Junction Exodus Crash || ME/SO Junction of Eshan & Tyra'Weilen

[Eira Dyn]

Objective: 1 - Queen's Coronation
Attire: Dress
Equipment: None
Tags: Quinn Varanin | CT-312 | Darth Carnifex | Lirka Ka | OPEN

Eira looked over to where Quinn entered the room and grinned immediately. The soon to be crowned queen looked gorgeous. It was guaranteed that Quinn would of course look the best when she entered the room but it was always something that Eira admired every time it happened. Her dress, jewellery and style of make up, everything was just perfect and Eira could not help but feel a slight pang of jealousy, attraction but also admiration. It was everything Eira wanted to achieve in the future.

As Quinn continued down the aisle, Eira spotted the infamous scout trooper CT-312. Initially Eira was confused since she did not recognise the woman, the scout trooper was someone that she had only ever seen in armour. So, seeing someone that Eira did not immediately recognise was strange and Eira wondered who could have been given such honour of being beside Quinn during such a significant and important moment. Not even Eira dared to assume that Quinn wanted her presence at the Sith Lord's side. However, one name crossed her mind and that was CT-312. Eira knew the scout to be close with Quinn as a bodyguard, if it was CT-312 then Eira was going to have a lot of fun poking at the soldier being out of her armour later.

Eira remained silent as the event proceeded, intrigued with how the process worked for the Echani. It was a glimpse into the culture that Eira had only begun to really scratch at the surface about. It was good to see all the Echani attending, the Sith attending in support of Quinn and the Mandalorians who were also attending. The presence showed how loved and how important this event was for Quinn to finally take her place as ruler.

Shifting through the crowd, Eira approach Lirka and Carnifex, looking to the pair and gave a small bow of her head. "It is good to see you both here, hopefully you don't mind my intrusion. I just wanted to greet and offer my compliments to your outfits, always fun to see what people wear to events like this."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Objective: 1 - Coronation
Outfit: Dress
Tag: "Templar" | Isabsel

The ceremony continued in the traditional manner and there was no noticeable disruptions which was a positive in Lily's mind. It would be stupid or childish to attempt to cause an issue on the day of the coronation, especially when Quinn was so beloved and this ceremony was being attended by some of the most dangerous people in the galaxy. Lily felt the void presence of Isabsel beside her, the other Echani was someone close to Lily and she knew that this would be an interesting event for Isabsel since it was a glimpse into an event that she might not see ever again. From what Lily was learning, the Sith had many tricky ways in order to maintain a long life.

When she felt a familiar presence bump into her, Lily was a little startled but seeing who it was, more relieved. If she had to converse with a Sith... It would have been a tough conversation to maintain a polite demeanour. While not all Sith are savage, ravenous murderers, she had not met a Sith who was not content with oppression and robbing the freedoms of others. Whether through slavery or other means.

"It is a surprise to see you here of all places, but a welcomed surprise I assure you." Lily smiled warmly towards Templar as she noted that the other woman had not changed her appearance at all for the event. It was a curious choice but clearly the ideology of maintaining the armoured appearance was important to Templar. "Yes, representing my family so I must keep up appearances and ensure that the Decoria family is demonstrating the most respect and support for our new queen and our gratitude to the Mandalorians in their assistance in this coronation." There was a clear rehearsed tone to Lily's voice, more so towards the gratitude for the Mandalorians than the support for Quinn.

Looking back to Isabsel, Lily gave a small grin and nodded her head, "yes. My friend and bodyguard, Isabsel." Gesturing for Isabsel to come closer, "Isabsel this is Templar. Someone equally curious on how the Jedi of now feel, think and behave." Lily introduced the pair, hoping that being Force Dead did not prevent Templar from being able to speak with Isabsel.

"I shall need to speak with the queen... Later. Hopefully I can demonstrate that she will have my continued support as queen, no matter who attempts to rule this region of space." Lily mused aloud, the idea came to her since it would be beneficial to show the public and firm level of support publicly. Dissuading the notion or ideas that Lily or her family were looking to cause trouble, especially in the future when Lily continued to work as a Jedi and would be fighting many of the people who stood in this room, supporting Quinn.

Looking back towards the pair, the conversation would have to come later, others deserved to praise Quinn far more first and Lily did not wish to appear rude to the two familiar faces she had beside her. "What brought you to this coronation Templar? Are you Echani yourself or connected in some other way to the Varanin family?" This did not seem like it would be an event that Templar would be interested in but Lily had only met the woman once before so it was hard to say what would be something that Templar would like or not.

Especially since they had not sparred yet to gather a deeper understanding of one another. Something Lily was always insistent on when developing new friendships.

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren walked a half step behind them, not intruding on the easy rhythm that had settled between Lysander and Naniti, but close enough to feel the shift in the crowd and the subtle change in air as the architecture opened into wider courts. Her attention moved constantly, not in suspicion, but in assessment. This was a place where intention stopped pretending to be subtle.

At Naniti's question, Seren glanced toward the Saber, the sound of distant metal and raised voices carrying clearly now.

