Junction Sun & Starlight: Evening Gala

[Judah Dashiell]

"So the student is teaching the master? Plus a master willing to learn? This sounds like a rarity."

Judah was partially teasing her. He was also thinking of Balun and how he couldn't picture his son trying to learn from his student. If he was being honest with himself he suspected that his son teaching anyone was a disaster. Apparently the Jedi thought otherwise.

"I can grill, yes. Don't act surprised. I'm more surprised you can - don't picture the Jedi temples of old, or even current, a welcoming place to smoke some meats or light some charcoal."

An amusing thought to him really but most likely not for her. He was picturing brown-clad Jedi debating the best wood to use to roast some nuna legs. Given he was certain they had cafeteria services, a even more hilarious thought. One he would keep to himself, he wasn't sure if Iandre Athlea was as sensitive about her Jedi status as Balun Dashiell .

"I would invite you over to showcase my skills but I find that incredibly forward of myself. A bit of roguish behavior. However." Judah drew out the word, partially because he was unsure of himself. "We could go out for dinner. I'm sure there is somewhere to your liking that grills."

A small pause.

"I'd like to consider it a date, not business related."

 

[Iandre Athlea]

For a second, everything else just faded away.

Iandre looked at Judah, honestly caught off guard. It wasn't the dinner invite. It was how plainly he'd said it. He could've dressed it up as a meeting or just a casual meal, but he didn't. He just said what he meant. And there was something in that she really respected.

Her first reaction was the old one. To pause. To wonder if she was really ready. To ask herself if opening up again was smart after everything.

But then, just like that, the feeling passed.

She'd spent months learning you don't conquer grief, you just learn to carry it. She'd walked away from the life she thought would never end, made peace with not knowing who she was turning into. Somewhere along the line, she swore she wouldn't let fear control her. She knew where that led.

A warm smile spread across her face as she held his gaze, something easing deep in her chest. "I think..." She laughed softly, almost at herself, before finishing the thought. "...I'd like that." The words came out sure, and she let them sit for a moment before adding, "A date." The phrase felt strange on her tongue, pulling another quiet laugh from her. "It's been ages since anyone's asked me on one."

"Judah," she said, a faint smile tipping the corner of her lips a little higher. "I'd love to have dinner with you."

For the first time in longer than she could remember, thinking about what came next didn't feel frightening: it felt like hope.

Judah Dashiell

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace | Cross Guard Broadsaber

His eyes softened after she spoke.

Return the favor?

He thought about that phrase for a moment before he slowly shook his head with a soft smile.

“You certainly have not been neglectful. Not all gifts are intentionally given.”

He gently moved her in a circle deftly moving his steps with hers, maintaining a lead that kept the pace of the music before them.

“If you were neglectful, well, I doubt we would be here right now.”

A small smile lifted his lips as he looked at her.

“You give yourself too little credit.”

His thumb gently brushed over her finger, a small way to ease her into the moment, the smoke silhouettes maintaining their own dance with the rhythm of the music.

“But, I will not say no to a surprise from you. I think you should know though, you have given me far more than most people. And I know it's genuine because you don't even know that you do it at times.”

Another slow side step as he maintained their own space on the floor.

“An ear to listen, a hand to help me up when I fall and a voice for advice. Many times I had fallen or strayed away and you helped correct me.”

His smile softened along with his voice.

“If you were neglectful, I doubt I would be who I am now. I doubt I would be here and I doubt I would have the same intentions with most things thrown my way.”

His eyes found hers as he stared deeply.

“Ki Hadzuska W'ana”

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

The lantern light danced across the smoke as Seren listened to him, the golden silhouettes continuing their graceful circuit around them while the crimson ones matched every measured step. The illusion was beautiful, but it was no longer what held her attention. That honor belonged entirely to the man standing before her.

She held his gaze as he spoke of gifts never intended, of conversations and quiet moments that had somehow become anchors during the loneliest chapters of his life. Every word seemed to peel back another layer of the man she had first met beneath winter lanterns and snowy skies. She had spent so long believing that the meaningful things people gave one another had to be tangible, carefully chosen, deliberately offered. Yet here he was, thanking her for simply being present.

