Private Steps in the Crowd

[Zesiro]

The midday sun hung low above the bustling market district, its light tempered by awnings and holographic signs that flickered in the gentle breeze. Zesiro moved through the crowd with quiet poise, her boots pacing over cobbled stone as she scanned the stalls—exotic fruits, shimmering fabrics, curious trinkets from the Outer Rim. The scent of warm spice and roasted nuts blended into an atmosphere that felt both lively and fragile.

She paused at a stall displaying delicate glass orbs, their inner swirls reflecting passers‑by like shifting constellations. Her fingers hovered over the glass, not quite touching, as a subtle ripple of awareness passed through her. Another presence entered her periphery—sharp, composed, and unmistakably intentional.

She turned, ever so slightly, and saw her: Vexia Tahl. The name had reached her through hushed channels—a woman of influence and elegance, comfortable in places where observation and power wore the same face.

Zesiro's expression remained still. Whatever her purpose here, she let the silence linger. The crowd moved around them, a river of sound and motion, while she held her ground.

She inclined her head politely and lifted one hand in a subtle greeting.

"Vexia Tahl," she said, voice quiet, smooth, and even. "I did not expect to see you among these stalls." Her gaze flicked to the items around them, the market's bright energy providing cover. "And yet, the best meetings happen in unexpected places."

There was space between them—enough for choice, for secrets, for interaction—but also a sense that something had already drawn them together. Zesiro waited, letting the market's noise fade into a backdrop, and watched to see how the other would respond.

Vexia Tahl

 

[Vexia Tahl]

Objective: Rescue? Mostly make contact
Location: Marketplace, Independent System, Galactic Empire Border territories
Outfit: Colorful Dress
Tags: Zesiro

Zesiro, the High Lady or Kesh, aide to the former President of Commenor. From everything that Vexia had read Zesiro was a fascinating woman. And now she was forced to flee her home yet again. When word came to Vexia that one of her agents had spotted Lady Zesiro, the Zeltron philanthropist and thrill seeker made her way to the locale that had been relayed.

Though this market was certainly busy, and definitely was not run down, Vexia did not make it a practice to be hands on with many of the refugee efforts of Tahl's Haven Network. Even with the Galactic Empire getting close enough to threaten the homeworld of her people Vexia found logistics boring and would much rather find and adventure, a party or something of that like. She signed the checks to make sure as many people as possible could be moved out of harm's way. But to be boots on the ground was not something that she did.

"Boots on the ground", was also a bit misleading. She was looking to make a single contact. One that may or may not know she would be in the area. But Vexia wasn't one to hide her presence. She wasn't wearing some uniform efficient for work. She wasn't nose to the grindstone. She was in a pretty, colorful dress just like she would have been for one of her many holonet appearances. Her eyes were moving about the marketplace searching for something that would catch her attention.

Whether Zesiro was looking for contact or, the fact that Vexia was hard to miss in a crowd, the High Lady of Kesh was the first to reach out. Vexia heard her name softly in the air and turned her head to see the blonde woman. Vexia closed the distance between them with a graceful glide, her eyes were on the wares that were around Zesiro. "Far from a lucky coincidence High Lady Zesiro," Vexia purred in a low volume whisper. "I suppose you go by a less grand title now. But I was informed that you may be here. And I could use more hands in getting people out of the iron grip of the Galactic Empire. I figured it would be a task you may be willing to discuss over a nice meal and a bottle of wine." Vexia's intentions might be good, her heart in the right place. But she never did anything halfway. No expenses were spared in food, drink or clothes.

 

[Zesiro]

Zesiro studied her with an amused glint in her pale blue eyes, one eyebrow arching slightly as she allowed the greeting to hang between them. Her hands rested lightly on a nearby stall, brushing against vibrant fabrics, as if grounding herself before speaking. "Vexia," she said, her voice smooth, carrying that practiced calm of a diplomat and the thrill-seeker's charm alike. "You certainly know how to make an entrance… and an offer."

She let a small, dry laugh escape, almost a whisper over the hum of the marketplace. "Wine, you say… and a meal, too? That sounds dangerously civilized for someone like me, but I'll admit it… temptation suits you."

Zesiro stepped closer, her movements precise yet effortless, closing the space with an elegance that mirrored Vexia's own. "I must confess, I've been wondering who would have the gall—or the sense—to reach me here." She glanced around subtly, noting the flow of the crowd, her expression sharpening for just a fraction of a second. "And if you've brought me into your little endeavor, I should know exactly what I'm getting into. No illusions, Vexia."

Her gaze softened slightly, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "Lead the way then… and try not to let the wine get the better of you."

Vexia Tahl