"The Echani believed action stripped away pretense," she said calmly. "Words give people time to rehearse who they want to be. Motion rarely does."

Her gaze lingered on the fighting pits ahead, measuring spacing, exits, and the way observers clustered rather than dispersed.

"That doesn't make violence virtuous," Seren added, tone even. "But it does make it honest. Especially in places like this."

She shifted her attention back to the group, a faint glint of dry amusement touching her expression.

"As for mortal combat," she continued, "festivals rarely encourage deaths that disrupt commerce. Blood draws crowds. Corpses draw investigations."

A glance at Naniti.

"I would expect rules," Seren said. "Loose ones. Selectively enforced. And bent further depending on who's watching."

Her eyes flicked to Lysander, then, something quieter there. Observant. Warm, but contained.

"You're right about one thing," Seren added after a moment. "You do learn a great deal about people in places like this. Not from who wins—but from how they stop."

She let the noise swell around them, unbothered.

"Which means," she finished lightly, "we should probably decide whether we're here to watch the dance… or step onto the floor."

Her gaze settled forward again as the crowd thickened, the Saber now unmistakably close.

Lysander von Ascania Naniti Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

Varin’s attention was mainly on the sparring that was happening nearby as they tried to make a decision, Seren’s final comment on a decision caught his attention causing him to blink a few times.

“As much as I love fighting, I want to learn of this style first. I vote we watch for now, I had never seen it before. Perhaps we can get the basics of it and see if we can jump in?”

It was a very different strategy than what he normally went for, but this was entirely new territory. If they were allowed to join in then watching them first would at least somewhat even the playing field and possibly even give them an advantage. The advantage that they know their enemies but they do not know them.

“Motion sometimes happens faster than words. No matter how many people say otherwise, I have seen it and experienced it. Words and thought can create hesitation in a fighting scenario, your brain can betray you, your reflexes cannot. Unless of course you are in a more diplomatic conflict of course.”

His stomach growled loudly as he thought about food, the nearby scent of it drawing some of his attention.

“Perhaps we can get some food while we watch so Naniti doesn’t get….hangry? I think it is what Haro called it when Lesh has one of her issues.”

He stepped towards the saber the crowd slowly dispersing around him as they noticed a towering teen approaching, but he stayed with his group so they would have an easier time getting through.

“Besides, think of the fun conversations we could have. Maybe we can discuss the season finale of “Hoth Love”.”

He shut his mouth too late, realising now that he may have spoken a bit too much of what he does in his private time, knowing only Lysander knew of the fact Varin actually really likes holodramas.

Ignati howled with laughter in his head as Varin realised what he just said without thinking, a slightly annoyed scowl appearing on his face.

So much for that secret, boy! Oh do tell them of the ritual you do while you watch, taking notes and what not!

Varin shook his head and chuckled.

“Though, Hoth Love isn’t for everyone.”

Seren Gwyn | Naniti | Lysander von Ascania​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti Varin Mortifer Seren Gwyn
​

His gaze crossed to the raised finger with exaggerated seriousness, as if it warranted a formal negotiation. But Lysander let out a soft sigh instead, gave a small shake of his head, and let amusement win out over arguing the point any further. Why did it feel like a grand treaty was required simply to arrange sustenance?

He settled on the Saber again, then the bodies clustered at the pit’s edge. Detachment crept into his tone. “They’ll call it first blood. That’s what keeps most crowds comfortable. How long that lasts, from my experience, usually comes down to who loses their nerve first.” It was highly possible this conclusion was shaped and influenced by his time on Korriban.

To Seren, he agreed. “Stopping is a choice. Most people don’t realize they’re making it until after.” Though, a colder voice inside suggested victory only tells you who crosed theirs first.

The spot where she’d poked was noted before looking back to his violet companion. His head tipped to one side in concession. “You’ll know when it matters.” Lips pressed together. No.. he didn’t like that answer. A note of laughter brushed the air. “It’s probably something unhelpful anyway.”

More noise crept up in layers. From the crowds to the pits, both answered with their own sounds.

There was a crease forming at one corner of his eye, and a breath that would have been a laugh if it tried a little harder. “Food would be wise,” said mildly. “Sure, crowds get unpredictable when there's blood involved. But Naniti.. even more so when she’s hangry. Trust me.”

Hoth Love? A grin found him at once. It was amusing to think that, out in the fields where Jedi were getting mowed down like grass by two apprentices, their opposition had no idea they were engaging with two holodrama nerds and ice cream fiends.

“I’m more of a Rule of Two Hearts guy personally, but that one isn’t terrible.”

His thumb gave a few light taps on the Togruta’s shoulder. Prompted by whatever reason. Annoying maybe, just counting down the seconds until the potentially called him on it. Keeping a neutral expression would prove impossible.

“I mean, I respect a story that lets commitment be a choice,” Lysander added, “..even if the weather is doing most of the emotional work.” One shoulder lifted. “The soundtrack slaps though. Take that out and it’s just like.. yearning and horrible judgment in temperatures well below freezing?”

