Private Girls Just Wanna Have Funds

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Cerys Dyn

Sophelia was still new to Naboo and Theed. She'd known her old shopping haunts back on Pelagia like the back of her favorite high-end purse. Sadly, all those things were gone. Somehow last night, she'd gotten Cerys to agree to show her around. It was a girls' day out. And Soph was absolutely due for a shopping spree.

Theed had a way of pretending the galaxy wasn't constantly falling apart. Maybe that was why people here loved it. The city gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, white stone towers rising above winding waterways and flower-lined streets. Fountains sang in quiet courtyards, merchants called out from beneath colorful awnings, and the air carried the scent of fresh pastries, blooming gardens, and far too many expensive perfumes.

Soph had an agenda that was not purely herself today. Part of it was about Cerys. The other part was about the refugees. But for now, she turned her attention on her fellow padawan, shades tilting downward on the bridge of her nose.

"So, you wanna explain more about what you said last night? Was it a knight that told YOU he had feelings for you?" Soph could only imagine the paperwork to HR.

 

[Cerys Dyn]

When Sophelia had requested a shopping excursion, Cerys had accepted, but only because of how foolish she had felt blurting out her only real secret. And now, walking alongside the aristocratically minded Jedi, Cerys was being prompted about it again.

She groaned internally.

"Of course not," she snapped lightly, "the very thought is preposterous. Me? You clearly have much to learn about me."

No one should be interested in someone like her. And she was grateful that that was how it usually was.

With her awkward revelation deftly sidestepped, Cerys could turn her focus on playing host and tour guide. Sophelia had asked for Cerys to take her to all the best shopping spots in Theed. And that was just what she was doing.

As per usual, the Togruta was dressed in her rather plain, dark-turquoise tunic, low-drop pants and overskirt. The only real embellishment was the dark brown leather belt, and vambraces. If Sophelia would give it a moments thought, what happened next would make perfect sense.

Rounding a corner, Cerys offered a gentle gesture towards the village market ahead. "And here you are...Veré Street Market...the best place to shop on Naboo."


Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Cerys Dyn

Azure eyes traveled up and down her friend from those boots to her lekku. "You are beautiful. You know what you want. You're a girl who speaks her mind. And you're strong." A self-nod as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "Of course it could happen to you. Even if you would think it highly inappropriate."

A small sigh.

"Which, I agree with you. Sounds something more like sith do." Maybe a small part of her was trying to understand it, though.

The afternoon sun felt warming on her face as she tipped her head toward it. If she listened long enough, she could almost hear waves lapping at the shore, just like on Pelagia. Smell that salt in the air. Almost. As they rounded the corner, a small surprised smile curled along the corner of her mouth. Perhaps the Togruta was expecting a different reaction from the noble girl.

"Ohmymaker - Cerys" Soph beamed and scooped the other girl's arm up in her own giving it a squeeze as if they'd known each other longer than a few days. "This is perfect," then she proceeded to drag her new friend down the stalls, planning to stop at every. single. one.

The first one was a clothing boutique and she finally released her arm to wander closer to a few different tunics. "Let me know if something catches your eye."

 

[Cerys Dyn]

Both unwelcome and entirely desired were Sophelia's compliments. The resistance built up from years of training to resist connection, and look down upon Jedi fraternisation, made it hard for Cerys to accept the other woman's compliments. But she said nothing, and instead found it...pleasant? Almost?

She read nothing into it of course. Sophelia was stating what she felt was fact. This much was clear. Knowing that she wasn't ugly did not do much for her impression of Balun though. Should Cerys be considered desirable that would only make his declaration of interest feel tainted now with a certain vulgarity. Did Balun look at her as Sophelia had? But with..."interested eyes"?

Shoulders twitched to discard the unpleasant consideration.

"I do not believe the Knight in question is a Sith," she said. There was no doubt in her mind that such things lead down a dark path, but Balun was most certainly not a Sith. He was a mostly good man.

She lurched forward, pulled by a far too enthusiastic Sophelia. Seriously, the Jedi needed to show at least the modicum of respectability. For now, Cerys complied with excitement.

