Public It's okay to smile(Jedi)

[Aiden Porte]

(Nothing too crazy, just a little fun party thread for Reina Daival because she is super awesome. Have fun and go at your own pace my friends. Enjoy )

Tags: All Jedi
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The Jedi enclave on Kattada hummed with a quiet anticipation, though its usual solemnity still lingered in the stone corridors and courtyards shaded by towering trees. Jedi Knight Aiden Porte had taken the rare step of bending that orderliness into something warmer, something that did not announce itself with formality or ritual. It was Reina Daival's day, though she did not know it yet.

He had spent the afternoon quietly enlisting help. Initiates, thrilled to be trusted with a secret mission, darted between halls carrying garlands of fragrant jungle blossoms and setting them along the meditation chambers. A group of Knights carefully levitated lanterns into place, their soft glow pooling against ancient carvings that told the stories of the Jedi who had settled here centuries ago. Even the enclave's cooks, more often tasked with austere, simple meals, had joined in with uncharacteristic cheer, preparing pastries from his own world of Naboo, Mirialan spice cakes, and Kattadan fruit compotes, guided by Aiden's suggestions for flavors he knew Reina favored.

In the center of the enclave's atrium, a long table of polished wood had been set up, draped in simple linens dyed a deep blue. At Aiden's request, a bowl of freshly cut reeds from the sanctuary ponds sat at its heart, a reminder of the patience during their rebuilding efforts there. Around the edges of the chamber, he had arranged for datapads to be placed discreetly, filled with images and recordings sent by those who could not travel to Kattada but wished her joy all the same.

As the work continued, Aiden oversaw every detail without letting it feel like command. He guided gently, offering a steady hand to balance a lantern, a soft word of encouragement to the initiates when their excitement threatened to give the surprise away. His own heart carried a quiet warmth, pleased at the unity it had drawn out of the enclave. For once, there were no briefings, no pressing reports of conflict. Just this, an opportunity to remind Reina, and perhaps all of them, that joy had a place in their lives too.

When the last light was hung and the last dish was set steaming on the table, Aiden took a slow breath. He let the living Force flow around him, carrying with it the laughter of those who had helped, the fragrance of blossoms, the echo of anticipation. Soon, Reina would walk through the doors, expecting only the end of an ordinary day. And instead, she would find her enclave family and friends waiting, every face lit not by duty but by affection, every detail a reflection of the care they held for her.

It was not a Jedi Council decree or a great battle won. But Aiden believed, in that moment, that it might mean far more.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Aiden Porte and open to others
Location: Kattada Enclave

For Reina, this was just a typical day. She couldn't sit still. It wasn't her way. Instead she had been out fishing, and here she was walking back to the Temple, with a net full of fish over her shoulder, dripping wet hair and a small smile on her face. There was something in the air that felt strange but it wasn't enough to make Reina worried as she strolled over towards the doors of the Temple.

She gave a simple flick of her wrist towards the door, using the Force to open the way for her, the smile still on her face as the doors gave way to reveal...people. A lot of people. All looking at her. Why were they looking at her? The smile faded from Reina's face almost instantly, as a fierce redness started to creep into her cheeks instead. She hadn't been expecting to come back to an audience.

"What...What's going on?"

A small stutter as her voice rang out through the atrium. She couldn't help the musical tone to her voice that came with being an Ersansyr. This had all caught her off guard. Sure, Reina had been helping out at the Enclave more when she could, when she wasn't training or studying but she hadn't done anything to deserve a gathering like this.

Her eyes darted over towards the food for a moment, biting her lip in contemplation. Chewing at it as she tried to figure out what to do. In the past, Reina would have completely shut down at this show of affection. Refused to acknowledged it and stormed off. That wasn't her anymore, but it was still something she didn't know how to react to. Reina had never been good at surprises.

"I...I'll just...put this...stuff away."

Reina jabbed towards the net, starting to drag it off to the side of the atrium. There was a part of her that presumed someone would probably take it to the store room or the kitchen...but that wasn't going to be Reina for one. She had to go and have some of the pastries at the end of the day. Her sweet tooth wouldn't let her ignore them.

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Michael Angellus]

​

PERSONAL FLIGHT LOG – Entry Personal
Location: – Kattada
Assigned Craft: My X-wing
Astromech Partner: BRED (BB-30)
Current Mood: Busy
Background Noise: I can never hear anything over the spherical Diva.

