Seasonal All I Want for Life Day [Open to All]

[Braze]

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[ Veridian Jedi Academy Codex ][Planet of Veridia Codex ][Jedi Academy About Page]
//Open to Everyone - Behave!

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In a galaxy torn by war and strife, Jedi Padawan Braze sought to bring a spark of joy to those who needed it most. He organized a toy drive and donation event to be hosted at the new Veridian Jedi Temple's grand reception hall, which had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Rows of string lights were strung from the ceiling along side glittery snowflakes crafted by the temple's orphans. Fresh garlands of pine and holly adorned the banisters interwoven with vibrant ribbons and bows. Banquet tables lined the room, and dinner tables were set with polished cutlery and warm red and white tablecloths.

Several activities had been set up to delight the children and guests:

In one corner of the hall, a photo booth with Life Day-themed props invited families to pose against a scenic backdrop. Near the banquet tables, a hot chocolate station and chocolate fondue fountain offered an interactive approach to dessert. Close to the live band's alcove, a dance floor had been set up for fun and intimate moments to be shared. On the opposite side of the hall, face painting and a crafting station provided opportunities for creativity. Near the Life Day tree, guests and children were encouraged to create mementos, such as ornaments to hang on the tree or take home.

• Toy Donations:
  • Attendees can bring their own toys or purchase them on-site to donate to the toy drive.
• Raffle Tickets for Donations:
  • Every toy donation earns a raffle ticket.
  • Toys purchased at the event and donated grant an additional raffle ticket.
• Raffle Prizes:
• Luxury Yacht: Sun Chaser Yacht
• Luxury Battle Speeder: Deluxe W.A.R.T.O.R.T.L.E
• Massive Plushy Dragon Pillow / Lounger made as a one of a kind plush-furniture from the Eggamles toy line
• Custom Designer Tailored Outfit
• Mystery Crate

Available Toys for Purchase

These toys can be purchased as gifts for yourself, for loved ones, or to donate to the toy drive:

• Toy Trove – Galactic Edition
• Sky Skimmers - Toys
• ArchiTechs - Toys Architect Building Block Set
• Adventure Fleet - RC Toys
• Photon Poppers (Toy Blasters) & Bright Blades (Toy Lightsabers)
• Eggamles - Toys
• Turbo Trackers
• Galactic Kites – Voyager Series

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[Aadihr Lidos]

LIFE DAY DONATION

Outfit: Formal Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr arrived at the Veridian Temple with a box of toys. They were not of the quality of toys on sale, but Aadihr didn't really have credits to contribute.

He had spent a few weeks helping ranchers in exchange for fool for stuffing and some old fabric of theirs. Once the ranchers heard of his intent to make toys, they helped Aadihr in selecting colors, even helping him stitch a few of the fluff-stuffed stitches dolls in various crude but famous likenesses - like the Chancellor Organa, Valery & Kahlil Noble, or the hero Thirdas Heavenshield. Each doll had buttons stitches on for eyes and little bits of dyed cloth to mimic the outfit, threads of wool to mimic hair. Aadihr had never seen the colors of the fabrics or the likenesses contained, so he was grateful for the Rancher family’s assistance, and their small children’s enthusiasm still brightened Aadihr’s aura even as he entered the temple. The children had made a doll portraying Aadihr, but he left that as a gift for the family.

As for the rest of the Jedi Aadihr new, there should be at least one doll mimicking each, even if he has to pull up photos on a datapad to for the ranchers to color coordinate. Aadihr had carved blocks of wood for cybernetic pieces like Azzie’s arm or for companion droids like Domxite. It had been a pleasant way to spend a few weeks during his recovery, and it was for a good cause.

He was no craftsman, however, and neither were the children, though their mother helped with any particularly botched ragdolls. Aadihr simply hoped they would be appreciated as he noticed the more tech oriented toys and plushies that lined the sales stalls.