Her eyes glanced across the wares of stall number one. There was nothing of practical use. Not that she could deduce.

"I do not believe any of these will be sufficiently appropriate for any mission I might find myself on."

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

She grabbed a tunic and held it in front of Cery's. "Oooo this one really makes your eyes pop. You sure you don't wanna try it on? Because Cerys, there is more to wardrobe than just utility for missions." A small shake of her head. "It should be something you're excited to wear. Something that makes you feel good."

Bright blue eyes stared at the other girl. Seeing if her own enthusiasm was catching like an ember to a flame or if it was just snuffed out in the dirt. A small shrug. She thought about pressing further on who it was. The whole knight telling their padawan they loved them thing. But it wasn't her business.

"I"m not asking for names. Just warn me if I'm about to run into that inappropriate knight, though, okay? That is the last thing I need here."

And she definitely wasn't going to tell Helios all this. She was already on fragile ground attending the Academy. Her mother certainly disapproved. As did her father before he died.

A book caught her eye beneath a pair of pants. Lowering the shirt, she reached over and held it up. "Oh look at this. One of Lady Velvet's books. Have you read this one?"

Cerys Dyn

 

[Cerys Dyn]

All she knew to do was clutch the garment to herself as Sophelia waxed eloquent regarding the importance of non-mission attire. It was, however, something almost entirely foreign to the Togruta's sensibilities. "But should not the Force, and our meditation on it, be that which makes us feel good?" Cerys said, perfect diction as normal, "is it wise for a Jedi to lean on material possessions for such emotive importance?"

After all, if you don't have things, you cannot be sad when you invariably lose that thing...or that someone.

Cerys shook off the negativity, and looked down at the garment again. "Though...it is well made. Supporting local entrepreneurs is not strictly within the required tasks of a Jedi...but an exception can be made?"

Despite the slight crack in her willingness, Cerys did return the garment — perfectly folded — to its original resting place. She offered a tiny smile to the vendor and moved on with Sophelia.

"I can assure you. If I see the Knight in question speaking with you...I will let you know." Hopefully that would be the last of the matter. "Besides, it is highly unlikely that he would have the courage to speak with one such as yourself. And if he did...his breath would probably offend you." Balun really needed to quit smoking.

Her eyes grew to the size of mellorans upon seeing the next item to capture Sophelia's interest. Her orange complexion darkened as the Togruta blushed. "Sophelia Ardemark! That is entirely inappropriate study material for a Jedi lady..." She said, leaning in with a hissing whisper.

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

She made sure to murmur a few words with the shopkeep at the first stall before they left. Buying that shirt for Cerys Dyn , to be delivered to her dorm room at a later time. And nearly the contents of the entire booth for the Tapani refugees. They were low on clothing, food, toiletries, and lots of other things. This wouldn't solve everything but it would be something.

"Cerys, I think it's okay to have enjoyment outside of meditation." Clearly the padawan had been spending too much time in Master Augustine's class. He was such a traditionalist and if you were unlucky to be too late to lecture, you'd get the front row which was also called 'the splash zone.' And unfortunately, Soph found herself often tardy. She'd resorted to wearing hats and fake glasses to class.

'one such as yourself'

"Wait, what? Why?"

A light, oblivious sniff as she looked at the book with renewed interest upon Cerys' protests. She opened it, going to a random page. "Who said this was study material? See..."

And she began reading at random in public. In a voice that was not too quiet.

"...He materialized from the shadows like a six-foot-four inconvenience sculpted by emotionally unavailable gods. His tuxedo clung to muscles that had no business existing on a man who allegedly ran a multinational corporation. There were rumors he also spoke seven languages, rescued endangered mynocks on weekends, and baked sourdough.

Charlotte hated him instantly.

Even if she couldn't deny the way his powerful hands went to wrap around the delicate curves of her waist..."

CC: Corazona von Ascania

 

[Cerys Dyn]

Cerys was about to respond to Sophelia's flustered spluttering inquiries as to why she should not be worried. The reply would have been a stilted, awkward attempt at saying that Sophelia was far too confident, sophisticated and attractive for Balun to ever consider talking to in a manner that he had spoken with Cerys. The answer would have been a noble attempt, at the very least...progress.