It was great to see the Kattada Jedi Temple, and grounds coming back to life. It’s a shame that they were not able to completely hold ground and turn the monsters away, but it wasn’t a total loss. Either way. I’m not here to take in the sights. I’m here “on the job”. I’m here to assist with the reconstruction efforts and provide aerial support if needed. My X-wing is ready for any emergencies, and BRED is keeping the systems in top shape. Despite the challenges, it’s rewarding to contribute to such an important mission.

I’m also here to borrow star charts.

“Wooo-beeep.” [Translation: Why are we on this sand dune again?]

Maybe the audio receptors on this little ball of bolts and snark need to be adjusted.

“Weeep-bwoo.” [Translation: I heard that!]

He was meant to.

“Chrrp.” [Translation: Just get the charts and let’s get out of here. I need an oil bath.]

Ugh… wait is that Master Porte’s son, Aiden?
– Michael A.
A beach day is needed… if I had the time.

TAG: Reina Daival | Aiden Porte

This is where he is speaking

 

[Roman Vossari]

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LOCATION: Kattada Jedi Enclave
TAGS: Aiden Porte | Reina Daival | Michael Angellus

​

Roman leaned against a stone column, arms crossed loosely, a smirk playing on his lips. He went through the preparations with minimal effort, offering a steady hand or a quip only when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, he'd shrug, muttering that it wasn't his "specialty."

"Remind me again," he drawled to Aiden, falling into step as another lantern was hung, "why we're stuck inside as the sun sets, when there's a beach out there waiting? You've seen it, right? White sand, clear water... it feels like a waste to be in a room that smells of dust and old parchment." His teasing tone held a genuine longing for simple pleasures, a lesson learned from hard experience.

When Reina appeared, water scattering from her clothes, Roman straightened slightly, a flicker of interest in his eyes. She seemed flustered, like a startled bird, and he tilted his head, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks. She didn't enter with the air of someone ready for a celebration; she stumbled in.

As she mumbled about storing fish, Roman leaned towards Aiden, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And who's that?" he asked, letting the question hang before adding with a pointed look, "Don't tell me, another one of your girlfriends?"

 

[Aiden Porte]

Roman Vossari Reina Daival Michael Angellus
​

Aiden felt the corner of his mouth twitch at Roman's drawl, though he kept his focus on the lantern hovering between his palms. The young Knight guided it carefully into place, letting the Force steady its sway until it nestled into the alcove. Only then did he answer, voice even but tinged with amusement.


"You'd complain if we were out on the beach too," he said, dusting his hands on his tunic. "Too bright, too hot...." He shook his head, turning slightly to glance at Roman with a smirk. "At least here, all you have to worry about is the smell of parchment."

The gentle hum of the enclave filled the pause, a low murmur of voices, the flutter of flowers being arranged. Aiden let his gaze sweep over the chamber, noting each small detail, the garlands strung across stone, the careful placement of the long table, the faint glow of anticipation that clung to everyone involved. All of it had been worth the quiet effort.

The sound of water striking stone pulled his attention back to the entryway. Reina stood there, damp strands of hair clinging to her face, tunic spattered with drops from whatever task had drawn her away. Her steps faltered as she crossed the threshold, eyes darting to the lanterns, the garlands, the gathering of friends waiting for her.

For a heartbeat, Aiden simply watched. The way her cheeks colored, the way she seemed caught between retreat and laughter, he felt it ripple through the Force as bright as a sunrise.

Roman leaned close, his voice pitched low, laced with mischief. Aiden caught the words, the jab about "another girlfriend,". Aiden laughed and shook his head. "No, she's...."

"She's the reason we're here," he said simply, his eyes not leaving Reina. There was a unison of laughter, smiles, clapping as those gathered faced her, and then declared together.

"Surprise!"

 

[Brooke Waters]

She kept working with her Clan. They rebuilt and strengthened the village of Tidehome, and Brooke had set up a few plans to assist the Jedi. Luckily, Master Starchaser knew the need for expanding the Jedi’s lessons. It was why there was so much symbolism in the teachings of Kattada. She’d worked to help with strengthening the vaults for the Selab artifacts, and have moved some to the Quiet Storm and some were placed in the Xelec. But she was doing some work today to strengthen the reef.

It was simple. Blue Coral, and Golden Sun corals were growing as a barrier in front of the Temple and the connected enclave. While some were working on the protections from the sky, a direct assault, Brooke was working on the reef and protecting the local environment.

