Faction An Evening at The Crystal Rose

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone offered a small shrug. Aris? Sure. The way the other girl was blushing she assumed that was Mister Tall and Shirtless' name. Eyebrow perked a little, but she didn't want to put whom she learned as Zaiya on the spot any further. Besides, the way the girl clammed up told her all she needed to know.

"Are you two mated too?"

Eyes went wide. Wait....did the fashionable girl ask about the bedroom life of Cora right here in front of mixed company? This type of questioning only happened in the books she stole from Myra Arceneau Dashiell , the Lady Velvet series stuff she definitely shouldn't be reading. Given she was the odd one out in the dynamic, the young heiress kept her mouth firmly shut regarding the topic.

"Oh, I..uh...I should get back to my friend. Mahsa, right? Here's my contact information in case we don't see each other again tonight, maybe we should hang out sometime? Nice to meet everyone....don't be strangers.I'll be here all night."

She offered a small smile as she handed over her information and quietly exited to go back to Casi. Who knew Miss Cora was so popular? She certainly didn't allude to something in Butter + Batter's long line, but then again, that could have been seen as bragging. Weaving through the crowd, Persie approached the trio again.

"You didn't tell me you knew Cora."

Corazona von Ascania | Makko Vyres | Mahsa | Zaiya Ceti | Braze | Loomi | Casaana | Azurine Varek​

 

[Braze]

​

Valery Noble , Loomi , Casaana , Jonyna Si , Zaiya Ceti , Danger Arceneau , Lily Decoria , Ko Vuto , Marissa Shoda , Corazona von Ascania , Colette , Cardtiger , Ran Serys , Azurine Varek , Jin'lian , Persephone Dashiell , Iris Arani , Mahsa

​

As the last guests took their seats, Jocelyn and the man with the tiger-print tie began their presentation of the Vixen's Vault Line, showcasing each gadget's capabilities. Jocelyn started by holding up the Re-Pulse Ring, which emitted a short-range repulsor burst to knock back attackers.

​

 

[Loomi]

Crimson Rose
Tags: Braze , Casaana , Persephone Dashiell

​

"I wonder what you call that material—it's /gorgeous/," he gushed in a quiet tone. "The appliqué on the shoulder is a nice touch too, and the hairpiece—it's like the night sky."

Loomi turned her head to look at Azurine Varek , the individual in question. Her dress was rather pretty. Braze seemed to like nice clothing a lot, she found, so it made sense that he'd be taking note of those sorts of things.

But what did she like?

Dresses were nice, but they were really only things that made your eyes feel good. Were her interests broken? Maybe. She didn't know. All of this was sort of strange for her to begin with, what with how terrible she had been at interacting with people thus far. Or at least, how terrible she convinced herself she was at it.

"You didn't tell me you knew Cora."

Loomi quickly sat herself up straight as Persephone returned, trying her best to pretend that she hadn't just been thinking about how terribly awkward she was being. The question didn't seem like it was for her, more for Casaana. She probably shouldn't say anything...

Maybe she needed to go get some water. Yeah, that was it.

"R-right... my throat is a little dry..." she began, her antennae drooping a little. "I-I think I'm gonna go find the water station..."

And with that Loomi stood up, slinking away to the drink table.

 

[Casaana]

She listened to Braze as he explained what the festival had been, laughing as he described his confusion-sowing antics. "I think it's like a gossamery taffeta." She told him when he commented on Azurine's dress, likely giving away her own cluelessness to the fashion-minded Echani. It really was pretty, like something out of a magical story and fitting for where they were dining tonight. Casaana ran a hand over her own robes, enjoying the silk and bright colors of the outer garments, but wanting reassurance that her outfit was nice too. Everyone was so pretty.

Persephone spying friends and running off to say hi was a surprise as well, she'd never mentioned knowing any other Jedi, well besides Iko Vel and that was a given considering he was there when they'd all met. He was also the one that outed her as Jedi to Persephone before getting them attacked by pirates! She rolled her eyes at the memory, good times.