.. which did nothing to explain why he'd somehow watched the entire last season twice already.

​

 

[Naniti]

Naniti looked back and over at Seren as she gave a description of Echani beliefs. Honest? There was that, but the Togruta wondered whether they managed to convey anything particular deep that way. Intellectually speaking. Emotionally, she understood, and hardly disagreed.

"Every fight should have rules. The most basic being no one else interferes." It wasn't about fairness in the sense dirty fighting was barred because it was underhanded; but warriors couldn't do literally anything to win or there wouldn't be actual sport. It'd just boil down to who brought the biggest ship, largest gun, or most people to overwhelm the opposition. An arena wasn't just about winning. "You can only bluff your way to survive so many times before called out on it."

Lysander's neutral tone drew her attention back as he gave his thoughts on what they'd bear witness to inside. Though, after a moment, Naniti grunted and turned her eyes forward. Speaking of stopping being a choice, Lysander needed a little more work training his ability to recognize when the choice should be made. And that the word 'choice' meant there was an option other than 'not.'

Seren and Varin seemed inclined for them to all watch, at least at first. Naniti didn't look perturbed by the thought. Didn't hurt to find out what they were dealing with before committing to anything.

"Hangry?" The Togruta straightened up a bit and looked over at Varin as if he'd accused her of a crime. "I do not have 'issues'." Another poke with a little more force behind it followed Lysander weighing in his support for Varin's observation. "I'll show you hangry."

Then the violet woman blinked with a lowered brown and down turned lips. Hoth Love? Varin liked Hoth Love? What was even going on any more?

Lysander joined in remarking that he preferred Rule of Two Hearts.

So, was that why the two of them seemed to have so many sub-freezing moments together? Naniti looked up at Lysander as he thumbed her shoulder. "Emotional repression is supposed to be a Jedi failing, so I don't see why so many holodramas use that trope."

Lysander von Ascania | Varin Mortifer | Seren Gwyn

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren had been watching the sparring as Varin spoke, her attention moving with the fighters rather than fixing on any single exchange. She did not interrupt him, only inclined her head slightly as his reasoning unfolded. When he finished, she exhaled softly, something between agreement and quiet approval.

"Watching first is wise," she said. "Especially with Echani. Their forms aren't just technique, they're language. If you don't understand what's being said with the body, you miss half the exchange."

Her gaze followed a quick flurry of movement in the pit, eyes narrowing a fraction as she catalogued footwork and timing.

"They train reflex until it replaces deliberation," Seren continued calmly. "Thought comes later. Meaning comes later. In the moment, it's all motion and intent."

At the mention of food, her expression shifted, faintly amused, though she did not look away from the arena.

"Food is sensible," she agreed. "Crowds, blood, and empty stomachs rarely combine into good judgment."

Her eyes flicked briefly to Naniti, then back to the pit.

"And she's right," Seren added, nodding once toward the Togruta. "Rules aren't about mercy. They're about meaning. Without them, it stops being a contest and becomes noise."

Then Varin's slip reached her a heartbeat late.

Hoth Love.

Seren turned her head slowly, just enough to look at him sidelong. Not judgmental. Not teasing. Simply assessing the way she did everything else.

"Hoth Love," she repeated evenly, as if committing it to memory. "That explains a few things."

A pause.

"Rule of Two Hearts makes more structural sense," she added after Lysander spoke, tone thoughtful rather than dismissive. "But I suspect both rely heavily on tension created by people refusing to say what they already know."

Her mouth curved, subtle but unmistakable.

"Which is exhausting," Seren concluded. "In fiction and in life."

She shifted her weight slightly, positioning herself so she could watch the sparring more clearly while still remaining with the group.

"We observe," she said calmly. "We eat. We learn the rhythm. Then, if it makes sense, we decide whether to step in."

Her gaze remained on the fighters, steady and attentive.

"No need to rush the dance before we know the music."

Varin Mortifer Lysander von Ascania Naniti

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes
Nearby: Ivalyn Yvarro | Merryn Sellek

"What do you know of the Sith Empress," she asked gently, truly desiring Adelle's perspective and knowledge, "and of her kin?"

Still...She nodded her head, having answered the question that had not been asked, and let the crown move on its own to land with ceremony and intention on Quinn Varanin's head. It settled there as if it had always belonged.

No small amount of relief flooded Adelle's veins when the crown was placed on Varanin's head, even as she weighed Sibylla's question. The coronation was complete, according to Echani traditions and rites. Eshan had an Echani Queen. The Empire had their Warden. The peace had held.

Srina stepped back and her head inclined, briefly, respectfully, before turning to face the rest of the hall. Those who whispered, curious, like Sibylla Abrantes would find that her gaze seemed to land on her intimately. As if she knew what they were saying, knew that Adelle Bastiel had her name on her lips. Her attention flickered over Aether Verd , [/USER] Mercy , Reina Daival , and all those who had assembled to witness the ascension of one they called a friend. Or perhaps more. Even Acier Moonbound would feel the legendary weight of her presence settling in the hall while he made his exit—Pulling all to attention without saying a word.