Anyone who was around would hear the songs of her spells, and seeing the summoning of growth in the corals, accelerated by the Force. The blonde was at home in the sea, and today, she was waist deep, corals around her feet as the tide was coming in. The heat the sun, a power she knew but didn’t control, for her realm was that of the sea and storms, warmed her skin, and aided her spellwork today.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Aiden Porte Roman Vossari
Location: Kattada Enclave

It was still a struggle for Reina to wrap her head around this surprise. Trying to figure out what exactly she had done to deserve this. There was a small little crease on her nose as she frowned to herself, looking over at the beeping of a droid. She hated those damned things. Bucket of bolts. The only good droid was a destroyed one in her eyes...but she kept that annoyance hidden below her surface. It was something Reina knew she had to get over but today would not be that day.

Instead her gaze fell upon the likely suspect for who orchestrated this entire surprise attack! Aiden Porte . Reina's eyes narrowed at him, ignoring the fact he was talking to someone else right now. Storming her way over towards him, each stomp of her boots slamming into the ground, before she found herself in front of the pair, folding her arms along her front. Even if she was smaller than the pair physically, Reina was making up for that with the size of her annoyance.

"You could have given me some kind of warning. But no. What if I had stayed out all night fishing?"

She waved her hand towards the entrance, as her voice unwillingly sang through the courtyard. No matter how annoyed or angry the redhead tried to sound, her voice came out as if she was singing. Every note being carried on the wind as she ran a hand down her face. It wasn't like she didn't appreciate the gesture. But she hadn't been good with surprises. It was only about now that she fully clicked to someone being next to Aiden as her eyes flickered over towards him, an eyebrow quirking up.

"Who's this? Another one of your charity cases?"

It might have seemed like an insult...Okay, it definitely seemed like an insult, but Reina hadn't meant it that way. In her eyes, she was one of Aiden's charity cases. Someone he was trying to help for no reward in return.

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Roman Vossari]

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LOCATION: Kattada Jedi Enclave
TAGS: Aiden Porte | Reina Daival

​

Roman snorted softly, leaning back against the column. He'd braced one boot against the stone, arms folded, his head tilted with a lazy defiance. "We could still leave all this behind right now, you know. The beach isn't going anywhere. Sand under our backs, wind in our hair… stars coming out overhead. Tell me again why that's not better than lanterns and garlands?" He glanced at Aiden, a hint of a grin playing on his lips. "I wouldn't complain. Not one bit."

Still, when Aiden declared the surprise, Roman half-laughed and joined in, throwing his voice into the chamber. "Surprise!" he shouted, though there was no real conviction behind it. His tone was mocking, even playful, because he hadn't the faintest idea what they were surprising her for. Was it her birthday? Had she passed some test? None of it mattered to him, and yet he found himself caught in the tide of it all the same.

What did matter was her reaction. When the girl stormed toward them with fire in her step and annoyance radiating off her, Roman blinked in genuine perplexity. His brows shot upward. This is what we were surprising her for? Someone who doesn't even like surprises? Then came the words; sharp, pointed. "Charity case."

Roman's smirk vanished in an instant. His head snapped toward her, eyes narrowing like steel drawn over flint. "Excuse me… charity case?" His voice came out harsher than he intended, but he didn't bother softening it. "If anyone here's the charity case, it's him," Roman said, jerking a thumb toward Aiden. The words carried a rough humor, but also a sting of honesty, the kind that left little room for doubt. "If this were charity for me, sweetheart, we wouldn't be in some stuffy hall full of flowers. We'd be at the beach, where I've been trying to drag him since the sun started setting."

He unfolded his arms then, stepping slightly forward, not aggressive, but enough to put his presence solidly in her view. His expression settled back into that wary, pragmatic mask, though the edge of curiosity lingered in his eyes. "So tell me," he said flatly, "who exactly are you? And why are we surprising you?"

 

[Aiden Porte]

Roman Vossari Reina Daival Michael Angellus Brooke Waters
​

Aiden felt her presence before he heard the boots, sharp, rhythmic, cutting across the courtyard stone like a drumbeat of impending trouble. He turned just as Reina came into view, soaked from her fishing trip, hair wild and temper flashing in her eyes. The sight of her drew a breath of half-contained laughter from him despite himself; even irritated, she carried herself like a force of nature, stubborn and alive in a way few could match.

Her voice rose, music threaded through irritation, and it took everything in him not to let the smile reach too far. She never quite realized how her words carried, how even anger sounded bright when it came from her. He stood still as she closed the distance, arms folded and defiance sparking in every line of her posture.

"You would've ruined the surprise if I warned you," he said lightly, tone even but warm. "And somehow, I think you'd have stayed out fishing anyway just to spite me."

