Populate The Courtship of Ukatis [GA Populate of Ukatis Hex]

[Corazona von Ascania]

UKATIS

It was only a matter of time before Ukatis engaged in talks with the Galactic Alliance once more.

The little agrarian world was not a farming or industrial powerhouse, nor could it boast any prestigious resources. It would never compare to the likes of Coruscant or Naboo, and many regarded it as downright backwards– but it had a folksy sort of charm to it, and was a stalwart home to many.

After being targeted in the Mandalorian Enclave’s warpath, the ruling class waffled on whether or not to rejoin the Alliance. The capital city of Axilla had been devastated not for conquest, but as collateral damage in the ongoing spat between two galactic powers. What was more, Jedi had intercepted a royal engagement ceremony and offended the nobility in attendance.

On the other hand, Jedi had helped to purify a dark-sided nexus that plagued woodlands with ill effects, restoring the forest and the creatures within it to a more natural state. They’d also conducted themselves well during the Harvest Festival, and supported Ukatis’ poor food stores during the planet’s harshening winters. After the capital had been ravaged by the Enclave, generous donors from across the galaxy had poured aid into the wounded world – Alliance personnel among them.

The recently passed Equal Rights Act has sparked much controversy among the conservative, patriarchal society; some regard this as a radical change, while others believe it to be a step in the right direction. After a series of discussions, Ukatis begrudgingly agreed to a grace period over which they would incorporate the necessary changes barring sex discrimination into planetary legislation. However, many Ukatians believe that the ruling class has no intention to make these changes in any meaningful way.

​

As Ukatis recovers, the Alliance and non-hostile outsiders are invited to join the annual courtship festival. As the name implies, this celebration is meant as a way for one to find a partner - though it is open to people of all ages, from all walks of life who simply want to enjoy the festivities. Join the natives in perusing vendors, playing carnival games, and eating local treats.

Further into the capital, Ukatis continues to rebuild the more heavily damaged districts of the city. Though not in as dire of a state as it was several months ago, help is needed in clearing rubble, moving supplies, and rebuilding structures.

Deeper into Ukatis, deposits of kyber crystals have been discovered. Concerned citizens have reached out to the government for guidance, who in turn have passed this request onto the Jedi.

OBJ I - The Courtship Festival

Every spring, the Courtship Festival takes place in the capital city of Axilla. Eligible men and women from all walks of life - often young adults - adorn themselves in finery and join the celebration to attract a beau. Young maidens particularly anticipate this time as a means to show off their skills in sewing and embroidery. Often reduced to wallflowers, this festival allows Ukatian women to highlight their creativity and ingenuity.

Citizens of every age are welcome to participate even if they have no intention of finding a partner. Those willing to be approached are marked by a red ribbon or handkerchief around their wrist. Food, drinks, games, and vendors selling local wares are available for all to enjoy.

Rumor has it that one of the planet’s most prestigious racyon breeders will be in attendance, selling kits. Highly prized for their companionship and precognitive abilities, these small, dog-like creatures make fine pets.

OBJ II - Rebuilding Axilla

Parts of Axilla are still being rebuilt after the Mandalorian onslaught, and the Alliance has renewed its supply lines to the planet. Assist the natives in moving materials, distributing supplies, and reconstructing buildings.

[Note: This objective is only open to GA personnel]

OBJ III - Crystal Caves

Deep into the rural regions of Ukatis, deposits of kyber crystals have been discovered in caves near rivers and heavily wooded areas. The New Jedi Order has been asked to assist the locals in locating and exploring these caves.

[Note: This objective is only open to GA personnel]

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Dress | Wedding Ring

"What do you think of my new dress?" Valery twirled around to show it off and turned back to her husband with a warm smile to gauge his reaction. She had picked it mostly because the colors were fitting for the Ukatian Spring and its festival, but she'd be lying if she claimed that was all there was to it. Sometimes, she just loved to show off a little for her beloved husband as well, and cute dresses were one way to do that.

Valery stepped up beside him and wrapped her hands around his bicep. The original purpose for this festival might have been to find a fitting partner, but she already had hers, and she loved nothing more than to show the entire Galaxy just how much she loved him.

Within reason.

