First Reply Among Marble and Moons (THR preferred)

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Slow Introduction to Republic Life and Responsibilities
Outfit: Dress and cloak/cape
Tag: OPEN (Preferred Senator or Senator adjacent)

Vaerelyn Thorne had imagined Naboo a hundred different ways during the long hyperspace voyage from the Mokk system. None of them had been quiet enough. The world beneath the descending shuttle looked almost unreal through the viewport glass—vast lakes like polished mirrors, green hills untouched by industry, pale stone cities rising from the landscape with elegance instead of necessity. Even Theed seemed less constructed than composed, as though every tower and arch had been convinced to grow naturally from the cliffs themselves.

Gorath's Haven had beauty. But Gorath's beauty had always been survival. Weathered terraces carved into stubborn mountain stone. Timber halls reinforced against seasonal storms. The old Founder’s Hull still resting where it had crashed generations ago, preserved as both shrine and warning. Even Harvest Spire—with all its recent expansion—still carried the rough practicality of a people who remembered what it meant to nearly starve beneath an alien sky.

Naboo did not feel like survival. It felt like confidence. And that unsettled her more than she cared to admit. Vaerelyn stood near the shuttle ramp as it lowered with a hydraulic hiss, the warm Naboo air brushing against the layered fabrics of her traveling attire. The silver-blue garments had been chosen carefully before departure—formal enough for a senator, but unmistakably Gorathi in their cut and embroidery. Flowing wraps crossed over fitted leather beneath, accented with woven metallic threading that mimicked the sweeping curves of Mokk VIII’s rings. Upon her chest, held by a chain around her neck, rested a polished pendant carved from Havenstone, dark and flecked faintly with crystalline shimmer.

A piece of home. A reminder.

The sounds of the capital greeted her immediately. Waterfalls in the distance. Civilian speeders overhead. Music somewhere beyond the landing platform. Voices without urgency. Too many voices.

For a moment Vaerelyn simply stood there absorbing it all while attendants and protocol aides moved around her. The High Republic had approved Gorath’s Haven’s representation quickly enough once the Mokkan Directorate finalized its recognition of the colony’s autonomy beneath the broader Mokk VIII charter. Politically convenient. Strategically useful. Another vote in an increasingly unstable galaxy.

But convenience did not make her belong here. Her pale amber eyes drifted upward toward the skyline of Theed. Toward the Senate district beyond. Toward the place where she would now speak for an entire world.

The thought settled heavily against her ribs. Not because she doubted Gorath’s Haven deserved a voice. But because she knew exactly how small her world looked from here.

A remote agricultural moon orbiting a gas giant in an isolated system most senators had likely never heard of until the paperwork crossed their desks. A people descended from forgotten laborers and colonists. Farmers. Marsh hunters. River traders. Mechanics. Families that still measured wealth in harvest yields and community standing more than credits.

And now she was expected to stand among career politicians and Core World aristocrats as their equal. Vaerelyn exhaled slowly. Then straightened. No. Not their equal. Their representative. There was a difference.

The Force moved faintly around her—not dramatic, not mystical, just a subtle awareness brushing against the emotions nearby. Curiosity from aides. Mild skepticism from security personnel. Passing interest from civilians watching the newest arrival disembark. And beneath it all, her own nervousness threatening to tighten in her chest.

She buried it carefully. Gorathi did not survive by appearing fragile.

Her boots clicked softly against the polished stone as she descended the ramp at last. The twin moons embroidered into the edge of her cloak shifted with each step. Behind her followed a modest delegation from Gorath’s Haven carrying datacases and trade portfolios rather than ceremonial grandeur. Agricultural projections. Expansion proposals. Infrastructure requests. Real things. Useful things. That, at least, felt grounding.

Vaerelyn paused at the edge of the platform as the sunlight caught across the waters below Theed’s terraces. Beautiful. Peaceful. Dangerously easy to become lost in. A faint smile touched her lips anyway. “Alright,” she murmured softly to herself in accented Basic. “Let’s see if the galaxy is willing to listen.” And with that, Senator Vaerelyn Thorne of Gorath’s Haven stepped fully onto Naboo soil for the first time.

