There is Hope in the Dark (part two: The Wedding)

[Puppet Kyrios]

Planet: Naboo
Location: Asteria's Wikinia Tree
What: Wedding of Asteria Starcatcher and William Leafwalker
Guests: [member="Cryax Bane"] [member="Jarven Zexxel"] [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Patricia Susan Garter"] [member="Ice"]​

A blue moon rose over a remote Naboo field, lighting up a single but beautiful tree adorned with silver colored lights and two rows of silver painted benches. It was here that two souls would be joined forevermore in the company of their friends...

(OOC: The Wedding will begin as soon as everyone arrives ICly)

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Jarven strode onto the grounds wearing his Sunday Best. Of course, his suit wasn't so fancy as to detract any attention away from tonight's purpose. A simple rented tux was doing the job nicely. Holding his arm, his fiancee and soon to be wife was walking beside him.

[member="Patricia Susan Garter"] [member="Asteria Starcatcher"]

 

[Miss Blonde]

Walking in with her arm around [member="Jarven Zexxel"] 's the soon to be Mrs. Zexxel was dressed in her good for any occasion garb. Her little red dress and high heels, she strode in with Jarven, they had parked their speeder by a few trees and they were walking through the field towards a row of chairs and other places to sit before the wedding started.

"Please tell me there's booze here." Patricia said under her breath to Jarven.

In her defense she was accustomed to wedding being held indoors with lots of beer and other party favors. Weddings were a rare occasion on Zeltros for her and everything two of the lusting species decided to tie the knot it was a rather big celebration that often turned into something that couldn't be said in such a setting. Needless to say Patricia had a lot of fun in her youth. But now she had settled down and was getting married to the dork beside her that she loved very very much.

"If this is a dry wedding I'm going to defile you in your sleep tonight." Patricia said again hushed and proceeded moving forward to move into the guest area.

((Must of missed this with all the factio stuff going on. Alright guys let's post to this wedding ))
[member="Cryax Bane"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Jarven Zexxel"] [member="Asteria Starcatcher"] [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] [member="Ice"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

"It wouldn't be a party without something to make us all forget about it, darling."

"Well, we'd better make sure this party gets bumping. I wouldn't want to wake up castrated..." He whispered to [member="Patricia Susan Garter"]. He smiled to her, letting her know that he was only kidding...although he was probably going to sleep in the hammock in the back of the Handwave Express shuttle tonight, just for safe measure.

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva arrived early, or so it seemed to her. Few had gathered in the field where the wedding was to take place. Her yellow-red eyes took in the peaceful meadow and the brilliant blue moon.

'Beautiful, romantic, peaceful. Asteria really out did herself.' The Zabrak mused to herself. She turned back to to speeder which had dropped her off, "Tonight Renesri!" Annoyance in her tone.

Renesri Aylia, Zenva's young niece and her plus one for the evening, paid the cab driver and hurried out after the elder Zabrak. The young woman was dressed as was her norm, black skirt and leggings which were 'artfully' torn. A black leather half jacket and oversized steel toed combat boots. In her arms was a plain wooden box which held gifts for the bride and groom.

"Honestly child," Zenva chastised, "Have you any clothing that isn't in tatters?" Zenva fussed with her own dress, a relatively simple strapless number of dark silver, making sure everything was still covered. "Come. Let's see who is about."

The two daughters of clan Vrotoa, easily identified by the shared tribal tattoos around the eyes and mouth, started toward the gathering. Zenva was on the hunt for the bride herself. Given the time however, she doubted she would find Asteria before the ceremony began.

[member="Asteria Starcatcher"]
[member="Jarven Zexxel"]
[member="Patricia Susan Garter"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Jarven was helping his fiance find whatever alcohol or drinks this place had when he spotted someone familiar. He walked a short ways away from the drinks and addressed the younger of the two zabrak females.

"Hey, I know you. Remember me? I was on Makeb. How's your leg?"

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"] [member="Patricia Susan Garter"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Renesri came to an abrupt stop as a notably large, and hairy man stepped up to address her. A flicker of panic came over the young woman's face, in her peripheral she saw her aunt continue walking. "Umm...yeah."

Her gaze traveled up the man before her. And kept going up, and up. Nearly twelve inches later she meet the man's eyes. "I mean no. Umm I'm sorry. I ... don't know you."

The young woman made a show of leaning to one side to look past the man. Her aunt was still walking away. She straightened, returning her gaze to the very large man. "I am sorry. Really. If you were on Makeb than you know how my leg was broken. You know... that I passed out. I really wasn't aware of what happened after that. My aunt said someone got me back to our clan's line and we feel back to our camp."

