Faction Across the Stars: The Wedding of Alicio Organa and Amani Serys (GA, NJO, Friends)

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora's polite smile did not falter, but it did grow a hair more taut as she met Desric's own genuine grin. The teasing threads in his tone did not go unnoticed, and the lower lid of her left eye trembled ever so slightly.

"You always have, Desric. I applaud your brave decisions in fashion."

Tilting her head to the side, she took a brief, surreptitious sip of champagne. A little more than a sip, actually.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Senator Vexx. I'm afraid that I haven't made it to Denon yet, but I would very much like to visit someday." The polite smile was back, this time without the tension as she offered the woman her hand for a shake. "Corazona von Ascania of Ukatis. Jedi Padawan.”

“Ah, that reminds me, Desric—congratulations on winning your senatorial bid for Arcadia." She glanced at her fellow aristocrat from the corner of her gaze. Cora wouldn't admit that he tended to have the upper hand in their playful verbal sparring, but she would admit to beating him in an actual, physical spar.

Even if she'd sort of cheated, and Cadence had whooped her shortly after.

The bride and groom approached, to which Cora offered a graceful, sweeping bow.

"Thank you very much for the invitation; it truly is an honor to attend the wedding reception for Count Organa and the New Jedi's chief healer. May your union be blessed with many strong, healthy children."

It was a typical well-wish for weddings on Ukatis. Cora herself had seven siblings.

Amani was offered a muted smile and a nod. "A pleasure to meet you as well, Amani. I've heard of your incredible feats as a healer."

Desric Terassi Dominique Vexx Amani Serys Alicio Organa Aiden Porte

 

[Desric Terassi]

His words had an effect, albeit not one he had expected. Was she... no, he was probably just imagining things.

As Cora mentioned his successful senatorial bid, he smiled brightly. "Why, thank you. An exciting opportunity, to be sure." One granted to him by a combination of nepotism, networking, and lobbyism, not democracy.

Speaking of networking, he clocked the newlyweds approaching with Alicio in the lead.

"It is my pleasure - thank you for the invite. The ceremony was beautiful." The sentiment was genuine, but the full truth would have meant adding 'and it seemed an excellent networking opportunity.' "The merging of your peoples' customs was quite something." The location seemed equally appropriate, though he obviously did not know the full story.

He hoped they would enjoy his (hideously expensive) gift, when the time came to start opening them.

As Vexx followed up by referencing her 'monstrous reputation', Desric's lips quirked upward in amusement. That amusement transitioned into an awkward cough at Cora's greeting. For once, he was the flummoxed one.

'Many strong, healthy children' was not a common well-wish in the circles he roamed.

Alicio Organa | Amani Serys | Dominique Vexx | Corazona von Ascania | Aiden Porte​

 

[Inanna Harth]

Taking out her datapad to look it up, Inanna giggled under her breath, as she always did whenever yartz was uttered. "The Holonet says... 'Most babies stop spitting up by age twelve months'. How old are you again, Serena?"

Serena answered in a babble of baby talk and emphatic hand gestures.

"About twelve months? Sounds like you're good for dancing, then." Rising to her feet, Inanna scooped up Serena. "But if you do 'yartz', please try to aim it away from the vicinity of the bride and groom. And my dress, if you can help it."

"Do you know how to dance?" she asked Cato with a grin, balancing Serena against her hip with one arm.

Cato Harth​

 

[Alexander Hayes]

There was the slightest smile that appeared in response to Maeve’s reaction. Yeah, she was certainly not used to being social with or around others. Or perhaps it was specifically being complimented. But Alex felt the same, spent too many years as a soldier, that returning to civilian life didn’t feel right.

I have to find my balance, or something like that.

After Maeve ordered her scotch, Alex followed up with a whiskey for himself. It was a favourite of his, but then a lot of alcohol was his favourite whenever he wanted to drink the night away. Plenty of those during the old days, and it took a lot to take out a K’paur.

