Populate Where the Light Gathers | THR Populate of Siskeen

[Adelle Bastiel]

Objective II - The Grand Ballroom
Tags: Renn Vizsla || Indirect: Aurelian Veruna | Rayna Lockley

The white of Renn’s coat caught her eye as he made a straight line for the smaller bar. Adelle took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders, trying to ease all the tension that had gathered from everything that had happened. And if she were honest, while there was a lesser pressure to behave in Renn’s presence than in Yvarro’s, he was Warden and Mandalorian envoy. He outranked her in every capacity.

“Evening,” she said calmly.

She did raise her eyebrows at his insinuation that her appearance told an interesting story.

“A lot happened in a relatively short span of time,” she said, refusing to think of the Grand Vizier.

He leaned in like a conspirator and Adelle’s eyebrows raised further.

“I was blamed for someone else’s stupid prize they won by playing stupid games,” Adelle clarified. “And then insulted. I had a dance to a fast-paced song while talking politics. It’s been a lot.”

She nearly choked on her drink when he mentioned Mandalorian teeth marks. Curiosity had the question on the tip of her tongue but she reeled it back in. Adelle was fairly confident it was something she did not want to know.

Adelle glanced in the direction he had looked before returning to staring blindly at the dancefloor; the Grand Vizier walked arm in arm with her new wife towards a cluster gathered around the new High Chancellor.

Now she shows up.

Adelle huffed when he offered to stand in the way of ‘destiny.’ “I doubt she’s coming back this way, she got what she wanted. A conversation.”

The blonde Aurelian had been talking to created distance, professional and poised. The look she had was polite but in a way that made a sandpanther’s smile seem kind. She set her glass down on the bar and walked away from him. Interesting.

She knocked back the last of her whiskey, exhaling through the burn.

“Well if you’re not here to offer a dance,” Adelle said, “I’m going to go find one. That’s why I came here.”

The glass clinked on the bartop as she set it down, skirt of the dress swirling as she left the bar. Surely there was someone friendly here that just wanted to dance.

 

[Casaana]

Objective III
Tag: Davik Haize

He seemed to have his head back, and Casaana let out a little breath she hadn't known she was holding in. She'd guessed right, even if Davik was still closed off. That was okay, they were basically strangers, and she wasn't exactly a therapist. "You're not the same person either. Even if you had your old ship again, it'd feel different. After Bogan, everything felt different. The ships we retreated in, the dorms in the temples, all were the same, but felt hollow and empty." Now she was the one with the vacant eyes, unfocusing on the partially assembled droid laying on the table as she remembered. The empty space aboard the cruisers that was once full of bodies and life as they rushed to liberate Tython, and how people talked different, quiet and almost guiltily. Many wondering why they had survived or ruminating on who they hadn't been able to save.

It was her turn to shake herself out of it before she answered Davik's question with a shrug. "Same reason any young girl with no money doesn't buy a freighter and set off, I guess. Lots to do at home, and it'd be a hassle explaining it to every docking authority or low-life seeing an easy mark." There had been a few she'd looked at. For what she had in mind, it'd take close to fifty thousand credits used, even more if the ship was in good condition. Then there was registration, licensing, repair, fuel, maintenance, even if she did the few modifications she absolutely wanted on her own, they'd quickly add up too. "I do have my own ship though!" She cheerfully added as an afterthought. "Modified my Zephyr into a proper interceptor after it got shot down. Now there was a project. It's just, you know, not something you want to live out of. Or even fly in for more than a few hours."

 

[Colette]

Quinn Varanin // Feridade Parthi // Dominique Vexx // Emilia Locke // Ivalyn Yvarro // Merryn Sellek // Mykel Dawson

Right, Reina. Still an important name but a name whose weight had eased drastically since that one day on Ukatis. Colette had done her part in reconciliation and the ball was firmly placed in the other half of the court. All Reina had to do was pick it up and toss it back if she desired to. Quinn's attempt to rattle her did very little in the end.