"…Long live the Queen."​

The Empress' eyes met hers. The sudden attention sent a jolt through her even as her will steeled instinctively. Adelle held the gaze as long as the golden irises remained on her. To look away would be an admission of guilt or weakness, and neither was true. She still felt a release of pressure when the Empress looked at others gathered around the room and took a slow deep breath, as if to remind her lungs how to breathe. The imagined pressure suddenly became real as it flooded the room, washing over everything like a tidal wave. Demanding attention.

Talon's voice echoed in the room with finality.

The Queen was crowned.

In the dismissal and return of sound to the hall, Adelle turned to the young Queen enough that she could see Sibylla out of more than the corner of her eye but without fully turning away from the newly crowned Queen of Eshan. She did note, in her peripheral, that there were some faces her brain flagged as being from the Imperial Commonwealth near Sith space.

"Perhaps we can catch up over a cup of tea or caf or something," Adelle said quietly. "Normally, I'd suggest a bar but with my luck at bars, it's probably unwise to endanger an ambassador."

Whatever Sibylla was involved in, it was over Adelle's paygrade. She was a healer and a mercenary. Hardly the type to get involved with all the plots and schemes of queens and ambassadors.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

Varin’s eyes narrowed slightly at Naniti’s offer of showing him what her meaning of hangry is and a deep chuckle left him.

“I believe I can see it over here just fine. Besides, I wouldn’t blame you if you were blood thirsty over some rare steak and someone tried to swipe it from you. I’ve heard stories of battles fought over such transgressions. Though, they never lasted.”

Varin rubbed the back of his head as he realised what had slipped from his mouth, giving a nervous laugh.

“Yeah, Hoth Love isn’t for everyone. Especially if you don’t like romance combined with survival. Turns out, you can survive a blizzard when you are sleeping in the opened chest of a tauntaun. The plot is slow however, and they tend to pick it up in the last few episodes.”

Lysander spoke of The Rule of Two Hearts and Varin gave a very approving nod to him.

“I can never forget what threw me into the the rabbit hole of holodramas. That one definitely has a lot more substance to it. I could binge it all day and night without getting tired of it.”

Varin gave Seren a slight smirk.

“I feel Naniti is at her best when fighting on an empty stomach and hangry beyond belief. If what I have seen her do on a full stomach can be amplified on an empty one, then she is definitely a heavy hitter. Especially when armed with a stirring spoon.”

Again the thought of a very angry violet togruta beating some armored foe with a wooden spoon, bled into his head and a quiet laugh escaped him before he sighed deeply.

“Oh yeah. I’d pay to see that. Perhaps we will make her the main event?”

His arm slowly wrapped around Seren’s as the walked further into the Saber, the sounds of impacts and grunting from combat brought forth an excitement that Varin knew deeply.

“Whats a popular dish here? Nuna Nuggets seem to be all too common lately.”

Seren Gwyn | Naniti | Lysander von Ascania​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Location: THE CORONATION
Interacting with: Open | Adelle Bastiel
Items: x x x x x

Sibylla did not move as the crown rose.

She stood perfectly still, breath gathered neatly in her chest, as the atmosphere of the hall shifted from expectation to certainty, her hazel eyes following Srina Talon with composed attention. The weight of the woman's presence was no longer theoretical. It settled across the hall with quiet authority and in that moment Sibylla found Adelle's earlier description entirely accurate.

A black hole, perhaps, but not an empty one.

And when Srina leaned forward and pressed a brief kiss to Quinn's brow, Sibylla's fingers tightened together despite herself. It was neither political nor performative. That was affection. Real affection -- offered openly in a space that rarely allowed such honesty.

Which begged the question on if the Sith Empress could express that sort of emotion, what else could she as well?

So many questions raced through Sibylla's mind. The lack of knowledge on the Sith Empire and their Empress, their ways, clashing with what she'd come to know.

Yet by the time the crown settled upon Quinn's head, Sibylla let out a slow breath.

And as Srina's gaze swept the hall and met her own, Sibylla felt the curious sensation of being seen without scrutiny. Not judged. Not assessed. Simply acknowledged. The whispers she had shared with Adelle felt suddenly irrelevant, as though the Empress had already accounted for them long before they were spoken.

So this is who she is, Sibylla thought, already feeling the intensity of Srina's presence. And while Sibylla may not be one who uses the Force, there was no mistaking that push of pressure.

When the words echoed -- Long live the Queen -- Sibylla inclined her head with the rest of the hall, the motion deliberate, respectful. Not to empire or to fear, but to the sovereignty claimed.

Only then did Sibylla turn slightly toward Adelle as sound and motion returned to the space around them.

"You were right," The Interim Queen of Naboo said quietly in a thoughtful tone as she considered what she learned and felt about the Sith Empress. "About the sense of pressure and intent."

