Dominion TINY UMBRELLAS || ME Dominion of Zeltros

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Cali Ziiva
Objective: Beach

"Huh? Really? I haven't paid attention to the lifeguards much. Probably because I don't need them."

She raised an eyebrow at the idea of lifeguards being too distracted to their jobs. It was just a sign of how people were different perhaps. Reina would never get too distracted if her job was to look after people's safety...Actually if she thought about it...There were a few people she'd probably end up being distracted by if they were around. Maybe she shouldn't judge.

Instead however as Cali mentioned something about a submersible and having nowhere to swim to, Reina frowned for a moment. Her gaze flicked over towards the Zeltron for a moment. Most might have assumed that she was checking out the other woman, but Reina was looking more deeply than that. More surface level than that. Reina was much more aware of those who could use the Force in recent days, and so she had a potential solution.

"If you want...I can teach you a technique to help you control your breathing. It won't help you breathe underwater...but it'll make it so that drowning wouldn't be an immediate danger."

Look at her. Offering to teach someone. Reina was actually proud of herself. Even if she hadn't actually put any thought or effort into how she'd actually be able to teach something like that. But it was the thought that counted, no?

"I'll be honest. I don't...really know what fun is. I rarely take the time to enjoy myself. Maybe this marathon thing could be a bit fun..."

For her, she had always been pushing herself to make progress. To grow. To get stronger. Reina didn't want to be left behind, even though she already felt like that had happened. It was why she had changed her path. The road she travelled on. In a way, it was a blessing however. In the past, she would have hated the sight of all the Mandalorians on Zeltros...but because she had changed the path she went down, she was more...used to their presence.

"To answer your question about sugary treats though? Anything really. Chocolate. Ice Cream. There's the one guy I know from Naboo, Aiden Porte . He makes amazing cookies. I haven't had them for a while though. If you ever visit Naboo, you should see if you can't find him."​

 

[Aaliyah]

No one had invite Aaliyah to these sandy shores. Fortunately, her domain had yet to fall within Mandalorian claim. Perhaps they'd strike an accord, but she doubted a mortal's pride would appreciate an immortal's pride and a clash would be inevitable. Oh, and there was the small matter of that delicious woman, Darth Virelia , and the Dark Court. Nothing to say they couldn't get along, however, and so Aaliyah had set out to explore the character of her neighbors and potential rivals before the conflict broke out. Somewhere calmer where she could study them closer.

The dark woman with the impossible heels strode through the crowd with perfectly upright posture, squared shoulders, and an imperial lift to her chin. The pheromones of the Zeltrons were certainly a cocktail of olfactory delight. That on top of the strange mix of aromas from all the delicious morsels that put themselves on display. The less they wore the more a woman could judge their ripeness and worth as a meal.

With the beat of the music spreading out into the street and flowing through the ground, Aaliyah turned to stride through the doorway without hesitation. A lifting of a hand and slight wave had an idle body move itself aside without them even consciously aware of it. A monster had her wiles.

Lavender eyes slid over the mass of bodies within as they gave in to the hedonism the Zeltrons had for sale. A purr was drowned out in the beat at the sight. The aroma was so much more concentrated within an enclosed space. Finding just the right one would be more challenging now -- and more rewarding as a result.

As she moved into the crowd, she stroked the air just shy of a cheek or two of a few passing interests. Aaliyah claimed all of them for herself and everyone mannerism showed it. Who would besmirch her treatment? Her notice? Their very life was enriched just by her presence. And, given the chance, with her joining in with her hands in the air and hips swaying to the music. None of her subjects ever said she was aloof and unapproachable; often because she was the one making the first move.

Cordelia Malkavian

 

[Cali Ziiva]

​

Cali hadn't batted an eye or looked embarrassed at saying the lifeguards could be distracted. True, objectively, it was a bad thing, but they were Zeltrons... so, like many other things, their society had come up with "workarounds" to account for their proclivities. When your society was unabashedly hedonistic, you had to come up with little solutions to make sure civilization itself didn't collapse. Of course, once outsiders started coming, the cuties could totally rely on them to do a lot of not-fun things like construction.

A wide-eyed smile met Reina Daival 's frown and stare. The unasked question was obvious, but Cali didn't interrupt whatever had the woman's attention. She'd speak up when she was ready. Or get physical. Not everyone needed words to convey what they wanted.

"Really?" Cali reached up to ruffle the mane of unruly pink hair. "I never learned that one. But I didn't learn a lot of those kinds of things, ya know? Didn't get a 'traditional' education." There was no doubt the Zeltron was Force Sensitive and the aura exuded was obviously of the Light Side. Hiding her abilities had never been something she'd tried to do or ever worried about.

