Faction An Evening at The Crystal Rose

[Loomi]

Crimson Rose
Tags: Braze , Persephone Dashiell , Casaana , Makko Vyres , Corazona von Ascania

​

Was she overthinking it? She had to be. It wasn't like everyone was listening to every word she was saying and taking note of how awkward it was. Not a single voice crack was ever heard. Yet, even so, Loomi's mind continued to worry, such was her curse. The Godoan picked up a glass of redfruit juice at the refreshment table and let out a sigh, trying to clear her mind. This was about making friends with people. This was not an intimidating environment. She was fine.

But the noises in her brain didn't agree. This was getting frustrating. Maybe she just needed to talk to someone.

It didn't take her long to find that someone. Corazona von Ascania wasn't far, and she had seen Persephone Dashiell gone off to talk to them before. Makko Vyres was with her, of course, and they seemed to be on their own now that some of the other padawans had made their way away. Maybe she'd be able to help. This was an environment she was familiar with after all.

Loomi set off towards Cora and Makko. Once she was close enough, Loomi gave a wave and raised her voice.

"Miss Cora-"

Her greeting never made it completely out of her mouth. Loomi felt her feet catch on the grout line of the tile below them. It wasn't long before she had gone face-first into the floor. Her drink slipped out of her hand in the process, sailing a good meter through the air before it clattered against the floor in front of Cora and Makko's feet...

Sending red juice everywhere.

 

[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 Jenn Kryze Makko Vyres

​

Showcasing items of the Vixen's Vault Line would continue as the guest mingled.

Next, they introduced the Beauty Blades, covert hair sticks that concealed blow darts and small blades for close combat, followed by the Bond-Lock Pomade, a spray adhesive perfect for immobilizing or securing objects.

Jocelyn revealed the ClearView Essence, a perfume that highlighted laser tripwires and surveillance devices when sprayed. The Code Breaker Card, small and discreet, was used to hack into secure systems and decode encrypted data.

Jocelyn opened the Covert Compact, a versatile gadget with scanning capabilities, a holographic projector, and cosmetic compartments. They then presented the Covert Kiss, a lipstick that doubled as a laser cutter, capable of slicing through locks or thin barriers. The Glow Guard, a circlet that emitted blinding light, was demonstrated next, followed by the HushCuffs, ear cuffs equipped with hidden communication devices.

Moving on, they explained the Nite Night Nails, a polish that released sedatives or poisons with a simple scratch. The Phantom Fresh spray, which masked the user's scent from trackers, was highlighted next. The Processor Pendant, an elegant piece of jewelry, allowed real-time decryption of sensitive data.

Jocelyn then revealed the SlyTie, which housed multiple hidden gadgets, and the Vixen's Vambrace, a wrist-worn accessory concealing grenades, knives, and a grappling hook for multi-functional defense.

Finally, the Covert Purse was displayed—a fashionable handbag with a biometric lock, built-in taser, signal jammer, and hidden compartments for storing these tools.

Once the presentation concluded, Jocelyn and the man announced that every guest and their plus one would receive personalized gift bags. Each bag contained a selection of these finely crafted tools, ensuring everyone left with a stylish yet practical set of gadgets for future use. Those who did not bring a +1 received a second set.

​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana Persephone Dashiell

"Nah, don't worry about Loomi until Braze does. He's like the Loomi whisperer."
"It's just something I picked up to remember a trip." "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!" "What about you two? Any special pieces with memories? Not a Che's Boutique one!" "If I have to hear about going to see her in person and her decking you out in a whole wardrobe one more time....""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!"

"Hopefully she returns soon."
"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?"
"I don't think she will have much time for a teenage girl."
"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..."
"I'm sure you have a similar memory?"

"Clothing? Not exactly ... I mean, I do have one nice outfit—it’s got this color-shifting opalescent material, almost all white otherwise. I picked it up when I took Zaiya Ceti and Aris Noble shopping to find robes like the ones I wear. I go for different styles and cuts, and they both really liked the flowy silk ones. I think Zaiya was interested in some simpler, workout-friendly options too."