He inclined his head toward her with that quiet steadiness he always carried, the kind that refused to be rattled by storms. Her complaint wasn't anger, not really. He could feel the gratitude beneath it, hidden under layers of defensiveness and confusion. She wasn't used to being celebrated, and that truth always lingered somewhere in her eyes.

When her attention shifted to Roman, the sharp comment followed before she caught herself. Aiden felt the faint ripple of amusement beside him, though he didn't let it grow. His answer came calm, measured as always.

"This is Roman," Aiden said. "He's been helping with the preparations. And trying to convince me to move the party to the beach. Contrary to popular belief he would be complaining regardless."

His gaze lingered on Reina a moment longer, softening as he added, "No charity cases here. Just friends who thought you deserved a moment for yourself."

He let the words settle, quiet and unforced. Around them, lanterns flickered, the scent of blossoms filling the air. This wasn't about grand gestures or thanks. It was about reminding her, without speeches or ceremony, that she wasn't alone.

"I mean, we could do away with this. I'm sure the younglings would appreciate the sweets more than you." Aiden said with a small chuckle and gave her a big smile.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Aiden Porte Roman Vossari
Location: Kattada Enclave

"If you had told me, it wouldn't have been a surprise. So I wouldn't have been able to ruin it. So there."

Reina pouted for a moment, pointing out her flawless logic. Though of course she didn't correct him about the fact that yeah, she probably would have stayed out fishing to avoid this entire thing if she knew it was happening. She just never saw herself as something that needed to be celebrated. Reina was just a regular person. It wasn't even if she was someone important or famous. Reina was just Reina. Hell, technically she wasn't even that. But that was neither here nor there. She shook her head, turning her attention back over towards the Stranger.

"Yeah. Charity Case. 'Cause he loves to help out people without getting anything in return."

Reina jabbed her thumb in Aiden's direction, raising an eyebrow at the comment about the beach. Honestly, Reina would have far preferred the beach as well, but she chalked that up to being an Ersansyr. She wouldn't admit that she'd want to be at the beach either. That would make the stranger feel more justified and well...Reina didn't want that one bit as she kept her arms folded across her front, glancing between the two.

"I'm no-one. I don't know why you're surprising me. Or celebrating me. It's probably one of Aiden's ways to make me feel all better."

It was working. Though once again, Reina would never care to admit that. Her eyes lit up at the mentioning of sweets however, darting off to look in the direction of where said sweets were, as she chewed on her lip for a moment. A potential downside of becoming an Ersansyr...Reina now had a massive sweet tooth.

"I mean...The younglings need to stay health. There's nothing wrong with me having a few sweets."

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >

 

[Michael Angellus]

​

PERSONAL FLIGHT LOG – Entry Personal
Location: – Kattada
Assigned Craft: My X-wing
Astromech Partner: BRED (BB-30)
Current Mood: Busy
Background Noise: I can never hear anything over the spherical Diva.

I’m here to help, but I feel out of place at the moment. I mean, what do they want me to do, stand around and look pretty?

“Wooo-beeep.” [Translation: Sometimes you make it too easy.]

Ugh. Anyway, I was helping move supplies, as it looked like some of the others were talking amongst themselves. That’s fine. I mean, I know Aiden from Master Porte, and I know Reina, but… I don’t know… I’m just uncomfortable walking up there. I don’t think any of them want to talk to me anyway. If they did, they’d call me over. I’m having fun chatting with the others doing this.

We were moving supplies and making it easier for the builder droids when I got a comm-call from “base” on Odessen. I’m not going to be able to stay that long. I need to summon up the nerve to talk to Aiden though. I need to offer empathy in regards to his dad. I’ll wait until the right moment to approach him. I don’t want to intrude, but I also don’t want to miss the chance to show I care. Maybe I’ll just keep things light and see how he responds.

“Weeep-bwoo.” [Translation: What is it with everyone losing their father around here?]

Dude. NOT COOL!

“Chrrp.” [Translation: Yeah, you’re right. My bad.]

Was that an apology from BRED?

– Michael A.
A beach day is needed… if I had the time.

TAG: Reina Daival | Aiden Porte | Roman Vossari | Brooke Waters

This is where he is speaking

 

[Roman Vossari]

​

LOCATION: Kattada Jedi Enclave
TAGS: Aiden Porte | Reina Daival

​

Roman rolled his eyes and let out a short, half-amused snort. He shifted his weight, easing one boot off the column. This made him look as if he might leave, though he had no real intention of doing so. The urge to simply walk away, to drop everything and go get sand in his hair, twitched at him, honest as a pulled muscle. Still, if she mattered to Aiden, Roman could bother to stick around and offer help. Maybe.