Not that he intended to do the same right now.

“Honestly, I thought I would be too. Sith or the Maw.” Alex let out a chuckle, though a flicker of a dark look crossed his face at the mention of the Brotherhood. But it was sweeped away as he smiled at Maeve. “Nah, it wasn’t Master Noble. An old soldier buddy, practically a brother to me, Aiden Rennek. Visited him on Corellia recently, and I might’ve got a nudge to try and socialise more.”

Maeve Linahan | Amani Serys | Alicio Organa | Silas Westgard | Thelma Goth | Jasper Kai'el | Alora Davani​

 

[Alicio Organa]

TYTHON MEMORIAL HOLOGRAPHIC GARDEN
SANCTUARY CITY, ALDERAAN
- Amani Serys - Cato Harth - Inanna Harth -
​

"Inanna has a kid?"

Despite their relative safety, being completely swamped by Jedi, Alicio winced a little as Inanna's name was uttered to the wind. Chastising himself for being too cautious, the Count simply nodded, a grin splitting his fine features. "Mmm-hmm. Seems like she's always one step ahead," he said, before whispering mischievously into the Mirialan's ear.

"Looks like we need to catch up." He winked.

- Desric Terassi - Corazona von Ascania - Dominique Vexx - Aiden Porte -
​

The Count nodded as Dominique spoke, a genuine, sunny smile on his face. Looking down briefly at Amani, he felt his heart beat a little harder. "I suppose they do," he noted, contemplative. "Master Noble told me something similar, once upon a time." Comparing the two women was like comparing jogans and meilooruns, but their advice, that this was where life's best moment's hid, was comfortingly the same. Though her blessing from Denon made his warm attitude falter, if only for a moment. It was a sore reminder of the real world, what with the economic disparity, not to mention the unrest...

No. Stop. Not today.

Forcefully dragging himself away from that train of thought, Alicio accepted the greeting from Corazona with grace, covering up his momentary scandalized surprise with gratitude. Though certainly not as much of an emphasis with the Organas as it must be on Ukatis, any noble line has emphasis put on their children. The topic had been a point of discussion between Amani and Alicio before their engagement. The Count bowed back, returning her poise and posture. "Thank you for your blessing."

Finally, he turned his attention to Desric, bumping against Amani's side. "Thank you as well. And technically, the merging isn't done yet. We still have to finish our tattoos." Alicio held out his forearm to the group, where a dark triangle-shaped mark with a line underneath it hid under his sleeve. "It's a Mirialan declaration of love. We got it... before we were engaged." He looked down at it in obvious care, reminded of the history of the tattoo, before returning his arm to his side. "Now that we're married, the design will be added onto soon."

 

[Cato Harth]

A yartz-free baby was fine with Cato. Until such a time came that Serena would get sick and earth anyway. But at least that would be less regular than it was with infants. He followed Inanna to the lea cleared out for dancing, and groaned, "Yes please. Ruining the bride's wedding gown sounds like a horribly expensive way to end this reception."

Cato wrapped one hand around Inanna's waist, which also helped to hold Serena, and took her hand with the other. He smirked playfully at her question, "Just kinda shuffle around and try not to step on the lady's feet, right?"

Inanna Harth​

 

[Amani Serys]

Alicio Organa​

Amani grinned slyly in return, "I guess we do~" She wasn't necessarily rushing for kids, but they both expressed a desire in the past. Maybe once this war with the Maw finally came to a close, they could really focus on their family…

---

Dominique Vexx | Corazona von Ascania | Desric Terassi
​

Amani dipped her head in gratitude to Vexx, breezing past the woman's remarks on her own reputation. She was keen on avoiding any references to surrounding politics strife today, "Thank you, and thank you again for taking the time to come. I hope it's been enjoyable for you all."

