The Engagement

[Ishana Pavanos]

Greater Sobrik, Balmorra

"Old Imperial fortress world, where crashed star destroyers, republic corvettes and abandoned droid factories were playgrounds." Ishana said just as she led Kaalia out from the shuttle. The sun shined down on them both casting shadows against the ground. The wind blew by rusting the grass around them as a single path led them toward the Greater Sobrik area and more importantly a tram station. "Don't worry about our stuff, we can get it later." No one was dumb enough to try and hastle someone over luggage, not when there were bigger fish to fry.

The native Balmorran held out her hand for her bride-to-be to take, "think mom'll come around, besides she's at least meeting you in person and not on a holocall this time." A holocall that happened at dawn's early light as far as she had been concerned. "Do you remember what time Hazel said she'd be in?" A thought, "maybe we should wait?"

It'd only been a few weeks since the proposal, and Ishana's body still bore the visable scars of Hoth. Beneath the fabric of her clothes, under her skin were metal rods and screws keeping her together. Rehab and in-classroom training were all that kept her upright with her career these days. Kaalia just kept her sane through the entire process, bailing out over the snow - and her abrupt break of protocol saw to the denial of her promotion, again. "Is that her now? Hope they didn't try to take her to the ol' Bug Town, colicoids..." The brunette shuddered.

[member="Kaalia Voldaren"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Things had been absolutely crazy. From everything that happened on Hoth to now so much had happened but there was one thing that stuck out above the rest, and that was the reason they were here now. Never in Kaalia's still-short life had she expected this to happen and it still felt a bit unreal, but real it most definitely was. Following Ishana out of the shuttle she looked out over the planet named Balmorra, taking in the sights around her. It was a habit of hers to do so whenever she was about to set foot on a planet she had not been on before and after the slight pause she followed her soon-to-be wife outside while pushing back a strand of hair that the wind blew out of place. "Just in the off-chance that someone tries to do anything funny though, they will regret that. After we're done though." The redhead had a clear set of priorities, and bringing the news to Ishana's family was on the top of that list. "The good things will go first," she said with a smile. If there was one emotion that went through her mind at that moment, it was happiness. The very thing she had been chasing her entire life.

The woman chuckled after taking the brunette's hand and hearing the comment about the one who would become her mother-in-law. "It seemed she was shocked enough to see you had a significant other. I can't even imagine her reaction to the news we are bringing today." At the tram station they just arrived at they would meet with Hazel, who had been invited along. It had been a while since Kaalia had last met with her, so it was something she was looking forward to. Taking out a small datapad she checked the time. "She said she would arrive around this time, so it shouldn't take much longer. Doctors generally are punctual."

Most of the Kro Varian's time was spent alongside Ishana as she went through rehab after the injuries she had suffered on Hoth, something she had preferrably been at her side for every day and every night. Duty had called on several occasions however, but she kept those things as short as possible. She had never been gone for longer than a day without coming back for at least half a day, wanting to support her recovery as much as possible. "You know," Kaalia mentioned as she looked around the station, "I have always wanted to see where you grew up." She then noticed that Ishana was looking towards someone in the distance, asking whether is was Hazel or not. "I think it is her. Bug Town? You're going to need to fill me in on that."

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]​

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel had practically jumped at the chance of going away for a bit, specifically from work and the ever developing situation with the Sacred Lotus. So when Ishana had sent her a message, asking if she wanted to come visit Balmorra for some occasion, the Hapan didn't hesitate. Nor had she even questioned what exactly the reason was, she simply agreed and began making plans. It took a bit, as it was never easy to try and suddenly reorganize one's workload at short notice.

She knew Balmorra fairly well, although they weren't exactly filled with pleasant memories.

There had been a time when the Republic had been stationed there, fighting one enemy or another. Or was it to help the local government deal with a problem? The Hapan couldn't really recall it well, other than it being a time of violence like any other. Although it was thankfully not one of the darkest moments across those years.

But Hazel pushed that all aside, there was no point on dwelling on such matters and focused on just enjoying the peace and in general some time away. Though as the Hapan travelled to Balmorra, she couldn't help be worry that she should asked for details. Too late for that now, she'd just have to wait and see what Ishana and Kaalia had planned.

Eventually she had arrived and navigated her ship down to the planet's surface. She had been given the rough coordinates of where they were to meet, and had situated her ship at one of the nearby spaceports. After that, all it required was a small trek to the location in question. As she got closer, Hazel could just about make out two figures in the distance. A smile appeared on her face as she came into view.