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Outfit: Maroon Jacket and Black suit
Tag: Vaerelyn Thorne

"Mother, I do not think Gwen is going to be in trouble on her own on Corellia. It is not a planet living in some outlawed life." Cynan sighed deeply as he was realising it was not good that his mother was this upset over Gwen's staying with him. Especially since he had not yet broached the topic of Gwen not returning home after her break from studies was over.

That felt like it was going to be a conversation held not in person. Just to ensure he did not meet an early grave.

"She has both too many and too few guards on her at all times. Her retinue of protection is better than my own!" Cynan exclaimed with a sigh exasperated sense to his voice.

Cynan's mother turned fiercely towads him, a glare in her eyes that caused him to step back. "What do you mean too many and too few? Do you endanger my eldest daughter?!"

"No, no! Just that she has more than ten guards, that is more than most would ever need to protect them... However, she is still very capable in slipping from their protection when she desires a break from the crowding that they cause..." Cynan looked to Sawel with a plea of help in his eyes as his mother's stare only intensified. He knew full well that she was not pleased with his answer and if he wanted to survive this conversation then his right hand needed to grab him and drag him away.

"She escapes! Hire better guards! This is my daughter's life you toy with! Your only flesh and blood! How can you be so cavalier to hire mediocre guards! I knew it! I knew Corellia was too dangerous for that girl!" His mother ranted loudly, and very aggressively towards Cynan as he continued to take steps back out of the store. "Get back here Cynan Llewelyn Owain Obaith!"

"My lord, you are needed for a meeting at the senate?" Sawel offered weakly to help Cynan escape the situation.

With a quick wave, Cynan dashed out the store, "must go mother, discuss this more later!" Trailed behind him as he shifted through the Naboo streets. Breathing a sigh of relief that he had gotten out of that lioness den relatively unharmed. Looking back, he saw that Sawel was following not far behind. "You do need to work on providing better and quicker lies to my mother, Sawel. Nearly lost my head there. The woman is far too sharp for me to deceive, she has called out my behaviour since I was knee high."

Sawel nodded his head with a chuckle as they turned a corner and Cynan spotted the woman. Someone clearly new to Naboo, taking in the beauty of the world for the first time and enjoying everything that had to be offered. Cynan grinned, it was always good to see those new to Naboo enjoy what had once become something overly familiar and lost wonder to himself. The attire and the way that this woman carried herself held an air of authority that signalled to Cynan she was not just another visitor, offworlder coming to enjoy a vacation.

This was someone here with a mission. Which meant that he could offer his assistance.

Walking forward, Cynan tidied his hair a little and offered a casual, friendly grin. "Greetings, I can see you are new to Naboo. Cynan Obaith, senator for Corellia. Would I be correct in guessing that you are here for something important?"

 

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Slow Introduction to Republic Life and Responsibilities
Outfit: Dress and cloak/cape
Tag: Cynan Obaith

Vaerelyn had only begun to settle into the rhythm of Theed when the sharp rise of an older woman’s voice carried across the nearby promenade. The Gorathi senator turned her head instinctively toward the commotion, pale amber eyes following the retreating figure of a man escaping with the practiced urgency of someone who had survived similar encounters before. The sight nearly pulled a smile from her before she caught herself.

Nearly. The exchange had been oddly...humanizing. Not polished political theater. Not carefully measured senate performance. Just family frustration spilling into public view beneath Naboo’s sunlight. It reminded her unexpectedly of home. Of stern marsh-matrons scolding grown sons at market docks while pretending not to be proud of them.

Her attention lingered perhaps a second longer than necessary as the man straightened himself and approached. The easy confidence in his posture suggested experience with diplomacy, but there was still enough lingering amusement in his expression to keep him from feeling rehearsed. Vaerelyn assessed him carefully as he drew closer. Well dressed without appearing vain. Alert eyes. Attractive.

That realization arrived more quickly than she would have preferred. The faint warmth that touched her cheeks afterward irritated her slightly more than the realization itself. Control yourself. By the time Cynan introduced himself, her composure had largely returned. Largely.

At the mention of Corellia and his senatorial position, Vaerelyn inclined her head into a respectful, graceful bow rather than offering an immediate handshake. Gorathi customs still clung stubbornly to gestures of acknowledgment before familiarity.