Aadihr parted with the ranchers at the door as the kids ran towards the activities and he bid them a final thanks and farewell. He brought the plain box of dolls uncertainty towards the tree, setting them down at the base of the tree and stepping back, hoping the tradition here wasn't too different from those he was raised with on Alpheridies.

Braze | OPEN​

 

[Colette]

A bag-load of small but well-polished miniatures were deposited onto a table. Some made of wood, others out of bone or ivory or rock, but all of them brought to a smooth sheen. Whittling made for a great way to pass time on slow evenings in the wilds, and especially after a successful hunt to make sure that as little of the animal went to waste.

Colette raised a rabbit miniature that she had carved out of a pretty rock she had found and held it to the light to really admire its somewhat translucent glow. These gifts weren't exactly as fancy as the other toys on display here. They didn't move when you flicked a stick at it. Nope, they didn't even make any sounds or have a big price tag. All things considered these toys were as plain as they could get, and yet they had that one thing none of the others had: heart.

They were handmade by a single person and given away freely for a good cause; the way these things should have worked. The way they worked back home. But, Colette was just a single person and the system was a monster. She could do precious little to topple it other than to lead by example.

She put the figurine down and began to look around to see if she knew anyone else here.

OPEN​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Colette Aadihr Lidos

Braze was happy to see some of the first event attendees arriving. The toys donated through the drive would go to countless places across the galaxy, especially those ravaged by war in the past year—places where younglings had been left with little to nothing. It was refreshing to see handmade toys being brought in and offered up for donation.

With a gentle smile, Braze placed a small wreath atop both Colette and Aadihr Lidos 's heads.

"Wow, those look amazing!" Braze chirped excitedly as he admired what each of them had brought to display. His gaze shifted to a particular doll, and his head tilted with curiosity.

"Is that Alicio Organa ?" he asked, his tone laced with intrigue.

Braze had seen the man up close once before—back when he was yet to be Chancellor. At the time, Braze had been sidelined, placed somewhere out of harm's way during a meeting. He suspected it was Jasper Kai'el 's doing—an attempt to keep an injured Braze safe and far from the battlefield.

"Pretty spot-on if it is. I recognize that outfit. The details are great." He grinned before adding, "Oh, I'm Braze, by the way."

Turning to Colette, he passed her a friendly smile.
"Nice to see you here too, Colette."

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[Aadihr Lidos]

LIFE DAY

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr smiled at the compliment and the leafy headress Braze placed upon him. Getting the details right from a holoscreen required more than a little assistance from the rancher's children, and the wreath sat comfortably atop Aadihr's sheep-like wooly hair.
"A pleasure to meet you, Braze, I am Aadihr." The Miraluka responded warmly. Braze's aura was kind, conveying wisdom beyond his years. "I had some help, and I tried to get as many people people as I could find in the directory" Aadihr felt around, trying to find a particular doll - after a minute, emerging with a small, simple ragdoll with white hair, small 'braids' constructed of shoestring around the button eyes. "I think this one was supposed to be you!" Aadihr offered to Braze, simply excited to share something he had made. "Did you organize this whole event? I'm impressed." Aadihr spoke genuinely.

Not wanting to leave the other out, Aadihr continued, "Collette, is it? A pleasure to meet you as well! Do you mind if I feel one of these miniatures? The craftsmanship appears fantastic, but I, well, I can't get a decent view from here" the blindfolded man said with a little self-directed jest.

Braze | Colette | OPEN​

 

[Colette]

Braze / Aadihr Lidos

Colette gave a quick wave and a smile to Braze and Aadihr, although she would realize the futility of her action no sooner than the latter asked to feel one of her carvings. She looked at the blindfold and then his hand. She had heard of the Miraluka people but never met one. She dreaded thinking about experiencing the world without sight, but perhaps that was simply because she had always been able to see.

"Of course." She said and grabbed a small nerf-shaped figurine and put it in Aadihr's hand. There were some intricate carvings for the horns and the fur in there, enough for a smooth texture as one brushed their thumb back and forth across the sides.