"I don't really. I know a lot of people well enough to say "that's so-and-so!" but I also haven't' really spent long enough in any place to move past that until recently. Also, how do you two know each other?" Her low energy perked up as she realized there may be a good story behind it. When Loomi got up to leave for her 'dry throat,' Casaana twisted towards her. "Oh there's chilled tea on the table if you want that!" She liked it, and tea was one of her preferred drinks. Not like she was a connoisseur, but she could tell good from bad and real from mixes. Beyond the crowd of people enjoying themselves, the demonstrations began on the little stage, barely registering as more than noise and movement to Casaana from her seat on the low pillow cushion.

Persephone Dashiell Loomi Braze

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"I don't really. I know a lot of people well enough to say "that's so-and-so!" but I also haven't' really spent long enough in any place to move past that until recently. Also, how do you two know each other?" Her low energy perked up as she realized there may be a good story behind it.

"We met in line at a bakery ages ago. Before Coruscant was attacked. I didn't believe she was a Jedi."

Shoulders shrugged, as if to say, nothing terribly exciting. She and Miss Cora were supposed to meet up again but considering how many girls were enamored by the woman, it was no surprise they hadn't reconnected. Besides, every time her parents turned on the holovision to the news channels it was Jedi battle after Jedi battle. She was probably incredibly busy.

Watching Loomi go, Persephone raised an eyebrow. She waited until the teenager was out of ear shot before moving closer to Casaana ,delicately picking up a berry as she did so. She should probably pour some of the chilled tea as well - there was a thought to sneak some alcohol, but this wasn't the event for that. Better to save such a move for a charity gala.

"Did I offend your friend? Or does she not like me? I can always leave...."

Persie could always head back to her room, flip on the Fashion Holo Network, and order room service. Considering it was a Jedi event, she didn't want to make those the event was intended for uncomfortable.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Watching the Padawans interact with Persephone Dashiell - a girl their own age - was heartening to see. In dedication to their path, Jedi of the past sought to shed many attributes that made them human. Or near-human.

They were Jedi, but they were also young women learning to navigate the emotional complexities that came with being social. When the Zabrak Padawan in the luminous dress approached, she was greeted warmly by the others, the blonde knight giving her a smile and dipped head in greeting. An awkward ripple of grey pulsed across Zaiya's normally vibrant skin, dimming her usual bright colors. The noblewoman in Cora easily recognized her strained smile.

Boyfriend? Hotshot? Aren’t she and Aris…

Before she could comment - or not - Mahsa turned to them with a surprising question just as Cora raised her wine glass to her lips.

"Are you two mated too?"

She nearly spat the drink back out, holding her surprise back through pursed lips. A hard swallow, then a cough as she cleared her throat

"M-mated?" Stuttering, Cora turned to Makko Vyres with an arched brow and flushed cheeks. They'd had to keep their relationship hidden before, and it was still sometimes surprising to realize that they could simply be together in public. Cora turned back to Mahsa, giving Persie a faint smile as the girl chose to take her leave.

"We are together, if that is what you're asking," she said gently. No comment to the Padawan's particular choice of words.

As the last guests took their seats, Jocelyn Jocelyn and the man with the tiger-print tie began their presentation of the Vixen's Vault Line, showcasing each gadget's capabilities. Jocelyn started by holding up the Re-Pulse Ring, which emitted a short-range repulsor burst to knock back attackers.

The demonstration of the Vixen's Vault are-Pulse Ring drew her eyes toward the stage.

"Ooh, that's cute," she commented. "And useful. It could go with quite a few outfits, too." Perfect for anyone who wanted an inconspicuous measure of defense that didn't clash with their blouse.