"I'm seeing a lot of red ribbons," Valery mused as they walked together and looked around. "I wonder if people actually find the one here. Though... I guess there are stranger ways to do that." She looked at him with a smirk that insinuated what she meant. Their meeting and bonding hadn't exactly been very ordinary either.

But it had felt right.

Kahlil Noble ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

​

OBJ I - The Courtship Festival
UKATIS
Interacting with Aris Noble

-

Zaiya was glowing.

Quite literally. Her rosy golden skin had a pearly luminescence, while the edges of her teal-mottled spots and markings were painted in a rich, burnished, bioluminescent glow. Joyful excitement and radiant giddiness practically made the young Lovalla teenager seem to flutter left and right, her slender and delicate hands wringing in excessive energy only to lift and pause now and then as she looked at her reflection on the shuttle window.

She had taken a few hours trying to make sure she had the perfect outfit set aside for this festival. She selected not only the prismatic gauzy robe that Braze and Aris had helped her pick out but also the accessories she would wear with it. The flower hair pins, how she was going to braid and style her hair. Even down to the faint pink gloss on her lips, the tiniest smear of shimmery pink eyeshadow on her lids, and a delicate fluff of blush on her cheeks.

Zaiya wanted to be pretty. Extra pretty.

It would be the second time she went to a festival with Aris, but this time around, she had a gorgeous robe to go along with. It made her feel super extra pretty, maybe even on par with a normal Lovalla's colorful, vibrant hues. The sleeves were gauzy, allowing the bioluminescence of her markings and skin to shine through, enhancing the prismatic colors of the robe and highlighting her color shifting. At her waist, she had a pretty soft blue and gold sash, with her mother's satchel hanging at her hip with other pretty tassels and decorations. Braze helped her select some soft boots with a little bit of a heel so she'd be a little taller, and with the hairpins, her colorful hair was half pinned up and trailed in soft waves down her shoulders and back.

With a giddy shoulder shimmy, Zaiya took a deep breath. Looking at her reflection, she gave a wide, vibrant, giddy grin. "This will be fun!" she told herself, the transport coming to a stop.

With an excited flounce, the Lovalla quickly turned and made headway to the exit. She was supposed to meet Aris here. As the festival revelers all left the transport and headed towards the entrance, Zaiya glanced around.

"Okay... if I were an Aris, where would I be?"

 

[Vulpesen]

OBJ 1: Enjoy the Festival
Loadout: Diplomatic

The galaxy was a dangerous and tumultuous place. War was an ever present fear, and no matter where he turned, Vulpesen always seemed to find someone willing to try and ruin his day. All the more reason to find a place to relax and wrangle a good day out of. Festivals helped with that goal immensely. He could have chosen to help rebuild, but he had men he could task with that. Besides, his talents were better at deconstruction. As for the crystals, the Utatian people had asked for Jedi. He was a Wilder.

With his mask tucked hidden and away in his coat, Vulpesen took a deep breath of the Ukatian air as he strolled though the main thoroughfare of the festival. Such was the benefit of planets like this, who's technology was a bit behind the galactic standard. Coruscant for all tis sparkling cities, smelled of fuel and construction. It smelled filthy. Here, the air was clean.

On perhaps a flight of fancy, Vulpesen had taken to one more of the local customs, having tied a red ribbon around his right arm. Perhaps the force would be kind to him. Perhaps it would continue to play the part of his jealous lover, keeping him all to itself and thus, occupied with the missions and premonitions that plagued him and sent him careening from one side of the galaxy to another. Only time would tell... though, he was getting tired of the lonely life of the force's servant.

 

[Vera Noble]

Ukatis

​

Tag: Aris Noble

​

"It'll be nice for Fuzzy to see some of his friends." Vera looked at her brother with a smile first, then turned her gaze to the Racyon on her shoulder. He had been a trusty friend ever since she came here first with her parents all those years ago, so it only felt fitting to bring him back with her this time.

But her focus wouldn't entirely be on chasing after Racyons.

In truth, Vera had been feeling somewhat lonely, and she was hoping to change that. Her brother, who had always been so quiet, had been making a lot of friends recently, and she began to realize that she had no friends herself. Well, none her own age, anyway. She got along just fine with most people around her, but they were usually older or they were animals.

Maybe staying closer to her brother could help her make some friends, too.

