Populate A Winter's Blessing | THR Life and Name Day Thread [Resource Hex]

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell
​

Kiran didn't push back when she said she would've paid; he only gave a small, almost sheepish tilt of his head in acknowledgment. He'd known she would say that. As they walked, her comment about burlap earned another quiet breath of laughter from him, warmer this time. Her dry humor never failed to slip under his guard.

He stayed close as they approached the hill, keeping pace even when her steps slowed on the steeper parts. He didn't comment on her breathing, didn't offer to help or take her cup, he knew better than to risk bruising her pride, but he adjusted his stride to make the climb feel less like something she had to conquer alone.

At the top, he let silence settle between them, sipping from his own cup as their eyes adjusted to the dark away from the village lights. He watched Persephone out of the corner of his eye at first, as she looked his way. He took a quick glance at her before looking back up to the sky. "Just watch." He said with a smile, as he gave her a small nudge. "Here they come."

Then the meteors came.

blue streaks streaks tore across the night in a burst of brilliance, scattering like molten threads unraveling through the darkness. Kiran's expression softened, the reflection of it flickering in his eyes as he glanced toward Persephone just in time to see her take it in.

When she spoke, he let a smile ease onto his face, gentle and unforced.

"It is pretty cool," he agreed, gaze drifting back to the shimmering cascade overhead. "They say the smaller the debris, the brighter the burn. Something about how fast it vaporizes. At least that's what I read...."

Kiran looked at the pamphlet, sky, then back to the pamphlet before just setting it to the side.

He took a slow breath, letting the awe of it sink in, letting the moment stretch. He leaned back, one hand back to hold him up and the other holding his mug of hot chocolate, taking another small sip.

"Worth the climb," he murmured softly, more to her than to the sky. "Great company added, it can't be beat."

 

[Dominic Praxon]

Five Years Ago​

"What look on my face, Sol?" He said, fake incredulity plastered across his youthful face. She had proceeded to explain it in a lengthy, obtuse, engineer-like manner. It was something to do with him clearly wishing she would not be so forthright in moments of negotiation. This had merely been haggling over some expenses on a dinner receipt. He had been making progress, but she had then suggested that she had some money to chip in if money was an issue. It hadn't been. He had just been trying to show off.

Her explanation contained examples, in triplicate. Several run on sentences. And a few questionable metaphors. To be honest, Dominic had not heard much of it. He had just been watching for the occasional appearance of the dimple that graced the corner of one side of her mouth on the rarest of occasions.

He saw it twice. She misunderstood his smiles, which only sent her down another rabbit trail.

Now​

Dominic gave Solaina that look without even realising it. So easily did he slip into their old rapport, that it did not even occur to him. Their shorthand seemed natural.

"You are expecting a meeting? I hope it is not with Aurelian Veruna as I am well aware of how...well...that went last time," Dominic said, his face showing less humour than his tone conveyed. The mixed signals were intentional. Incongruence was a tool to wield, if one knew how and why to employ it.

At her suggestion of indebtedness, Dominic actually laughed, while he walked towards the far side of the central, circular rug that adorned the floor of the barely-furnished tent. "No. No indebtedness. But favours are a possibility, right of refusal notwithstanding," he said before signalling towards Solaina.

"Princess...I trust you brought the sample I requested for confirmation that actually have what you claim to have," he said, eyes flicking toward Solaina, trying to reassure her that he knew what he was doing, and then back to the Princess, "not that I would ever suggest a Sith as being guilty of subterfuge."

"Debts are unacceptable. My preference is understandings. Even a nod at the right moment can shape destinies," he said, finally cutting right to the deal.

Solaina Embarri Quinn Varanin​

 

[Naniti]

Naniti stared back at the dumbstruck Lysander. She didn't move as he came to grips with the holoprojection of the Neti's likeness. Not one word, right? A Togruta was nothing if not considerate a warrior's pride. Okay, the violet companion also didn't bother to hide her smile in the moment.

"And don't forget it, Mister. A Lady has to keep you guessing." The Togruta preened as she withdrew the puck to stow it away again. "And just since we had that thing with her there," she added regarding how long she'd be prepared. When someone manages to catch Lysander off guard, Naniti had to notice. Since this moment went so well she'd have to find another means that didn't involve the Neti though. Wouldn't be good if the only why she could surprise him was with A'Mia's face every time; a woman might start to feel like a placeholder between encounters.