"I'm just happy to be able to contribute and all that." She said and looked over at Braze. "Shame that we'd need a special occasion to give away what we don't need, but…"

"I guess it's better than never giving anything at all."

 

[A'Runda]

Location: Veridia

“Money can be the best gift.”

At least that’s what A’Runda’s neimordian financiers told him. He was possibly the richest tusken in the galaxy and still had very little idea on how any of it actually worked. He had made a lot of money in the CIS when working alongside the old government. Money he didn’t know what to do with, so left it to capable hands on Cato Neimoidia top be managed.

To A’Runda they were like financial wizards. He trusted them with his credits and somehow he’d end up with more than he started with. He’d caught wind of what Braze had been planning, far far away from wild space. So it was quite the journey for the Tusken force adept.

He was also informed that donations would look good for tax deductions as well. So it sounded like a good idea beyond just the charity. He had nothing really to give other than simple credits that could be used to fund toys. He remembered when he was little that he had a toy once. An old wooden trinket carved in the shape of a bantha with wooden wheels at the bottom. But like a lot of things A’Runda had growing up it became a hand me down for his little brother.

Veridia was a lush planet, so for A’Runda it was a ‘noisy’ planet in The Force. Inside the temple A’Runda was covered completely head to toe in fabric. He was actually a bit surprised with how many people came all the way out here. A’Runda glanced around to see if he could find the little pale organizer of this event.​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Aadihr Lidos Colette A'Runda

Braze's green eyes widened in surprise at the little doll that resembled him. He had never imagined such an item could exist. His expression softened as he picked it up.
"Wow… that's so cute. Never thought I'd be a dolly…" Braze mused, turning it over in his hands. A smile crept onto his face.

"It's really cute… uh, yeah. After seeing what happened on Coruscant, I felt really bad and wanted to do something nice for others—kind of like following in Jasper Kai'el's footsteps. This just seemed like the best way to go about it," he said with a nod, his smile warm and genuine.

Turning to Colette, Braze smirked. "Well, you don't really need a special reason to give people things. You can do it anytime, as long as you're able." His tone was light and cheerful. "If you're up for it, I've got a little trip planned to work on some building projects on Ryloth. You're welcome to tag along if you want."


A sudden burst of excitement lit up his face as a familiar figure entered the room. "Welcome to the party!" Noticing A'Runda nearby, Braze grinned and moved over to place a wreath atop his head.

Braze exclaimed happily. He hadn't expected to see them but was thrilled nonetheless. He had done his best to invite as many people as possible, understanding that most were likely busy with the galaxy in such a state of turmoil.


"I'm glad you could make it, Uncle A'runda." Braze added with a warm smile.

​

 

[Azurine Varek]

A Little Kindness Can Change Galaxies

Outfit: Clothing | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber (hidden in arm compartment)

Azurine adjusted the tiny metal starfighter in her hand, squinting as she delicately etched the last detail onto its sleek hull. The toy, no larger than her palm, shimmered under the warm glow of the workshop lamp, its intricate design catching the light. Around her, a small collection of starship replicas lay arranged on a polished tray—each one unique, each one a labor of love. The etchings she’d carefully carved into their surfaces told stories: a sunrise over a desert plain, constellations mapped across a starry sky, and flowing patterns inspired by her Iridonian heritage.

The thought of bringing smiles to children who’d lost so much resonated deeply with her. These starship replicas weren’t just toys—they were her way of giving something uniquely hers to the cause. Azzie hoped the kids who received them would feel the love and care she’d poured into each curve and detail, a reminder that someone out there cared about them.

She sighed in satisfaction as she leaned back, taking a moment to admire her work before she headed out.

The grand reception hall of the Veridian Jedi Temple buzzed with life for the Life Day event that came together beautifully. The soft hum of string lights and laughter from temple younglings decorated the air, as much as the garlands adorned the walls. Even in a galaxy that wasn't always kind, Azzie thought moments like these—a gathering, a purpose, a chance to give—made the fight worthwhile. Just like she had said to Thurion Heavenshield all those months back, it was up to everyone to bring that kindness when needed.

