Private What the Water Gave Me

[Judah Dashiell]

Getting off the floor, Judah stretched a little, realizing it was a massive mistake. Always sounded good in the moment but once one has to move and start walking about the realization set in. Perhaps sitting on a recliner or bringing in a dining room chair if his workshop had to open up later after dinner. Depended if the kids could contain their excitement and make Makai open things.

"Round up the troops, can do." Just as he went to go collect everyone, Myra stopped him about a fishing trip. He didn't have the heart to tell her he did his annual Life Day trip without Makai or the boys. Not that he would ever pass up any type of fishing adventure. The more excuses the better. "I'll see, you guys have been busy but perhaps we can work something in..."

---

Despite his protests, Makai had ensured he was at the one head of the table. Judah was a bit embarrassed but he had quickly come to realize why - his son didn't want to be in charge of carving and distributing the standing rib roast. No matter. The salvager grabbed the carving knife as the rest of the family filtered in.

"Alright, everyone settle in. I'll start distributing youngest to oldest....Phoebe, Kellan come on a take seat."

"...but Pop-pop there's no space for my doll."

Judah chuckled. After raising Makai, a girl was an interesting difference. Although he supposed some things were similar, just a doll instead of a Captain Atlantis action figure.

"Just let her play on the floor. Get some energy out before bed."

Kellan Dashiell | Balun Dashiell | Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau​

 

[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

​

Seated next to his Cousin, Persephone Dashiell , Balun could not help but grin in response to her teasing him. Naturally, before arriving at the dinner table, he had removed his coat, revealing the dress vest and long-sleeved shirt, both of which were similar shades of black; However, her pet name, he suspected, had been regarding their first time meeting, where she had seen him wearing his old Jedi garb: A tunic, Tabards, Gloves, the works. Persie's fashion sense hadn't catered for what she had taken back then as a walking horror, teamed with remarks of monkhood and celibacy to boot. In contrast, Balun was dressed much more appropriately today.

Instead of responding directly to Persie, however, Balun did his best job of keeping a straight face, and leaned forward a little to look past her, instead speaking to Kiran Arlos ; "Did you consent to this? Don't hesitate to let us know if you need assistance. You wouldn't be the first she's kidnapped" he held gaze with Kiran only a moment longer so to encourage a little awkward tension before sitting back in his chair and pretending to place his attention elsewhere. All while giving his cousin a gentle, playful nudge with his elbow.

'Cheeky chit', needless to say, Balun approved.

The whiskey was hitting him just right, too. The haze that enveloped his consciousness was just strong enough to make everything else all that much more pleasant and interesting, while elevating his mood to a place of complacent ease. It helped to rid his mind of the consistent worries, the questions and stressors of sobriety. Those odd memories of combat, battlefields that still threatened to plague his dreams, accompanied by a certain Sith who had once been seated at this very table...-All Suppressed for the greater ease of an otherwise typical Dashiell family evening.

Kellan Dashiell had been rounded up alongside Pheobe, the pair of them herded to the table like Bantha calves. Seated opposite Balun, the boy's father gave him a wink and a proud smile. Kell was too young to understand the concept of alcohol or how it affected his Dad. Between the drinking and the cigarra's, the boy had seemingly grown accustomed to the norm and regarded his father's glass as just another soda. A soda that matched the glow of Balun's copper lightsaber, and smelled a little funny.

"Having fun kiddo?" He asked Kellan, suspecting he knew the answer already.

Unfortunately, it wasn't difficult to see Kell's Mom in him. At four years old, his crown had grown into smaller tendrils, the aquatic nature of Falentra's, which surrounded a head of dark Dashiell hair. The boy's eyes glowed a bright cyan blue, distinguishable from the duller tone of his skin but all the same setting him apart from the rest of the family in appearance. Those pointed ears which could pick up a conversation across impressive distance, something that his father forgot on occassion.

Balun's little Sithspawn. A monster in the eyes of some. Purpose and responsibility, to him; not to mention a constant reminder of someone he would much rather try to forget.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[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

"Having fun kiddo?"

Kellan hadn't noticed his father watching him until Balun had spoken across the table to him, causing the young boy to follow the voice and broadly smile at the sight of his Dad. Between the overwhelming smell of all of the food and the cheerful atmosphere around him, Balun's question was an understatement.