Perhaps the move had unsettled Lysander, but Naniti figured it was probably bad luck or just the ax being an awkward thing to throw. Accomplished as she felt with her own tosses, she wasn't going to go around claiming to be some kind of ax throwing champion. Well, maybe for a short while. If she won. Well, even if she didn't she could still claim to be an excellent marksman given all three data points. No need to throw another one. Her record spoke for itself -- long as she didn't tempt fate.

She reached out to touch the outside of Lysander's upper arm with a smile. "I'm sure you'll make us all regret this at the next training session."

Lysander von Ascania | Acier Moonbound | Varin Mortifer

 

[Thessaly Veruna]

She became bored with the anachronistic native art of Utikis within less than a second. It was all so puerile, and beneath her need to pay attention. She leaned into the Senator's shoulder, more for balance than affection, letting the press of her weight decide their pace. A long breath slipped free as Ravion’s last question lingered, unanswered, like a glass left sweating on a table.

"Senator. My husband died some time ago..." And he had never been a comfort of any sort.

"...it feels good to be held again." True enough. Truth, she had learned, carried best when dressed for the occasion.

Her hand found the crook of his arm and stayed there, guiding him gently, inevitably, away from the market’s color and noise. The crowd thinned. Voices softened. Lanternlight gave way to the warmer, lower glow of inns and private doorways. She smiled without showing her teeth.

"Tell me, Senator," she murmured, gaze drifting to a row of balconies above, shutters half-closed against the evening air. "Have you ever tried forgetting where you are for a night?"

She tilted her head, eyes finally meeting his, measuring. "Utikis is not known for its art. But it does offer quiet. Walls that do not listen. Rooms that ask very little of the people inside them."

Her thumb traced a small, absent circle through the fabric of his sleeve. A suggestion, nothing more. "I find I sleep better when I am tired." She lifted a brow, pausing just for a moment. "You look as though you might appreciate that as well."

Ravion Corvalis​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian's smile widened at her answer, genuine and quick. "Cramp my style all you like," he said. "At this point it would probably be beneficial." He glanced at her armor, the way she carried herself without trying. "Honestly, I might have to start paying you to stand beside me. Nothing makes politicians reconsider their life choices faster than a Mandalorian who looks like she could end the conversation physically."

He tipped his head, amused. "Half of them would suddenly remember they left something important unsaid somewhere far away."

He turned and started back toward the center of the market, angling them toward the dais where he had abandoned Cora to diplomacy and patience. The crowd thickened as they walked, music swelling again, laughter carrying over the snow. He moved through it easily, familiar with the choreography of public space, slowing just enough to keep pace with her.

"There's supposed to be a meteor shower later," he added, casual. "Not official programming. Someone checked the charts and decided to pretend it was intentional. Still, worth seeing if the clouds cooperate."

As they neared the brighter lights, his attention drifted ahead, scanning faces out of habit. His expression shifted, subtle but sharp, when he spotted a familiar figure. Aurelian leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice.

"See the woman over there?" he said quietly. "That's my half sister. Thessaly." His mouth twisted. "And the man she's speaking to is the Senator from Malastare. I assure you, he's exactly as slimy as he looks."

He watched them for a moment, then snorted softly. "If you ever meet another Veruna, do yourself a favor and avoid them. As much as possible." He glanced sideways at Adelle, eyes bright with humor that did not quite hide the truth underneath. "Hard to believe, I know, but I'm the tame one."

The lights of the dais came into view, voices rising, a familiar hum of importance and pretense. He straightened slightly, rolling his shoulders like a man putting a coat back on.

​

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Ukatis

Equipment:
Winter Outfit| Lightsaber | Cybernetic Arm

The axe spun cleanly this time, and struck the target. This time, biting closer to the center ring than his first. Not perfect. But deliberate. Corrected. Controlled.

Ace didn't react at first. Just watched the axe where it sat, embedded and steady, before stepping back again. A faint tilt of his head, like he'd confirmed a hypothesis.

"Guess it wasn't luck..." He muttered, mostly to himself.

For a brief moment, he watched the interaction between Lysander and Naniti again, before turning away to see whatever Varin was doing. Looked like the giant was in his own little competition with some Cathar.

When Lysander stepped up for his final throw, his attention found him again. The change was obvious. There was less force and less hunger. The axe caught for a heartbeat, then slid free and fell into the snow. No frustration. No correction. Lysander turned back smiling, unbothered, like the outcome had never mattered in the first place. That, more than the miss, stuck with Ace.

