Public [Zinder Event] Ilum's Grand Life Day Extravaganza!!! [Zinder Event]

[Eenia Vahn]

​

TAG: Adelle Bastiel
Wearing: [X]


“Sorry.” Eenia couldn't help but to chuckle softly. She was still careful about this whole ice thing, even with her hand braced in Adelle's - or maybe it was because of the fact. The other had said she couldn't remember skating or not, so really it wasn't exactly ideal hanging onto each other.

A fact which was made evident when the grip on her hand loosened and suddenly there was empty space where Adelle had been stood moments before. Immediately Eenia's arms windmilled as she fought for her own center of gravity. There was brief teetering, but she kept on her feet with a hard expression of concentration on her face.

“Hoo…” She exhaled, but didn't dare lower her arms. “Are you alright?” She asked then, looking down at her friend, yet wasn't confident enough to reach a hand out to help her up. She did click her tongue however, “Bruised tailbones are easy to heal.” Nia pointed out. Again she watched as the other got back to her feet. She watched the whole process, how it was done, and committed it to memory, knowing it was information she was going to need too soon for comfort.

“Honestly? My sister and I didn't really care about the holonet when we were younger, and once I did my own discovery, ice skating wasn't really something I ever even thought about.” Nia shrugged, kind of, she was still worried about lowering her arms too much. “Its been a lot of warm or rainy homes since then. No ice to get excited about unless it was in a cup.” That brought a grin to her face, amused by her own joke.

It didn't last long, for as soon as she tried to move the skates attached to Eenia's feet turned in, tripped her up, and in her moment of panic in losing her fight with gravity, she reached out and grabbed hold of Adelle in an attempt to keep herself from falling like her friend had just done.

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Eenia Vahn

Nia explained about her history with the holonet, or lack thereof, bringing up homes in warm and rainy places. That Adelle could relate to. Before she'd lost Na'an and Leigh, she'd lived with them on Dantooine. Their region hadn't seen a lot of snow, much less ice thick enough to skate on. Before that, it was her Order's Enclave on some distant jungle planet, and Coronet City of course. But Adelle's mind did latch onto one thing Nia had said: she had a sister. Adelle had been an only child--and she didn't need to rely on her memory for that. Her parents had never mentioned other siblings and none had ever shown up. In her period of recovery on Corellia, it had just been the three of them.

Adelle opened her mouth to ask about Nia's family when her precog flashed. She felt the pull of Nia's weight nanoseconds before disaster. Adelle didn't have time to properly brace herself. She did touch the Force to speed her reflexes though, twisting as Nia fell down and behind her. If she was going to fall with Nia, she was not going to fall on top of her. Her knees hit the ice first just before her hands, slipping a little before thankfully stopping. Adelle hissed a curse in Olys Corellisi, grateful nonetheless she managed to land so that she had landed braced over Nia instead of on top of her.

"Hah, so you're a woman of your word," Adelle said, hissing through her teeth as she pushed herself off her hands. "I will say one thing though."

She offered a hand to help Nia get back to her feet, remaining on her knees for better stability. She didn't need to fall a third time. "There are better ways of getting me on top of you if that's what you want."

Perhaps it was a poor joke, but she needed something to take her mind off the numerous bruises she was collecting. When Nia was back on her feet and not in danger of immediately falling, Adelle got to her feet, a little more gracefully than last time. She settled back into the groove she'd found just before Nia had fallen, careful to keep things slow and steady.

"Are you close to your sister? Well, family?" she asked.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti
​

His violet partner came in fast, angling for the lock, and he almost admired the timing. Almost, because the rest of him was still tangled in the dark hum skating along his nerves. Funny how the adrenaline always slipped in sideways, uninvited, filling the space between thoughts. Everything else around them was forgotten entirely.. just background motion, vague shapes, like they’d carved out their own little island of chaos here on Ilum.

The forward push was met with his guard. To the best of Lysander’s ability, even then, he stayed true to Makashi. Strength was never wasted. He tried to let that momentum bleed down. And when she tried to slip inside his space, he would grant the opening to widen. Maybe it was the dark coiling in his chest, or maybe it was just the way she moved when closing the distance.. but he let her in.

The depths of her gaze threatened to ensnare him, a sea that could've drowned him in their depths, a hopeless truth he wouldn't dare deny. Lysander held her just long enough to acknowledge something real between them. To speak would surely upset the balance here, but perhaps that was the point; she deserved to hear the truth after crossing half the galaxy to be here with him.