Everyone seemed happy, at least to the four-year-old. There was nothing remotely wrong with the scene, and Kellan fought to try to keep up with it all. The different conversations between the grownups and his need to pay particular attention to Pheobe, best friends stuck together after all!

"Yup", Kellan answered simply, soon finding words to follow; "Did you see the hover that Pop got me?" he beamed proudly, turning back to look at the small pile of his belongings. The new favourite toy of his was seated atop a backpack that his father had brought with them.

Unable to help himself, those glowing blue eyes glanced back at the food that had been placed atop the table. Kellan didn't reach for anything, of course; he knew better than that. At least with his Dad watching from the other side. Dinner would need to be served first, and no doubt Pop would say something to let everyone know they could eat.

These sorts of things were a big deal for their family; they didn't always get together like this, but on birthdays and Life-Day, certain holidays...-It was one of the best things about his family.

With all the excitement of playing with Pheobe, his hover toy and seeing everyone again, Kellan hadn't realised how hungry he suddenly felt. The scent of the cooked meat made his mouth water, though he kept his lips pursed. He had teeth like little knives, and the longer he waited, the harder it was becoming to ignore his growling tummy.

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.".​

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell Persephone Dashiell Kellan Dashiell


Myra slid into her seat just as the children were being corralled, her attention immediately caught by Phoebe's small earnest protest to Judah's recommendation to let the doll play on the floor -- who was immediately aghast!

"But Pop-pop," Phoebe insisted, clutching the doll to her chest, "she'll be lonely on the floor. She needs to eat too!"

Myra paused, then leaned down to Phoebe's level, her expression thoughtful and serious in the way only parents perfected.

"Hmm, that is a very important concern," Myra agreed solemnly. "No one likes to be lonely at dinner."

Stormy grey eyes glanced at the table, then back at the doll.

"How about this," she offered gently. "Your doll can sit right next to you on the chair, or she can sit on your lap while you eat. That way she's included and no one spills food on her.

Phoebe considered this deeply, then nodded as if a great compromise had been reached.

A faint chuckle escaped Myra as she swept a hand over Phoebe's hair, smoothing it back affectionately. Straightening, her grey eyes lifted and caught Makai's across the table. She gave him a warm smile, then tilted her head just slightly, an unspoken how are you holding up written clearly in the gesture.

She'd checked in with Mama moments earlier. Already in atmo and already descending to land. Danger had insisted she'd simply arrive when she arrived and plop herself in. No one argued with the Trade Queen, least of all on Life Day.

As Judah began carving, Myra turned toward Balun, her smile blooming easily in his direction.

"I'm glad you made it," she said sincerely. "How are things going for you?"

El-Three and Thirty-Seven moved through the room with quiet efficiency, setting down glasses of iced water and helping pass dishes. As El-Three paused near Kellan and offered him a dinner roll, Myra's gaze softened at the sight of the boy opposite Balun. He was the most unique out of them all, but no less loved. Although she did wonder just how Balun's and Kellan's relationship was. It made her think of Judah and Makai, but not quite.

Maybe her mama could put a finger to the pulse more aptly than she could.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: All yall!
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger Arceneau arrived like a woman who had wrestled the galaxy and arrived five minutes late anyway.

By all outward measures, she looked a mite ruffled around the edges. Dark rick auburn hair fell in soft, disobedient waves around her shoulders, the kind of tumble that only came from too many fingers dragged through it while listening to someone refuse to stop talking. The beige pencil skirt and white ruffled blouse still clung to her generous curves with tailored defiance, though faint creases betrayed long hours seated at a desk that should have known better than to hold her hostage on Life Day.

And still, still, she turned heads.

She always did.

Breath just a touch short, arms laden with a frankly irresponsible number of Life Day parcels, she paused in the doorway like a seasonal bounty dropped straight from a luxury freighter. Wrapped boxes threatened mutiny in both hands, ribbons flashing, tags dangling. It had the unmistakable look of a shopping spree conducted with a black credit chit and absolutely no remorse.

Which was precisely what had happened.

"By the blessed Inari," Danger drawled, voice low and smoky as she shifted the stack in her arms, "I was a breath away from stranglin' Lsiek Visek with my garters if he'd kept babblin' another minute. Man couldn't find the end of his own sentence. Then the hyperspace route closed on account of a solar storm raisin' hell, so I had to take a Locke and Keye gate jump just to shave the delay."