"Ishana, Kaalia! It's good to see you two again. How are you both?" She asked, her eyes falling on both women though her attention did linger on Ishana. While she couldn't directly see the damage Hoth had done to the pilot, the Hapan noticed other things were somewhat different. Namely Ishana was favouring one side over the other, and as any good doctor and friend, she was concerned. "What happened?"

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Ishana held back a blurted laugh, and fought to keep herself calm. "I can only imagine what she and the others are going to say, to be honest." The Balmorran looked over at the other woman with a smile, "lets just say everyone swore I would end up like my namesake and never go steady with anyone, let alone..." She leaned over and whispered, "marry." Her breath was warm as it graced the edge of the Kro Varian's ear.

She gave Kaalia's hand a gentle squeeze as she pulled back, "sure but that's ually after you've waited thirty minutes int he examination room for them." An amused grin slid across her face as she shifted weight between her legs doing her best to not let her injuries or newly added rods get to her. "And now I shall bear it all for you, you will get to see where I grew up. What I played with, who I played with and where." Balmorra as a whole never stayed out of conflict for long, either with the galaxy or itself.

The Republic had a say, the Empire had a say and so did the Independents. These days it was pro-Alliance, or pro-First Order with anarchists, rebel rousers and extremists galore. Nothing was simple and nothing was easy, but this was home and as Kaalia asked about Bug Town. Ishana gave a knowing look to her beloved, she'd tell her all about the colicoids later. It was just then that the good doctor arrived just as the redhead had said, punctual. "Looks like you were right," the pilot said with a smile as she greeted the blonde.

"Hazel, great to see you again."

And then came the question, what happened.

"Well you know snow, and TIE fighters don't exactly get along," she tried to play it off the best she could, and then changed the subject. "So hey I think, our um tram is this way and we can head over there just as soon as you two are ready."

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

The tingling feeling of Ishana's breath against her ear made Kaalia grin. By all accounts the brunette was most definitely the eternal bachelorette when she had first met her, but it slowly seemed to have changed as the redhead kept chasing her down. She was simply starstruck by Ishana and that was all that mattered to her. Perhaps that was part of the reason this all happened. When the brunette pulled back Kaalia chuckled. "I can't say I ever believed I would get this far either, so I suppose it's a happy surprise for everyone involved. Depending on your mother's response, of course." She flashed her a mischievous smile.

"And, doctors who have seen the battlefield are often a lot better with time. they can't be thirty minutes late," Kaalia said right before Hazel came into earshot. She smiled as the other two exchanged pleasantries and Ishana explained what had happened to leave her less than a one-hundered percent, letting go of the Balmorran's hand to give the doctor a hug. "I'm glad you could make it. It's been a little while." As she backed away she went to stand at Ishana's side once more. "Luckily her recovery has been going along well. Just no wild adventures for a little while." A small nod was then sent her significant other's way as an answer to her words. "I'm ready to get going, how about you, Ha- wait..." She turned her head towards Ishana once more, an inquisitive face forming. "Did we tell her-" Laughter could be heard from Kaalia as she realized the two had never told her why she was asked to come. "We completely forgot to tell you the reason we asked you to come along. We should get moving before we miss the tram, though." Her smile was radiating as she took Ishana's hand.

While the trio walked towards the tram they were going to take she started explaining. "You see," the Kro Varian said, "Ishana and I, are getting married." Never did she think she would ever say that, but she had just done so. That thought alone was enough to fill her with joy. "It's a bit sudden, I know, but even the Force tells me it's right. Who am I to argue?" She gave Ishana a quick kiss on the cheek.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]​

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

"It's been a while indeed, thank you for inviting me." She said, offering a smile to Kaalia as she returned the hug. Albeit she still didn't know what exactly they had invited her too.

Hazel turned her attention to Ishana as the woman spoke. She immediately picked up on the fact Ishana was cutting things short and changing the subject.

Snow. TIE Fighter - Hoth. Crash.

It didn't take long for Hazel to realize what Ishana was getting at. She had heard of the conflict that had broken out on Hoth and Bespin, another scrap between the Galactic Alliance and the First Order. The Hapan took another look at the Balmorran and noted it was probably a miracle she was still walking. Though some weeks had passed since the conflict had ended, and from the sounds of things Ishana's recovery had been in capable hands.

"Well I'm glad to see you're back on your feet."

The Hapan began walking alongside the two women, a raised eyebrow sent their way at Kaalia's words before they had begun to set off for the tram. It seemed both parties had forgotten things prior to this gathering. The moment the explanation left the redhead's lips, Hazel almost stumbled over her feet in surprise. She managed to keep her walking, an expression of shock on her face. Though it was swiftly changed to a bright smile.

"Congratulations to you both!"