He recalled the time he’d offered Zaiya his hakama pants when she showed up to practice tumbling in a skirt. Reaching back, he pulled one of the long hair sticks from his hair and offered it to the girls to examine."I picked this up form that trip. " He offered lightly. "My Father left me a trust fund and a company when he died but I'm limited in what I can spend money on until I"m older. One of those things is clothing. So I like to spoil myself with fancy silk robes with striking patterns. what ever I like when I'm in need of something new is usually what I get. "
He thought about the charms and the whistle he'd gotten from Eshan and that reminded him of Aliris Tremiru and Loomi primarily. Speaking of which he just turned to look for Loomi just in time to catch a glimpse of her tripping.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Makko Vyres Loomi

Cora's vague response - because the word mated made her blush - did little to clarify the situation. Zaiya Ceti and Mahsa seemed perplexed, but the blonde took it as disbelief that she and Makko were, in fact, a pair.

When the conversation drifted elsewhere and the Padawans excused themselves, Cora smiled sweetly and dipped her head.

"Lovely seeing you both. Make sure to eat well while you're here, yes?"

Another sip of her wine had gears turning. Makko's plea, felt down their mutual bond, was soundly ignored.

"Did they seem a little…confused at the idea of us dating?"

That concern drifted away as Jocelyn demonstrated more products from the Vixen's Vault line, all of which were discrete yet functional. "Oh, I really like that pur-"

"Miss Cora-"

Her greeting never made it completely out of her mouth. Loomi felt her feet catch on the grout line of the tile below them. It wasn't long before she had gone face-first into the floor. Her drink slipped out of her hand in the process, sailing a good meter through the air before it clattered against the floor in front of Cora and Makko's feet...

Sending red juice everywhere.

Hearing her name, Cora turned toward the approaching Loomi just as she'd tripped and lost her hold on her cup, splattering red juice over herself and Makko.

There was a pause. Cora blinked at the cold, damp sensation of juice soaking into the - fortunately dark - fabric of her dress. A bead of red liquid dribbled down the side of her cheek. Loomi was on the floor, face down.

"You…certainly know how to make an entrance, Loomi."

An awkward chuckle wove into her tone as she adjusted her skirts and knelt down, offering the Godoan a hand.

"Are you alright, my dear? Not hurt?"

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Mahsa

Zaiya exchanged a quick glance with Mahsa, relieved that at least she seemed equally puzzled by Knight von Ascania's odd use of 'together.' Did it mean Corazona von Ascania and Makko Vyres weren't mated? Or maybe they were just in the beginning stages of… whatever humans called that.

Romantic relationships were baffling. Every species had its own customs, its own way of signaling interest. Trying to keep track of what each gesture meant could make Zaiya's head spin. But right now, she was trying to keep her wing forward, and not get distracted by her own confusion. She waited, hoping Azurine Varek would give her some kind of clue as to what was going on.

She didn't need her empathy to sense that something was bothering Azurine; it was clear in the girl's expression, the way she began to search the room as if to escape. Guilt pinched at Zaiya, even though it wasn't Azurine's fault that she was tangled up in this mess of feelings. But when Azurine somehow noticed that Zaiya had raised her shields, it startled her. Wait, was Azurine an empath too?

A ripple of silver-flecked tawny hues darted over her skin as Zaiya's heart pounded. She fidgeted with her hands, brushing off the flush rising in her cheeks.

"Oh!" she stammered, pushing a shaky smile across her face. "Yeah, I can show you -- I mean, Braze and Loomi taught me to raise shields. Eventually, it becomes automatic… I'm still, you know, working on that." She forced herself to hold steady, feeling her colors brighten with interest as she added, "And… I'd like that, to learn some moves from you." Maybe she could pick up techniques that Aris Noble hadn't seen yet.

But then, just as she'd started feeling like things might be okay, Azurine excused herself, saying Jonyna and her Master had arrived, then headed off -- straight for the Jedi Masters.

"Oh okay..." Zaiya tracked her with a glint of curiosity… until she realized where she was headed; to Master Jonyna Si and -- wait. The navpoints immediately began to connect in Zaiya's mind.

Azurine's Master was Master Valery Noble . Aris's mother.