And then Quinn made an exit. Colette's eyes followed longingly for an equally swift departure.

The ambassador spoke and Colette nodded at his words. He wasn't wrong to feel neglected, ignored, and forgotten. Colette herself was guilty of this particular crime and she was all too aware that it wasn't her finest moment, that said…

Colette took a breath to respond, but the moment was seized before the she had the chance. An unfamiliar face reminded the group of the Jedi's presence and losses. It wasn't what she would have pointed out, but it was what it was. If the Alliance had logistical issues, and the Jedi were reliant on the grants and donations from the Alliance…

Oh well, it didn't matter. What had started as an attempt to talk to Quinn had devolved into a nightmare.

"You will forgive me," she said to the rest of the group. "But I'd rather not remain in this snake pit. Have a good evening."

Nothing more to be said. As far as so-called rank and personalities went, Colette doubted anyone present would even care to put her to memory. Too obsessed with their deals and stroking each other's egos. Her presence had been tolerated more than it had been acknowledged and she felt much the same towards them.

She took a step back and then another before turning straight towards the bar and making a beeline.

---

"Triple-aged, ice, pinch of salt." Colette raised two fingers for the tender who promptly got to work. "Put it on Lily Decoria."

A deep sigh blew from the Knight's nose as she leaned back onto the counter and looked out at the sea of people. Of all the things she could have been doing, she had attended this thing hoping that it wouldn't be like every other ball. She had been so very mistaken.

The glass arrived and she gently wrapped her fingers around it and brought it to her lips. It burned, it was ever so slightly salty, and most importantly it was numbing down the last twenty minutes' edge. Colette closed her eyes and drifted off for a moment.

"Well if you're not here to offer a dance, I'm going to find one. That's why I came here."

Colette's eyes opened again to scan the room. A dance was an easy request, she could do that. It would be a healthier way to take her mind off of things. She was a capable saber duelist and fighter, how much more difficult could a dance be?

Then again, if the personality matched the earlier crowd it was probably best to not engage.

Except what Colette found was something else. Short, practical hair styled into something else. A flattering dress that enhanced an already incredible physique. The scar on her cheek told enough of a story to set her apart from the rest. This wasn't some pencilneck politician wannabe, this was someone that might actually have been worthy of her respect.

And there it was again; that desire to learn more about a person. Colette deposited the rest of her drink down her throat and stood up with a swift push against the bar. Each step felt like a mistake but she kept pushing against the desire to go back.

"Hey," she said and swallowed the worst of her nerves. "I overheard what you said about a dance?"

That wasn't meant to have been a question. Colette's lip twisted for a moment before straightening out into a warm smile.

"I don't usually do this, but I'd be willing — if you are."

Adelle Bastiel

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Objective: BYOO - Teen Chaos!
Outfit: Suit
Tag: Pari Sylune

Aileni's eyes were focused on looking at their feet, trying his best to follow the movements, trying to absorb the style and pattern to his memories. It was new but it didn't feel overly awkward. For now, this was something that Aileni felt more confident in as time passed. His gaze lifted around the same time that Pari's did and he blushed with a chuckle, realising that they were both now focusing on avoiding another trodden foot.

"Seems...yeah, we are getting this." Aileni mentioned with some more confidence and a grin etched onto his lips.

He shrugged his shoulders, "things like this are probably helpful with blending into all surroundings. I have heard that Sith enjoy a good gala or ball. So, if I do wish to be a Jedi Shadow, learning to dance will probably help." Aileni mentioned, realising that the most confident he sounded in a conversation was about becoming a Jedi Shadow.

Was he truly that single minded?

"Sorry, I...urm...you are doing great... shall I...Shall I spin you?" Aileni asked, not wishing to surprise Pari with a move and accidentally embarrass her.

 

[Pari Sylune]

Pari laughed as he said he could dance to fit in if he were a shadow. “Maybe that is how we can win the war… a dance battle!”

She laughed again and then he asked about twirling. The adults were certainly doing that. All around them taller bodies twirled and dipped.

