Roarvek

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

[member="Yasha Cadera"] | [member="Abigail Meredydd"] | [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Skorvek"] | [member="Stardust Skirae"] | [member="Lily-Grace Australis"] | [member="Beth Cadera"] | [member="Caz Australis"] | [member="Kaine Australis"] | Anyone from ME/NR

The white, modern, crescent-shaped estate was huge. It contained several suites ranging from Yasha and Kaine, to Adara and Beth, with a variety of other rooms including a large living area where the days party would mostly be hosted. Nearly all the rooms had large, open windows from floor to the ceiling allowing a beautiful overlook into a blooming, expansive garden and the giant, blue ocean that was a mere couple minutes of walk away.

Dotting the hill side, was several other buildings of similar design – guest quarters, a smith, guards quarters, etc.

Cassiopeia had checked in on Lily-Grace, Adara, and Reyn, who were playing in a large playroom along with one of the nannies nearby watching them. After making sure they were okay, she returned to the kitchen where several of the large lizard chefs were. They were preparing many food stuff, ranging from baked goods, to local fish, to dishes from a variety of different cultures.

Cassiopeia had actually done some of her own cooking during the morning – her general insomnia keeping her up since the early hours. Several cakes, brownies, and sugary goodies awaited the friends who would arrive to the estate shortly. She had started doing some of her own baking – and general cooking, ever since… Well, a few months before. It was a great coping mechanism, not to mention absolutely delicious. Granted, the chefs weren’t exactly happy with Cassiopeia in their territory. While none said anything, she could see the side eyes every now and then.

In either case, Cassi made one last stop at her guest room to finish up getting ready for their company. A light pink dress with a floral design with her hair in a slightly messy bun.

With that completed, she arrived at the entrance. The guests should be arriving any moment and she wanted to personally welcome them into the estate. Most likely the others in the estate would arrive sooner or later, maybe in the large living area that Cassiopeia would lead the group. There, the view was splendid – a bit of the garden and a wide, open view of the bright blue ocean.

Beth would probably come later – she mentioned something about doing some holoprojector recordings for her job back in Mandalore. And, everyone else she wasn’t sure. But the nannies would be bringing the kids to the room soon – hopefully, they would already be there before she even brought the guests in!

Either way, she eagerly awaited the new friends!

 

[Yasha Cadera]

The Sani-steam was hot as Yasha’s skin could take. Her palm pressed against clammy tile, the other hand cupping her swelling belly.

A lake of black water. Chittering whispers from the Ymir. Monsters... cannibal-survivors of the Mandalorian decimation of Dromund Kaas. Fatigue. Too many... pulling their massacred dead back to be consumed. Reshaped and reborn. Days with no water.

She dropped. Shoved her back in a low crevasse. Colours and hazy images. Hallucinations. Seizures. Soon, Death.

He. Massive hands. Gentle digits reeling her in. The struggle dying to a seizure. Dehydration. T-0 days to die. Warm gargantuan chest, calm hands. The weight of armour sloughing off her body.

A liquid to her lips. Copper... more.

“Yasha! Honey pie you need me to scrub your back sweetie? Your guests are arrivin’ and you ain’t got a stitch on ya!” Raps at the door of Yasha’s fresher.

“Yash? Come on now! That’s it I ain’t makin’ them wait none and no how!”

“Aunt Peggy...” Yasha croaked. Peggy Fitz-Kierke barged into the fresher, a light cotton gown in her hands.

“You ain’t nothing I ain’t seen before now, let’s get y-Yasha.” Her voice softened. The architect turned off the sanisteam and tossed a towel over Yasha’s shoulders. Peggy bundled up the woman, who slid to the floor. “Okay.. oookay sweetie I’ve got you. Here, come here honey pie. Here we go.”

Peggy hefted Yasha up and onto a low bench, settling the towel around her.

“I can’t remember. I can’t.. I can’t...”

Peggy pulled Yasha’s forehead onto her shoulder and rocked. She clucked her tongue and ran her hand through Yasha’s hair. Aditya’s daughter shook, but unlike Peggy’s sister, Yasha spoke. She gave voice to her inner woes.

“Hush now. We’re gonna let that pass for now and get ready for you party, right? Cassie’s baked up a couple of hurricanes of pastry and Alex is coming, eh? I want to meet her like none other. Make sure she’s good enough. Eh? Eeeh?” Peggy dried Yasha off, patting the towel onto Yasha’s hair and rubbing it down. The young woman laughed, losing the dour panic which threw her.

“Ack! Aaahaha! Stop!” Yasha protected her face from the towel, yanking it from her aunt and finishing up. Peggy helped Yasha dress and pulled her raven hair up in a twist atop her head. Before they left Yasha’s suite, Peggy placed both palms on Yasha’s cheeks and looked up at her niece’s face with a smile.

“You’re bigger than, better than, and sexier than your woes. Let the past stay there. Today’s a happy day. C’mon.” Peggy kissed Yasha’s cheeks. Yasha embraced her and set a smile on her face. After all, nobody could tell what an Epicanthix was thinking. Their minds were notoriously resilient.

“Mmmmh Cass, it smells amazing.” Dressed in pale yellow, Yasha tossed an arm around Cassiopeia’s shoulders, glad to have her best friend amongst the comfortable party goers. A small collection of friends and hopeful loves.