Shock blanched Zaiya's face, her colors dimming as her mind went into overdrive. Oh no. No, no, no. That meant that Azurine would be around the Noble family to a greater extent than Zaiya would ever be; around Aris. A wave of anxious colors rippled across her skin, colliding in a chaotic swirl of grays and pale yellows.

"Uh, Mahsa? I think -- I need a drink. Now." Zaiya mumbled, trying to regain her balance as she veered toward the buffet table with determined steps. Finding the drinks, she scanned the rotating selection, though she barely registered any of the names. Pointing to one at random, she blurted, "I'll have this, please."

Moments later, she was handed a glass of Sangria.

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Loomi Corazona von Ascania
​

A man, towering at an impressive 7'0'', stepped gracefully into the feast hall, his presence marked by the gentle rustle of a long, white cloak adorned with golden accents that billowed elegantly in his wake. Draped over his broad, feathered wings, the cloak framed their opalescent luster, the low light capturing each gleaming feather and enhancing the mesmerizing play of color that shimmered across them. His cerulean blue eyes scanned the room, observing each detail with calm composure. He was curious to see how well the first guests of the venue were enjoying things. As he took in the atmosphere, his gaze lingered momentarily on a small spill near the refreshment table, where Loomi and Corazona stood.

He signaled to a nearby server with a subtle nod, his voice calm yet authoritative as he spoke, "Please bring a fresh glass and lets get this mess tided up. " His touch of kindness extended as he added, "And a little extra of the redfruit juice for our friend here."

Matthew strode toward the pair, his leather-gloved hand retrieving a pristine handkerchief from his breast pocket, which he offered smoothly to Cora with a reassuring smile, "Miss Ascania, for the spill,"

Turning his gaze to Loomi, he bowed slightly to meet her eyes, his tone soft "That was quite a tumble. If you need a bandage—or just a break—the nursery's fully stocked."

 

[Casaana]

Well that was disappointing, she'd expected some sort of reaction to her impersonation. Combat boots though. Some part of Casaana told her she should have expected that. Every time they'd met, Persephone had mentioned liking hers. Thinking on it, her friend had a tendency to wear them as well when she could get away with it socially. Though wasn't Taeli a war criminal? Or at least a Sith, which was the same thing to many people in the Alliance. Maybe there was another one.

"Pretty," Casaana said as she took the stick to look it over. There was some fine glass work of flowers on it, even she could tell that much. "And I guess the trust explains some stuff. You always are the nicest dressed Jedi in the room." As she was passing the ornament back, she looked past him in time to see Loomi's juice accident, wincing in sympathy. "Oh dear," she breathed out and set her tea down, stopping herself half-raised to go help.

They'd all been concerned with her, Casaana just had a more hands-off policy since the two of them weren't that close, and she wanted to avoid further embarrassing Loomi or pressuring her when they did meet. Instead she reseated herself as her eyes went to Braze, Loomi's closest friend as far as she was aware. The other Padawan had to be dying of mortification, he was probably the only one that could go to her without adding to it.

Braze Loomi Persephone Dashiell

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

"Oh, okay… see ya later, t-then?" She wasn’t certain why the mood had shifted considerably, but the Kazelrrian was tactful enough to allow Azurine her graceful exit as the Zabrak nodded towards the well known Jedi figures. A light smile crossed her lips as she spotted Valery Noble among them, before the dam Zaiya had built around her emotions broke against their pressure.

"Z-Zaiya…?!" Concern tinged her own hair in deep amber and ocher hues as a hand extended towards the Lovalla, offering her friend some support as she watched the chaotic swirls of grays and pale yellows that danced over her skin.

The buffet table would never know what it’d done to bring the Lovalla in its direction, Zaiya’s determined steps echoing before they were accompanied by the rushed sound of her own. "Yeah, let’s have a d-drink or two." Her attention was on her friend instead of the labeled beverages though, the presentation of a new line of items entirely forgotten now.

"Make that two, please." It wasn’t long before they were both handed similar glasses, a fruity aroma reminiscent of the blumfruit juice she’d enjoyed in Drifter ‘s company a few years ago. She gave the Lovalla a few moments to calm herself as they sipped on their drinks, a worried look on her face as she finally spoke up.

"Is everything ok-kay…?"