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

They had left out perhaps the most important part of the entire trip. The native Balmorran held back a quite laughter and only smiled, she looked down a moment at the dirt before her attention was drawn toward the blonde Hapan and the redheaded Kro Varian. As she raised her head she felt the wind on her back and inhaled deeply, and with exhalation, she spoke in a quiet tone. "Thank you," she'd been met with death thrice in her life and thrice she had escaped its clutches through one means or another and perhaps somewhere deep down in her spirit she realized she could only tempt death so many times before it would finally ask her to dance. Hands placed in her pockets as she led the group toward the trams, "I am and as Kaal said, no wild adventures just yet." Although part of her wondered if there would be room for them at all, she'd only been given leave as a courtesy for her service nothing more.

She'd have to return to duty soon enough, forever Lieutenant the thought of it made her scoff. "Did I say it was great to see you, again? Cause it's great to see you again, Doc." Ishana said as the station came ever closer into view. Her feet padded against the hard ground beneath them, and even as she could see it unfold she knew Greater Sobrik when she saw it. Old Imperial and Republic buildings now smashed together in a unique, Balmorran way as some would say. Speeder pads dotted most of the city and a large cantina and office complex sat adjacent to the tram station. "We're heading into a small town an hour or two from here, visiting family. It'll be the first time they meet this one in person," Ishana nodded in Kaalia's direction, "of course they're gonna wanna know you too, so we can tell them exactly how we met, or... give them a story."

Ishana raised her brows a moment and then held a tight smile with a shrug as she wasn't entirely sure how to explain the three of them to her family.

​

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Hazel's stumbling and facial expressions caused Kaalia to chuckle, very much entertained by the reaction to their news. The smile at the end and the positive reaction was the icing on the cake. "Thanks. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have Ishana as my wife soon. I still can't really believe it, to be honest." It felt like yesterday that she chased the brunette down after their first meeting in the Jumping Rocket, and now they were here. There was nothing she would have changed about the journey if she could. She loved every step of the way, of that there was no doubt.

The wild adventures were indeed still not something were possible just yet, but it made Kaalia happy enough they were on the move together once again. She had been there for Ishana's rehab all the way and there was no other place she would have wanted to be, but to say she preferred it over sitting in the back of the Blue Star with her soon-to-be wife in the pilot's seat travelling across the galaxy would have been a fat lie. Still, any time spent with her was good enough for the redhead. "Patience is a virtue though. We will find time for more adventures eventually, I'm sure." Hooking an arm around one of Ishana's while her hand was still in her pocket she took in her surroundings, fascinated by the unique landscape of Balmorra.

Kaalia nodded when Ishana told Hazel it was good to see her again. "It's been a while for sure." She was glad to be able to call the doctor a friend and was sure her beloved thought the same. The tram station came closer with every step and when she explained where they were going she nodded, then held in her laughter when Ishana mentioned her family wanting to know how the two had met her too. "Saying 'We all met each other on Zeltros by chance' does not leave much to the imagination, does it?" Her tone was lighthearted. She could only imagine the kind of reaction they would garner if they told the real story. "But she's right, I met them through a holocall but have never met them in person in person. things are often pretty different when you're face to face, it will be interesting."

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

It was impossible to not keep smiling, especially seeing the joy and just how happy both women were. Hazel gave Ishana a nod, a knowing look flickering in her eyes. The words hadn't been said, but the Hapan had a good idea what exactly had pushed the Balmorran towards this point. She too had a few times when death had come close to knocking, managing to escape it through some means at the time. The events on Hoylin was the latest one, feeling as though she was on death's door after the run-in with one of the culprits sowing chaos that day. Somehow managing to send her illness into overdrive, nearly killing her if it weren't for the assistance of Bethany and Nylea.

Although the one that really struck her was a pretty hairy situation years ago. Bunkered down at a point that was being hammered by the enemy. Hazel's squad and one other were trapped there until reinforcements could arrive, with the Hapan on medic duty constantly. At one point one of the enemy artillery had managed to hit their position. Thankfully she had gotten off luckier than others, but it was still very much a 'living flashing before your eyes' moment.

That, and it was right before the Breaking of Corellia, which was what ultimately took the Hapan out of the war entirely.

"Yeah, probably not best to tell them exactly how we met." As they neared the tram station, Hazel let out a small laugh. "Should be easy enough to explain, I was a doctor that looked after you," She nudged her head towards Ishana. "and ended up just befriending you both." It was certainly not far-fetched, given Hazel's track record of making friends out of her patients. Albeit ninety-nine percent of the time it didn't end up resulting in her sleeping with them, especially at the same time.