“Okay we can try..” she watched one of the women next to her twirl. It seemed easy enough. “I hope I don’t fall over onto you!” She laughed easily, though she was a little nervous. Pari jsut had a calmer demeanor than most, even when rattled.



Aileni Ifor Xeraic

 

[Lily Decoria]

Objective: 2
Outfit: Dress
Tag: Shan

Lily giggled at Shan's comment, "well good, I succeed in what I desired this dress to do." There was a grin on her lips as she moved in closer to Shan as they danced. Enjoying the feeling of their bodies pressed together as they moved to the beat of the music. Just taking the moment to move in time with the music and not think about the commitments and promises that the Echani had made. That conflicted with other promises that she had made as well. It was not something that brought much joy for Lily to think about.

"Seems that someone undersold their skills in dancing." Lily whispered with an arched eyebrow. She was pleased that he felt somewhat confident in dancing, for Lily it was a style of movement that helped people communicate easier in Echani fighting. So, she held hope that Shan would be fluent in the Echani martial arts soon enough. It was too important for Lily to not insist on someone she is dating being able to communicate in that way. "I am just pleased that my toes will be spared from any stepping on." Lily teased in a soft tone.

When Shan expressed his understanding in if Lily needed to go, she gave another glance in the direction of Quinn and Colette then shook her head. "I think things will be fine. After our date I'll reach out to Colette and see how she is, but I think I am where I need to be and giving Colette space after a tense situation is important." Lily stated, while Lily needed to talk and express things immediately after an emotionally difficult moment, Lily understood that Colette was not the same in that way. Colette sometimes needed time.

"One day there will be a family that you have. Maybe one we have." Lily stated with a nervous smile, she didn't want to be bold to declare wanting that to be their future so early in their dating but Lily also was not aiming to discount it. Lily wanted her own family someday. It was something important to her.

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Objective: 3
Outfit: Suit
Tags: Fallon Draellix-Kobitana

Cynan nodded his head, while he wasn't convinced that the worst politicians and corpos were not as dangerous or as evil as a Sith could be, he also had to accept that Cynan only knew Sith from stories and vids. Fallon was much more likely to have fought one. "I am interested to learn more on what you think of them. While I might not share the same views on them, I also know that you have better experience with the Sith than I do. As we grow, the Sith will not be as willing to ignore us. Eventually war with them will be inevitable." Cynan wished to know what to expect when that inevitability came to light.

He chuckled softly at her comments, "oh, I was expecting you to say that you were merely busy with work." His eyes looking into her own, "but good to know that you were hoping to achieve the same goal that I was." He whispered deeply into her ear. Feeling her pull in closer, Cynan continued to dance intimately with Fallon, understanding the shared desires that they held.

When she asked about a secret that Cynan held that no one else in the room had. He took the moments to admire the way her hairs stood on ends, the prickling of the skin in response to his body close to hers. His breath close to hers. It was difficult to think of a secret that would be enticing for Fallon but was a genuine secret and not something that was merely uncommon knowledge. Then the thought struck him, it was something that he had organised from the very start of attending the event.

"I am perfectly sober today. I have my right hand purchase non-alcoholic beverages that look like alcohol so that when I hold conversation and sway the hearts of the senators and great houses, I do not get carried away with the drinking." It was nothing overly scandalous but he was more than happy to demonstrate the more scandalous rumours around him in private. "How about yourself, Miss Draellix-Kobitana?" Curious what secret she would share in turn.

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Objective: BYOO - Teen Chaos!
Outfit: Suit
Tag: Pari Sylune

Aileni let out a soft laugh as he shrugged his shoulders, "I mean, our other attempts to win haven't worked yet. So why not give it a try!" Aileni gave a goofy grin to show that he was kidding, there was doubts that such an attempt to win a fight would work but he was still keen on making sure that he had some good skills at dancing for operations. But it was also a chance to potentially spend more time with Pari if they learned to dance together.

