Private Elysian Waters [Makai Dashiell & Nouqai Veil]

[Balun Dashiell]

The Amour Étoile, or Star of Love, was a sleek, luxurious yacht, a prized possession of Makai Dashiell . Designed for elegance and adventure alike, it embodied the Dashiell family's appreciation for the sea—a passion instilled by countless fishing trips and explorations with their father, Judah. Today, the Amour Étoile waited docked in the oceanside harbour of Manaan, its polished hull gleaming under the sun. Balun Dashiell and his lifelong friend Lady Falentra strolled down to meet Makai, anticipation sparking in their eyes for a day set adrift on the open water, following in the wake of family tradition.

The Amour Étoile was unlike any other vessel on the open seas, more luxury liner than simple yacht and unmistakably high-end. This wasn't just a ship; it was a masterpiece crafted with the latest in galactic tech, yet styled with the elegance of an Alderaanian cruiser. Long, sleek lines ran the length of its gleaming hull, with a finish so polished it reflected the stars as vividly as the sea.

The exterior was fitted with an energy shield emitter, a feature not typically seen on aquatic vessels, but standard for the Étoile's league. The shielding flickered faintly at the edges, a subtle but reassuring signal that this yacht could weather even Manaan's notoriously unpredictable ocean storms. Its propulsion system, adapted from Mon Calamari engineering, made for a smooth and silent sail, though it packed enough power to outpace most vessels.

Inside, the Amour Étoile offered opulence on par with any Coruscant penthouse. Rich Bespin silk-lined lounges, glowing transparisteel panels, and ambient lighting designed to mimic the gentle lapping of waves against the hull set the mood. Each suite was fitted with bay windows that gave an uninterrupted view of the water, making it feel more like a personal starcruiser than a seafaring yacht. The main deck was appointed with a holosuite for underwater excursions, a choice holoscape projecting marine life around the yacht without a drop of saltwater seeping in.

The main gathering hall was graced with elegant pieces of Nabooian art, while the bar was stocked with rare spirits from all over the galaxy—think Mandalorian tihaar and Felucian spiced wine, reserved for those who appreciated such exclusivity. The captain's controls, tucked into the heart of the bridge, displayed holographic star maps as well as marine navigation tools, all seamlessly integrated into the console's sleek design.

 

[Lady Falentra]

Falentra hadn’t seen him since the carnival, a day left on an end with questions lingering. They had been very drunk and then she had kissed him, she hadn’t thought much about it then, but now with her head clear, she couldn’t stop thinking about it…. and about him.

She wondered if her best friend was too. But was it worth bringing it up? If anything, she did not want to make things between them awkward on this day. So she remained rather silent, acting if there wasn’t the odd unspoken tension between them as she greeted him with as hug as per usual.

Balun led them to the ship docked a distant away from the small island shipyard. She never been on a yacht before, and this one was elegant.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

MANAAN

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Balun Dashiell | Lady Falentra

While it may be a holiday for his brother and his best friend, it was certainly a working trip for himself. He had already charted a course for a chain of undersea caverns that had rumored rol stones. Extremely rare, if he could find any of them it would be a great boom for his company. Considering Manaan was potentially falling under Galactic Alliance rule and he didn't anticipate any immediate problems government wise.

Although it was a business trip, Makai was on the deck in blue merman swim trunks, soaking in the sun. He was a little self-conscious about the large patch of scales on his chest and upper thigh, but if his brother was best friends with someone described as aquatic, he shouldn't get too much of a ribbing.

Squinting behind his sunglasses, Makai finally caught sight of the two coming down the wooden ramps protruding from the small island. He moved to lower down the little gangway so they could easily come aboard. Hopefully neither were the type to get seasick.

"I was beginning to think you two flaked out."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Fashion choices should have been easy on a trip like this, Balun thought. Most of the guys didn't need to worry about anything more than a pair of shorts, but he'd relied on Persephone's advice before leaving for Manaan. He ended up in a simple, practical outfit: a skin-tight swimsuit under loose board shorts—a modest combination, especially in the company of Lady Falentra . Though he and Nouqai had been inseparable for years, he felt some unspoken limits between them now—limits that hadn't felt quite as clear before the carnival night.