“Sounds like they’re almost here.”

[member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Abigail Meredydd"] [member="Skorvek"] [member="Cassiopeia Australis"]

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra shifted a bit more nervously than she had expected to be doing so, unable to sit down and eventually giving up in order to try and relax as she started walking around with the shuttle entering the atmosphere and pushing towards the location where their hosts were, where Yasha was. Alexandra herself was in a dark brown leather coat, white button up with tan trousers, Nothing else, just a simple and functional outfit that she preferred but even now she looked down and looked herself over as she groaned and regretted it.

Maybe she should have worn something a little bit nicer, but she had figured something more functional was going to be better. Yasha is a mandalorian after all so didn't they prefer functional over actual appearance. Maybe she should have worn something more feminine atleast? She didn't own many things that were feminine outside of the dresses she needed for formal events, the rest was functional clothing like what she wore, tan trousers, tank tops, button ups, things that she could wear and not worry. She had even debated coming in her robes but a Jedi showing up rather than Alexandra as a personal guest... that would have given the wrong impression.

Her hands came up to her face and she stared over at a small reflective panel, more than enough for her to see herself in and she tapped her foot a few times before glancing around and walking over to it. Her hands moved and tried to move her hair around, looking for something that seemed better than its current state. The girl had never had a mother to sit there and show her how to really do her hair so Alex generally just pushed it back and let it fall as it may with little work done to it. Maybe collecting it a bit would be better.

Or braids, but how would she do that, would it look good?

She groaned and sighed, looking for a seat and sitting down, hoping that her little display hadn't been seen while she was distracted with the panel and trying to mess with her hair.

'Breath Alex, you are fine. This is easy. No battle, no mission, no lives in the balance. Just you meeting Yasha's family... and there is the panic.' Alex spoke to herself , the words being uttered in her mind and kept from the ears of the crew. Her anxiety rose and she continued to shift awkwardly as she leaned back and closed her eyes, silently cursing the universe for all this happening again.

She didn't even know if she was suppose to bring a gift, or maybe gifts for each person, or maybe cooked enough food for herself and @Abigail who had been invited too. Then there was the fact of individuals important to Yasha that Alexandra had never met and now would see and would have to impress and if she didn't they would probably find some way to ruin things. She really wasn't that impressive, she was a historian, a healer, and a librarian with a temple on a peaceful planet. Not a queen or a princess, or a general or even that much of a leader. She wasn't much to speak of in the first place.

And now she was here with this stupid look that didn't fit the situation she had convinced herself would be more formal than she had dressed for, even if it wasn't.

Her shoulders eventually slumped and soon the shuttle started to shake, making the last bits of movements to correct itself before it landed and its struts impacted with the docking area. Then the doors would open, Alex would have to walk out with Abigail, and... Who would be there to greet her? Some warrior, some guard, Yasha herself?

Alexandra shifted again, grabbing a bag and slinging it over her shoulder as she made her way to the ramp, waiting long enough for [member="Abigail Meredydd"] and awkwardly smiling at her daughter before walking down the ramp and into the sunlight.

[member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Cassiopeia Australis"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail sat inside the shuttle and simply waited for their trip to end. She was just relaxing, playing around with a small ball and throwing it against the walls. She had taken care of her looks earlier on, but had chosen some rather simple clothes nonetheless. She wasn't here to look formal, she was here to meet people! And she was excited to be meeting them as well!

But clearly not as excited as Alexandra, because as Abigail walked over to the ramp and saw her mother's awkward smile, she immediately noticed how nervous and unprepared her mother was. This woman had faced death many times before, fought enemies who would've eating Abby for breakfast- and she was now panicking because she was about to meet a girl and her family.
It was rather funny.

Abigail returned Alex's smile, except hers was sweet and calm, not awkward like the one her mother gave her. Abby walked over to Alex, and gently took a hold of her hand as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder.

"You worry too much", she said softly as she stared at the ramp.

She let her head rest there for a moment as she tried to calm her mother with her presence.

"It's going to be okay, mom. You look beautiful, you are beautiful, funny, clever and they'll all love you. Hell, you almost look as pretty as me!", she joked, trying to lift her spirit.

She removed her head from Alex's shoulder, gave her another sweet smile and quickly leaned forward to give her mother a kiss on the cheek.

When Alex had apparently mustered the courage to go and started walking down the ramp, Abigail called out to her.

"Mom, hold up", she said as she walked over to Alex, before revealing a bouquet of beautiful flowers, gathered on Alderaan, from behind her back and handing it over to Alex.

"You almost forgot your present for Yasha", she grinned before giving [member="Alexandra Feanor"] a wink and walking off the ramp herself, ready to meet the others.

[member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Cassiopeia Australis"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Cassiopeia was peering out the windows, waiting for the others to arrive. She was excited – it would be the first time she had met others in months, really. And within the coming weeks, she’d be moving back to Mandalore with Lily-Grace so she could start back up working for the next semester. This, in a way, was one of her first tests for herself.

While there were guards about, the security for them entering was fairly small. The gurlanin, Yasha’s personal guard, would always be ever present. But, it would be Cassiopeia, Yasha, and Peggy if she decided to come outside to meet them first!