“Senator Obaith,” she greeted softly, her voice carrying the calm cadence of the Rim rather than the polished accents of the Core Worlds.

Sunlight caught across the gold filigree woven through her attire as she straightened again. Her clothing carried clear Gorathi influence while still embracing the elegance expected within Naboo’s political circles—a fitted deep green bodice embroidered with delicate metallic threading resembling curling vines and ring patterns inspired by Mokk VIII. Cream-colored layered fabric draped from her shoulders in soft flowing panels like ceremonial cloaks, moving gently with each shift of the breeze.

Golden jewelry rested in careful layers against her collarbone and chest, understated enough for diplomacy yet intricate enough to reveal status. Amber gemstones shimmered warmly within the settings, echoing the color of her eyes. The small curved horns rising through her dark waves only added to the striking impression she made amidst the refined crowds of Theed, while her long pointed ears bore delicate hanging ornaments that swayed subtly as she moved.

“You would be correct.” There was a brief hesitation then. Not uncertainty in who she was, but the lingering strangeness of saying it aloud here. Of making it real. “I am Xaerelyn Thorne,” she continued, the corner of her mouth lifting faintly. “The newly appointed senator representing Mokk VIII, its colony moon Gorath’s Haven... and the Gorathi people.”

Even now the title felt heavy. Not unpleasant. Simply immense. Her gaze flicked briefly toward the skyline beyond him before returning to Cynan. There was curiosity in her expression now alongside caution. Corellia was not some insignificant Outer Rim holding. Neither was its senator likely to be politically unimportant. And yet his first interaction with her had been fleeing his mother through the streets of Theed. That contrast amused her more than she expected.

“I admit,” Xaerelyn said after a moment, a touch more warmth entering her tone, “I did not expect one of the first senators I encountered here to arrive immediately after escaping familial interrogation.”

A very subtle teasing glimmer appeared in her eyes then. “Though I suspect your mother may still consider the encounter unfinished.”

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Outfit: Maroon Jacket and Black suit
Tag: Vaerelyn Thorne

Another senator, what an exciting and prosperous coincidence. She was also very new to the role as well, something that was good, new faces, ideals and plans were always something Cynan looked forward to within the senate. He was an idealist, some would consider foolishly so, but Cynan deeply believed that he could enact the positive changes that this galaxy needed, that the people of the High Republic needed. All that he needed to achieve this was to find more allies and build positive relations with others.

"A pleasure to meet you Senator Thorne, I am honoured to be the first fellow senator you meet on Naboo." He gave a charming, smirk to his lips as he spoke. A chuckle escaped when she mentioned his mother's questioning. "Alas, you have caught me in quite the unbecoming situation, hopefully you do not think less of me. Or at least do not see me in a poor light than I would hope." There a deep, flirtatious tone to his voice as he spoke to Vaerelyn, something that came naturally to the charming senator.

Cynan admired the teasing glimmer in Vaerelyn's eyes as he smirked, shifting in closer to her. "Well, that might be the case. I can always delay such issues with important work and being a most helpful co-worker." Offering his arm so that Vaerelyn may link her arm with his. "Since it is crucial that I help you find your ways around Naboo and learn more about how you wish to approach matters within the senate. Perhaps develop an alliance, a bond between us." Cynan grinned teasingly as he offered to walk with Vaerelyn.

"What do you say?"

 

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Slow Introduction to Republic Life and Responsibilities
Outfit: Dress and cloak/cape
Tag: Cynan Obaith

For just a moment, Xaerelyn wasn’t entirely certain how to respond. Cynan’s ease—his confidence, the way his words seemed to carry both sincerity and something lighter beneath—caught her slightly off balance. Not unpleasantly. Just… differently than she was accustomed to. Politics on Gorath’s Haven had never been wrapped in charm. It had been practical, direct, often blunt to the point of friction. This felt like something else entirely.

Her gaze lingered on him as he spoke, measuring again—but the careful edge of that assessment had softened now, touched by something warmer. The faint flush that had threatened earlier returned, just enough to color her cheeks beneath Naboo’s golden light.

“You assume I am so easily swayed by first impressions, Senator Obaith,” she replied gently, though there was no real bite to it—only a quiet, almost shy amusement threading through her tone. “Though I admit… your timing was memorable.”