As they strolled down the dock toward the Amour Étoile, Balun couldn't ignore the silence that hung between them. He glanced over, half-tempted to ask if she was alright, when Makai Dashiell 's voice conveniently broke the tension. Balun's thoughts lingered on their last night out, that kiss they'd shared when the drinks had made everything easy, words flowing free from any second guesses. Now, sober and under the open sky, any talk about "what they were" felt much riskier, and he wasn't exactly eager to stumble through it with Makai there to overhear.

"Wouldn't miss it!" Balun replied with a half-smirk, stepping forward and motioning toward his brother with a small wave of his hand. He turned to Nouqai, his tone warm and inviting. "Nouqai, this is my brother, Makai. Makai, meet Nouqai Veil."

With a slight, gentlemanly gesture, Balun encouraged Nouqai to step aboard the yacht before him, his manners heightened by a newfound awareness since their recent shared moment. He watched her carefully as she climbed aboard, the subtle formality masking the memories that now lingered between them.

 

[Lady Falentra]

As for Falentra, she wore a simple dress over her swimwear - something that would make her a little conscious later seeing how modestly Balun was dressed. Although as they neared the ship, seeing Makai half-naked with his trunks was an oddly reassuring that she wouldn’t be the only one dressed so scantily later.

Falentra stepped across to board the ship. She smiled at Makai. “Thanks for having me.” The man shared much similar features to her friend, it was unmistakeable that they were brothers aside from the aquatic features apparent on the former. “It’s Falentra. Only Bale and my old friends call me by my Jedi name Nouqai.” She corrected. It was the name of her past, that only the figures who were there had the pass to use. “Bale told me tons about you. But he didn’t tell me you were aquatic!” She pointed out noticing the scales across this chest, also feeling a sense of camaraderie.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Lady Falentra | Balun Dashiell

Lips quirked in amusement at the sight of his half-brother. What was with the get up? First the burlap sack and now quite the modest swim wear. Makai would like to think there was some element of modesty shaming within the Jedi Order, but considering how many skin tight cat suits and cleavage he had seen from their ranks, he didn't think that was the case. If they were alone he would completely roast his brother.

In front of his best friend? Not so much. It didn't create a good first impression.

Makai reached his hand out to shake with Falentra in greeting. Bale had mentioned the 'best friend' was aquatic in nature, much more than himself. He was a hybrid, not quite a true aquatic in his eyes.

"Pleasure to meet you Falentra. Nice to meet one of Bale's friend, I was thinking he just had Luna as his best friend. Good to see you're an actual real person." Makai addressed both of them. "Go settle in. I'll pull up the gangway and get our pre-charted course underway. Feel free to explore and make yourselves comfortable."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

As they boarded the sleek yacht, Balun caught the unmistakable, knowing look from his brother, Makai. The smirk Makai wore spoke louder than words, and Balun didn't need any further interpretation. Standing a little behind Nouqai Veil, he shot Makai an exaggerated eye roll, returning the unspoken tease with a smirk of his own. Balun held back a laugh, deciding to shrug off his usual playful banter—this time.

He was actually pleased with his choice of swimwear; it was a refreshing break from the usual. For once, he felt like he blended in, feeling more "normal" than he had in a long time. His brother should consider himself lucky that Balun hadn't shown up in his old Jedi tunic. Instead, he'd chosen something light and easy to move in, perfect for the sunny day ahead and, thankfully, less likely to result in sunburn.

When Nouqai introduced herself, explaining the name Falentra, Balun rolled his eyes again. "It's okay, Makai, you can call her Nouqai. Falentra's more of an alias" he teased, nudging Nouqai playfully with his elbow as he stepped past her. Moving to the yacht's edge, he peered over the side, admiring the clear, inviting waters below.