Her eyes flicked once more toward Quinn, now crowned and bound to something far larger than herself. "That was not a transfer of power. That was a vow."

At Adelle's suggestion, a faint smile touched Sibylla's lips in subtle amusement. Drinks at a bar? Would Adelle be so surprised to hear Sibylla say she'd be interested?

"Tea and caf would be welcome," she agreed softly. "Perhaps doused with enough liquid strength for indulgence. Discretion even more so."

She paused, then added with a hint of wry honesty, "I suspect today has only complicated things. But I would rather face that complexity informed than surprised."

Sibylla's quiet, observant attention lingered on the dais one last time.

"Queens rarely get the luxury of ignorance," Sibylla murmured. "And today, I have learned quite a great deal."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti Varin Mortifer Seren Gwyn

​

“Stopping is still a choice though,” added thoughtfully to both Naniti and Seren. “Let's be real. Honesty is optional. Rules don’t restrain people like so many pretend they do. They outline acceptable limits, sure. But more often than not they just tell others how far they can go before they’re expected to stop lying to themselves.”

The movement of Lysander’s eyes drifted toward where the poke was delivered, then journeyed upward to search the Togruta’s face. “Not issues. More of a.. condition? One that happens to be entirely situational.” Something lighter surfaced at his mouth afterward.

If Varin’s holodrama fixation could be traced back to anyone, Lysander knew his name would surface. Korriban never offered many comforts, but watching all those unfold while recovering from fresh bruises had definitely been among them. And they'd been roommates, after all.

“It’s not repression if you’re aware of it. That's more like.. restraint. Silence gets lumped in with that a lot, but they're not the same thing. One is a choice, the other is just avoidance.”

Probably not the best time to go full philosophical mode.

Another nod acknowledged Seren’s point. “Yeah, tension is cheap, so I kind of get why writers lean on it. Once the truth is out, they just have to work harder I guess. Surprisingly, they still made all three seasons fairly tolerable.”

The Saber didn’t sound too much different from other arena’s he’d seen. The crack of bodies, the way crowds gathered after the impact of exchanged blows.

Then there was his co-apprentice’s imagination, absurd enough to make him smile again. Not that he was much different in many situations. An angry Naniti wielding a spoon sounded dangerous in some ways.

Lysander’s hand slid from her shoulder to upper arm, tightened once in that passage, before dropping back to his side.

“She fights well in any condition. I've found myself trusting her instincts more lately when things turn sideways.” offered casually. Except Genarius. But whatever.

He’d spent a few extra hours with her here and there, yes, but that hardly felt worth mentioning. The real work was returning again and again when no one demanded you do so, just as with any craft really.

The last question slid past him; his attention shifted outward, already searching for a line or promising smell. The curve at his mouth quickly dismissed the other part. “Feth nuna nuggets. I’m not eating kid’s food.”

Yes, he was being extra; the academy’s food selection was garbage, and he wanted something decent.

Still amused, he added, "If it comes on a stick with a cartoon on the wrapper, I'm walking."

Not really. In the end, awareness returned to the fighting pit, tracking their movements as someone who knew the language of hand to hand well.

 

[Naniti]

Naniti shrugged. "You don't enter an arena you aren't prepared to die in. And if you or your opponent don't know when to stop then it was never a contest of skill to begin with; just an excuse for an exhibitionist butchery." The Togruta wouldn't mind being allowed to slaughter an opponent in a fight. But her Master didn't tolerate being 'over zealous.' They'd often reserved the permission to kill to dole out whenever it entertained them to do so; so their students had to learn how to stop -- or perish themselves from disobedience.

A soft harrumph followed Lysander weighing in on whether she had an issue or merely a 'condition.' As if instructing people on how to prepared delicious food instead of slop somehow made her the 'issue.' Her eyes popped when Varin then spoke of her using a stirring spoon as a weapon. She opened her mouth, about ready to respond, before she forced it shut and gave him a stare. Just for a second before another harrumph followed and she turned her gaze forward. "If I find out any of you deliberately tried to test this theory..." Then she twisted to look at Varin with a loud expression. "If I'm the main event you're going to be right there in the mess with me, Varin!" It wasn't anger; just incredulity.

Her attention soon pivoted to Lysander as he praised her as having insight and instinct. She averted her gaze for a moment out of embarrassment. "Yes, well, I can't have you thinking you're the one doling out all the instruction without anything in return." Not that it was nearly so transactional in nature.

"I agree. No kid's food." Children didn't get to eat the good stuff. They still needed plenty of nutrition, but so did the adults; which meant what was intended for children was not the choicest bits. Especially when one thought of processed foodstuff.

At any rate, Naniti looked around the group. "Hopefully there is still some good seats available." Even if it was standing room only. "If we can barely see what they're doing then I'm walking." Why go to a fight if you couldn't see what was happening? Aside from the company, of course. Well, worse came to worse, they could always throw someones out of their seats.