"Do you want to go try some games? Or go to the Racyon stalls? I'd rather not go anywhere near the people with the red ribbons." She obviously wasn't wearing one herself, but a festival called the Courtship Festival meant there was a focus on something she would typically avoid. Especially if her parents were anywhere near that place.

​

 

[Rara Gowisi]

​

The sight of a 15 year old walking around a construction site was always a strange one. Then again, this one had the credentials of a business owner.

Rara had been tasked with, at the very least, overseeing the roll out of Beetle Construction's efforts to help rebuild Ukatis. They'd already made great efforts in the last six months since the Mandalorians wrecked the place, Stag Construction Vehicles rolling about the place as they cleared up debris and whatever nasty stuff the Enclave left behind. Each Stag had a mine detector, scanning for any unexploded ordiance that might go boom in the middle of the night.

All the while, Si Tech Workers, Cathar and Alien alike, helped with reconstruction.

"Looks like the eastern neighborhood is just about done, boss." The 40 year old Bothan said to the 15 year old Cathar-Denik.

"Thanks Kif. Keep up the good work." She smiled, shooting a thumbs up to the man. It was an odd sight, for sure. "Any issues with the equipment?"

"Not so far. We've been trying to get some of the old buildings down, but they're stone and brickwork, not durasteel. It's a bit of a delicate operation."

Rara frowned. Ukatis was a tough nut to crack. It was burgeoning on entering the modern era...

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

One thing was clear as Ukatis slowly pieced itself back together from the ravages of war; the little planet had not lost its spirit.

Maybe, Cora thought to herself as she paced the bustling courtyard, this is a benefit of tradition. A deeply rooted sense of self, for better or for worse. Ukatians were sometimes regarded by the greater galaxy as backwards yokels, but they were a hardworking, resilient people. Even though many of their finer possessions had been lost during the war, they made do with what they had.

Far from the finely spun tapestries that normally adorned the streets, colorful scraps of fabric strung from roof to roof hung overhead. Cooks and bakers altered their recipes, using ingredients that were more readily available for their treats. Parts of the capital had been spared total destruction, and the festival had been cordoned off to the royal square and a few side streets that had been cleared of rubble.

Luxuries were harder to come by now, and in place of purchasing or sewing a new frock, many young women modified their existing clothes to be more exquisite. Some particularly resourceful seamstresses transformed discarded and mundane materials, such as curtains and tablecloths, into lovely dresses.

“Oh-”

Pausing in her step, Cora watched a pair of racyon kits skitter past. Some sort of confection was clenched between their teeth, and the little creatures disappeared into the throngs of people easily.

“Can I interest you in one, miss?”

A vendor to her left was offering a scarlet ribbon. Bright red bows and handkerchiefs hung from the ceiling and sides of his booth, framing the wooden beams in an explosion of color.

Cora smiled and raised a hand to politely deflect the gesture. “No, thank you.”

While normally a celebration of young love, she’d noticed that an increasing number of men and women well past the traditional age for marriage were wearing the red adornments. An unfortunate effect of the invasion on the native populace.

She broke away from that sobering thought at the smell of rich sweetness and cinnamon. Her attention shifted in the direction of the warm, familiar scent. It reminded her of the rural province from which she'd come.

Apple dumplings?

 

[Phobos]

Ukatis
Tags: Open

cloak reference
​

Phobos wasn't really sure what she was looking at.

She had been floating from planet to planet over the last few weeks now, trying her best to find her place. It was confusing, really. The voice that had been guiding her, the Bendu, was really only giving her cryptic information at best, and riddles at worst. It was so hard to keep track of what anything was when she was being taught through lymrics. So exploring places had been the new way she was making use of that helped her learn about the wider galaxy.

But this was something she had never quite seen before. Hundreds of people in a rural festival, many with red ribbons tied around their wrist. It seemed to be pushing people to interact in a strange way. Phobos didn't really know what it was she was looking at, but it clearly had some kind of cultural signifigance.

The Ashspawn had hidden herself away from the bustle of the festival in an alleyway, shrouded in a cloak. Her meeting with Zaiya Ceti had gone well all things considered, evident by the girl even transporting her to this place so that she may learn more. Still, the young woman was weary of interacting too much with new people. Phobos understood well enough that she was rather confusing to people who were not familiar with her. She was unnatural. That was certainly something she thought about a lot when going to a new place now. The Ashspawn really didn't want to scare anyone or cause a scene.

