just for that.”

Katherine smiled brightly as she looked down at the two. “Congratulations to you both, and of course, happy birthday to you Evie.”

Reina's appearance didn’t go unnoticed by the Valkyrie either, casting a brief glance towards her fellow redhead. Something’s happened, Reina wasn’t like this the last time I saw her…

 

[Shan]

Tags: Katherine Holt Tigris Aphra Everest Vale Azurine Varek

Shan sighed to himself as he had been left behind by Katherine. By the Force, it was like the woman sometimes forgot not everyone had wings. It didn't help that she wouldn't give any little clues as to what her gift for Everest was. Shan's gift was quite simple. He knew Everest was a gentle soul, and so he wanted to get her a gift similarly to what he had treasured the most. All he knew about Katherine's gift was that it seemed to be related to vegetation. At the very least, Shan was looking forward to more of a vegetarian meal compared to meat. It wasn't like he wouldn't eat meat. Shan was more just...a voluntary vegetarian. He'd eat meat if he had to but veggies were the best for him

Eventually he managed to make his way towards the Vale Family homestead, a bright grin on his face as he brushed down his robes. Sure, he could have wore something more casual, but the robes were what suited Shan the most in his eyes. His fashion sense wasn't the greatest either as he raised a hand over towards Tigris, Azurine and Everest, giving the trio a smile.

"Hey you three. Congratulatiosn on your whole...engagement stuff. That's the right thing to say, yeah? But more importantly, happy birthday Eve. You're growing up so fast."

At the mentioning of growing, Shan's eyes darted to look up at Katherine, a small pout on his face before he looked back towards the group, keeping his focus on them, whilst he slid his hand into his robes to keep a tight grip around the gift he had for Eve. It could wait for now. He'd let over people give their gifts before he did.

"It's nice place you have here by the way Eve. I've always wanted to have a home like this. Much better than an old dingy apartment on Nar Shaddaa."

It helped that Shan had a love for nature himself. Of course, it had died down somewhat now that he was used to the sights, and they weren't anything new, but that didn't stop Shan from falling in love with the sight of the grass, the trees and everything else green. What could he say? He did have a green thumb, literally at the end of the day.

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

The robe he wore was soft and uneven, loose around the shoulders and tied low at the waist—more a traveler’s comfort than a Jedi’s uniform.

He walked at Azurine's side through the grasses when they arrived the day before though now he trailed just behind. The warmth here was different — reunions were occuring, auras brightening. He didn’t want to interrupt it.

A woven satchel rested against his hip, nestled in the crook of his arm. Inside, a pair of hand-knitted mittens. Too warm for this planet, this day. Too mismatched to be fashionable. One was a blend of lavender and rust-orange, the other lemon and lake-blue with a crooked seam near the cuff. He had chosen the yarn by texture alone—soft, thick, comfortable, warm. It hadn’t occurred to him to ask Azzie about the colors. That realization hadn’t come until the second one was nearly finished.

He had been thinking of Jedha when he had the idea. Now, in the heat of an Eshan summer, it felt a bit silly.

He didn’t interrupt, instead, he found the gift table and placed the satchel gently beside the lemon-drizzled cake, tucking a small note inside.

I hope they fit.
Stay warm.
—Aadihr.

Only after the motion was done did he finally turn toward the gathering proper. Azzie’s presence was vibrant and grounding at once. He moved near her without a word, his posture relaxed but open, his hand gently brushing a petal that clung to the edge of her wrap skirt before letting it drift away.

For a while, he simply listened and watched the colors of Everest and Tigris wrapped in Katherine's hug. Behind was Shan’s cheerful awkwardness.

But another familiar aura had a troublingly familiar edge.
He leaned to Azzie's ear and whispered:

"I'm going to check on Reina."

He walked some distance away from the pavilions and settled near her – just far enough to avoid disruption but close enough to carry a conversation should words emerge. He lowered himself to the grass with the easy poise of someone long practiced in the act, crossing his legs beneath his robe. His hands came to rest loosely on his knees, palms up, open. Breathing slowed. Silently, he closely examined her presence in the force.

Later, he would best them all with the donut-on-a-string contest, for now. He might as well test the Padawan's patience.

Everest Vale | Azurine Varek | Tigris Aphra | Reina Daival | Katherine Holt | Shan | @everyone​

 

[Colette]

Everest Vale

Eshan, again! Colette strolled through the party and took in the sights, or rather the sheer amount of people that had gathered here just for Everest's sake. She couldn't help but smile over it. The white-haired, one-eyed fool of a woman wasn't important to just Colette and today was all about showing that.

Even if, admittedly, Colette figured it was something everyone should have been doing to each other each and every day.