A quiet breath escaped her.

"I think..." she began softly, her smile touched by both warmth and humility, "...perhaps that is why I never recognized them as gifts."

Her fingers remained comfortably intertwined with his as they continued to move together, neither rushing the dance nor the conversation. "None of those things ever felt extraordinary to me. Listening to you. Helping you when you needed someone beside you. Offering advice when you asked for it." She shook her head almost imperceptibly. "I never weighed those moments. I never kept score. I did them because they were for you."

Her amber eyes never left his.

"And perhaps that is what makes a gift what it is." A faint smile found its way back to her lips. "Not something wrapped or planned months in advance, but something freely given because caring about someone simply makes it feel natural."

The music carried them through another slow turn, the smoke dancers flowing around them like memories brought to life. Seren watched the golden silhouettes for only a moment before returning her attention to him.

"Ki Hadzuska W'ana," she repeated quietly, the words carrying a tenderness that matched his own. "If I have helped shape the man you've become... then you should know the same is true of me."

Her smile deepened.

"The woman standing here isn't the same one who stepped onto that sleigh or accepted that first dance." She gave his hand the gentlest squeeze. "She exists because, little by little, you changed her as well."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Kat Decoria]

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Outfit: Dress Shirt and Slacks
Tag: Vaux Gred | Sylor

Kat took a good sip of her drink, she was glad to not see the familiar face of Allyson Locke around, Kat doubted that she would have been quite as comfortable seeing her ex so happy and in love with her wife as Kat liked to portray herself being. It was bad enough that she was drinking Corellian Whisky, a beverage that Allyson got Kat into drinking. It was something that she couldn't help but picture Allyson drinking at times. It was also tough not remembering the times they had shared drinking the very good vintages that Allyson was determined only a true enthusiast of the whisky would allow to touch their lips.

Lost in her thoughts, Kat was caught a little off guard when someone actually approached her. Kat determined to collect her swiftly offered a friendly smile to the other woman. The other woman was clearly a Mandalorian, carried herself with the obvious disposition of someone far too uncomfortable without some sort of armour adorned to her. It was amusing of obvious the Mandalorians could be when out of their armour. Open books was the phrase that always came to mind. There was another Mandalorian that Vaux had been talking to, and Kat gave a friendly wave to him as well. Open invitation if he wished to join the conversation.

"I can tell that you are probably a woman who prefers talking battle tactics and some sort simulation, can't tell if it would be war simulations, combat simulations or flight simulations." Kat chuckled lightly, a little soothing of the awkwardness that was coming from Vaux. "The gala is fine, not my typical place to be. I live a far more inelegant lifestyle." Kat mentioned with a smirk on her lips, "but free drinks and a chance to admire some beautiful ladies, such as yourself, hard to refuse an opportunity like this." Another soft chuckle, as Kat gestured to a server that she needed a refill.

Looking over to Vaux, "what is your poison?"

 

[Aselia Verd]

Aselia glanced sideways at Adelle before the corner of her mouth lifted into a quiet smile. "I know," she admitted. "I'm still not convinced anyone needs this much marble and expensive fabric in one place." Her gaze wandered across the terrace, taking in the polished stone, the carefully arranged lights, and the guests drifting between conversations with glasses in hand. It was beautiful in its own way, she could admit that much, but it still felt like a world she visited rather than one she belonged to.

Her eyes returned to Adelle, lingering just long enough to appreciate the way she looked that evening. There was something about seeing her outside armor and duty that still managed to catch Aselia's attention every time. "But," she gave Adelle's hand a gentle squeeze as they continued walking side by side, "if this is what it takes to see that smile, I suppose I can tolerate the occasional gala." A soft laugh escaped her. "Just don't expect me to start enjoying speeches. Give me five minutes, and I'll start looking for the nearest exit."