Cora's greeting came with a surprising level of propriety and formality, topped off by a bow. Amani didn't know what to expect from Valery's latest apprentice, least of all a rather forward blessing of numerous children. She took it in stride, genuinely flattered if still somewhat amused. From that interaction alone, Amani was able to make a few assumptions on Cora's upbringing. She'd been living with a noble long enough herself, after all, "If you're trying to get on my good side, it's working," Amani teased at the compliment of her healing capabilities, before quickly returning to humility, "I try to live up to the role as best I can. How has your training been going?"

Desric offered his own appreciation, and a remark on the thematic blending of customs. Amani expounded on Alicio's response, holding out her inner wrist. The tattoos were matching, except for the fact that they were on opposite arms, and Amani's was inverted. So when laid over one another, such as when holding hands, the two triangles "interlocked" at the sides. Cutesy? Perhaps. But it was built on ages of tradition, and suited them just fine, "That's right. It's a pretty simple addition, really, but a significant one. On the outside edge of the triangle, we'll have another line tattooed to signify the marriage," She traced with her finger to represent the mark, and added with a whisper, "The last line comes after having your firstborn."

 

[Inanna Harth]

"Just kinda shuffle around and try not to step on the lady's feet, right?"

Inanna snorted. "If you're at a high school dance, sure. Otherwise it's more stepping than shuffling. Here, let me show you..."

She walked Cato through the steps. Serena seemed to enjoy the ride, resting her head against Inanna's shoulder.

Cato Harth​

 

[Cato Harth]

Cato followed along, easing into the routine after a bit of effort. He found himself absorbed in the moment, "I could get used to this," He watched Serena bob along their rhythm as she laid on Inanna's shoulder, their movements becoming smooth enough that he half-wondered if she'd be lulled into sleep.

"Gonna have to get a job now that we're off Narsh," Cato hummed, finding himself a bit aimless without criminals to beat up or junk to sell, "Any career advice?"

Inanna Harth​

 

[Inanna Harth]

“My career advice depends on what you plan to do. Could always keep doing what you’ve been doing, although I hear crime isn’t so bad on Alderaan,” Inanna replied playfully. “You’ve still got your other skills. Or you could go back to the Jedi, maybe take on an apprentice… You know, I can see you becoming a teacher. Is that too far out of right field?”

It was the swaying that finally did Serena in. After all the sugar she’d had, she eventually grew drowsy, her eyes drifting closed.

Cato Harth​

 

[Maeve Linahan]

Maeve was not unaware of the shadow that crossed Alexander's face at the mention of the Maw. Like the Sith, they struck a similarly jarring chord in her heart, a feeling caused by years of trauma and regret. They'd both been victims to their corruption, their rampaging, and she understood they were the same.

"I think it would have taken a lot more than a nudge to bring you to a wedding like this," she answered. "But Aiden Rennek… I'm not familiar with the name. Is he here with you?"

She cast a glance over her shoulder. To be fair, Maeve was not familiar with anyone in the special forces besides Alexander, having worked exclusively with Jedi like Amani or Jasper, searching temples or saving hostage younglings. Of course, the K'paur was not like most marines. The Force flowed through him like a river, and she'd never been able to tell why.

She drank from her glass of brandy. Maeve had no idea the effects the alcohol would have on her, as this was perhaps the first time she'd really indulged herself. A part of her was afraid it might turn her into the same manic, cake-smeared child she'd spotted earlier, but so far she felt fine. So far.

Maeve ran a thumb over the rim of her glass. "Have you ever been to a wedding before?" she asked, if only to keep the conversation alive.

Alexander Hayes​

​

​

​

​

 

[Alexander Hayes]

“Nah, Aiden’s probably spending some more time with his girlfriend.” Alex paused to take a sip of his whiskey. “Her name’s Briana, I got to meet her recently. Childhood friends, those two, which I just remembered…need to tease them more about that next time I see ‘em.”

The K’paur chuckled lightly, his eyes shifting out across the venue. Crowds of people had gathered in different spots. Be it at the bar, across the hall, or filling the dancefloor in the middle. There was a wistful look in his gaze as he took in the number of couples that were together.