Lysander von Ascania | Seren Gwyn | Varin Mortifer

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren had been listening more than speaking as the conversation bounced between humor, philosophy, and half-serious threats involving kitchen utensils. When Naniti mentioned seats and arenas, Seren finally spoke, her tone calm and unhurried, cutting cleanly through the momentum without dampening it.

"I'll be staying out of the pit," she said simply, not apologetic and not dismissive. "I've never had any interest in proving myself through blood or spectacle."

Her gaze moved briefly to the fighters below, not with hunger or disdain, but with the quiet assessment of someone who understood violence without needing to participate in it.

"That doesn't mean I don't value it," Seren continued. "Watching how people move when they're under pressure tells you far more than most conversations ever will. Fear, restraint, ego, discipline. It all shows eventually."

She glanced toward Naniti, then Lysander, then Varin, a faint curve touching her mouth.

"But my strengths have always been in observation, not collision," she added. "I learn more standing at the edge than I ever would stepping into the center."

Her attention shifted back toward the stands, already scanning for sightlines rather than entrances.

"Good seats matter," Seren agreed lightly. "If we're going to watch, we might as well actually see what's happening."

She paused, then added with dry understatement,

"And for the record, if Naniti ever does decide to test the spoon theory, I'll be taking notes. Not participating."

The implication was clear. Seren wasn't here to fight, but she was very much here to understand.

Naniti Lysander von Ascania Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

Varin gave Lysander a nod of agreement, stopping was most certainly a choice, and not only that but it was-

“Also a mercy. One of two ways to grant mercy to your opponent. The rules can also tell you the bounds of its mercy instead of yours. We follow rules because it is culturally acceptable, that it wins favor in the public eye. But we all know that fights in secret tend to have deadly endings. On my home planet the rules were simple. You stepped into the ring you knew what you signed up for, the ending depended on you.”

He looked at Naniti, her comment on knowing when to stop, though key, he somewhat had something to add to it.

“If your opponent does not know when to stop, then you need to be the one to stop them. That is simple combat, that is one of the few real laws of combat. There is no real grandness to it, just you, them and the moment of survival. Rules on the fight serves as much as a purpose as putting up a paper wall to stop a tank from flattening you. That is if your opponent knows they have true freedom in their actions.”

The conversation shifted to holodramas after he had drawn attention to it, an amused smirk pulled on his face as Seren joined in it as well.

“I feel tension can sometimes be done right. But it is so overly used now that its extremely rare to see it used right. But though I watch them, I’m no expert on film making or acting unfortunately. It is annoying though then something is about to happen between two characters only for it to be cut off at the end of an episode at the end of the season then when the season picks up they interrupt the moment with some comedy gag.”

He paused for a moment as he thought on it.

“I may have broken a few datapads because of it, truth be told.”

He looked over at Lysander and Naniti and blinked a few times, almost a bit surprised.

“I have no doubt she is a very capable warrior. She has survived much where others have fallen, and has shown a higher degree of common sense as well. If she were a main event you better believe I would be there for support. Whether just watching or in the thick of it. That goes for each of you, of course.”

He gave them all a sly look. His height gave him an advantage over them. It didn’t matter where they sat he was always able to see. He thought of another playful jab at Naniti.

“Perhaps I could give one of you a boost on my shoulders? Best seat in the house guaranteed. No money back though since it’s free…this time only.”

He looked at Seren, it didn’t really surprise him she would observe his suffering at the hands of the violet togruta, armed with a spoon. A chuckle left his lips after she spoke. A feeling of joy almost emanating off of him, the company the conversations and the events around them, they were infectious. He looked around at the seats, the higher seats definitely had a view advantage but from a distance. Up close may be next to impossible to get to without making someone.

“I’ll get us some good seats.”

He began to walk into the crowd as they parted around him.

Seren Gwyn | Naniti | Lysander von Ascania​

 

[Isabsel]

Objective: 1 - Coronation
Outfit: Outfit
Tag: Lily Decoria "Templar"

Coronations. Galas. An air of professionalism and glamour. None of these things Isabsel was familiar with. But today was an important day for Eshan The marking of a new Queen of their people. Despite being a hybrid, Isabsel did have Echani in her DNA. She took refuge here after fleeing her cult, Lily helping her adjust back to normal galactic society. Here she reconnected with her fellow Echani, rediscovered their rich culure. Did her best to try assmilate back into it. This was just another thing that they do. Attend the coronation of their new ruler. Though the atmosphere in this place seemed off.

Isabsel never knew much about the new Queen. Though it appears some here do not look favorably upon her, even behind theirr fake smiles. Isabsel stood close to Lily, remaining silent as she observed the gathering of people. Isabsel did not know any of them but figured all of them somehow had varying degrees of power and influence. Isabsel kept her eyes on the various indviduals, trying to silently measure them up. Lily's safety was her utmost priority.

Looking back to Isabsel, Lily gave a small grin and nodded her head, "yes. My friend and bodyguard, Isabsel." Gesturing for Isabsel to come closer, "Isabsel this is Templar. Someone equally curious on how the Jedi of now feel, think and behave."

