Dominion [GA] Eshan's Summer Solstice

[Alicio Organa]

ESHAN
Amani Serys
​

The lake was still and silent.

In the twilight of the summer solstice, the water gleamed with muted pastel colors, royal blues and dusky purples. A few groups of people walked along it's edges, or sat on it's lonely beaches, looking up at an intermingling of stars, and wondering if their dearly departed could see them too.

Alicio nuzzled Liana close to himself, trying to keep the infant warm on the relatively frosty planet. Swaddled in blankets depicting cutesy starfields, it seemed she didn't mind the chill, fast asleep in his arms. The Count himself was comfortable, too- he'd always enjoyed the cold, and the dark.

Alicio spared a subtle smile at Amani beside him, then at his son August, using one hand to push the pram in front of him. In it, four unlit lanterns jostled against each other. Both he and Amani had lost their families. Even if the floating lanterns were only symbolic, it felt right, important, to celebrate them with their children.

More important than a fancy ballroom.

"Should I wake her?" Alicio gestured down at the baby in his arms. "It's too lovely a night to sleep through."

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi observed the spectacle of the bizarre alien pair covertly as her gaze swept her surroundings. Despite what some might think, for all her stodgy aristocratic breeding, she had not a single xenophobic bone in her body. But she couldn't deny her curiosity at the pair. She was too well-bred to gawk, however, and let her eyes continue to roam, resting upon the queen Noelle Varanin and the Senator currently accosting her, Balthus Larr . Natasi wasn't sure that was a good idea, given what she knew of Denon, but it would be impolite to intercede now.

And anyway, she was being approached.

Extending an elegant handshake to her colleague, she said: "Senator Sodun -- lovely to see you, even if you are a shameless flatterer. But any chance to dress for an occasion, hm?" Once she had greeted the Senator, she turned her attention to his aide. "Natasi Fortan, how do you do?" Soon, Xetha was dismissed, leaving the Supreme Leader alone with her Senate colleague. Well, alone, surrounded by dozens of people.

Natasi moved closer to Sodun so that they could speak without being overheard. "Lovely night for it," she murmured conversationally as she gazed out the window overlooking the courtyard. "Tell me -- if you don't mind -- what's your angle on the Echani? So soon after Thyrsus, it makes me wonder if there might be more friction than we'd like."

The enmity between the two peoples was well known and Natasi, for her part, could hardly blame the Thyrsians. Still, it was easy to comment on a horse's performance once that point-to-point was over. She lifted her glass and took a sip of the champagne. "Ought we to be concerned about growing too far, too fast?"

Tag: Regnar Sodun
Proximity: Noelle Varanin | Balthus Larr | Kassogtha Cthylla | Lily Decoria | Thal Mantis​

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: Lake
Wearing: X
Tags(Proximity): Noelle Varanin | Thal Mantis | Regnar Sodun | Kassogtha Cthylla | Natasi Fortan | Lily Decoria | Balthus Larr

​

The Kel Dor continued to sit on the rocky shore of the lake a little longer. Rather entertained with skipping smooth flat rocks along the water, trying to get them farther and farther each time. Maybe if he kept at it he could skip a rock all the way to the other side.

Letting out a sigh Ko stood up and dusted off his pants with his hands. A sting permeated from one of his palms. Still hurting some from the battle on Chaldea. By now Ko no longer needed his hand to be wrapped up, just had a sizable bandage over the wound in his hand.

From his view Ko could see the Palace, which sparked some interest in him. He’d never really been to such an establishment before. It was a far cry from the dusty fields he’d been familiar with growing up. The closest he’d seen for himself were large agricultural manors, homesteads and plantations. The latter typically weren’t very pleasant places to visit. It was hosting a public ball too. Something else Ko had never experienced before.

The Kel Dor had his eye on possibly becoming a consular, and maybe even a diplomat at some point. He figured it would be worth at least seeing a ball even if he was just a padawan still. Making his way to the large establishment Ko wandered up to the entrance. Once inside he saw quite a few high profile looking individuals. Many of whom were the pale locals who all seemed so similar to him. Others at least looked like they belonged here. Here at the palace Ko felt a little nervous, he was just wearing his typical Jedi robes, not to mention he looked so… Dorin. Everyone else at least seemed to have smooth skin unlike himself. Ko clasped his clawed hands together, somewhat nervously and twiddled his thumbs some as well. Worrying that he’d made a mistake coming here. What he’d give to not feel like such an outsider right about now. But he still wanted to see what the ball would be like. He didn't want think that this would be more nerve-racking than staring down a dragon.