Before anyone could respond --

"Mimi!!!"

Phoebe's delighted shriek cut through the room like a clarion call. Doll clutched tight, she launched herself from her seat and barreled forward with full conviction.

Danger didn't hesitate. Packages hit the nearest surface with a careless thump as she dropped to one knee, emerald-fire eyes lighting bright as Twin Suns. She caught the little girl mid-charge and swept her up with a laugh that warmed the room on contact.

"Well now," she murmured, grin wide as she pressed a quick kiss to Phoebe's cheek, then her neck, all affectionate nuzzle and easy familiarity. "Ain't you just as cute as a lil peach!"

Phoebe giggled in that delighted and breathless giggle of hers, sall arms looping tight around Danger's neck as if anchoring herself there for the rest of the evening.

Danger straightened just enough to glance around the room with a wide grin, taking them all in. One brow lifted with gentle authority as she gestured with her chin.

"Go on now," she said, that honeyed drawl smoothing into an unmistakable order.

"Keep servin'. No need to halt the whole affair on my account."

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell Balun Dashiell Kellan Dashiell Makai Dashiell Myra Arceneau Dashiell Danger Arceneau
​

Kiran's smirk held as she leaned in, but it softened at the edges when she landed on two days like it was casual, like it didn't matter, while also making it sound like a choice she was granting him. He knew Persephone well enough to hear what she didn't say.

"Two days," he repeated, like he was testing the words for fit. Then he nodded once. "Deal."

At the mention of the eighty percent, his eyes flicked to hers with that familiar amusement, half challenge, half warmth.

"I'll do my best to maintain my rating," he murmured. "Can't have you filing a formal complaint."

********​

By dinner, Kiran had already decided on his job: be quiet, be respectful, and don't make Persephone regret bringing him into this room.

Placeholders marked seats with the kind of careful authority he'd only ever seen in holodramas. He found his name, neat, deliberate, and took the chair beside Persephone without hesitation. If nothing else, he could be the buffer she didn't have to ask for.

He'd barely settled when she leaned close and delivered her commentary about the man on her other side.

Kiran's gaze slid, controlled and quick, to the 'burlap wonder' in question. The outfit was…a choice. And Persephone's description 'shoot up a Jedi temple' hit him quick and he giggled lightly before clearing his throat. He helped her with her chair, as he then took a seat.

"Okay," he said quietly, steady. Only for her to hear. "That was a good one."

Then, as she spoke up normally about being starving, he matched her volume and tone.

"Smells incredible," he said, polite, easy. "I'm starving too."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

Shoulders shrugged at his wife in response, as if to say he was hanging in there. Light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, with dinner being served. Although he couldn't hide in the kitchen much after this. Couldn't say he was doing the cleaning up when they had a dishwasher and capable droids around the home.

Instead he focused on preparing the plates for the two kids. He had even brought out a pair of kitchen shears to make his life easier to cut the meat - a little hack that every parent in the world most likely knew before him. Makai didn't mind giving Phoebe a child safe knife, it was important to foster kitchen and life skills, but on a holiday? No way he was going to let an overstimulated kid try to cut their own dinner.

Just as he was setting down a plate in front of Phoebe, Danger walked in and the food was a distant third to her Mimi and the little doll. Head shook and he moved to Kellan, putting a plate down and ruffling his nephews hair.

"There we go buddy." Gaze turned to his brother, hand holding up the shears. "Need me to cut yours too baby bro?"

Chuckling at his own comment (because who else would?), Makai was just about to ask where the other, smaller redhead was when she walked in. Gravball hat on her head, still absorbed in gravball stats on her comm, a game in the background. A replay game, considering the season ended, but he knew Rue was searching for patterns in stats.

Putting the shears down next to Balun, the half-Galan left to go hug Rue, lifting her up as he did so. Less brother-in-law and sister-in-law but more like actual siblings. Makai had taken to the kid immediately during the memory building sessions all those years ago. He released her and playfully tipped her gravball cap.

"Its been too long."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone was putting a napkin on her lap as her cousin spoke about Kiran being held against his will. Eyes rolled in the slightest as a bread roll was being placed before her. The thing with the Burlaped Wonder was he could dish it out but often not take it in return. Taunting probably wasn't allowed in the Jedi Temple. His skills weren't as refined.

