Faction An Evening at The Crystal Rose

[Jasper Kai'el]

Crystal Rose
Tags: Marissa Shoda , Ko Vuto

Lightsaber
​

"Should we go and ask Braze? Or... should we just ride this out? I'll kick his ass if there's another jammer showcase."

"He's talking to friends right now," Jasper noted. "I don't think he knew that you were sensitive to jammers in any case..."

He gave Marissa a pat on the back, giving her a glance over to make sure that she wasn't having anymore issues. She seemed to no longer be having problems, so Jasper gave her a faint smile before turning back to Ko.

"Well, looks like we'll just have to ask him later," he decided. "Thanks anyways. Oh, that reminds me, I didn't give you all of the Matukai techniques I learned during my sabbatical. Perhaps you'd be interested in a few more lessons? If your scheduled permits it, of course."

It was only fair after all. Ko had received half of the training. There was always room to grow, even as a knight.

 

[Loomi]

Crystal Rose
Tags: Corazona von Ascania , Others...

​

"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."

"That... does make me feel a little better," Loomi admitted, her head perking back up. "I-I don't want to be overwhelmed. People have fun at events like this, a-and I want to have fun too. I just... I-I don't know how to not feel weird."

It was at least comforting that Cora had experienced some of the same. If someone as composed as her was able to make mistakes, surely this wasn't as bad as her brain was trying to convince her it was. She just needed to focus and clear her head. Easier said than done. Loomi didn't even know where to begin doing that. How did she have fun in a place that seemed like it wasn't really made for her?

"H-how do you handle it all?" she asked. "You always seem so comfortable at things like this... I-I want to do that. B-be comfortable, I mean."

That would surely save her the embarrassment in the long-term.

 

[Casaana]

Shopping? Well she could use a few new clothes. Some of her pants were getting a little ragged around the cuff and thin across the knee. She'd also hit another growth spurt, sleeves weren't as long as they used to be. "Yeah, I know a few good thrift shops. Can make an afternoon of it and get away from the temple for a bit."

Casaana leaned her side against the edge of the table, shifting on her cushion so she could people watch while she nibbled on her cake. Really she wanted to go after Persephone but she also didn't want to leave Braze alone with his depressive attitude. "I could also get some more eyeliner and gloss... can get shampoo from the temple stores, but some meiloorun body-scrub would be nice." She mused it over, "I've kinda got a pretty tight budget since I'm saving up for a... uhm thing. Was there anything you needed?" Nice save Casaana. A day out did sound like fun, and it'd be nice to hang out with someone without, all of this on top of other people. Somehow most of the time she saw Braze, it was with a huge group.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana

​

Braze perked up at that, curiosity tinging his features. He couldn't help but wonder why Casanna hadn't gone after her friend—wasn't that what people usually did? Leaning forward, he ventured carefully, "Oh… if I may be so bold ask, what is it you're saving up for?"

He took a tentative bite of his cake, savoring the taste with a thoughtful pause.

"Oh, me? I don't really need much of anything, per se," he admitted, a hint of self-consciousness in his tone. "I just… well, I like finding new pretty things, I suppose. Maybe pick out some nice gifts for Life day... " He considered his own answer for a moment, fingers drumming lightly on his cup before he added, "Maybe some clay… even colored clay, if I find something nice."

With that, he took a sip of tea.

​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya's face brightened as Mahsa joined in, happily sipping her drink and munching on the snacks. She gave Mahsa an approving nod and grinned widely.

"Right? It's so good! And the fruit at the bottom -- yum!" she sang, her spirits lifting a bit as she focused on the treats. Food always seemed to have a way of brightening her mood.

When Mahsa picked out a new appetizer, Zaiya laughed, holding hers up.

"Cheers!" she said, clinking the little snack in a playful toast before taking a big bite.

"Mmm, this is amazing!"

She could practically imagine Aris here, sneaking bites too. It made her stomach twist again in thought, but Zaiya pushed it out of her mind.

"Ohhh, that's good!" Zaiya exclaimed, quickly reaching for another as her gaze flickered to the displays, taking more sips from her Sangria in between bites.

