Private Tides have shifted

[Cassian Abrantes]

Dominique Vexx ​

The evening air of Theed carried a calm sort of elegance, the kind that lingered in the breeze rolling down from the hills and through the city's marble promenades. Cassian stood just outside the restaurant terrace one of those Naboo establishments where the architecture blended open arches, ivy-covered columns, and quiet pools of water that caught the reflection of passing skylighters above.

He adjusted the cuff of his jacket a deep navy, understated, but formal enough for the evening and glanced down the street that wound between the flowering terraces. It had been months since they'd last spoken like this, without boardroom agendas or encoded communiqués, and the thought stirred a mixture of nostalgia and curiosity. Dominique had a way of commanding a room even when she wasn't trying to, and he wondered how time had tempered her sharp poise or if it had only refined it further.

The sun had dipped just below the horizon, and the glassy dome above the restaurant shimmered in the hues of violet and rose. He exhaled slowly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he caught sight of a passing couple laughing, hand in hand. For a brief moment, he thought of how long it had been since he'd allowed himself such ease.

A nearby fountain murmured softly, and Cassian's gaze flicked toward the restaurant entrance as footsteps approached. The maître d' gave a courteous nod, confirming the table he'd reserved overlooking the central water garden.

He found himself rehearsing a thought before discarding it, then another. He wasn't sure how the evening would unfold whether it would lean toward the personal or slip back into the familiar rhythms of policy, strategy, and shared caution but he knew one thing he was glad she'd agreed to meet.

As the sound of footsteps approaching, Cassian straightened subtly, his hand brushing down his jacket. The quiet pulse of anticipation steadied in his chest.

Naboo's light bathed the street in soft gold as he turned toward her with that familiar composure the kind that masked sentiment behind civility and the faint warmth in his voice betrayed what formality did not.

"Dominique." he greeted, a hint of genuine fondness threading through. "You're right on time."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique visited Naboo often enough as Economic advisor, and perhaps something less above board with regard to Republic security, so the opportunity to meet for dinner wasn't difficult to arrange. Denon might not be that far away, but it wasn't exactly the next system over either. The convenience of being able to meet was not to be overlooked. Even Cassian was a very busy man full of duty and responsibilities.

So, when they got in contact and the idea was proposed, Dominique finessed time into her schedule for a comfortable outing. No need to rush. The galaxy could manage to hold together for a few hours without them. She hadn't forgotten how he'd poked and prodded on that very matter the last time they'd gotten together socially on Naboo.

Normally one to wear acceptable if foreign -- to those not of Denon -- fashion, Dominique settled on something a little more... local for this evening. It seemed appropriate. It might even help alleviate any impression that they were people of two different worlds. It was certainly something different, and what fashionable woman didn't enjoy that? A light purple two-piece with a cutout over her belly. Nicely form fitting, light, airy. It wasn't flashy, but it was quite attractive on her person if Dominique did say so herself. Comfortable and snug pants of a similar hue covered her legs, with a coat tail wrap around open at the front for ease of movement.

Cassian heard her heels coming as Dominique strode down the street with a smile on her lips. The 'formal' white jacket she often wore could easily hide it, but the sway of her hips was on full display that evening without it. Chin high, golden eyes cloaked behind translucent lilac glareshades, his guest drew ever nearer.

"Cassian," Dominique continued her stride until she stopped just short of the man. She reached out to light press her hand to his chest. "You look awfully handsome this evening." The navy jacket did him proud. It wasn't the most lavish on the planet, but it was tailored well and of good material. Certainly helped him appear more than a simple soldier. "I'm happy we both had the opportunity to meet like this."

Cassian Abrantes​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

Dominique Vexx
​

Cassian's smile came easily when he saw her approach, though it softened into something quieter as she neared a kind of admiration he didn't often allow himself to show. Naboo's soft lamplight caught in the sheen of her lilac wrap, and for a moment the world slowed to the rhythm of her steps, heels clicking lightly against marble.

When her hand came to rest against his chest, he drew a steady breath. The warmth of her touch was familiar in a way that surprised him. His hand reached for hers over his chest, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You make me look underdressed." he said with that dry edge of humor she'd come to expect, though his tone was warmer than the words. "I should've known better than to let you set the pace."

He offered his arm to her, the gesture smooth but tinged with something more a quiet sense of respect and admiration. "I'm glad you came." Cassian continued, his voice lowering just a little as the breeze passed between them. "It's been too long since we spoke."

He glanced toward the restaurant terrace, where the soft sound of strings floated through the air, mingling with the scent of fresh herbs from the gardens below. Theed always had a way of reminding him what the Republic claimed to stand for beauty, culture, civilization.

As they walked toward the open archway, Cassian leaned slightly closer, his tone more conversational now. "You've been on Naboo more often lately." he remarked, half-question, half-invitation. "I hear your work as an economic advisor is going far. Either that, or you've developed a secret fondness for our wine."

He shot her a sidelong glance, the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Though I'll admit seeing you here again, I can't blame the planet for trying to keep your attention. You look stunning."

He slowed as they reached the entryway, letting her step in first, the glow of the restaurant's lanterns catching against her hair. There was something grounding about this the calm before another series of storms neither of them could fully predict. For tonight, though, he intended to let the galaxy wait.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique laughed softly. "Only the best for my favorite soldier." So many worlds expected the female of the species to wear the most lavish and expensive of fashion and makeup. It was routine for her, so when it came time to a private encounter she continued the indulgence. Why should her personal contacts be given a lesser experience than complete strangers? Not that it wasn't taxing to engage in so much preparation.

When Cassian offered his arm, the Denonite slipped hers through his without hesitation. She even leaned in a bit for a moment as a side hug to his arm.

"It has, hasn't it? We should have plenty to talk about then," she said with ease followed with a smile.

As they strode through the restaurant, her golden eyes slid around to peer over at the man. He seemed a touch more at ease now, given his tone of voice. Even launched into starting one on of those many conversation topics they should be able to fill the whole evening with. Her free hand patted Cassian's arm. "There have been numerous developments of late. Establishing the Reserve System alone has taken quite a bit of time negotiating the first Governors. And then there is the 'little' matter of the Fleet's disposition. You can't imagine how many meetings just those two matters have taken -- and I doubt you're sad at not attending all of them." Though armed forces personnel had attended certain ones related to the Fleet.

"Flattery, Cassian, will get you everywhere. I've always enjoyed Naboo's natural environment, clear air, and lack of traffic. It doesn't have nearly as many amenities, but it more than makes up for it in being less taxing just walking out doors." Not that she disliked Denon's bustle, but one should be graceful in touting the local world's strengths.

She stepped through the entryway to the softly lit region and moved toward the table. "And you, Cassian? I hear you've had quite a bit of career movement yourself, since we last spoke. I hope that won't keep you away from Naboo for prolonged periods."

Cassian Abrantes​