But that moment was snatched away as the blonde Jedi started reading out loud. Not just reading out loud. But reading gutter trash fiction out loud.

Every word that fell from Sophelia's filthy mouth turned Cerys' a deeper and deeper shade of red. She tried, in vain, to close the book, but Sophelia was far too deft at dodging book-closers.

"You are...a Jedi..." Cerys stammered.

Finally, just as the story was approaching the state of outright lewd, Cerys grabbed the book from Sophelia's hands and slammed it shut. The book was promptly held against her chest for safe keeping, both arms wrapped around it like she might never let it go again.

"Why do you insist on tormenting me, Sophelia?" Cerys implored.

The book was placed back on the table where it had started. The shopkeeper looked thoroughly amused by the debarcle and lent forward to whisper. "I will put it aside for you, young miss." Her words were clearly directed at Cerys, who noted the location of the stall...for no reason whatsoever.

"That really won't be necessary," Cerys replied unconvincingly.

Turning back to Sophelia, Cerys wrapped her arm around the other Jedi's arm and pulled her further down the market lane. "Fine...fine...fine...I will acquiesce to your impertinence and participate in this charade of consumerism. If I must truly shop for something...I am in need of a gown...there is an event here on Theed in just over a month. A social event that requires attendees to dress in a refined manner. You probably no more about fine clothing than I do, even if your taste in study material would give me pause."

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

A low chuckle bubbled from her throat as Cerys grabbed her arm and ushered her along. And for a flicker of a span of a second, she felt like she was back home. A flash of dark curly hair. A distinct laughter from a pink-hued twi’lek. As quickly as joy filled her so did sorrow. A sharp sting in the back of her nose. A few rapid blinks within the safety of Cerys’ grip. Tethering her in the present.

A clear of her throat as if she could clear away those emotions. That sudden grief so entwined and knotted with joy. Lips parted, then closed. Giving herself a moment.

“Is it a ball? She finally asked. “And if it’s fine clothing you want…I’m not sure we’ll find it here. But we could probably find some good accessories. I’d be glad to help.” Azure gaze swept across the marker. Oh! There was a booth with dresses near the fountain.

Soph pointed. “That looks promising. And I’ve been meaning to ask. I wrote the King Aurelian Veruna a letter. Thanking him for what he did for the Tapani refugees.”

Voice lowered and she had to remind herself she wasn’t on some Sith world where people went missing in the night for saying the wrong thing.

“But his response was very…strange. He sent an autographed picture of himself in a swimsuit. Is that normal behavior?”

Cerys Dyn

 

[Cerys Dyn]

Lekku twitched in response to the emotions that reverberated from the Jedi on her arm. It left Cerys curious and worried in equal measure. Certainly, he hope was that Sophelia was alright.

It was a care and concern that was purely that of a Jedi for someone who hurt. Friendship had nothing to do with it — whatsoever.

"It is not a ball. But I have been told there will be dancing," she shot Ardemark a glare to say she would not be participating in that part of it, "however, from my understanding it is a cultural event that is treated by the aristocracy as if it were some upper class affair. I do not have to overly dress up for it, as I am a Jedi. But...I do...I have been told I have to...try and socialise." She seemed to bristle at the demand.

Guiding the walk towards the store front suggested, Cerys listened as the horror of King Veruna's actions were revealed.

"That is filthy. The man has no morals, and after some of the aspersions I have heard him make towards the Jedi...well," Cerys scoffed, "that is entirely abnormal behaviour and it should be made public knowledge that the king is sending lewd images to impressionable young women."

Despite the fact that the king did have nice hair, not that Cerys would acknowledge as much, she held no love nor like for the man whatsoever.

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

She froze, worry clouding her face as Cerys spoke so loudly. “No, please don’t tell anyone. I don’t want my people or Helios to get in trouble.” There was a very real weight of responsibility she carried on her shoulders with the diaspora. And she didn’t know the machinations or politics here to understand who the King truly was. And what kind of consequences going public would mean.

“Promise me, Cerys.”