It was fairly busy in the station, but the trio were minding their own business as they went about the usual process of getting their tickets, and waiting the last bit for the tram to arrive.

"So, you said your family will be there. I presume that's the parents?" Hazel asked, looking at Ishana. She hadn't really spoken that much at length with the Balmorran to know about her family, certainly not knowing just how big of a group the Pavanos were.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

"Yeah," Ishana acknowledged with a smile, "parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and the whole fam damily."

The Tram didn't take too long, their timing was impeccable. While the station was busy, it was no busier than any other station and as the tram pulled up Ishana worked to check the bags. "We could probably just sugar coat it." So long as Ishana did not have to give the explanation, "so long as I don't get pressed for it, I'm a terrible liar." She gave Hazel a look over with a smile and then her attention went back to [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]. "Still pretty sure they'll love you, just mom can be a little y'know." She gave a hand motion, "protective but she sounded really eager to meet with you and I talked with her on the way over."

After getting the tickets and bags handled, Ishana moved to put her hand in with Kaalia's. "You're beautiful, you know that right? Have I said it today?" I love everything you do. Always and forever. When did the Balmorran get so sappy? She could almost feel her younger self-reaching out to slap her, but after meeting with death so often, you start to appreciate the small things. "So you treated my injuries and we became good friends, and well, meeting you in a bar - they uh, yeah they loved that." Her memory was a bit fuzzy on that, if they said directly how it was they met but given the surviving a TIE Fighter crash. She took in a breath as she took her seat with Kaalia, "you take the window." She still did not like sitting by glass, the table separated them from [member="Hazel Zanteres"]. "So Hazel, how are things with you? It's been awhile since we've had a chance to really talk."

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

The prospect of meeting Ishana's entire family at once was very much something Kaalia looked forward too, but there was also a small bit of nervousness that ran through her system. She had never had family of her own and had no idea how one functioned in the slightest. Mentally the woman kept telling herself it was going to be just fine, Ishana was there with her and so was Hazel. What's there to be afraid of? I'm just going to meet some people, nothing I haven't done before. Besides, I have been through worse. Battlefields, near-death experiences, what's there to be afraid about in general anymore? You're a Sith, for kark's sake. Safe to say, her internal words of encouragement did not help much.

"Everyone," the redhead added when her soon-to-be wife answered Hazel's question. "Not going to lie, I am a tiny bit nervous. You can only make a first expression once." With that the tram pulled up and stopped in front of the trio, prompting Kaalia to pick up her bag. She chuckled at the notion of Ishana being a terrible liar, remembering the day the two met once again. "The last time you claimed we were married was good example of that. I was going to try to bail you out and play along, but they caught wind the moment you opened your mouth." Lying was something she did not like doing herself, and only did so when it was necessary. Those occurences were very rare, but the story of how Kaalia and Ishana met Hazel was worth lying about. "If they start prodding we'll figure it out as we go. It's not like they know anything that happened."

The pilot's words about her mother reassured the Kro Varian a little. Perhaps it was just the initial shock that caused the reaction when they first talked. "Yeah, it'll be fine. I've got a good feeling." It didn't fully take away her nervousness, but it helped much more than her own words of 'encouragement'. While talking the tickets and bag were being handled and Kaalia smiled brightly as her love took her hand. "Not as beautiful as you are," she answered as her cheeks flared up from the compliment. It was incredibly sappy, but she simply couldn't help herself. Ishana was simply perfect. Her smile, her voice, her scent, everything. Waking up next to her every morning was the thing the redhead never knew she wanted until she met her, but now she simply couldn't live without it.

The three took their seats, Kaalia gladly taking the window seat. She loved endlessly and mindlessly staring out of windows, watching everything on the other side unfold. Her focus was on the two people she was with, but that didn't mean she couldn't take a quick peek outside every now and then. "I'm curious about what you have been up to as well." Hazel had likely been busy, much like Kaalia herself had been, and so being able to catch up was a welcome thing.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel's eyebrows rose up in surprise at Ishana's answer. The Hapan let out a small chuckle, now admittedly a bit more nervous at the fact she was likely going to be questioned by not just the Balmorran's parents, but the entire family too. Two people she could deal with, but to be potentially bombarded by several, all of which had cared for one of the two woman she was currently seated next to?

It was going to be tough, even for someone who had spent years on battlefields. There wasn't really much of a comparison between witnessing gruesome sights, and being grilled by the family members of someone who you had slept with, who was now engaged to the other someone you had also slept with.

The latter though had the potential of being a lot more awkward.

