Faction (DIA) Lanters and Laughter, Hearts Beneath Bastion's Stars

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra watched the flick of his tail and the curve of his grin with quiet amusement, her expression softening in a way she rarely allowed in public.

"For someone who claims impatience," she replied lightly, "you have always managed to endure the things that mattered."

She lifted her glass then, just enough for him to see, the gesture small and private amid the noise and movement around them.

"To the future," Ra said quietly, her voice meant only for the space between them.

Her eyes held his for a heartbeat longer.

Then she took a slow sip, the faintest hint of a smile lingering at the corner of her mouth as she lowered the glass again.

Vulpesen

 

[Xian Xiao]

Xian laughed softly at his teasing, the sound light and unguarded, her shoulders loosening as she leaned a little closer to him while they walked. She tilted her head up at him with eyes bright with mischief and wiggled her eyebrows in an exaggerated, theatrical way that made her look like she was trying very hard to be serious and failing immediately.

"Hey," she said, adopting a mock‑stern tone for all of half a second. "I was not being bad. I was being emotionally overwhelmed and socially clumsy, which is a completely different category of behavior."

Her expression broke into a grin that made it very clear she was not defending herself at all.

"But yes," she added with a small shrug, "probably bad too."

She squeezed his hand, her fingers warm against his, and nodded thoughtfully when he mentioned champagne and whiskey, as if she were weighing the options like a very important scientific decision that required careful consideration.

"Okay," Xian said at last, sounding far more decisive than the situation required. "We can try something new."

She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as though she were sharing a secret that only he was allowed to hear.

"I already know what champagne does to me," she confessed with a soft laugh. "It makes me lose my thoughts and forget what I was saying halfway through sentences, which is not ideal when I am trying to appear composed."

To demonstrate, she waved her hand vaguely in the air, then stopped mid‑gesture with a helpless little shrug. "Exactly like that."

With another quiet laugh, she bumped him lightly with her elbow, the gesture playful and affectionate in a way she rarely let herself be with anyone else.

"But I am willing to risk it," she said, her smile widening. "For science."

When he thanked her and called her beautiful, her cheeks warmed instantly, the color rising even if she wanted to hide it. She looked down for a moment, gathering herself, then lifted her gaze back to him with eyes that had softened into something warm and sincere.

"Always," she repeated quietly, the word carrying more weight than the moment demanded. "I like that."

By the time they reached the bar, Xian straightened just a little, as if preparing herself for a challenge she fully intended to meet. Resting one hand on the counter, she glanced at the menu, then at Veyran, her expression determined in a way that was both earnest and endearing.

"Alright," she said with a decisive nod. "One champagne. And whatever you are having."

She looked back at him with a grin that was equal parts daring and shy.

"You are responsible if I start rambling," she warned lightly, "or forget what I am saying."

Veyran Solis

 

[Vulpesen]

"Endurance. Now, that I'll admit to. I've seen the entire galaxy shatter itself again and again. And yet, I've survived it all." He lifted his glass in return then brought it to his lips. "As have you. To the future." His eyes shut for a moment and he simply took in a breath. It was a rare feeling, a calm that he'd forgotten was possible. Music in the air, a drink in his hand that didn't burn like fire, and a woman beside him that he'd travel through fire with. And with all of it, a distinct lack of urgency. "I wonder... with this new plan of ours, maybe I should step back a bit. Veradune is recovered. Fully, truly recovered. Vallen and Daella have proven capable. Maybe I should cede the Valdeship in the next election. Let someone else run my little green ball while we wrangle a bag of marbles."

Ra'a'mah

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra listened without interrupting, her fingers resting lightly against the stem of her glass as he spoke. There was no immediate reaction, no quick reassurance or objection. Just quiet consideration, the way she approached anything that mattered.

When she did answer, her voice was calm, thoughtful, and gently honest.

"That is not a small thought," she said. "And you would not be having it if you were not already changing."

She glanced toward the crowd for a moment, then back to him.

"Veradune is strong because you refused to build it around yourself. You taught others to carry it. Most leaders never manage that." A faint smile touched her lips. "If you chose to step back one day, it would not be abandonment. It would be proof you succeeded."

Her gaze softened slightly.

"But do not confuse rest with retreat," Ra added quietly. "You are not someone who disappears simply because one chapter closes. You would only be choosing where your weight falls next."

She lifted her glass a fraction again, not quite a toast this time, more a gentle acknowledgment.

"And whatever you decide," she finished, "it should be because it gives you space to live… not because you think you have earned the right to vanish."

Vulpesen

 

[Meri Vale]

The Sky Pavilion did not feel like a military installation tonight.