Her curiosity was piqued as Jocelyn demonstrated the latest in covert gadgets. Each item seemed to mix style with stealth, blending tools of espionage with fashion. The Covert Compact was the first to catch Zaiya's eye: a small gadget with scanning capabilities, a holographic projector, and a hidden cosmetic compartment.

Her eyes widened as Jocelyn held up the next item -- the Covert Kiss. It looked like a regular lipstick, but it doubled as a laser cutter.

"A laser cutter... in a lipstick?" she muttered in awe, glancing at Mahsa. "That's genius."

They moved on to the Glow Guard, a circlet that could emit a blinding light. Then there were HushCuffs, which looked like regular ear cuffs but concealed tiny comm devices. Zaiya's mouth dropped open a little more with each gadget. She could almost hear her master lecturing her on 'responsible use' as she imagined having some of these herself. Maybe even enhancing them in some way?

Her thoughts snapped back as Jocelyn revealed the Nite Night Nails, polish that released sedatives or poisons with a simple scratch.

"Okay, that's wild…" Zaiya murmured, equal parts fascinated and wary. The Phantom Fresh spray, designed to mask a user's scent from trackers, was next, followed by the Processor Pendant, which could decrypt data in real time.

"And this -- SlyTie?" Zaiya pointed as Jocelyn held up a stylish necktie with hidden gadgets. "They're hiding spy gear in fashion now!"

But it was the Vixen's Vambrace that left her totally starry-eyed. A sleek wristband that could hold grenades, knives, and even a grappling hook? Zaiya felt a burst of admiration, though a small, practical voice reminded her that she didn't exactly need a grappling hook at the Temple.

Finally, Jocelyn showcased the Covert Purse, which had a biometric lock, taser, signal jammer, and secret compartments.

"What do you think?" she asked Mahsa, her voice low with excitement. "It's like… Jedi tech but make it fashion!"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

How do I handle it?

Cora took a few long moments to formulate a response. The cold creep of her juice-soaked dress didn't exactly help her thought process.

"I've been attending formal events like these since I was young - I suppose that makes them a little more normal for me."

Loomi likely had not had the advantage of a childhood spent learning to keep a placid outward exterior. Cora smiled her thanks to Makko Vyres as he returned with additional napkins.

"Small breaks help. I find that feeling the cool air on my face helps to take away the frazzled thoughts."

Her other suggestion would be a glass or three of red wine, but somehow encouraging an underaged Padawan to drink alcohol didn't seem appropriate.

 

[Ko Vuto]

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

“A self defense tech showcase? Hmm, well I’m not really in the market for such gadgets and gizmos.” Ko chimed in before slotting his drink’s bendy straw into his mask. For the most part this whole ordeal seemed more like a gathering of peers with somewhat soothed Ko’s concerns. Worrying a little about some private interests trying to butter themselves up to the Jedi to try and earn favor with the order. Something the rather traditional Kel Dor wouldn’t be very supportive of.

Then Jasper asked Ko something else unrelated to the event they were currently a part of. “Well I didn’t imagine that that was it for the Matrukai. Otherwise they’d be a bit of a one trick pony wouldn’t they? But that does sound nice. Soft to Solid alone has been a game changer for me. Us Kel Dor are more geared towards avoiding harm than tolerating it physically after all.” Ko explained some as to how the ability he was taught has been a big help for his own personal survivability.

“Perhaps I could bring my pupil along for such lessons as well. I’m sure it could do Valor some good to learn abilities of other Traditions.”​

​

 

[Casaana]

She side eyed him as she leaned back against the table from atop her cushion. There wasn't really any reason not to share, though she'd have thought not saying would have told most people not to ask. But that had driven curiosity. She let a confident grin tug up the corner of her mouth as a determined glint showed in her eye. "A skyhopper. One of those Zephyrs that hit the market awhile ago." She ran her fingers through her hair before flicking it back like she'd seen a cool heroine she liked do in a holo. "I've been learning to fly and want my own wings." She could rack up some serious flight time if she had her own machine, and the light aero sporter with its speeder bike seat and outsized turbo thruster seemed like just the thing for her.