---

Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Quite lovely, good craftsmanship on your hair stick..."

What was with all these Jedi owning companies? Persie let her brows furrowed a moment, thinking. She had never seen any at business functions that she knew of. Did the Jedi engage in creating shell companies to launder credits? Persephone didn't know the exact steps, but growing up in the criminal underworld she wasn't ignorant to the concept.

Some poor girl apparently tripped and fell - the very one she had just been talking to at their table. Mortifying for anyone, and Persephone knew undue attention would make it worse. She wouldn't want a crowd rushing to her if the situations were reversed.

"This has been lovely, but I should be retiring for the evening. Uh, Casi, if you want to stop by my room later I brought those chocolates from Joiol, from that shop near my house. I figured after telling you all about them."

Persephone stood and nodded to Braze before smoothing her dress. This certainly wasn't her scene and she was feeling out of place as the only one without mystical powers. Yet she had tried for her friend and that was what was important in her eyes.

"A pleasure to meet you. Thank you for the conversation and evening. Please give my guards to Miss Loomi. Hopefully our paths cross again."

Casaana | Braze | Loomi

EXIT POST​

 

[Makko Vyres]

"Did they seem a little…confused at the idea of us dating?"

"Ye-eah..." went Makko, continuing to watch the demonstration.

"On Denon we had all kinds of people but everyone spoke the Denon way."

It had been even more localised than that. Every district had its own jargon.

"Maybe there was a language barrier with Zaiya..."

He wasn't going to admit any amusement at Cora getting flustered at the term 'mates'.

"What would the right..."

As soon as he started to think about how they would describe one another, Loomi slipped before them. It was much easier for them to talk alone, to use short and possessive language. Their relationship had spent a lot of time as a secret.

Her drink slipped out of her hand in the process, sailing a good meter through the air before it clattered against the floor in front of Cora and Makko's feet...

Sending red juice everywhere.

"You…certainly know how to make an entrance, Loomi."

An awkward chuckle wove into her tone as she adjusted her skirts and knelt down, offering the Godoan a hand.

"Are you alright, my dear? Not hurt?"

Makko lingered, making sure Cora could help Loomi back to her feet.

"I'll go get some napkins."

 

[Loomi]

Crimson Rose
Tags: Corazona von Ascania , Makko Vyres , Matthew of Valendale

​

"Are you alright, my dear? Not hurt?"

"That was quite a tumble. If you need a bandage—or just a break—the nursery's fully stocked."

Loomi laid on the floor for a moment before letting out a sigh, sitting up and rubbing her nose. Her yellow face had become a bright red, her cheeks puffed up from the pout that had begun to form. The Godoan's antennae drooped down, as if to hide her face. Not that they were long enough to do anything. She was met by kindness, of course, but it didn't really make Loomi feel any better. She still felt rather embarrassed by the whole ordeal.

"I-I'm not hurt..." she answered in a hushed tone. "I... s-sorry..."

Was there anything else she could say to make it better? It had only been an accident, and everyone seemed to be understanding of that. So why did the pit in her stomach only seem to be growing? It took her a moment to actually accept Cora's hand.

It was unfortunate, really. Loomi thought Cora was really cool, so this made everything about this interaction even more awkward. Makko stepping away to get napkins really only hammered that point in, at least in the Godoan's head. She wasn't made for this sort of stuff. How did anyone take mistakes like this is stride?

"N-no thank you, Mr. Valendale..." the teen responded to Matthew's offer.

It was kind, but she didn't want to run away just yet. She'd be a complete emotional wreck if she did that. Composed. She just needed to stay composed. Loomi clutched at her dress and did her best to still her breath.

"I-I'm really sorry..." she apologized again. "I just... th-there were a lot of people here, and I was having trouble talking... a-and I wasn't paying attention to where I was stepping..."

A sigh escaped her chest as she hung her head. This wasn't going anywhere.

"I... didn't want to ruin anyone's night..."

 

[Braze]

Braze frowned, watching as Persephone Dashiell excused herself. Had he said something wrong? Done something wrong? Offended her in some way? He didn't know, but a pang of anxiety washed over him, mingling with the secondhand embarrassment radiating off Loomi .For a moment, Braze felt like he might cry... but were those his emotions, or was he feeling Loomi's through their bond? It was hard to distinguish in the moment.