Her eyes flicked briefly to the offered arm. There was a heartbeat of hesitation—not from distrust, but from unfamiliarity. This was not Gorathi custom. Not quite. And yet…You are not on Gorath’s Haven anymore.

Slowly, Xaerelyn reached out, her fingers light as they settled against his arm, linking with his in a gesture that felt both foreign and unexpectedly natural all at once. The soft fabric at her shoulder shifted with the motion, gold accents catching the light as she stepped closer into pace beside him.

“I would be glad to assist in your continued escape,” she added, a faint smile curving her lips now, more genuine than before. “Though I suspect I may simply be delaying the inevitable rather than preventing it.” There was a softness to her laughter then—quiet, but real.

As they began to walk, her posture remained poised, though there was a subtle awareness in how she held herself now. Not guarded. Not entirely. Just… aware. Of him. Of the moment. Of the fact that this was already far from the arrival she had expected.

“I should warn you,” Xaerelyn continued after a moment, her voice lowering slightly—not conspiratorial, but honest. “You may find me a poor investment for alliances, at least in the traditional sense.”

Her gaze drifted briefly across the distant architecture of Theed before returning to him. “Gorath’s Haven is… small,” she said, choosing the word carefully. “We are farmers, builders, survivors. Our influence in the Senate is not measured in fleets or credits, but in persistence.” There was no shame in it. But there was humility.

“I am not well-versed in Galactic politics,” she admitted, the words quieter now, though steady. “Much of this is… new to me.”

Her fingers shifted slightly against his arm—not tightening, but grounding herself. “But,” Xaerelyn added, and there was something firmer beneath her tone now, something that spoke of the world she came from, “I intend to learn. Quickly.”

Her eyes met his again, a hint of that earlier teasing light returning—tempered now with sincerity. “So if your offer of guidance is genuine, Senator Obaith… then I would welcome it.” A small pause. Then, just a touch more softly—“And an alliance,” she allowed, the faintest upward tilt of her lips returning, “would be… very helpful to me.”

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Outfit: Maroon Jacket and Black suit
Tag: Vaerelyn Thorne

Cynan grinned, he was pleased to see that Vaerelyn was capable of joking and continuing to tease him. It was a positive sign since senate work was never really appropriate for those who were meek or quiet. There was always going to be challenges in working as a senator and opposition to ideas and proposals, even if you viewed them as the most standard in care. All too often, someone would come with a challenge and you had to be confident and outspoken to defend what you were attempting to do. It was never easy but one could say it was a dance.

He noted the hesitation and was almost going to say that if it would be too inappropriate then she did not have to. Cynan was not familiar with where the senator came from and there were likely multiple customs and beliefs that would place far too much importance on gestures like this. Where he saw it as a polite and respectful gesture to remain close and walk without the crowd separating them, others could see it as a very intimate and bold gesture. Attempting to move forward in a way that Cynan had not even consider.

"Ah, well, the benefits of being a senator for a planet on the borders of this fine High Republic. I often can just avoid and run away from familial issues until cooler heads prevail." Cynan chuckled deeply, "knowing when to pick the battles that I think is of utmost importance for a senator to do. All too often, we get bogged down in the details of a thing and miss the larger impact that something is doing." Cynan stated, there was a smile on his lips but a look of concern in his eyes. He did worry that sometimes the senate was losing sight on the larger situation of a thing.

Cynan shook his head firmly, "your voice is no less significant to any other within the senate. Each planet is seen as equal, what you and your people bring to the table is just as important as what Tatooine, Corellia, Denon and hundreds of other systems. Do not allow yourself or any outsider attempt to say that you are not important enough to fight." Cynan took a moment to look into Vaerelyn's eyes, "we do what is best for our people and we do what is best for the High Republic. You stand and fight without backing down and people will see that, respect that and they will see that the people from Gorath's Haven are a force to be reckon with."

Placing his hand on top of hers, "I never offer anything without it being genuine. I would very much like to work together and get to know more of you and your people. I think we can do a great number of things." There a genuine, warm smile on his lips. "I believe an alliance for us both would be very good. And it gives us both a chance to connect and hopefully find other connections to build friendships and alliances with." Cynan nodded his head, he knew that other senators coordinated and organised in manners like this to support and strengthen proposals put forward. It was important that people wishing the best for their citizens and developing lasting social benefits for their people coordinated in such manners.

