Smoke and Mirrors [Adiara]

[Coci Heavenshield]

Adiara Drelas​

( [member="Snowflake"] )​

​

Late evening​

​

Nar Shaddaa​

​

A sllight smile curled her lips before Aerin stifled a giggle. It is time to leave the Romping Rugger and never to return, in fact all Aerin had on her mind was the journey home to Midvinter. For the most part, she finds the wider galaxy barbaric, uncivilised, for all their technology and advances. There is more to a civilised culture then this. Removing her feet from the bucket of ice and not allowing them to touch the floor, she dried them as best she could before putting her boots back on.

She stood, stretched and gathered her weapons placing them around her body once more, eyeing the room to put off anyone that might object. A quick nod of her head was enough to bid the rest of the patrons a good night and she followed Adiara out to the back alley. She was pleased for one thing, no more air conditioning to prickle her skin, yet the sight before her eyes mirrored the bar of the Rugger. At least she was out side.

There is a slight tang in the air, which wrinkled her nose as the smell of dispair and decay pitted the atmosphere of the alley. She watched the curling tendril of smoke rose up snaking within the thick pollutied air as Adiara exhaled adding to the mix. It had been raining it appeared, the alley capturing small pools of water now discoloured with the grim of the streets and people going about their business, whatever that was.

As the door closed behind her, the offensive noise of the hand lowered to a dull thud, and was replaced by the hum of life on this planet. "I am pleased to be out of there .. I think", yes it was cooler, that was something to be grateful for, but what now awaited them, force knows.

 

[Lief]

The sound of the door whooshing open drew the man from his thoughts. A delicate smile wormed its way upon his lips, knowing almost immediately who it was that had followed him from the bar. "I'd offer you some gabaki, Ærin, but you don't seem like the smoking type." Neither had he been before the wars, and compared to most other forms of smoke gabaki was really quite harmless. It simply eased up the muscles and worked away all of the stress and strain of the day. No doubt any inhaled smoke would have a similar soothing effect, even if it happened to be second hand.

He peered back at her, glancing her up and down to get a good measure of her now that they were on an even footing. "I still don't understand what you're doing on a smoggy planet such as this. It won't preserve your beauty, after all." He offered a simple shrug, before turning back to the railing her had been leaning upon. The view was spectacular, even if it was wholly urban, a colorful skyline of some of Shaddaa's greatest - or at least tallest - structures. Secretly he was grateful for the company, especially given the sudden lack of alcohol and the crisp air which would likely set her mind straight had it been swimming under the Rum's influence. "Stay a while, if you like."

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", she spoke with a breathy voice exhaling a sigh at the same time, she smiled as she looked around the streetscape. Aerin joined Adiara on the railing, she placed her back to it while watching him smoking. "Thanks for the offer, you are right I don't smoke and have no care if others do, we all have our vices, it one could call them that".

"Wonderlust", she said with a grin. "Lets just say it is part of my people to travel", Although Valkyri do so only on Midvinter, Aerin however has the ability to widen that sense of adventure and exploration. But the reality was that she had found herself without purpose, she needs a purpose and now she is lost without direction. However the trip to Nar Shaddaa was born out of curiosity, coupled with her innate sense of exploring is the need to grow with knowledge, a learning of what the galaxy is capable of, and to keep her finger on the pulse in order to have a better understanding of it machinations to protect Midvinter for it all. It is always about Midvinter.

She turned in her place to face Adiara, it was her turn to look him over and she did not hide it, never does. "I am looking for a purpose to life", she said simply stating a fact and there is no sorrow to the words. "I see much in your face Adiara", her eyes lingered over his features. "There is experiences written on your skin, telling of a tale of a life lived thus far, but I cannot decipher the meaning. They add to your .. beauty".

"I shall stay a while".