Zaiya Ceti Azurine Varek

 

[Makko Vyres]

"Oh, hey Azurine," Zaiya managed to say, forcing a smile. "You look super pretty!" The words felt genuine, but they were tangled with a confusing mix of emotions she couldn't quite untangle. Jealousy? Admiration? Frustration? She wasn't sure anymore.

Makko was still trying to work out if Persephone Dashiell had met him before. She'd looked at him as if she was trying to work out who he was.

As empathic as he was, it was difficult to keep the waves of tweenage angst around him at bay.

It’s only when Makko’s arm wraps around Corazona that the world around her comes back into focus once more, golden eyes affixed to the tender touch as he pulls the blonde Knight just a bit closer, and the words tumble from her own mouth before Mahsa realizes it.

"Are you two mated too?"

"M-mated?" Stuttering, Cora turned to Makko Vyres Makko Vyres with an arched brow and flushed cheeks.

Makko knew that he was going to deny that he had planted this question with Mahsa. In fact he was also thinking that he had missed an opportunity to do that, but it would have been difficult to top the wording she came out with all on her own.

Cora brushed past the question and Makko glanced towards the stage. The nature of the demonstration explained the community who had been invited.

There was a lot that they could privately communicate through their bond. Makko didn't need it. A private glance that only she would read said a lot:

Please don't go too far!

He didn't want to find himself isolated in the demographic of the crowd.

"Night night nail polish. I like it."

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Jenn Kryze (Date time<3) Braze (Sorry for the wait!) Valery Noble (Teehee)
The Dress​

Fashionably Late was the best way Jonyna could describe her attendance to an event that Braze had personally invited her to. Most of that was spent prettying up. Getting make up to stick to a face was easy. Dying fur? That was another task entirely. She wanted to keep things simple, but the cathar had become a bit of a perfectionist in her appearance for events like this. Maybe it was her lowly upbringing, a spacer and a rebel turned socialite by circumstance, not by choice.

Maybe it was Jenn. She needed to look her best for her Lyrana. The green eyeliner and ever-growing ginger hair took time, and much care to make look good, and if anyone asked her, her curls were natural. At least, that's what she'd admit to.

As Jonyna entered, arm locked with Jenn's as they did, Jonyna kept her entrance quiet. She knew they were late. She knew they had been personally invited. She didn't want to make a scene...

But it seemed neither did someone else she knew.

Valery Noble, hiding in the background. Yoda forbid...

"Come on Jenn, let's go bug Val." Jonyna snickered, as she made her way through the crowd. She had her own presentation to make, and a meal to eat, but for now, she just wanted to keep things quiet, and bug her wing-woman. It had been a while since they had last talked, last time being over drinks and thumping music. This time, she would hope it would be a bit more of a dignified conversation.

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Suit
​

| Location | The Crystal Rose
| Objective | Date night!

"I feel ridiculous, Moontide."​

​

For all of her grumbling, the prickly Mandalorian was at least glad for the opportunity to try something... a little different. Her first venture in the terrifying realm of fashion (and the horrible difficulties behind it all) dated back to her first public appearance outside of Mandalorian space; the New Year Gala on Naboo, where she had worn a dress styled after those worn by the New Mandalorians of old. A wonderful experience in many ways, if a little uncomfortable in others - such formalwear lacked the protection that came with her beskar'gam. ​

​

To remove her armor in the first place was alike shedding her skin, and making herself all the more vulnerable for it. Jenn could only hope that Jonyna fully appreciated the significance behind her doing just that; leaving the protective plate within safe hands, and trading it for something a little more formal, if not quite the same as her previous choice of apparel. Dresses were fine things, and allowed her to assert her femininity, but today? Karrys talked her into trying something a little different, and see how it felt. ​

​

Although afraid the choice of a patterned suit might make her stand out a little too much, the fiery-haired siren accepted the suggestion nonetheless, if only to look at herself in the mirror come the next day and say; I was brave enough to try something new. ​