Azzie spotted Aadihr, Braze, and Colette as she entered the hall with her pretty and decorated box full of the little carved toys that looked far lighter than what it actually was. She tilted her head, curious, as she watched Aadihr set the box down by the Life Day tree with hesitant movements. Even from across the room, she could see the nervous energy radiating off him in the patterns of his aura. That was Aadihr—always underestimating how much he gave, always too humble to see the impact of his actions.

She moved before she could second-guess it, weaving through the crowd with the easy grace of someone used to maneuvering through the chaos. When she was close enough, she broke into a sprint, her nice shoes clattering softly against the polished floor. As Aadihr stepped back from the tree, she reached him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug from behind with a quick laugh.

"Aadihr! Happy Life Day!" She grinned, her amethyst-colored eyes completely focused on him for a moment as she pulled back to let him face her. She knew it was a little early, but, to her, it was never too early to share in holiday cheer. Looking him over, her eyes locked with the blindfold across his face where his eyes would have been, brushing some loose hair behind her ear.

Azzie then turned to Braze, moving to give him a quick hug as well—though not nearly as forceful—or possibly startling—as the one she'd given to Aadihr. Had she not been in recovery, she would have happily helped in the organization of something like this, and seeing it all, she had more respect for him now than she had already had before. "I hope these are alright. I made sure to use nontoxic and lightweight metal alloys for them." She said to the younger padawan as she moved to place the box of toy ships under the tree, the glow of the lights further illuminating the fiery glow of her eyes. It shimmered across the light purples and amethysts of the flowery dress that she wore, one that had been specifically picked out by Braze when they had gone shopping together months back now.

Her eyes were caught quickly by the dolls, sparkling with excitement before turning back to Aadihr. “Is that one Master Valery Noble ? This is amazing! You made these?!”

Aadihr Lidos | Braze | OPEN​

 

[Colette]

Aadihr Lidos // Braze // A'Runda // Azurine Varek

"Then why don't you, Braze? Do you need fifty different tops, twenty pair of shoes, and a whole ship to yourself? Does anyone?!" Colette screamed and pulled out full strands of her hair as she threw herself on the ground kicking and ranting and raving. "This whole organisation is meant to be fighting for a equal society and yet said society deems people worthy or not depending on the amount of trash they keep and then HIDE in the cupboards of their homes."

Psyche.

That did not happen. Despite everything, Valery Noble had still managed to induce some measure of awareness in Colette. Enough to know when a verbal assault or painfully blunt but honest comment was due. This was not one of those times no matter how much she would have stood by each and every word that had momentarily crossed her mind.

Instead,

"Of course." Colette smiled and feigned acceptance of this 'Life Day' concept. It was just easier that way. "Looking forward to it."

At least there was some measure of truth in that. All things considered her track record when it came to adventures with Braze was a good track record. They talked to dragons and lived to tell the tale. That wasn't something many people could say.

As luck would have it, someone new entered the conversation. One of her mother's apprentices to boot. Colette gave Azurine a nod and a smile. By some miracle they'd never really interacted before despite the fact.

"It is expertly made, Aadihr. You should be proud."

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

Aadihr returned the carved Bantha to the rest of Colette 's contributions. The fine details were a delight to explore through tactile senses.

"Such fine details, it must have taken you forever!" Aadihr said as he handed the figure back.

A smile played across his Miralukan face as he saw the aura's Braze brighten while observing the doll of his likeness, growing brighter hearing of the lad's initiative and philanthropy.

Before he could respond to Braze, Aadihr was grappled by a powerful assailant from behind, he turned to try to counter and-

"Aadihr! Happy life day!"