Cassiopeia smiled as she saw Yasha, beautiful as always, come over and throw her arm over her shoulder. She peered towards the kitchen, giggling, “The chefs might never let me into the kitchen again,” she admitted with only the slightest of guilt. She gave Yasha a wink, “I made some extra, just for us. Can’t have the guests have it all themselves, eh?”

They are here! She could see them walking down the ramp and towards the Estate. Cassiopeia, instead of waiting, went ahead and grabbed Yasha and started walking (and assuming Yasha even went along with her)– albeit a bit fast. Out the door into the warm sunlight, with the ocean breeze hitting their faces. It was a paradise in a harsh, brutal galaxy. It was the perfect escape.

“Welcome, welcome!” She would say as she saw Alexandra and Abigail, meeting them halfway. “I’m Cassiopeia Australis, I don’t believe we’ve met before. Thank you both for coming - I believe this will be a wonderful time with each other!” She said with a bright, happy smile. She, of course, already knew who they were – Alexandra Feanor and Abigail Meredydd. They hadn't met yet, but Cassiopeia had heard about the people on the guest list and perhaps done a bit of research on them, at least what was available on a quick search on the HoloNet.

She took Alexandra’s hands and gave a squeeze before doing the same to Abigail.

“It is so great to have you here! Please, come, and make yourselves at home. We have prepared a delightful amount of food, drinks…” She winked, “Some liquor…” There was even a bartender, ready to mix drinks to the hearts delight. Once Yasha made her greeting, she’d begin escorting the small group back into the Estate and to the living area, where the party would truly begin.

[member="Abigail Meredydd"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Yasha Cadera"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Thanks, Cass. I... I really needed you today.” It was the only tell Yasha would give. A twitch to her eyebrow, the way she stood in the hall. While the loved ones around her needed strength, and Mandalore refused any weakness, the Infernal’s personal demons clawed at her spine. Peggy inhaled and pointed to the two women coming from the ship, tapping at Yasha’s shoulder with a kindness usually devoid from the Panathan for her spunk.

One last check in the mirror, before Yasha followed Cassiopeia and Peggy out. A mark on her neck. Yasha scrubbed it with her palm. The skin raised beneath her hand. A scar.

Breathe. They need you.

Pulling a brightly coloured floral embroidered shawl over her shoulders, Yasha made sure it hid the mark on her neck.

“Oh, alright now! Flowers?! For me?! You should have!” Aunt Peggy clip-clopped out in a pair of stilettos and a Panathan mini dress, ever the fashionable Panathan maven. Peggy grinned at Abigail and Alexandra, casually casting her eyes back to see Yasha pad barefoot out her front door in the soft yellow dress and colourful shawl.

“Ale’ika, Abby, you made it.” An adoring grin flowed over Yasha’s face as she came to her guests. “Alderaan peonies? Alex, they’re perfect! Thank you!”

Inspecting the flowers, Yasha swept Alex into a one armed embrace, and kissed her chastely on the lips. There was company, after all. She nuzzled close to Alex’s ear. “You look beautiful, c’yare.”

“Oh now! We’re getting serious all affectionate in front of others, here I’m taking the flowers and putting them in water before they wilt like my hair in the Vendaxan jungle and who wants drinks? You, Abigail is it? Come on now! Let’s get these in water then water ourselves with a little creative lubrication.” Peggy took the flowers and trotted off, always on the move.

“Thanks Aunt Peggy!”

“You know it, girl! Your mama ain’t here, but you got the best sister instead! Praise me later!”

Yasha watched Peggy go and held Alex’s hand. “Welcome to my home. Do... do you like it? I know the garden’s new, but I’ve got plans to expand it, put in an orchard over there and some grape vines on the south-face of the slope. It’ll be green everywhere. The way it should be.”

Casually strolling toward the house, Yasha felt herself turn to quiet.

[member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Abigail Meredydd"] [member="Skorvek"] [member="Cassiopeia Australis"]

 

[Skorvek]

A outing with the family was a rare thing and if the opportunity presented it self he wasn't about to miss it as there work doesn't make this a occasional event, Gives him a chance to meet some new members of the family as well as check on how [member="Yasha Cadera"] was fairing beyond her work or on the battlefield and he might see @Adara Cadera there as well. He landed his ship and made sure to get a gift for Yasha it might not be the most grandest of gifts but she might appreciate the small crystal clear orb that he made from a rainbowgem that glowed like a small star, He headed down the ramp and went to greet her, He saw the new arrivals @Alexandera Feanor and [member="Abigail Meredydd"]. He greeted them to not be rude and ignore there presence before hwe headed over and handed the orb with both hands cupped around it for her to use as decoration and to take as a gift.

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra stared at Abigail as the flowers were taken out and for a moment she was unsure that this was right, how the gift felt slightly hollow as Alexandra had forgotten something so simple as a gift for Yasha. Her daughter had thought of such things before Alexandra had even considered that she had made a full mistake and now her daughter was trying to keep from things turning into a bit of a disappointment. She couldn't help but softly smile and reach out to give Abigail a quick hug, careful not to damage the flowers and carefully taking them from Abigail as she noticed that [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] was rushing forward with Peggy and... Yasha.