She nodded toward the music drifting across the terrace, couples already beginning to make their way toward the dance floor. "Dancing, though..." Her smile warmed a fraction. "That won't require any convincing. It's been too long since we last danced." For a moment, she simply enjoyed the feeling of Adelle's hand in hers as they moved through the crowd, finding herself far more interested in the woman beside her than the celebration unfolding around them.

TAG: Adelle Bastiel
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[Caelan Mataan]

Caelan laughed quietly, raising his glass in surrender. "I had considered denying it," he admitted. "But I don't think I'd be very convincing." The smile lingered easily on his face. "For what it's worth, I did make it almost all the way through the front doors before deciding to introduce myself. I'd call that remarkable restraint."

He listened as she spoke about Echani culture, his attention never wandering, and found himself glancing briefly toward the flowing lines of her dress as she described its purpose. It was an elegant thought that clothing could be made not simply to look beautiful but to become part of the conversation between two people in motion. "I've always admired that philosophy," he said. "Most people think of dance and combat as opposites. The Echani seem to understand they're both conversations. One just tends to have a better soundtrack."

The corner of his mouth curved upward when she challenged him. "So I've already been given a test before I've even reached the dance floor." A soft chuckle followed. "I should warn you, I'm competitive enough to accept that challenge." His blue eyes drifted briefly toward the orchestra as another piece began before returning to her. "I won't promise perfection. I can promise I'll try not to embarrass either of us."

The mention of being a Jedi didn't change his expression beyond a small nod of understanding. "Well, that explains why you carry yourself the way you do." There was no hesitation, no awkwardness that often followed the title. "I think it's a worthwhile goal." He gestured lightly around the ballroom with the hand holding his drink. "It's easy for people to forget that those who spend their lives protecting others are still people themselves. They laugh, they dance, they take vacations." A small smile returned. "At least, I hope they do."

He regarded her for a moment before his gaze shifted toward the dance floor, where several couples had already begun moving with the music. "I'd hate to keep the orchestra waiting any longer." He offered his now-empty glass toward a passing server before turning back to her, extending his free hand with easy confidence. "So..." His smile warmed just a fraction. "Would you do me the honor of proving whether I can actually keep up?"

TAG: Lily Decoria
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[Vaux Gred]

Sylor Kat Decoria

“Name’s Vaux.” She’d tell her fellow Mandalorian as she looked back around. It was… weird that he said he was out of his element. He seemed more comfortable than she was. Still.

Vaux had walked over to the Echani, and when she waved over Sylor Vaux would look back. “Don’t see the harm in it.” She said before looking back, hearing the observations laid before her. She chuckled a little before speaking up. “Am I really that obvious…. I guess I did wear a pauldron to this. Pilot and combat if you really have to know.”

It was a little more comfortable for sure. Maybe someone knowing what she was wasn’t a bad thing. And then Kat noted she tended to live a less elegant life, which. Aux could understand in a heartbeat. She was a pilot in a space fairing clan after all. Elegant didn’t usually describe that kind of life. Being called beautiful was a new one though.

“Oh! Well thank you.” She started, looking around. “I’d be lying if I said the view here wasn't nice though. Just wish I knew what I was doing.” Still, when asked what he me drink was, Vaux didn’t even really hesitate. “Strong. Just… yeah strong.” That was one thing that was hard to get in the fleet. A strong drink. “Name’s Vaux by the way. Vaux Gred.”

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aselia Verd | Mentioned: Ivalyn Yvarro
Wearing: [X]

When Aselia mentioned the dubious necessity of marble and expensive clothes, Adelle made a face, agreeing with her girlfriend. She was doing her best to turn a blind eye to how much everything probably cost to avoid having a sudden heart attack. It helped that Yvarro had paid for their entire stay: Adelle didn’t have to think about how much everything cost.

"But," she gave Adelle's hand a gentle squeeze as they continued walking side by side, "if this is what it takes to see that smile, I suppose I can tolerate the occasional gala." A soft laugh escaped her. "Just don't expect me to start enjoying speeches. Give me five minutes, and I'll start looking for the nearest exit."

The squeeze on her hand pulled her attention from the brink of thinking too hard about the price of everything. Adelle huffed a laugh at Aselia’s joke about speeches.