"Just picture it, the sun glinting on those curves as it flips and rolls above the blue waves on Kattada. The freedom, the speed. Supposedly its also one of those ships that sorta grows with you. Not just in the sense that it'll keep up with your skill curve, but also super easy to modify. I hear the guns and other systems get swapped out all the time." Casaana knew Braze probably wanted her to pick up on the clay comment like he had her savings, but she was hoping to get him to stop looking inward for a bit. He needed something to distract him from his feelings, and she thought maybe talking about ships would do it. Boys liked this stuff right? And if she did ask, she saw the conversations going something along the lines of Braze saying 'I sculpt this thing.' And her replying with 'neat.'
Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana

Braze perked up at that, a grin creeping across his face. Flying—now that was something he didn't just like; he lived for it. "Oh yeah? That sounds hella cool," he replied, lifting his glass and taking a sip, letting her words paint the picture in his mind.

As she waxed poetic, he found himself caught up in the vision, drifting into the daydream she spun. But he shook it off, though it was easy to stay engaged when someone was speaking his language. Every word she spoke resonated, threading right into the core of what he understood.

"Yeah, I think it's one of the most liberating sensations—the kind of freedom that only comes from flying fast. There's nothing like it. It's that rush, that high, you know?" He tilted his head, curiosity lacing his voice as he asked, "So, how much do you need to make it happen?"

​

 

[Casaana]

Her eyes narrowed at his question. It was kinda like asking after her weight in her opinion. But he was in a mood and seemed to share her opinion of flying, so she was gracious enough to let it pass. "I'm not far off now. Maybe a few months. There's this lightly used one I think I can get a pretty good deal on. And yes, I've had it checked out. Even did some of the work myself." Which she was proud of, as Braze could tell even through her enthusiasm for the Skyhopper in general. "Doesn't come with much, has the blasters and pneumatic, which I'd probably drop it for the weight."

There were some other things she'd seen done to those Zephyrs that she'd seen talked about in a magazine. But it would be better to get hers before planning much further ahead. Actually fly the thing and make sure it was like she dreamed. And save up more credits. That would help a lot too. Of course the company that put it out had a reputation for durable and easy to maintain craft, even on a budget. That same article had mentioned how their fighters had a reputation for being able to keep going with nothing but a hydrospanner, and engineering tape. Junkyard parts too if you were really desperate. Bush pilots were apparently finding this one no exception.

Braze

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

"Yeah, the fruits are the best part of it."

They were like little treats, absolutely bursting with a mix of their natural flavors and whatever juice they’d been mixed into for this drink. "Cheers~" A soft giggle escaped as she toasted her little snack with Zaiya’s, before a fresh wave of sunflower shades washed over her hair as she took her first bite.

A perfect balance of flavor and textures that had the Kazelrrian humming in delight as she chewed, a feeling that was doubled upon discovering their drink also paired well with it. Each sip just made her want another, and she was happy to see there were plenty of jars available for them to refill their glasses when needed.

The voice of a woman as she presented the various unique items and their applications pulled their attention away from the food for a moment, the Kazelrrian occasionally reaching back for another snack—whichever was nearest really—when her current one was gone as she listened to their explanations.

"Whoaaa… those are super creative." She was impressed by each new feature that Jocelyn revealed, wondering how so much utility could be hidden into small items. Not only that, but they also continued to retain their elegant designs too. It’d be quite hard to spot them among the traditional albeit expensive counterparts, though she couldn’t imagine herself wearing any of them—certain they would look out of place on someone like herself.

"They’re kinda like the bangles you’ve made, Zaiya." She couldn’t help but be reminded of them as ehr attention turned to the ones on her wrist, a fond smile grazing her lips. They were simpler in design compared to the various items on the Vixen’s Vault line, but… "I like yours a lot more."

---

Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya’s face blushed at the compliment, tiny flutters of golden bioluminescence dancing over her mottled spots and cheeks. Well into her sangria, there was a lovely warmth that seemed to seep into her bones, relaxing her and allowing her to feel a little better now.

“Daw… thank you. “ she replied bashfully, taking another sip.