So a thick cloak shrouded her head, dense enough to muffle the light of her hair, and the alleyway was really just an extra precaution. She wanted to go out and enjoy the festival... but what if the cloak fell off? It would probably be a whole ordeal.

No, she'd simply enjoy it from a distance. That was fine.

 

[Monaray Dod]

Location: Capital City of Axilla, Ukatis | Tag: Corazona von Ascania
​

The world of Ukatis endured significant hardships following the Mandalorian Invasion amidst the Enclave-Alliance Conflict, yet managed to recover thanks to contributions from various corners of the galaxy, including major entities like the Trade Federation.

The implementation of the Equal Rights Act would be imperative for Ukatis to potentially reestablish ties with the Galactic Alliance, inevitably causing discontent among the long-standing nobility deeply rooted in the system for millennia.

The Senator for Bilbringi was captivated by the Courtship Festival, as he sought to forge significant connections with communities beyond his own planet. Despite his age of around 60 years, the Senator exuded a youthful energy as he navigated through the gathering of couples and prospective individuals.

Many represenatives of the Galactic Alliance would be around the venue, seeking to persuade the next generation of Ukatis Youth to support the Alliance once more or even align with their own interests. Although he spotted an interesting individual by the name of Corazona von Ascania who was seeking to partake in a local treat.

"Pardon me for interrupting, Miss. But I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about your planet." Feuergeir elaborated with a calm expression on his face, fixing the velvet shoulder cape.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

UKATIS COURTSHIP FESTIVAL

When the young teenager had found about about the Ukatis Courtship Festival from an influencer on ZikZok, she knew she had to go. Romance? Festival Games? Adorable domestic animals to adopt? Freedom from her guardians? Sign her up. Barely getting any details, she had leaped out of bed and burst into Makky and Myra's bedroom, immediately launching into her sales pitch.

The upside? At least Makky wasn't half-asleep. The downside? The pair was very annoyed to have a kissin' session interrupted and Makky launched into a small speech on knocking before entering. Completely ignoring him, Persephone outlined all the reasons she had to go, including how it was crucial to build her follower count on ZikZok and how it would be wise to have a member of the Dashiell or Arceneau family present at such an event.

Not that Persie had any intentions of visitin' any officials or dignitaries. She just wanted to make it seem she put a little thought into wanting to go other than merely wanting to stretch her legs away from Centrality for awhile.

The pair had agreed under the condition she take Thirty-Seven, Makai's protocol droid, to ensure nothing happened to her. Did Persie want to take the creepy protocol droid with her? No. Was she going to go without taking the creepy droid with her? Also no. Sometimes one had to cut their losses and run, which is exactly what she did.

So now she was walking the streets of the festival, a fun new dress on, and a red ribbon around her wrist. It seemed like a family event and that meant there might be cute boys lurking about. Fashionable ones,she hoped. Although right now it was nothing but tragedies and bottom feeders. Still, she held out hope to see at least one cute boy before departing.

[ Mistress Dashiell, you shouldn't be advertising yourself for courting. Your station now demands a partner of a suitable quality. ]

"Thirty-Seven, ain't no one said I was courtin'. Maybe I just wanna do a little kissin' "

Never mind she had never kissed a boy and the prospect seemed disgusting. Had anyone seen teenage boys lately? Looking like they didn't even own a washcloth for their face.

[ Mistress Dashiell! Wait until we get home. ]

"Makky and Myra ain't going to do anything. Can't tell what you don't see anyways Thirty-Seven."

[ Don't you dare think of ditching me Mistress Dashiell. ]

 

[Jonyna Si]

​

Tag: Taam Moghul Rayia Si​

It was strange. Their first few days without Ko Vuto were strange. Jonyna had been dealing with a fractured spine, and evacuating her company out of the line of fire of the Dark Empire. But now Ko was a knight, and she was left with only one padawan.

She needed a break, to clear her mind. Something to keep her distracted for a while.

When Corazona von Ascania had announced a festival on Ukatis to allow it back into the GA, it brought Jonyna back to a simpler time. Jonyna had taken the chance to relax, or, at least, relax in fancy clothing. The morning had been her spending most of it in the bathroom of the Reaper, prettying herself up. Not often was the Cathar to put in this much effort, but now she did. Mostly out of respect for Cora, and for her people. Ukatis had always been a quaint little retreat away from the world, at least, when the Enclave wasn't trying the burn it to the ground.