"Looks like nothing but sun and blue skies today. Great choice, bro," he said, glancing back with a genuine smile. It felt good to be doing something that didn't involve a blaster or his lightsaber. Though his saber could function underwater, this was one of the rare times he hadn't brought any weapon along. A day with his brother and his best friend—or whatever she was to him now—promised nothing but excitement, and he couldn't wait to see what the day held for them.

Makai Dashiell | Lady Falentra​

 

[Lady Falentra]

The sithspawn shook her head. “Fal for short if Falentra is a mouthful.” While she was with the Lightsworn, they too had used her old name, it was an anchor to her past. Not one she’d be happy for just anyone to use.

Luna? She couldn’t remember Balun mentioning such a name. However Makai’s words was met with some confusion stating this entity was not a real person. A droid as another best friend? Nevertheless it sparked a feeling in the pit of her stomach, jealousy.

Something that she rarely felt. But they both had seperate lives, Falentra didn’t expect Balun to tell her everything, but she couldn’t deny that it bothered her slightly.

“I’ll go get changed, where’s the bathroom?” She asked Makai. She’d head to the back once he pointed it out.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Lady Falentra | Balun Dashiell

"Falentra is fine for me, although I might change it up to Fal later. Whatever works for you." Makai motioned to a portion of the yacht that would lead the fellow aquatic where she needed to go."Its the head on a water faring boat. Below decks, an entire different world down there. Head is in the cabins down there, go ahead and claim one."

Makai cast a look at his brother as Falentra moved to go to the expansive space below decks. This was a luxury yacht and everything was well appointed. A far cry from his sailboat with cramped quarters and a rather basic interior. Either way, his sailboat was still his preferred way to get around on the ocean.

"I've got some work on this trip. Searching for deposits of rol stones. I trust you two will get along while I'm busy. Did she say anything? Did you talk to her? I'm going to say no, I didn't see you holding hands. Must have been a bust."

The half-Galan moved to pull up the gangway and start to unmoor them from the docks. He was excited to head out to the trenches and do a little exploring. Expanding his gemstone business was just one item on his massive goals list for the next five years.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun tried to recall whether Nouqai had met Luna before, but his memory was foggy. He figured she must have—his little Merqaal companion was rarely absent when he wandered around the Liberty's Edge. Still, Nouqai's sudden shift in mood threw him off when she mentioned heading below deck to change, with no obvious reason for her decision.

Balun hadn't shared much with Makai about "that night," but what he'd told his brother gave Makai enough to sense there might be more between him and Nouqai. "We went to a carnival in Sith Space last week, had way too much to drink, and things… got intense. We ended up kissing, but she didn't want to talk about what it meant for us afterward." Balun's voice trailed off, uncertainty clear in his tone. Relationships, especially ones that got this complicated, were a mystery to him, and he doubted Makai had it figured out either.

"She's been kind of distant since then. I don't know if she regrets it or what," he admitted, shrugging as he moved to lean casually against the yacht's stern rail. His gaze drifted around the lavish vessel, a small smirk forming as he took in the evidence of his brother's taste for luxury—Makai had spared no expense. "I just hope today's a chance for her to unwind. No Force stuff, no Light or Dark side tension—just a relaxing day where we can be ourselves," he added, the smirk softening into a genuine smile as he turned back toward his brother.

"Thanks for bringing us along. We'll make sure we're not a hassle, and I'll help you out with anything you need business-wise. Nouqai can take it easy and sunbathe if she wants," he suggested, hoping to ease the weight of Makai's generous invitation with a little practical support.

Lady Falentra | Makai Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing & Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Balun Dashiell | Lady Falentra

Makai listened, curious as to where the story was going. Having just met Falentra, he couldn't provide any real insights. He only knew about the woman from what Bale had said and described. Quite a far cry compared to actually knowing someone and having an idea of their habits.

"I...I don't know what to tell you. Maybe she didn't expect it to happen and is confused. Best of luck on that front. Women can be a mystery, even after you think you know them."

Makai clasped his brother on the shoulder, giving a squeeze. There wasn't anything he could do beyond offer a sympathetic ear should it be needed. Maybe a nugget of general advice.