 

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Slow Introduction to Republic Life and Responsibilities
Outfit: Dress and cloak/cape
Tag: Cynan Obaith

The contact of his hand over hers stilled something in Vaerelyn. Not tension—she realized after a moment—but the last lingering thread of uncertainty she had been carrying since stepping onto Naboo. There was no pretense in him. No veiled maneuvering hidden behind practiced charm. Even his flirtation, light as it was, did not feel like strategy.

It felt… genuine. Her gaze lifted to meet his fully then, studying him not as a cautious outsider, but as someone beginning to understand the shape of the person beside her. And slowly, she relaxed.

Not entirely—Gorathi instincts did not vanish so easily—but enough that the guarded edge softened from her posture. Her shoulders eased, her steps fell more naturally into rhythm with his, and the faint tension in her hand beneath his touch gave way to something steadier.

“I believe,” Vaerelyn said quietly, her voice thoughtful rather than uncertain now, “that Gorath’s Haven has survived as long as it has because we never stood alone.”

Her eyes drifted briefly ahead, watching the flow of Naboo’s streets, the ease with which its people moved through a world that had never needed to fight for its place in quite the same way. “Community is… everything to us,” she continued. “Families, neighbors, shared work. We rely on one another because we must.”

Her gaze returned to him, warmer now. “I suspect politics is not so different. Only… broader.” There was the faintest hint of a smile as she said it. “A good network,” Vaerelyn added, the words settling more firmly with each step, “is likely paramount.” Not just useful. Necessary.

Her fingers shifted slightly beneath his hand—not withdrawing, but settling more comfortably there now, the gesture no longer unfamiliar. “I appreciate what you’ve said,” she continued, sincerity threading clearly through her tone. “It is… easy to feel small, arriving here. To wonder if anyone will truly listen.”

A breath, soft but steady. “But you are right. If I do not stand for my people, then no one else will.” There was something firmer in her now when she said it—not defiance, but quiet resolve. The kind that had been shaped over generations rather than declared in a moment.

Her lips curved faintly again as she looked to him. “And if standing is easier with allies,” Vaerelyn said, a gentle note of returning playfulness in her voice, “then I believe I have made a fortunate first acquaintance.”

A brief pause. Then, just a touch softer—“I would like that, Cynan. To work together.” The use of his name came naturally this time. No hesitation.

“And to learn,” she added, a small glimmer of curiosity brightening her expression, “how this… broader community functions.”

Her gaze flicked lightly toward the Senate district ahead, then back to him. “You may find I ask many questions.”

A beat. “But I suspect,” Vaerelyn finished, the faintest teasing warmth returning, “you will not mind answering them.”

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Outfit: Maroon Jacket and Black suit
Tag: Vaerelyn Thorne

Cynan smiled when he heard about the strong sense of community that surrounded the people of Gorath's Haven. It was something that could be seen as rare in the galaxy, the desire to be supportive or cooperative within a tight community. Ensuring that no one falls behind or is left alone. Some areas of the galaxy, this ideal was lost to the needs for success or the drive to just survive on worlds where things are tougher. Where the pursuit for certain ideals and goals were less about those around and more on what one could achieve.

The senator of Corellia was one to always think what he could offer others and less on what he needed from others.

"A focus on community and care is never a bad thing. I think too many get lost in the ideals of corporations and personal achievements to realise that it is within all our natures to desire to be cared for. To be in a group of people who we respect and desire to be around." Cynan stated as he thought about factions like the Trade Federation within the Senate or those who worked for large companies, or held ties to them. Rarely did he see what they were doing was the best for the citizens of the High Republic.

He was pleased to see that Vaerelyn took his words to heart, it was good to see that she was willing and wanting to do what was best for her people. To not approach things with a meek or quieter voice, it demonstrated that she was certainly more than capable for the role. Perhaps demonstrating why she had been selected as senator. "Of course senator, I would be most honoured be your ally. Hopefully the beginning of a beautiful and productive alliance, especially since you seem to be both very beautiful and productive yourself." Cynan offered a charming smile to the other senator.