 

[Lila Doneeta]

​

ESHAN​

Royal Palace​

Galas, parties, and functions were things that Lila had become accustomed to during the years she held an administrative position in bacta production and now her seat on the Senate. It was a stark contrast to the life she once knew on the desolate planet of Ryloth but it was a world she walked into with ease and revelled in it. Any excuse to wear elegant gowns and socialise was a welcome treat and a ball in the royal palace on Eshan was no exception. It was the first time she had visited the planet and she was taken back by the beauty of it, especially after such a history of destruction. It was amazing what could grow from something so harrowing.

Adorned in a long, silver dress that clung to her figure, decorated with diamantés, and fanned towards the base. Her lekku were encircled by jewelry encrusted with diamonds that hung just past halfway. She held herself with decorum as she walked the steps into the palace. The grandeur of the place was certainly something to behold. The Twi'lek's magenta eyes scanned over the crowd as she entered the grand hall. She saw many faces she recognized from senate meetings but being new to the position, she had not had the chance to get to know her colleagues well. There were also a sea of people unfamiliar to her and sometimes it was nice to not have to talk politics, though the true meaning of why they were gathered there was almost an inevitable talking point.

Taking a glass of champagne and sampling the appetizers circling the hall, Lila sauntered into the gathering. She stopped beside Thal Mantis , taking in the crowd swaying to the music and chatting amongst themselves. Taking another bite of the au d'oeuvres, she could not help but vocalise her approval. "Mmm, whatever this is, it is delicious. Have you tried some?" she asked the fair-haired man, getting a sense of his discomfort. She knew all too well what it felt like to be an outsider looking in. In her mind, she did not belong here but she hoped that she could help others feel at ease.

TAGS: Noelle Varanin Thal Mantis Natasi Fortan Kassogtha Cthylla Lily Decoria Balthus Larr Regnar Sodun Ko Vuto​

 

[Loomi]

Eshan
Tags: Braze , Aliris Tremiru , K1[_ _]

Dress​

"Just forget what I said about lizards. "

"I didn't forget," Loomi answered out of the blue, full of certainty.

She could feel his inner confusion. Loomi was just nervous about it was all. They'd have a chance to catch lizards later. Braze would certainly feel her assurance of such a thing, even without words.

The dapper robot had approached them now, causing a smile to spread across Loomi's face. She climbed off of Jeramiah and awkwardly walked over to the droid.

"Hello!" she squeaked.

Just as soon as she had greeted the droid the Godoan had already given it a hug. He was a friend now. Then, just as soon as she had done this she was wandering again, her singular good eye scanning the festival for something to do. It wasn't long before her monocular gaze had been captured by something. Enthralled even, like a moth to a flame. She very enthusiastically pointed towards a distant booth, her smile growing larger.

"Look!" Loomi exclaimed. "Sparklies."

They were actually called sparklers, of course, but Loomi was very much unaware of such a thing. There was a stall selling them up ahead.

 

[Colette]

So this was the planet Eshan, or as Colette had only ever really thought of it as: Lily's home. It was almost funny how fitting of a description it was, too. The world had clearly gone through a lot in recent years and carried the scars for it. Beneath the pretty face there was a far more interesting story to be had, one that Colette couldn't help but mull over as she leaned against the balustrade separating her and the city street below.

Valery had forced Colette to purchase something that was 'finer than a robe' in preparation for this day. Something about how sleeveless tunics and baggy pants weren't much of a party getup, and no matter how many times Colette tried to explain that at least it would have been an honest representation of herself and her values, Valery just refused to have it.

So, here she stood while draped in a blue… Fabric thing. It was kind of like a robe, yet not really. Kind of like a poncho too, and yet not really that either. It rested on her shoulders and offered some 'protection' from the wind and was a so-called 'fine accessory' to a nondescript white… Tunic-like thing that was just fit enough for her to breathe mostly unhindered. At least she got to keep the baggy pants. Not her own, but a pair that was so tall that she swore she had to tie them around her throat. Well, not quite, but they were definitely firmly latched onto the upper part of her stomach.