"Hey, at least some of us have non-family members to kidnap and bring to these events."

Maybe she hadn't had the best of luck with friends. Or love. Her cousin didn't seem to be faring any better. A curse of the Dashiells? Her adoptive parents seemed the only ones with a stable relationship. Well, there was Miz Arceneau but that was relations by marriage, not blood. Something to ponder upon for a later date.

Speaking of Miz Arceneau, she came rolling in with gifts, Phoebe excited to see her grandmother. Persephone wondered what that was like - to grow up while a whole host of people loving you. Sure her Mama had loved her 'til the spice got in the way. Her Daddy certainly never cared for her, never mind love. Her adoptive parents did but it was different to actually grow up with it instead of experiencing such a thing as a preteen.

Quietly she picked up her knife and began to work on cutting a few pieces of her nerf roast. It was best not to dwell on such things but it was difficult not to.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Hand tightened on the knife as the droids came in and he tried not to let it get to him. Idly he had been thinking of getting some type of emergency anti-anxiety stim prescribed for these types of moments. A little stab in the thigh and perhaps a little less caring if the droids were going to attack him or not. Something to follow up on back after Life Day. For now he would sweat it out a little.

Focus went to serving the group at hand, even those who hadn't sat down yet. Easier to place a plate in front and allow everyone to grab family style as needed. At least he thought so, prevented him from leaning over or asking for things to be passed down the table. The nerf roast looked good and he would have to comment as such to Makai later.

"Danger, Rue. A pleasure to see you both."

Just in time too. With the initial carving of roast distributed, Judah set the knife and fork down with the roast, just in case he was called upon to carve more halfway through.

Sliding into his seat, gaze finally settled on the new boy, Kiran. An interesting addition this year. Again, he was on his best behavior and his son and daughter-in-law had things handled.

"So Kiran, where do you hail from?"

Kiran Arlos | Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Balun Dashiell | @ All the Alts​

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell Balun Dashiell Myra Arceneau Dashiell


​

'Did you consent to this?'

Kiran blinked once, then let the smallest hint of a smile touch his mouth, not enough to look cocky, just enough to show he understood the game. He didn't glance at Persephone first. He refused to make it seem like he needed permission to speak about her.

"I did," he answered calmly, voice level and respectful. "She asked. I agreed."

He let that sit for a beat, just long enough to meet Balun's little tension with his own quiet steadiness.

"And I appreciate the offer of assistance. But I'm safe here, mostly."

"So Kiran, where do you hail from?"​

Kiran looked over to Judah with a small smile. "I'm from Corellian at one point, nothing really vast to say on that front. From the good I remember, it was a nice place." He said with a small sigh. He wasn't going to bore them with his life story, not that it was boring. But it wasn't something that needed to be hashed out over life day, it was a rather sad occasion.

He lowered his eyes to his plate as she began cutting her roast, giving her the privacy of not being observed in that moment. Then, quietly, he reached for the serving dish nearest him, something simple, something normal, and held it out toward her first, offering it without ceremony.

"Do you want any of this?" he asked softly, as if the only thing that mattered in the galaxy was dinner logistics.

A second later he added under his breath, just for her, just enough to draw her back into the present without dragging her into a conversation she didn't want at a crowded table. He waited till she was done cutting and, he hestiated at first, but then his hand moved slowly to hers, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

"If I didn't say it before, thanks for inviting me." He said, he smiled faintly, the words and smile gentle rather than loud.

"I'm having a good time."

 

[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

​

"There we go buddy." Gaze turned to his brother, hand holding up the shears. "Need me to cut yours too baby bro?"

"Would you please? That'd be so kind of you" Balun grinned as he glanced back up at Makai Dashiell , his brother soon distracted by the new arrivals, yet sharing a quick, sarcastic moment between them laced in good humour. Bale was glad to see his older brother had let his hair down a little. One of the things he had always been fond of about their relationship was the brotherly banter, the snide verbal jabs they took at each other from time to time, knowing better than to take any of it to heart.

Where brothers were concerned, Makai was a good one, and though Balun liked to give him a bit of chit from time to time, he had helped to make Balun feel a welcome part of the family when he had first shown up in their lives. Things could certainly have gone the other way, were he someone other than himself.

"I did," he answered calmly, voice level and respectful. "She asked. I agreed."

He let that sit for a beat, just long enough to meet Balun's little tension with his own quiet steadiness.