"Bring on the many questions and I shall do my best to answer them, I cannot swear to know everything but I do endeavour to try and answer best I can, and learn as much as I can as well." Cynan chuckled softly, he was not someone with a large ego to believe himself all knowing, especially when it came to the senate. A position he, himself, only recently took up.

 

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Slow Introduction to Republic Life and Responsibilities
Outfit: Dress and cloak/cape
Tag: Cynan Obaith

Vaerelyn listened as Cynan spoke, and this time there was no guarded distance behind her attention—only a quiet, growing ease. His words about community settled comfortably within her, familiar in a way that made the vastness of Naboo feel just a little less overwhelming. It was strange, how quickly that shift had come. Moments ago, everything had felt distant, scaled far beyond her reach.

Now… not smaller. But more navigable. Her gaze lingered on him as he finished, noting the sincerity again, the absence of calculation she had half-expected to find in someone so comfortably embedded within galactic politics.

And then—"You seem to be both very beautiful and productive yourself." The words landed with far more force than they had any right to. For a heartbeat, Vaerelyn simply blinked at him. And then the warmth came rushing back—far less subtle this time.

Her composure faltered just enough to be noticeable, her gaze dropping briefly as a flush spread across her cheeks, the gold accents of her attire catching the light as she shifted slightly beside him. "I—" she started, then stopped, clearly not prepared for that particular direction of conversation.

A small, breath-soft laugh escaped her, more reflex than intention. "That is… not typically how introductions between councillors proceed where I come from," she admitted, her voice quieter now, touched with both embarrassment and a hesitant amusement.

Her fingers adjusted lightly against his arm, not pulling away—but not quite as steady as before either. When she looked back up at him, there was something new in her expression. Still shy. Still measured. But undeniably warmer.

"And I am beginning to understand," Vaerelyn continued, a faint smile returning despite herself, "that Corellian diplomacy may differ somewhat from Gorathi tradition."

There was a brief pause, as if she were weighing something—then choosing, deliberately, not to retreat from it. "You are… very kind to say so," she added, the words careful but sincere. "Even if I suspect you may be… somewhat generous in your assessment."

A soft exhale followed, as she gathered herself again, though the color in her cheeks lingered stubbornly. "But I will accept the sentiment," Vaerelyn said, a touch of that earlier teasing threading its way back in, tentative but present. "If only because it would seem ungracious to refuse such a compliment from my first ally."

Her gaze held his a moment longer this time before drifting forward again, her posture settling once more—though not quite as rigid as before. "I am glad," she continued more steadily, "that you do not claim to know everything. That would make you far less approachable."

A faint smile curved her lips again. "And far less useful to someone who intends to ask many questions."

She tilted her head slightly, just enough to glance back at him again. "And perhaps," Vaerelyn added, softer now, with the smallest trace of playful courage slipping through her lingering embarrassment, "I will simply have to learn how to navigate… Corellian diplomacy."

A beat. "Though I may require guidance."

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Outfit: Maroon Jacket and Black suit
Tag: Vaerelyn Thorne

Cynan noted the blushing from Vaerelyn and then the mention that his informal compliments were not something she was used to between diplomats. Cynan could only chuckle, "sorry, it seems the Corellian charm has rubbed off on me." Cynan confessed, "though I have been called a charmer and flirt long before I moved to Corellia, so perhaps it best to say that living there has only increased my charming ways." Cynan joked in a light-hearted manner.

"Not just Corellian diplomacy. Sometimes, one must dangle honey in front of a fellow senator and not vinegar. Knowing how and appropriate levels of compliments and flirting can launch a career quite far. Charisma can be the necessary grease to turn even the more stubborn of wheels to your goals." The senator stated as he thought about the many times that it had taken him to phrase something in a more friendly and gentler tone.

He smirked as Vaerelyn danced very formally in how to graciously accepting the compliment that Cynan had provided her while also remaining profession and not necessarily agreeing with what he was saying. It was not the perfect landing of manoeuvring but Cynan couldn't help but admire such attempts. "In future, if someone offers you a compliment that you are not necessarily in love with, frame things as more a 'I am so grateful for the high opinion that you hold me in, I strive to meet such expectations.' Has you less rejecting the compliment and also frames you as maybe not meeting such lofty complimentary burdens they are placing on you."