"Oh, I won't need any help. I did this for years on my own. First as a way to learn about the industry then after university as self-induced punishment. I'll just be scouting a potential deposit of rol stones. You two have fun and do....whatever it is you do. I'll try to keep myself scarce."

Makai motioned for Bale to follow. They were heading to the captain's controls to get underway and into open waters. Lucky most of it was pre-charted and the advanced droid brain could do a bulk of the work while he was busy.

"You've been good though?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun's grin stretched wide, eyes alight with the memory he clutched close. "Oh, she definitely expected it," he said, a playful glint in his voice. "We made a little bet at one of the game stands. She said I couldn't win, and the prize she set was… a kiss." He laughed softly, recalling the surprise in Nouqai's eyes when he'd leaned in. She'd picked the stakes herself, after all—there was no reason for her to be shocked. She knew he'd play to win.

But that kiss wasn't just a game. The moment their lips met, something profound stirred between them, an undeniable rush of feeling that pulsed along the connection of their Force Bond. It was more than a single moment—it felt like their spirits had briefly intertwined, a resonance that only they could feel. In that instant, they were no longer just friends; their emotions laid bare, as clear and vivid to each other as reflections in still water.

"I'm pretty sure it wasn't one-sided," he added with a light shrug, though the lingering uncertainty in his eyes betrayed him. Her evasiveness since had left him on the edge of something vast and unknown, a precipice from which they could either jump together or retreat. But Balun wanted to see where this road would lead, sensing something life-changing if they took the step forward.

Turning his attention back to Makai's upcoming mission, Balun gave a quiet nod, refraining from questioning his brother's plans. His curiosity flitted to the minerals Makai was after, envisioning them hidden deep beneath the waves. Makai's natural affinity for the water made him the ideal one for the task, which also explained why he'd suggested Balun and Nouqai remain on the yacht.

"I've been all right, I suppose," Balun replied, his tone measured. "Aside from everything with her." He hesitated, then continued, "The Coalition picked up whispers of an Imperial attack on Maldra IV. Seems like they're aiming for The Nest, the base I usually stay at." He tried to keep his voice light, as if brushing aside the looming threat, though the reality weighed heavily on him. He was grateful for his father's offer to stay on Joiol—where he was safer, at least for now. "Looks like I might be living at the estate full-time soon," he added, a hint of resignation in his voice.

Makai Dashiell | Lady Falentra​

 

[Lady Falentra]

The yacht was large, as she made her way down where Makai pointed out, all the while admiring the ship’s luxurious interiors. Nouqai had selected the first cabin she came across, she wasn’t picky. She had went ahead and got changed. Despite being aquatic, she spent little time in water, so it was pretty uncommon to see her in anytime of swimwear.

However, this one, in a burgundy colour contrasting against her blue scales and showing more skin than she was comfortable with - she’d never worn anything so low - was particularly for show than practicality. It clung tight to her figure, accentuating her curves.

Almost acting naturally through her training, she had activated CTOii in her head. The systems that allowed her to slice through the networks inside, getting quickly into the ships controls. There were very little security in place surprisingly.

She made her way back up where she found Balun and Makai chatting at the captains controls. “So what’s the plan? Also just a note, you should install more security on the controls. I could effortlessly get into the systems just now. “ she told Makai, making herself known from behind the two as she joined beside them.

“Anyway, how do I look? " She dared to ask Balun. With them spending most of their youth within the conservative Jedi compound, he would have never seen her dressed so immodestly.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Lady Falentra

Eyebrow perked a little in confusion as Bale explained the story of the kiss. First he said they had too much to drink then it involved betting a kiss as a carnival prize. That Bale had won and both seemed excited about - until now? Perhaps a worry of ruining the friendship?

His mouth would stay firmly shut. Uninvited advice or prodding into a relationship was a peeve of his.

"Hmm yes, Inari forbid you have to stay in the family compound in peace and quiet for a little while. You'll have company, we're staying there for awhile. Don't see the need to move around at the moment. Although I am sorry to hear about your base."