Alexandra would by lying if she said that her eyes did not immediately focus on Yasha and her hands fidgeted, holding those flowers and trying to look like she was more comfortable than she was. More confident than she was. But with Cassiopeia running right up to her and taking one of her hands, pulling her along, Alexandra couldn't help but want to run right back up that ramp. To just hide from everyone and then there was someone else coming towards her and she dashed those thoughts in a moment.

Yasha said two things, broken up but both equally affecting her. First was the little name that she had been called by the woman far more often now. Ale'ika, little Alex if she wasn't wrong considering how rusty her mandoa was. She wasn't sure how to react to the pet name still and yet she didn't mind hearing it over and over again as Yasha took her into a one armed embrace, giving her a quick kiss that Alex wished would last much longer.

It was then that the second thing came, and Alex had to look down as she herself leaned against Yasha, clearly liking the words but not sure how to respond. Being called beautiful, and then cyare, beloved. Alexandra had no idea what to say and it continued to just keep going as the woman named Peggy moved off. No, aunt peggy, that was what had been said.

Along with mention of creative lubrication, making Alexandra, even in Yasha's grasp, want to slink away again at all this talk and not knowing what to even begin saying.

"I uh... cant say I expected this... but yes." She paused, finally recovering a bit and holding onto Yasha's hand tight before looking at her. When she was certain the others were all ahead of them, Alex would come closer and walk with her shoulder pressed against Yasha, her head leaning softly against the other woman. "I very much so love your home. And the life around us feels and looks wonderful, I could be lost here for months with you and not regret a second." Alex would let her other hand come across, taking Yasha's hand in both of hers, holding it and continuing to walk.

It was then that she saw Skorvek coming with some orb, not saying anything and letting Yasha handle this.


[member="Yasha Cadera"], [member="Skorvek"],

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail giggled as Alex gave her a quick but loving hug. She was glad Alex took the gift that she had created in preparation. For some reason, she had foreseen that Alex would forget to bring something nice. It was logical, seeing how Alexandra had been more than nervous for this little meeting- and how could anyone blame her. It wasn't everyday Abigail's master met up with the family of the woman she clearly loved. Abby didn't care whether Alex had tried to avoid answering the question or not, it was more than crystal clear to everyone in the galaxy Alexandra loved Yasha.

As a rather happy individual walked up to her and her mother, Abigail curiously looked with a smile. The woman, who introduced herself as Cassiopeia, seemed to radiate with joy as she greeted them.

"Well thank you, Cassiopeia," Abigail smiled, secretly hoping she pronounced the beautiful woman's name correctly, "my name's Abigail Meredydd and it's very nice to meet you."

Abigail watched with a raised brow as someone, by the name of Aunt Peggy, arrived and talked about the flowers, but Abby's focus was quickly taken away as Yasha appeared. Abby smiled as Yasha called out to them, but her smile truly grew and radiated with joy as Yasha seemed to be glad with the flowers, and even gave Alex a little kiss for it. She knew the flowers were a great gift, and was secretly prizing herself for having thought about it.

"Yes, it's Abigail," Abby smiled towards Yasha," it's nice to see you again, Mand-... Yasha. And yes, lets do that!"

Finally, she gave a friendly not to [member="Skorvek"] Cadera , who carried a strange kind of orb, before Abby followed the rest. As her pupil flashed light blue for a short while, she couldn't help but smile as she saw Alex and Yasha walking together while holding hands. They were cute together.

[member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Cassiopeia immediately knew something was wrong. Yasha’s voice, her comment, and the way Aunt Peggy stood by her. There was no comments, no funk, no silly comments from her. Cassiopeia put her hand on Yasha’s arm, carefully watching her before they leave. “We’ll talk,” she whispered to the taller woman. She rubbed her arm gently, reassuringly, “Let’s get our guests into the living area and settled, then we’ll find some time, maybe we can go to the kitchen or would you rather wait until after?” She gave a small nod, a reassuring smile.

Half of her wanted to just dash into a room and go ahead and talk with Yasha, but it was too late – the guests had seen them. And she knew Yasha wasn’t about to talk when people where nearby, in public, or make any indication that something was wrong. What Cassiopeia didn't know is if Yasha would want to take a moment to talk, or wait, or whatever. Dang. She really should have went and checked on her beforehand. Instead of baking all this crap that the cooks could do... Add that to her list of screw ups, which seemed like a mountain she'd never get over at this point. Dimitri, Raiz, depression, being a crappy friend...

She even noticed that the woman was quieter than she usually would be.

She noticed that Alexandra was immediately locked onto Yasha. That could only bring a smile to Cassiopeia. A lot of… subsequent depression that she only now has been lifting out of, it brought immeasurable joy to see Yasha happy. It was Kaine, Yasha, Lily, and the rest of her family that had kept her going despite what had happened and it was great to see someone who brought that kind of joy out of Yasha. In the meantime, she gave a small nod to Abigail. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Abigail. I hope you enjoy your time on Westralis with us. We're not too crazy." She gave a playful wink and a light chuckle.

With that in mind, Cassiopeia led the group into the living area – a beautiful room with soft music playing, several trays of food lined the wall, with extremely comfortable couches, chairs. An overlook of the beautiful ocean. “Welcome, welcome! Everyone, please make yourselves at home! Plenty of food available at the tables, you can request music to the bot! We’re still expecting some others, but dig in.”