The boots were her own though; worn down in just the right way to be comfortable no matter the situation. Valery protested and Colette relented but quickly changed right back when the master was far gone from both view and earshot.

A master who, from the look of things down below was slowly making her way in the direction of Colette. The time to make her way out of here had come. Colette pushed from the railing and took a sharp left out of sight and mind to find something better to do than just stand around a lot.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Dress
Tags: Shan Pavond
​

Katherine knew she was getting looks, it was an inevitability at this point, especially when in a new place. While avian and other airborne capable races weren’t incredibly uncommon. Seeing someone that appeared to be a regular human with a pair of large wings was a bit of an oddity. But the young Padawan was too distracted by all the festivities going on to pay them much attention.

She certainly didn’t see some of the looks of Echani she passed by, specifically the more older ones. Flashes of recognition and scorn, as they recognized the blood-stained wings. Katherine however, was still completely unaware of the Arana Sithspawn’s origin.

I should find a pair of charms to buy, I remember Lily telling me about what they represented.

The redhead Padawan was too focused on her thoughts to realise someone was approaching her.

“Hey! You! You’re Master Noble’s padawan as well, right?”​

Katherine jumped slightly, her wings almost springing out in response, one nearly hitting Shan in the face. Fortunately, she had gotten better with controlling that impulse. She turned around to apologise, only to freeze when she recognized him as a Mirialan. His words replayed in her head and it all clicked.

“Oh! You’re Shan! Master had mentioned he’d picked up another student.” Katherine let out a small chuckle, smiling at her fellow Padawan. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil slipped the charm around his wrist, smiling faintly towards it, then towards her. The warmth was interesting. The more science inclined part of his mind wanted to know why it was warm, and why it got warmer when she touched it. It was a part of the item itself, the merchant had explained that much, but how exactly they tied the two together so that he and Valery would know the other was alright?

That he wanted to figure out. Later, though. He took Valery's hand in his, squeezed gently.

"Warm."

Valery Noble

 

[Aliris Tremiru]

"Friend, yeah."

Aliris blinked in surprise as Loomi went and hugged K1. And smiled. She didn't think the droid would really understand it, but he already seemed more alive than a lot of people she knew. Maybe this would help him find his place? Or just cause him to freeze up.

That'd be funny.

Her gaze followed Loomi as she, very aptly, was pulled like a moth to the flame to the sparklers and bit back a laugh before bumping Braze's shoulder. "Hey, you should buy her one."

Braze | Loomi | K1[_ _]

 

[Corin Trenor]

Times changed.

The era of endless war came to an end, with the rivers of blood dried out, the remnant vessels littering the stars becoming salvaged for crap, and the mass graves made in testament to those that sacrificed themselves saw no new additions. It didn't serve to fill what was taken by the deaths of those once held dear, that vacant gnawing ate away at Corin for so long.

So desperate to prove it wrong, to deny that it was death, to find the one that was lost.

He was a brother, one who passed on old clothes, who taught Corin all that he knew, and while there path was never smooth, it was theirs. To let him go seemed impossible, to accept that death had taken him, it would never do. He pressed the charm around his neck to the spare he bought for Dagon, but it was cold to the touch.

Corin tied Dagon's charm to a lantern and set it free, set him free.

 

[K1[_ _]]

K1 blinked multiple times, the light in is ocular sensors flickering, before they turned to look down at Aliris. "...Is that... another way you organics subdue others...?" He turned to look after Loomi in confusion. "...It did not work..." The droid's mechanics just whirred within in obvious thought as he glanced between the three briefly.

His attention to them all was alternated with a thorough survey of the streets around them, and a solitary glance down at the charm bracelet that hung around his wrist, though he tried to sneak that movement.

Aliris Tremiru Loomi Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: K1[_ _] Loomi Aliris Tremiru

​

Braze chirped in a playful tone though his soft somber green eyes looked over the large droid and eyed him from head to foot and back uncertain about the odd device. "He's uh... a big 'un huh?" Braze asked perhaps studying the design and trying to determine what kind of class the droid might be.

