Private What the Water Gave Me

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell
​

Kiran stiffened almost imperceptibly at her first question, the sharpness of it landing more cleanly than he expected. Suicidal, he hadn't meant it that way, not even close, and the realization that Persephone and perhaps Myra had taken it as such, sent a faint flush of embarrassment up the back of his neck. He didn't argue, though. He just drew a quiet breath, steadying himself before he spoke.

He looked back to Persephone, softer around the eyes, his voice kept low so it stayed between them.

"I didn't mean no one would miss me," he said, calm, not defensive, just clarifying. "Just meant that Zee would definitely prioritize damage reports over sentiment."

A thin, rueful smile tugged at his mouth, acknowledging the misstep without making it a whole thing.

"You got a point there." When she mentioned, Danger Arceneau. Kiran knew the business was thriving, or well what he had gathered just from looking in from the outside. And then she shrugged off the University, as if it wasn't a big deal. Which, he couldn't help but smirk at that comment. It amazed him at how perhaps utterly fearless she could be at times.

That or maybe stubborn....?

"That's not nothing," he said gently after a moment, head tilting. "That's difficult. It matters."

He just watched her a second longer, thoughtful, respect woven into the edges of his expression. "And for what it's worth," he added, voice warm and certain in a way he rarely let show, "You did a lot more than 'just something.' You got out. You accomplished things. Most people don't have that kind of grit."

He leaned back into the couch, letting the movie noise fill the space again, but his gaze flicked toward her once more, quiet, steady, as he reached for some more popcorn and looking back to the film, that garnered another laugh from him.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Oh yeah, although I only have one. So far."

Judah held up his wrist slightly, chuckling as Myra mentioned he had been gifted a bracelet already. Oceanic eyes spotted no less than four on her own wrist as she leaned down to hug him. Apparently his granddaughter was very in to producing the craft. The old salvager found it amusing the girl had latched on to such a thing but he would enjoy the phase while it lasted.

He patted her arm as Myra hugged him, a bit awkward since he was sitting on the floor, busy freeing a doll from her package. It was that time of day before holiday dinner where the younger ones wanted everything opened to create a wall of chaos. Kellan zoomed by with his little hover contraption, lapping through down the hallway.

"Definitely too long. We need to catch up but that can be difficult." A reference to her schedule and all the demands in Myra's life. "I've been alright. Hopefully you have been doing well yourself. My son better be treating you right."

Undoing the last coated twist, Judah was able to pry the doll loose after a bit of a battle. He handed it over to Phoebe who squealed in delight and immediately followed her cousin.

"Someone is having a good Life Day."

Kiran Arlos | Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Balun Dashiell​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra laughed softly as Kellan streaked past again, the little hover device bobbing wildly in pursuit of his hand.

"He's having the time of his life," the heiress said fondly. "I think he's discovered his calling as a test pilot."

She smiled as Judah freed the doll, watching Phoebe squeal and dart off after her cousin, then looked back down at him with an amused shake of her head.

"Yes, well," she said lightly, lifting her wrist to show the colorful proof, "apparently four bracelets means I'm 'very important.' I'm choosing to believe her."

At his question, her expression in her grey eyes warmed.

"I've been well," she answered honestly. "Busy, but well. And your son treats me wonderfully. I promise I wouldn't let him get away with it if he didn't."

She gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

"We do need to catch up, though. Maybe after dinner, once the chaos settles into something survivable."

Her gaze drifted toward the den, thoughtful.

"Oh, and have you met the young boy Persephone brought with her?" she added gently. "Kiran. He's quiet, but seems like a good kid. Life Day with us can be a lot for anyone new."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone arched her eyebrow and said nothing else. There was zero way she believed Kiran. Hopefully her look conveyed such a thing but it was difficult to tell. Often times boys couldn't pick up on such cues. Kiran was zero exception to this rule. Instead to keep herself from speaking any further she took another handful of popcorn.

The teenager sunk back into the couch, crossing her legs underneath her. Zombie Cheerleaders played but she didn't really pay attention, Kiran was speaking on her ability to get into university. 'Got out' was an interesting phrase. Persephone had never told Kiran how she ended up with parents with ages that could be siblings. So despite the other being close to the mark of literally getting out, of having to navigate on her own to Zeltros to get any kind of traction, he didn't know.

It would stay that way at least for now. Persephone didn't want pity. Or anyone to look at her differently. It was bad enough folks made their own assumptions about her and about how she ended up with Myra and Makai. It was clear she was an orphan and that was all that needed to be said.