She popped herself up on one foot, balanced on her toes. "My leg is fine though. Not even a limp."

Again she overly exaggerated looking past the man at her increasingly distant aunt, "Umm. Yeah. I'm really supposed to be behind her. She is looking for the bride. We have a gift for the couple," she bounced the long wooden box she carried in both arms, "and if she presents our gift without me standing there holding it she will be really pissed."

She gazed up, and up, at the man. "Thanks for asking though, umm mister?"

[member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Being a natural born hunter, Jarven could tell when someone or something was nervous and trying to get away. Of course, this was a foreign social situation, so this girl was most likely uncomfortable being without her familiar companion.

"My leg is fine though. Not even a limp."

"That Jaster was a foul fellow for doing that to you."

if she presents our gift without me standing there holding it she will be really pissed."

Jarven grinned. "Ha ha. I understand. The name's Jarven. Jarven Zexxel. I don't know if I'll get the chance to chat with her, so say hi to Zenva for me, alright?" With that, he turned and left her in peace.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Under a Wikinia tree in a remote A remote Naboo field was an odd place for a Chiss crime lord to be, but here Cryax Bane was, arriving fashionably late as usual. He hoped Asteria Starcatcher wouldn't hate him too terribly for it. After all, she was a good friend to Cryax, and had defended his life on many occasions, as well as saved it. He remembered that day when he first met Starcatcher. He was lying in a pile of rocks on the planet of Kessel, bleeding profusely, with Black Sun prison guards on the way. She put him on a hoverstretcher and flew him to safety and for that, he would be eternally grateful.

Bane wore an elegant black tuxedo and in his hands he palmed a wedding gift for Asteria. Once unwrapped, she would find a an Emeradue necklace and matching earrings. He wasn't sure if it was an appropriate wedding present, but what did he know about weddings? He was a crime lord.

It was obvious from the way everyone was standing around and looking at their chronos, that he was the one holding up the ceremony. Sheepishly, the Chiss mouthed an apology to the others in attendance and then quietly took a seat so that the wedding could begin.

[member="Jarven Zexxel"] [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] [member="Patricia Susan Garter"] [member="Asteria Starcatcher"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Little Renesri bobbed in place in what she thought would pass as a curtsy while her arms were full. "I will! Pass on your greeting that is, mister Zexxel."

As [member="Jarven Zexxel"] turned away from the young Zabrak his natural hunter instincts informed him of an immediate danger. Not far off Zenva stood watching the interaction. Her arms folded across her chest and though her expression was kept carefully neutral, she starred with all the intensity of a mother Nexu watching it's cub.

When Renesri rejoined her aunt, the pair spoke briefly in Zabraki. Zenva's eyes never leaving the stranger who had stopped her niece. If Jarven had keen hearing he might pick out his name being spoken several times as the two Zabrak conversed. Seeming to have reached some understanding the two started back toward the man, Zenva leading the way.

"Mister Zexxel, might I have a moment?" Zenva said, once she reached the man.

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

As he turned away, Jarven's natural hunter instincts were informed of an immmediate danger (lol). He did a slow, casual 360 and noticed Zenva watching him. Of course, he was not foolish enough to stop and stare. She was not a lady to provoke in any fashion, let alone kark with. He kept turning while his spine did a little, involuntary shiver. Fear of the unknown and a hunter's edge mixed into a confusing mix of nervous anticipation. He tried to alleviate that concoction with a different one at the punch table...that is, until he got to the table. What IS that? Jarven really wasn't sure what the drinks were. Were they alcoholic, fruit juices, or something completely else? None of this is toxic to Ganks, right?...

His reverie was broken by two familiar Zabraks. He heard the footsteps and had half an idea of who they were before he looked around and soon figured out the other half. He paused just a little bit, not sure how to start. He started to open his mouth when Zenva spoke. He shut his mouth.

"Mister Zexxel, might I have a moment?"

He smiled nervously. Come on, Jarven. You helped get Ren to safety and hurt the man who hurt her. If anything, she probably just wants to say hello. Jarven felt calm(er...ish....) and he said to her, "Why, yes, Ms....Vrotoa, I believe? You're always welcome to speak with me."

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva smiled broadly, flashing pearly white serrated teeth. Behind her little Renesri flinched but said nothing.

"Why yes," Zenva said. "I am pleased you remember. I wanted to apologize for my rudeness when last we met."

Zenva paused, blatantly swept her gaze up and down the man before continuing, "I must say you're not what I expected beneath the armor." She smiled again. "I also wished to thank you more properly. Clan Vrotoa does not forget her allies. We owe you a debt."