"You totally gotta find ways to enjoy yourself," the Zeltron said with a few nods of the head for emphasis. "Life's too short to spend it doing serious things all the time. There's so much to do and see and feel! 'course what's fun is different for everyone, but it's whatever you never have enough time to do -- it goes by too fast while doing it -- and leaves you wanting more. Just bobbing out in the water can be fun. Though, if you want a humble Cutey's advice, I recommend trying out a few water sports every now and then too. Shake things up. Try new things. Surfing, for example! Catchin' waves looks totally awesome."

Then Reina spoke about confections and delicious things, which had Cali smile with sparkles to her eyes. "I totally visit Naboo! In fact, my QTs and I reconstructed some of it after some very bad, no good people made a mess of things there. Twice. They really need to stop. I think I've heard of Aiden Porte..." Her head rolled to the side and her eyes upward for a second. "Oh! Um. Katabasis. Oh, he's a Jedi, right?"

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Cali Ziiva
Objective: Beach

The entire life style of the Zeltrons always took Reina by surprise. She was...very much a prude one might say. Affection was a hard subject for her. Physicality had been something that for many years had been ruined for her and she was only just starting to get over it. Making an effort to find the beauty and enjoyment out of touch, as opposed to the pain and suffering it could cause. It was a struggle, but she was doing her best.

"For me, it was never something I was taught. It was...just something I learned. When you're going diving at a young age, there's a few things you just learn from instinct."

It was strange how much of the Light the Zeltron seemed to radiate. It was far more than Reina had seemingly experienced amongst various Jedi. Perhaps that it was however. Cali seemed quite care-free. Happy. Maybe that was what helped to enhance the Light. Perhaps that was why she had never been able to radiate the same amount of Light herself. Of course, it wasn't as if she radiated of darkness either. For Reina, she was more of a flickering flame.

"I get your point about having fun. I just struggle to find ways to enjoy things. Fishing is fun enough but...it's lonely a lot of the time. I've done surfing before. But there's just something different about being beneath the waves. It's homely. Comforting. Nothing can bother me below the waves. It's just...the same thing as fishing. It's lonely."

That was her biggest problem at the end of the day. Loneliness. She didn't know where she belonged anymore. But she wasn't going to dwell on that. You shouldn't trauma dump with every stranger you meet...Only around 75% of them. The redhead ruffled her hair for a moment, wringing out some of the salt water for a moment before looking back over towards Cali.

"Yeah. He's a Jedi, like I used to be. He's far more skilled in it though. He's a Knight, and has a lot more experience with the Force compared to me."

Whilst abilities and skills wise, Reina herself was at the level of a Knight, she had never been officially made one. She had never completed all of the trials. And it was hard to be promoted to Knighthood, when your master had given up on you. And so was it any surprise that she played down her own capabilities? ​

 

[Cali Ziiva]

​

Cali listened attentively. She was a chatter-box extraordinaire when she got started, but the Zeltron was an equally adept listener. You didn't learn how to make people happy if you didn't let them talk! She'd never learned how to read minds. Supposed that was a Force thing, but that sounded so impersonal.

What? Invasive? Oh, no, no, no. Cali wasn't so much worried about that. She invaded peoples' personal spaces all the time! Had to break down some tough barriers sometimes. Had to do it judiciously, of course. Cali wasn't so thick she didn't know people didn't like it, but when the benefits outweighed the discomfort...

Which is how Reina came about saying she was lonely! Cali's expression softened so it wasn't a blinding beacon of light.

"Oh, looks like your ice is ready," Cali said with the vendor staring at them.

As Reina likely worked to take her order, the Zeltron added, "I totally get you. I spend a lot of time fixing machines because that's like my specialty. Kinda weird, right? Pink girl like me covered in grease, building bots, keeping power cores from blowing. But aside from my QTs -- uh, they're droids -- I don't have a lot of constant companions." She giggled. "I meet lots of people, but it's nice having familiar faces that show up often in your life isn't it?" It hadn't always been that way, but Reina didn't need Cali dumping her life story on her.

"Well, hey, we got each other now. You wanna do anything, or maybe just find a nice spot, enjoy some shaved ice, and talk about things? I'm real good with talking." Another face-splitting grin returned.

Reina Daival

 

[Itzhal Volkihar]

| Location | Zeltros, Inner Rim

| Objective | Zeltros Beach Party

Itzhal couldn't look away. He'd tried, but even that had amounted to a short turn of his head before his attention had snapped back to the conversation that he found himself an unwitting observer of. It had started innocently enough. At least, when the Mandalorian thought back on the situation, he could only remember the not-unusual scene of a Zeltros determined to introduce themselves to Galaxy, one person at a time, whether their chosen individual was prepared or not. What followed was an exchange straight out of a rom-com, though, Itzhal would naturally deny any knowledge of such films if someone were to enquire.

