candour in the capital

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With | [member="Primat Ren"] & [member="Rahsah"]
Status | I wonder if she would let me touch her hair?

[SIZE=11pt]Even with the realisation that she still has much of the galaxy left to explore, being able to see the capital of the First Order with her own eyes made her heart swell with fierce pride and quiet contentment. Avalonia, the jewel of the empire. It was everything she has imagined and more. With an almost childlike impatience, the blonde found herself wanting to explore every nook and cranny of the beautiful city. The graceful buildings, the verdant patches of garden that interspersed the area, as well as the ever-present streams of water that flowed through the area, it all appealed to her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]With the sun shining bright and the sky blue and cloudless, the day was already looking to be idyllic.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Much to her utter joy and delight, Marriskcal once again found herself needing to dress the part of a civilian. Not. At least for this particular sojourn, there were no dress codes or anything silly that required her present herself in a particular manner. So dressed in a set of loose carmine sweater over a dark grey pleated skirt and her pair of sensible military boots, the blonde turned on her heels to face her two companions for the day, her brother Primat and a sister with hair and eyes the colour of starlight. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Are sure you don’t mind following us, Rahsah[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]? Let us know if you’d like to look at anything in particular.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Though she was yet an unfamiliar face, the blonde was never one to shy away from learning more about her brothers and sisters. Her lack of presence in the force was something Marriskcal would have to get used to, lest she startled like an offended tooka every time the other appeared at the corner of her eyes. Being able to sense everyone was something the initiate has always taken for granted, but with her new sister joining them, she suspected it was a good time for her to hone her other senses. All because Rahsah kept on accidentally giving her mini heart attacks when she lost track of the other.[/SIZE]

 

[Rahsah]

Aspiring Praetorian
Gear: Echani Double Brand, Standard Echani Attire
With: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] and [member="Primat Ren"]

Avalonia was quite the sight. Majestic, white spires rising high into the sky, an abundance of colorfully clad people, and markets alive with life at every turn. If she had an inkling to like people she probably would have enjoyed it more. A past of unnecessary bullying had ruined perceptions towards strangers. This was one of the myriad of reasons that had brought her to the Firdt Order in the first place. Structure was a craving. Finding structure through the military confines of the Order and the Ren had given her a sense of comfort that had never been attainable on Eshan.

There was still the matter of fitting in, however. The Order, like it's predecessor states, had a reputation for xenophobia. Rahsah did have a humanoid appearance, but her silver hair and eyes, paired with pale as snow skin, was enough to make a distinction. There was still less disdain than there was for other races, but the discrimination was notable nonetheless. So when she was asked about accompanying Maririskcal and her Ren friend out into the city, the surprise had been somewhat noticeable. Yes had been the answer then, just as it was now.

"No, I don't mind," she said in response to the Praetorian. "Thank you for inviting me."

Marriskcal's companion was the most unknown factor in the equation. While she had seen him before, the two had not conversed. Normally Rahsah didn't make conversation unless expressly asked to. As she was still trying to prove herself worthy of service she hadn't struck up many conversations. Sometimes worth was best measured by staying silent and allowing actions to do the speaking. Perhaps that was more of the ingrained teaching of the Echani, but it was sound advice nonetheless. Though she suspected that this particular day would see more conversation and less action.

For the moment she merely followed the other two, looking in stalls in passing.

 

[Varian Alaric]

Location| The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With| [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Rahsah"]
Equipment| 2x Lightsabers (crimson), casual outfit
Status| What should we do?

Primat had never once visited Avalonia before, he had never even gone to the capital of the First Order, Dosuun before now. It was a surreal experience for him, being here in Avalonia now. He had never thought nor believed that he would actually come here one day. Yet, here he was. His glacier blue eyes were alight with wonder and amazement at the sight of the high-rise buildings which stood imposingly among the smaller buildings around them. The beautiful gardens that made life in the garden district helped bring back memories of Tamora to Primat, his home. From the beautiful gardens, to the vibrant and clear waters...and even to the birds who made their homes in the garden district, all of it seemed to remind him of Tamora. He needed to revisit the world one day, and take Marriskcal and Varas some time. Though, on separate occasions, as much as he would like to take them both at the same time...he had promised Varas that he would take her to Tamora one day, to that beautiful field from his childhood. Where their was a steep drop-off on a cliff-side into the ocean below, and a nearby river from which Samsori flowers grew on it's banks, a delicacy on Tamora. And a strange one at that.