"And I appreciate the offer of assistance. But I'm safe here, mostly."

Balun smirked to himself, having turned back to listen to Kiran Arlos 's response.

He was being polite, perhaps conscious not to present himself as too defiant in the face of Persephone Dashiell 's cousin, but Balun posed no threat to them. He was simply enjoying himself and allowing a little leeway for the alcohol to do some of the talking. Pursing his lips, he nodded a little as if to himself before glancing sideways to Persie.

She had made a retort about having someone outside of the family there, like it was supposed to be some sort of dig, but Balun had made that mistake once, and now they all shared the memory of Kellan's mother. He wouldn't do so again. He had screwed himself in believing someone might stick around for good, but those dreams were forfeit now alongside his teenage youth.

Though that wasn't to say he was old, by any means.

"Well, here's hoping you can both enjoy yourselves", he resigned, though his words didn't breed the same sentiment he felt. He didn't wish to discourage them with his pessimistic views on love nowadays. Let them be happy, without his cynical ass ruining their evening for them.

As if to pry himself away from his feelings, Balun glanced beyond the pair to the new arrivals, recognising Danger Arceneau and Rue alongside her. he offered them both a warm smile, though remained seated so as not to threaten their personal space more so than it had already been.

Reaching for his glass, Balun took it into his right hand and brought the drink to his lips.

Everyone had arrived now, the entire family plus one. Putting his disregard for Life Day aside, it was good to see them all under one roof again.

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: Makai Dashiell

Myra caught Makai's eyes across the table just as the room settled into that familiar hum of overlapping voices and clinking dishes. She gave him a small, subtle nod in gratefulness and affection. No words. Just a quiet acknowledgment that said I see you and you're doing fine. She knew Life Day wasn't his favorite.

Never had been. But he was here, present and doing it for their family and especially for Phoebe. That mattered more than anything.

The shift in the room was unmistakable when mama arrived. Myra rose immediately, moving to Danger with an easy smile. Grey eyes danced as she leaned in to press a kiss to Danger's cheek.

"Welcome, mama," she said softly. "I'm glad you made it."

Then, with a gentle laugh and a light touch to her arm, Myra added, "Alright, I won't pull this one out of your arms. Go on and sit." She gestured toward the table, ushering everyone along before the moment could turn into a whole production.

Once everyone began to settle, Myra slipped over to Judah Dashiell 's side. She took up a serving dish, helping him pass plates and fill them, moving smoothly between family members. This was the part she liked. The quiet work of making sure everyone was fed, included, and cared for.

"Alright everyone, plate up and eat!"

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Persephone Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

Danger's grin widened even further at Myra's approach.

"Mmm, that I am, darlin'," she murmured with a twinkle in her green eyes as Myra leaned in, accepting the kiss, shifting Phoebe more securely on her hip.

Keeping her grandbaby close, doll and all, the Queen of Trade swept toward the table like she owned the room outright. She offered greetings freely as she went with cordial and warm pleasantness, giving a nod and a smile for Judah, a concerned but knowing glance toward Makai Dashiell , a flick of attention to Balun Dashiell and Kellan Dashiell in hello, then onward to Persie -- and then, her attention paused.

Much like Myra's had, Danger's gaze settled on Kiran Arlos . Brows arched just slightly, curiosity sharpening beneath the genial warmth. She assessed him in a single, unhurried look, then gave a wide welcoming smile.

"Oh well," she said pleasantly, "hello there. Name's Danger."

Phoebe wriggled in her arms and Danger bent just enough to set her down beside the table.

"Alright sugar, go on and sit. I'll take the seat next to you." Danger told Phoebe as plates were passed and the table filled with motion and clinking sounds. She finally settled into her chair, smoothing her skirt with one practiced gesture. Her gaze lifted again, this time to Persie, and those keen eyes of hers noticed a subtle nuance in the teenager's expression.

"Well, how you doing darlin'? Is this young man here a friend of yours or you one of Balun's?"

Rue of course, piped in with her own half-distracted commentary, checking a few stats on her datapad before adding, "He's Persie's boyfriend." Well, that is what El-Three was saying anyway, regarding making sure no teen pregnancies were about.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Coming out of her musings, Persephone realized Kiran was speaking to her, and holding up a dish. Roasted vegetables. Blinking her hand raised up and she took the serving spoon, dishing out for herself as well as Kiran. Persie wasn't sure if he wanted them but he could just push them around - she was trying to be nice. Shaking her head slightly, a small smile shot in Kiran's direction. She didn't even catch Rue's insinuation that Kiran was her boyfriend.

