Private The Measure of a Friend

[Iandre Athlea]

A genuine smile spread across Iandre's face.

"I'm really happy to hear that." There was a quiet warmth in her voice. "Making a friend out of someone you once stood across from isn't always easy. I think those friendships can become some of the strongest, because both people had to choose them."

She laughed softly as he mentioned putting her on the VIP list.

"I would be honored." The thought of seeing the estate after everything he'd described was surprisingly appealing. "Though I should warn you, my taste in music is probably a little out of date. I don't know that I'd be much help if you're trying to impress your guests."

Her expression brightened.

"Food, though?" She nodded confidently. "That I can absolutely help with. I might even be able to cook for you." A fond smile crossed her face. "I've always believed sharing a meal is one of the simplest ways to make people feel welcome. If I can help with that, I'd be happy to."

She looked at him for a moment before her smile softened again.

"Besides," she said warmly, "I think a home filled with good food, good company, and people who have chosen to become friends sounds like a wonderful thing to celebrate."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Iandre Athlea

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"That's okay… I'd prefer soft chamber music, something instrumental," Braze offered. "I'm not really fond of club music; the bass gives me anxiety."

"If you want to help me cook, that'd be okay… I think, culturally, cooking for others shows you have love for them, and care enough to perform an act of service."

 

[Iandre Athlea]

A warm smile touched Iandre's face.

"Then I think we have similar tastes." She laughed softly. "There's something wonderfully calming about instrumental music. It lets the conversation become the centerpiece instead of competing with it."

His words about cooking softened her expression.

"I like that." She nodded gently. "A meal made with care has always felt like love to me, too. I'd be happy to help you share that with your friends."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Iandre Athlea

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Braze smiled softly at that. "What were your plans here?" he asked curiously. "This is an awfully dangerous planet, out of all the ones I've visited," he mused aloud. "If you want to just get away from things right now, I don't mind showing you what I'm working on a little early," he offered gently. "My father's been staying there, helping tend the gardens and making all kinds of medicines with the herbs he's been growing… We have tons of cute baby duckies too, if you wanna see some cute critters… Spending time visiting the farms helps me detach from all the woes of the larger galaxy out there."

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre's expression softened at the invitation, and she couldn't help but smile.

"I'd like that, Braze." she said warmly. "Baby ducklings sound like exactly the sort of thing I could use right now."

She looked out across the landscape for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

"Before Rellik died, I met Vulpesen." she explained quietly. "He told me that if I ever needed anything, all I had to do was let him know." A bittersweet smile crossed her face. "So when the Diarchy fell and Rellik disappeared...I came here."

She gave a small shrug.

"I've been here ever since." Her smile returned, gentler now. "This world has given me the space to grieve...and to begin figuring out who I am again."

Turning back to Braze, genuine curiosity lit her eyes.

"What brought you here?" she asked. "And I'd love to visit your farm sometime." She smiled. "I have a feeling the ducklings would be very good company."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Iandre Athlea

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"Procurement of rare plants and woods. " Braze offered gently in reply.

"I've only been here a hand full of times because I've met Vulpesen . Some times I like to try to learn about other cultures and take part in traditions if possible... They are pretty fun to feed little peas to in the water by the lake. They are supper cute. "

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre smiled warmly.

"I think I'd enjoy that." she admitted. "Learning about other cultures has always been one of my favorite parts of traveling. You come away realizing the galaxy is much larger than your own little corner of it."

The mention of the ducklings drew a quiet laugh.

"You've painted quite the picture." she said warmly. "I can already imagine them waddling after whoever has the peas." She shook her head with an amused smile.

After a thoughtful sip of tea, she looked back at Braze.

"What comes next for you after you've gathered your supplies?" she asked. "Will you be returning to the farm for a while?" A small smile followed. "And...when do you think I might be welcome to come visit?"

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Iandre Athlea

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"I'll be returning for a day or two to get some work done. You can come back with me, if you like… I have a lot of work to do helping build a new government, if that makes sense? I suppose I'm more moral support and business assistance than anything else, since I get to help make the trip out that way a little easier by bringing some convenience to the deeper reaches of space.

Myself and a few other Jedi have elected to try and build a nice, quiet home far away from all the war and tragedy of the Core… to map out new territory in the wild, untamed reaches of the Unknown Regions."

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre listened quietly, a warm smile lingering on her face as Braze spoke. The offer was generous. Tempting, even.

She hesitated before answering.

"I...don't think I'm quite ready to go that far yet." she admitted softly. "I'm sorry, Braze."

Her gaze drifted toward the horizon.

"There are still some things I need to work through...here." She paused, searching for the right words. "I'm still trying to figure out where I belong."

She looked back at him with an apologetic smile.

"How about this?" she offered gently. "Once I've figured that out...or at least come a little closer to it...I'd love to come and see what you've built."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Iandre Athlea

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Braze nodded. " That's more than fair. " He agreed. "We'll get together then~"He promised with a nod and a smile. "I've a lot of work to get done so I',m gonna mosey on out of your hair for now, I hope you feel better. " He offered gently.

 

[Iandre Athlea]

Iandre's smile lingered as she stepped a little closer.

"Thank you, Braze." she said sincerely. "For listening...and for reminding me that there's still plenty of good left in the galaxy."

Unless he stepped away, she gave him one more gentle hug before letting him go. It wasn't born from desperation this time, but gratitude.

"In time, I will." she said with a small nod. "Good luck with your work, and have a good day. I'll be looking forward to meeting those ducklings."

Braze

 

[Braze]

Tags: Iandre Athlea

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He offered her a smile and a playful salute before raising a hand and wiggling his fingers. " You're welcome stay safe out there and may the force be with you , Iandre. " With that he left her with the flower crown and ring and padded off to continue his work.