"Thanks, I just applied like everyone else..." It was really no big deal. Just a change of address for her for a short period.

Kiran Arlos ​

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell
​

Kiran watched her sink deeper into the couch, the arch of her eyebrow sharp enough to make it very clear she did not believe a word he'd said earlier. He caught the look, of course he did, but he didn't push back. Persephone's silences were often louder than her words, and he'd learned to respect them.

When she brushed off university with, he didn't contradict her, even though something in her tone, thin, careful, told him she didn't actually believe it was 'no big deal'

"You applied like everyone else," he echoed softly, "But you beat all those other people out."

His voice stayed gentle, steady, not pitying, not pressing, just…recognizing.

Another handful of popcorn crackled in her grip, and he smiled faintly, small, almost fond.

"So…yeah. I think that's something worth being proud of. It's a pretty awesome thing. I mean, I'm proud of you."

He didn't say more. Didn't press for her story. Didn't dig.

He just let his shoulder rest lightly against the back of the couch, reaching for some popcorn and eating some more. As the movie carried on, with more silly humor and more singing to his amusement.

"You know, I hear there are three more sequels to this film." He said with a small chuckle, shaking his head as he looked over to her.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"So the amount of bracelets indicates my ranking? I've only got one so that is definitely a rookie number. One more than Danger, so at least I'm not the lowest man in the game. Yet."

Judah was amused by his granddaughters thinking, and that now the household was on some type of bracelet caste system. The type of imagination only a child could have. One where it was refreshing Myra and his son were indulging the kid. Harmless beyond now grown adults competing for a bit of plastic and string.

"Sure, after dinner. Once the kids are starting to crash due to being up before the sun to open gifts. I'm positive naps were skipped." He flashed a small smile as she squeezed his arm. "I'm glad things are well for you though. You look good, content."

Given the last couple of years it seemed Myra was settling in to her new roles just fine. Phoebe was a thriving little girl. According to Myra his son was acting right - not that he expected anything different at this point. Yet talked turned to Persephone and he arced an eyebrow. He wouldn't deny a teenager a chance to relax and enjoy a meal, but Life Day was certainly a choice. Especially around this family.

"I have not. Maybe I'll pop my head in a little while. Or just wait til dinner. As you said, intense family."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell​

 

[Balun Dashiell]

DASHIEL FAMILY LIFE DAY EVENT
WEARING: Click here
FEATURING: Kellan Dashiell & Pheobe Dashiell (NPC)
TAGS: Judah Dashiell , Makai Dashiell , Kiran Arlos , Danger Arceneau , Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell

​

"Dad hasn't been happy since I was about five years old. So to answer your question, no he's not."

Balun frowned, his gaze dropping to his glass sitting neatly atop the kitchen counter as he processed the remark from his brother. From time to time, Bale had had a hunch with regards to his fathers rather disatisified take on the Galaxy around him, at times wondering their old man's contentment in life, but it often seemed fatfetched that Judah Dashiell whom Balun saw as someone with a handle on most things in life, wouldn't find a way to pull himself out of a rut if required. Makai Dashiell 's confirmation that Balun's suspicions were, in fact, correct and not only that, but had been such a way for years before Balun's appearance in their lives, frankly shocked and saddened him.

"Why ask me? You can ask him. He's your father too."

"You're closer to him than I am", Balun admitted openly, moving to take said glass of whiskey into his hands and throwing an impulsive swig of the golden liquid back as if it might ease the conversation at hand; "Not to say that I love him any less, but you and him talk. Dad and I don't exactly do the whole heart-to-heart thing, you know? You'd have a better idea than I would. I just sort of go with my gut".

Naturally, Balun could pry into the man's emotional and mental state through the Force without their Father likely even noticing, but that wasn't in Bale's nature. Breaching someone's personal consciousness without their consent, it just never sat right with him, most especially were he to do such a thing to family. Sometimes it was better to plead ignorance than otherwise pry.

"What changed? Was it the whole thing with him and Danger?" Balun enquired further, wondering how to find a fix to the dilemma of his father's now out in the open between his sons. "I've always gotten the sense he still loves her and chit, not that he'd talk to me about that. They sort of remind me of me and a...A friend of mine. Always at odds yet never able to get far without running into each other. That sort of rivalled love type relationship, if that makes sense? Competition, but never resentment. Frustration, sure, but little more than that".