A thread was pulled from somewhere deep, one of honesty that he could no longer ignore. "Naniti.. I misled you. The truth wasn't what I gave you," he confessed, their sticks locked tighter, before giving a small flex of power that she would certainly feel. "And somehow, this.. us.." Lysander breathed, "is far more entertaining than I would have ever guessed."

At least the pressure under his sternum faded; admitting a flaw was easier than feeling it. When the last syllable left him, he pushed off suddenly, letting the glide carry him a half meter back. Controlled air was forced through his nose, too shallow to rebuild his cadence. Without wasting time, he pressed forward, offering a thrust toward her midline, then followed up with a diagonal cut to feel out her guard. None of it was meant to overpower Naniti, or even to win; he was just curious to see how she would answer.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: CT-312 //:
//: We Ice Skating on Ilum kkthx //:

The ice felt different as she pushed off and glided along the surface. Maybe it was because it had been so long since she had done it, or there was something different about Ilum versus Eshan. She didn't think more of it, only focusing on trying not to fall. That would be embarrassing, especially in front of 312, whom she just reassured she knew what she was doing. Though moments passed, the Princess's eyes flickered towards the guard's; it was evident that the woman was paying attention.

It wasn't out of interest, it seemed, more so out of duty.

The thought irritated Quinn, but she kept her composure — not wanting to unsettle the Trooper.

Each stride was slow, letting herself glide with the push off and enjoy the casualness of the date. 312 shared her experiences, and Quinn enjoyed hearing them, even if they were more about duty and mission than about actual hobbies and fun. But the Princess had grown to understand that about the woman. Work came first, but what about enjoyment? A small smile curled at her lips as she remembered the excitement that occurred after the battle with the Death Star.

It had been the one time that Quinn caught a glimpse of the person behind the mask, behind the duty that she was born into. It was nice, but she could feel the bits of jealousy for the woman's companions. In her position, Quinn would never be able to reach the same level as 312.

“Some of the plant life here seems… off.” Quietly noting to the Princess. “Best to steer clear or be cautious.”

Blinking, Quinn felt her mind pulled back into the moment as she glanced towards 312. The words were odd, something she didn't fully understand, but with some acknowledgement, she looked over her shoulder and around the rink. She couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, but she did feel something off. Quinn had just assumed it was something with the abundance of people in the area; Ilum could be weird like that.

With the quickness that she glanced around, she felt her ankle wobble and the blade cracking the ice at an awkward angle. Quinn instantly lost her balance, but before she could react, catch herself with the Force — she felt a firm grip on her. The Trooper had faster reflexes than she had expected, or she was ready for the Princess to do something stupid. She smiled sheepishly for her stumble, but she used her date as support and caught her feet back under her.

"Thank you," her voice was quiet, embarrassed by the accident, but 312 seemed to sense her embarrassment and decided not to call attention to it. The subject changed, and Quinn took the half-offered hand, holding it. She could feel the Trooper growing cold without her glove.

Frowning slightly, Quinn felt somewhat guilty that the gloves were on her hands and not 312's. Though with a bit of the Force, she warmed her hands, hopefully it would be felt through the fabric of the gloves as they held hands and continued to skate.

She quietly mused over the question about Eshan; not many people asked her what she liked exactly about the planet. Quinn at times struggled to know what she liked — she didn't grow up there, besides the occasional visit.

But she owed 312 an answer that was more than 'just everything'.

"I enjoy the winters, there are a lot of festivals that are dedicated to winter and the beauty of the Moon. Echani people revel in and regard the Moon as a holy body," she chuckled and shrugged. "It's more like folk stories than an actual religion — but it's fun to participate in."

The locks followed; it seemed 312 had remembered something so far in the past, but Quinn shook her head.

"I removed them, but haven't replaced them, though. I'm not good with things like that, so I just took them off like you said." Quinn probably didn't really need locks or protection like that — but she could understand the Trooper's concern.

"I'd appreciate it if you came and fixed the issue…" She nodded, hoping that it would turn into another chance to spend time with the Trooper.

They continued skating, and Quinn did as she was told, listening to 312 even though she already knew the points she was making about skating. They were good reminders, but she appreciated just the care that the woman was giving her. Making sure there wouldn't be another accident of her falling.

She couldn't help but take a few of the comments not as 312 intended. This only gave the Echani a rosy twinge on the peak of her cheekbones. There were several jokes she could state, but she doubted the Trooper wanted her to get lower the way Quinn had taken the comment.