Braze was fairly quiet listening to the girls and padded after Loomi as she gravitated towards the first sparkly thing she saw. He glanced aside at Aliris' nudge and smirked shaking his head. " You have my 'wallet' presently still, Goldy-Locks."

He smirked and shook his head he stepped up to the stall and asked to purchase a few little boxes of such and a lighter. He requested his pouch from Aliris to pay for the items and offered each of their friends some sparklers, K1 included and Braze held the lighter. " Here let me see... " He moved to light Loomi's first then Ali's then the Droid's if all were willing to play with sparkliers.

"Be careful with the sparkler Loomi it is still fire. " He warned.

 

[Loomi]

Eshan
Tags: K1[_ _] , Aliris Tremiru , Braze

"Be careful with the sparkler Loomi it is still fire. "

Loomi was very enthralled by the sparkler she was handed. Not once did she even stop to consider how it may have been acquired. The talks of wallets and money were completely lost on her. It was beautiful. All bright and sparkly, flaking with strange colors. Jeramiah had come over, the Drogymandr laying it's chin gently on the top of the Godoan's head.

"Croak."

"Yeah," Loomi agreed, though there was absolutely no way she understood what 'croak' meant.

Loomi turned to K1, an excited smile growing on her face. Maybe he would want one too.

"Do you want one?" she asked, tilting her head.

 

[Noelle Varanin]

Quite the generous lot, aren't they?"

Noelle raised a flute of something bubbly to her lips, her attention drawing to the man standing before her. She let the liquid slide across her pallet, unrushed as she noted his appearance.

"Not entirely, Senator," she replied, the words annunciated with delicate exactness. "Alliances are not given away for free."

Before he could have a chance to realize he had possibly misstep, she forced herself to smile and break the tension. Tonight was not about her ego.

"Thank you for noticing. The palace was redone per the specs of the previous one. Sometimes not even I can tell the difference." Her eyes drifted over the high ceilings. For just a moment, they made her feel small again.


"My people have had more important things to focus on than paintings."

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen's ears perked up at the sound of his own name, and looking back to where the sound had come from, his glazed eyes would take a moment to focus on the new subject. "Ah, miss Zarari, a pleasure to see you!" He brought the bottle back to his lips, taking a long draw from its contents. "If I remember right, you were friends with Dreidi, my niece." A good natured smile persisted on his face as he walked over to the jedi, his body slipping between members of the crowd like water between stones. "I hope you've been enjoying the festivities. Personally, its been far too long since I had a chance to stretch my legs. And perhaps I should visit Eshan a bit more, given that its as much my children's homeworld as Veradune is."

It would be hard to tell, even in his own hindsight, if his openness was a result of the drink or his general nature. But years amongst those who saw him as a mythological figure, while good of his ego, had been hell on Vulpesen's social life. It was nice to speak with someone who saw him as a mortal man, even if there was an obvious difference in their class or rank. Here, he wasn't Vulpesen, the Valde who had resurrected the Zorrens by marching them from the netherworld. Here, he was simply Master Torrevaso who apparently drawled his words when he had a bit much to drink.

Gweneth Zarari

 

[Amani Serys]

Eshan
Alicio Organa - Open​

---

The last time Amani visited Eshan, she had a chance encounter with the seamstress-padawan Thelma Goth , whom she had commissioned for a nice gown that would fit any events where she might have to rep her then-new ties with House Organa.

So, what better excuse to bring it full circle than to wear that very gown here tonight? It was probably a tad fancy for their current affair (visiting the walking paths), but technically the reason for their visit was political, so it worked out.

Along the lakeside, the festivities of the evening were distant. Others here had come to find that serenity, enjoying a quiet moment between themselves, and whoever they might be hoping to reach. Amani and Alicio were here for the same reason, and with them were the twin scions of the Organa family.

Liana was fast asleep in her father’s arm. August had been given a more practically treatment, wrapped snugly against his mother’s chest by a fabric sling. Amani, who had the freedom of two unused hands, gave Alicio a pitying smile, “Let me take that,” She reached over to take the pram so he could better hold Lia, until at last they came to a stop by the water’s edge.

"Should I wake her?" Alicio gestured down at the baby in his arms. "It's too lovely a night to sleep through."