Course charted, Makai made sure they were on track as he eased the boating over to the droid brain for now. While he'd love to do it himself, guests were on the vessel and meeting his half-brothers best friend was more important than playing Captain.

Falentra emerged, speaking of his security protocols.

"I only invite those close to me for such outings. Not sure why you're poking around my controls but noted, I suppose?"

Gently, Makai nudged Bale with his elbow, as if to say compliment her.

"Plan for me is to visit this area and look for rol stones. You two are free to do as you wish."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Who's Inari?" Balun asked, a curious gleam lighting up his eyes as he raised a brow at his brother. The name had a sacred ring to it, almost as if it carried a sense of reverence or tradition. They'd never talked about anything spiritual before, and he was intrigued. "I thought you might be pleased," he added with a mischievous grin. "Sticking around here should mean less trouble than getting into a battlefield, right? Plus, Dad set me up with a place out back near the forest, so if I start driving you crazy, you can just toss me out." He chuckled, but his attention drifted over Makai's shoulder as he noticed Nouqai approaching.

He'd intended to tease her about having full access to the yacht's controls, but all thoughts evaporated as his gaze locked onto her. Nouqai, dressed in swimwear, was a rare and captivating sight. The relaxed look, with her skin exposed, seemed to transform her, and he found himself entranced. She had an effortless allure that held him speechless until Makai nudged him with a smirk, nudging him to say something.

Balun didn't need further encouragement. "You look incredible," he murmured, his voice soft and sincere, as if the sight of her had truly stolen his breath.

Then he glanced down at himself, questioning his own choice of swimwear. Nouqai's outfit was more revealing than he'd anticipated, making him wonder if she'd feel similarly seeing him without his usual layers. And with Makai's teasing look still fresh in his mind, he decided to lighten up. "Yeah, I'm feeling a little overdressed here," he laughed, nodding decisively. "Gimme a second." He quickly slipped away, swapping his full-body swimsuit for the simple board shorts he'd been wearing over it, feeling more at ease matching the relaxed tone she'd set.

When he returned to the deck, the breeze touched his bare skin, his top half now exposed to the cool wind. His dark, baggy board shorts hung past his knees, but his torso revealed a patchwork of scars earned on distant battlefields. A long, pale line stretched across his left ribcage—a reminder of a lightsaber strike that had come dangerously close. His right shoulder bore a circular scar, the mark of a blaster shot he'd been just a second too slow to avoid. Each scar told a story, and though he didn't always reveal them, he wore them now without a second thought, standing casually beside Nouqai and Makai.

"Better?"

Makai Dashiell | Lady Falentra​

 

[Lady Falentra]

There was a light tinge of indigo that flushed at her cheeks with the way his gaze lingered on her form, and the silence that drew out. "T-thank you," she answered with a slight stutter when he finally complimented her fit.

As Balun went below deck to change, Falentra would address her previous comment about the security. "Just a habit, sorry. I have a drive in my head that lets me access networks and systems around." She explained. Digital augmentations were not uncommon these few days.

It wasn't long before Balun appeared, having discarded a part of his outfit, his top was now bare. Falentra was used to seeing him in the modest Jedi robes, so this was a sight to behold. A smirked payed at the corner of her lip as he approached them, the lean muscle framing his figure. "Much better." She commented with a chuckle.

But the smirk dropped when she noticed the scars across his side and on his shoulder. It wasn't unexpected with him within the ranks of the tingel arm but yet it was a cause of concern. She took a step towards him, worry crossing her visage, her hand rose, the scaley pad of a clawed finger lightly grazing the scar on his shoulder.

"You need to be more careful, Bale." She stated sternly, but with an air of concern. Although on his shoulder, it was only a short distance away from his heart and so was the slash of the lightsaber that could have easily punctured and fried a lung. She couldn’t imagine if he was fatally wounded in battle - she wouldn’t be able to cope with the loss.