There were elaborately wrapped presents and other gifts nearby, but Colette hadn't really gotten anything for Everest. At least nothing too big. She didn't need a gift to show her appreciation for her friend, and she refused to partake in the murderous machine that incentivized people to value others in the form of credits and favors.

So, waiting for an opening after Katherine, Shan, and everyone else, she too would walk up to greet Everest. She withdrew a small pouch from her belt and held it out for the Echani to grab.

"And know that it comes from a place of love more than anything." Colette said and grinned as she stepped back and crossed her arms.

If Everest unfolded the pouch she would find a rock within it, crudely painted to look like a blue eye with gaps in the paint from the rock's inherent imperfections. Just one more hint that keeping the eyepatch was a headass move and one that Colette would never ever agree with when the galaxy had gotten so far in the field of cybernetics.

"Love you, sister." Colette shrugged with a self-content grin. "Happy, uh… Birthday."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Casual | Wedding Ring

Valery arrived just beyond the edge of the wildflower meadow, the soft rustle of the Echani breeze catching in her hair. She took a slow breath, taking in the sight ahead of her. Tables glowing under soft fabric, the aroma of food already drifting on the wind, laughter and movement scattered throughout the space. It was beautiful. Peaceful.

Her moment of quiet, however, was very quickly disrupted.

"Mommy, hurryyy!" Aurra shouted, tugging on her hand with a firm grip.

"She's gonna see Everest first if we don't go now!" Aeryn added, charging ahead before pausing to look back at them.

Adam was right beside her, practically vibrating with energy. "Yeah! We have to go!"

Valery smiled gently as she allowed herself to be pulled forward, one step at a time. She shifted her hold slightly on Eryx, nestled snugly in her arms. The little boy was calm, blinking up at the sky, blissfully unaware of the chaos his older siblings were causing.

"Alright, alright," Valery said with a soft chuckle. "Let's not run anyone over."

The moment they stepped fully into the clearing, the triplets broke away in a rush, scanning the crowd in search of Everest. Valery stayed back just a little, her gaze sweeping across the guests, spotting familiar faces, and taking in the effort that had gone into everything.

The food, the flower decorations, and the birthday wishes table. It all felt so personal. She could see the love that had been poured into every detail. It made her heart feel full. With Eryx still resting in her arms, she followed after the triplets at a more measured pace, her eyes scanning until she finally spotted Everest in the crowd.

"There she is," Valery murmured, her smile warm as she adjusted Eryx on her hip. "Let's go wish her a happy birthday."

Everest Vale​

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet

Tigris enjoyed the morning working with Azurine Varek . She liked Eve's Iridonian friend since she first met her on a girl's night out. They shared a strange affinity, both coming from a time centuries before anyone around them were born. They rarely spoke of it, but they both knew it. However, it was Azzie's strong spirit and vibrancy that truly earned Tigris' affection. That, and the fact that Azurine had gone to such lengths to help make Everest's party special inspired Tigris to return the Iridonian's hug with a firm sincerity and rare, broad smile. She even giggled a little at Azzie's comment about the preferred venue.

Moving on, Tigris checked on the settings at the bread table. Not usually one for social events, this one had very special meaning, and she wished it to be as perfect as the woman for which it honored. There was no flinching when slender but strong arms wrapped around her waist, warming her hard as well as her back. Their bond resonated like a tuning fork as Everest Vale came up behind her. "Anything for you Angel, you know that..." Tigris responded to Eve's gratitude, grinning again as her silver-haired fiance slipped away, her faithful fox at her heels.

A familiar voice lfited somewhere nearby, and Tigris turned. It was Reina Daival . The redhead announced herself and then retreated to quiet edge of the area. It was a practice the Atrisian had noted about the seafaring woman. She had wanted to make an effort to befriend Reina, but it was difficult, sensing some tension that might have revolved around Everest. Tigris bided her time, she wanted Reina as a friend too.

Satisfied that all was well with the bread table, Tigris found Eve again, near Azurine. About that time, a shadow slid across the sunlight meadow, and great wings lowered another guest to the soft grass. Katherine Holt .

The winged jedi was another friend of Eve's that Tigris had come to know. The statuesque woman was not only admirable for her physical prowess, but that she was also recently knighted. Tigris laughed as the powerful Valkyrie wrapped her arms around the engaged couple and lifted them off the ground, offering congratulations. "Thanks!" Tigris replied, turnign to smirk at Eve as she was cheekily chastised for the way she told Katherine about the engagement.