That hadn't stopped Itzhal from listening in, faintly amused as he sipped away at his chilled black ale, the edges of the bottle covered in creeping frost that fought back the radiant rays of the sun, vibrant and warm against his skin, a soft breeze lulling him into a restful lounge, relaxing in those blurry moments of inaction. At the same time, muffled sounds reached his ears, like the gentle tunes of a lullaby. He listened, unable to hide the subtle twist of his lips, a faint smile that lingered through the playful anecdotes on whether food could change your hair colour, and which shades the two women preferred, before it turned to a generous offer to teach the other how to swim.

If that had been all, the Morellian would have been able to turn away, a piece of the background ignored for the sake of both parties.

He wished that had been all.

Beneath the sunglasses, ice-cold blue eyes glared at the lifeguards on site, a silent critic to every mistake they made, their inattention a sin, each minute passed with a new grudge to bare. All the while, he felt the same anger burn beneath his skin, furious at his own obliviousness, and the veil he'd allowed to settle before it was ripped off unceremoniously by an innocent comment from the most unexpected of people. Unable to dismiss the sight now that it was obvious, he stared, observing the beach and the flow of the tide as the Zeltros system came into effect, a dozen lifeguards filling in for a task that should have taken only a couple of them.

"You're only here for a day, let them run it like they want," Itzhal muttered under his breath, his grip a little tighter around the frosted glass of his black ale.

If he spent the next few minutes staring out to sea, ready to intervene, it was no one's secret to know but his own.

Tags: Open
Mentioned: Cali Ziiva Reina Daival​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Y A C H T * P A R T Y
Interacting with: Aurelian Veruna | Adelle Bastiel
Items: x x x x x

Sibylla very nearly rolled her eyes the moment Aurelian declared that Mandalorians testing limits was the best offer he had heard in weeks. It took no small amount of restraint not to shoot him a sidelong glance colored in half incredulous, half amused reproach. Instead, she chose the wiser tactic and lifted her fruity drink for another sip.

This time, however, she did not manage to contain the eye roll when Aurelian made a quip about her attire. The exasperated look she sent him was enough to earn yet another smirk from him, followed by laughter that she refused to dignify with an answer.

"Adelle Bastiel, of Clan Skirata!" Sibylla repeated with a suddenly brightened smile. "Of course. One of the jousting participants."

Recognition warmed Sibylla's face as she shook her head lightl in apology.

"I remember now. And I owe you an apology for having to deal with my youngest brother. We were all a bit aggravated with him at the time."

The reminder prompted her to lift her gaze toward Aurelian with a pointed expression.

"He was insistent on participating despite the advice of others," she noted primly, taking yet another indulgent sip of her drink.

Sibylla's tone implied she doubted Aurelian had objected strenuously to Elian's stubborn determination.

But then something far more important caught her attention: the small black cat with copper eyes perched near Adelle who she introduced as her service animal. Sibylla's breath softened in an instant, her expression turning far too tender for someone who was typically seen with a flawless, composed expression.

"Hello there, Phantom," she cooed in a tender warm tone coated in unfettered fondness. "Aren't you beautiful."

She glanced up at Adelle with earnest hope.

"No, of course, not a problem at all. But... would you mind terribly if I pet her?"

All composure was abandoned in the face of an adorable animal, Sibylla's delighted face brightening at the thrill of perhaps being able to snuggle up with Phantom.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Cali Ziiva
Objective: Beach

As soon as the shaved ice was ready, Reina used the Force to bring it to her. What? It wasn't like she was stealing, she had made sure to pay before it even started to get made. And sure, some might look down at her for using the Force for something as mundane as this, but she wasn't overly fussed with it anymore. The Spirit, as she saw it, wasn't so sensitive that it would be offended if Reina used it casually.

"It's not that strange. I learned not to judge a book by its cover a long time ago. I've never been good with mechanics or electronics myself. I mean, I can use the Force with them. But that's an unfair advantage...and I only know that because I had a prosthetic leg."

Ah. The QTs were droids. Reina had thought it was some little nickname that Cali was using for people who worked with her. Of course, some might say the droids were people. Reina was not one of them. It was a feeling that Reina knew she should really get over, but hey. A girl was allowed some kind of negative trait, right?

"I don't have a lot of familiar faces in my life anymore. With all the kark going on in the core, most of who I know has been scattered to the cosmic winds."

She waved her hand through the air with a sigh, before giving a small simple shrug of her shoulders. It was life. Something she was slowly learning.