The usual sharp edges of Bastion had been softened by lantern-light and starshine filtered through sweeping transparisteel walls. Music drifted in low, atmospheric waves, and the harmonic field hummed faintly at the edge of perception, like a held breath that never quite released.

Meri did not belong here.

Which, to her mind, made it interesting.

She had not come because of romance or morale. She had come because environments changed people, and this environment was deliberately engineered to do so. That alone was worth observing.

She wore a simple formal dress in deep midnight blue, the fabric matte rather than reflective, cut modestly with long sleeves and a high neckline. It wasn't ornate, but it was well-made, the kind of garment chosen for blending rather than drawing attention. The skirt fell just below her knees, practical enough to move in.

Most importantly, it had pockets.

Her hair, usually braided for practicality, had been brushed loose and allowed to fall in soft waves around her shoulders, the ends curling slightly from humidity and the faint atmospheric regulation of the Pavilion. It made her look younger. Softer. Less like someone who mapped ruins for sport.

A datapad naturally rested in one of those pockets.

She lingered near the perimeter rather than the center of the room, pale eyes studying how groups formed and dissolved. Who gravitated toward the balcony. Who hovered near the Star-Note terminal. Who pretended not to watch the dance registry.

She was so intent on tracing those patterns that she nearly walked directly into someone moving in the opposite direction.

She stopped short.

The young man with the cane had the kind of posture that spoke of upbringing before he spoke at all. His clothes were elaborate without being garish, tailored with deliberate care. And he was, Meri noted almost immediately, the only other person here who looked close to her age.

Her gaze flicked briefly to the cane, then to his single visible eye, then back to his face. Not pity. Just cataloguing.

"Oh," she said softly. "I'm sorry."

She stepped half a pace to the side to clear his path, then hesitated instead of continuing on.

"You look like you would rather be anywhere else," she observed quietly.

There was no accusation in it. Just recognition.

"I'm…not technically supposed to be here either," she added after a beat, her voice lowering slightly as if sharing a secret. "So I suppose that makes us even."

Her fingers brushed the edge of the datapad in her pocket, grounding herself.

"I'm Meri," she said simply.

Dante Phantomhive

 

[Dante Phantomhive]

Dante looked at the girl, her hair, her clothes, the way she walked and talked. She was perceptive, and not only that, she knew how to behave on such occasions.

"I'm Duke Dante Phantomhive. You're not entirely wrong, I really don't like being here, I'm not... much of a fan of celebrations and social events."

He said in a low tone.

"But my position comes with certain responsibilities and duties, including attending large social events."

For a few seconds, his single eye betrays his curiosity.

"Then why are you here?"


Meri Vale

 

[Meri Vale]

Meri listened carefully, her head tilting just slightly as he spoke, the way it always did when she was trying to understand not just the words, but what sat beneath them. Titles, obligations, expectations. Those were things she understood, even if she had never worn them herself.

At his name, her eyebrows lifted a fraction.

"A Duke," she repeated softly, more thoughtful than impressed. "That sounds…heavy."

Not in weight. In responsibility.

She shifted her hands behind her back, fingers loosely laced, in an instinctive, a little shy posture.

"I think I understand that," she said. "Being somewhere because you're supposed to be, not because you want to be."

Her gaze drifted briefly toward the balcony, where stars shimmered beyond the transparisteel, then back to him.

"As for me…" She hesitated, lips pressing together for a moment as she considered how honest to be.

"I'm here to observe," Meri admitted quietly. "Not in a…creepy way," she added quickly, a faint flush touching her cheeks. "I mean, academically."

One hand slipped into her pocket and emerged with the corner of her datapad, though she didn't fully pull it out.

"Places like this are designed to make people feel certain things. Calm. Connected. Less alone. I wanted to see if it actually works, and how."

Her shoulders lifted in a small, self-conscious shrug.

"And…I like learning how people move in spaces that aren't about work or survival. It tells you different things about them."

She glanced up at him again, pale eyes curious but gentle.

"So," she added softly, "I'm kind of studying the party."

A tiny, tentative smile appeared.

"And maybe hiding in it a little too."

Dante Phantomhive

 

[Kallous]

"Flattery?" He questioned, almost offended by the word. "Flattery implies dishonesty. I would never lie to you. You'd be able to tell right away, so lying would be pointless."

Once his partner had accepted his arm, he led her into the group. He knew many of these people, at least in passing. Not all, but many. And he hoped to introduce her to a few more people that were likeminded to themselves, or were at least open minded enough to consider and debate in good faith. Though ultimately he was hoping to give her contacts outside of the Sith that could give her what she was looking for without tying herself to such a dark crowd.