She, however, brought a plate of goodies that she had cooked over, offering the group some of the dessert. She gave a big grin to the group, “We can start with desert, of course,” as she offered the group. Whether any took or not, she’d eventually put it down with a sigh.

[member="Abigail Meredydd"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] @Skorvek @Yasha Cadera

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Later… our guests, they… I have to give them a good time.” And there it was again, the shoulder-rocking duty of Yasha Ghada Nussyn Cadera, child of Panatha and Mandalore. “Cass…?”

Enough, Yaiya. People arrived.

“[member="Skorvek"]! We’ll have to fetch Adara, she’s been wallowing in self-pity to see her Ba’vodu Sloobieboo.” Yasha shook her head with a grin as she pictured the travails of a five (almost six) year old girl struggling to see her beloved ‘uncle’. The Infernatus guards wove tales of Erebos and their Master for the girl-child and her compatriots in the nursery, as protective as the Anubian before Yasha now.

The gift was gingerly gone over in her hand, and Yasha’s breath caught. “Sloobie… wow that’s beautiful. Thank you, vod.” Saluting and leaning over to hug the jackal-headed ‘brother’ her daughter ‘adopted’, it was nearly impossible for her to drive her eyes away. It occurred to Yasha after the fact, that she’d never hugged Skorvek before. That the wind never quite brushed against her as it did now.

“Hi Abby, I’ll have to get Bethy out of her studio. My daughter, Beth, I think she’d have fun with you around. Adara and the kids are inside. Cassie’s been baking all day I hope you’re starving… oh, we’re only Mando crazy.”

Until the wind rustled [member="Alexandra Feanor"]’s hair just so. As Skorvek went to see Adara, Yasha took Alex’s hand and let the pace slow. Truth be, she was near exhausted desperation to get off her feet, and have a day, just one, where her armour wasn’t weighting heavy on her shoulders, or cladding her feet in unfeeling metal. Heavy was the head, and the shoulders, and the spine of she who ruled the Mandalorians. Days outside armour were so few Yasha counted them on single digits. It was too dangerous, too risky.

It was too aruetise, where their paths were easy. The aruetiise’s path was light as cotton and chersilk. The Mando’ade path was as mass-ridden as beskar.

“My Aunt designed it. She's a Panathan Architect. I was useless as ever in these practical things. What do people need with houses, you know? I borrow a suite in the Sundari Palace, by my office. I have quarters on my ships, but Aunt Peggy and Papa were adamant. Panathan stubbornness and threats of children growing into teenagers. So, I let her build it. But I planned the garden. There’s space for my botanical studies, too! I can trial new hybrids in the fields closer to the sea… not that… well, not that I have time.” Yasha’s chin dipped down. She looked fondly on Alex’s head, nuzzling her shoulder against Alex’s as the other woman brushed against her.

“I’m glad you like it here. I… I want you to like it here… when you’re here.” Turning away from the others, Yasha took in the sight and smell of the sea, growing comfortably quiet.

“The ocean is still a mystery. It’s so colourless and pure. It’s… surreal. Wow. I’m babbling like a Mando Crazy. Right… let’s… Cassie and the Chefs have been cooking up a few hurricanes, we should go eat.” Yasha led Alex inside at a slow pace, feeling the ground with her toes at every step. Her fingers interlaced with Alex’s hands. She leaned down to kiss the other woman chastely, rubbing her feet on the door mat and stepping inside.

[member="Cassiopeia Australis"] came around with a tray, and Yasha went to sit on a two-person couch with a view of the sea.

“Oh gosh, Cass. You made like six dozen right? Those smell amazing.” Yasha took a healthy portion, as Cheffy scurried in a bipedal fashion, his lengthy reptilian tail flickering from side to side. The Hetikles Baatir unfurled a small table with great pomp, setting a cloche down upon it with a flourish. He chittered, sang a prayer to Kad Harang’ir and his Galactic Messenger Mand’alor the Infernal, then lifted the cloche to reveal another meal tailored to enrich the pregnant Epicanthix with every possible, conceivable and health extolling nutrient from Bastion to Sabarene. He bowed, a wash of seriousness at his most important task.

“Thank you Cheffy. I’ll eat every bite.” Yasha smiled at the six foot lizard, and gave him a nod. His skin flourished with bright white spots of joy, and he scurried back to the kitchen, after reorganizing the food dishes one more time.

There was nothing more important for a Hetikles Baatir, than plenty of amazing meals.

“Cheffy and the Doctors have me on a special diet… I think it’s more Cheffy than anyone, but it’s the ultimate dishonour not to eat a Hetikles Baatir’s offered food. Tuck in.”

Just as Yasha finished, the scurrying of a different kind of feet rushed in. Adara, her little brother Reyn, and Lily-Grace smelled food.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth sniffed the air. Even in her suite, relatively far away from everything, Beth could smell the cooking. She didn’t know to be impressed by Cassiopeia and the chef’s dedication to the party or a bit worried for them. It did smell absolutely heavenly, though. She couldn’t help but wonder what exactly the treats were… She did know she’d have to exercise for days to get rid of all the intake she was about to have, though.