Zenva turned away for a moment, taking the wooden box away from her niece, "This young lady, who no doubt has forgotten her manners, is Renesri Aylia. My niece."

Renesri stepped forward, smiling sheepishly, and dipped a proper curtsy before the Gank.

[member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Being a predator by nature, Jarven was not perturbed by her teeth. In fact, he liked her smile. He grinned in return to her, his canines being slightly longer and sharper than a normal human's.

He soon became confused, however, when she talked about rudeness. "I understand. She clearly means a lot to you."

After she looked him up and down, he smiled and said, "Thank you...Oh, I wouldn't say you owe me anything. I was just trying to do the right thing." His tone and face became a tad bit darker and quieter. "And kark Jaster if he thinks I'm going to let him sneak attack and violate a nice, young lady. I hope his shoulder did more than just dislocate..." He broke from his small reverie and smiled once more at the two ladies before him.

He addressed the curtsying young lass. He smirked and bowed to her in return. He spoke to Ren, "A pleasure to meet you. I would have mistaken you for her daughter. You both share many positive qualities."

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Renesri blushed deeply. Her gaze dropped to her boots as she murmured a response, "Flatterer."

"Renesri!" Zenva chastised, "That was uncalled for."

"My apologies, lady Zenva." Renesri replied. She looked up at the giant Gank again, "Please forgive my rudeness mister Zexxel." The young Zabrak winked at the man in a conspiratorial manner while her aunt wasn't looking.

Zenva had turned back to Jarven, "I take debts such as these quite seriously, Mister Zexxel. If you had not intervened as you did, my niece may have come to much greater harm. I insist that you allow me to repay your service to my clan in a similar fashion, if nothing else. Surely a man of your particular skills can see the merits of additional personnel being present during a conflict."

[member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

A ghost of a smile touched Jarven's lips. He knew it wouldn't be proper to outright smile in front of Zenva, especially after her reaction.

As for the merits point of her conversation, he replied, "Yes, it's true that numbers in battle can change the balance of any fight. But, I am a solitary warrior. I face problems alone so that no one else is risked and so that I can prove my own prowess. I am a shield to protect my friends, and the moment Renesri was under attack by an unfair force, she was a friend in need. I'm not interested in remuneration...but I do like having friends."

He smiled and looked at both of them with a little bit of hope on his face (If one could possibly have "hope" on their face? :s ). He started to contemplate for a couple of seconds before asking them, "So, maybe we can just consider this my first act of genuine loyalty and ability?" He didn't know if he had worded that right, so he hoped it made sense to them.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva flashed a shark toothed grin, "I can respect your motivation for fighting alone. It is a motive I often share. Be sure to keep my offer in mind, little brother."

Zenva nodded to the man, still smiling. "Renesri, why don't you keep mister Zexxel company. Be sure he has a way to contact me when he sees fit to call in his debt."

With that Zenva turned away and began her way into the crowd once more. She wasn't sure how much longer the ceremony would wait so choose to find a seat instead of hunting for the bride.

"Oh chit!" Renesri said, her words braking with laughter. "What the frell did you do that she likes you so much?"

[member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

Jarven smiled. "Well, it all started with something quite weird. When I was on Makeb, I had gotten a stray, orphaned boy to Solan Charr's medical LZ. Solan was taking the time to chat me up when, all of a sudden, I heard a loud distress call over the comm. The thing is, I didn't just have an ordinary comm back then." Jarven tapped his head. "A certain comm that I have is my comm implant. I still don't know HOW your message got across since it's very picky over what kind of signal it can pick up. But, somehow, it happened. And when I heard the screams and your pain in my head, I couldn't do anything but fly to you."

"When I found where you were, I saw this large armored man hovering in front of your unconscious body, his hand on a controller and a huge droid standing over you. Without a second thought, I flew in, side kicked the man's shoulder joint with as much force as possible, and I flew down to you. I ripped the droid's hand off of you, picked you up, and got the frell out of Dodge so that you could get medical treatment. I used my handheld commputer to trace any possible friendlies in the area. It picked up one signal, Zenva's. She had helped us on Makeb, so her signal was in the Raven's friendlies database...I guess."

He didn't know what to say for a little while, so he leaned against the table and smiled to himself. He then spoke up again. He smiled a bit larger than usual. "She called me little brother. Being a..." A flash of pain crossed his face from memory, but he soon tried to bring back his smile to keep up appearances. "...an "only child", I like that title a lot."

http://starwarsrp.net/topic/51195-say-hello-to-a-deal-they-cant-refuse-also-untouchables-and-some-other-movie-red-raven-dominion-of-nar-shadda/page-3

(Just an OOC piece of work I was especially proud to write out during a dominion. I don't know why exactly I'm sharing it, but I feel that it's right to do so. It's post #54. There's some introductory info that will make the whole thing have more sense at the beginning of the thread. The restaurant likely had cameras and Jarven's HUD likely recorded the whole thing, so it's plausible for other characters to get first hand knowledge about this event's happenings.)