"I don't mind talking for a bit. It's not something I've ever been good at. But practice makes perfect, right? I need to learn how to be more...confident in myself when it comes to talking."​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

BYOO - Yacht Party​

Location: Zeltros
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian let out a dramatic groan the instant Sibylla mentioned her brother. He pinched the bridge of his nose, as if recalling a deeply unpleasant memory. "Oh, I was annoyed," he confirmed dryly. "I did try talking him out of it. Several times. He insisted he was 'fine,' which, translated from Abrantes-speak, means: 'I'm about to do something profoundly stupid and you should prepare a medic.'"

He lifted his drink in Adelle's direction. "So on behalf of everyone with functioning common sense; yes, we appreciate the healers. Truly."

He meant it, but his sincerity lasted about three seconds before Phantom came into view, derailing both women entirely. Sibylla melted so completely that Aurelian instinctively stepped back, as if the cat were some small but potent bioweapon. Aurelian and felines had a simple understanding: he left them alone, and they didn't destroy his clothing.

Phantom blinked up at him with copper eyes, unimpressed. Aurelian shifted another half-step away. Sibylla, meanwhile, looked ready to adopt the creature on the spot. Aurelian raised both brows at Adelle, his tone caught somewhere between curiosity and mild alarm. "So… forgive the question, but why exactly are you carrying a cat around? I assume it's not just for the aesthetic."

He gestured vaguely at Phantom's sleek form, then quickly retracted his hand when the cat flicked an ear in his direction. "It's a service animal, you said?" He glanced between them, cautious but intrigued. "For what, if I can ask? Beyond making my co-host here abandon all royal composure within five seconds."

He shot Sibylla a pointed look... she did not notice; she was too busy adoring Phantom. Aurelian sighed, muttering mostly to himself, "…Mental note: my future yacht will have a strict 'no felines' rule."

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Yacht Party
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna | Open

Sibylla's face lit up with recognition and Adelle felt herself internally wince. So the Queen had noticed her presence and was graciously saying nothing about her performance, if she remembered it. An apology followed immediately, with pointed words aimed at Aurelian. For his part, the Chancellor opted for the dramatic, groaning as if the boy's shenanigans were a personal injury. He did however lift his drink in a toast to her.

Their separate reactions to Phantom's presence gave her whiplash, however. The aide that had set off to get her requested drink returned, allowing her a moment to take in both their reactions as she accepted the drink and took a sip from it. Sibylla's question would be easiest to answer and would give her time to find a suitable answer for Aurelian.

No one needed to open the can of worms that was the full explanation behind why she needed Phantom.

"Technically speaking, she's working which means she shouldn't be pet," Adelle began. "But. Phantom doesn't care about service animal protocol and it hasn't yet distracted her from performing her duties. Let her sniff your hand first and if she wants pets, she'll rub her head against your hand. Although I've yet to see her turn down a good petting session."

"It's a service animal, you said?" He glanced between them, cautious but intrigued. "For what, if I can ask? Beyond making my co-host here abandon all royal composure within five seconds."

"Yes, that's correct." Now for the tricky part of the answer. Most people just left it at 'service animal' and understood that an underlying condition necessitated such support. "I have a medical condition where significant disorientation or stress alters my behavior from normal. I also suffer from severe PTSD--" An understatement. "--and Phantom alerts me to and helps me out of those moments, in both cases. It's unlikely to happen here, but I have to bring her with me, just in case."

Adelle got the impression that explaining the bond she'd been able to establish with the spukami would only invite more questions. She needed to change the subject.

"I do hope your brother is doing well," she said to Sibylla, noting Phantom's interest in the young woman's attention. Attention-seeking little pest. "And your Iron Champion. She performed incredibly well in spite of being yanked onto the lists. Do the people of Naboo joust often?"

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Y A C H T * P A R T Y
Interacting with: Aurelian Veruna Adelle Bastiel | Open
Items: x x x x x

Sibylla gave a slight huff of amusement at Aurelian's dry tone, only to turn that sound into a look of mock affront.

"Abrantes-speak? Since when has that ever meant such a thing for me?" she countered primly, lifting her chin in exaggerated dignity to remind him she, too, was an Abrantes.

Not that it mattered, her curiosity sparked at once as Adelle explained the Spukami's purpose. Sibylla had heard of service animals before, but never seen one working at something as daring as a yacht party.

"Oh, if she is working, then I shall admire respectfully and offer her my gratitude for her attentiveness to her role," she said warmly. Even so, she extended her hand for Phantom to sniff, should the sleek creature wish to greet her. The idea of an animal easing moments of panic or disorientation made perfect sense the more she considered it. Rather clever, really.