The young teen Dathomiri was already as tall as most adult men, taller than several. It meant that he could give the room to Pari to do a proper twirl but also ensure that none of the adults would get in their way since they would see him straight away even if they missed Pari in their dancing.

When Pari gave her permission for the twirl, Aileni nodded his head and began to twirl her, "don't worry. I will always catch you when you fall." Aileni stated then felt surprised he said that. It sounded far too confident and smooth to be him but it was also something that popped into his head when Pari mentioned her concern. It felt like the right thing to say and he didn't event hink about whether or not it was something smooth to say.

 

[Fallon Draellix-Kobitana]

Location: Naboo gala
Objective: OBJECTIVE 3
Loadout: here
Tags: Cynan Obaith


Wearing this

Fallon leaned over and sniffed at his drink as if not quite believing him, although she had no reason not to. "A smart strategy, allowing you opponents to slowly weaken in cognition while you keep yours." Fallon herself was drinking, but her biochip would alert her long before it became detrimental.

She made a slight murmuring and turned her head as she considered her own. Then a little smirk crossed the lips of the bold woman's lips.

She nodded "I have two" she said quite nonchalantly. "The first is that I have a chip in my skull that ,amongst other things, allows me to use facial recognition to download lots of useful information about someone I meet before they even say hello." the second. Her breath caught and she leaned in close to his ear and said something to him before kissing his ear gently.

Between the music, the movement and the breathless of voice of a woman trying not to giggle while she was attempting to be seductive, it might be quite hard to make out what she said. It was ridiculous really. They were non-native, endangered and also highly aggressive, of course she didnt have any thunder-bears under her dress??

 

[Cynan Obaith]

Objective: 3
Outfit: Suit
Tags: Fallon Draellix-Kobitana

He chuckled as Fallon went to double check his drink, surprised with his secret it seemed and Cynan was glad that the secret was not one that Fallon was disappointed in hearing. "Yes, I also tend to struggle in understanding a limit when the drinks flow too freely as well. An almost all or nothing style of drinking." Cynan confessed with a slight chuckle.

Hearing the first secret, he nodded his head. Back on Geonosis, Fallon had mentioned her biochip but it was interesting to learn that she already knew as much as she could about him from his online persona. Though that was hardly all he was, a lot of it was something that Cynan put out. There was plenty more that he remained private about. Especially with the future goals that he wished to have.

Then Fallon whispered in close to mention the second secret. Cynan held a wide grin as he understood fully what Fallon was meaning on that. "Well, Miss Draellix-Kobitana, that is quite the enticing secret to share." He moved in close and whispered in her ear, using a deep, sultry tone, "how about we retire from this gala early and go to my apartment nearby. Allow me the chance to ensure this secret is indeed true." He gave her a teasing wink as he leaned back.

While he had planned to entice donations from the many senators and great houses. The opportunity to spend some time alone with Fallon was far too alluring for him to ignore any further

 

[Vulpesen]

Stepping onto the wide floor, Vulpesen turned to face Ra, his hand settling to her hip as his boots started to move to the rhythm of the music. "I'm sure I can be crass or uncouth at times, but I do my best not to be rude," he said quietly. "Especially since Lucas spent hours teaching me how to do this." More than once, the Valde had been the butt of jokes among his high council members. While he master of movement on the battlefield, there were times he had thought his excelsus of diplomacy was about to draw a weapon on him during their dance lessons. "You can thank him if I can manage to not stomp out your toes."

He'd thought it before; this was not his normal battlefield. But once upon a time, he had been a merchant's son, only helping to remove occasional poacher's from his father's land. Then he had been a street rat in the underbelly of Nar Shadaa, slinking around the cartels to rob them of credits for his next meal. He had not been born a soldier. He had learned the trade through hard work and experience, just as he now learned the trade of a diplomat. If he could learn saber forms well enough to take on emperors, what could stop him from learning to dance and debate?

Ra'a'mah

 

[Pari Sylune]

"don't worry. I will always catch you when you fall."

"That is a very nice thing to say." She had a real talent for stating the obvious at times like these.