"O-oh... uh… okay… it was nice meeting you," he murmured softly, moving to put his hair stick back into his bun.

He glanced over at Casaana sighing as he blinked back the glassiness in his eyes, quickly trying to push down the unexpected urge to cry. He'd wanted this to be a fun, relaxing night for everyone—a brief escape from the war and bloodshed, and a chance to gift the ladies he knew with something to help keep them safe. Now… everything had shifted so quickly, so suddenly, and he wasn't sure why.

"Uh… if you ever want to… pick something nice out together… that might be fun," Braze offered, attempting a weak smile. "I... I, um… I'm sorry if I upset your friend somehow," he murmured, standing to smooth out his robes. He cast a glance at Loomi, uncertain if she needed—or even wanted—his help. She seemed to have a lot of people around her already.

 

[Casaana]

Now she felt torn, her friend she had invited was leaving but she was still sitting here with Braze and all this good food and, dang it, he was giving her those big green puppy eyes and looking like he might cry. Her eyes shifted to Persephone leaving, she had said they could catch up later. How late would she be staying up? Would she be leaving in the morning? She could text her, leaving Braze like this wouldn't sit right with her if he wasn't leaving her to go to Loomi.

"Its not you Braze, she's been feeling out of place since she got here." Casaana speared another bit of food on her fork and began chewing before tucking it over to one side of her mouth so she could continue talking while eating. "Wish I knew why. Fancy stuff like this is right up her alley. It's why I wanted to invite her after some of the fancy places she's taken me." She'd even run over to talk to girls Casaana didn't know by more than their reputation or seeing them in a few studies. It really was peculiar. Pulling out her comm link, she shot her friend a text. [Hey, need to stick around for a bit, but I'll catch up later. I want those chocolates!]

Further up the table, slices of a cake displayed on one of those tiered plate displays as she shifted to put the comm away. Extending out a hand, she levitated two of them over. "Here, have some chocolate cake." She placed a slice in front of his place and pulled the other over to herself. "Loomi is fine too. Look, Cora is being a doll to her." Instead of looking herself, she examined the cake, it looked moist and had thick layers of chocolate icing covering it and between the layers. A thought stuck her as she was cutting her fork through it. "What did you mean by picking something out?"

Braze Loomi Persephone Dashiell

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Thank you, Sir," she smiled in gratitude toward the tall, silvery haired man as he passed her a handkerchief. She dabbed at the moisture on her dress, nodding to Makko as he went to retrieve additional napkins.

"You didn't ruin anything, Loomi," she insisted gently. "Besides - the fabric of this dress is so dark, I doubt it'll leave a noticeable stain. That, and it'll probably fall out of fashion by next season."

As a replacement glass of juice arrived, Cora put her hand on the embarrassed Godoan's shoulder and stepped closer. "Events like this, they can sometimes be overwhelming," she murmured, low and soft. "A lot of people, lights, sounds…" she squeezed Loomi's shoulder.

"I once tripped a dance partner of mine into a table of champagne. Trust me, you're not the first, and you certainly won't be the last."

Loomi Makko Vyres Matthew of Valendale

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x x x | Weapons: x x x
Interacting with: Mahsa

The hum in Zaiya's ears made everything around her blur together -- the laughter, the music, the clinking glasses, and giggles mingling into a fuzzy background. She barely realized how much of her fruity drink she'd downed until she paused, taking a deep, steadying breath.

"Is everything ok-kay…?"

Mahsa's voice, concerned and questioning, cut through the fog, snapping her back to the present. Zaiya turned to look at her friend, who wore a worried frown, her own hair an ombre of deep ambers and pale yellows. Zaiya's skin had faded into a paler hue, an almost silvery sheen edging out the usual brightness of her rosy gold complexion.

"Umm… just…" Zaiya's gaze darted around the room, catching glimpses of everyone laughing and celebrating. It hit her then -- a pang of guilt. She'd invited Mahsa here to have a good time, to shine and make new friends, and yet, here she was, getting all wrapped up in her own emotional knots. This wasn't what she wanted for Mahsa, not even close.