Of course, that was just when she caught Aurelian taking a half-step back from the corner of her eye,

Oh, that was interesting.

The corner of Sibylla's lips quirked upward in dawning wicked clarity.

"Aurelian, do felines make you uncomfortable?" she asked lightly, even as Phantom leaned forward to sniff her offered hand.

Hazel eyes turned back to Adelle with a reassuring smile.

"Oh, Elian is acting quite himself, which is to say likely getting into trouble again. But he is better, thankfully no lasting damage other than his pride, not that it mattered with how he was acting before he got knocked unconscious."

As for Bastila...

"Truthfully, I do believe the experience for Lady Bastila was so profound that she has mentioned taking an interest in learning more about Mandalorian culture and your fighting methodology. She has a renewed respect, and I believe you'll be seeing her a lot more within the Mandalorian Empire."

At the mention of the jousts, Sibylla's eyes warmed with unmistakable pride.

"Jousting is rather traditional for our festivals," she explained. "Annual celebrations, name days, harvest season... all fine excuses for a match. A fine showing or a Champion's victory can open the door to service with a noble House, or even signal an offer of courtship. It is all quite dramatic."

She took another sip of her drink, smiling into the rim.

"And Naboo does so love a bit of drama."

 

[Renn Vizsla]

Tag: OPEN




The sea breeze of Zeltros didn’t just roll in; it wrapped itself around Renn like a warm embrace, equal parts invitation and warning: you will relax, whether you like it or not.

He’d survived sieges, political feasts, Mandalorian honor duels, Sith banquets, and diplomatic missions that felt like war with better table settings. But a Zeltron beach party? That was a battlefield of its own kind. The moment his sandals hit the star-white sands, the air buzzed with music, laughter, and the unmistakable hum of pleasure that lingered on this world like perfume.

Renn Vizsla, Warmaster, Warden of Roon, terror of a thousand training yards, stood on the beachfront wearing a bright red Hawaiian shirt, unbuttoned and fluttering open in the breeze, paired with brown swim trunks decorated with tiny cartoon basilisk war droids surfing waves. He had not purchased the trunks. They had been gifted. With persistence. And glitter.

Even a Mandalorian’s resolve had limits.

The beach stretched for miles, dotted with tiki huts burning with soft orange lantern light, each one a haven of cocktails and music. Zeltrons with skin in every shade of pink, purple, and red drifted in clusters, their smiles radiant, too radiant, really. Renn didn’t need the Force to feel the sheer euphoria rolling off them.

A trio of Zeltron attendants intercepted him the moment he stepped onto the main strip, pressing a neon-purple drink into his palm.

“For you, handsome,” one purred.

“You didn’t even ask what I want,” Renn replied.

“You want this,” she said absolutely confidently, touching his wrist before bounding back toward a limbo contest.

He sniffed the drink. It smelled like fruit and danger.

He drank it anyway.

Renn made his way down the shoreline, weaving past volleyball teams too acrobatic to be entirely sober. Music shifted with every twenty steps: pounding bass near the bar huts, smooth strings by the fire pits, and somewhere further down the beach, a Zeltron rock band screaming into the sunset.

A group of locals stopped mid-game to stare at him.

“You’re huge,” a magenta-skinned man exclaimed, eyes wide.

Renn took a sip. “You’re bright.”

The whole group cackled, slapping his back, complimenting his shirt, asking if the flowers on it held Mandalorian significance. By the time they wandered off, he was ninety percent certain someone had just tried to recruit him for a beach wrestling tournament.

He pretended not to notice.

The sand grew softer near the water’s edge. Waves kissed the shore in gentle rolls, warm enough that he wondered if Zeltros itself modulated the sea temperature just because people liked it that way. He stepped into the surf, letting it wash over his ankles.

Peaceful. Surreal. A bit intoxicating.

It had been… too long since he’d allowed himself something like this. No armor. No helm. No title heavy on his shoulders. Just the wind, the music, and the simple joy of being alive in a galaxy that rarely allowed such simplicity.

A Zeltron girl with violet skin drifted toward him as he stood in the surf, placing a flower lei around his neck with a grin far too mischievous to be innocent.

“You look like you were born for this,” she teased, fingers brushing his collarbone before she skipped away.

Renn exhaled a low, amused hum. “Don’t tell the Mand’alor. He already thinks I take too many vacations.”

A nearby bonfire flared as evening settled, fiery and alive. Lanterns rose into the darkening sky like glowing petals on the night breeze.

Behind him, the party surged on, dancing, drinking, laughing, glowing. Before him, the horizon shimmered with the last light of the setting sun.

And for the first time in what felt like ages, Renn allowed himself to be nothing more than a man on a beach, in a ridiculous shirt, with a dangerous drink and no worries demanding his attention.