He seemed more sure of it than she was, but Pari wasn't a coward so she threw caution to the wind and allowed herself to twirl. Luckily she did not hit anything or step on his feet this time. When she was done twirling she beamed at him.

"We did it!"

She jumped up a little in excitement, right as the song ended. Mingled conversation got a little louder as the band began to set up for the next song.

"Let's go see what they have to drink and look at the decorations. Want to?"


Aileni Ifor Xeraic

 

[Oriana Indupar]

"Understandable, given the circumstances."

Someone more obtuse would have not picked up on Guinevere Cavello 's tone when it came to her wedding. It was not a surprise the woman was not excited. Most of these marriages were carefully arranged affairs. Her own marriage was arranged by her father and Cyrus' father, neither of them having a say in the union. The pair had met the night before their wedding at a celebratory dinner. Fate would have it Cyrus was a decent man who understood duty as much as herself and they had no choice to make it work.

Oriana was the same age as the Princess when she was married. She could understand the lack of excitement but at least the Princess seemed to have the ability to have some hand in the celebrations. She had been ordered to show up.

Chuckling slightly as Gwen used her son's entire formal name, down to the fifth, she decided to address that subject than delve deeper into the wedding.

"Skipped walking and went straight into running. He's four now, just starting his tutoring. Thank you for asking about him."

Oriana didn't speak much of Cy. The boy was tucked away in the Indupar countryside, enjoying life on a large estate with her. The Duchess thought it wise to keep the boy out of the spotlight given how her husband died. She suspected a perpetrator and wasn't keen on any security measure stopping them.

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Rayna Lockley

Aurelian listened, eyes fixed on Rayna as she spoke. For a moment, he was engaged. Genuinely so. The clarity, the clean lines of her rules, the refusal to posture. He respected that. He even admired it.

Then she said it. Not interested in becoming a prop in anyone's rivalry. Something in him cooled. The edge dulled, the game losing its shine. Pity. He liked players who understood the board, but he liked it better when they were willing to move pieces for the thrill of it. Stability was sensible. Stability was boring.

His gaze drifted, briefly, toward the garden doors. Empty now. That absence pressed harder than it should have.

"Fair enough," he said, polite and smooth, already a step removed. "You're clear about your limits. I can respect that."

And he could. Truly. It just meant this conversation would stay exactly where it was.

When she said she would be in touch, he nodded once. "Please do," he replied easily. "I'm always happy to entertain useful propositions."

He offered her a smile, dangerous by habit rather than intent, and inclined his head in return. Aurelian turned back to the bar without hesitation. He signaled for another drink. Then another. Tonight had slipped through his fingers. He felt it settle in his chest, heavy and unpleasant. Sibylla gone to the gardens with Ulysses. Adelle furious. Bastila smug. A promising distraction choosing restraint over indulgence.

He lifted the glass and drained it. Fine.

If he had lost the night, then he would at least disappear into the Republic's expense account. He leaned into the bar, shoulders loosening, expression settling into something careless and sharp.

Tomorrow could deal with consequences.

Tonight, he drank.

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Alina Grayson
​

Lira's eyes went even wider at Alina's whisper, pride blooming in her chest like she had just completed a very important mission. She nodded seriously, clutching the plate with both hands as if it contained something priceless.

"Thank you," she whispered back, trying very hard not to giggle. Being praised for ambition and stealth felt very grown-up.

She followed Alina eagerly toward a quieter corner, steps light and careful, sneaking glances down at the chocolate as though it might disappear if she did not keep watch over it. When they stopped, Lira looked up at Alina and smiled, warm and conspiratorial, already convinced this was the best part of the night.

Chocolate acquired, questions avoided and another successful adventure.

*******************

Aiden smiled at Lorn, easy and genuine. "I am going to do my best," he said warmly. At the mention of babysitting, he chuckled and shook his head. "You might want to rethink that offer. She could probably run circles around her," he added, teasing at the thought of Ala in charge.