Stepping into the festival grounds, Jonyna felt a little overdressed, honestly.

 

[Zefgahld Qojex]

Objective #1, for now.

The local chocolates were awfully good!

The Amaran tilted her head back, gray triangle-ears folding back along her head as she allowed the warm, tingling rush of the clear liquid to slip down her muzzle and throat with its intoxicating bouquet - just one - to start off the festivities.

The demure and rather boyish Vulpinoid set the empty glass back atop the tray adorning the forlorn-looking orange and white astromech that had sidled up to her naught but a moment ago. Giving the droid's dome a pat, the lithe young girl watched in satisfaction as the machine rolled off towards an excitable crowd of chattering, rainbow-strewn adolescents, all laughing as they admired one another with barely-concealed lasciviousness.

A thumb flicked, and a single, dark square of chocolate flipped upwards into the Amaran's waiting muzzle, nearly too swift to be glimpsed properly. Savoring the delightful snack, Zefgahld Qojex was content to simply not care about the larger Galaxy's politics. She constantly heard enough of such drivel from her Godfather (he hated the passing of the Equal Rights Act, she knew), whenever she was back in their apartment in Coruscant, and the latest trends among the Youth, be it her own peer group or otherwise, she did her best to avoid, as that was the surest path to contentment. Teens would be teens, regardless of what period of history they happened to be caught up in, and no Elder nor tradition was going to go so far as to stop natural, fleshly and emotional inclinations.

The heart wants what the heart wants, at the end of every day, and Zefgahld was content to focus on philosophy and truth, perhaps most idealistically and at the expense of the Galaxy's Modernity!

A simple, bronze-laced garment hung from the Amaran's trim, boyish frame, those barely-feminine curves of tomboyish athletic-ness hugged and accentuated by the bronze-trimmed, fire-aesthetic of red-and-yellow against a purple background along the skirt and top that adorned her furred body, giving her an almost clownlike appearance amongst the more image-minded revelers, the gown's metal edges glimmering in the light, her white-furred, flat stomach exposed along her midriff, where the top and bottom of the garment parted. The Amaran's short, fiery red hair was held in place by a midnight blue bandana over her scalp, that left her gray ears free, and the length of her black-tipped, gray tail was ensconced in the embrace of four bronze rings along its length, leaving the black tip to twitch and shiver atop she bench she was standing next to as she surveyed the crowd, one ear shifting atop her head, listening to the droll political topics being discussed and the laughter of teens, while the other leered forward, almost of its own accord, as her ice blue eyes scanned the crowd for pleasant company, assuming such was to be found as such a Sticks-based crowd as this...

"At least the chocolates are good..." She sighed. "So damn lonely, just like everywhere else..."

 

[Saahar]

Open to whoever​

Saahar honestly didn't know why she decided to come to this. At best, her suspicion that public outings were just a form of self-harm would be all but confirmed.

At worst she feared she might actually find a reason to enjoy herself.

Up until now, she hadn't stepped all that far out from the umbrella of the Jedi. She was recluse, point blank. And however squeamish that fact made her at times she knew it to be true. She also knew she couldn't bank of the seemingly infinite generosity of Valery forever.

Saahar needed out. She needed to function in the world, whatever the hell that meant. So, she decided to push her boundaries a little.

The Sith couldn't exactly be described as festive people, and the former acolyte was certainly no exception. Especially now and especially here. The dresses were uncomfortable, the music horrifically garish, and general cheeriness that seemed to permeate the air was downright nauseating at times. Saahar did her best to skirt the main surge of partygoers, musing through her regrets with quiet resentment.

This was the type of thing normal, civilian people enjoyed, and here she was looking like a wet blanket personified.

From her spot leaned against some vendor's tent, Saahar watched people go by as she debated the fastest way to reach orbit with the credits she still had. It was then, in the midst of her calculations, she caught sight of a familiar mop of blonde hair belonging to Corazona von Ascania . The same woman who'd been by Makko's bedside during their rather untimely encountered.

The girl shrunk back into herself, looking immensely uncomfortable as always. God why had she ever thought this was a good idea?