Yet if it weren’t for her own amphibious-aquatic regenerative physiology, her own skin would be littered in scars as well.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Balun Dashiell | Lady Falentra

"Oh, Inari is a goddess in the Moross..."

Noticing Bale wasn't even paying attention, he stopped. Wasn't important anyway. Having grown up with Danger he was a follower of the religion, naturally having rubbed off on him during time spent together. Given Bale was a Force user, it was most likely just wasted oxygen, especially now that his best friend had shown up.

"It's okay. I was just curious."

Suddenly feeling like the third wheel, Makai looked between the two. His brother had decided it was time to show off the muscles to his friend-and-crush and it was working. Happy much of his expression was hidden behind dark sunglasses, he looked between them for a moment.

"I'm just going to go over here."

Makai was confident neither heard him. Or would care. The sooner they got to the trench where he could survey for the rol stones. Being under the waves meant he would be away from the pair making eyes at one another. Plus, business. Time was not on his side in terms of expanding before MP was born.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Makai's voice was barely a murmur, nearly lost in the gentle breeze, as Nouqai stepped close enough that Balun felt a subtle coolness radiating from her—the unmistakable chill of her cold-blooded nature. Her clawed hand came to rest gently on his shoulder, and his gaze wavered, slipping from her piercing eyes down to the scar etched into his skin—a silent reminder of his battles against the Empire of the Lost. He hadn't really considered how the sight of these marks might affect the others, each scar a story he rarely shared.

"Ah, chit... I'm sorry," he muttered, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. "Didn't really think about these." He attempted a casual shrug, trying to brush it off with a laugh. "Honestly, don't stress it. You know how it is for people like us, Nouqai," he continued, catching the concern lingering in her gaze. "Force Users like us—whether we fight or try to lay low, we're always painted as targets." He managed a reassuring smile, hoping to shift the focus away from his past and the marks that bore witness to it.

When he noticed his brother lingering nearby, looking more awkward than usual, Balun's expression shifted into a smirk. Not wanting Makai to feel like a third wheel, he casually moved to Nouqai's side, inviting her to turn with him to face Makai. The warm yet mischievous look in his eyes signaled his intention to break the intensity of the moment and draw Makai into the conversation.

"So," Balun began, with a newfound enthusiasm, "where exactly is this place with the rocks supposed to be, anyway? Is it some kind of natural resource site, or are we tracking down something that went down out here?" He leaned forward, eager to divert their attention and lighten the mood, hoping his curiosity would give Makai an easy way in.

Lady Falentra | Makai Dashiell​

 

[Lady Falentra]

Balun’s nonchalance to his scars were not reassuring, she needed him to be careful. But it was rather hypocritical of her to wish so when she herself jumped head first into danger each day with her sith apprenticeship. “Just don’t let them get you anywhere fatal.” She said with a sigh.

Her friend moved to stand at her side, facing Makai who lingered at the side watching the waves pass. She barely heard much of Balun’s question to his Brother, Rol stones wasn’t much of her interest.

It wasn’t just that, as Balun stood next to her, his arm hanging casually by his side, she felt the warmth of his knuckles brush the back of her cold fingers. Although unintentional, the touch was like a spark through their bond. Almost subconsciously, Falentra found her fingers gently entwining with his. The memories from the night at the carnival resurfacing, intruding her current train of thought.

In a moment of realisation, Falentra let go, releasing her grip. “I’m going to get something to drink. There’s a bar here surely. Want anything Balun? How about you Makai?” She’d let the two talk.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Lady Falentra

"Just a potential natural vein. Won't know til we get there, its not too far though. I'll be out of your hair soon enough."

Makai had been keeping an eye on their direction. He hadn't been out this way before but was using the map he had memorized as a guide, as well as their relative position to the sun. The water looked fairly warm and clear, so it would be good swimming down to investigate. While he hadn't intended on spending a great deal of time down in the potential site, given his brother was...occupied...he would scout around under the waves.

"Nothing for me, thank you. There is a fully stocked bar below. As I said, make yourselves at home. I can easily entertain myself. Just pretend I'm not even here."