“That’s usually when I start playing drinking games,” she admitted quietly. “But I’ll make a note not to invite you to the more official functions.”

"Dancing, though..." Her smile warmed a fraction. "That won't require any convincing. It's been too long since we last danced."

“It has.” Adelle matched pace with Aselia as they wove through the crowd. The dark blue fabric of her dress whispered as she moved. “I kept meaning to fix that but something always came up. Still…”

She spotted an opening in the crowd and angled for it, looking over at Aselia.

“Better late than never.” Before she set foot on the dance floor, Adelle paused to check in with Aselia. “Want me to lead or would you prefer to?”

 

[Lily Decoria]

​

Outfit: Echani Dress
Tag: Caelan Mataan

"It would have not been convincing and terribly boring, the denial of such things. Very overplayed from my experiences." Lily mentioned with a knowing smile on her lips, "far more interesting is the people who are open and honest about their reasoning and intentions. Makes conversation far more fun." Lily finished her drink and placed it on a server's plate. Thanking them quietly before she turned her attention back to Caelan, placing her hands behind her back.

A teasing smile grew on Lily's lips as Caelan mentioned the admiration for the Echani ways and the fact that combat and dance were not too dissimilar. The mentioning of one having a better soundtrack than the other caused Lily to raise an eyebrow. "I must agree, music does make everything sound and feel so much more important... Unless you were talking about combat having the better soundtrack? I suppose one could consider the noises of grunting, frustrated growls, pained cries and the delicious panting at the climax of an intense sparring match between two competitive people... That could be seen as a much more enjoyable soundtrack."

Giving a slight coy shrug of her shoulders, "who knows."

Stepping a little closer to Caelan, she boldly placed a hand on his chest, "we shall see how well you can do, but I have very high standards. So, no slacking, mister." Lily gave a small wink before she turned around and began walking towards the dancefloor. There was a slight sway to her hips as she moved. Leading the way to the dance floor without wasting much time. Once on the dance floor, her silver eyes looked into Caelan's, "so, should I expect you to be the one wishing to lead this dance then? Or do you wish for me to lead you?" There was another raised eyebrow and smirk on her lips as she spoke.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace | Cross Guard Broadsaber

Carin was silent for a moment after she spoke. Looking back and reflecting on the woman he first met compared to the woman she is now.

The familiarity that bloomed between the two as they adventured together and the time spent.

A small smile lifted his lips.

“It's always eye opening when looking back and seeing how much change has happened.”

The smoke silhouettes continued to move around them as they spoke. The lantern light seemed to shift in color as the shadows danced through their rays forming a small light show for them.

“And it seems like we always learn something new about each other every day.”

A small hum left him at that thought.

“Small surprises.”

His gaze flicked towards her eyes. A silent sign that all of his attention was on her at this moment.

“There is never a dull moment when I am with you.”

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Seren Gwyn]

Seren's eyes followed one of the smoke dancers as it drifted gracefully past them before her attention returned to him. The illusion was beautiful, but she was beginning to realize it was only beautiful because it belonged to them. Every movement reflected a memory they had shared together, every turn echoed a conversation, a laugh, or a quiet moment that neither of them had realized was becoming part of something much larger. It was not simply artistry. It was the story of them, given form beneath the lantern light.

A soft smile lingered on her lips as they continued to move together, the orchestra carrying them through another slow measure.

"I think you're right," she said quietly. "When I look back now, I almost don't recognize either of us. Not because we've become different people..." She shook her head gently, her smile warming. "Because we've become more completely ourselves."

Her fingers remained comfortably intertwined with his as they danced, each step now as natural as breathing. "The parts that were always there simply had someone willing to notice them...someone patient enough to draw them out." Her amber eyes held his with quiet certainty. "You taught me that I didn't always have to carry everything alone. That trusting someone wasn't a weakness or a distraction from who I was, but something that could make me stronger."

A quiet laugh escaped her, light enough to mingle with the music around them.