Isabsel turned at Lily's request, simply givin a bow to the masked figure. A friend of Lily's? Comrade? Associate? Contact? Various thoughts ran through her head, some of them Lily could surmise as to what they were. But Isabsel remained cordial as she gave a small smile. "A pleasure Templar. I see we both have the same interest in learning about the Jedi."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti Varin Mortifer Seren Gwyn ​

Most believed they understood the price, until the ending demanded its due. Feigning gameness was easy. Even worse, thanks to Zikzok and Zinstagram, people signed up simply for the image of the fight now. Naniti's words would stay with him first, assuming that preparation could outrun chaos. Personally, experience had taught him otherwise. Varin's was more pragmatic, which was useful thinking, of course, but there were some bits that didn't sit right. A year or two ago perhaps he would've argued the point further, but silence felt more honest now.

And then it was back to holodramas. There was always a pull to dissect those tropes. Maybe the better answer was to set it aside, and pour the whole mess into a holocron someday. Might even get him a modest tomb on Korriban. “Sometimes that’s not even tension either.. just hesitation dressed up to look all important. Once you see it, it’s kind of hard to unsee.” He gave a half shrug. “The part that really trips me out is how much time they spend circling the same moment, only to flinch when it finally arrives.”

His eyes found Naniti and stayed there. “If I’m teaching anything outside of saber instruction, it’s probably by accident.”

Now he found himself agreeing with everyone in the group; he liked the idea of details over noise and elbows, and anything close quarters related fascinated him.

He gave a quiet hum before the duelist in him spoke next. “Yeah, I mean.. if we can’t see the footwork, it really isn’t worth staying.” There wasn’t any point in imagining a fight either; he did that with shadowboxing every day, and for entirely different reasons.

Lysander began to wonder if the talk of food was just hypothetical. The thought of tasty sustenance hadn’t quite left him.

As the others moved, he shifted, and let Varin set the course. “Convenient. I was hoping you’d say that,” added lightly. “I’m sure someone will discover they were sitting in the wrong place.”

Chances were he’d still be standing later; there was actual itch to compete, and sitting might be enough to dim that brilliant little idea.

 

[Ivalyn Yvarro]

Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel | Merryn Sellek​

Never let it be said that Ivalyn Yvarro allowed an opportunity to slip past her.

Did working vacations count as vacations? She would have to run that particular semantic exercise past Judah Dashiell later, whenever "later" actually arrived. It had been some time since she'd spoken to him. Longer still since she'd allowed herself to wonder whether he and her aunt Ryssa had ever truly gotten along.

A question for another day.

"I suppose we should mingle," Ivalyn murmured to Merryn, her tone light, almost conspiratorial, as her gaze settled on two figures nearby, one unmistakably armored in beskar, the other dressed in silks and lines far too refined to be accidental. "I do wonder if Mandalorians can be persuaded into event security."

Merryn raised a single, perfectly sculpted brow in response.

Ivalyn, already moving, missed it entirely.

She approached with measured confidence, her posture composed, her expression open without being informal. Close enough now, the contrast between the two was even more striking, war-forged metal beside elegance shaped by tradition.

"Pardon the interruption," Ivalyn said smoothly, offering a slight incline of her head rather than a bow. "Ivalyn Yvarro, Grand Vizier of the Imperial Commonwealth of Dosuun."

She gestured subtly beside her.

"This is my fiancée, Merryn Sellek, Chief of Operations with Aurora Industries."

Her eyes returned to the pair before her, curious rather than assessing, voice warm but deliberate.

"I hope the evening has been treating you well. Coronations have a way of being… illuminating."

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Ivalyn Yvarro | Merryn Sellek

​

When the words echoed -- Long live the Queen -- Sibylla inclined her head with the rest of the hall, the motion deliberate, respectful. Not to empire or to fear, but to the sovereignty claimed.

Only then did Sibylla turn slightly toward Adelle as sound and motion returned to the space around them.

"You were right," the Interim Queen of Naboo said quietly in a thoughtful tone as she considered what she learned and felt about the Sith Empress. "About the sense of pressure and intent. That was not a transfer of power. That was a vow."

At Adelle's suggestion, a faint smile touched Sibylla's lips in subtle amusement. "Tea and caf would be welcome," she agreed softly. "Perhaps doused with enough liquid strength for indulgence. Discretion even more so."

She paused, then added with a hint of wry honesty, "I suspect today has only complicated things. But I would rather face that complexity informed than surprised."

"Queens rarely get the luxury of ignorance," Sibylla murmured. "And today, I have learned quite a great deal."

So Sibylla had been able to feel the pull The Empress had leveraged. Adelle hadn't been entirely sure—being able to feel and touch the Force, most of what she knew about how it interacted with non-sensitives came from secondhand or even thirdhand information. She only hoped that the effects were short-lived. Having to exert focus to endure the pressure constantly was unpleasant at best.