It was just a stupid photo, anyway. And he thought she was his biggest fan. Better to keep it that way. Although. He probably didn’t think about her at all. And she’d like to keep it that way, too.

“Now,” she sighed. “Have you thought about looking at going to an event like this an opportunity out instead of something you have to do?” The dresses in the booth they approached flowed lightly in a soft breeze.

 

[Cerys Dyn]

With wide eyes, Cerys looked up on the horrified Sophelia. "I..." She didn't understand what she had said that would be so horribly offensive. Sophelia seemed more upset about the notion of justifiably reporting inappropriate behaviour. "...I promise."

She was still blinking away the confusion as they reached the first display of dresses. The way they moved in the wind caught her attention. Some of them looked very nice. Far too nice for someone like Cerys to want, or even need to wear.

The blue one in particular had caught her eyes. It had a ridiculous number of layers of the finest fabric she had even seen. Without even thinking it through, she pulled some of it into her hand and ran her other hand over the top.

"All events are opportunities, Sophelia. Opportunities to improve my social acumen, and earn my promotion to Knighthood," she said, dropping the dress and moving on from it to something that was less appealing — a dress that did not light up her eyes.

She did wonder if promotion might be a double edged sword. After all, the only thing protecting her from Balun's pursuit was the fact that he was her master. Should that roadblock removed, would Balun end up sending pictures like the King sent to Sophelia?!

Cerys shuddered at the thought.

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

She frowned as Cerys discarded the blue dress. "I like that one," she pointed out gently even as Cery's put it back and moved onto something else. It wasn't that the new one was a bad choice. It just wasn't as good.

Her own eyes wandered toward the back of the booth. She found a deep green one and a dark garnet one. She plucked both from the hangars and held them up beneath her chin to get Cerys' opinion.

"Which do you like better?"

A glance around as she saw a few other things she wanted to snag as accessories for Cerys.

"Cerys, what do you want to do when you're a knight?" She was curious. It seemed as though Cerys loathed these social outings and interactions. Unless Cerys wanted to work in the basement of the archives for her entire career, it's not like these types of social interactions and requirements would suddenly go away upon knighthood.

Cerys Dyn

 

[Cerys Dyn]

Cerys flinched when the dresses were held up against her, though she held her spot as much as she could. This familiarity was something to which she was still unaccustomed.

"This one," she nodded reluctantly towards the one she identified as red. Surely, no one would be so obtuse as to think it was anything other than red.

Having fulfilled her obligation in the interaction, Cerys stepped backwards.

"I wish to help people. Protect the innocent. Push back against the forces of darkness within the galaxy," she said, offering the same trite, practiced speech she gave everyone. "And I am not horridly bad with social skills. When I am left to my on devices I am positively pleasant. It is just being forced to make...attachments...when I grew up being taught that it was the path to the dark side."

A loud harrumph escaped Cerys' lips. This level of transparency is probably the exact type of attachment building that Balun, Ala and Brandyn sought for her. Next thing you knew, she would be yapping about her former Master...

Sophelia Ardemark​

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Soph smiled and shook her head at the misunderstanding as gently as she could.

"No, Cerys, I meant for me. It's obvious you should go with that blue dress. It looks like they have changing booths in the back. Why don't you try it on and I'll try this red one on." She slung the red one over her slim shoulder and turned, picking up a pair of modest heels and a super cute clutch.

She held both out to Cerys.

"I think these would go nicely with the blue, don't you think?"

Without waiting for Cerys to join her, she slipped into one of the small changing rooms, closing the curtain and began stripping off her clothing.

"When you say attachments, what do you mean? Beyond...friendships?"

Cerys Dyn

 

[Cerys Dyn]

Bristling at her error, Cerys felt herself pull away, emotionally at least. She had read things wrong. Misunderstood Sophelia's intent, and all just after she had declared herself apt with social situations.

She wanted to run. But. Duty, and a desire to finally become a Jedi Knight, kept her rooted to the spot. Though she visibly leaned away for just a moment.

"Try the blue on on?" Cerys said, having never done that before. It was an entirely new consideration. Stepping to the rack with blue dress, Cerys picked it up — clutching it to herself and glancing about to see if anyone thought she might be stealing it. No one seemed to care.