"Alright, 'No one,'" he said, his voice flat but not unkind. "Fine. We should take these sweets down to the beach anyway. That's the obvious plan. Younglings don't need them more than we need salt and open sky. Aiden should give in to my pestering for once." A lazy grin touched the corner of his mouth, more a suggestion than an order.

Then, more direct, he asked, "So will someone tell me what exactly are we celebrating?" His tone sharpened, curiosity cutting through his weariness. Reina kept insisting she was nobody, and Roman wanted to believe her. He'd heard such disclaimers before, and the galaxy had taught him to trust people who downplayed themselves. Still, his eyes narrowed with the quiet skepticism that had kept him alive.

For a moment, Roman drifted inward, his gaze distant. He knew Aiden's habit of taking in strays, of picking up people who had fallen through the cracks and giving them a place to stand. This thought snagged at him in a weird, personal way: was she one of Aiden's strays? Had Aiden done the same for him once? The question felt like an old ache under his ribs. Roman rubbed the side of his jaw where a faint scar caught the lanternlight. His expression softened, growing thoughtful. He didn't voice the question; he simply watched Aiden and Reina, turning the idea over like a stone in his palm.

 

[Aiden Porte]

Roman Vossari Reina Daival Michael Angellus Brooke Waters
​

Aiden could only shake his head faintly. There it was again, that spark, the stubborn wit that never quite dulled even when she tried to bury it beneath irritation. He didn't bother arguing; he'd long since learned that to spar with her on matters of principle, especially ones she made up in the moment, was a constant battle.

Her finger jabbed in his direction when she called Roman another "charity case," and though the comment carried its usual sharpness, Aiden caught the deeper truth humming beneath it. She didn't mean it unkindly. She just couldn't quite bring herself to believe that anyone did something for her without wanting something in return.

Aiden turned to Roman with a smirk.

"You just want an excuse to sit by the water," Aiden said mildly, not looking away from the table they'd set. "But fine. We will move this party to the beach, soon." There was an ease in his tone that hadn't been there a few moments ago, a hint of humor threading beneath the calm.

He exhaled softly through his nose, crossing his arms now as he regarded her, voice even but threaded with quiet warmth. "You're not a charity case, Reina," he said.

When Roman's question came, simple, direct, but edged with that old weariness, Aiden took a slow breath. The words weren't rehearsed. He spoke as he always did: steady, honest.

"We're celebrating her," he said quietly. "Not a title. Not a victory. Just her."

His gaze stayed on Reina as he spoke. "Because she's done more than she gives herself credit for. Because this enclave's better with her in it. Because sometimes, people need to be reminded they're seen." He didn't say because she mattered—he didn't need to. The truth hung between them anyway, carried in the soft light of the lanterns and the hum of the gathering. Aiden's eyes drifted back to Roman then, catching the faint shadow that had crossed his features. He recognized that look too. The thought that maybe kindness came with strings, or that gratitude was something you had to earn. He'd seen it often enough in men who had been alone too long.

"Not everything has to be owed," Aiden said quietly, a small but knowing edge to his voice. "Sometimes it's enough just to stand together a while."

It was a gentle pivot, deliberate. Not to dismiss the weight in Roman's question, but to remind him, both of them, that the moment they were in didn't need justification. It just needed to be lived.

Aiden caught the quick light that crossed her expression before she tried to hide it. He followed her glance toward the table, laden with Nabooan pastries, honeyed fruit, and a few experimental confections he'd convinced the enclave cooks to try.

There was something easy in his tone now, the kind that came only in rare moments, when duty and sorrow fell away and he could simply be among those he cared for. He nodded toward the gathered friends and the spread waiting beneath the lanternlight.

"Go on," he said quietly. "They're here for you. Even if you don't think you need it." Aiden attention shifted slightly as he noticed MIchael a distance away, showing a small smile. "Hey Michael, you should come get some of these treats. Before Reina decides to take them all for herself." He hadn't conversed with Michael too much, which he would have to change that soon.

Aiden caught Roman's glance out of the corner of his eye, the lazy posture, the feigned disinterest masking that flicker of curiosity underneath. He knew the pattern well; Roman always tried to pretend he was half a step away from walking off, as if staying meant admitting he cared. But he was still here, and that said more than words ever could.