While Makai continued to cook and prepare the food for everyone, Balun roamed across to the other side of the kitchen counter, staring off out the window in his own little world. There was a tense crease to his brow, the look of someone suddenly confronted by a problem he knew not how to overcome. His Fathers happiness was as much an enigma to Balun as his own was to himself. He had Kellan, though. A time that no longer felt so distant, he had told Judah about the place on Jhaessa Prime and the move there.

Makai was the good son, the dependable one, but he had his own family and his own business. Balun was younger, probably their Father's last hope for the consistent presence of family at home, staving off perpetual loneliness.

He suddenly felt horrible for having made the move away from Joiol.

"Is there anything we can do for him?".

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra laughed at Judah's dry assessment.

"Oh, absolutely," she said, nodding with mock solemnity even as her grey eyes danced with mirth. "One bracelet puts you firmly in the 'respected elder' tier. Anything above three means you're running the household. Four is apparently executive authority."

She glanced down at her wrist again, amused.

"I'm enjoying my brief reign while it lasts."

It was then that her smile softened at his observation, a faint warmth touching her cheeks.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "Content is a good word for it. Hard-earned, but good."

At his mention of dinner and skipped naps, she shook her head knowingly.

"Naps were definitely declared 'unnecessary' today. I give them maybe an hour after we eat before the house goes quiet in that suspicious way that only children manage."

She followed his gaze toward the den, then nodded in agreement.

"Waiting until dinner might be kinder," she said. "Kiran seems a bit overwhelmed, and honestly, this family can come on strong even on our best days. But he seems polite. Persie wouldn't bring someone here if she didn't trust him."

Her lips curved into a small, understanding smile.

"Life Day is… a lot. But it's also a chance to feel included. I think that matters." Another pause and she looked him over again.

"You look good." she told him with a faint smile.

"Mama should be here soon. Got sidetracked with work. " she told him.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"My mother left for the final time when I was five years old." Makai shook his head. "Given its Life Day and I'm already not a fan of the holiday, forgive me if I don't go into details. I've got to be festive for the wife and kid. I'm sure the rocky friendship isn't helping though."

The half-Galan was thoroughly amused however that Balun assumed it was Danger. Makai suspected the pause? freeze? on their friendship was in some way hurtful and disappointing, but not the entire story. It seemed that his half-brother saw himself in this situation though. Apparently with some woman that wasn't Kellan's mother. Given who his brother dated in the past, most likely a shady woman who took advantage of his brother's more...gullible nature. Interesting enough, Makai found Balun and his father too alike. Apparently he wasn't as Dashiell as originally thought, at least not compared to Bale.

When Balun asked what could be done, his shoulders came up in a shrug. Makai absolutely loved his father but in reality there was nothing he could do. Especially not now when he was being stretched in multiple directions. No one outside Ellie, Phoebe, and the droids knew about the Slice project. He had planned on announcing it at dinner but it may toss his brother and father off the ledge, given their moods.

"Not sure. I'll leave that one up to you. Its your turn."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

DASHIEL FAMILY LIFE DAY EVENT
WEARING: Click here
FEATURING: Kellan Dashiell & Pheobe Dashiell (NPC)
TAGS: Judah Dashiell , Makai Dashiell , Kiran Arlos , Danger Arceneau , Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell

​

"Gee, thanks. You know I'm not good with this sort of thing, Mak".

Balun's retort was part sarcasm and part helplessness. He needed his brother in on the game if he was to even make a dent in the density of their father's emotional shielding. Judah Dashiell didn't exactly make a habit of confiding in his youngest Son, and why would he? Balun never offered him the same. It was easier for them both to be buried in work than it was to open up that can of sandworms.

"It's not about turns, bro, get me under the hood of an ETA-4 Interceptor, and my hands are golden. Get me in a room with dad, and it's more likely to wind up in an argument that has nothing to do with the reason for being there to begin with," he expressed with a reluctant smile, seeing the humour in the statement and yet feeling none of the amusement. Deflection at its finest.

"Mind you, I suppose I could use Kellan", Balun surmised. He imagined telling the kid that his grandfather wasn't happy, watching the hypothetical situation unfold as Kellan then proceeded to endlessly berate Judah with questions and suggestions, games he could play to enjoy himself and a child-like interrogation into the older man's thoughts and feelings.

Pursing his lips, Balun gave a slight glance to Makai that suggested he had decided that such a concept was a bad idea. It would worry Kellan too much, and the boy didn't yet have the restraint that his father did when it came to using his abilities for what he might perceive to be the 'greater good' of the family.