"Yeah… we can talk about it later," she said softly, squaring her shoulders and forcing a bright smile. Right now was about having fun, not about her tangled feelings.

She held up her glass and gave it a little shake.

"Come on, this is actually really tasty." She took another sip, savoring the sweet, tart blend before adding, completely unaware of the alcohol content hidden in the fruity wine blend drink, "And I'm sure there's a mountain of delicious snacks waiting for us. Let's check out the displays too, okay?"

Without waiting, she nudged Mahsa gently toward the tables piled with treats, hoping her own enthusiasm might catch on.

 

[Marissa Shoda]

The Kel Dor's remark earned a chuckle from Marissa. "Now that's rather unfortunate." She quipped. Jasper luckily knew him and introduced the two to each other. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ko." She answered. He seemed friendly enough, though she was a little more curious about his and Jasper's past exploits.

Jasper asked them whether Braze spoke to either of them about this party. "Not at all. I'm as in the dark about it as you are." She muttered. Ko seemed to share the same sentiment, they were all in the dark about this one. The whole situation kept bugging her, eventually drawing her attention to the various displays of tech being showcased to all the guests. A theory began to form in her head, immediately elevated when a purse was showcased, and her eyes turned to static. She immediately gripped at Jasper's arm while her eyes turned a pale grey and a piercing headache began to form, leaving her with nothing but static for a moment before the display was finished. "Kark a mynock, that hurt." She muttered, massaging her temple with the base of her glass.

She finally looked at Jasper and Ko with wide eyes. "Is this... a self defence tech showcase?" She asked the two Jedi. Her attention was interrupted when another guest, presumably a padawan, slipped and crashed to the floor. She was about to check if the girl was alright, but it seemed that her friends were close to help her. Still, her eyes turned bright red as she gave the girl a quick medical scan to make sure. Luckily it was only the dignity that was bruised in the fall.

"Should we go and ask Braze? Or... should we just ride this out? I'll kick his ass if there's another jammer showcase." She spoke up, returning her attention to Ko and Jasper.

Jasper Kai'el Ko Vuto

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

The concern was impossible to miss behind those golden eyes, broadcasted for anyone to see in the deep shades that colored her hair. It was easy to tell that something had been bothering Zaiya for a while now, but what that was exactly would remain a mystery as her friend decided to focus on the festivities instead.

A soft nod was given as she acquiesced to Zaiya’s request, another sip taken of the sweet and tartful beverage they had picked randomly among the bunch. "It is, kinda reminds me of blumfruit… and maybe muja too?" There was a complexity in it she couldn’t quite figure out, attributing it to some other fruit perhaps she didn’t know yet, but it was truly delicious.

Their focus soon turned to the delectable spread just waiting to be discovered, and Mahsa could feel her mouth watering as she was reminded of its existence at last. "Everything looks sooo good." The feeling hadn’t quite dissipated yet, she could still feel it when Zaiya softly nudged her towards the food, but it had lessened enough to quell some of Mahsa’s worries.

"Oh, how about trying these first?" Her glass was carefully placed on the table before she reached for two of the more aromatic appetizers, the scent of the sea and spices mingling perfectly, before offering one of the crab cakes to Zaiya. "I’ve been dying to try them since we got here."

---

Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Beskar'gam
​

| Location | The Crystal Rose
| Objective | Amongst friends; meeting a new face

"I'm an Alor now, I can be afforded a little vanity!"​

​

Jenn's voice was warm, though her words betrayed a touch more confidence than she truly felt in that moment. So many faces, so many eyes... stars, but she felt underdressed. The wave of anxiety hitting her almost made her nauseous, but it was far too late for her to go back now. Perhaps if she acted the part, she might just fit in as any socialite might? Valery surely seemed to think so, if her words were any indication - and Jenn has never known her friend to be anything but truthful in the time they had known one another. A simple truth that helped to return a small measure of calm to her.​

​

Besides, she had Jonyna at her side. Not quite the remedy to all of life's woes, but a warm presence all the same, helping to keep her soothed, even in such an overwhelming environment. A smile pulled at her lips, then, and she found it in herself to relax. She was among friends, after all. People who valued her for who she was, rather than what she represented. ​