The conversation shifted. Quinn blinked, not understanding what caused it. It seemed she wasn't the only one with nerves and anxiety about this situation. Quinn didn't answer right away; she let the Trooper ramble and get everything out before she answered. Her free hand brushed back the ashen hair that had decided to brush against the curve of her face.

"Hm?" she started and looked away at the others on the ice with them.

"Firstly, informal, so just call me Quinn. This isn't a job or a mission, so don't worry about any of that." She waved her hand slightly, "Secondly, your profile was cute, I couldn't help but swipe on it — and I'm happy you decided to spend this event with me. I enjoy talking to you. I feel like we don't get to do it often."

Quinn shrugged as she let herself glide, guided gently by the Trooper.

"As for Life Day, it's a galactic holiday during the winter months that allows us to just celebrate peace and quiet. Wars don't happen during this time; it's as if the galaxy gets a taste of the peace it searches for."

She wished this period of peace were forever, but peace was destructive to the balance of things. You could never have peace without war… a cycle that didn't make sense, but in the grand scheme did.

Quinn squeezed 312's hand as she let the warmth flow between their touch.

"Don't worry about training, it's something you have to learn as you do. But once you do, you don't forget it. Life Day is also a time, by the way, for us to just enjoy each other's company."

She smiled and leaned closer, her stride now matching as much as it could to her date's.

"Honestly, today, right now, is the first time in a long time that I didn't feel so alone. So thank you."

 

[Naniti]

The tension around Naniti's blue eyes relaxed a hair when Lysander suddenly spoke. "Misled about what?" she asked. Was he being deliberately vague to throw her off? He continued to describe 'this' and their being together as entertaining. Now, the Togruta may not be a master at love -- or even a graduate of the school of love -- but 'entertaining' still didn't feel like the right word to describe the connection she felt with him. And calling it not the right word was underselling just how a young woman might take that. If Lysander had meant to distract with the first statement, he failed with the second that would only hone her focus in their spar.

If the only way she was going to get him to speak plainly was to pin him down...

A grunt accompanied Lysander using their lock for leverage to shove backward. The Togruta also slid backward from where they'd been standing together from the force. His strength had been why she'd avoided locking weapons for so long.

Weapon up, the Togruta watched Lysander thrust once more. That wasn't the move of someone that sought to end their duel. She expected his attacks would be more creative than that. Not that Naniti thought less of the strike. The force behind her pivot to deflect it off to the side was enough to let a wooden clack ring out as the sticks met.

When he disengaged, she brought to weapon around over head and behind her back in time to sweep back around and meet his second, diagonal swing. It wasn't much, but any additional momentum to make up for the ice was something.

The scrape and cut of skates continued to sound as their weapons struck time and time again.

Naniti drew her weapon back and decided to test Lysander as she thrust her stick out toward his chest. If blocked, she'd flick the tip back and try again. Consequtive strikes meant to exploit an overzealous guard on the first strike leaving them vulnerable for a second.

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

With no small amount of disgust, Cora looked on as Nefaron's disembodied hand crawled its way back to its Master.

Of course.

The sounds of flesh warping and bones clicking as the appendage snapped itself back into place was equally as grotesque.

Then, as a gale roared to life around them, the Corpse Lord disappeared into powdery sheets of snow. His taunt assailed her from all angles, empowered as it rode on whipping winds.

The tiny hairs at the nape of Cora's neck rose, and she pivoted just in time to prevent the first stone from striking her skull. She reached out, and caught the second rock in a telekinetic grasp, arresting its motion. Her fingers curled slowly into a fist, scoring deep cracks along the face of the stone until it shattered.

"How far you must have fallen to seek the aid of a Jedi," she huffed something that came precariously close to a laugh. "You dress this as an offer of power or some clever scheme, when really, you lack the ability to gather enough strength on your own side of the Blackwall."

A brief moment passed where she extended her senses to confirm that they were alone, truly alone. Not another living soul was in their vicinity, save for the unseen verdant eyes of a particular Neti.

"She won't serve you," came a low murmur that curled through the frigid air like smoke. "Neither will I."

Jagged fragments, small and large, whirled around her before exploding outward with frightening speed, enough to tear through rotting flesh and bone.