[member="Snowflake"]

 

[Lief]

While the girl was right, if anyone failed to see her natural beauty then they must have been blind. Of course he kept such comments to himself and shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not a very poetic man" he confessed, taking a short drag from the gabaki stick before sighing - another billow of smoke marking the occasion. He leaned down, his forearms resting against the railing and his head relatively low; the posture was likely dreadful, but it was late and his head always swam after exiting a stuffy joint like the Rugger. Flicking away some of the ashes onto the cityscape below, Adiara raised a brow as she spoke of what she saw in him.

"And how is life in the vastness of space treating you?" he inquired; personally he loved the void, it was one reason he had taken to smuggling - it got him away from the petty squabbles of planet-goers. He made no comment concerning what she had said of his appearance, letting her believe what she wished. The less she knew was likely the better. "If it's adventure you're after, Sweetheart, you're welcome to join me when I leave in a day or so." Of course he didn't expect her to take him up on the offer, though company would have been appreciated. The latest run wouldn't be too dangerous, he had done it countless times now, so much so that the customs officers barely even bat an eyelid at the sight of his rundown ship.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

"I have no understand of the vastness of space", she began. "I have traveled to other systems for one reason or another. But the wider galaxy I have yet to see and what I have seen of it thus far I am not sure I wish to". Partly true, but her curiosity always wins the day and Aerin grows restless. She turned to mirror Adiara position but did not lean as he, but rather placed both hands on the railing and leaned back, almost at play.

"There is too much hatred .. I sense it in beings all the time, see it in their actions and for purposes I don't understand", maybe it is her innocence as Valkyri that shows now, or simply her nobility, a nobility not steeped in manipulation and cunning but one of a higher attitude, that of honour, courage and valour. Those are the virtues by which she was raised and the virtues in which she will die.

Aerin smiled at his offer, "I am to take up an offer of a man that is a stranger to me and go on his ship?", she smiled more, as she is intrigued with the idea as her head turned to regard him once more, fast becoming intrigued by Adiara as well. "Alright, I shall", she suddenly replied and then, "Lambkin".

 

[Lief]

Not quite as jaded and innocent as he might have thought, the purity of her mind was still noticeable. And refreshing. From the sounds of it she disliked the wider Galaxy just as much as he did. "The Galaxy is full of many wonders, you just have to leave the safety of guarded worlds in order to see them." A very subtle frown graced his expression.

"Worry not about the nature of mankind, my dear, or else you'll drive yourself mad. And I quite like how sane you seem to be in comparison to the majority." A half smile replaced the frown, was he serious? Perhaps, but he wouldn't give her the pleasure of knowing that for sure.

"I must admit, she's not the greatest of ships in existence, you won't be travelling in style or luxury, but she's all I've got." Yet another shrug, almost as if he was trying to mask his true reaction to hearing that she was joining him. "Lambkin?" he inquired, one slender eyebrow raising in curiosity. He wasn't used to having the pet/nicknames turned on himself.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

"There is always hope for mankind, as long as there are those that are good in the galaxy, I would not abandon mankind so easy by throwing hope away. To understand the nature of mankind is to form an understanding of ourselves. I believe you have seen it, the good and bad in individuals, such tenderness comes from one hand only to be issued a cruel blow by the other hand". Aerin let out a long breath, Adiara is right of course, the folly of spending ones thoughts on this topic would last a life time and as the evening would fall on life setting it to darkness eternal, you would none the wiser for it.

"Oh sanity is subjective, is it not? But I do believe I am 'level headed'. and as for luxuries .. well .. that is for the decadent, of which I am not". She grinned at the thought of her Midvinter, countless nights spent in the bitter cold with only Álk fur to protect her body. Even Valkyri feel cold, need the warmth of fire or heat, they just withstand it better.

Her head turned at Adiara's questioning of the pet name, the corners of her mouth pressing together to stifle a smile but failed and a small laugh fell from her lips. She did not answer him, let him stew in his thoughts but rather...

"So where are you taking me on this trip?".