​

In hindsight, Naboo and Hapes made for good practice. They made each and every subsequent social event she found herself in a little less daunting, though she suspected she would never feel quite at ease within such gatherings, lovely as the Crystal Rose might be. A shame, though; there seemed to be quite a few familiar faces here, including some she would have liked to catch up with. The thought claimed a gentle smile from the Mandalorian, realizing just how naturally she had slipped back into the mindset of an individual, rather than the ideal she sought to embody. ​

​

No responsibilities here but to enjoy her date with Jonyna. Walking about with her arm locked around her lover's was a novel, if welcome experience. Perhaps she could get used to this... and the heady mix of anticipation and excitement coursing through her during such gatherings. ​

​

"I seem to run into her whenever I end up in the finer sort of events", remarked the Alor with a grin as she followed the Cathar, the both of them fast approaching the Grandmaster. Their dearest friend. "It's good to see so many friendly faces, mind you. Especially those without any kind of ties to my position."​

​

A most welcome break from her duties as Alor indeed. Nevermind the fact that Karrys would have throw a sandal at her head if she dared pass up on such an opportunity.​

​

Braze Jonyna Si Valery Noble ​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana Persephone Dashiell Loomi

"We met in line at a bakery ages ago. Before Coruscant was attacked. I didn't believe she was a Jedi."
"Did I offend your friend? Or does she not like me? I can always leave...."

Braze shook his head, offering her a warm, friendly smile. He stood up and went to fetch a cushioned bench, pulling it closer to the pillows. "Here, you can sit here… and really, it's alright. Loomi just isn't used to all of… this." He raised both hands, gesturing to everything around them.

"She gets overstimulated pretty easily, and this is probably a bit much for her to adjust to. It's not you, trust me. I don't think there's a person alive Loomi could hate. She's just not that kind of girl." Braze explained, shifting the bench gently, wanting Persephone to feel comfortable and at ease.

Braze's eyes followed Casaana's hands as they glided over her silken robes. He looked them over curiously, picking up on the grooming gesture.

"You picked out some lovely robes today, Casaana. If I may be so bold, where did you get them?" Braze inquired with genuine curiosity. He made no comment on whether he agreed with her guesses about the fabric he previously asked about, but seemed sincerely focused on helping the girls feel at ease. All the while, he kept a careful eye on Loomi from afar, just in case she needed anything.

​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Azurine Varek Makko Vyres Mahsa Corazona von Ascania

Zaiya's mind raced with realization. Were Cora and Makko… mated? Was that what Mahsa had sensed about them? The thought made her light up with curious hues of pale teal and citrine. If so, she could ask Cora about dating and boyfriends -- maybe even get some tips?

"We are together, if that is what you're asking,"

Just as quickly, Zaiya eyed Cora and Makko, now perplexed, and canted her head to the side when Cora confirmed they were together.

Huh?

Well, of course they were together. They were sitting together? What did that even mean? So, were they mated or not? Or was she talking that they came to the party together?

But half of her attention drifted as Azurine Varek started complimenting Zaiya's colorshifting abilities. Azurine's dress, shimmering in a way that almost made her look like a Lovalla herself, was honestly mesmerizing. Zaiya felt a surge of competitive energy, her colors flaring like she was trying to show off her own natural glow.

"Oh… umm, yeah, my people use it as a way to communicate," Zaiya explained, her mouth suddenly dry. The party was full of drinks, right? Maybe they could grab one soon.

"And, no… I can't control the colors just yet," she admitted. "But my master, Iris Arani , is helping me work on it." She needed to learn control -- so she wouldn't light up like a holo-billboard whenever her emotions took over. The thought reminded her of her mental shields, and she quickly threw them up, hiding the whirlwind of emotions in her Force aura and thoughts. It wouldn't do anything for her colorshifting, but at least she wouldn't be leaking out her emotions around herself in any way.