Darth Nefaron

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti
​

Lysander’s heart rate had crept up, just a few ticks above the baseline. But years of disciplined training had conditioned him to endure far worse. Sweat didn’t bead on his body; the body was obedient. The true challenge.. pressed elsewhere, behind his emerald gaze, in the corridors now torn between calculation and hesitation. With his focus in fragments, it did threaten to misread her rhythm. But then, staying present, fully here, was beginning to feel impossible.

The first thrust came in smoothly and he leaned a shoulder, pivoting with a small, and not quite so smooth adjustment of his skates. The tip of her strike grazed past him. He chose not to chase the opening it created. Overcommitting right away was a younger person’s mistake.. or maybe an acolytes. But Naniti was moving again with another. And another.

He’d always been comfortable on his back foot. It further suited him so that he could watch her momentum and intent, her balance, and how she kept choosing angles over brute force. All the pieces were collected quietly. This wasn’t just about a duel on Ilum; it was about everything that would follow. The teaching role was growing on him.. just as steadily as she was.

After evading another blow, his own stick darted out in a feint that was nothing more than a ploy to possibly buy him a precious second. With a swift push, the glide carried him backwards, away from the lake's heart. The stride tapered; when he fixed on Naniti, poise settled through him, the calmness only a veil over a heightened awareness. A minuscule tightening at the edge of his vision quickly betrayed the machinery turning behind a carefully crafted mask he wore so well.. or one she might even recognize now.

“Some things,” a minimal tilt of the chin, a tightness in his chest, “are easier to show than to speak aloud.”

Then, the ice transported him backwards, back into the throngs of bodies that immediately began to shift. He paid them no heed, his stance remaining ready and balanced, prepared should she choose to press again.

 

[Eenia Vahn]

TAG: Adelle Bastiel
Wearing: [X]


Losing to gravity had been a sensation Eenia was all too familiar with, being less than a master when it came to pretty much any form of physicality. But that touch of the Force, feeling someone else use it so close to her, as well as to help save her hide as much as possible, was something the blonde hadn't really come across in who knew how long. Others tapping into the Force, using it in all of their marvelous (or not so...) ways, that she was of course used to like second nature. But this...

Was a connection of safety that vanished like a popped bubble. Not in a bad way, but hearing that remarking tease made Eenia's cheeks bloom with a scarlet so deep that onlookers might think her feverish. She ducked her chin, yet couldn't help but to laugh albeit it a touch embarrassed. "Hey, I warned you fair and square, and you even noted the fact." she pointed out while lifting a hand to rub at her now intensely warm face.

Only once she was sure that the heat in her cheeks would not split the skin and set fire did Nia attempt to get up. It was by no means graceful, and it took at least three tries before she was able to get from her back, to her knees, and then onto her skate-clad feet. A wince followed, and both of her hands moved to briefly rub her backside. There was a moment where she thought to heal herself, but why? These were hardly battle wounds in the traditional sense, and it was proof that she had gone out and had fun with Adelle.

Now with one hand gripping the low wall, Nia reached out to help her friend if it was needed, and when they were both upright again, she huffed a sigh that was almost victorious. They had survived a rough fall!

But the victory was short lived, and the question that followed from Adella sobered Eenia a bit. "I used to be." The answer came with the slightest hint of bitterness, which made Nia shake her head just once and sigh before it could even attempt to saturate her tone. "Parents are gone, nothing overly dramatic there, just life. But my sister and I are both Force sensitive, though no one knew about Anora - my sister, until she was no longer a child. Very long and intense story made short, I hit a very low and dark point in my life and blinded by stupidity and rage, I took it out on her." Her lips pursed for only a moment before she continued. "All she ever did was protect me like an older sister does, and I tried to kill her. Probably would have succeeded if she hadn't had a friend show up when he did."

Another, deeper sigh followed. "That was the opening to some really bad life choices that led me down a path I never would have chosen had I just listened to Anora in the first place. But eventually I guess I woke up, clawed my way out...but Nora and I haven't spoken, much less seen one another in years."

Eenia's shoulders shrugged, and then she scoffed in a way that was obviously trying to lighten the mood back up. "Her loss, I mean she's missing out on being here and falling down a lot after all."

 

[Prystill Oasay]

Objective: Zinder Event: Let's go to the stalls
Location: Festival stalls, Ilum
Outfit: Maroon Winter Dress
Tags: Ronhar Tane | Nej Tane | OPEN

Splitting glances between Ronhar and the stalls was something that Prystill had difficulty doing. She very much wanted to see everything that was on display, but she also was quite enjoying the shared glances with her date as they played the courtship game. The interruption was unexpected, but gave Prystill a chance to breathe. That is until Ronhar spun to see who it was Prystill was addressing.