​

Jonyna's enthusiastic introduction of the young Zabrak earned but a lift of her brow. That made... all three people around her emerging from the freezer, as Karrys would call it. Perhaps she was making a habit of crossing paths with those souls left out of place, out of time, yet still holding on. For now, she turned her piercing gaze towards the Padawan, as if she sought to look through her. Even without her helm and the Jaig Eyes etched upon it, most found her eyes far too intense to behold, the soft glow speaking of barely-restrained power.​

​

"That we have not. I am Jenn Kryze", answered the Mandalorian politely, reaching out to shake the girl's prosthetic hand. ​

​

Azurine Varek Jonyna Si Valery Noble ​

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana

"Its not you Braze, she's been feeling out of place since she got here." "Wish I knew why. Fancy stuff like this is right up her alley. It's why I wanted to invite her after some of the fancy places she's taken me." "Here, have some chocolate cake." "Loomi is fine too. Look, Cora is being a doll to her.""What did you mean by picking something out?"

Braze tilted his head slightly, his frown deepening as he carefully placed the hair stick back. "Oh… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable," he said gently, letting out a quiet sigh. He blinked, trying to clear the unexpected emotion in his glassy eyes, and instead focused on the cake in front of him. He took a bite, hoping the sweetness might lighten his mood.

Maybe… maybe she just felt out of place as a non-Force user? That could be it. Being around people who could do incredible things with just a thought could be intimidating. He knew that feeling all too well; whenever he encountered powerful Sith or even some exceptionally skilled Force users, a touch of fear and awe always seemed to creep in. He could understand if that's how she saw him—like something monstrous, maybe. But then, that didn't quite add up. Cassana was her friend, and she could use the Force.

Braze shook his head, trying to brush away the uncomfortable thoughts that swirled restlessly in his mind, threatening to overwhelm him.

"Uh… maybe go get yourself something nice to wear? Some good shoes or something," he suggested, hesitating for a moment. "I just… miss going places with friends. Thought it might be nice to spend some time together."

 

[Azurine Varek]

Diamonds Forged Under Pressure

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

Azurine's face flashed a soft shade of pink for a moment when Valery passed the compliment her way, almost the same way it had when Zaiya Ceti and Mahsa had said the same. Those kind words from all of them had made her feel so much more at ease and able to push back her fears and finally break through that shell to allow herself to be the confident fire she carried. She made a mental note to thank the two padawans again later when whatever had made them uncomfortable earlier had calmed down. "Thanks! You and Annie were right about the dress." She gave a quick twirl so the colors would dance across it, the crystal chains hanging from her horns across her forehead also caught the light to shimmer. Warrior or not, she certainly loved having the opportunity to wear something like this.

Turning her attention to Jonyna as she spoke, she couldn't keep herself from laughing a bit. "Hey, I'm still reeling after what you told me about that Han guy. Too bad I never met him." She joked with a sly grin, glad that the two of them had gotten close as fast as they had. It was always nice to be able to swap stories with the cathar master, most of which they both understood and could laugh about while others seemed throughly confused. Though one of the most ironic facts to her was that they very well would have been close in age at that time, but given Jonyna had come out of stasis a while before she herself had even been discovered the age gap was widened.

Azzie then turned her attention back to Jenn. Her eyes were stunning, almost hard to pull her own gaze away from. Maybe it was a bit unsettling, but not for long. She had seen far more things that were more off-putting in her life, and this was much more beautifully haunting than it was terrifying, making her smile warmly at the thought. That, and the way her aura held no sign of malice was poof enough.

She tilted her head to the side for a moment when she spoke and accepted the handshake, a flash of recognition sparking through her amethyst purple eyes. She'd heard that name before, Kryze. A long time ago, back when Archibald spent time telling her more about the Mandalorian people and their culture. Was she Mandalorian? An excited smile crossed her face.

"Briikase urcir gar!" (Pleased to meet you) She spoke, a little more overly animated than she had intended to come off, but it had been a while since she'd had a reason to speak the language of a long passed friend. She also hoped that maybe in doing so she might be able to put a bit of the discomfort in the woman's aura at peace.

Valery Noble | Jonyna Si | Jenn Kryze​