Beth had not arrived at the living area yet – she was busy practicing her voice for her singing during the party. She was hopeful some of the others who requested her to do such might forget but, just in case, she was prepared. She took a sip of a glass of water she had sitting next to her before she exited her room and headed towards the party.

She wore a yellow dress with her hair braided back. Simple, for the most part. It would be the first-time meeting one of Yasha’s lovers, Alexandra, in person. She had heard of the woman and almost had some interactions with her during the Republic Remnant days. Either way, her daughter was also supposed to be there – an Abigail. That was probably going to be Beth’s target to hang out with.
She knew Yasha and Alexandra would be all over each other – as they should be. So, it would be the third wheeler’s to get together and have some fun.

With that in time, she entered the room with a small smile. Firstly, she introduced herself to Alexandra Feanor and said hello to her mother. “I’m Beth. It’s really great to meet you finally! Hey, buir,” she would say quickly with a wave to Alexandra but a quick peck on Yasha Cadera cheek. They seemed to be very intent with each other, so Beth gave a small smile and a little thumbs up to Yasha before she moved over to who must have been Abigail. Beth did not want to interfere with their time together - considering Alexandra's position, and Yasha's, it was probably hard for them to find time to be with each other.

“Hi! I’m Beth Australis-Cadera. How are you enjoying things?”

[member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Abigail Meredydd]

Abigail chuckled with Cassiopeia as the woman mentioned that they 'were not too crazy'. She liked this woman, she was pretty and extremely nice and welcoming! Abigail felt as if she was home: she felt safe, and everything was just pleasant.

"I'm looking forward to meeting her", Abigail then replied to Yasha with a smile before she silently followed the rest inside. She couldn't help but smile the entire time: seeing her mother so shy and messy and... just everything about Alexandra made her smile. She was happy for her mother, she was happy for Yasha, and she really hoped this would all work out. She knew for a fact that Alexandra absolutely deserved to live a less eventfull life with someone she loves and - from what she had heard and seen so far - so did Yasha. Both women had already done so much for others, Abigail was glad to see them taking some time for themselves.

Abigail sat down on a surprisingly comfortable couch as she admired the view. She momentarily glanced over to look at Yasha and Alex, as Abigail was perhaps a bit too excited about this, before she was approached by Cassiopeia. She took a few goodies off the plate Cass carried, and thanked her with a wide smile.

"These look delicious", Abigail added as she gave Cass another nod as she leaned back in the couch and continued to look around the room. Abigail was a curious woman, and she had always been.

Because of this, she immediatly noticed another girl enter the room, wearing a beautiful yellow dress. The woman went over to Yasha and Alex first to introduce herself, but then she walked over to her. Abby gave the woman, who she guessed to be the 'Beth' Yasha mentioned, a warm smile as the woman approached her.

"Hi Beth, it's really nice to meet you. I'm Abigail", she replied. "Oh, I'm already having fun, finally spending some time with you all, the view's awesome, the food is really good, and just seeing," she said before she slightly lowered her voice", our mothers be so lovely together. It think it's awesome."

After another quick glance in her mother's direction, she returned her attention towards Beth again.
"I really like your dress, by the way. It is beautiful and it really suits you!", she said, complementing the woman's clothing. She herself had come in a more simple outfit as she wore a simple blue top and a normal pair of pants. Even though she had made sure she looked somewhat pretty, as she didn't wait to make a bad impression, her clothes were nothing compared to Beth's dress.

[member="Beth Cadera"]

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra smiled as she looked idly to the side, seeing Abigail doing as she did while Yasha addressed Skorvek. It was something that Alex should not concern herself with considering it was with Yasha that Skorvek needed to talk to and had offered a gift to. For now Alexandra was focused on [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] and [member="Abigail Meredydd"], watching the two and smiling softly as she unconsciously shifted her fingers, holding onto Yasha's hand tighter for a second. Her body further pressed against the woman and she closed her eyes for a moment before returning her focus to the other two.

Alex could feel even now there was some tension in Yasha, even after the hug that she had given Skorvek and it caused Alexandra to speak softly as she leaned against the woman and walked with her. Alexandra's voice was soft, sweet even as she spoke, a change in tone that was rarely ever seen.

"You will have time Yasha. I have a feeling you will have many years to continue on and at some point down the line, I believe you will have your peace... And I would be more than happy to be here with you when that happened. You need not worry about if I like this place or not, I would sit with you in hell for eternity if it was necessary." Perhaps it was a bit sappy, but Yasha was stiff, and there was a tinge of something holding back the woman's voice and words.

"Plus... I like your stumbling over words and speaking 'mando crazy... It's entirely adorable cyare." She smiled, knowing how her words might affect the woman to her right.

It was then that she and Yasha made their way inside, leaving Alexandra to slink down into the seat next to Yasha and smile as she was quite visibly shorter in the torso than her legs, making for the size difference between Alexandra and Yasha a tad more apparent. Alex had always been long legged and this new body was very much similar in that trend.

Then came the food and Alexandra blinked as she now realized how hungry she felt, having not eaten for a few hours and her body already burning through her last meal just as quickly as usual. She couldn't help but glance to her side as she looked at Yasha and then took a rather large portion, trying not to make a show about how much food she had grabbed and carefully placing it where it was stable. She hoped Yasha wouldn't mention it and she hoped that no one else would notice too much as she sat there and ate from the portion she had taken,

The body she was in had a metabolism that was far higher than anything she had already been used to, making her hungry very quickly and she could not stand that feeling, getting memories of times when hunger was her life on a day by day basis.