"I...I guess," Cerys replied, nabbing the accoutrement and shuffling off quickly toward the other changing area.

The very idea of disrobing with just a curtain between her and the general public was...alarming...to say the least. But in an effort to not seem like the weird one any further, Cerys began to change — though she awkwardly collided with the sides of the stall more than once.

"Friendships can be dangerous," Cerys said, reciting her internal mantra — but not quite believing it like she once did, "affection in any form. Anything that ties you to another person...fear of losing your spouse...a lover...it is all...unnecessary risk for people with abilities such as ours. How many Jedi have become Sith because they longed to protect someone they loved? It really is a small sacrifice for us to make, for the good of all."

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

A quiet snort as Cerys spoke in the changing stall next to her. With a swish of her hand, the curtain of her stall opened and Sophelia stepped out in the red gown. The small booth only had one full-length mirror that was outside the changing booths. So, she waited patiently for Cerys to come out and join. Hands placed on her hips.

"Cerys Dyn." A shake of her head and a gentle chide. "Did you ever think that friendships and connections are things that can make us stronger? No one is meant to do this life around the universe alone. Not even jedi. I've seen people who have tried and I'd argue it's unheathier than anything else. I don't think it's a sacrifice you're making at all."

She paused, trying to choose her words carefully.

"You'll probably disagree with me for saying this and you'll think this sounds harsh, Cerys, but friends don't always tell you want you want to hear. At least the good ones. I think you're scared and you're using your fear as an excuse."

 

[Cerys Dyn]

If that is what real friends did, then Cerys had just found her number one reason why friends sucked. They were too good at being right.

The Togruta did not reply. Though, boy-oh-boy, did she ever want to snap back and tell Sophelia that she was barking up the wrong syndark tree. Surprisingly, Cerys restrained herself. And for one...simple reason...

The dress looked good on her.

Standing in the cramped booth, Cerys stared at herself. Her hands gently pulled the dress in a couple of spots to make it sit just right.

She looked...pretty.

And it felt wrong to like it so much.

"You are probably right," she said, as the dress began to be quickly removed.

It was decidedly not like Cerys to so readily agree with Sophelia on anything, let alone a scathing critique of her character.

"Fear is a very powerful tool," she continued as the dress was pulled up to the hanger and Cerys quickly grabbed her own clothes again.

"But...which is worse...the fear of losing attachments...or the fear of having them. I would say history suggests the former is of greater power."

She didn't fully believe anything she was saying. Not anymore. It was just easier to keep saying it so that she did not have to deal with the emotions surrounding her mother.

The curtain slid open, revealing Cerys back in her normal attire, though slightly dishevelled from the rush.

"I would rather my fear...than yours," she said before walking past Sophelia, "the dress didn't fit."

Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Soph frowned. Eyes trailing after the other padawan as she walked away. Disappearing back into the changing room, she took the red dress off. Changed and exited. Scooping up the blue dress Cerys had discarded and throwing it beneath the red one.

She’s lost so many friends on Tapani.

And it appeared she’d lost a new one in the making. Buying the dresses, she made sure they would be delivered to the sanctuary living quarters later. Then, she searched for Cerys.

Soph looked…sorry. “Have I…ruined shopping day?”

 

[Cerys Dyn]

The look on Sophelia's face said that Cerys had done it again. She had ruined another friendship. She always did this. It was bound to happen. And probably better that it happened now rather than later. Sophelia would only be more hurt.

And Cerys didn't like seeing Soph in pain.

"I..."

She was actually lost for words.

But it was better that Ardemark found out now. It was better this way, damn it all.

"...no."

Downcast eyes found the red dress, and a little blue sticking out from underneath. Even after this, Sophelia was going to buy the dress.

Half a step.

And then all the rest.

Cerys collided with Sophelia and wrapped her arms around her friend. Both gowns were crushed between the weight of the embrace. The Togruta sank into it. Just for a moment. And then she broke free.

"No. We have a lot more shopping to do," Cerys faltered.

Sophelia Ardemark