"Oh there's no need to worry about that. I'm a controversial figure enough as it is, another scandal wouldn't do much." He joked as they meandered to the main gathering. "Truth be told I'm more likely to scandalize you than the other way around. I hope you being here with me doesn't harm your reputation as a respectable lady too much."

"I'm glad you came." He said earnestly, a soft smile on his face. Something that he didn't often show. "I know this isn't your usual haunt. Though I thought it might be a good idea to introduce you to a few people. My mentor among them. I get the feeling he, in particular, will like you."

He made sure to keep his pace even and easy as they walked into the gathered crowd. He didn't want to rush her, and truth be told he wasn't all too eager himself to brave the dangers of social interaction. Nevertheless he led the lady beside him with care into the waiting collective. It was time to introduce a new face.

Seren Gwyn

 

[Dante Phantomhive]

"That's very clever,"

He said thoughtfully, looking at the young woman.

"Well, you can keep me company if you want, but I warn you, I'm not the most sociable person, okay?"

He said it as if it were something trivial and remained silent, looking at her.


Meri Vale

 

[Meri Vale]

Meri blinked once, a little surprised by the sudden quiet, then nodded faintly as if accepting the warning as perfectly reasonable.

"I am not very good at being sociable either," she admitted softly. "So… I think that is alright."

She hesitated for half a second, then straightened just a little.

"I'm Meri," she added gently, offering him a small, polite smile.

Dante Phantomhive

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren walked easily at his side, her posture relaxed despite the unfamiliar setting, her gaze drifting briefly over the gathered figures before returning to him. There was curiosity there, certainly, but no nervousness. If anything, she seemed quietly amused by the way he framed the entire situation as if he were escorting her into hostile territory rather than a formal gathering.

A faint smile curved her lips as she listened, her thumb brushing lightly against his arm where she held it.

"If being associated with you is scandalous," she replied softly, her tone carrying gentle humor rather than concern, "then I suppose I accepted that risk the moment I agreed to come."

She glanced up at him, eyes warm.

"Besides, I have survived far worse than questionable reputations and difficult conversations," she added lightly.
"I think I will manage."

As they moved further into the gathering, she took in the atmosphere more fully now: the quiet conversations, the carefully maintained composure, the subtle undercurrents of power and politics woven through polite smiles. It was not her natural environment, but she did not shrink from it either.

When he spoke of his mentor, her expression softened with genuine interest.

"I trust your judgment," she said quietly. "If he matters to you, then I am glad to meet him."

Her gaze shifted briefly to the people around them before returning to Kallous.

"And…thank you for wanting to share this part of your life with me," she continued, her voice low and sincere. "I know it is not easy for you to invite someone into your world like this."

She gave his arm a small, reassuring squeeze.

"So do not worry," she added with a soft, confident smile. "I am not here to be intimidated. I am here because I chose to be."

Then, tilting her head slightly toward the crowd, she murmured with quiet amusement,

"Now…lead on, controversial figure. Let us see how dangerous your mentor truly is."

Kallous

 

[Jax Thio]

Location: Bastion
Equipment: Formal Outfit, Jax's Prosthetic Arm, Jax's Third Lightsaber, Marriage Ring to Jairdain
Tag: Jairdain Ismet-Thio

Jax gave a small chortle when Jair mentioned she was in pain due to their son growing inside of her. It wasn't new as she said the same thing when she was pregnant with Jayna Ismet-Thio but she always told Jax that the pain of childbirth was worth it. "You really should be taking it easy," Jax said concern laced in his voice. "You've doing a lot of running around lately. I don't think our son appreciates being carried around constantly. Maybe he needs a little break in the womb every now and then."

Jair had increased her workload with the Diarchy often making peace agreements. It was great that she remembered to take a break. Then again the same could apply to Jax since he was settling into The High Republic."

The Jedi Master wrapped his arms around Jair when she leaned against. "I'll always trust you Jair," Jax murmured kissing her head. "But I don't think I'll ever trust Diarchy. But you always had good judgement Jair so I leave it up to you."

As much as Jax and Jair's bond was strong, they did have contrasting viewpoints on almost everything. From the Force, to how to deal with adversaries, to how to raise Jayna and now their newborn son. It was all those idiosyncrasies that Jax and Jair possessed that made it some of the best years of Jax's life. "I need to spoil you Jair," Jax whispered placing his hand on her stomach. "So why not we go and start dancing? Then I can have you wolf down on some Brownies. You always loved those and you've been craving some for a week now."

 

[Kallous]

Seren’s soft humor mixed with her sincerity was something he never failed to appreciate. He’d known her a short while in the grand scheme of things, but he already came to deeply appreciate her. She was lighthearted enough not to take things too seriously, which was grounding on its own. Reminding him to smile when he could. But she wasn’t overly goofy either, and was serious enough when she needed to be.