Shan arrived, looking the part of a proper Jedi Knight. Tigris too had some sentiment towards the Mirialan. It was in one of his classes at the Jedi temple that Eve and Tigris met. In a way, their relationship, and engagement, could be attributed to him. "Thank you, Shan." Tigris replied, thinking the occasion casual enough to address him informally.

A missing figure finally seemed to materialize, slipping up to Azurine. Aadihr Lidos had arrived the day before with Azurine, and helped set up for the party while Azzie cooked. The quiet knight didn't linger, though, seeing the brooding redhead at the fringe of the party. Tigris watched as he moved off to check on Reina. The Miralukan was a kind soul, Tigris had learned. She needed to remember to thank him later for his help with the party.

When Colette drew near, Tigris nodded to the knight in greeting. "Hi Colette... Eve, I'm going to go check in your mom." Seeing Colette was going to give Everest her gift personally, the Atrisian wanted to give them a moment.

As she moved across the clearing towards the Vale house, the tattooed Atrisian heard the sound of children. Tigris paused, turning to see Valery Noble 's triplets running towards the clearing, their mother behind with Eryx. Tigris smiled at the sight. She had never, ever thought she could have a family of any kind. But Valery and Kahlil Noble had not only been masters and mentors for Everest and Tigris, they had been role models of how a couple could have a family and still serve the Order at the highest level. Maybe, one day, the engaged couple might be like them, and have children too.

Tigris waved at the kids as they made a beeline to Everest, then a gave a wave to Valery before she went to a open window of the house to peek in on Mariana.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Azurine Varek Reina Daival Shan Valery Noble Aris Noble Aadihr Lidos Katherine Holt Colette

Eve could hardly keep up with the whirl of greetings, hugs, and warmth swirling through the meadow. Her cheeks were permanently flushed pink, her single silver eye bright with delight. When Katherine’s powerful arms swept both her and Tigris clean off the ground, Eve let out a breathless laugh, her feet dangling.

"Oof~ Kat, you’ll crush my ribs!" she wheezed, though she was still laughing as she dropped back to the grass. She lightly swatted Katherine’s arm, her grin unstoppable. "I know, I know… I owed you a proper telling," she admitted, cheeks flushed. "But I was so… I just couldn’t keep it in. And then I panicked." She giggled, and then her hand found Kat's arm where it rested firmly. "Thank you, Kat. Truly."

When Shan approached, Eve beamed at him, pulling him into a squeeze.

"Shan, I’m so glad you made it. I've missed you! You doing okay?"

She turned, just in time for Colette to appear with her rock. Eve blinked, then laughed as she opened the pouch and held up the blue-painted stone.

"Colette..." She shook her head with affection and tucked the rock safely into her belt pouch, then gave her a warm embrace. "I’ll keep it with me. And you know what? Love you too."

As the Noble triplets came bounding in, Eve’s face split into an even wider grin. She stooped quickly and opened her arms for the triplets, letting them pile into her for a group hug, laughter bursting free. She gently pinched Eryx’s cheek as he and Valery caught up.

"Val... I can’t even tell you how much it means to have you all here."

Nearby, Mariana stood half-hidden near the table of steaming bread baskets, wiping her hands on a cloth. Her mother’s silver eyes were damp with happiness as she took in the growing crowd. She caught Valery's gaze and lifted her hand in a gentle wave, laughter shaking her shoulders.

But even amid all the joy, Eve's gaze slipped toward the far side of the meadow, spotting Reina’s distant figure. She could see quiet Aadihr slowly approach her too. A shadow of concern crossed her face. She leaned closer to Tigris, voice low.

"Think I should go check on her?" she said quietly. But before Tigris could answer, Mariana appeared beside them, slipping an arm around her daughter’s waist.

"Look at you," she murmured, voice bright with pride. "So many friends. I always knew the galaxy would love you." Eve leaned into her mother’s warmth, suddenly overwhelmed.

"I’m… really lucky, Mama."

Mariana let go and brought Valery into a hug, immediately fawning over all the children running about the place, already starting to cause Noble-branded mischief.

"Valery, you must come come try these fig pastries before they’re gone! And can the little ones have cake? We have plenty of it!" she said as she guided her towards the food tables.

Eve glanced back at the crowd, heart full. She turned to Tigris then, leaning into her gently.

"I don’t know how my heart’s supposed to hold all this happiness," she murmured. "But I’m so glad you’re beside me for all of it."

She glanced around at everyone gathered, her voice rising a little so they could hear.

"Thank you, all of you… for being part of my life. And for making today perfect. I'm so glad you're here and I cherish you all so much. Now we have games, food, beautiful weather. Let's have a great time!"

The meadow hummed with voices, colour, and sun. And Everest Vale, in that fleeting moment, felt utterly and wholly alive.