Alex heard Yasha's words, feeling a bit more comfortable as it meant that Alex might be honoring the chef and his god this way.

It was then that Beth introduced herself, and then Abigail had started talking and Alex couldn't help but lean against Yasha and whisper in her ear, not even catching her words before they left her lips. Word vomit was the best word to describe what she said and she couldn't stop herself as she started speaking, only turning red once the words were out and somewhat regretting the words as it was a bit quick to the catch to be honest.

"The two look like they could be sisters if they keep acting that kind to eachother..." She would then blink and look away, realizing that she had just considered seeing Beth as close enough to be Abigail's sister, and of course what Yasha would be in such a situation.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth watched her mother, Cassiopeia, and the kids. They were one happy family, despite some of the horrors that plagued them secretly. Didn’t most families have such, though? Secrets, and worries, and stuff. It was probably more normal than Beth realized. Either way, the slightly tired young woman wanted to make friends with her new, extended family.

Particularly, she wanted to get to know Abigail – her kinda sister? Or would be? Or something. Something like that, at least.

She gave a big grin when Abigail noted she was having fun. Enjoying the food. But, her heart warmed as she mentioned how lovely their mothers were together. Beth gave a small nod, “It is, isn’t it? See the glow in their smiles? It’s love.” She couldn’t help but stare at the two beautiful woman, embraced. Her eyes, though, moved towards the other little ones and Cassiopeia for a moment. Maybe it was hard for her.

In either case, Beth smiled at Abigail’s compliment. “Oh, thank you! I… Well, it’s a bit embarrassing, but I love dresses. Aunt Peggy and Papa have promised me a shopping spree soon… I love your outfit, too!”

She meant that. Her outfit was beautiful, but also adventurous. It was a lovely combination. “So, what do you in your free time?” She asked, trying to spur conversation.

[member="Alexandra Feanor"] | [member="Abigail Meredydd"] | [member="Yasha Cadera"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Cassiopeia gave a small frown but with a slight nod. “We’ll talk, honey.” One more squeeze of her arm before they would go give the guests a good time. She gave a glance to Aunt Peggy, worried.

[member=Skorvek] also arrived, providing Yasha with a gift of sort. She watched the interaction while then listening as Yasha made a note about Beth. “I already am on it,” she gave a wink to Yasha. She had made sure Beth knew to come – although Cassiopeia did agree to let her be a little late. Cassiopeia had asked her to give a little performance, although she wasn’t sure if the young woman would want too.

Cassiopeia took a deep breath during the walk to the living area. Sometimes, it was just a bit hard to breath.

Once inside the room, she watched as the group made themselves comfortable. Cassi beamed, “Oh, I made plenty.” Cheffy brought out the food – particularly some for Yasha’s pregnant belly. She couldn’t help but chuckle at Cheffy’s dedication. Thank goodness someone knew all the health stuff, cause Cassi sure didn’t.

But then, the little ones came running in. Cassiopeia sat down the tray of goodies as the kiddos ran up towards them. Lily-Grace ran towards Cassiopeia, deviating a bit from the other group of kids. Cassiopeia gave a smile as she lifted her up. “This is my little Lily-Grace. Lily-Grace, this is Alexandra and Abigail.” She gave a smile as Lily-Grace quickly pushed her face into Cassiopeia’s shoulder, hiding her face in shyness. She used to not be this shy but… Life had been hard.

Cassiopeia smiled as she gave her a piece of chocolate and let her on her way, back to play with the other two little kids. Cassiopeia watched the three kids for a few moments, quiet and detached from the world, wondering what it would be like if… She shook her head, in some attempt to shake the idea out of her mind.

She walked over to where Yasha and Alexandra, with a soft smile. She hated to interrupt the two lovebirds, but she needed to make sure Yasha was okay before the day could go on. “Mind if I steal our olive-skinned Goddess for a moment, Alexandra?” She gave a playful grin to the two women. She knew Yasha said to wait but... Cassiopeia, in her few years of being a mother, had become more of a worry wart than she ever was before. This only grew, exponentially, over the past months.

[member="Alexandra Feanor"] | [member="Abigail Meredydd"] | [member="Yasha Cadera"]

 

[Skorvek]

The sudden hug from [member="Yasha Cadera"] caught him off guard before he returned the hug, While caught off guard by the sudden gesture from the Infernal of all people it made him a little happy to find out that she was able to express herself in such away. He chuckled a little at the mention of Adara wanting to see him before he spoke. "Then perhaps I should see her, with your permission of course." Even if he was Adaras uncle Yasha was still her mother and it was only the proper thing to do rather then just barging off to find the little one, He'd been meaning to spend more time with her that doesn't entail fighting hordes of enemies keeping her alive. He wondered if he could teach her a few things or if she was still too young for such things, For now though he greeted the other guests accordingly not wanting to be rude.