"Anytime. Sucks to be alone on Life Day."

As Danger sat, Phoebe all but clinging onto her, dinner began in earnest. There was quite a bit of conversation, adults catching up and questions vaulted across the table. A few were batted towards Kiran but Persephone could tell the family was trying to be interested but not overly nosy. She was certain gossip among the adults would occur later this evening once anyone under the age of sixteen had scattered about and gone to bed.

Talk also turned to business and the drama in the Core. The Galactic Alliance had collapsed earlier in the year so it was a hot button issue, especially when it came to the trade lanes apparently. Persephone could tell the adults were keeping it light due to Kellan and Phoebe being present, but judging from her adoptive parents wording and tone they were concerned about the growing instability. A real concern with so much real estate up for grabs, so to speak.

By the end of dinner she was feeling stuffed, yet somehow able to still eat an entire piece of cheesecake covered in a berry compote. All these years later and berries were still her favorite. Never had them until she went to Miss Arceneau's farm and had been hooked ever since. Most teens wanted candy but in her eyes there was nothing better.

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

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Corellia? Judah wondered if the Arlos family was somehow involved in the Brokellia issue but the boy was too young to remember such a thing. Might even be why the family left or why Kiran didn't want to speak more upon it. Not that most people waxed poetic about their homeworld upon being asked. That would be an odd situation.

Dinner went better than he anticipated. As promised he was on his best behavior, keeping quiet unless someone needed another slice of nerf roast or if he had been asked a direct question. Kellan was the most talkative to him, which was perfectly fine, given they had fairly recently come back from a camping trip together. Judah had taken his grandson to Dac and all the old places he took Makai camping. The thought had been if it worked for one aquatic child then it would work for another, and for the most part it seemed to. Kellan had loved swimming in the reefs and checking out all the new to him ocean life, and Judah had delighted in snorkeling from the top, watching.

As the meal slowly finished, the droids came in to clean. He still didn't trust either of them but certainly appreciated the fact there would be no cleaning on his end. Literally everything could be left in place and the family could retire to spend more time with one another. Chairs scraped against the floor as everyone slowly stood and filtered out, stuffed to the gills.

The old salvager took his position on the fringes of the event, sitting in a recliner furthest from the tree. He had already seen Kellan and Phoebe open most of their gifts and decided to let Danger be more front and center. Least he could do given her unplanned late arrival. Instead he could do the very fatherly thing of holding the trash bag for the group.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell Danger Arceneau Balun Dashiell Kiran Arlos & Others

In the end, Makai didn't announce his plans occuring in the Slice at the dinner table. Ultimately he felt it would have dissolved into chaos and distracted from the true meaning of the day - to spend time with the family. There would be plenty of time to separately tell his father and Danger and fill them in. The space station wasn't even finalized yet, he had to take a trip after Life Day to look it over and give a final approval before it would begin its long journey to the Slice.

Despite his feelings about Life Day, Makai enjoyed the sound of general banter and utensils scraping against plates. It was comforting and there was a quiet pride in making a meal everyone seemed to be enjoying. That or they were just all half-starved.

Keen eye kept a look out on his father and Danger, when he wasn't talking to his wife or Rue. Makai didn't predict any problems and it had been years since his father had any sort of outburst. Midlife crisis Makai had summed it up as - especially when he dated the younger blue Tortuga. Whatever occurred seemingly was now out of his system and his father was back to his normal self for the most part. Balun was concerned but he would let his brother deal with that issue, not him. Makai already knew the answers.

Meal done, the extended family gathered in the living room once again. Given the limited seating, Makai found a spot on the floor, sitting on one of the decorative pillows from a couch. Priority seating went to his father and Danger, as well as the women of the family. He was fine, and frankly, probably better to be on the floor to assist in wrangling the kids.

 

[Kiran Arlos]

Persephone Dashiell
​

When she said 'Anytime. Sucks to be alone on Life Day,' Kiran's gaze held on her a fraction longer than he meant it to. There was humor in her voice, but there was also something bluntly true about it—something she probably hated admitting even in passing.