The galaxy could wait.

Just this once.​

Spoiler: Wearing

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

BYOO - Yacht Party​

Location: Zeltros
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian watched Sibylla extend her hand toward Phantom with all the reverence of someone greeting royalty. He made a low sound in his throat, somewhere between disbelief and surrender.

"Of course," he drawled at her. "Of course the animal specifically designated as 'working' is the one you immediately try to pet. Truly, your self-control is legendary."

Sibylla only lifted her brows in quiet defiance. Phantom sniffed her hand like she'd been personally chosen.

Then she turned that too-innocent gaze on him. "Aurelian, do felines make you uncomfortable?"

"Yes," he answered instantly, without shame or defense. He even lifted a finger as if lecturing a crowd. "Pets are supposed to be comforting and loyal, grateful to their owners for feeding them and keeping them alive. Cats?" He flicked a helpless gesture at Phantom. "They sit and they judge. Then they decide your most expensive linens are their personal throne. I pay an unreasonable amount of credits to look this good... why would I invite a creature engineered specifically to ruin it?"

Phantom stared up at him, slow-blinking. Aurelian took another small step back.

Adelle's explanation of the service role earned a rare moment of sincerity from him, a brief nod. It was the kind given by someone who understood trauma far more than he let on.

But then Sibylla mentioned drama, and he seized the opportunity like it was oxygen.

"Drama," he scoffed, placing a hand on his chest. "That is Naboo in a word. Ancient traditions, courtships involving horses and pointy sticks, and public declarations of affection disguised as honorable challenges; yes, the whole planet thrives on melodrama."

He took a deep sip of his drink, then added with the confidence of a man who lied beautifully and often: "But not me. I am picture perfect. I am calm and reasonable. A grounding presence in a sea of theatrics."

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Yacht Party
Tags: Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes | Open

"If I thought I could stop Phantom from seeking attention while working, I'd have already intervened," Adelle said. The bond she'd been able to make with Phantom had been nothing short of miraculous, given how all of her previous attempts with the simpler Animal Friendship technique had gone. Through it, Phantom always knew Adelle's mental state, often better than she did. Not once when Adelle needed her had Phantom ever been so distracted she hadn't come. Granted, her absences were generally worrying for Adelle now but Phantom always showed up when she needed it.

And while the spukami glared balefully up at Aurelian during his rant--even as she rubbed her face against Sibylla's knuckles, almost leaning bodily into it--Adelle did understand where the Chancellor came from.

"Animals have always been--" How to put this? "--hit or miss for me. Phantom and I have seemed to reach a mutual understanding though." Adelle took a drink from the Ionic Blast, relishing the crackle as the cocktail went down smooth. "I won't lie, it's damn comforting to hear a thunderous purr on those bad nights."

"And Naboo does so love a bit of drama."

"Drama," he scoffed, placing a hand on his chest. "That is Naboo in a word. Ancient traditions, courtships involving horses and pointy sticks, and public declarations of affection disguised as honorable challenges; yes, the whole planet thrives on melodrama."

He took a deep sip of his drink, then added with the confidence of a man who lied beautifully and often: "But not me. I am picture perfect. I am calm and reasonable. A grounding presence in a sea of theatrics."

A crooked grin full of sarcasm and mischief spread itself on Adelle's face. She glanced not terribly subtly over at Aurelian when Sibylla mentioned Naboo's love of drama, her voice drier than the beach sand near the city. "I've noticed."

The conversation seemed to have fortunately blown past Adelle's medical necessities, either by the grace of her hosts or by her own intervention with her questions. Probably the former. Adelle was no master manipulator. Her peers among her Jedi Order had made that fact no secret.

"What brought you to Zeltros? Particularly when they sent out an invitation for Mandalorian protection," she asked. "Most hear the name or see the visors and . . . give a healthy distance."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Y A C H T * P A R T Y
Interacting with: Aurelian Veruna | Adelle Bastiel
Items: x x x x x

"My self-control is perfectly fine," Sibylla quipped back at Aurelian, fixing him with a mock glare through narrowed hazel eyes. Naturally, he answered with that knowing grin of his, and Sibylla was certain he deliberately tossed his head so that his dark forelocks fell into an even more artful disarray across his brow.

Oh, she was absolutely going to get him back for that.

"I am merely offering Phantom the option of my affection, should she desire it." And to her delight, the Spukami leaned forward and rubbed her soft cheeks and forehead against Sibylla's fingers.

"And it seems she does," Sibylla declared, flashing Aurelian a triumphant look that clearly said, see, someone appreciates my attention.

Her laughter at his feline aversion only brightened her expression.