"It's okay; people always ask about it," Zaiya assured Azurine, trying to keep her voice even. She knew her feelings were a bit irrational, but she couldn't shake the sensation that Azurine might be a rival -- for Aris's attention, at least. A hint of jealousy bloomed, swirling over her skin in fiery emerald hues flecked with ambitious blue. I need to train more, she thought fiercely. I want to do anything Azurine can do -- and better.

"I'm feeling a bit hungry and thirsty," Zaiya said suddenly, deciviness shooting through her to face her insecurities headon.

"The menu's supposed to be amazing. Should we grab something to eat?" She glanced at Azurine and Mahsa, hoping a distraction might help her figure out what Aris Noble saw in the Iridonian -- and, just maybe, prove to herself she could match it. No, exceed it.

Now it was time to grab a drinK! Maybe even use the displayed items to talk about things so it wouldn't focus back on her color shifting.

She flashed a quick smile at Cora and Makko as she turned away. "See you later! It was nice meeting you, Makko!"

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

She doesn’t quite seem to realize the question that dropped from her mouth, evident by the confused look she gave Persephone Dashiell as she felt the shift of various emotions from the younger girl. "Y-Yeah, that’s me—oh? O-Okay…!" Surprised highlights of citrine hues flick through her hair as she accepts the contact info, before waving awkwardly at the retreating figure.

"M-mated?"

A cough from Corazona von Ascania brought her attention back to the Knight, and everything finally clicked into place when the blonde stuttered out a single word. Oh… Oh no! A wave of deep amber and coral hues wash down her strands, a gasp muted by the pair of hands that quickly covered her mouth, before Mahsa tried to take it back—impossible as it is.

"I-I’m sorry, I d-didn’t…!" Okay yeah, she had been curious… but it hadn’t been her intention to drop such a bombshell of a question out of nowhere, especially considering she’d admonished Ayhan when he’d done the same to Aris Noble and Zaiya in the past! "I j-just t-thought…!"

It was clear from Cora’s and Makko Vyres ’s behavior that neither had taken offense to her question, though the blonde’s answer does little to confirm or deny if they’re an actual mated pair. She’s a mirrored reflection of the Lovalla as her head also tilts sideways, but she’s tactful enough to not prod any further as her attention is caught by Azurine and her own questions.

"I can say the same about your hair, Mahsa! It's so interesting! Are you both from the same planet, then?"
"Ah, n-no… but it seems there’s some similarities b-between our species."

Compliments are still something Mahsa isn’t used to and it shows in the rosy hues that color her cheeks, though the sunkissed highlights that ripple through her hair are a clear indication that it's appreciated. There’s too much going on for her mind to process, though she does notice when the Lovalla walled up her emotions.

"Should we grab something to eat?"
"Y-Yes, let’s…! Wanna come with, Azzie?"

The reminder of the wonderful spread awaiting them helps to alleviate some of the embarrassment she’d been feeling, giving them the perfect excuse to finally dip—but not without saying goodbye first. "It was n-nice seeing you both again…!" A timid smile is offered to the pair, though her golden eyes purposely avoid making direct contact with either of their gaze, before she quickly follows Zaiya’s steps towards the food.

---

Azurine Varek | Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Marissa Shoda]

The young women both gave their answers regarding their arrival to the venue, which wasn't that much of a surprise. An invitation sent to everyone... presumably Braze's close friends, if he was behind all of this. She had to admit that she was slightly disappointed by the easy solution. "Makes sense. Was hoping for more creative reasons, if I have to be honest." She remarked with a smile.

The girl introduced herself before making a remark at the crowd gathered around their little group. "Marissa Shoda." She answered with a firm handshake. She spared a moment to glance at Jasper as he nearly fumbled an introduction. "Lots of women and lots of children, on top of that. Definitely an odd audience for a place like this." She commented with a healthy sip at her beer. With a crowd like this, beer wasn't going to be strong enough for long.