It was just Azzie. He gurgled something and hugged back, until her grip loosened and his diaphragm was no longer constricted.
"H-happy life day, Azzie!" He responded through a lingering cough. Despite her iron grip, Aadihr was genuinely glad to see her, the first friend he made when he crawled back to the NJO on Dantooine.

Then both Azzie and Colette complemented the craftsmanship of the dolls. It really was just thanks to the Rancher's family they turned out with any semblance of quality, without them he wouldn't have been able to see the likenesses on the holos or even match the colors of the fabric.
"Uh, thank you! I did have some talented help."

Aadihr felt like he belonged somewhere for the first time since. . . Well since before Naboo. Likely since Alpheridies. He could get used to Veridia.

He noticed a force signature of a Tuscan A'Runda enter and search. He hadn't seen a Tuscan off of Tatooine before and, well, those he met were of a very different temperament than Aadihr saw of this force signature. While he talked, Aadihr waved a greeting to them, wanting to share the joy of being included that he felt.

"I'll be sure to pass your compliments to them. And yes, that one is the grandmaster" Aadihr recalled the Rancher had insisted Valery Noble needed more wool in particular areas than the others, something about being 'factually correct based on the competition results' on the holoscreen programming he watched. That brought annoyance and chagrin to his wife. The whole silent arguement flew over Aadihr's head. "Keep digging, if you'd like, I'm sure you'll see more you recognize."

Aadihr sighed, seeing each aura brightening the other, a web of connections. It felt like rays of sunlight warming your skin on a chilly day.

A'Runda | Braze | Azurine Varek | Colette | OPEN​

 

[Azurine Varek]

A Little Kindness Can Change Galaxies

Outfit: Clothing | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber (hidden in arm compartment)

Azurine turned for a moment to look over the figurines that had been made and displayed by Colette, and she found herself even more excited. "These are wonderful! Are any of them crystal?" She asked, with a grin, though she quickly remembered she hadn't exactly introduced herself. "I'm Azurine Varek, by the way." She had heard of the other a few times by now after multiple months under Grandmaster Noble's guidance but had never formally met, something that was surprising given that they shared a master. Better late than never, at least! She hoped they would have more time to talk throughout the night.

She decided to continue to look and scan through the box of dolls. Amid the scattered grouping in the box, her gaze caught on one particular doll, and she froze mid-step. Its likeness was uncanny—her facial tattoos carefully added in detail, her prosthetic right arm was clearly carved, and even her cloak's coloring mimicked the armor weave properly. The doll’s vibrant violet eyes seemed to blaze with the same stubborn intensity she saw in the mirror every morning.

“This one is supposed to be me, isn't it.” she stated, not having to ask because it was so obvious, her voice full of curiosity and wonder. "Wow, I love it! They're all so well done!" Her eyes beamed with a warm hearth fire that made them shift between multiple different shades of amethyst and lavender.

A small bit of uncertainty crossed through her aura for a brief moment as she moved through the box that she had brought and pulled out a beautifully wrapped box, no bigger than a fist. Despite the nervousness, she was still alight with energy as she turned back to Aadihr. "I actually have a surprise for you. Close your eyes—or, you know, pretend to." She joked playfully. She didn't wait for him to hold out his hands. Rather, she grabbed one of them and placed the box in it. “I know this isn’t much, but... it’s something I wanted you to have.”

Inside the box—when unwrapped—was a tan-colored blindfold. A color that would have matched the cloak she normally wore exactly as she had made it by carefully and meticulously cutting away part of the armor-woven fabric. The material was soft yet sturdy, and it carried a faint scent of sun-warmed stone and Iridonian wildflowers. On the underside that would be facing inwards, she had attempted to stitch some wording into it. She had remembered seeing some kind of lettering on the inside of his before he lost it and hoped to do the same. Her stitching skills were not nearly as good as her metal carving skills, and quite frankly, the lettering probably felt similar to what had been on the one his sister had made for that reason alone.

It read, "You're stronger than you think, even in moments when you feel like you're not." In common braille, which she spent a long time painstakingly translating to be absolutely certain he'd be able to read it. She wasn't sure how well her embroidery was going to go, and thought it might be easier to read that way.