He decided not to say anything this time, no teasing, no sarcastic comment. He just let the moment be.

Ace shifted his weight, fingers tightening briefly around the haft of his own axe before relaxing again. Then he stepped forward, one last time, breath slow and even. He adjusted his grip, sighted the target once more, and let the axe leave his hand.

Lysander von Ascania | Naniti | Varin Mortifer​

 

[Elian Abrantes]

@Open
​

Elian sat down in the snow a short distance from the market, far enough that the noise dulled into a low, indistinct hum. Lanternlight didn't quite reach this patch, leaving the ground washed in pale starlight instead. The cold seeped through his trousers, but he didn't bother moving. Some moments were worth a little discomfort.

A steaming mug rested between his hands, warmth bleeding into his fingers as he tipped his head back to the sky.

The stars over Naboo were sharp tonight, clean, endless. Then, as if on cue, a thin streak of light cut across the dark. A meteor. Small. Brief. Gone almost as soon as it appeared. Another followed it, and then a third, faint but unmistakable.

Elian smiled.

The light reflected in his eyes as he tracked their paths, the silver arcs burning there for just a heartbeat longer than they did in the sky. For all his easy confidence, moments like this still managed to catch him off guard. The quiet. The reminder that the galaxy kept moving whether plans worked out or not.

He chuckled softly to himself and lifted the mug, taking a careful sip of hot chocolate. Too hot. Worth it.

Somewhere behind him, Life Day music swelled again. Somewhere ahead, people chased thieves, argued, laughed, walked away. Elian stayed where he was, shoulders relaxed, eyes on the stars, letting the meteors burn their brief stories overhead.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Makko Vyres | Open!​

A faint flush surfaced on pale cheeks at the familiar weight of Makko's arm settling over her shoulders. On a world such as Ukatis, it was an intimate gesture.

The sound of his voice was instantly grounding. Cora smiled, but was careful not to lean too much into the soothing hand at her back.

"I think now's a good a time as any," she murmured back. The crowd around the dais was beginning to thin, and with a wave of her hand, Cora dismissed her attendants. "Go on and enjoy the festival, you've all earned it. Oh, and here-" one hand slipped into the wide sleeve of her festive Life Day robe and returned with a satchet of credits. "Really enjoy the festival," she chuckled as she handed the purse to the closest handmaiden.

Then, she turned back to Makko. "I don't think anyone would begrudge us for stretching our legs," she agreed, suppressing a quiet groan as he helped her to stand. "I would like to try the archery event. It's been very long since I've practiced, so I do hope that I won't hit anyone."

Carefully, they climbed down from the dais and swept into the festive crowds. Makko was right - her lower back was beginning to ache, and the movement helped.

"I missed this," she confessed quietly. "The energy. The festivity. It feels like we haven't had a lot of reasons to celebrate lately, so it's nice to have something to look forward to."

Slow, steady steps carried them toward the archery range. It had been placed so that the targets faced away from the throngs of festival-goers.

"Have you ever shot an arrow before?" Cora asked as she slipped on an arm guard. "I can't recall if I’ve ever made you try it."

She nocked an arrow, pulled back on the bowstring, and took aim at the painted target. With a snap of the cord, she let the arrow fly.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

[Diceroll post because chaos ate the one I tried to do above reeeee]

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Roman," Dominique turned to look after the handsome man as he swung up into the saddle, "I do hope we get a chance to meet again. I may represent Denon, but my door is always open." He seemed eager to be away, perhaps not smitten with talk of statesmanship and galactic affairs. No a political influencer then. Well, there were other roles a person could play in the wider scheme of things. People thought less of Corpos, but in the end a good Corpo never dismissed solid talent.

With his departure, the lilac glareshades pivoted back toward Liana, the young woman that'd just spoken of her parents activities in light of recent events. "Perhaps Alderaan would be interested in establishing a trade route to Denon. We do have relations with both the Mandalorian Empire and Imperial Confederation. Should the Galactic Empire take an interest in your affairs, a neutral third-party," she as the Corporate Sector, "could help bolster your negotiating power. That may sound uncouth of me to say, but your world deserves to have an arsenal at its disposal to retain its sovereignty, and if not that then at least its identity. Galactic winds are known to change."