Primat had opted for a casual outfit today, no reason to dress in full on armor when walking around in public on a civilized world. It would draw too much attention, something that he didn't want. He was glad it wasn't a suffocating suit and white shirt he was wearing like he had been on the booze cruise over Bespin. He had opted to wear something simple, a black and white bomber jacket with jeans and military boots. Nothing too fancy, and he had been meaning to try out a bomber jacket some time as he had never worn one before hand.

All he knew about their new companion was that she was a praetorian, she has strikingly beautiful silver hair, and her name was Rahsah. Not much to go off, though Primat could make due with just knowing that to start off with. He outstretched his hand in greeting to Rahsah with a warm and inviting smile on his face, a genuine one. "Hello! I'm Primat, and I'd like to thank you for coming with us! I'm happy that we will be able to get to know each other today!" After greeting Rahsah, he went to Marr's side, following her. While doing so, he left a space open for Rahsah to join the two of them, he motioned with his hand for her to join with both him and Marr up in front.

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With | [member="Primat Ren"] & [member="Rahsah"]
Status | I'm going to hold this above you forever, brother

[SIZE=11pt]Her clear blue eyes took in her sister for an intent moment, as Marriskcal tried to measure if the other female was merely being diffident or truly sincere. It was admittedly difficult to tell when her sister was inscrutable in nature, and with her force senses subdued when it came to the other, the initiate could only trust in Rahsah’s words. But when it came to her brothers and sisters, those she considered kin, Marriskcal had all the trust to give. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“It’s my pleasure~ Always nice to get to know a sister better,” she echoed Primat’s sentiments, giving her a grin. Ever since her heartfelt conversation with Primat the night before, the blonde was back to her usual bright vivacious self. Which meant that her sister was probably going to end up being dragged into her pace at one point or the other. Swiveling once more on her heels so that she was facing the boutiques that lined the elegant street, Marriskcal took the lead.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Sooooo Primat, we are getting chocolates for Varas, right[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?” Her words were filled with clear mischief and more than a bit of smugness.[/SIZE]

 

[Rahsah]

Aspiring Praetorian
Gear: Echani Double Brand, Standard Echani Attire
With: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] and [member="Primat Ren"]

The surprise was genuine when Primat extended a hand. Most people avoided any form of contact with her. Well, not most people but a generally large number. There just didn't seem to be any interest. The Xenophobia seemed to be not as bad as expected. Suffice to say, she did reach out and shake his hand when it was offered, though it felt rather odd to do so. Coming from a matriarchal society created feelings of disdain towards men, though it felt out of place all the same. She made every effort not to show it.

"It's nice to meet you both," she said.

That wasn't a lie. Meeting people that actually wanted to converse and spend time together was kind of nice. Everyone seemed so focused on military protocol and procedure. Oftentimes she was left wondering what to do since she hadn't officially attained any form of status. Honestly saying she was even an initiate would probably be overstepping bounds. Aspiring was the best word. Spending time with those that were what she wanted to be did seem like a good way to get to where she wanted to be, though.

There was mention of buying chocolate for Varas. Hastening to keep up, she wondered what the purpose of such a purchase was. Perhaps the woman had a sweet tooth and they were trying to curry favor? No, that didn't seem right. There must have been some occasion that warranted the purchasing of a gift for the Ren. Now she was feeling quite a bit curious.

"Why are we shopping for Varas? Is there some event coming up that I am unaware of?"

 

[Varian Alaric]

Location| The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With| [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Rahsah"]
Equipment| 2x Lightsabers (crimson), casual outfit
Status| Why are you this way

Even if Rahsah had some type of disdain for Primat, he hadn't noticed it. Even if he had noticed it, he wouldn't have mentioned it at all. He wasn't the type to hold a grudge against people, unless they did something that greatly insulted him personally or unless someone specifically went after someone he was close to, such as Varas or Marriskcal. They were the two Ren he was closest, he knew the two of them better than he knew the rest of the Ren. Which in some cases, was good and other cases was bad. At least with knowing the two of them, he had someone to talk to about his problems and concerns in life. He couldn't say the same for the rest of the Ren, either because he was too afraid too or knew them too little. Though, it was more of the former anyways.