"It can't replace what you lost out there, protecting my people. This has an armor weave, though, so it's less likely to come off in difficult situations."

Aadihr Lidos | Colette | Braze | A'Runda | OPEN​

 

[A'Runda]

Location: Veridia
Tags: Braze | Aadihr Lidos | Colette | Azurine Varek

A’Runda flinched some as the child jumped up to place… something up on his head. As he wasn’t expecting the sudden ambush even if he was keeping a look out for Braze. Gently he reached up to pick up what had been placed on his head. Seeing the wreath through his scarlet goggles he wasn’t familiar with the item. “What is this supposed to be? Also you don’t need to call me Uncle, Padawan Braze.” He still wasn’t sure what made the kid want to call him that.

A’Runda’s duties were not as demanding as that of a Jedi. He moved along with the currents of The Force, and only occasionally, his own discretion. He had not seen Braze since their mission together on Lothal. Where he witnessed the boy filled with vengeance on the battlefield. He thought that perhaps that Braze may have harbored resentment for interfering, and manhandling them the way that he did.

Not wanting to feel any more out of place than he already felt, he placed the wreath back atop his head before noticing a blindfolded man wave to him. Someone A’Runda didn’t recognize, yet they looked kind of familiar physically. Like an older sibling of Braze’s. Stepping closer he noticed all of the dolls. Being an outsider he wouldn’t recognize any of them. They all just looked like a bunch of colorful characters. A’Runda wondered if they were from a franchise of some sort…​

 

[Aadihr Lidos]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Weapons: Walking stick / Lightsaber Pike

"I actually have a surprise for you. Close your eyes—or, you know, pretend to."

Aadihr silently laughed and placed his palms over where his eyes would be, even though it did nothing to hinder his sight. Playing along with the spirit of Azzie's intent, he cast his Sight away from himself out to the gardens until she revealed the gift.

“I know this isn’t much, but... it’s something I wanted you to have.”

Aadihr brought his perception back to himself, feeling Azurine grab one of his hands and placing a give within it. Aadihr could 'see' what was within even before he opened it, but he didn't believe it until he felt it for himself. The warmth from Azzie's aura confirmed his suspicions, the armored fabric matching that of her armored cloak.

Aadihr's hand trembled as he felt the message stitched within. His sinuses pressurized as the instinct to shed tears stimulated vestigial biology. The expression in his eyebrows and the quivering smile was unmistakable.

The blindfold he had lost in the battle for Iridonia, Azurine's home planet, was a parting gift from his family, tied around his head by his younger sister as he left Alpheridies to begin his tutelage in Naboo nearly 14 years ago. He mourned the keepsake and had kept simple linen strips ever since.

The quivering of his nonexistent tear ducts proved too much, and he felt a sneeze coming on, despite his attempts to fight it.

He gratefully sneezed, a Miralukan sob, as swept Azzie into a hug. He sneezed a few times more smaller, each time, until he had finally composed himself.

"Azzie - thank you" he said with a weighty sincerity before parting and immediately donning the new blindfold.

Azurine Varek | Braze | OPEN​

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Veridia
Tags: Braze , A'Runda , Colette , Aadihr Lidos , Azurine Varek

Lightsaber
​

“What is this supposed to be? Also you don’t need to call me Uncle, Padawan Braze.”

"Uncle is a title of endearment typically," Jasper chimed in. "It means you're seen as a respected figure of authority. I find it's best to roll with titles we earn."

Jasper gave the tusken a pat on the back before turning to Braze, a warm smile on his face. He was proud of everything that his student had been working towards. He had the mind for community service that Jasper wished he had been able to develop at a younger age. It took going through the Second Great Hyperspace War to teach him that lesson. It certainly filled the young Jedi Master with a sense of pride.

Of course, he wasn't just here to stand around and feel proud of himself. Jasper drew an item off of his back, placing it into the hands of his student...