"I learn something new about you every day," she teased, giving Phantom one last gentle caress before straightening. She offered Adelle a warm smile, giving an incline of her head as her tone softened.

"I agree. There is something wonderfully grounding about being around animals. A long ride through the countryside on a Gualara has cleared more worries from my mind than I can count. I am very glad Phantom can give you comfort when you need it."

Aurelian's theatrical claim that he was the picture of calm reasonableness earned him a very un-queenly snort from Sibylla before she could stop herself.

"Well... ambassadorial duties aside, it was a chance for a vacation that was very much needed," she said with an easy shrug. "If I can manage both and still find a little time to relax, all the better."

She inclined her head toward Adelle as she lowered her voice conspiratorially.

"And between you and me... Mandalorians make far better company than courtiers on a holiday. It is rather refreshing not to be under constant observation."

Then, with a slow, sly glance sliding toward Aurelian in all his brazenly minimal attire, she added as she took another delicious sip of her delightful drink that she clearly needed a new refill for, "Granted... there are exceptions. Some people do enjoy being the height of the show."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

BYOO - Yacht Party​

Location: Zeltros
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian's mouth curled into a slow, victorious smirk when Sibylla announced Phantom liked her. "Congratulations," he said dryly. "You've impressed the tiny, judgmental monarch. I'm sure she'll knight you later." Phantom blinked at him again. He looked away first, though he would deny that later.

Sibylla's jab about learning something new every day earned her a lazy, hooded look from him that promised trouble or retaliation before he turned his attention back to Adelle. Her question, "What brought you to Zeltros?" was met first by Sibylla's diplomatic grace. Then Aurelian slid in beside her with the bold confidence of someone who didn't bother separating truth from charm.

"The Republic enjoys the Mandalorians quite a bit," he said breezily, leaning his elbow on the bar as though delivering gossip instead of policy. "There's a mutual appreciation. Respect. A thriving partnership." He tilted his head toward Adelle with a grin that bordered on conspiratorial. "And your Mand'alor? He and I are great friends. Thick as thieves."

He lifted his glass in a toast toward the horizon, to Mandalorians everywhere, and probably to whatever chaos they'd get into before the day ended. "So when the invitation came, with all its sun, sand, and questionable decisions sanctioned by Mandalorian security, what better chance to see how the Empire relaxes when no one's aiming a blaster at them?"

His gaze flicked between the two women, admiring the scene: Sibylla glowing with mischief, Adelle cool but curious, Phantom aggressively adored. This was already the best diplomatic mission he'd had all year.

Then Sibylla, the absolute menace, made her comment about certain people enjoying being the height of the show. Aurelian turned his head toward her, slow as gravity, an expression dripping with smugness.

"Well," he said, voice warm and wicked, "why be in the show if you aren't the height of it?" He gave her a long, appreciative once-over, fully aware she'd do it right back, and tapped his glass against the rim of hers. "Besides," he added lightly, "if Naboo is dramatic and Mandalorians are entertaining, someone has to uphold the noble tradition of being unforgettable."

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Yacht Party
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna | Open

Sibylla seemed so pleased that Phantom had approved of her, Adelle decided not to tell her that Phantom was an attention-seeking diva and would have accepted pets from even Aurelian had he not given off the "I'm secretly terrified of her" vibes. A strong sense of smug satisfaction at the power she seemed to wield over the barely-clad human radiated off the small feline, mingled with genuine appreciation for the attention she was receiving. Adelle internally rolled her eyes at the spukami.

Of course, Sibylla had to eventually leave off petting and now the copper glare was aimed at her instead, a flick of Phantom's tail tip the only other indication of her indignation that the petting had stopped.

"You've impressed the tiny, judgmental monarch. I'm sure she'll knight you later."

"Probably for the best that she doesn't have that power," Adelle said. "She's already a right little tyrant at home."

She watched the banter as she drank, amused. Both seemed deeply appreciative that Mandalorians didn't do the whole bowing and protocol thing, although Aurelian's comment about being thick as thieves with the Mand'alor earned a raised eyebrow.

"Which is why he accepted the invitation to one of your famous parties on this yacht," she said, matching his dryness.

Sibylla turned conspiratorial then and Aurelian fully embraced the dramatic and mischievous. It did make Adelle wonder how many other politicians were interesting people under the mask of authority and scrutiny. But that wasn't enough to tempt her to even try to approach the galactic stage. She'd always been a nobody and that suited her just fine.

"Besides," he added lightly, "if Naboo is dramatic and Mandalorians are entertaining, someone has to uphold the noble tradition of being unforgettable."