Prystill shuffled slightly to maintain her hold on Ronhar's arm. Nej was someone that had appealed to Prystill in a certain manner. If he had replied to her interest she would have made some time to meet with him. But right now what she remembered most was that his profile made him seem on the cunning, outlaw side of things. She was on a proper date, and having a good time with Ronhar. She would need to be cautious with the arrival of Nej.

Ronhar stiffened as he took in the newcomer. Prystill wondered if that was just a matter of trained threat assessment or if it was something else given that Prystill had recognized Nej. Whatever the reason was, Ronhar was disciplined and managed to answer Prystill's question about a relation between the two Tanes and extend his arm in introduction to the would be thief. Prystill moved closer to Ronhar, making it obvious what her purpose was. If there was any jealousy in Ronhar's reaction, she hoped this would alleviate that.

Even if Ronhar was abrupt with Nej, he was polite enough. Prystill had dealt with rude for most of her life with the Hutts, and she had dealt with dismissive when she was with the Sith. Ronhar did nothing in this encounter to dampen Prystill's opinion of him. After a short pause it seemed that Nej was caught unaware by them speaking to him. Prystill gave him a smile and gave a slight tug on Ronhar's arm. "If we can do something for you, we'll be looking over the wares of the market," she said sweetly before leading Ronhar towards the stall with the ornaments she had been admiring.

With Ronhar next to her, Prystill looked over the various ornaments that were on display. There were many different choices, but one stood out among the rest. Its color and design reminded her of their surroundings. Icy and blue. "This one is just beautiful. Don't you think Ronhar?"

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito

Honestly Valaine had no idea what Zinder was, or that this event on Ilum was even related to it. As far as she was concerned it was just some app she accidentally installed and then tried to get rid of. So it was that when Kito invited her to the cold planet she didn't think much of it beyond being asked to come hang out, and she often accepted such requests from the Shaper.

She had wrapped warm for the weather with a knitted beanie on her head, a woolen scarf around her neck, and a warm coat; all of them grey or black. She wasn't entirely sure what the festivities were all about as she had made her way by all the merrymaking couples to find herself in the crystal cave that held the frozen lake. For a moment the brightness of her surroundings stung her gaze; caves were meant to be dark, but this was brighter than it was outside of it! And cold too...

It didn't take her long to find Kito, their shared bond was strong and she was able to pick up on her presence through a number of ways that were now trivial to her. When she approached she offered her a warm smile as she raised a hand in greeting, "Hey, been waiting long? It's busy here, must be an important occasion or something?" she asked as her gaze first shifted towards the skates. The concept of ice skating was frankly unknown to her, no frozen lakes in her childhood to play on. That being said ice itself was something of a novelty to the young Sangnir.

"Are those for me?" she asked as she reached a hand to accept the skates before her stormy eyes lingered on the wrapped box for a moment. A part of her was somewhat concerned now that she hadn't brought her own gift, and so she could only look back up to Kito and offer a compliment instead. "You look nice. Red suits you." she smirked.

​

​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Eenia Vahn

Eenia turned redder than a Devaronian when Adelle made her joke but didn't seem to be uncomfortable with it. Adelle couldn't help herself and smiled crookedly. She so very badly wanted to keep making those kinds of jokes, finding perhaps a perverse delight in flustering people. However, many people had limits and she didn't want to push it with Nia. Their friendship was more important than Adelle making jokes at Nia's expense.

Adelle did wince internally when the conversation turned sober. She hadn't meant to bring up something Nia still found a little painful. Her explanation did bring up more questions but Adelle kept those carefully locked away. What Eenia had told was sufficient enough and anything more would be too personal. Still, it was hard to imagine the gentle and apparently clumsy healer as having gone so dark as to try and kill her sister.

Nia's last remark did get a small chuckle.

"You really should stop falling so hard for me or you'll break something," Adelle said slyly. Okay, that was the last joke. Then, more seriously "I'm sorry for bringing up . . . all that. I was an only child so when you said you had a sister, I was curious. I have no family legacy of Jedi so there was no family in the Order while I was training. And just so you know, if I ever say or ask something you don't want to answer or it makes you uncomfortable, tell me off. Please. My mouth gets me into a lot of trouble."

She had to clench her jaw from making a third joke. Force, she was bad at refraining.