It was a more straight-forward approach to matters, but Liana didn't seem particular solid on the discrete inference earlier. Doubtful they could wage a one-world war against the Galactic Empire to maintain Alderaan's independence if it came to it, but there were other ways to reach an accord with an Empire. Less bloody ways, in fact. Dominique preferred such bloodless measures, herself.

Sibylla Abrantes | Liana Organa | Roman Vossari​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Open

Adelle had to laugh when he said that her presence would intimidate politicians into good behavior. He himself stood nearly a head taller than she did and there were plenty of more physically imposing Mandalorians out there. Veyla Krinn, for one. Siv Kryze. Itzhal Volkihar. Renn Vizsla towered over her. Adelle had to look up constantly at her own clan mates. And as she was without her armor, it definitely couldn't be the jacket she wore.

Phantom pawing at the high collar and sticking her cold nose against the skin of her neck didn't improve Adelle's self-analysis.

Maybe it was how she stood nowadays. She'd gotten used to wearing beskar'gam out on contracts and constantly stood like she still wore it.

She followed as Aurelian guided the way back towards the center of the market, the drone of noise growing louder if still a little muffled by snow. It was easier than expected to keep up with him but perhaps he was being intentional about it. After all, he had the longer stride so he should have outpaced her. But the pace was easy enough Adelle felt it was safe to drink from her half-empty mug as she walked.

He mentioned the meteor shower that had been advertised in the invitation.

"I hope they do," she said, looking at the snow clouds overhead. There were a few snowflakes so the flurries were tapering off but would the clouds clear in time? "Night skies are more impressive in low-tech areas. On the Dantooine farm, you could see a band of the galaxy's stars on a clear night."

She felt more than saw the change in his body language, a strange tension coiled around him. Like he'd just seen a predator.

His half-sister.

Adelle followed his gaze, taking in both the senator and the lady. Their clothes and their body language both spoke to their perceived superiority as Lady Thessaly seemed to lead around the senator. They were moving towards the edge of the market, to quieter parts of town. If the senator was as slimy as Aurelian said and his sister as bad as his body language said, no good could come of those two talking in private. Adelle took a large drink of the spiced fruit cider to wash the distaste from her mouth.

The warning came with a soft snort and a smile that didn't meet Aurelian's eyes. He was serious. Adelle opened her mouth to make a dark joke about the lack of living family members but thought better of it. It was a Life Day festival, celebrating expectant new life.

"Well now I just want to shoot something," she said instead. As they approached the dais, Adelle watched the posture and body language of the interim High Chancellor change again. And it looked a lot like he was putting on armor.

It also seemed that the Dowager Princess had also had enough of ceremony and spectacle, excusing herself from the crowd of well-wishers as her husband supported and escorted her away. It appeared there would be no passive-aggressive tongue-lashing from her. For now. Which was probably for the best, since Adelle didn't really have a taste for schadenfreude unless the person really deserved it. She took a few steps closer to the dais, Phantom scooting as close as she could to Adelle's head and curling up.

"Since you'll be busy with duty and all the political shenanigans now, I think I'm going to try the other challenge," she said. "Figured I'd scratch the itch to shoot something, and archery targets are better than live targets. Want to watch me fail spectacularly as a Mandalorian again?"

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Objective I - Lights of the Ovli Market
Interacting with: Dominique Vexx Liana Organa Roman Vossari

Sibylla watched Roman's rather dramatic departure with a composed smile that hid her private amusement. The Ukatian Dream, indeed. Still, she inclined her head politely as the horse carried him off through the Market's glow.

"Take care and please be safe, Roman," she called after him, sincerity threading through the humor.

The Interim Queen's attention shifted back to Liana, and at once her expression softened, the levity giving way to quiet concern as she listened. When the young Ambassador finished, Sibylla stepped just a touch closer.

"Please know that if there is any way we may assist with the recovery efforts your father is leading, you need only ask," she said gently. "And should your mother find herself in need -- now or in the days ahead -- we would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we might help."

Her hazel eyes flicked briefly to Dominique, a slight nod passing between them. Denon's proximity to Alderaan mattered. Speed mattered. Having trusted allies within reach always did.

Returning her focus to Liana, Sibylla offered a reassuring smile.

"You need not shoulder this alone, Ambassador Organa. Preparation is wise, yes -- but so is knowing where support stands."

She then gestured lightly toward the lantern-lit heart of the Market.

"You are more than welcome to join us if you wish. We were just about to make our way to congratulate Lady von Ascania."