"And apparently I've taught you that holodramas, gardens, and dancing are perfectly acceptable ways to spend an evening." There was gentle amusement in her voice before it softened once more. "I never would have imagined that one of the most intimidating Sith I had ever met would become someone who debates fictional captains with me on the couch or helps me pull weeds from a garden."

Her gaze drifted toward the smoke dancers again, watching the golden and crimson figures circle them in perfect harmony before she looked back into his eyes.

"I like the small surprises," she admitted softly. "Not because they change how I feel about you, but because every one of them reminds me there is still more of you to discover. Every day I learn something new, and somehow it never feels like you've become someone different. It simply feels as though another piece of the man I've been falling in love with was waiting patiently for me to find it."

The warmth in her smile deepened as the lantern light reflected in her amber eyes.

"I rather hope we never run out of those discoveries." Her thumb brushed gently across the back of his hand. "Because if the last months have taught me anything, it's that the greatest surprises in my life have never been the grand moments." She glanced briefly toward the dancing memories surrounding them before returning her full attention to him. "They've been the quiet ones...the ones where I looked at you and realized I'd somehow found another reason to love you without even noticing it happen."

Varin Mortifer

 

[Caelan Mataan]

Caelan laughed, the sound warm and genuine as she painted her rather unconventional idea of a combat soundtrack. "I'll admit," he said, "that wasn't where I expected that sentence to go." His smile lingered. "I was thinking more along the lines of orchestras and string sections." His brow lifted slightly. "But you've made a surprisingly compelling argument." He watched the playful expression on her face for a moment before adding, "Though I suspect I'll reserve judgment until I've experienced an Echani sparring match firsthand."

When she stepped closer, he held his ground naturally. Her hand came to rest against his chest, and for a brief moment his eyes dropped to it before meeting hers again, the corner of his mouth curving into an easy smile. "High standards?" He placed a hand lightly over his heart in exaggerated offense. "I've barely had a chance to establish average standards." The smile softened before he gave a small, respectful inclination of his head. "I'll do my best not to disappoint."

He followed her toward the dance floor, matching her unhurried pace as the orchestra carried the next piece through the ballroom. Around them, couples drifted into elegant patterns, the polished floor reflecting warm light from the chandeliers overhead. As they reached an open space, her question drew another quiet smile from him. "I was raised to believe it's impolite to assume." He extended one hand toward her while the other settled naturally at his side, leaving the decision with her rather than taking it for granted. "So..." There was a quiet confidence in his voice now, steady without becoming challenging. "If you'd like me to lead, I'd be honored." A faint glimmer of amusement returned to his eyes. "And if you'd rather lead... then I suppose my first lesson this evening will be discovering just how high those standards really are."

TAG: Lily Decoria
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[Tessa Monroe]

TAGS: Adelle Bastiel Aselia Verd​

Anyone that knew Tessa would have likely assumed that such an event would have her entirely out of place, because where in the galaxy would a smuggler ever be caught dead in anything but a dive bar or a smugglers den? But Tessa had grown up with two lives, one as the daughter of the Liberator and the other as the daughter of the Senator of Eshan. Galas and formal parties were a part of her life as much as her armour was.

She’d needed a change of scenery, somewhere she wasn’t surrounded by a sea of t-visors and bucketheads. One hand plucked a glass of wine from a passing tray, the other gently adjusting the gold bangles on her wrist as she moved easily through the crowd. She'd told Jonah she was coming, which strictly speaking was not an invitation to join her, however she hoped he might feel spontaneous enough to surprise her. Sipping at her wine as she wandered, she caught snatches of conversation, an easy smile on her face, one that shifted to something mischievous when she caught sight of a familiar brunette.

Tess adjusted her path, slipping between people to come up beside Adelle, utterly oblivious to the fact that she was holding Aselia’s hand. Her drink free hand found the small of Adelle’s back as she leaned in to murmur.

“My my, don’t you clean up nicely.”

​

 

[Anet Raine]

Riffraff Ranat
​

Anet arrived unfashionably late to the little gala. She was wearing a white dress with subtle white-gold swirls and thin black trim, which cut right above the knees. The half-pantoran thought it accented her pale blue skin, adding a bit of angelic warmth, and matching her hair. She also wore a pair of short, black boots made of some fancy leather or another. Perhaps a touch informal but inconspicuous enough.