[member="Cassiopeia Australis"][member="Beth Cadera"][member="Alexandra Feanor"][member="Abigail Meredydd"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“Time is… cruel Ale’ika. Mutable and coiled like a viper in the sand.” If Time reacted in its’ normative fashion, the seven years of Yasha’s life last spent in the Nether would be missing and the young Infernal would have her peace… wouldn’t she? It struck Yasha once again, that should she have been denied those seven years, she would be Beth’s age, barely out of her verd’goten and still fumbling through adolescence in a broken Empire. At times, Yasha wished the Manda hadn’t been so judicious in its’ jubilee. Half-hearing what [member="Alexandra Feanor"] said about ‘adorable Mando crazy’, Yasha tugged her lover on. “I… I stuttered as a child.”

The air inside was warm, crisp with the scent of well prepared food. Alex took her portion, which caused Cheffy to click his tongue and scurry away to refill one of the bowls with even more. Was his head crest preening? The lizard must have been proud.

“Su cuy’gar, Beth’ika. I’m glad you’re still alive in there.” Yasha shared a smile for her adopted oldest, Kaine’s biological daughter. [member="Beth Cadera"] and [member="Abigail Meredydd"] seemed to hit off immediately, and that alone helped Yasha breathe deeper… at least until Alex mentioned how akin to sisters the girls already looked.

“Sis..” Yasha cleared her throat, hand clenching around Alex’s fingers for the briefest moment.

“Buir! Buir look!” [member="Adara Raxis"] and Reyn barrelled through the adults to their mother, the black eyed girl hoisting up a small holo-unit projecting what looked like a child’s three-dimensional scrawled ‘drawing’. Yasha leaned forward and kissed her children’s temples, smoothing their hair.

“It looks wonderful, my little rekrs. Why don’t you show Ba’vodu [member="Skorvek"], eh?” Adara’s eyes went wide, as she squealed and pounced at her ‘Sloobieboo’ to show him her work of communal art. Ram’ika was hot to follow, rushing after his sister with fearless abandon. No doubt he got that from his father.

“Sloobieboo!!! Ba’vodu Sloobieboo look! Lookit! We made a thing!”

“I guess they d-“ Before Yasha could finish her sentiment, [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] swooped. Lily-Grace was a bundle of shy nerves, the girl’s mother nerves of a different kind. Leaning over to give Alex a kiss, Yasha whispered in the shorter woman’s elfine ear. “How beautiful they’d look as sisters, eh, c’yare? I’ll be a minute.”

Up to her feet with a careful negotiation of the couch and her pregnant balance, Yasha turned and fled the room with her best friend. Pulling her sweater around her, Yasha cuddled into it. Her breath came easier after she and Cassie hit Yasha’s soundproof suite, where the Epicanthix sat upon her bed.

“Something wrong, Cass?”

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Cassiopeia gave a warm smile and a nod of greeting to [member="Skorvek"]. She had seen him give a gift to Yasha, but seemed pretty occupied with her, and then most likely Adara. Adara absolutely loved her Sloobieboo. Anybody could see the special bond they shared. A true protector, Skorvek was. Cassiopeia gave his shoulder a soft rub before she left towards the food stuff. They didn’t talk to each other much, but Cassiopeia cared as much about him as she did the others in the room.

While Adara ran over to Yasha and Alex, Cassiopeia began to assist Cheffy with organizing some of the food stuff on the tables. He had most of it carefully laid out, but he had moved some of her baked goodies around. In harder to reach places, like behind a bunch of the more healthier foods. That was not what she had planned – in fact, she wanted the day to be unbridled in bad food consumption.

Kark, that’s why she baked all darn morning. But, she ended up with her attention to the kids. Lily-Grace was building a little metal doll as Adara and Ram showed her art. She walked over and gave her little girl a chocolate chip cookie – simple, but delicious. She had her mother's smarts but her father's engineering, logical mind. Raiz... She inhaled sharply as she pushed it back down and locked it away. She watched her daughter mix and match pieces while munching on the snack. She could only hope she lived up to her duties as a mother. That Lily-Grace would grow up, happy.

But, in either case, Cassiopeia resigned herself. And, she then asked if Yasha would mind coming with her for a moment. Cassiopeia felt slightly bad pulling the two lovebirds apart but… She wanted to make sure she was okay.

She followed behind Yasha and into the soundproof suite. “Hope you don’t mind, and sorry for dragging you away but…” she would say as she sat down next to her on her bed. She carefully looked over at [member="Yasha Cadera"] once more as she took one of her hands in hers and gave it a caring squeeze before asking a simple but potentially loaded question.

“Are you okay?”

 

[Yasha Cadera]

The walk to her room felt like an inquisition from a kind benefactress. [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] took Yasha on, as only a best friend could. Holding her belly, Yasha stroked across her dress. Smoothed yellow fabric.

“I’m fine, I’m...” Yasha’s lips and chin wobbled. Her cheek drifted to Cassie’s shoulder. A mouth painted black worked without sound. She stuttered and pushed her nose into Cassiopeia’s dress. Hold fast. Hold on fast.

“Cass... I remember.”

It was all she got out before Yasha leaned to her nightstand and opened up a secret compartment with a biometric scan of her finger. She held out a piece of flimsi. Upon it was the world.

Yasha cuddled into Cassiopeia’s side, and handed the flimsi over. It would be some time before Cassiopeia and Yasha reappeared.