She had been a fast friend. And he was grateful for it. And now he thought it was time to introduce her to the rest of the people he considered his family. He had a feeling she would get along with them too.

The first one that came to mind was also the most important at this party. He spied Diarch Rellik and his betrothed Iandre Athlea joining the festivities, arm in arm. Not unlike he and Seren in that same moment. Though he didn’t think too much of it.

He led Seren that way, and as they approached he called to the diarch to get his attention.

“Master Rellik.” He said to his mentor as he approached. “Lady Athlea. I hope you two are enjoying your evening thus far.”

Once the first few pleasantries were exchanged Kallous stepped to the side, so that Seren might be front and center as he introduced her. “This is Seren Gwyn , a good friend of mine I met somewhat recently. And I found her company to be as pleasant as her intellect is vast. I thought you might like to meet her.”

Seren Gwyn Diarch Rellik Iandre Athlea

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren took in the Sky Pavilion slowly as she stepped fully beneath its transparisteel archway, the starlight of Bastion spilling across polished floors and catching in the soft ambient glow woven through the terrace. The harmonic field hummed faintly at the edges of her perception, subtle but present, like a steadying breath shared by everyone gathered there.

When Kallous guided her forward and offered her introduction, she inclined her head first to Diarch Rellik, then to Lady Athlea, the gesture graceful and measured but free of rigid ceremony.

"Diarch Rellik. Lady Athlea."

Her tone carried warmth rather than formality, suited to a gathering meant for morale rather than command.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both this evening."

If hands were extended, she accepted them with composed ease — firm, respectful, and confident without presumption.

Her gaze drifted briefly toward the panoramic skyline beyond the terrace, where Bastion's lights shimmered like a terrestrial constellation beneath the stars.

"The Pavilion is beautifully prepared," she added softly. "It feels…intentional. Calm."

There was a faint knowing glint in her eyes, perceptive enough to notice the harmonic field, the subtle shaping of atmosphere.

"It is rare to see so many divisions gathered without an agenda attached."

Then she glanced briefly at Kallous, a small, friendly smile touching her lips.

"He spoke highly of this event. And of you."

Her attention returned to them, steady and open.

"I am glad to be here."

Kallous

 

[Jairdain Ismet-Thio]

Jairdain smiled faintly at the sound of his chortle, the warmth of it brushing against her through the Force before his arms even settled around her.

She did not miss the concern threaded through his voice, nor the way his hand instinctively moved to her stomach as though he could shield both her and their son through sheer will. It was familiar. Comforting. Slightly exasperating.

"I am taking it easy," she replied gently, though there was a soft breath beneath the words that betrayed the truth of her fatigue. "This is easy, compared to some of the things we've done."

Her hand came to rest over his, where it curved against her abdomen, fingers threading lightly between his.

"He doesn't mind," she added with quiet amusement. "He protests when I sit still too long. I suspect he has inherited your need for motion."

There was warmth in that. Not an accusation. Not frustration. Just recognition.

When Jax mentioned trusting her judgment but not the Diarchy, she leaned into him more fully, resting her forehead briefly against his chest. She understood the divide between them. She always had. It had never been simple.

"I don't expect you to trust them," she said softly. "Not all of them. Not the structure. I barely do, some days." A small pause followed, thoughtful rather than tense. "But I trust people. Individuals. And I trust what I can feel."

Her head lifted slightly, blind eyes turning toward him, though she did not see his expression.

"And I trust you. Even when we disagree. Especially then."

There was no edge in her tone. No defensiveness. Just steadiness.

When he whispered about spoiling her and suggested dancing, her brows lifted in quiet disbelief.

"Dancing?" she echoed, one corner of her mouth curving upward. "You do realize I am carrying what feels like half the galaxy right now."

But she did not pull away.

Instead, she shifted slightly, adjusting her weight with careful deliberation before straightening in his embrace.

"And brownies?" she added, mock suspicion threading through her voice. "You are attempting bribery."

Her hand slid from his to cradle her stomach again, thumb brushing lightly over the fabric of her gown.

"He has been restless," she admitted quietly. "And I have been craving them. That is unfair leverage."

For a moment, she was silent, simply standing there in his arms, listening to the music drift across the lawn, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear.

Then she smiled more fully.

"All right," she conceded softly. "One dance. Slowly. And if I wobble, you are entirely responsible."

Her fingers tightened gently around his sleeve.

"And afterward," she added, voice warm and conspiratorial, "you may procure the brownies. I will make no promises about restraint."

There was a softness in her presence then that had nothing to do with exhaustion and everything to do with love.

"For tonight," she murmured, "we can pretend the galaxy will behave itself."

And she let him guide her toward the music.

Jax Thio