They plodded against the floor as she made her way to a food table. Anet already felt this was a mistake. An event where some knew her as a Senator from Belazura, and others as an acolyte of the Sith Covenant. Thankfully, without her mask, Anet would not register in the Force as anything except an ordinary, non-force-sensitive person.

She took a deep breath, nearly reaching her destination, when a bushy tail whipped against her leg.

Frustrated and with a huff, "excuse me, I--"

Wait.

Oh no.

Anyone but...

"Riffraff?" She questioned in a hushed tone. "What are you doing here?!"

Of all people she thought to run into, the Ranat forewoman had never made the list. In fact, Anet last recalled seeing her in Tapani, well before the Sith Covenant ever invaded the Core. While she knew the scrappy contractor had inked a slick deal with the Triumvirate, she assumed that meant Riffraff would be off building outposts on some distant world, or overseeing the infrastructure on Coruscant. Anything but attending a high class gala, dressed like she had never talked about money with anyone who wasn't an investment banker.

Anet looked around - just to be sure no one else from the Covenant was nearby. She concluded that the Ranat was alone.

 

[Varin Mortifer]

VARIN MORTIFER

Equipment: Durum Mantle | Black Blade of Chandrila | Eye of The Dragon | Heavy Sith Mace | Cross Guard Broadsaber​

Varin listened to her as the music swelled around them, their movements shifting with the music as effortlessly as a calm river. A gentle laugh escaped him when she mentioned dancing and holodramas. A small shake of his head as he looked down into her eyes.

“You thought I was intimidating?”

A small laugh escaped him then he shrugged.

“I guess I can see what you mean. Not often do people see me and see someone with the kinds of hobbies that I do have. They would expect that all I know is violence, and to an extent they may be right. But may be right is not fully correct.”

Her next statement about surprises caused him to tilt his head slightly as he listened to her. Every word she stated he agreed with, simply because people were complex beings when you truly analyzed them. You could always compare certain responses but it never meant the person was the same as the other.

“I doubt we will run out of new discoveries. New interests and new information is always gained so there is always room for more discovery. We all have layers that we ourselves still have yet to uncover.”

He watched her for a long while as the music continued around them. Almost without noticing they had begun to slow to a stop. The smoke figures trailed off into wispy trails, floating towards the ceiling around them. But all he could do was focus on her eyes. Grounding him into the moment before them. His words caught in his throat as the music came to a stilled silence. People around them clapping, applauding the artists that performed for them. But Varin still maintained his attention on her. To him the room around them did not exist. Just her and him.

Finally he spoke, it was soft. Quiet, but clear enough for her to hear.

Nu aki j'us.

His arms gently wrapped around her pulling her into an embrace, one where if he could hold it for eternity...

He would.

Seren Gwyn​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

He was absolutely expecting to be turned down. Which would have been fine, logically it made the most sense. They knew one another through formal events but there was an unknown there. Add in an age difference, asking was one of those things he did to put himself out there.

Difficult to remember to do that in his personal life most days. Business was easier.

Caught off guard, there were two missteps in his dance. Nothing that would cause him to step all over her, but enough where they were completely thrown off beat.

"Great. Perfect." He was tying to get himself back on track now and not seem like a fumbling idiot. Impossible on a good day. "I'll check my schedule and see what we could coordinate. Might take a few weeks to put together considering but consider it a date."

Judah paused a moment.

"May be a mistake saying yes, I could be incredibly boring. On thee bright side, I promise the food will be good at the very least."

Iandre Athlea​

 

[Taiia Locke]

//: Allyson Locke //:
Attire: [X]​

Taiia took one final look at herself in the mirror before letting out a quiet, almost amused sigh. She had been right to send Allyson ahead; she knew the look the Corellian would give her the moment she saw it. Thirty years apart had done nothing to lessen its effect, and if Allyson had been allowed to watch her getting ready, Taiia was quietly convinced neither of them would have made it beyond the suite.