"Sorry by the way. Stupid of me to think Danger and not your Mom. Pretty karkin' obvious if I had actually put two seconds of thought into that one," he apologised to his brother, his voice echoing the sincerity of the sentiment. Balun hadn't met to bring up Mak's mother on today of all days. Not that there ever really was a good day for such subjects when it concerned those two.

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Thanks."

Persephone was giving up and decided to just let Kiran think it was amazing she could fill out a simple form. It was Life Day and best not to rock the boat. Even on a regular day, a non-holiday, Persephone doubted she would continue to push the issue. If it made Kiran happy to think she was some goddess who could decipher a form, whom was she to disagree?

More popcorn. When was dinner again? Didn't matter, Persephone knew she was going to be eating either way.

"I will let you watch them on your own." If this was a teenager rite of passage count her out. Somehow it will be something to not check off her list. "How long you staying after Life Day? What are you doing next?"

Kiran Arlos​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I'll be sure to refer to you as Executor the rest of the holiday. I'm very pleased with my 'respected elder' title. I think it is a very fitting moniker."

Judah didn't pay attention to how many bracelets his son had but something told him it was probably a competition. Carefully collecting his little twist ties to ensure they weren't eaten by a stray child, he nodded along to the observation of waiting to introduce himself until dinner. Less pressure. Not that he was anyone of importance by any stretch of the imagination. That was Myra and his son in this situation.

"Included. Good phrase."

His little ties collected, Judah shook his head, laughing.

"I look like an old man, but thank you all the same Myra."

At the mention of Danger, he offered a small smile in return. It wasn't like the Trade Queen to miss an important day such as Life Day. Mainly for Phoebe's sake. The girl hadn't seem hard pressed but Judah knew Danger well enough to know she wanted to be here for the memories. He remained cordial when they were present together, but it could be stressful to treat an old friend as a mere acquaintance.

"I'm positive she will show for dinner."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra caught the smile. It was brief, subtle, but she knew Judah well enough to see it for what it was. Her own expression softened in response, tone easing as she crouched a little closer to him rather than looming over the scene of toy debris and twist ties.

"Executor suits me," she said lightly, lips curving as she gave Judah a playful wink. "But I promise not to abuse my authority.... much."

"Either way you look like a man enjoying his Life Day. That counts for more than anything else." His deflection didn't go unnoticed either, but the heiress none the less smiled at the old man comment, then shook her head gently.

When he mentioned Mama, Myra hesitated just a fraction before speaking again, her voice quieter with a thoughtful tone.

"Things still a bit off with Mama?" Myra asked gently. She didn't press. Didn't accuse. Just asked, carefully. Too much had happened around that time a few Life Days ago. Engagements, politics, old wounds brushed raw by circumstance and stress that it was hard to tell what had been said, or not said, in the midst of it all.

 

[Kellan Dashiell]

Spoiler: Current Age: Youngling

LOCATION: Dashiell Residence, Joiol.
PRESENT COMPANY: Hover-toy.
PRESENT FAMILY: Judah Dashiell , Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Pheobe Dashiell, Makai Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell , Kiran Arlos

The chaos of younglings may have proven a handful for the older ones, but Life Day was always an exciting time for the young blue-skinned and vibrantly eyed Kellan Dashiell. Balun Dashiell, Kellan's Father though he was one of the youngest among the adults, had hyped up the prospect of the day so much so that the juvenile boy hadn't been able to sit still for the week leading up to it; Now however, anticipation had been entirely lost in the awe and pleasure of playing with his new Hover that his grandfather had given him.

While Judah Dashiell and Myra Arceneau Dashiell talked further back in the living room, Kellan was merrily skipping along after the hover as it flew up and down the hallway with him in tow. He didn't know quite how the toy managed to avoid the walls or doorways; the idea that there might be sensors on his toy that tracked and evaded most things within its path never occurred to him, but it seemed like magic all the same. He had become so enthralled with the new toy that he had unintentionally left his cousin behind, Pheobe, who wasn't just his partner in crime but his best friend. By the time he realised this, he slowed at the end of the hallway and glanced back over his shoulder to see if she was anywhere nearby.

"Things still a bit off with Mama?"

Sensitive ears not of his human half, picked up the words with relative ease, though he had been trying to ignore the conversations going on deeper in the house. It wasn't until he had removed his attention from his toy that he heard the word 'Mama' and couldn't help but feel his curiosity piqued. Mothers weren't exactly something that Kellan had in spades, and while the discussion had nothing to do with him, he was still young and put out by the mere mention of one.