"And Phantom is doing an excellent job upholding that tradition," Adelle interjected, taking the shot that Aurelian had opened himself up for. "She always did like being the center of attention. Better her than me. I could never."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Y A C H T * P A R T Y
Interacting with: Aurelian Veruna | Adelle Bastiel
Items: x x x x x

There was no hiding the snort that escaped Sibylla. Adelle's magnificent delivery, roasting Aurelian by proclaiming Phantom as the true Naboo heir to center-stage glory, hit so perfectly that Sibylla choked on her drink.

Her hand flew to her mouth as her eyes watered, breath stuttering as she tried, desperately and in vain, to compose herself. Her hazel eyes shimmered with unrestrained hilarity, and despite the sticky trail of fruity booze now coating her fingers, she simply could not stop laughing.

Had this been back at Theed, she would have been mortified. Instead she only kept laughing. Perhaps the alcohol was working through her faster than expected, but truly, that line had been far too perfect.

"Forgive me... hah... I... I need a moment," she managed between laughs. "I should get another drink and clean this up."

She gave Adelle a wide, delighted grin before dissolving into another soft fit of laughter even as she gave Aurelian a sidelong glance. It was all in her eyes, the amused knowing that a tiny, copper-eyed feline had dethroned him.

"Oh, you are not wrong at all. Phantom has certainly claimed the crown as the highlight of the evening."

With that, she gave a little wave and allowed Adelle and Aurelian to be by themselves for a bit as she went to clean up and get a new drink.

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

BYOO - Yacht Party​

Location: Zeltros
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel

Aurelian watched Sibylla dissolve into laughter, adopting the deeply wounded dignity of a man who, he insisted, had absolutely not been dethroned by a ten-inch house demon. Phantom, perched smugly, blinked at him like she'd just claimed Naboo. Aurelian leveled a narrow, betrayed look at the spukami. "Enjoy it while it lasts," he murmured, lifting his glass in her direction. "Your reign will be brief. History remembers its rightful kings." Phantom yawned in his face. Aurelian cleared his throat and pretended that didn't sting even a little.

Once Sibylla drifted away, still laughing and looking maddeningly pleased with herself, Aurelian turned fully toward Adelle. He took another drink weighing his new friend, like a man prepared to deliver a counterstrike of absolutely unreasonable proportions.

"So," he said lightly, "now that my public humiliation has been completed and she has abandoned me to my fate, tell me, Adelle of Clan Phantom, what's your endgame here?" He gestured lazily between them, then to the cat currently grooming her paw like a living insult.

"You've turned her against me, crowned your familiar queen of Naboo, and watched my partner flee the scene because she couldn't laugh quietly like a civilized person. This is textbook political sabotage." He pretended to sigh, a tragic, regal gesture. "And on my own yacht, no less. The betrayal is exquisite."

Aurelian straightened with a sudden spark of mischief, leaning closer. "But you know what? Fine. Phantom can have the spotlight for five minutes." He tapped the bar once, decisively. "Because once Sibylla gets back, I'll simply reclaim my throne the old-fashioned way." He grinned, wickedly confident and far too pleased with himself.

"By being impossible to ignore." He declared, adjusting his hair and spreading his linen shirt open a little more.

As if summoned, a distant splash echoed over the music. Someone was already diving off his yacht, probably a Mandalorian trying to out-perform another. The horizon glittered. Zeltros hummed with heat and possibility.

Aurelian tipped his glass toward Adelle. "Round two begins shortly. Enjoy your victory for now."

​

 

[Cali Ziiva]

​

Beach!

"I'm sorry to hear you've lost contact with people." Cali sighed softly. "There's a lot of turmoil in the Core right now. Even the colonies. That's why I asked the Mandalorian Empire to come and strike a deal with the cuties in charge of Zeltros. The Galactic Empire isn't that far away, and the Black Sun's been up to no good on the other side. I would have asked the Republic for help, but they're on the other side of a strait passing between those two. Anyway," she paused to breathe and smile at the same time, "lots shaken up with the Alliance... not as strong as it once was."

"The good news though," her tone became that incorrigibly bubbly again, "is that you aren't alone, Reina. Seriously. I hope you do keep practicing talking and reaching out to others. There are a lot of people in this galaxy, and I bet plenty would love to be your friend. Just takes a bit of work finding them. I totally get it! Especially ones you can trust with anything."

"So, what does Reina like to do? Besides swim. And I can't talk about chocolate to keep it fair." The Zeltron grinned. It'd be easy to go on and on about the sugary treat. Cali was a walking encyclopedia about it. "Or, if you like, maybe you can tell me about those you knew? I could keep an eye open for them. I do a lot of traveling. Fixing things. Selling things. Throwing parties. I meet tons of people."

Reina Daival