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

With a carton of fresh apple dumplings in hand, Cora turned to regard the voice that addressed her. She was a bit surprised to find Monaray Dod , an older man - though a longer glance at his garb found no trace of a crimson ribbon, and he was dressed quite like an off-worlder.

That's good, she thought to herself. They're trying to get to know the local populace.

Stepping out of line so that they could converse without causing an obstruction in the already tightly-packed square, Cora offered him a bow of her head in greeting.

"You must be an Alliance delegate." She observed. "Have you been to Ukatis before, Mr…?"

Something familiar caused her senses to twitch again. From the corner of her eyes, she saw a flash of dark hair, though hadn’t yet connected it to the presence of Saahar .

Refocusing her attention on Albrecht, she smiled.

(For Vera Noble Fuzzy)

Further down the street, a supremely rotund racyon waddled through the crowd. Lula the Second wore a bright red ribbon tied into a bow around her neck. She stopped every so often to preen herself.

Another racyon, far smaller and more ragged looking, scampered up to Lula. He laid an apple dumpling at her feet, then tucked himself into a ball before her, large eyes peering upward hopefully.

Lula paced forward, nose twitching. She sniffed at the offering. Her ears went back. Raising one paw, she rained a series of blows upon the would-be suitor with a hiss, effectively chasing him off.

With that done, Lula's attention turned to the dumpling left behind.

Sniffle munch snarf snarf snarf.

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Outfit​

"You know what? You were right - beskar'gam would have been a liiiiittle more eye-catching."​

​

Jenn groaned, rubbing her digits over her eyelids. Pollux, in clear contrast to her, was clearly beaming, white rose in hand as he looked around the assembled people looking for a very specific person.​

​

"I'm starting to think I should have forbade you from coming along with me."​

​

"What, and stand in the way of true love? Besides. I didn't come with you, you came with me!"​

​

"Oh, Manda'yaim give me patience."​

​

"Aaaah-HA! Invoking the homeworld, are you? I know quite a few people who'd hate that-"​

​

The fiery-haired siren elbowed him, nodding in the direction of a literal knight in shining armor, the brass gilding familiar to her. Those perceptive eyes of hers had just saved her, it seemed. Her lips curled into a smug grin, clearly savoring the moment.​

​

"Isn't that Ser Thibauld? Scion of House Seiros, Hero of Axilla?"​

​

Pollux smoothed over his suit jacket's sleeves, passed a hand through his hair, then nervously turned to look at his friend.​

​

"Jenn. How do I look?"​

​

For a moment, the Mandalorian merely lifted a brow, looking him over critically, if only to make him squirm. Here was her chance to needle him, to make him pay for all of the teasing on the way to Ukatis about the soul-deep longing she felt for companionship, or how this would all prove to be an excellent way for her to get her mind off the noblewoman she had been pining for so hopelessly...​

​

But Jenn, for all of her faults, was not cruel. And in spite of the exasperation she often showed in response to her Nite Owl's humorous banter, she could see just how important this all was to him, perhaps more so than anyone else among Clan Kryze's elite unit. Just as she longed for romance and yearned for the feeling of a soulmate, she knew that he still pursued this old flame of his with a pure flame in his heart. So, instead of taking this chance to have some measure of payback, the Alor brought a hand to rest on his shoulder.​

​

"Every bit the starstruck fool you were back when the two of you met", she spoke with a grin, before schooling her expression back into a semblance of seriousness. "Pollux, you are a Nite Owl. I command hundreds of warriors, yet I chose you to stand among the elite - and there is a reason for that. Now go."​

​

Perhaps it was wrong of her to use the power of her voice to command him like so - but she would be damned if she let his own fears stand between him and the one he loved. With a smile, Jenn watched her friend go... before taking a moment to drink in the beauty surrounding her. Somewhere, Karrys was doubtlessly laughing herself silly about the romantic destinations she kept on having her pilot bring her over to; Naboo, Alderaan... and of course, Ukatis.​

​

A world her people had wronged. A planet savaged by the hands of those she once stood alongside with, those she called brothers and sisters. Although Clan Kryze had done its share in their efforts to fix the mistakes of the past and assist in the rebuilding of Axilla, its Alor held no delusions as to the simple truth that the gesture could not bring back the dead.​