His father and Uncle Mak were talking in the Kitchen. Kellan could make that much out simply by listening to their voices. They were talking about Grandpop, and Uncle Mak's Mom was mentioned, though Kellan didn't know he had a Mom. He'd assumed Uncle Mak was like Kellan, just like he was aquatic. Putting two and two together, it wasn't difficult to tell that the subject of mothers didn't include him in the conversation. Sometimes having, like, superhuman senses was a cool thing. Othertimes, it could be a pain when you heard stuff you didn't want to hear. In this particular case, Kellan tried to shrug it all off and focused instead on his cousin's voice, calling back to his Hover-toy to follow as Kell wandered back out to the living area in search of Pheobe, whose most recent fascination was the same type of bracelets that Kellan himself wore on his left wrist. A gift from Phee, of course.

In the Archive's hush, it is written:
"When night gnaws the rim of the stars,
a maw of shadow will drink the dawn
and wear its chains of radiance.
Called by the Living Light, the beast will kneel,
devouring fear and spitting out truth,
It's roar a hymn through Kyber halls
and where it treads, the darkness meets the light,
balance made flesh and stride.".​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell

Makai paused the stirring on his reduction sauce and looked deadpan at his brother. There were times that Makai wanted to write a strongly worded open forum letter to the Jedi about the practical education and knowledge. Given how prolific the Jedi seemed to be with five and six children one would think basic sex education would be covered. Second would be child psychology.

"You think sending a small child to do your emotional lifting is wise?"

Irritation rolled off him in waves. Balun had struck a nerve that he likely didn't know was there. Makai was mature enough not to go into the reasons why - rather he let his words sit with his brother. Maybe they would sink in over the next couple of hours and Balun could put them together. Then again, Makai highly doubted it, given he thought it was a wise idea to begin with.

Shaking his head, the half-Galan went back to focusing on his tasks. It was better that way. Less things he had to say.

"Don't worry about it Bale. I'll handle it myself."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

DASHIEL FAMILY LIFE DAY EVENT
WEARING: Click here
FEATURING: Kellan Dashiell & Pheobe Dashiell (NPC)
TAGS: Judah Dashiell , Makai Dashiell , Kiran Arlos , Danger Arceneau , Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell

​

"Yeesh. Have a drink, Mak...-You need to lighten up a bit" Balun was genuinely surprised by how quick his brother was to temper. It wasn't typical for him, usually Makai Dashiell was the level-headed one of the lot; "Didn't realise it was that time of the month", he added with a snort, half tempted to laugh. He wasn't serious, of course, but his brother certainly seemed to be in no joking mood.

Balun referred to his glass of whiskey for a distraction, raising it from the kitchen counter briefly to offer his brother a silent toast, a gesture of resignation on the matter. "I'll leave you to it, bro. Maybe I'll go and pinch one of Kell's sugars, sweeten that bitter taste in your mouth," He remarked with a quiet snicker, throwing his brother a patronising look.

The lopsided curl to the corner of his mouth would speak volumes. Balun wasn't annoyed, but he also found the moment too hard to resist. It wasn't often that he and Makai wound up on bad terms. Rare enough that they found themselves in an argument, but given the opportunity, Balun couldn't help but poke at his brother's temper a little more. Clearly giving him a hard time out of amusement.

Taking a larger swig from his glass, Balun reached for the bottle with his free hand and glanced back at Makai; "Love you, bye!", he smirked, reminding Makai to try and remember that life wasn't as tense as he seemed to find it to be. His words came with a jovial, lighthearted farewell as Balun wandered away, shaking his head to himself.

Bale could be a right dickhead, and he knew it. Given the right incentive, the right mood and the knowledge that his brother would eventually come out of his menstruation cycle and forgive him, rubbing a little dirt in his eye seemed appropriate for Life Day.

With his brother feeling irritated, Balun decided it was a good opportunity to go and see what Persephone Dashiell and her boy toy were doing. Since serious conversations appeared to be a dead drop and a quick stop, he tried to remind himself that Judah Dashiell was distracted by the rest of the family, and so there would be a time for awkward questions once they were alone again.

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell
​

Kiran caught the flatness in her 'thanks' the way he caught most things about Persephone, quietly, immediately, and without making it a problem she had to manage. He didn't press. Didn't correct. Didn't try to drag her into a deeper conversation she'd already decided to close the door on. He just let it be Life Day, let it be easy.

When she declared she'd let him watch the zombie cheerleaders on his own, he huffed a small laugh through his nose, eyes still on the screen even though he clearly wasn't invested in it either. More like he was invested in the fact she was sitting here at all.