While Lily spoke with her friend, Jasper piqued her curiosity with the challenged he proposed. "I'm off the clock, so I'll leave the investigation alone for the moment. But this is certainly far too nice of a venue for a simple party. Kids are also leaving the alcohol alone, so that's strange already." She joked with a glance at Jasper. "Promise me you'll gimme a heads-up if it's gonna get weird." She joked with a nudge of her shoulder. With another sip, she spared a moment to assess the crowd around them. The food was brought out and several took a seat, but Cricket decided to stay idle at the bar for a few moments longer.

She was distracted by a Kel Dor in a suit asking for tea by the bar. "With a crowd like this, I'd recommend something stronger." She joked as she faced the stranger. The desire to just pop open her HUD and scan the identity of everyone was gnawing at her, but she suppressed the desire to avoid the awkwardness. It was good practice to keep her social skills sharp... plus it tended to creep people out when a stranger simply knew them out of nowhere. Luckily more people their age were arriving. "Some of your colleagues are arriving, I see." She spoke to Jasper with a nod to Valery Noble and a few others.

Lily Decoria Ko Vuto Jasper Kai'el

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Crimson Rose
Tags: Marissa Shoda , Ko Vuto , Lily Decoria , Others...

Lightsaber
​

Jasper followed along as Marissa made her way to the drink table, chuckling a little as she suggested to the young Kel Dor knight about getting a stronger drink. He picked himself up a glass and gave the younger Jedi a nod.

"Knight Vuto," he greeted. "I trust you've been taking care of yourself since your promotion?"

"Some of your colleagues are arriving, I see." She spoke to Jasper with a nod to Valery Noble and a few others.

"Yeah. Certainly makes me feel less old..." Jasper remarked with a grin.

Not that it helped too much. Valery was really the only person he was certain was older than him. The rest? They could be Corazona von Ascania or Ko's age. That didn't seem good for his odds.

Oh, right.

"Oh, Marissa this is Ko Vuto," the Master explained. "He's an up-and-coming knight I've had the privilege to teach a few times. Ko, this is my partner, Marissa."

Jasper leaned forward a little, lowering his voice.

"Did... Braze speak to you about this event at all, by chance?"

Perhaps Ko had a better idea of what was going on. They were rather close friends.

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: Cystal Rose
Attire: X
Tags: Marissa Shoda | Jasper Kai'el

Once Ko got his tea he then pulled out his trusty bendy straw and plopped it into the hot tea. Just as he was about to slot it into his mask he heard a woman’s voice address him. Turning to imitate the look of his gaze meeting hers, the blind Kel Dor chuckled softly under his anti-ox mask. “Sadly such drinks kinda make me sick now.” Ko replied, thinking back to the awful training that his uncle had subjected him to on Dorin.

He didn’t recognize the woman who spoke to him. Yet Master Kai’el seemed to stay rather close to her. Turning towards Jasper Ko gave him a shallow bow. “Master Kai’el, I have, although becoming a knight was a bit of an adjustment for me. I could ask you the same thing about your own promotion and how you’ve been.” Ko hadn’t really seen the former Sentinel of Harmony since they’re own promotion.

Soon enough though, Jasper introduced Ko to Marissa. For some reason the Kel Dor never knew that Jasper had a partner, or even thought of the idea. “Nice to meet you Ms Marissa, Master Kai’el’s training has actually saved my skin a number of times now. His instruction has been quite consequential for my own journey as a Jedi.” Ko explained. Jasper’s lesson on soft to solid has become rather foundational for Ko’s defenses. Without it he knew that he would have perished several times over as a padawan.

“Oh I’m afraid not. I didn’t know that Padawan Braze was involved. But now that I’m here, it’s not hard to imagine. I actually didn’t anticipate finding anyone here that I was familiar with.” Ko replied to Jasper’s question.​

​

 

[Casaana]

A bakery? Huh, Casaana gave a mental shrug. Her friend met people in the oddest of places, but then they two of them had met on a passenger liner as it was being infiltrated by pirates. Ohhh! Had there been bakery bandits? "Nah, don't worry about Loomi until Braze does. He's like the Loomi whisperer." She watched her friend, guessing at her thoughts before pouring Persie some of the tea she was drinking and setting the cup nest to her table setting. Formal etiquette wasn't her strong suit, but she was pretty sure that how you treated someone's guest was almost the same as treating the host or person that brought them the same way.