She looked over at Kaalia, and could see similar thoughts were running through the redhead's mind. Similarly, Hazel could tell there was some concern in Ishana too. This gathering was more important to the both of them, more so than it was to her. She was sort of in the middle of it, but more so to the side of it. A trusted friend who had shared an intimate moment with them. But the Hapan was going to make sure it wasn't ruined for either of them.

Hazel picked up her own bag the moment the tram finally arrived. Hoisting the bag over one shoulder, she followed the other two onto the tram.

"Don't worry about it, if they ask either of you direct it towards me. I can handle it." It wasn't like the Hapan lacked experience with lying, sugar coating words or speaking half truths. She had done plenty of that on battlefields and in medical tents. Helping give wounded soldiers some calm and peace before their final moments.

Probably a rather extreme way of looking at things, but it was what Hazel knew.

She watched the two interact as they moved through the tram, searching for a suitable place to sit after having their tickets and bags checked. It was indeed a rather sappy sight to behold, but Hazel wouldn't have it any other way and she was sure neither Ishana or Kaalia would either. It reminded her of Zeltros, back at the apartment when she had felt those pangs of jealously while watching them.

There was none of that now, as Hazel wasn't alone anymore. Her thoughts turned to [member="Cinder Rose"], and it brought a smile to the Hapan's face.

Only to be snapped back to reality upon hearing Ishana's question, and seeing both women were now looking at her for an answer.

"Oh well...um, busy?" She laughed lightly, when wasn't the Hapan in some busy state. "Things with the Sacred Lotus have been shaken up...I've taken on more of a leadership role now, so I've been spending more of my time there." Then that smile returned, as her mind wondered the other major thing that had come into her life. "I also met someone..." There was obvious meaning behind that, beyond the simple words.

"Her name's Shay."

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

The tram was quiet mostly, and Ishana was glad as it moved through the city and headed into the countryside. The scenic route held many things, and for the native it held memories. Relics of the past had now been rooted into the planet. Foliage has grown over most of it, former craters turned to lakes, ponds, and rivers even. Ishana was glad for [member="Hazel Zanteres"], Hazel understood without saying and she gave the Hapan a knowing smile and said, "well, well, well Doctor."

A raised brow that anchored her cheeky grin, "do tell."

She teased as the tram announced a stop, which meant they would stop and wait as passengers were loaded on and off the tram. "And congratulations by the way." She said of the whole, managing the Sacred Lotus and then Ishana looked over at [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]. The pilot threaded her fingers with the Kro Varians and wondered if remaining in the First Order would be suitable. As much as she enjoyed taking down the Alliance, she also wanted to do more with her life and it was clear.

Ishana had never been one of the guys with the Starfighter Corps. She would never be one of their aces or their beloved fighters that got promoted. In fact, she'd spent years as a lieutenant and while she mostly blamed herself. The Balmorran turned and gave her attention to the Hapan as she seemed to settle on an answer that she'd have to talk with Kaalia about later.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

It came to no surprise to Kaalia that Hazel's first answer was that she had been busy. Her name was pretty much synonymous with being busy but it was still good to hear she hadn't been sitting still. She wanted to commend her for taking up leadership within the Sacred Lotus but Ishana did so before she herself could react, and when the doctor started displaying a smile that reverberated within her mind and triggered memories of moments where she had almost exactly that smile on her face herself she knew exactly what she was about to say. Suddenly Hazel's new role within the Sacred Lotus wasn't the thing that interested her most anymore.

The redhead's suspicions were quickly confirmed as Hazel explained that she had met someone, with the clear implication that it was exactly what she had expected it to be. "That's amazing! She is one of the luckiest people in the galaxy to have you." And overjoyed smile was plastered on her face. "We should pay you and Shay a visit sometime then, don't you think so miala?" Hazel deserved nothing but the best if anyone asked Kaalia and seeing her smile like that made her day only that much better. She turned her head towards Ishana to gauge her reaction, curious to see how she reacted to the news.

While the pilot went to thread fingers with Kaalia she couldn't help but grin like an idiot again, although the other two were very likely used to that face by now. She would follow Ishana everywhere she went no matter what, no sacrifice was too great for her. Whatever the brunette wanted to do in life she would stand right beside her and she would let nothing and nobody get in the way of that. The picture was very clear to the woman; Ishana came first, everything else took a backseat.

The next stop was announced and Kaalia pulled an inquisitive face. "Isn't that our stop?" It wouldn't be much longer before she would meet the family and her nerves were building ever so slightly. It'll be fine, there's nothing to be worried about.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Realizing she was suddenly now in the spotlight; both women's attention on her, Hazel quickly adopted a rather sheepish expression. Up until this point she hadn't openly talked about Shay, not that she was intentionally hiding the fact, but rather there just hadn't been an opportunity to talk about her. Right now though, with both Ishana and Kaalia was certainly one of the best times to do so.