 

[Naniti]

It might have been a feint, but Naniti still leaned back and avoided thrusting herself right onto Lysander's sword (stick). These might be wood, but the principle of a spar remain; and lightsabers didn't care whether it was supposed to be a feint or not if they managed to touch something.

The stick in her hand twirled off to the side before she took hold of it in both hands again. Her blue eyes weighed Lysander, his stance, the distance between them, his lack of breaking and presence of 'innocent' park-goers. She listened attentively to what he said, and found it agreeable. There were things you couldn't be told. Couldn't appreciate in the telling. Some things you had to live.

Hard things.

With a scraping of ice, Naniti actually pivoted away from Lysander. In fact, she started to move further away at a moderate pace before she swung gracefully back around in his direction. A few of those 'innocent' people gave soft oohs and furrowed brows as she saddled up along side them. Not for long, of course; no, the Togruta was going far faster than a casual skater. Time to test the dueling form at speed.

Naniti was going to come at Lysander skirting the edges of the crowd just as he had. Could someone besides them get hurt? She'd already given her response to that question earlier. That aside, her strike would be from above down diagonally unless Lysander's own guard suggested a better stroke.

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

oop wrong character

 

[Eurydice]

Eurydice held still, but not quite as rigid as before. Her chest lifted with a caught breath as the conjured flame danced over her skin, close enough chase away the chill but not close enough to burn.

"It's like a little heartbeat," she murmured, entranced not just by the fire, but by his particularly fine control over such a force.

Fortunately for him, she wouldn't notice the way he began to trip over his tongue. Or if she did, she didn't comment on it.

"Varin," she repeated softly, still utterly mesmerized by the steady pulse of warmth emanating over her fingers. Her stomach felt heavy and light all at once, as if it were home to smoldering coals that warmed her from the inside.

Then, he asked for her name. That was how a conversation worked, after all - but Eurydice looked up, suddenly startled.

My name?

The Seers of Ukatis shed their birth identities upon entering service, instead adopting monikers that bound them to their duty. Many had forgotten their original names, but the girl privately held onto a few, early memories where she was known as Agatha.

As if remembering herself, the acolyte slowly withdrew her touch. She cradled her hand, feeling the slow fade of warmth beneath her fingertips.

"I am called Eurydice," she whispered. With her eyes cast among the frost heaves and winding tree roots, she worried that their interaction would bring trouble - though she did not know exactly why she thought that.

"A jacket? Oh."

Eurydice remember the cloak, blinking into the sunlight as she craned her neck to peer up at the swath of dark fabric draped over a branch. "No thank you. I don't think it would fit," she admitted. "I-I should get back to…"

Would Nefaron be upset? He hadn't given her any specific guidelines for this visit, only that she was not to disturb him.

"…Why do you wear it if the cold doesn't bother you?"

Varin Mortifer

 

[Varin Mortifer]

The flame danced over her hand as she watched in wonder. Mesmerized by the fluid flow of light. She repeated his name which caught his attention again.

She seemed surprised when asked for her name and told him what she was…..called?

“...Eurydice.”

His voice had deepened as he began to process what she stated previously. Was that not her name? Just a nickname? Probably best he did not prod further into that. It was not necessarily his business.

Her hand withdrew from the firelight as if she seemed concerned. Looking around her as if being watched. He noticed the look in her eyes.

She was afraid.

Varin knew of this kind of fear. He could sense it. He could sense that she had been beaten down and broken down but never built up. Just reshaped. An attempt to erase what was once her.

He did not believe in that kind of apprenticeship. He believed that you break down to build up. That's what his mother and father taught him. It creates a healthier following. She looked ready to cut the interaction until she came back with a question that made him cross his arms in a way where he could attempt to hide the brands that had been spreading throughout the past year.

“It…”

He paused for a moment.

“It helps me feel normal when people can't stare at my brands.”

He looked down at her.

The look she kept hidden, the fear, the pain and the suffering. It drew him closer. Slowly he began to bring his hand up to move a stray strand of hair, but he stopped himself. Pulling his hand back. There was something burning in his chest, he did not know what it was. But it was bothersome.

The temperature of his body began to fluctuate and he took a slow deep breath. He spoke quietly.

“You have nothing to fear here, Eurydice.”

He shook his head placing his hand on his temple as a slight sense of vertigo came over him.

Boy, something seems familiar about-

Varin cut him off before he could continue.

Not now please, Ignati.

His eyes fixed back onto her.

“I'm sorry, I'm not good at these kinds of interactions. Would you like to go for a walk? Maybe we can find other things to do.”