A seven-string Hallikset, an instrument that he and his brother Jalen always had a fondness for. Something that Jasper had meticulously assembled by hand, each wooden piece carved to fit his specifications.

"Happy Life Day, kiddo," Jasper grinned, reaching out and ruffling Braze's hair. "Good job with the event, by the way. You crushed it."

 

[Braze]

“What is this supposed to be? Also you don’t need to call me Uncle, Padawan Braze.”

TAGS: A'Runda Colette Aadihr Lidos Azurine Varek Jasper Kai'el

"It's a small head decoration," Braze chirped softly, a hint of pride in his voice. "I made a bunch so I could give them out." He gestured to the wreaths draped over his arm.

His eyes lit up when he spotted Jasper, and a warm smile spread across his face. Without hesitation, Braze moved to place one of the little crowns atop Jasper's head.

"What's this?" Braze asked, holding out an instrument. Braze accepted it with wide-eyed curiosity, running his fingers along its polished surface. "It's beautiful," he murmured, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

He gently strummed the strings, testing the sound. A soft melody filled the air, and Braze’s smile grew as he looked up at Jasper, clearly delighted by the instrument’s tone. "Is this for me?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise. The idea of receiving a gift today seemed to perplex him.

Nonetheless, Braze was clearly pleased, his gaze drifting to the others nearby. Seeing how much everyone was enjoying themselves only added to his happiness.

 

[Tibera Jessen]

Tags: Open!!!

Suddenly, the large double doors to the structure opened, and a cool breeze blew in a snow-like haze of cherry blossoms. Standing there, in full armor and with a large burlap sac hanging off one shoulder, was a massive mercenary. The sheer visage of them struck the kids around them with a shiver. Had the Dark Empire come to take the children away?!

Nah!

Instead, the scary looking bear of a woman took her helmet off and gave a laugh. "Ain't no reason to be scared kiddos. I come bearing gifts! Happy Life Day!!!" She bellowed before dropping the burlap sac gently to the ground. it was practically bursting with freshly bought toys! And just as if she didn't have that Dark Empire patch on her shoulder, the children curiously flocked to see what they had received.

While yes, her employers were at war with the GA, she always liked doing nice things for kids around Life Day. Her Life Days sucked as a kid, so she felt obligated to make sure others got more than she did growing up. Which was usually just a day off from training and a few extra portions at supper.

Now was not the time though, it was a happy occasion, and Tibera wanted to keep it that way. First out of the bag was the big ticket item, a rather expensive looking Blaster Tag set! The box had a medley of colors, and detailed the contents therein. Four toy blasters, and matching chest pieces to light up and make noise whenever the player was hit.

Another rather large box contained a helmet that was an exact replica of a GADF trooper helmet. One that made sounds when certain buttons were pressed. These two gifts in particular were best reflective of Tibera's own personality, but she knew not all kids were militarily inclined like she had been as a kid, so she flexed her wallet to make sure all the kids had something to play with.

From stuffed animals, to little dolls, these kids would have plenty to play with this Life Day.

"Just hoping the bossman doesn't find out about this planet... It's too pretty for the Empire..." She thought to herself.

 

[Azurine Varek]

A Little Kindness Can Change Galaxies

Outfit: Clothing | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber (hidden in arm compartment)

Azurine’s chest felt tight as she watched Aadihr, his emotions rolling off his aura in waves so palpable they almost overwhelmed her. She didn’t need to see his face to know how deeply the gift had touched him—she could feel it in the trembling of his hands and the quiet sob-sneezes that shook his frame. "The cloak it came from; I, uh ... I actually got it from my mom a long time ago. It was the last thing she gave to me before she died protecting me." She gave the context, a bittersweet sadness tugging at her mind. She'd practically given him a piece of her heart in the form of a strip of armor-woven fabric.

For a moment, she didn’t know what to do with herself, standing awkwardly as he embraced her. She wasn't necessarily surprised. She would have done it herself if he hadn't, but her heart skipped in her chest before she could register the feeling.