 

[Makko Vyres]

MAKKO

Corazona von Ascania

Makko let out a soft huff of a laugh as they moved together through the thinning crowd. One hand never quite left the small of her back. The other took her hand. His thumb traced slow, careful circles over the back of her hand as they walked.

"Stretching our legs sounds dangerously rebellious," he murmured, tone warm. "I am sure the Crown will survive without us for ten minutes."

"I missed this too," he said quietly. "Seeing you enjoy something without having to think about what comes next. We needed this night. You needed it."

Admittedly, preparing for the arrival was almost as stressful as rushing into a war zone.

He watched her fondly as she slipped on the arm guard. There was something grounding about seeing her like this. Not a princess receiving well wishers, not a symbol, just Cora with a bow in her hands and the snow catching in her hair.

Her arrow flew true enough, thudding into a red ring around the target with a satisfying sound. Makko blinked once, then nodded, clearly impressed.

"You look like you remember exactly how to do that."

At her question, he shifted his weight and glanced at the rack of bows with curiosity rather than confidence.

"No," he admitted. Blasters, sabers, knives, and a few very questionable improvised weapons. Bows somehow never came up on Denon.

He reached for one anyway, testing its weight in his hands.

"Don't laugh."

One of the staff watching the range had to show Makko how to place his feet and draw the bow. Apparently his first attempt to pull the string was entirely wrong.

An arrow flew off his bow with a sideways kick, but it stayed on the target, half way from the centre. He was quite proud of himself, but he sensed more than he heard a snigger from one of the young lords.

 

[Liana Organa]

Roman Vossari - Sibylla Abrantes - Dominique Vexx​

Liana sensed that Roman was about to leave even before he made his abrupt exit known. She glanced his way, "It was nice to meet you." It was clear to her that he didn't really know what to do with the new subject matter. She couldn't blame him for that; Liana was supposed to be getting an education on such matters, but even she found it all a bit complicated to wrap her head around.

Both Dominique and Sibylla offered support, and Liana mulled over the possibilities, but could muster little more than a shrug, "At the end of the day it's not really my authority to decide." She was the Princess, not the Queen, and when it came down to it, Junior Ambassador was just a ceremonial title. "Queen Organa is even more suspicious of corporate-types than me, so, good luck if it comes to that."

Would the Empire really even care? If they wanted a planet as reputable as Alderaan, she couldn't imagine a few backroom deals or legal loopholes would be the thing to stop them. Either way, they were right about one thing: Alderaan couldn't stand on its own. Its influence cast a wide net, but the Empire was large enough to swallow them whole. That is why she was here, wasn't it? To be a friendly face to represent her people on the galactic stage? Win hearts and minds, as it were? "In any case, I appreciate the offers. I'll be sure to relay them to my mother." Liana turned, expecting the conversation to come to an end, but Sibylla offered for her to join them in meeting Lady von Ascania, "Oh… well, sure." Might as well cross another planetary leader off the list.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

A_W I N T E R S_B L E S S I N G
Objective I - Lights of the Ovli Market

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
UKATIS, INNER RIM

​

It was rare for Sularen to travel this far outside Imperial Space. He had always been focused on his work within the Confederation, dedicated to the advancement of Imperial ideals in the face of the threats posed by the Sith and the Criminal Underworld. His trip her to Ukatis was no exception, although he preferred to classify it as a social vacation. With the ongoing Life Day festivities, Ukatis was the perfect place to relax and socialize a bit before Sularen would have to dive right back into his work.

Thus Sularen found himself within the Ovli Market simply walking through the area and engaging in the occasional small-talk with vendors. At the very least he had been received somewhat cordially so far, given that he had once served the Dark Empire when it waged war on the Galactic Alliance at a time when Ukatis as a member world of the Alliance. Although then again Ukatis was nowhere near the frontlines and had suffered more at the hands of the Sith and Mandalorians then with Imperials.

As the Imperial Supreme Commander continued his stroll through the market he eventually came across a familiar face, one that he immediately recognized from their prior encounter during a funeral at Bonadan. She appeared to be engaged in discussion with a pair of individuals while a third had just left them. Given their familiarity with each other the Supreme Commander figured he might as well approach her, eventually walking over towards the trio and introducing himself.

"Senator Vexx. A pleasure to meet you once more." he said with a shy but polite smile. "Enjoying the festivities?"

Tags | Dominique Vexx | Sibylla Abrantes | Liana Organa | Roman Vossari ​