As soon as Primat had heard what Marriskcal had said, he gave her a sharp and annoyed glare. He had explicitly told her not to say anything about Varas to anyone. And yet, here she was saying it aloud for all to here. Even though he was happy to go shopping to get Varas something, it was offsetting for him when Marr had talked about it aloud. Especially now, with Rahsah in tow. Primat mentally rolled his eyes at Marr when he heard Rahsah ask about why they were shopping for Varas. Great, just perfect. Now someone other than Marriskcal knows that I have a thing for Varas, or hopefully they don't suspect anything. But now I have to come up with a reason to get Varas something..just perfect. However, he didn't know what to tell Rahsah. Nothing was coming to mind, and even whatever did come to mind...the excuse sounded pitiful and easily suspicious. His eyes found Marr's and tried to ask her for help to answer Rahsah's question. She was the one that got him into the situation, so he hoped that she would get him out of it. As good as it was to have their normal relationship back in order now, Primat couldn't help but be annoyed at Marriskcal for her outburst just now about getting something for Varas. "Yeah, yeah we can get some chocolates for Varas. And we're shopping for Varsa because..." Primat didn't know what to say, and he hoped that Marr would come in to save him as his eyes looked into hers for help.

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With | [member="Primat Ren"] & [member="Rahsah"]
Status | This is the price I claim for helping you

[SIZE=11pt]Oh whoops~[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Even with the glare her brother graced her with, Marriskcal remained unrepentant, looking up at the older male with a beatific smile. He was so very touchy whenever she brought up their sister, a little like an annoyed hedgehog, which made her want tease him all the [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]more[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]. Really, brother. You panic so easily whenever it has to do with Varas. It does not take more than a slightly observant pair of eyes to even notice the way Primat’s gaze followed their brunette sister around whenever she was in their presence. At his silent plea, the young blonde returned it with a raised brow of her own and decided that she will take mercy on the poor overwhelmed man.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Decisions, decisions. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]There were too many tales that Marriskcal could spin and weave for their new sister. But which was the best and most amusing? Now, that was a quandary and a half.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“It is a very long story,” she started, nodding in a faux solemn manner. “But the gist of it is that we were discussing whether girls preferred chocolates or flowers. As we could not agree, we decided to appoint Varas to be our unwitting tiebreaker to our resolve our little tiff. The loser has to buy both the winner and Varas a gift of the winner’s choosing.” Marriskcal perked up for the last bit. “And Varas sided with me!”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Because Varas has excellent tastes.[/SIZE]

 

[Rahsah]

Aspiring Praetorian
Gear: Echani Double Brand, Standard Echani Attire
With: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] and [member="Primat Ren"]

Well, that didn't seem suspicious at all. First Primat didn't finish his sentence and then there was a story about some bet. Clearly, there was something more going on, but it wasn't meant to be shared. Right about when they realized they'd made a mistake in bringing her along to buy a gift for Varas when nobody was supposed to know. At that point, the whole situation could be ruined. One spoken word or two to someone in the right position and it would spread like wildfire. Fortunately for them, she was a good sport.

"I like chocolates and flowers, for the record," she said, smirking. "Both are good."

She waited until Primat wasn't looking and then winked at Marris so at least she would know that the whole thing was understood. Guys weren't as big a mystery as gals. At least she was nice about it. That was more than some would be. But, honestly, it was in part to get them to not hate her. Truthfully, if everything continued to plan they would be working together a lot so really she just wanted them to like her. Or at least to not think she was a total drag. Well, insecurity was certainly a thing.

Instead of dwelling on it, a change of subject was in order. Perhaps something related, but not a direct focus on the why of the matter.

"So what kind of chocolate does she like?"

 

[Varian Alaric]

Location| The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With| [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Rahsah"]
Equipment| 2x Lightsabers (crimson), casual outfit
Status| Why are you this way

Primat rolled his eyes at the response that Marr gave for why they were getting something for Varas. If how he acted didn't give anything away, the excuse Marr came up would definitely give it away now. Though, he hoped that Rahsah wouldn't say anything about this to anyone. That, or if she wouldn't even catch on to what they were talking about. Which, surprisingly, was what had exactly happened, something that was much to his relief. He was glad that Rahsah didn't know, or if she did...that she hadn't said anything about it or pressed on to the subject any more. Primat couldn't help but smile at the response that Rahsah gave, she was right just like his response had been...at least kind of. "See Marr, exactly! Rahsah at least agrees with me." He was happy that at least one person had agreed with him about the whole debate over either chocolates or flowers, even if he had chosen flowers. Because he had thought it was the appropriate gift, like what you would see in holo-dramas and movies.