​

Such grim thoughts were mercifully chased from her mind, however, as she drank in the atmosphere around her. The festival was so very full of life, so very romantic, that she couldn't help but hum quietly to herself, looking down at the red ribbon around her wrist - right next to her orange, white and pink bracelet. Perhaps Pollux's infatuation with a noble knight of Ukatis wasn't quite that far-fetched a notion after all... if only those damnable fools were not so unfortunately stuck in their old ways! Alas, no lady-knight to sweep her off her feet.​

​

But the day was, after all, still young... and, if nothing else, she would consider it to be a lovely chance for her to admire Ukatis' sense of fashion. The dresses worn by Ukatian ladies left her with a rare desire to recklessly expand her (nearly non-existent) wardrobe!​

​

Phobos ​

 

[Syoh Pa]

Location: Axilla, Ukatis
Tag: OPEN

The crowds chattered and shuffled about in the city streets. Vendors hocking their wars. And most of all, the signs of love, especially young love, was in the air of Axilla. It was enough to make a certain old Ryn feel a certain tenderness in his heart. Varzali could not help but think how his dear Maarah would enjoy a festival like this. It brought a melancholic smirk to his face, before snapping back to reality.

"Ay, See-Aitch! hurry up with that power stove! Repedi!" He barked, although with a mirthfulness to him, "We will have customers to feed!"

CH-3F, the belabored T7 astromech, made an exasperated warble as he lugged a portable stove to the designated area. Varzali had been allowed to set up a small booth to offer his collection of exotic foods for the festival-goers. It was along one of the city's usually more open areas, but now more crowded as the festival started ramping up. He, along with a few others, were able to park their ships nearby so their supplies could be readily grabbed.

"Ah, perfect!" The Ryn smiled, giving the droid an affectionate pat on its 'head', "Go get assembled. I'll get some nuna dumpling stew and some shaak kebabs going."

The droid rolled off to go get its serving tray affixed. Varzali's booth was modest, with a couple of meager tables and some plastoid seats available for anyone who preferred to sit and eat, or just a respite from walking about. The Ryn himself got to work, with the sounds of chopping, skewering, and grilling came from his booth. Soon followed by smells of varied flavors as his wares cooked. He noticed a couple of funny looks, and Varzali knew why. Throughout galactic history, his kind were genuinely looked at with suspicion due to some unfortunate stereotypes of Ryn as thieves, conmen, and charlatans.He would not pay such bigotry any mind unless they sought harm.

"There we are! Open for business!" He chuckled to himself, flipping holodisplay on with Aurebesh reading 'OPEN', Come one, come all, to Varzali's!"

Oh, how he awaited what stories he would make during this joyous time...

 

[Monaray Dod]

Location: Capital City of Axilla, Ukatis | Tag: Corazona von Ascania
​

As the duo distanced themselves from the bustling vendor to converse in a secluded area, the Senator couldn't help but appreciate the resilience of the people who had endured immense terror and suffering under the oppressive boot of the Mandalorian Enclave, whose intention to rebuild an instellar crusader state had crumbled once infighting took hold and the weight of military campaigns took much needed resources from Kestri.

"Mr - Albrecht Feuergeir of Bilbringi, My Lady." The Senator displayed sincerity as he clasped his hands together, deep in contemplation about the Galactic Alliance's current state.

Ukatis was just one of the many systems that gained independence following the Mandalorian Invasion, as the Defense Forces were unable to allocate resources to all systems without risking the security of the Deep Core which was now under threat by the Dark Empire.

"I have not yet had the pleasure to explore your world, although I trust you can inform me of the local politics and customs." He further explained, his desire being to establish a collaborative partnership with the young individual in front of him, who seemed to be in their early twenties. Understanding the current state of the Ukatis political system would greatly benefit the Senate Committees involved.

 

[Phobos]

Ukatis
Tags: Jenn Kryze

​

Phobos' gaze became more longing with each passing festival goer. It had to be fun, right? They all seemed to be having a grand time, enjoying the festivities and the company of friends and strangers alike. Maybe if her hood stayed on nice and snug, nobody would even bat an eye at her. It was just so tempting...