Giving a soft laugh, "well, I am more than happy to invite you to Corellia so you can absorb some of the culture and customs. Nothing quite learning how a people live than seeing it first hand. And allows you to travel to some of the furthest reaches of the High Republic space. See how life is on the border." It was what some considered a more dangerous world to be a senator of, since it was going to be a planet more susceptible to invasion and attacks. But Cynan held too much faith in the High Republic and its military force to allow fear to sink its claws into the hearts of his people.

"There is swoop racing and other forms racing that people enjoy spectating. The people of Corellia pride themselves on being able to drive and fly anything."

 

[Vaerelyn Thorne]

​

Location: Theeds, Naboo
Objective: Slow Introduction to Republic Life and Responsibilities
Outfit: Dress and cloak/cape
Tag: Cynan Obaith

Vaerelyn listened with growing fascination as Cynan spoke, though a particular phrase threatened to unravel all the composure she had only recently managed to recover.

"Appropriate levels of compliments and flirting..."

Her eyes widened ever so slightly. Flirting? As a political skill? The very notion seemed absurd. And yet judging by the confidence with which Cynan discussed it, she suspected he was being entirely serious.

That somehow made it worse. A faint blush threatened to return, and Vaerelyn found herself very deliberately studying a nearby fountain for a few moments rather than looking directly at him. "I think," she said carefully, "that Gorath's Haven may be somewhat behind the rest of the galaxy in this particular political discipline." There was a quiet laugh in her voice.

"Most of our disagreements are settled through town meetings, agricultural committees, and occasionally two stubborn farmers refusing to leave until everyone agrees with them." She risked a glance toward him. "I do not believe strategic flirting has ever been recorded in our local government."

The corners of her lips twitched upward despite herself. Though privately she was trying very hard not to think about the fact that any flirting she might engage in during this conversation was not remotely strategic. That was perhaps the most troubling part.

Fortunately, Cynan's advice regarding compliments provided a safer topic. Her expression brightened with genuine interest. "That is actually very useful advice." The senator nodded thoughtfully. "I may borrow that in the future."

A pause followed. Then her gaze lowered briefly. "Though..." The word emerged softer than intended. "When you said it..." Her cheeks warmed again. "I think what caught me off guard was not the compliment itself."

The admission felt surprisingly vulnerable. Her fingers tightened slightly against his arm before relaxing again. "It was that it came from you."

As soon as the words left her mouth she became acutely aware of exactly how they sounded. The blush deepened. "That is to say—" Vaerelyn immediately attempted to recover. "You were one of the first people I met here." Which was true. "And you've been very kind."

Also true. Unfortunately neither clarification seemed to help her case very much. Mercifully, the conversation moved on to Corellia. The change in subject allowed her to breathe again. A genuine smile appeared as she listened to him describe the world. "I would be more than happy to visit."

This time there was no hesitation. "I've spent most of my life on Gorath's Haven. Our transportation is..." she searched for the right word before finally settling on one, "...functional."

Amusement flickered in her eyes. "Some of the cargo haulers still operating near our settlements are older than several generations of their pilots." Which was not an exaggeration. "We repair them because replacing them costs more than repairing them again."

The practicality of that statement was so utterly Gorathi that she could not help smiling. "I suspect what I consider modern transportation would seem ancient to a Corellian." Her gaze lifted toward him. "If I visited, I would absolutely need your guidance."

There was a warmth to her smile now that had not been there when they'd first met. "Otherwise I would spend the entire trip admiring the first speeder I saw and completely miss everything important."

Then another thought occurred to her. A slightly mischievous one. "If the people of Corellia pride themselves on being able to drive and fly anything..." she began. The smile grew. "Perhaps a lesson would be appropriate."

Her amber eyes sparkled with amusement. "I have never raced a swoop." A beat. Then, almost sheepishly—"I've never even driven a farm vehicle."

The confession hung there for a moment before she laughed softly at herself. "I am beginning to realize that my childhood may have been considerably less adventurous than yours." A beat. “Though I may require guidance.”