She gave a nod of thanks at the compliment, the Hapan certainly hadn't expected to take on the responsibility with the Sacred Lotus. After everything that happened, she didn't want to see it fading away entirely.

"Oh, I don't know about that. A majority of the time I feel as though I'm the lucky one." Her thoughts turned entirely to Shay, and her eyes shifted away to looking outside of the window. "She's very feisty and fiery..." Although she wasn't going to elaborate on how literal the latter was. "Tall, got some lovely muscles. And she does this wonderful thing with he-"

Hazel blinked.

Her attention fazed back to reality upon seeing Ishana and Kaalia's reflection in the window. Both sporting matching expressions as they watched the Hapan.

"Like I said. I'm the lucky one." Her cheeks were now burning red. Hazel propped her arms up, and buried her face into her hands. But it was clear to see there was a big smile on her face.

Eventually the tannoy system chimed to life, with the announcer calling out the next stop along their trip. Hazel looked at Kaalia as she asked about it, and looked to Ishana for the answer.

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Sundari, Balmorra

What was once filled with factories, craters of crashed ships and anti-orbital cannons now rested with the scars of the past. In place of factories were vineyards, and groves and where once craters rested now sat silos and barns and where cannons once held a claim now a monument to the past. The former flatlands still held the now grown over wounds of the ancient wars. The station was called 'Sunland Station,' and as Ishana helped Kaalia and Hazel down from the train and onto the platform. She took a deep breath and exhaled, "yeah actually a visit would be fantastic, babe. If uh, you and Shay are okay with that." She cleared her throat and felt a little nervous being back here. Memories of running around the 'Droid Graveyard,' as a kid just over by Markaran Plains on the opposite side of the country. Taking speeders out for races, crashing into things - the place had been cleaned up a lot she admitted. Ishana was a little lost as she spoke, "Chicks dig muscles," she came back and bit back her own tide of emotions as she set her things down.

When you've spent your life running away from your own shadow. And then she heard it, she heard it here and she swore that even if she was still at the main tram station she'd have been able to hear it. "YASMI!" Her mother's voice cried in a shrill, and before Ishana had time to react. Aalicya Pavanos had her arms around the woman, "oh my baby, my baby." Ishana was peppered with kisses all over her face, "Yasmi, Yasmi. My mimi, oh, Daveeq look!"

"Yes, yes Aalia I see, c'mere Yasmirah." Her father waved her over and as Ishana returned her mother's hug and gave her a kiss. She sidestepped out of the way and put her arms around her father. "My daughter, my beautiful daughter you are home, you are finally home."

Ishana had no idea what came over her in that moment, but she broke down. Any bags in her hands were dropped and she just cried as she hugged her dad. Had it been so long since she'd been home? Taking a breath the Balmorran took a step back and wiped her eyes and laughed. "Hi dad," a chuckle, "hi." And once again her arms went around her father's neck.

Aalia put her hands over her heart and took in the sight, and then turned to see [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]. "And you must be Kaalia."

The older Pavanos woman took Kaalia by her hands and just looked at her, she studied this strange young woman that had captured her daughter's heart. She studied and took inventory of the woman, looked her over. And as the sounds of trams moving to and from were heard, and as the people walked around them the mother of Ishana then shifted her body taking another step closer to Kaalia. Her hands moved now to cup Kaalia's face, "you are who my daughter loves, and you brought her home." The older woman's thumbs moved across the redhead's face before she embraced her, "thank you, dearest."

"Now, who is this Yasmi?" Daveeq wanted to know as he gestured to [member="Hazel Zanteres"].

Ishana nearly blushed, and stumbled to say, "she's uh, well she's Hazel, she's a friend... yeah, a friend."

"I see." Daveeq acknowledged without hesitiation, "well a friend of Yasmi is a friend of ours, come, come, come."

The only male of the group gathered the bags, just as his daughter followed suit and grabbed the rest of the luggage. Aalia, meanwhile shook Hazel's hands and smiled giving her a cheek to cheek kiss as was custom here in this part of Balmorra. She then moved to hold Kaalia's hand, and led the Kro Varian down through the station and onto the street, where Ishana was more than surprised to see this.

"Wow... you guys still have this?"

"Of course! It still works! Come, you all sit in the back and I'll drive."

Aalia remarked with some annoyance, "because your father is too cheap to get us bigger transport."

"Aalia why spend credit or quid when we can still use, mhmm?" Daveeq protested.