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Renesri blushed fiercely. Her gaze swept away from Jarven, settling on the drink table he had been looking at, "Why would you do something like that for someone you don't even know? I mean I'm grateful and all but why jump in for a stranger? What if your damsel in distress is a trap? Or worse, what if I had been conscious enough to start shooting again? Point blank with a fifty would really mess up your 'lone hero' thing."

She grabbed a drink from the table and took a small sip of it. "Gah!"

She quickly spit the liquid into the grass, "Here. All you. Some kind of fruit and liquor I think." She pushed the drink into the man's hand before he could argue against it. "I don't need to get sick."

Renesri started looking over the drinks again as she continued, embarrassment coloring her cheeks, "Hey trust me when I say siblings are overrated. I had five brothers growing up. It sucks. Sure you mourn them once their gone, but while they are around their mostly jerks that you want to stab."

Ren spun back to Jarven, a mildly panicked look coming over her, "I mean, not that lady Zenva would do that! She's all about clan, and family, and honor! It's just an expression, you know?" With a nervous laugh she turned back to the table.

[member="Jarven Zexxel"]

 

[Jarven Zexxel]

He considered her question seriously. Truth be told, Jarven didn't know why he would charge in even if it was a trap. Jarven was just an open book like that. "Well..." he started. "...I usually hope it's not a trap. I try to stay optimistic. Sure, it hurts sometimes, but I'm used to...the pain...." These last words presented themselves as a sobering thought, bringing all sorts of memories, emotions, and meanings to Jarven's mind. "I would want someone to help me when I'm in distress, so I try to lead by example. If you had shot me...well, it would have been lose-lose in that case, so it's not like I'd be taken advantage of."

He took the drink and sipped it. It started out somewhat delicious, but then it turned into something BAD. "Mmm---Blech!" Said Jarven as he sipped and spewed the drink away from Ren. His pupils started to quiver and narrow as a reaction.

As he listened to her speak, he couldn't help but become seized by emotion. He tried to ignore it, but it continued to grow. He chuckled weakly as he said, "I understand, Ren. I know it's just a joke..." His voice trailed away. He tried to change the subject, but his voice caught and tears started to spring to his eyes. He quickly tried to wipe and hold his eyes for a second before looking down at the ground and addressing Ren.

"Ren...What I said about being an only child was true, but not while growing up. I lived in a small mercenary community of Ganks. I had plenty of "brothers and sisters". But...uh..." The memories were flooding in now, and he didn't want to her to see the tears continue to collect and run down his face, so he ashamedly looked at the ground. "They're dead...now....They were killed...and I couldn't save them...."

He didn't...He didn't want to start sobbing right in front of his friend. He REALLY didn't. There's no telling how much she would be disgusted by his display of weakness, or so he thought. He really didn't know what to expect, but in this case, his mind prepared for the worst case scenario: Rejection. Instead, his face grimaced in emotional retention, still looking directly down at the ground to minimize her line of sight on his face. He held his jaw with his right hand and his left hand accidentally crushed the wooden cup.

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Renesri muttered a curse in Zabraki under her breath. She stepped up beside the large man and took hold of his elbow. Small though she was, Ren's grip was confident and surprisingly powerful. She turned Jarven so that his back was toward most of the gathering.

"Hey mister Zexxel, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scratch a wound like that."

She dropped to one knee and started fiddling with one of her boots as she spoke, "I know how much it hurts when you lose someone and there is nothing you can do about it. My brother Renekton vanished during that Hell Gate thing that took all those people. He never came back. Just gone, you know?"

Renesri pulled a small folding straight blade razor from her boot, the old fashioned kind that men used to shave with. She hopped back up standing in front of Jarven, and started slicing at her skirt. After a moment she held out a strip of black cloth to him, "Here. Clean your face up a bit. Only the bride is supposed to cry at weddings."

She gave him a moment to collect himself. A meek little smile on her lips. "Think of it this way mister Zexxel, lady Zenva called you little brother right? Means she thinks of you like honor family. Nothing comes between family in the Zabrak clan. It means she will start a war before she lets harm come to you. You'll just have to fight to protect this family. We fight for you and you for us. It's a good place to be."

[member="Jarven Zexxel"]