 

[Lief]

"As I say" he began, with a soft smile - for she was quite the philosopher, it seemed - "I am not very poetic... Or prosing." Offering a slight shrug he turned toward her "But you seem to have a better grasp on the inner workings of the Galaxy, so I will trust your judgement of mankind." Then he did something unexpected, he stuck out his tongue playfully before swiftly reclaiming his posture and beginning to wander toward the other end of the pier.

He took note of her reluctance to explain the sentiment of Lambkin, and figured it was all the better to torment him with. Perhaps he had it coming, after all he had a fine love for pet names. They had just never been used on Adiara, was all. "Wherever the spacelanes take us" he offered, snubbing out the lit end of his gabaki stick, "and possibly even off the beaten track. Is there anywhere specific you wish to go, Sweetheart?"

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

Aerin stood musing as her eyes took him in. Adiara 'confesses', to be a man of little word or possessing a philosophical bent, but something told her, that was not the truth of it. Maybe time would reveal a side to him that did actually care about mankind or if not mankind those around him he does care for. A sense of bitterness clouds him, and this cloud Aerin is not strong enough to break through, at least not yet. Besides she would not do so without 'invitation'.

"Trusting in my judgement, would see your downfall, I don't wish to be the author of that", she jested. However, her eyes blinked and widened as he stuck out his tongue at her, so unexpected. So he possess a playful nature under that gruff exterior. And as he passed her to stroll down the pier, she turned and watched him walk away. Feeling more comfortable in his company, her own playful nature surfaced as her head tilted and her eyes fell down his body taking note of his gait.

"I will trust your judgement of destiny", to answer his question of travel. As she moved to stroll beside him full of cheek and grinning, "Nice .. wiggle".

 

[Lief]

Adiara laughed as he peered back over the skyline, the occasional air speeder zipping past to some unknown destination. It was humbling to realise that each and every individual out there was sat within their own thoughts, too, believing themselves the center of the universe as most sentient beings did... Even if they didn't realise they were doing it.

"Ah, destiny is but a fickle thing..." Did he even really believe in destiny? Probably not. He had carved his own path through life, and did not appreciate the thought of his hardships having been orchestrated by something or someone. Casting his gaze back at her he raised a brow. "What are you watching my... wiggle... for, anyway?" he inquired, with another grin to boot. Oh she would be fun company if nothing else.

"So tell me more of your homeland, My Dear, perhaps I will find us a world that is quite its opposite to see how you like the contrast."

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

Her grin widened into a smile. "The view", she said, "And it is the most interesting sight I have seen thus far since my visit". Her eyes flicked to the side to regard him.

"A stark difference to this place, is my homeland. Most of the seasons it is encased in snow and ice, high mountain ranger the likes I have not seen anywhere else and crisp is the air filled with the aromas of the pines" She was starting to become homesick with the thought of it. "It is dangerous, to those that do not heed it's warnings, as the conditions can change in the blink of an eye. The people are hardy and well adapted to it, but for those that are not, it is cold". Understatement of the century.

"I have heard of these things called deserts, I have yet to see one. But by all accounts they are similar in many ways, just different". She looked around the street, to the lights above and beyond to nothing. No starlight filters through the bleeding light of the neon. Sooner they leave, the better.

 

[Lief]

"Hmph", he did not entirely know how to take that. Did she prefer the sight of his behind to his face? What a strange girl indeed! Yet he grinned all the same, and shook his head. "Not half bad yourself, Sweetheart," he remarked as he peered back to her. Of course he kept his gaze upon her face, he wasn't rude after all. He may have been a coward, but he wasn't such a terrible man. "Ah, worlds of ice and snow... Not the kindest of environments to be stranded upon."

Turning to face her, rather than the remarkable view, Adiara tilted his head to the left in contemplation. "Though you're not far wrong with regards to the desert. It's yet another wasteland where barely anything can grow or survive without being exceedingly hardy. Perhaps I will drop you off on Tattooine for a few days, although the natives tend to be hostile." He didn't wish the girl any ill. "Or Cadinth, considerably nicer. Then again, a world with an abundance of life - specifically of the non-sapient kind - might amuse you too." He honestly didn't mind where they went so long as he inspired at least a little awe in the girl. He didn't want her rushing back to Midvinter with a terrible view of the Galaxy, even if he did despise it for the most part!