Ishana shook her head and laughed, while she put the luggage in the trunk. Surprisingly, it all fit.

"So.... uh, who sits where?"

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

It was fairly clear that Ishana was a bit nervous, something that did not go unnoticed. Doing whatever she could Kaalia wrapped an arm around one of hers. I will always have your back. I will be there when you need me, no matter what. The words weren't spoken out loud, but that didn't change the sincerity of them in the slightest. With a loving gaze the redhead looked at her dearest, reaffirming she wouldn't ever be alone. She slowly let go however, but not without reason.

"YASMI!"

Out of seemingly nowhere Ishana's mother flew in to welcome her daughter home, a scene that left Kaalia with one of the broadest smiles she had ever shown. Aalicya was overjoyed to see her and it made her think of her own parents. Did they miss her? How would they react if they saw her again? She knew they were still alive, and on Kro Var, but had never had the courage to go. Something held her back, as if she was too afraid of disappointment. Would they reject her, scold her?

The worried thoughts quickly melted away however as the woman watched the Balmorran started tearing up and hugged her father. It truly was a heartwarming moment and she smiled softly at the sight, this was a moment she would never forget. It was there she had made up her mind, she was going to travel to Kro Var despite the fact it was under the influence of the Galactic Alliance to find her family. She simply had to.

"I am indeed Kaalia. Aalicya, was it?" As she took the redhead by her hands she let her do the inspection. She looked much more friendly than during the Holocall, which was a big relief to Kaalia. Perhaps the fact that Ishana had come home and Aalicya was able to meet her face to face had helped. The words that were spoken after she felt the older woman's hands on her cheeks confirmed her thoughts. With a smile she returned the hug and looked over to Ishana as she embraced her father. "Thank you for the warm welcome, it means more to me than you could ever imagine." In that moment she forgot about the Force, the Sith, and everything involved. She had been here for not even a day, yet Balmorra already felt like home more than any other planet had. "Your daughter is the most fantastic woman I have ever met."

When the embrace was broken off Kaalia had to suppress a chuckle at Ishana's answer to Daveeq's question. Luckily no further questions were asked, at least for now, allowing the group to get moving. "She's also one of the best doctors I know," the woman added, sending a nod the blonde's way.

Following Ishana's mother as she held the redhead's hand the group arrived at their transport. It was most definitely an old thing, but Kaalia fell in love with it almost instantly. "You don't see those very often nowadays." She turned her attention to Hazel as the brunette stored the luggage away in the trunk. "It's beautiful, don't you think?"

Fitting all three in the back was going to mean they were going to be bunched up, and it was extremely likely Kaalia would have to keep her head down throughout the trip to not bash her head against the roof. "I'll sit anywhere." 'Anywhere' actually meant anywhere next to Ishana, but she doubted that it was necessary to say that out loud.

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Hazel gave a small nod to the suggestion of a visit.

"I'll have to speak with Shay, but I'm sure she'll up for it." Be particularly bothered either way? Probably not, provided she didn't learn about Zeltros anyway. Although, as Hazel looked at Kaalia she was reminded of the woman's control over the element of fire. It was certainly something the Kro Varian and Dravala could bond over, or fight over it knowing Shay.

The trio eventually made their way of the tram and into the station proper, although they hardly got much further when someone suddenly shouted.

"YASMI!"

The Hapan's eyes snapped over to a woman she assumed was Ishana's mother given the emotion that was on display. Hazel couldn't help but smile, watching as the family reunited. It was incredibly heartwarming, and she shared a knowing look with [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] as the Pavanos got reacquainted with their daughter.

Soon the greetings were underway, Aalicya was immediately gushing over the Kor Varian, finally getting to see her daughter's love in the flesh. But there was also the added impact that she had indeed brought Ishana back home, from all the battles and war the two had been involved in. Hazel knew that feeling too well, having seen that in her own parents whenever she had returned from fighting for the Republic.

That thought had reminded her, she really should go and visit them sometime soon.

Eventually Hazel was in the spotlight, and she chuckled lightly at [member="Ishana Pavanos"]' stumbling. The Hapan smiled as she shook the older Pavanos' hand.

"I'm Hazel Zanteres, as Kaalia mentioned I'm a doctor." Thankfully no questions were asked, but she imagined it was only a matter of time before they did.

The group finally moved out of the station, walking a short distance until they reached their transport. Hazel quirked an eyebrow, wondering how exactly they were all going to fit in there. Ultimately though she shrugged.

"I don't mind sitting in the back with Kaalia and Ishana." After all, it wasn't exactly be the first time she had squeezed up close to the two women.