He had no idea why he offered it, but something was telling him that he needed to offer.

Eurydice​

 

[Rio Naran]

//: Riven //:

Rio watched as the woman was willing to go with anything the Sangnir suggested. A part of her enjoyed the thought of having complete say over what they did and how they did it. But there was a bit of her that did want the small Eldorai to enjoy the date as much as Rio did. The thought made the woman do a double-take at her own processes. When did she care if someone had fun?

Thankfully, the revelry of the event drew her attention away from her own thoughts. People continued to walk by, and stall owners shouted their deals at the couples who walked past. Rio let herself enjoy the life around her; for a bit too long, she had allowed herself to become withdrawn.
The lights and sounds drew her eyes as she examined each stall. While she wasn't one for regular food, she figured Riven was possibly hungry.

"Hmm," She started as she looked at each distant standing while reaching absentmindedly for the small Eldorai's hand. Rio looked down at the woman from the corner of her eye as she held the smaller hand.

"I don't want to lose you," She stopped and then nodded her head, "There's a stall with festive food, it looks like, giant poultry legs, and I think hot cocoa," she waited and then began to walk through the crowd in that direction, minding the flow of traffic.

"Sound good?"

Rio used her height and pushed her way through the crowd, dragging Riven behind her. She wasn't used to this sort of thing — a date. Like Riven, she wasn't very good at it. If anything, people flocked to her; she had her way, and then they left. It's how it had been for centuries, but the novelty of a date wasn't lost on her — it was an interest. She had indulged in romantic comedies over the years and had always wanted to experience them.

Arriving at the stall, she found two seats at the counter top and carefully picked up Riven and placed her on one, and then sat upon the other beside her. Rio looked back towards the Elf as she wondered what was mulling in that little mind of hers. Had she overstepped? Was she taking too much direction?

Usually, the Sangnir could pick up on mental thoughts, but Riven was empty.

"Mm, you said you only had your sister?" She asked, a part of her saddened that this was the second Eldorai she had met that didn't know any of their customs.

"I didn't know any of my siblings. I heard I had some, but I was never allowed to meet them." She paused and let out a small chuckle under her breath. "The Jedi were very controlling back then."

 

[Lily Decoria]

​

Location: Objective 1 - Ice Rink Cave
Outfit: Dress
Tag: Shan

Shaking her head, she could only giggle as Shan stumbled over his words. It was obvious that he really did mean anything by it. "Well, my preferred flower is a tulip, if you are wanting to be really romantic in the future. I don't mind lilies though, they are quite pretty and roses always felt so cliqued that I just never found them romantic." Since Shan's love language was giving gifts, Lily figured that having the information to ensure he provided the best gifts possible would be something that he would be extremely grateful for. It was also a willingness to share more of her likes and dislikes with someone that Lily normally wouldn't find important.

Looking up over to Shan with her fringe partly cover her silver eyes, Lily gave a smile and there was a warm to her gaze. A joy that Shan enjoyed her company and was only wanting to spend time with her in this way. She did wish for him to have friends and others to interact with but she was thrilled that he was wanting to be around her as much as she enjoyed being around him.

"Will I now? Hmmm... Sounds like a dangerous amount of trust you are placing on me, mister." Lily teased, "but of course I shall catch you, any time you are seemingly about to fall." Giving a wink to him before heading out to the ice. Feeling the skates against the smooth surface. It was slow for Lily at first as she tested her balance and movements. It had been a long time since she had been on the ice and rushing ahead of herself seemed like a bad idea. But the lessons from childhood and the training that she had for years on dance, fighting and balancing one's body seemed to pay off. While she was no pro-skater, Lily was moving pretty well.

Looking over to Shan, she wanted to make sure that her date was doing just as well. Reaching a hand out to help him and ensure that they were moving around the same speed as well. Lily looked to him, "how have things been? We didn't get a chance to really talk after my knighting ceremony, though I was thrilled to see you there. It meant a lot to me." Lily whispered to Shan as moved in closer to him.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Naniti
​

Lysander’s breathing slowed without being told to.. he recognized this pattern, even as his mind continued racing. Yeah, he was aware how the crowd reacted. A few gasps, nervous laughs from those who couldn’t quite grasp what was going on. A duel, or some holiday performance on Ilum? Some were oblivious altogether. Still didn’t matter to him.