When she mentioned liquid strength, Adelle gave an amused and curious look. Sibylla, Interim Queen, adding alcohol to her tea or caf? That was a sight she had to see. But her mention of complications killed any humor Adelle had. Complicated, indeed. And she didn't know the Mandalorian half of it.

Well, that could be covered when there was tea, caf, and enough 'liquid strength' to ease the tension slowling coiling in her shoulders.

"Let's figure something out, shall we?" Adelle said. "Some place casual, I've had enough formality for a bit."

But casual chats had to wait. A woman in severe elegance walked towards them with the confidence that authority gave, composure on her face much like the composure Adelle had seen on Sibylla at the jousting on Nessantico. A dignitary then, at the least. Grand Vizier of the Imperial Commonwealth of Dosuun. Oh kriff. Someone actually important.

As Ivalyn introduced her companion—fiancée, Adelle shifted subtly, moving back without making it apparent. This was Sibylla's and Aurelian's arena, their battlefield. She knew enough to hold to protocol and keep the peace—her Order had been thorough in its training—but dealing with the powers that be had never been her strength. But she couldn't leave, not yet. The Grand Vizier had addressed both of them. Leaving now would be rude and while it could be excused as just another Mandalorian thing, Adelle wasn't a typical Mandalorian.

"Adelle Bastiel, Clan Skirata," she said by way of introduction, inclining her head respectfully to both Ivalyn and Merryn. She gestured with a hand to Sibylla. "May I introduce Lady Sibylla Abrantes, Ambassador to the Mandalorian Empire and Interim Queen of Naboo?"

Whills, she hoped that was right. Her old Order had never assigned her diplomatic missions. Leading with the ambassadorship seemed wise in the current mix of company, and while words did very little in the way of protection, she hoped it would give Sibylla a buffer if needed.

"I'm just grateful the coronation went smoothly," she said, perhaps a bit more honest than she should be. Adelle prayed Sibylla would swoop in with all her grace and charm and save her from the small talk.

From the floor, Phantom stood, stretched with a yawn, and rubbed her head against Adelle's leg before curling back up. <<Calm down. Just sound.>>

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Adelle Bastiel Ivalyn Yvarro Merryn Sellek

Some place casual. I've had enough formality for a bit.

You and me both, Sibylla mused, a faint curve touching the corner of her mouth in shared mirth -- at least until an unfamiliar pair approached.

By their bearing and manner of dress, they were neither Echani nor part of the Sith delegation. As introductions followed, the mention of the Imperial Commonwealth of Dosuun caught Sibylla's attention. It was not a name she recognized within Mandalorian space or the Republic. The Imperial title alone raised questions. Ties to the Empire? The Imperial Confederation? Or something else entirely? Whatever the answer, it suggested influence beyond the familiar.

Aurora Industries, however, was a company name she had heard in conversation. One of the more tenured Shipwrights and technology, if she recalled.

As Adelle finished the introductions, Sibylla stepped forward with practiced, cordial grace and extended her hand.

"It is a pleasure," she said warmly. "Events such as these are not merely illuminating. They have a talent for drawing together connections that would otherwise remain quite improbable."

Her attention returned to the Grand Vizier with quiet interest.

"Dosuun is not a name I encounter often," Sibylla continued. "I would very much welcome the opportunity to learn more."

She glanced briefly toward Adelle, then back again.

"Perhaps we might continue the discussion somewhere a little more comfortable."

 

[Naniti]

Naniti looked over at Seren. Unlike some, she didn't fault the woman for being more studious than hands-on. Perhaps she even had an ability geared toward it. Though, while the Togruta understood what Seren meant, she didn't entirely embrace it. Too much time being forced to compete with others to survive -- being completely removed from combat wouldn't sit right with Naniti. She'd inevitably get restless and worry about her skills degrading. Mental mapping was fine, but nothing beat a living opponent that could do something entirely unpredictable.

Her blue rings shifted over and up to Varin as the man spoke of recognizing their abilities. Support, huh? Well, she could believe that. He could probably reach right over her head if the situation called for; not many blindspots there. And he should support her. After all, she got that door open for him. The one they totally didn't talk about and he'd claim he would have managed just fine on his own. Admittedly, Varin would have, but that was beside the point.

And then Varin had something peculiar. Something that caused the Togruta to eye him warily. A boost up to his shoulders? He'd better be inviting his better-half to that scene. Though if Lysander offered... well, probably not. Maybe? Well there was no point thinking about it anyway!

As the giant walked off, their violet companion stepped aside to exchange some slips for what probably wasn't the primest of meats, and some bags of popped kernels. Suppose this 'food' was harder to throw at competitors you didn't like or after a disappointing bout. Naniti turned back as the group started after Varin. She stepped quickly to follow.

"It is a busy place, after all."

Once they stopped moving she'd offer a few of the purchased goods to the rest of the group. Sooner if any of them turned to look over at her arms full.

"These people better know how to do more than dance around one another in circles." What? She'd been listening to them go on about holodramas. Wasn't like she didn't know what they were talking about.

Lysander von Ascania | Varin Mortifer | Seren Gwyn

TAG