When he finally released her, his words made her cheeks flush. Azzie opened her mouth to respond, but the way he immediately reached for the blindfold brought a smile to her face.

"Here, allow me, good sir." She said with an overly formal and playful bow before she moved to tie it around his head. She had to stand on her tiptoes to do it, gently brushing his fluffy white hair back and leaning forward to tie it around his head. The action unintentionally brought her face mere inches away from his.

As he looked to her, now fully adorned with the blindfold, Azzie's breath hitched. Something about the way he stood there made the world around them fade away for a heartbeat. Her pulse thundered in her ears, and she felt an irrational urge to step closer, to reach out to him again—not out of comfort this time, but out of something far more vulnerable.

Instead, she quickly brushed a couple of loose hairs behind her ear, crossed her arms over her chest, and cleared her throat, masking the swirl of emotions with a lopsided grin. "Well, don’t thank me too much," she teased, her voice carrying an edge of nervousness even she could hear. Her eyes darted to the side before meeting his again, a flicker of something unguarded passing between them. “Besides,” she added, her voice back to its usual brisk tone, “I couldn’t let you wander around looking like some scruffy, rag-wearing street monk forever. You’ve got an image to uphold.”

Her attention was then drawn to the women who entered the room. At first, she was on guard, but it didn't last long as her expression softened. "You see that? An opportunity for kindness really does change the galaxy." Her excitement and pure joy flowed through her.

Aadihr Lidos | Braze | Colette | Jasper Kai'el | A'Runda | Tibera Jessen | OPEN​

 

[A'Runda]

Location: Veridia
Tags: Braze | Aadihr Lidos | Colette | Azurine Varek | Jasper Kai'el

A’Runda glanced back as Jasper patted him on the back. Offering a bit of clarification over what Braze was saying. “Hm, well I’ve never considered myself much of an authority figure for anything.” He simply replied through his mask before watching them give Braze some sort of stringed instrument. The tusken never considered an instrument to be a gift.

“That reminds me I actually do have something to give you Padawan Braze. It’s still on my ship however. Hmmm… Hopefully Darwin didn’t find it and is chewing on it now as we speak…” A’Runda simply said to him at the end. Wondering if his Dewback animal companion may have uncovered the gift and viewed it as some nice teething toy. He knew that the pale boy had been eyeing his gaffi stick, so figured that they might want a practice version of the war club. One that carved out himself from a suitable branch. He just didn’t have it on hand at the moment.​

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Azurine Varek Tibera Jessen Open to interaction from others, these two are just who I had stories in mind for.

Si Tech, naturally, had already made a rather sizable monetary donation to the Toy Drive. A couple million credits lighter, and Jonyna could make it back in the next few months.

That's not why she was here. Jonyna had spent the last week digging through the outer rim, trying to find a very specific present for Azurine Varek . One that bought her joy during the darkest days of the Empire, and one only the two of them could really appreciate.

But as it turns out, finding 900 year old toys was exceedingly hard in this day and age. But after a week of traveling from planet to planet, digging through junk piles she would never admit to doing, and opening up a barn that hadn't been touched since the Gulag Plague...

She had found it.

"Hey Azzie." Jonyna smiled, as she entered the grand hall. "I got a gift for ya. Happy Life Day."

She handed Azzie a box, not having bothered wrapping it. Part of her was terrified to even touch the thing, after sending it to her mechanics to make sure it was even still working. They had confirmed it was, but warned the Cathar not to jostle it around too much. This was worth a pretty penny...

The box, a freshly sealed Bucky Stardust toy pistol, sat unopened since it was made nine centuries earlier. On top of it, a mint copy of The Bucky Stardust series, on Lazerdisc. Who owned a Lazerdisc player these days? Jonyna only knew one person. Her. But she figured Azzie would appreciate the gift, regardless.

She could always buy her a Lazerdisc player too.