When Rahsah brought up what type of chocolate Varas liked, he knew the answer exactly. It was dark chocolate. Even though the three of them had talked about it so many weeks earlier, even a few months earlier from now...he had still remembered it in full detail. Primat easily remembered what Varas had said was her favorite chocolate, that was a no brainier. He wouldn't forget something as easy and as simple to remember as that. Especially when it came to Varas and what she liked and wanted. Their was no reason he would have forgotten something like that. Even though it had been a small detail, he had not forgone what she had said. He wanted to get something that she liked, and he knew exactly what that was now because of their talk so long ago. "She likes dark chocolate."

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Praetorian Initiate
Equipment | Lightsaber (blue) & Training Lightsaber (red; synthcrystal)
Location | The Garden District, Avalonia, Dosuun
With | [member="Primat Ren"] & [member="Rahsah"]
Status | And this, brother dear, is the best and most expensive chocolatier in Avalonia

[SIZE=11pt]Safe from her brother’s glare for the moment, the young initiate winked back mischievously at Rahsah. Really, she did not know why Primat liking Varas was something that has to kept a secret anyway. Perhaps it was to maintain a veneer of professionalism amongst their other brothers and sisters[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]? Or perhaps Primat did not want anyone else to ask him awkward questions? A dark thought flickered through her mind. Or perhaps… Primat merely wanted to ensure no one could use Varas against him. It would be just the thing Marriskcal herself would do.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]But she has determined that today was a day of merriment, and Marriskcal banished the shadows from her thoughts, instead jumping back in to their conversation without missing a beat. “Rahsah is just being nice!” And though she was probably much too old for such childish endeavours, Marriskcal placed Rahsah between them as she stuck her tongue out at her older brother. “Flowers are ephemeral! And despite what everyone says about flowers being able to convey messages, it just wilts and dies. So it’s obviously a terrible message to send to someone.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]And she stood firm on the matter.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“The darker the better~” she sing-songed, her arm looping loosely around Rahsah’s own as she pulled their silver haired sister towards a classy and expensive looking boutique. “Here we are, La Maison du Chocolat.” [/SIZE]

 

[Rahsah]

Aspiring Praetorian
Gear: Echani Double Brand, Standard Echani Attire
With: [member="Marriskcal Lati"] and [member="Primat Ren"]

Dark chocolate did make sense. Anyone that said they didn't prefer dark chocolate was either a liar or lacked taste. Not only was it richer, but it was healthier. Coming from a species that prided itself on combat prowess, Rahsah made every effort not to do things that would damage her figure. That meant chocolate was one of those in moderation type of things. It also meant that indulging in the more healthy option was the only option. Though she did happen to have a taste for white chocolate to some extent. There was something to be said for the creaminess of it. Not that it was actually chocolate, lacking in the cocoa powder necessary for being classified as chocolate.

It was still good.

"Technically I agree with both of you and neither of you at the same time," she said, grinning, which actually had the effect of hiding her scar for a moment. "Being as I like both choices, I don't technically agree with either of you."

And while Marris was right about flowers wilting and dying, there was something to be said of that being true of all things. Life was not infinite. If it were it would be an unbearable thing. Day in and day out for infinite days doing the same thing, seeing the same wars be fought, seeing people die from battle wounds. No, that would be worse torture than actual torture. Nevermind the fact that the galaxy would become incredibly overpopulated as people would keep having children, but wouldn't ever die unless they were killed. No, that wouldn't be a good galaxy.

"Flowers signify the grace of life and the reality of death. All things come to an end. Generally, though, flowers mean you value someone for their intelligence and beauty. Chocolate can mean the same, of course, but depending on the woman they might think you're trying to fatten them up for something."

Yes, that was a subtle jab at Primat. Left it open for a not so subtle one.

"You trying to fatten her up for some reason, Primat?"

She laughed and pushed the door open to the shop before he could respond, ushering Marris into the conditioned air one would expect of a chocolatier's shop. Couldn't have the chocolate melting, right? And there were samples. She quickly released the other woman from her grip and made a bee-line for them. Ok... maybe she had a sweet tooth?