And then to his question, "It's just something I picked up to remember a trip." A trip into the Hapes Cluster. "It's funny, I was feeling so out of place the whole time. Once I was leaving, I splurged almost all my remaining travel funds on this. And then haven't had a place to wear it since!" She laughed as if it were a joke. Well, it was ironic at least. "What about you two? Any special pieces with memories? Not a Che's Boutique one!" She quickly added, "If I have to hear about going to see her in person and her decking you out in a whole wardrobe one more time...." She jokingly warned before launching into a decent, if over the top impression of Persephone. "I swear Casaana, she was so refined and elegant, but like making it effortless. And the tea and the way she talked about fashion, she wasn't just deciding how to dress me, but like, my soul!" Grinning playfully, she stuck her tongue out at Persie. As much as she played at being put up with the other girl's obsession, the fact that she knew the designer's name and the story well enough to tease her for it showed she was paying attention and cared about what made her happy.

Persephone Dashiell Braze Loomi

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Hopefully she returns soon."

Listening to the words about Loomi ,Persephone nodded once. If one wasn't used to these things, these kind of events, it could be very overwhelming. Even for her, they could be tiring. Like now, she was sitting ramrod straight with her legs crossed at the ankle, looking between the two as they talked. It was something that took a great deal of practice.

"The robes look really good. Definitely your style, I'm glad you found them. Of course, this gives me an excuse to take you places. Places where you can't say no just because you don't have a formal outfit. Didn't think about that when you bought that, did you?"

Taking the tea, Persephone raised an eyebrow when Casaana started to talk about someone she considered an...idol? Role model? The old Persephone would have called out her friend in front of the crowd. Or decked her. Yet that Persie was a rough street kid back from Taris, not the young heiress her parents were expecting her to be. Instead, she chose the high road and completely ignored Casi's words.

"I don't think she will have much time for a teenage girl."

Persephone overheard her parents talking - Miss Chuchi was going to be a representative of some kind for business interests. Of course, she wasn't supposed to know such a thing and wouldn't voice the news. It was getting dicey for some corporate interests in the 'verse.

"My first pair of combat boots. I finally got them before we went to our months long project in the Centrality region for Miss Taeli Raaf .I had to practically beg for them. My allowance wasn't what it is now..."

Persephone turned to Braze , curious.

"I'm sure you have a similar memory?"

She was certain he did - probably the first time he got to wear something with color. The Jedi seemed obsessed with all shades of brown, beige, and cream.

 

[Azurine Varek]

Diamonds Forged Under Pressure

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

The absolute best way to describe Azurine in that moment was utterly confused. It was written all over her face and danced through the fire in her eyes. Though she was mesmorized by the way Zaiya's colors flashed beautifully, and it made her curiosity run rampant, the following mention of using it as communication made her wonder what it could mean then. Especially because the girls' words said one thing ... while her aura said the exact opposite. She didn't quite know how to approach it or even how to figure out what was going on. She smiled and complimented while being internally a wreck of different things.

"That's so cool though, the way the colors change for both of you," she said, acknowledging Mahsa's contribution as well.

Her attention then focused on Mahsa directly, who also seemed just as confused, as well as extremely out of her element. She moved her hand to give Mahsa's a gentle scqueeze of acknowledgement, her expression and her emotions explaining that she understood how she felt, and she hoped for better for her as the evening progressed. Clearly the girl was shy, and might do better with light encouraging touch rather than having to talk.