Then her question landed, simple, casual, but it mattered.

He turned his head toward her, smirk already forming before he could stop it.

"Until you get tired of me," he said, tone light, like it was obvious. He chuckled lightly before his eyes glanced back towards the screen.

He shrugged one shoulder, pretending it was no big thing.

"There were a few odd jobs posted. Stuff I could actually be useful for, helping vendors break down, hauling crates, repairs, courier runs. Easy credits, enough to keep busy." He paused, the smirk softening into something a little more honest.

"The question is…" he angled his head slightly, voice dropping just enough to feel private, "how long do you want me to stay for?

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Just happy to be included."

Judah said quietly about his enjoyment of Life Day. Makai and Balun had been busy and he had quietly done his annual fishing trip alone. This time he had chartered a boat with a guide and did a little deeper water fishing than he was typically used to. A change of pace. Didn't catch too much but he did enjoy his time out on the water with a few others.

When talk turned to Danger, he offered a small smile.

"Something like that." A bit off was an understatement. Ice cold is how he would have phrased it. "Going to be on my best behavior though, don't worry. There's no reason to rock the boat."

Judah had decided a year or two ago to simply give up on that front. Naturally they would have to remain cordial but beyond that he expected nothing. The salvager thought things would have thawed after a few years but apparently he had been wrong. Despite how he felt about things he wouldn't force friendship - he tried that on Tatooine and it fell flat.

"I better see if Makai needs my help now that my workshop is less busy..." No doubt the kids would find him soon enough to put something else together.

Myra Arceneau Dashiell ​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell Kiran Arlos Kellan Dashiell

Myra listened quietly, absorbing his words even as a knot of concern settled in her chest. She understood more now than she ever had that sometimes stepping in only made things worse. Time had a way of smoothing edges that force never could. Still, the irony wasn't lost on her. Judah and her mama had meddled plenty to get her and Makai speaking again when they'd needed it most.

Maybe this was something to talk through with Makai later. Not now. Life Day wasn't the moment to reopen old wounds.

She smiled gently at Judah, respectful of the space he'd chosen.

"Well, I am glad you are here," she said softly. "Truly, that’s what matters today."

Straightening, she glanced toward the living room where the children's laughter rose and fell in bright bursts.

"Alright," she added, practical warmth returning to her voice. "If you can grab the boys, we'll get everyone together. Food first, then presents before the kids crash completely."

She gave him an understanding look when he mentioned being on his best behavior, her tone light but sincere. "Just have fun, enjoy teasing the teenagers, hand out all that wisdom of yours."

As he started to move off, Myra watched him for a moment longer, thoughtful, before calling after him gently.

"And Judah? Maybe mention a fishing trip with Makai, maybe the boys too… I know it’s been a minute, but perhaps he’ll appreciate it more than he'll ever say out loud."

Then she turned back toward the noise and color of the house, ready to shepherd the next wave of Life Day chaos forward.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone leaned in closer when he asked how long should he stay for. Realistically, Persie knew it couldn't be long. Obviously her adoptive parents took time off for Life Day and surrounding holidays but she doubted they also wanted to babysit a pack of teenagers. Even with two droids taking over the duties and watching Kiran like a hawk.

"Hmm...two days? Don't want you falling below eighty percent and you have to give me a chance to miss you. Otherwise who knows, I could get sick of your face."

A good compromise, since it seemed he had some type of series of odd jobs lined up. Probably helping taking down all these Life Day night markets that had popped up like wildfire. No one thought about the logistics on the end of these things - maybe except her. Being new to all these traditions made her examine all the odd little angles.

---

Droids left behind in the den due to Judah's phobia, Persephone was pleased to be free of the minders. Even though she would be sitting with a bunch of family members, she knew the adults would end up talking amongst themselves anyway.

Approaching the massive dining table, Persephone noted the lack of a 'kids table', maybe because she was older and there were only technically two kids present. Placeholders designated where everyone sat though, and while Kiran sat to one side of her, the other was her annoying and perhaps bordering on drunk cousin.

"Great, I have to sit next to the burlap wonder." She leaned in close to utter the words to him, not wanting said burlaped man to cause a scene. "He looks like he's going to shoot up a Jedi temple in that outfit."

Persephone slid her chair out, speaking at a normal volume.

"Everything looks good though. I'm starving." Nevermind the large volume of popcorn she already ate.

Kiran Arlos | Balun Dashiell | Kellan Dashiell | Makai Dashiell | Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau ​