Location: Do you wanna build a yurt?
Aurelian Veruna
It was the warmth of Aurelian's hand as it slipped into hers that drew Sibylla's attention.
She tilted her head up toward him, her hazel eyes searching his profile as he was held in rapt attention to the fight and there it was. That small tension around his mouth, the subtle tightness in his shoulders he probably did not even realize he carried -- he was worried again. So, she squeezed his hand once in reassurance, her thumb brushing lightly across his knuckles.
This is why she adored him. Because when it mattered --
when it truly mattered -- Aurelian showed up. And while he may claim that only two people in his life matter in his circle, Sibylla knew that there was more room within Aurelian's heart and life to open up to others. It didn't need to be a vast quantity of people for him to call friends -- no. That wasn't the point.
The point was that she knew Aurelian had so much to offer and was worth having people come to know him --
really, truly know him -- and see him as Sibylla saw him.
That crude painting in the cave, where as a boy he'd painted himself a King surrounded by people that loved him. It may not be exactly what he had imagined, but having a handful who truly did care and love him and wanted the best for him -- even if it meant calling him out on his brazen or maddening moods-- would be good for him.
A family. Friends. People who would show him that family was more than blood and that it was okay to trust and open up more.
Which is why honestly, for someone who claimed he had no intention of jumping into the arena, he looked suspiciously like a man preparing to vault the barricade... or at least heckle the opposition to provide a distraction!
Sibylla's attention drifted back toward the fight just in time to see another surge of the Force ripple across the sand as one of the former Manda'lors fought with the other contestants, dust and grim swirling to hide most from view.
As she watched the fight ensue, Sibylla gave a slight frown.
The Force touched people randomly, that much she knew. But Mandalorians seemed to be collecting Force-sensitive warriors like rare trading cards lately. Genetics? Certain clans more prone to it? Cultural tolerance that allowed such gifts to surface instead of hiding them?
Her mind filed the question away for later study.
Perhaps it was time she resumed visiting the clans she had yet to meet.
Her attention shifted back to Aurelian then, taking in the roughspun linen, the mug of ale, and the way he leaned forward with the enthusiasm of a man watching his favorite dejarik team. For all their responsibilities, he looked… happy here.
The thought tugged another small smile from her.
Maybe they could combine some of those responsibilities. Travel together under the pretense of diplomacy or even undercover. Conduct Clan visits, discuss trade, make the rounds with Adelle as their new Ambassador...
It was a very convenient excuse.
Especially when the alternative was pretending they were merely coworkers as elected officials for another five years. It was a thought that lingered uncomfortably.
Then Mia Monroe's sudden telekinetic push cracked across the arena like a thunderclap, snapping Sibylla's attention back to the fight as dust exploded across the sand.
"What?" Sibylla replied lightly when Aurelian questioned the strategy, arching a brow at him.
"I have learned a trick or two since Adelle tossed me on my back once or twice."
She allowed herself a faint smile before leaning slightly closer to him.
"She will be fine," Sibylla murmured softly.
"I promise you."
Then after a brief thoughtful pause she added with a faint smile,
"We could visit her after the match."