A small smile found her lips as she stepped into the softly lit corridor, following the music drifting up from the gardens below. The evening had transformed the resort entirely. Lanterns suspended between swaying palms cast warm pools of amber light across polished stone terraces while the scent of flowering trees mingled with the salt carried in from the sea. Beyond the balconies, the ocean reflected a sky painted in deep violet and scattered stars, the same shoreline they had wandered together only hours before now glowing beneath moonlight.

She found Allyson almost immediately. Standing near one of the open terraces, the Corellian looked entirely at ease in a perfectly tailored black suit, the crisp black shirt and matching tie lending her the quiet confidence of someone who had spent a lifetime walking into rooms where everyone else underestimated her. One hand rested comfortably in a pocket while the other loosely held a glass she seemed far more interested in occupying than drinking from. Taiia smiled before she had even realized she was doing it. She had spent the entire walk reminding herself they were attending a gala, only to discover Allyson looked as though she belonged on the cover of a fashion holomagazine. She lingered for just a heartbeat longer, allowing herself to admire the woman she had spent so many years missing, before quietly crossing the remaining distance.

She slipped effortlessly into place beside her, close enough that their shoulders nearly brushed. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting." There was just enough innocence in the question to make it immediately suspicious. Her eyes wandered over Allyson again, openly this time, lingering a fraction longer than etiquette probably recommended. "I had almost forgotten how unfairly beautiful you look in a suit." The compliment came with an unmistakably warm smile.

Her hand found Allyson's almost without thought, their fingers slipping naturally together as though they had never spent a day apart. For a moment, she simply stood there, enjoying the quiet certainty of that familiar touch before her attention drifted toward the lights and music beyond the terrace. "Well..." The corner of her mouth lifted ever so slightly as she glanced back at Allyson. "I believe sending you ahead was the correct decision." Her smile widened just enough to betray that she already knew the answer. "Though now that I've seen you, I'm beginning to have doubts."

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[Aoi Tanaka]

THE STARLIGHT TERRACE - GALA EVENT

Outfit: Link
Tags: Colette

Colette. Jedi Council. High Republic.

The one time Aoi had skipped doing her due diligence; familiarising herself with the ‘whose who’, she just happened to run into someone of importance. Her focus the past month had been setting up a new workshop on Naboo, and the past week had been solely focused on local hiring.

She had barely gotten a moment to sit down and do research on who the important people were within the High Republic.

And here she was talking to someone of the freaking Jedi Council.

Like seriously, what were the chances of that?

“Sounds like you’ve had to shake a lot of hands.” Aoi replied, the smallest of grins on her face. “Your assessment is accurate though, I do deal with hardware; mechanical to be specific.”

Aoi’s focus shifted away from Colette for a few moments, her gaze sweeping across the crowds of people that littered the ballroom.

“Just between you and me, I’ve worked with engines with more personality than some in attendance tonight.” She joked, amusement clear in her eyes as she glanced over at the Quartermaster.

“Tell me about yourself, Colette. I gathered from your handshake that you’re not a Jedi whose day-to-day consists of being behind a desk a lot.” Aoi’s eyes shifted, doing nothing to hide the appreciative gaze as she traced the muscles across Colette’s arms and along her shoulders.

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre couldn't stop a smile when Judah lost the rhythm for the first time all night. She'd seen him completely unshaken through meetings, negotiations, and every formal event they'd ever attended. Watching him suddenly fumble because she'd said yes was just...really sweet.

A soft laugh escaped her, warm and not at all teasing.

"I think I've completely thrown off your footwork," she said.

She settled back into the dance as they found their pace again, giving his hand a little squeeze.

"Take your time," she told him. Her smile stayed. "A few weeks is nothing. I've waited way longer for things that mattered."

When he worried about being boring, she laughed softly again.

"Judah, if you were boring, we wouldn't still be out here dancing," she said, meeting his eyes. The warmth in her gaze was clear. "And if the person is interesting, the talk usually is too. The food's just a nice extra."

Judah Dashiell