He felt a chill crawl up through him before a single thought flickered.. he’d underestimated her speed. No, underestimated wasn’t the right word.. he’d accounted for it, but now it mattered in real time, and his body responded before his mind could frame it. Wooden stick or saber, the discipline was always the same. The strike came faster too, a diagonal line splitting the air and aimed for his chest.

Upon impact there was a give beneath it, as it certainly wasn’t the first time today, with how momentum transferred right into his stance. Balance wasn’t perfect.. but fortunately it held this time. The black beanie took the real hit, flying off his head.

A couple nearby parted, jerking hands back just in time. Another nearly crashed into a barrier at the edge of the lake. Others moved to avoid any path that'd intersect with their clash. None of it slowed Lysander.. so his eyes narrowed. He told himself it was just training.. but that thought felt hollow. Acolyte or apprentice, it mattered not; he was still hopeless at the core.

If Naniti had been paying attention.. which she probably had, better than him, she might’ve noticed that thrusts were a staple in his personal Makashi style. Perhaps that was why, after redirecting her last strike, he launched another toward her midline. As with his words once upon a time, Lysander thrived on testing people, feeding off their reactions. So why not bring that same Loth-cat curiosity to a duel? Regardless of how she would respond, he transitioned into a circular bind, twisting the stick, and followed up with a diagonal riposte, hoping to move it from shoulder to mid torso.

 

[Naniti]

When the two of them collided, they spun a few times locked together from the momentum transferring from Naniti into Lysander. Electric blue eyes stared at her sparring partner without blinking. Even as they turned she tried to shift the wooden blade to move his aside just enough to exploit an opening. Or maybe it was just sheer determination to overwhelm.

That others nearby were bothered by the wild duo now among them didn't seem to register or bother the Togruta whose attention appeared to be solely with Lysander. In truth, her other senses were tracking the locations of others, but she didn't need her eyes for that. They were obstacles to be avoided. Only because their makeshift weapons couldn't slice through them.

When they broke, Lysander wasted no time with a stab. Naniti twisted her hips and her feet to bring her sword to deflect. Then Lysander started to rotate their blades. Naniti managed to hold on to the stick despite the forces as she drew the sword back toward her. Stepping out of the way wasn't possible since they were still sliding on remaining initial from their collision with her at the front facing backward. And while she held on, Lysander had gotten her sword out of position for his follow-up.

Naniti dropped to a knee and bent out of the line of the strike. She fought to bring the stick up in the narrow gap between Lysander's and her head. It would be a hard hold to keep either blade from pressing down. It only needed to hold for a second before the Togruta dropped from sight altogether.

In a disadvantageous position, she dropped to the ice to let Lysander's inertia and hopefully his foot movement -- though if she had to use a leg to form a wedge to force his legs apart so she fit so bed it -- would carry him over and beyond her. Naniti would lose all momentum, of course, but at least she'd escape a worsening situation. It was a move that only worked because of the ice; otherwise she would have had to try plying leverage to throw him off balance. Assuming Lysander didn't refuse to let her pass and the two of them went down in a tumble of limbs, of course.

Lysander von Ascania

 

[Riven]

Tags - Rio Naran

Riven didn't seem to mind as Rio took her hand into her own. She looked up towards the Sangnir and gave a light nod in response, "Mm... Cocoa sounds nice..." she spoke in her soft voice before she found herself being dragged along through the crowd behind the taller woman. It was something of a blessing as navigating through such crowds by herself was a pretty frustrating experience, but having someone so tall able to just push her way through? It made all the difference for cutting through the masses.

She kept a firm hold of the hand that guided her through and towards one of the stalls. Before the short Eldorai could take a seat she was taken by surprise as the Sangnir lifted her with such ease and sat her down. Riven was taken aback slightly; was she really so short that Rio didn't think she could take a seat on the high chair herself? She didn't much mind but it did bring forward the realization of Rio's inherent Sangnir strength too. She had handled her as effortlessly as one would a doll...

Crimson eyes glanced towards the Sangnir as she sat down besides her and one of her elongated ears twitched at the question directed towards her. She gave a nod of confirmation before tilting her head curiously at the words that were spoken next. "Jedi...?" she hummed in thought for a moment, "You were a part of their order... Or your siblings...? You must be able to use the Force then, right...?" she asked in return. No doubt it meant that Rio had already sensed, or rather not sensed in this case, Riven's peculiar absence within the Force.

"... But it seems that you're probably as out of the loop with our people as I am, which... Is probably for the best, it means we've got no expectations of the other..." she added.