Maeve was right in that it would’ve taken more than a nudge to bring him to a wedding, or a big public gathering. But being out of commission for ages, returning to the fight, visiting Aiden and Briana.

It all made the K’paur feel out of place in something that he shouldn’t be. He should’ve died on Selvaris.

But he hadn’t, and now he was trying to piece together his life again, treading down both familiar and unfamiliar paths.

“Once, when a squadmate finally got married to his fiancee. Whole squad got invited, it was one hell of an event.” Alex smiled at the memory, sipping at his drink. “Don’t remember a lot though, just remember drinking so much that even I got a hangover.” Which, given his K’paur genes, was an accomplishment.

Alex’s mind seemed to drift off in that moment, remembering that old squadmate was now dead, and his wife a widow. It hadn’t even crossed his mind until now, to check up on her. There was a feeling of slight dread that pooled in his stomach, and Alex was quick to push that thought aside.

“Here I am, meant to be socialising with new people, yet I’m talking and drinking with a familiar face.” The K’paur took a long sip of his drink, eyes falling upon Maeve again. “Ain’t going to complain though, I do have lovely company.”

Alex’s lips curled into that trademark grin again.

Maeve Linahan​

 

[Maeve Linahan]

"You? Hungover?" she said. "Now, that's hard to believe."

Alexander, blackout drunk, was not an easy thought to imagine. She'd only ever seen him in a soldier's light: tense, focused, hands behind his back as if he was forever on guard duty. Like Maeve, they weren't much for socializing. They stuck to what they were best at.

Killing Sith.

Of course, in rare moments like these, there were no enemies to fight and no battles to wage. Just the two of them. Guests at a wedding, friends sharing a drink—and a few compliments.

"Don't get soft on me, Hayes. Flattery will get you nowhere." Maeve rolled her eyes, unable to contain her smile. It was a lie. She couldn't deny the strange sensation she felt at his words. Lovely. How could she be lovely? How could she be anything more than the plain-spoken, iron-hearted Jedi she was raised to be?

She was a Shadow, hardened by years of discipline, and she was starting to feel like a blundering girl around him. She blamed the alcohol. It was absolutely the alcohol.

So, as anyone would, Maeve drank another mouthful.

"I appreciate the sentiment though," she continued. "Your company is… tolerable." She nodded her head like it was the compliment of the century. "But please, don't let me keep you just because I'm a familiar face. There are still plenty more guests you should meet. Toasts to make. Girls to dance with. Cake to eat."

"Like Master Noble—you've worked with her before, no?"

Alexander Hayes​

​

 

[Cato Harth]

Cato puffed air through his nose, "I'm sure it would be a walk in the park by comparison. Doesn't exactly pay the bills though," Gurt wasn't around to give him a rent-free space to live. Not to mention the whole crime-fighting shtick was one of the things they were trying to move away from. He let some of Inanna's other ideas process in his thoughts, but it was the last one that caught his attention.

"Really?" Cato quirked up an eyebrow, "Maybe. Not sure what kids would wanna learn from me, but…" He shrugged. It was never something he would've come up with on his own, but out loud, it didn't seem such a bad idea, "You think so?"

Inanna Harth​

 

[Inanna Harth]

“Of course you decide you want a real job after I leave my fortune to you,” Inanna muttered in amusement.

"You think so?"

“Yes, Mr. Harth,” she said, imitating the tones of a kid addressing a teacher. She was a bit surprised by how well Cato took to the idea. “Depends on what you want to teach, I assume not math and Basic. You’re a Jedi Knight, you could teach future Jedi. Or, uh, don’t they have a Failed Jedi Corps, or something? I know they do, because I almost wound up there. You could teach those poor kids.”