Amani looked down at Aug, who was awake but calm, absorbing the sights around him. Then to Lia, who was fast asleep, but missing the whole thing. The Countess twisted her lips for a moment, before agreeing, “Sure, yeah. She needs to experience more new things. Just- Do it gently.” Probably didn’t need to be said with Alicio, but she couldn’t help herself.

“You wanna do the honors?” Amani jostled the first lantern.

 

[Shan Pavond]

Shan threw himself backwards by reaction as soon as Katherine's wings moved. He didn't fancy getting whacked in the face yet. It was one of the few good things about him! Though in all seriousness, Shan let out a small chuckle at the reaction from Katherine, giving her a small nod to confirm that he was Shan.

"Likewise. You're...Katherine right? Kitherine?" His eyes shot to Katherine's wings for a moment, as if he was finally actually taking in the sight of them, before breaking out into a big grin as he looked back at her. The wings were wings, he wasn't going to ask about them. In his eyes, they weren't any of of his business, so he didn't need to ask about them.

That didn't mean however, he didn't see how the elder Echani were looking at Katherine. It annoyed Shan quite drastically people seemed to be judging his fellow Padawan just based off her looks. Maybe he'd have felt differently if he knew why they were judging her but Shan didn't care about that. He just cared about trying to keep Katherine distracted now.

For now, Shan just put his hand out towards Katherine, keeping the smile on his face. "I was actually looking for someone to walk around with. I've just bought a charm for myself and a...friend." Yes. The Sith who tried to kill him. A friend. Totally. He just chuckled to himself, shaking his head afterwards before looking back at Katherine. "You want to head anywhere? I can walk with you and talk a bit. As we're both Master Kahlil's padawans, it might help to get to know each other better, in case he ever decides we should do a lesson together or something similar."

Katherine Holt

 

[Valery Noble]

Eshan

​

Outfit: Dress
Tag: Kahlil Noble <3

Valery loved how romantic he was tonight, and lifted her hand so he could take it in his own for a gentle squeeze. The moonlight was coming down through a clear sky, reflecting against the golden wedding ring he held up, and the warmth of their charms reached out to both of them, soothing the minds. Valery felt at peace, and she was going to enjoy every moment together with him here.

"I'm glad to hear it, love," she said, her voice soft as she looked up into his eyes. "I know we don't really need them, but it's nice to have something that connects us even more, hm?" She chuckled and stepped closer to join him by his side again.

"We could head over to the lake and release a lantern into the sky as well. Or maybe first dance a little by one of the bonfires and just talk?" She smirked and bumped her hip into him to see what he was feeling. But either way, she wanted to be with him and maybe talk some more about the future.

There was one other idea though.

"Or if you want to fight me despite my dress, I can show you some Echani moves too." She flashed him a wide grin. A true Noble was always ready to fight, dress or not.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I never mind being more connected, that's true." Kahlil squeezed her hand as they walked, letting his gaze travel around the festival. Take in the sights, the sounds, the atmosphere. Everything. These were the type of days he loved just being alive for. Though he paused at her last suggestion before glancing to her with a wide, smug grin. Is that how she wanted to play it? "Oh, I'll fight you. Just don't blame the dress when you loose, love."

Valery Noble

 

[Gweneth Zarari]

Location: Eshan city streets
Objective: Enjoy the festivities
Tag: Vulpesen

He remembered me, and seemed to remember with positivity, that was a relief. I smiled when he mentioned my friendship with Dreidi, I was quite enjoying her company after all. He seemed to be willing to share his personal connection to the world, which was pleasant to hear, but I did detect a small slur on some of letters that perhaps his mood had been lubricated by the fine smelling wine he held.

"Its nice here and the people have been welcoming. Its a bit busy at the palace though." I took a large bite from one of the bag of treats I had then grinned. Offering the bag to the older master "Want one?" I held it out and allowed him to take one should he wish, before finishing my own.

"I've been practising some of those techniques you discussed, o can't seem to get it though, it just doesn't seem... right? That doesn't make much sense does it? Hmm" I pondered what I was trying to say but my focus was broken by the noise of fireworks going into the air nearby and I looked up at the cascading glittery lights as they returned to Eshan. A little shiver went down my spine as I shared the collective enjoyment that was swelling the force where we were.​