Teenagers just being teenagers, I guess? Probably ... She thought with a light chuckle to herself. In that moment, she had never been happier that she was out of that period of her life, because she remembered what kind of a nightmare it was for her back in the rebellion fighting a whole war as a teen. She may not have had the chance to be a kid, having to grow up and get over it extremely quickly to survive, but that didn't mean she didn't get hit with problems from it.

Her thought was practically confirmed in her mind when suddenly Zaiya's aura was just gone, like it didn't exist. Everyone, even people who couldn't use the force, had an aura. So she assumed she'd put up a shield of some kind, to protect herself from the aura sight she couldn't seem to turn off too easily. Extremely impressive.

"You'll have to show me how you do that sometime, I could use a mental shield myself, I'm ... way to vulnerable in that regard," she said, genuinely impressed, "And if you ever want to learn any moves in return, either of you, just ask."

However, as much as she would have loved to stay and get to know them better, her own insecurities were not exactly clashing very well with the situation, which is something she recognized very clearly and knew wouldn't bode well. One of the things she learned not being trapped in teen years anymore, sometimes removing yourself from a situation and having an honest conversation when tension falls is better for everyone involved. That and Zaiya was uncomfortable for some reason that she could no longer try to identify, and she certainly didn't want to make it worse when she couldn't tell if she did or not to correct it. "Thanks for the offer, but uh ..." she glanced around the room, her eyes falling on Jonyna and Valery, relief falling across her face.

An escape.

"Seems my master and Jonyna have arrived, so I should probably go say hello. It was lovely to see you both. Chat later tonight, yeah?" She quickly finished her first glass of wine and turned to leave, heading straight to the group that saved her from possibly getting stuck in a position that could have been a problem given how blunt she was.

"Master Noble, Jonyna, hey! You both look so beautiful!" She said, giving both of them a quick hug and then turning her attention to the woman she had yet to meet that was Jonyna's plus one, as if asking for an introduction. She didn't necessarily wait for one, though, taking it upon herself, "I don't think we've met, Azurine Varek," she said, extending her robotic right hand forward to shake.

Jonyna Si | Jenn Kryze | Valery Noble | Zaiya Ceti | Mahsa​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Green Dress

Valery spotted Jonyna and Jenn heading straight for her through the elegantly dressed crowd. She let out a playful sigh, giving up on her hope of staying unnoticed. She couldn't help but smile, though, taking in their outfits. "You both look incredible," she said, admiration evident in her tone.

Always the stylish pair.

"Guess I'll never be able to slip in quietly with you two around," Valery added with a teasing smile, about to continue when she felt another familiar presence approaching.

Azurine joined them with a bright energy, her enthusiasm evident as she greeted both Jonyna and Valery. "Azurine," Valery greeted warmly, giving her Padawan a brief but affectionate hug. "You look wonderful," she added, sensing her Padawan's pride in trying something new for the occasion. It was a delight to see her Padawan embrace both training and these moments of calm.

As Azurine turned to introduce herself to Jenn, Valery took a moment to glance at her friends and Padawan, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. Here, in this refined setting filled with laughter and familiar faces, Valery finally allowed herself to relax.

Jonyna Si Jenn Kryze Azurine Varek ​

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Jenn Kryze Valery Noble Azurine Varek
The Dress​

"Thanks Val. You don't look too bad yourself." Jonyna teased, pulling Jenn close. They hadn't the time to really enjoy each other's company with all the fighting going on, but today would be a special day. At least, she hoped. The menu looked amazing, and Jonyna was famished for the most part.

"Oh!" Jonyna smiled, as Azurine came into view. "Jenn, this is a padawan I ran into. She's from the same era I'm from. Former Rebel and all!" Azurine had become a welcome sight for the Cathar, happy to see someone of her own time. For a moment, Jonyna considered what it would've been like to have a padawan back then. She certainly would've probably messed it up. Most of her knowledge of being a jedi was admittedly, very recent.

Maybe she should check on Aris Noble ...