When Lorn spoke of keeping good people close, Aiden's expression softened. "Good to see you too, old friend," he whispered as they parted, a smile lingering as he turned away.

Turning back towards the two ladies, Aiden watched them for a moment longer, a loving and genuine smile settling on his face as Lira laughed at something Alina had said. Aiden chuckled and shook his head.

Lorn's words echoed quietly in his mind, and Aiden let out a small sigh. He lifted a hand and rubbed his forehead, the cloud that pierced thoughts, flesh and bone, old weight and hope crashing within him before fading as quickly as it had come. When he looked back up, he caught Alina's gaze across the space between them. Aiden smiled and gave her a small nod, unspoken gratitude and something softer carried in the gesture. Lira noticed him then and lifted her hand in an enthusiastic wave.

He chuckled under his breath, warmth filling him as he returned the wave. For a brief, perfect moment, Aiden wondered if life could get any better than this.

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

Taera 'Calypso' ​

Cassian watched her smile without mistaking it for softness. It was with good manners, and he respected that more than most people's flattery.

He inclined his head as she spoke, accepting the boundary she set without pressing past it. "Of course, Lady Baroness. Your time is as valuable as mine, and your priorities are the right ones."

He offered a final, simple gesture of respect. "Thank you for your candor. You have my discretion, and my support where it is appropriate."

As she turned away, Cassian let his eyes return to the formation beyond the terrace, the steady lines and silent machines. Then, without hurry, he resumed his place among the Republic's leaders, already measuring what he would need to move first, and what could be left to time.


-thread exit-

 

[Elian Abrantes]

​

"Moral support," he repeated, amused, then tilted his head. "Questionable decision support sounds more accurate."

He looked at her properly then, letting the warmth in her expression land where it wanted to. The way she tucked her hands away, the way her shoulders eased like she had been carrying something too. "I'm glad you're here too," Elian said, and there was no cleverness in it. It was plain, almost careful.

Then his mouth curved again, slyness returning like a familiar cloak. "Thanks for joining me" he added, "I shall pretend I was waiting for you this whole time, instead of being audited by a Jedi with a water obsession." His eyes flicked to the crowd, then back to Meri, voice dropping just a touch.

"Were you trying to escape someone?" he asked, casual and perhaps clever on the surface, "Or did you see me from across the room looking tragically unattended."


Isla Reingard Phillip Slate Voli Cholrass Meri Vale

 

[Renn Vizsla]

D A N C E

Tag: Adelle Bastiel





Renn watched her finish the whiskey with the sort of respect usually reserved for warriors holstering a weapon after a clean fight.

He didn’t move right away.

Just tilted his head slightly as she spoke, listening, cataloging, blamed for someone else’s mess, insulted, danced into the ground while debating policy. He huffed a quiet breath through his nose.

“Sounds like you’ve been doing everyone else’s job tonight,” he said mildly. “Including mine.”

When she dismissed the likelihood of Yvarro’s return, Renn’s eyes flicked once more across the floor, then back to Adelle. “Mm. She did seem satisfied.”

Then she set the glass down.

Then she turned away.

Renn shifted just enough to catch the movement of her skirt, the intent in it clear as a drawn blade.

“If you’re not here to offer a dance....”

He reached out.

Not abruptly. Not to stop her.

Just enough.

His fingers closed gently around her hand, warm and sure. The contact was unmistakable, his palm rough, calloused, the skin worn smooth in places and thick in others, shaped by years of armor seals, weapon grips, climbing lines, and the unglamorous labor of surviving battlefields that did not care about diplomacy or dress uniforms.

A soldier’s hands.

A Mandalorian’s.

Renn’s thumb rested lightly against the back of her knuckles as he leaned in, voice low and teasing, touched with amusement.

“All you had to do,” he murmured, “was ask.”

His gaze met hers then, steady, unreadable in the way that suggested he could stand in a war council or a dance floor with equal comfort.

“Besides,” he added, releasing her hand only after a heartbeat too long, “it’d be rude of me to let you go hunting for ‘someone friendly’ when I’m already right here.”