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Ishana's father waited patiently as they crawled in, Ishana being the smaller of the three women volunteered to be in the middle. The two seats on either side of her sunk in lower than they appeared providing a little more leg room, but not much. Daveeq and Aalicya got into their seats and with the doors shut the little transport began to move. The transport had a quirky sound to it, a ca-pho-ca-phut-ca-coo sound and held a rhythm as it moved along the road.

Balmorra was certainly a mix of older and modern technologies if the tram was of any indication. The city was soon nothing more than a faded silhouette and around them was nothing but the country side. Clear blue skies, cobblestone streets and pavement of loose gravel and dirt. Livestock, and work animals often appearing near silos, vineyards and groves laid out from one end to the other.

Truly, the area might remind someone of older times and often of a simpler life. Still, as they drove the sights and scars of centuries of war could be seen. Abandoned factories that had sat for centuries with grass overgrown. Rusted metal hanging ominously a stark reminder of the past, and although dangerous they seemed to be playgrounds for the children who were brave enough to play there. "See that over there, the old factory. I used to play there all the time with my sisters, we'd dare each other to go as far as we could."

"And over there is the school, it's made out of a former imperial municipal hall. Everyone goes there for secondary and then primary is usually taught in those little houses there," Ishana pointed out as they drove past, "and craters from the wars."

There was a pause as they drove by the lake that looked so still, "this is crater lake, it's so beautiful in the day but at night you'll swear it's haunted. Don't go camping near here." Spirits, they'd say the Spirits would terrorize those who dared to camp and make contact. Brutal deaths, lives ended so suddenly even now there seemed to be an eerie feeling about it.

"So tell me, uh, doctor yes? Doctor Zanteres, tell me where did you train? Who give you your, your doctorate? Where did you study? University of Coruscant? Or maybe you study at Chandrillia Medical?"

"Dad," Ishana objected as she sat straight up and leaned forward, and then noted her mother's look in the mirror. "Daddy she just got here."

Daveeq chuckled and then turned his questioning elsewhere, "alright, alright I will save the questions but for your... "

"Bride, I have my questions and you will let me ask them."

"Okay..." she conceded, and slumped back into her seat.

He then began, "tell me more about yourself, Kaalia. What do you do for money, how do you get by, what are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years, ten years."

[member="Hazel Zanteres"] | [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]​

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

It was clear that the thing was not made to transport five people at once like this, especially with people who were as long as Kaalia was. Her head slightly grazed the roof, her legs had next to no space and Ishana was basically pressed against her. As the woman thought about it though, the last of the three things made it quite okay. When the engine started sputtering to life she looked sideways towards the brunette for a moment, flashing a quick smile before turning her head to gaze out of the window. The sights were utterly facinating to her, the explorer in her awakening once more. She concluded she had done not nearly enough of it lately, a mistake that she would have to rectify very soon. All in due time however, there was something much more important happening and it had priority over everything else.

"Hm, how far would you dare to go in there now?" Kaalia would listen closely to Ishana's descriptions of the places they came past, not bothering to hide her interest in the history of the planet. Perhaps if she had time she would take a look around, or maybe even inside, the factory. It was not the only sight that intrigued the redhead, however. The lake's backstory caught her attention, perhaps even more so than the factory. The temptation to see what it was about was strong, but perhaps it was for another time. One thing was very obvious however- Kaalia wished she had visited the planet earlier.

A chuckle escaped the woman's lips as a barrage of questions were directed towards Hazel, but kept silent beyond that. Ishana had stepped in however and the doctor was given a breather, but that didn't stop Daveeq from asking more questions. They were now sent her way and the brunette seemed to have conceded, but Kaalia didn't mind. Some of the questions themselves were a bit tough to answer, however. It didn't seem like a very good idea to just blurt out that she was a Sith to her future in-laws, so that would have to be kept quiet, but luckily she had an answer to the question of how she got by. "I used to work for the First Order government up until recently, foreign relations. I wanted a change of pace though, so I quit. With my business partners I set up a company, it's called Kova. We produce apparel for the woman who wants a stylish yet practical wardrobe." It had been a profitable venture and one that was oddly fun. "Where do I see myself in the future though..." Although she already knew one thing for certain, everything else wasn't really planned out at all. "At the very least I see myself living happily with Ishana above all else. Beyond that I cannot truly give a detailed answer, I do look towards tomorrow but I don't plan so far ahead that when it gets derailed I can't recover." It was good to plan ahead, but going too far was not. "I do see Kova being a business I remain involved in, so I see myself still being in that business. I would like to help its expansion into becoming a well-known name within the industry."

[member="Ishana Pavanos"] | [member="Hazel Zanteres"]​