Fortunately there was something else that caught her eye to distract her from this impulse. It was the sight of a young woman, left in tears. She seemed to be in a hurry, rushing off with her dress held up so it didn't drag upon the ground. The red ribbons that so many seemed to be wearing was clutched in her hand, removed from her wrist. With one motion, she seemed to discard the ribbon, casting it to the dusty street below her. Poor luck, not that Phobos would realize this at the moment. Whatever the case was, the Ashspawn was capable of recognizing that something signifigant did not come to pass. The Ukatian woman was gone as soon as she came, lingering in Phobos' line of sight for no longer then a minute. It was, at the very least, enough to draw her curiosity to these strange ribbons even more so.

So the Ashspawn reached out to it. With an outstretched hand, she began to lift the ribbon up into the air with the force, slowly beckoning it across the alleyway and into her hand. It was bright, perhaps easy to notice, but the bustle of the festival crowd seemed to not pay it any mind. Phobos gently guided it into her grasp, clasping onto it in a manner that assumed it would be rather delicate. She began to examine the ribbon, her green eyes peering at it from every angle she could manage in the tight alleyway. It was...

Just a ribbon. How strange. It clearly must have been a symbol to represent something, but what she had no idea. It made Phobos' itch to venture out beyond the alleyway even greater. Yet even still, the Ashspawn remained. She didn't want to have to explain what she was just yet.

Maybe later, if she grew more adventurous.

 

[Zefgahld Qojex]

Syoh Pa
It was after a few minutes worth of walking away from the bench she had been standing next to, that the Amaran allowed her mind to drift into thoughts of classical tales and those odd Adventure Stories that were more the fodder of Younglings then adults.

Few, upon reflection, had proper resolve for anything beyond the social, it would seem, and both sides of Galactic Politics, had the stomach, the nerves, the moral resolve or even the want to aspire for much of anything else!

Sometimes, Zef wondered if she was too cold, even despite the integrity and moral stoutness that she so wonderfully and almost constantly admired...

The harsh shout of a chef's vendor made her flinch in her odd, circus-like gown, the skirt flaring as the Amaran jumped! "Dammit!"

Smoothing the article back down along her toned athletic legs, the shy, now-embarrassed Vulpinoid flicked her ring-clad tail, even as she decided to take the opportunity that had presented itself, and, fortunately, the she-fox found herself first in line!

Leaning one thin arm atop the alien's - a Ryn, she now saw - workstation, Zef raised her voice as she addressed the chef directly, twitching an ear and smiling at him as her free hand fiddled with her bandana atop her fiery-haired scalp.

"Meat and vegetable-based sandwiches or burgers, my good Ryn?"

 

[Kilij Qel-Nosh]

Location: Axilla, Festival
Objective: Find a new Lord or Lady
Tags: Open

Kilij moved with a deliberate calm, his attire shimmering subtly under the Axillan sun, a beacon of his past service and his open readiness for new allegiances. The Courtship Festival, a place of joyous unions, might yet prove to be where Kilij would forge a new bond of fealty and honor.

As Kilij stood amidst the vibrant swirl of the Courtship Festival, his thoughts occasionally drifted, not to the courtships and revelries before him, but to the deeper currents of his past and the tumultuous events that had led him here. The Queen of Alderaan, to whom he had sworn his life and loyalty, had vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her disappearance left a void not just in the kingdom but in his own sense of purpose. The loyalty of a sword master is not easily redirected; it is a bond forged in trust and tempered in the fires of dedication. Her absence felt like an unfinished verse in an epic, haunting and unresolved.

A sworn sword, with no lord or lady to serve.

His reverie deepened as his mind turned to the darker times—the invasion of the Deep Core by the Dark Empire. It had been a battle marked by chaos and shadow, as the Dark Empire began to spread across the galaxy, their fleets and armies a relentless tide that swallowed light and hope alike. Kilij had yet to fight them, but he knew soon his blade would meet them in battle. The might of the Dark Empire had not just threatened the physical realms but had also cast long shadows over the spirits of those who stood against it.

The contrast between those dark times and the present—the light, music, and laughter surrounding him—was stark. Here on Axilla, peace seemed a delicate, almost fragile art, much like the paper lanterns floating above the festival, glowing against the darkening sky. Yet, this peace allowed him to reflect on what his future might hold without the Queen. Could he find another to serve with as much conviction? Could he adapt his oath to a new cause, or would the memories of his former liege lord forever hold him in their grasp?