"I'm glad I'm here," he said simply, keeping it soft.

Dinner moved around him in waves: questions that landed on him lightly and politely, adult voices turning toward politics and trade lanes and instability. He answered when spoken to, careful and respectful, offering just enough to be present without taking up space. He laughed when it was appropriate, nodded when it was wise, and mostly kept his attention on Persephone, on the way she watched the room more than she participated in it, on the quiet way she seemed to take stock of who was safe and who wasn't.

When dessert arrived, he watched her with something like amused reverence as she went for the cheesecake and berry compote with zero hesitation. The look on her face, subtle satisfaction, almost guardedly pleased, was its own kind of happiness.

By the time plates were cleared and the younger kids were herded away, Kiran felt the tension in his shoulders finally ease. Conversations scattered into smaller clusters. Someone drifted toward the kitchen. Another group disappeared down a hallway. The house exhaled from "formal dinner" into something looser.

A few minutes later, Kiran found himself in the living room with Persephone, quiet, just the lingering glow of Life Day lights and the muted sounds of adults talking somewhere out of sight. The room smelled faintly of spice and roast and berries.

He stood near the edge of the couch for a moment, hands loosely clasped, not wanting to assume anything. Then he looked at her, his expression open in a way it hadn't been at the table.

"Hey," he said softly, waiting a moment before continuing. "Thank you," he added, voice low and sincere. "For bringing me. For… letting me be here."

His eyes flicked down to her mouth for half a second, an instinct he didn't bother pretending wasn't there, then back to her eyes.

He stepped in slowly, giving her time to turn away if she wanted, and when she didn't, he leaned in and pressed a small kiss to her lips. Gentle. Brief.

When he pulled back, he didn't crowd her. He just stayed close enough to be felt.

"Happy Life Day," he murmured, a faint, boyish smile returning. "I'm really… really glad you didn't get tired of my face tonight."

 

[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

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Dinner was enjoyable, Makai Dashiell being the cook that he was, there wouldn't be a single complaint heard from Balun's seat. He had listened, maintained small talk with those at the table, but otherwise let everyone else lead the conversations while he watched Kellan Dashiell from the other side, seemingly possessed by the compulsion to eat as much as he could. Compliments to the Chef, his boy was more than content to stuff his face, no matter who was around.

When everyone had finished eating, Balun rose to help clear the table and get a start on the dishes. It served the dual purpose of being polite and helpful, but also stepping away from the others and allowing himself some time with his thoughts. Balun had started a steady pace with the whiskey, and evened out to quietly sipping away across the night, he hadn't gotten drunk, but comfortably tipsy as he now was, he continued to clean up the kitchen. With Makai having stressed and slaved over the food prep, Bale figured he'd take on the rest of it so that no one else needed to bother. With so much of the family around his son, he wasn't overly worried about keeping a constant eye on the lad.

Standing in front of the kitchen window, leaning over the sink and losing himself to the automotion of his voluntary chore, his mind wandered to thoughts of Cerys Dyn , Iona Starchaser and yes, though he hated it, even Nouqai Veil. The latter was more of an afterthought, realising as soon as she had entered his mind that he didn't want to consider where she might be on Life Day, but Iona and Cerys were different.

Iona was someone Balun had tried to maintain a close friendship with, and had wanted more at one stage of their lives, yet they continiously butted heads and held differing values, consistently finding themselves on opposing sides. There wasn't any resentment with Iona, only regret and a wish that they could have gotten along better. He had respected and cared for her, yet she had also been gifted in triggering his insecurities that often made him close up and defensive. Emotions were such a bish, confusing and complicating. That's how it often was with him and Iona, but he hoped that wherever she was, she was doing well and having a good Life Day.

As for Cerys Dyn, Force only knows where she was in this present moment. Sith Space, initially, then last seen on Genaria during a battle between The High Republic and a Sith-Imperial element that Balun had never quite identified with any certainty. Cerys had run from him and the ensuing battle, but Balun had recovered her Shoto and still planned on returning it to her. One of these days...

People were...-They were frustrating and complicated. Some days, Balun found it difficult to look back over the past relationships he had held. For whatever reason, compromised whether intentionally or not. Sometimes, he likened his difficulty of expressing his emotions to an absence of maternal figures in his life, yet other times he figured that was a cop-out out and at the end of the day, it was just his own damn fault.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​