Cato Harth​

 

[Cato Harth]

Cato nodded along, apparently finding some promise in the prospect. It was Inanna's last point that got his attention the most, "The Service Corps?" He chuckled awkwardly, finding some humor in the idea of it being so blatantly called the 'Failed Jedi Corps' as she put it, "They're not failures. A lot of people take pride in being a part of the Corps," But he knew it wasn't the dream many Jedi had. He himself once feared the prospect of being given no other option but to join their ranks.

"But… maybe…" It was probably less stressful than having a padawan under his care, while still being useful. Helping students to see their potential was a noble goal, right? "You think they'd let me?"

Inanna Harth​

 

[Inanna Harth]

“The Service Corps, that’s what it’s called.” She nodded.

He grew a bit awkward talking about them, and she got the impression it was something of a sore spot for Jedi. It wasn’t hard to see why. “Sure, but I take it nobody joins the Corps willingly. Or at least, they wouldn’t pick the Service Corps over being a Jedi if they had the choice,” she said.

"You think they'd let me?"

“Mm, I dunno.” She tilted her head to plant a kiss just below his ear. “Maybe start asking around? Ask some old contacts. I think you’d be good for them. But then I think you’d be good for everybody. I’m sure there are some criminals, Sith, terrorists, and Hutts who would disagree with my assessment…”

Cato Harth​

 

[Cato Harth]

"Fair enough," Cato admitted. The Service Corp was portrayed as an honorable alternative to the traditional Jedi Path. And frankly it was in practice. But it decidedly wasn't what most Jedi, if any Jedi, signed on for. Tell a kid their path is one of a knightly galactic protector for years, only to switch around and tell them it's actually growing plants or organizing books, and chances are they're going to have a hard time seeing their purpose for a while.

Cato leaned closer reflexively, grinning at the tickle of her voice against his ear, "I'll be sure not to use any of 'em as references on my application, then," He danced awhile longer in silent musing, the nodded, "Alright… Yeah. I'll ask around." Surely there was someone with the Jedi he still knew, right?

Inanna Harth​

 

[Alexander Hayes]

Maeve’s response drew a grin from the K’paur, one that was impossible to hide. It felt like a rare sight to see the blonde Shadow smile, something Alex felt was a shame. Because it was a lovely smile, especially from someone so hardened from war and conflict. It was something he knew too well, and buried himself within for years.

And after everything with Cosanta? Well, he figured some lightheartedness was in order. With a dash of alcohol thrown in to help.

“Oh I wouldn’t want to interrupt her, it seems like she’s having a lovely time with her husband.” The last he had seen them, the pair had been on the dance floor still. Although, Alex wouldn’t be surprised if they had since departed to track down their mischievous daughter.

Although an idea did spark in the K’paur’s mind, one that saw him offer Maeve a cheeky smile.

“Something you said though, has given me an idea.” He began, taking a moment to finish his current drink. “Care for a dance, Miss Linahan?” Alex stood up from his stool, holding out his hand for the blonde to take.

Maeve Linahan​

 

[Maeve Linahan]

The moment Maeve saw his widening grin, she knew what he had planned. She could read the idea on his lips, in his eyes, and it brought on a jab of panic.

She raised a finger at him. "Wait, now, wait a minute…"

Too late. Downing his drink, the question came tumbling out of him. An offer to dance, with an extended hand and that damnably charming smile. She should've been infuriated. Annoyed. Embarrassed, at least. But despite herself, her heart thrilled a bit at his words, and she couldn't understand why.

Maeve wavered. Instinct told her no, and although Alexander stood up, she stared at him and shook her head. "I'm a terrible dancer," she confessed. "It's just… I'm not…" Another wave of hesitation rippled through her and she let out a sigh. "Oh, fuck it. Alright."

Rational thought had begged her to stay seated, but the alcohol in her gut felt like a newborn star, and she thought, why not? She'd come all this way to celebrate one of the most important days in Amani's life and she couldn't just spend the rest of the reception chasing the bottom of a drinking glass. So, she took his hand and allowed him to lead.

"Please don't let me regret doing this."

Alexander Hayes​

​