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Snowflake"]

The walk continued, and Aerin followed uncertain of their current destination. But that did not matter, it was intriguing her to witness the machination of this place unfolding before her. Such dirt and grim lay upon the surfaces of the buildings, giving them a dull hue, and she wondered what their original colour would have been. There seemed to the same for the people here, a heavy sense of burden and corruption settled upon them and discolouring their lives. It is city like that of many in the galaxy and with that comes the toxic nature of beings, she wondered if there was any sense of good here, there had to be? Not everyone can make the choice of their birth, or circumstances which lead them to a place like this. She will not judge them, it would not be her place to do so.

"Why thank you Sir", she smile at his compliment. "Your face is a nice as ... the view. Quite handsome in fact", she added. "Now where are taking me on this pleasant stroll?". She wondered if not to another bar, or such like. "The desert seems like a beautiful place, desolation is not void of life, within it the dwellers that no one deems important. Yet they are there for a purpose .. just as we are. I look forward to see it all".

 

[Lief]

Continuing his venture just ahead of her Adiara turned a corner and waited for her to catch up before speaking again, drawing no attention to the view or their destination quite yet. "Well you have quite the talent, my Dear... I for one could not find comparison between a face and a behind. You have vision..." He grinned an easy smile, before shaking his head to her question. "All in due time, let go of the reins, Sweetheart, and simply enjoy the ride. Sometimes it is not the destination that we should be cherishing, but the path we take to get there." Adiara did, after all, much prefer space to planets, and being up there was merely a place between places was it not?

"Ah but you see, the likes of Tatooine are naturally devoid of all life save the most resilient of plants, which cling to the shady underside of rocks in hope of catching even the slightest bit of moisture. Did you know they have to farm moisture on worlds such as it, just in order to have water? Now don't get me wrong, I see beauty in that - I find it remarkable that they managed to engineer the concept and make it so that sapient life was viable - but you have to wonder if it is worth the effort. That world would be devoid of life if people did not insist on playing God."

He shrugged, being in no mood for a serious debate at this point. Instead he flourished his hand in order to attain her attention. "Et voila, madame." Before them stretched... Nothing. The air was still, and far more breathable than where they had previously been. The skyline held no cityscape, there were no glaring lights. In fact, one could even see stars in the sky which spoke of a lack of light pollution. In and of itself it was quite beautiful. "Every world has its redeeming qualities, my dear; behold Nar Shaddaa's diamond in the rough." He watched for any signs of her reaction with anticipation.

[member="Ærin Firebrand"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Adiara Drelas"]

"I thought you said that you are not a poetic man, yet you can draw comparisons on all levels", she laughed. "Sometimes the ride can buck you off, especially if untamed". Her grin more knowledgeable than he would know considering her clan's fame.

She listened intently as he spoke of a place she had heard of but yet to visit, the idea of little moisture almost unthinkable. "Than I shall go into an export business, I know a place filled with the stuff", she jested.

He stopped suddenly, and drew her attention to yet another view. At first she saw nothing, which was his intention, no buildings blocking the line of sight, no light to cloud the vision, but a starscape as vast as any see. The blackness was indeed amazing but the stars never fail to entice the mind and set it to wonder. And yet the she began to study the stars. You can take the girl out of Midvinter, but you cannot take Midvinter out of the girl. Her mind began to ascertain north, studying the pull of the planet, through the force, and in quick time her head turned to the north.

"Beautiful", she softly said. "There is more than one diamond in the rough to be found here", she turned to him with a gentle smile.