He straightened, offering his arm with an easy, formal grace that matched the ballroom.

“Care to dance, Adelle?” Renn said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, “Before destiny, or another politician decides to cut in?”

Then he heard a voice behind Adelle, "I overheard what you said about a dance?"

Renn's eyes flicked back towards Adelle's, his brow raised gently in question, "Don't let my pleading eyes persuade you, if you wish to dance with another, my heart won't be offended."

A smile pursed the corner of his lips, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.

 

[Bastila Sal-Soren]

Just Quinn.

The title slipped away from her, and something in Bastila loosened in response. Her fingers adjusted in Quinn’s grasp, not in a tightening way, instead simply settling into her hand, as if she was acknowledging that there was truth in this. When Quinn’s hand found her hip, Bastila stilled for half a step, then let herself move again, letting the rhythm guide her rather than command her.

“With me?” Bastila echoed quietly, not as a question. Her eyes locked into Quinn’s as they turned.

She followed without resistance, steps precise at first, she was after all trained for this exact sort of noble dance, that was until the music began to work its way under her skin. The hall, the politics, the careful awareness she carried like a second spine all softened at the edges. Quinn drew closer, and Bastila, foolish it may be considered, allowed it, the contrast between them oddly comforting rather than jarring.

Her gaze lifted at the laughter, studying Quinn’s face in a way she rarely let herself do. It was not the search for threats or intent. No it was just… seeing.

The compliment caught her off guard as they passed by two nobles in the colours of some far flung Republic stronghold; it wasn’t enough to make her pull away, but enough that the colour warmed her cheeks despite herself. Her breath eased as Quinn’s hand slid to her back, and this time Bastila did not hesitate. One hand rose, resting lightly at Quinn’s shoulder, fingers warm through the fabric.

“This is usually the part I say I know,” she said simply, humour within her sincerity. “I’ll just say thank you.”

She noticed the carefulness then; it was in the way Quinn watched her, measured her reactions instead of assuming them. That mattered more than the closeness itself. Bastila met her eyes, steady, grounding.

“As for being left alone…” A hint of dry humor curved her lips. “You’ve met our Royal Highness. My company is the last thing he ever truly wants. Besides, Jedi don’t need company. We prefer the quiet apparently.”

Her thumb shifted, a small, deliberate motion where it rested against Quinn’s shoulder, an offer of assurance?

“It’s risky you being here though Quinn.”

Quinn stepped closer, cheek brushing hers, Bastila inhaled softly in a slight startled way. Her eyes closed for the briefest moment as the whisper brushed her ear.

“I…” she murmured, turning her head just enough that her reply lingered between them. “It’s not safe for you here.”

Then, in a quieter voice, one that carried between the slightest of spaces between them.

“They will circle you like vultures, I don’t want that to happen…”

OUTFIT: XoXo | TAG: Quinn Varanin Sibylla Abrantes Aurelian Veruna Adelle Bastiel EQUIPMENT:

​

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra'a'mah let him guide her into the first steps, her hand settling lightly against his shoulder as the music wrapped around them. "If you were rude," she said, her voice low and smooth, "I wouldn't be here."

Her lips curved, not quite a smile but close enough to soften the sharpness of her features. "And if Lucas truly managed to teach you without losing his patience, then he deserves a medal. Or a drink. Possibly both."

She followed his lead with an ease that surprised even her, letting her body adjust to the rhythm and the subtle cues of his movements. "You underestimate yourself," she added, tilting her head just enough to catch his eyes. "You move like someone who's had to learn to survive in a dozen different worlds. Dancing is just another language. You already speak more than most."

A beat passed, her steps steady, graceful, unhurried.

"You won't stomp on my toes," she said quietly. "And even if you did… I've endured worse." The faintest glint of humor flickered in her eyes. "But I don't think you will. You adapt too quickly."

Her fingers tightened just slightly where they rested against him—an anchor, not a correction.

"Besides," she murmured, "you're doing far better than you think."

Vulpesen