 

[Lief]

"Sometimes it can" he remarked, of the ride. For had that not happened to him during his early life when he had a not-so-promising career as a Jedi? Ah well, he was not bitter for that loss, the Jedi did stupid things each day, he was grateful to have dodged that bullet! "Water is highly sort after on some worlds" he agreed, with a soft shrug, "but you would need a lot of it to sate the populace. I honestly do not see why people would stay on such a dry world, sounds perfectly horrid if you ask me."

Another shrug of his shoulders.

He watched as the view-that-wasn't-much-of-a-view entered her sight, gauging her response. And he was quite pleased with the outcome. He saw her studious mind working out the stars and could not help but chuckle, no doubt she was getting it wrong, for north in one system was not the same in another. Still, let her have her fun.

"I'm glad you approve" he said gently, before settling down against the ground. Little tufts of grass broke through the surface, a rarity upon this world, and they cushioned the behind [member="Ærin Firebrand"] seemed to enjoy so much. "I figured you could do with a breath of fresh air."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Adiara Drelas"]

But there is more than one way to ascertain north, on any planet. Aerin, the master of environment and altering it can sense the magnetic pull of this place and the planet's axis, the stars work well but coupling her abilities through the force, she never fails. "A place without water is unthinkable, a place with too much of it, is Divine". she said smiling and sat on the ground near Adiara.

The fresh air is doing her good and she nodded her appreciation with a growing smile. However, what she enjoyed more was the grass, on Midvinter one does not always get to see it, let along feel it and the grass is different here. Aerin reached out and allowed the softness of the blades of grass pass under her palm. It tickled but felt nice to the touch.

She sat upright and pulled her body into a straight position, closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath of the clean air, well as clean as it could be. Away from the city the air is cooler too, which she enjoyed, equally as the company.

"Why are you here? I mean, in this place? I understand that you have 'business' but why here?".

 

[Lief]

"Ah" he began, in a considerably thoughtful manner, "so you would like the oceanic worlds, then, I presume?" That was something to note, Adiara himself was rather fond of the peacefulness of such worlds. Or perhaps it was the lack of any real population, as most of them - Pelagon for example - had very isolated areas which held people and the rest was... Empty. Just how he preferred it. Ironic considering he visited Nar Shaddaa at least once every GS-Year.

And it seemed as though [member="Ærin Firebrand"] had figured he didn't like this sort of world either because her next question suggested as much. "I am here because it is where many in my line of business choose to discuss transactions. Nar Shaddaa is a world of very little policing, we can thank the Hutts for that. Not so great for day to day living, but perfect for more discreet discussions." He shrugged, he might have told her his profession but he doubted it even mattered all that much to her. Besides, how exposed could she have been to the likes of Smuggling on a world like Midvinter? It was isolated from the generic trade routes, meaning that any smuggling would be very very small time and low key. Perhaps that would be a perfect break in the market... Though the Valkyri were known for being dreadfully self sufficient.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Adiara Drelas"]

"I guess it depends on your definition of 'policing', I mean the Hutts are a force unto themselves are they not? Over step your mark with them and well, they will teach otherwise", Aerin knows much more of the galaxy than she lets on, after all she has been traveling the wider galaxy for some time and has seen much. Although there is still a lot she has not.

"But all places have their, manner of authority which can be good or bad, depending on ones point of view", she smiled. Everything is subjective when one is a sentient being, it is what makes the galaxy a wonder at times. Such diversity in cultures and people to set the mind forever thinking. She had learned the need for credits as well, although Midvinter operates on trade, it was a quick lesson learned oh so many years ago now. She has her own means to provide for comforts off world. The mountains of Midvinter stock heavy with gems and crystals the galaxy seem to love and she knows where to find them.

Her head turned toward the night sky once more, sitting on the grass looking into the open canopy of the stars above, twinkling and fading in and out. The pull of the Valkyri beginning to call and her soul wanting to travel and explore. In the background she could hear the noise of the city still alive and moving with life and death, a constant in this place and she began long for silence and the call of the wild.