“I am trying to see what else I can make. I might try and see if perhaps I can get some stun perls and make a pretty necklace or headpiece to use when I don’t have my cloak on me. Or maybe some super strong mesh tape to tie someone up — might have been handy back at the station.” The Lovalla mused thinking back.

“Hmm… what do you think would be useful in a battle again?” Then all a sudden Zaiya gave a gasp, turning to face Mahsa, a startled shimmer of a medley of hues ripping over over in alarm.

“Oh! Wait life day is coming up. I should think of what presents to make!”

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

It wasn’t often that she saw the Lovalla flustered, more often than not Zaiya was a bright and seemingly fearless presence , so Mahsa couldn’t help but grin upon seeing her friend blush at the compliment. "Maybe one day you’ll be the one presenting your own line like they’re doing today." There was a confidence to her words that wasn’t normally present, surfacing only because of how true Mahsa believed that statement to be—she knew how innovative ehr friend was, and believed Zaiya would come to create amazing things as time went on.

"Oooh… like those pretty pearl necklaces?" She’d seen pictures of them a few times before, and the thought quickly surfaced when Zaiya mentioned the stun perls. "That would be a pretty shocking surprise~"

She’d taken a big liking to the sangría, evident after the Kazelrrian absentmindedly topped off her glass for the third time. "Mmm, that’s a good question." She nodded in agreement to the mesh tape, seeing the value it could have on missions, before her brows furrowed in thought as Zaiya asked her opinion.

"Those cradles were pretty annoying…" She’d been shocked upon feeling pockets where the Force was entirely absent from then, and angered upon discovering the “secret” behind them. "I also feel bad for the ysalamiri, I doubt they enjoy being caged up like that either."

She couldn’t help but wish there was a way to liberate them from their prison without requiring a Jedi to get close and personal with their captors—“Oh! Wait life day is coming up.” She paused at the sudden tangent, her mind taking a moment to figure out why that sounded so familiar.

"O-Oh… you’re right!" Perhaps it wasn’t so surprising that she’d forgotten, having learned of this and other festivities only after she’d come to the Temple. "I’d forgotten all about it."

Though she hadn’t planned it there was something Mahsa had been working on for a while now, though she’d been unsure on how to present it once it was done. Maybe that could work…?

---

Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

Zaiya tilted her head thoughtfully, a bronze shimmer casting across her rosy golden skin, warming her cheeks with empathy — and maybe also because she was unknowingly feeling the first hand side effects of a yummy sangria.

"Hmm… those Ysalimiri cradles," she mused aloud. Just thinking about the poor creatures used like that made her heart ache, a flicker of pity gliding down her fluahed cheeks in faint coppery glints.

"It's awful what they do," she said, biting her lip.

"Poor creatures. There has to be a way to work around that." Her mind raced with ideas. "Did we ever manage to get our hands on one of those backpacks? If I could study it, maybe I could figure out a way to, I don't know… disrupt or counteract it?"

Zaiya's thoughts whirled with possibilities, but she noticed Mahsa's expression shift, her hair shifting through thoughtful hues as she turned something over in her mind. Curiosity sparked in the Lovalla teenager , her opal blue eyes lighting up with intrigue as a turquoise ripple ran over her mottled spots.

"Oh?" she asked, a hint of mischief in her tone. "do you have something in mind for @Ayhan?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana

"I think you've got the right idea Casaana ; That sounds like a really great plan," Braze said, his enthusiasm matching hers. "I bet that Skyhopper is going to be fantastic once you get your hands on it. Ya' know, after-market mods are where the real fun begins. We could hit up some scrapyards together after you get it, see what we can dig up. Some of the best upgrades I've ever seen came from scavenged parts—people often overlook the gems hidden in those places." He grinned, "Plus, finding and adding in those little treasures really makes it feel like you're crafting something uniquely yours."

Braze shifted slightly, his tone becoming more reflective. "I remember picking up a job with Ko Vuto over at a Grilby's once just to save up for a few... well, let's call them 'entertainment enhancements.' It wasn't too bad, actually—until Stomme Kleine Kikker showed up and recognized me." He chuckled, shaking his head remembering the akward momment. "That guy's been trailing my Master for ages, always trying to snap a photo or two. It's always something, right?"

He paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Anyways, I bet once you start working on that Skyhopper, it'll be even better than you imagine. If you ever need an extra set of hands or just someone to brainstorm ideas with, count me in. I think it could be a lot of fun- that is if you'll let me help. "

​

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

"It really is…" The plight of the ysalamiri had stuck inside her mind long after Tython’s mishaps had been resolved. The Cage might’ve been larger than the cradle that held the lizards, but it had still been a prison that had robbed both of their kin of their freedom.

"I dunno," She had done her best to avoid directly impacting the large contraption the soldiers had carried around on their backs, unwilling to harm the ysalamir inside if she could help it, and it had been the last thing in her mind as they’d sought to avoid the infected in the station shortly afterwards. "B-But maybe some of the Jedi have…?"

There was a hint of hopefulness in her voice, maybe if they asked around the Temple someone would have more information or a way to interact with the cradles and release the lizards inside? "Maybe they can be hacked open… like when you tapped into that terminal for a map?"

She had little more to add to that thought however, her knowledge of electronics being close to nothing when compared to the Lovalla at her side. A slight edge of frustration nestled in her chest, before the Kazelrrian chose to drown it as she finished off another glass of their spicy fruit juice.

"Oh?" The unexpected lilt on the Lovalla’s voice caused Mahsa to pause as she looked at Zaiya, having just topped off her friend’s glass before refilling her own It was impossible to miss how those opal blues absolutely sparkled with mischief, a wave of heat pooling on her cheeks as the Kazelrrian pointedly averted her gaze away first. "W-What…?"

Perhaps it wasn’t surprising that Zaiya could read her thoughts so easily, another sip of her glass taken as Mahsa tried to ignore the warmth that had slowly started to spread towards her ears next. "K-Kinda…"

---

Zaiya Ceti ​

 

[Casaana]

"Yeah," she agreed with Braze as she thought it over. "Scavenging is right up my price range," she smiled at the little joke, "also there's something about doing the work yourself. Not just knowing how to fix it when things break again, but understanding each part and its needs." Another bite of cake was chewed thoughtfully. "I don't exactly want to start planning before I've even bought one. That's something like a rhonto before the hoversled, to borrow a phrase, but eventually I'd like to put a proper engine in. One suited for deep space like ion or, better yet, a fusial thrust engine. More robust shielding too, but I don't think I should be getting in any fighter duels."

Lapsing into silence for a moment, she processed the later part of his ramblings as she licked the last of the icing off her fork. Wait, him and Knight Vuto? "Is Vuto your master?" She asked, brow furrowed. For some reason she'd never thought to consider who his mentor might be. Being so long without one herself had apparently stunted her own social awareness in Jedi matters. "And you two are....?" She hooked her middle finger around her index of the same hand, twisting them together. She was dubious, but could think of no other answer to his 'entertainment enhancement' innuendo. No, no way. It was unthinkable, but then why was some guy trying to get pictures of them?

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Casaana Ko Vuto

​

"Oh... Okay, I get it." He nodded, his tone softening as he processed her words. "Yeah, that sounds like a big change. And yeah, you're right—maybe one step at a time is better."

He gave her a puzzled look, his head tilting noticeably to one side as he stared at her, eyes focused on those fidgeting fingers. Slowly, his pupils widened, and it was like he'd been struck by a lightning bolt of realization. The change was sudden—confusion shifting to shock. He nearly dropped his cup of tea, blinking slowly as he tried to form a response.

"Noooo... no, no, no, no." He squeaked, his voice high-pitched with panic. "By the Light, no!" He shook his head fervently, eyes still wide. "It's just that—look, it's not exactly easy to buy certain things when you're living off a, uh, very... frugal allowance from the Temple. Most of our needs are covered, so if someone wants to get their hands on, let's say, a less-than-educational artisanal graphic novel series that you can read by touch... well, that's going to cost a pretty penny." He paused, the tips of his ears reddening slightly. "Jedi allowances and requisitions don't exactly look favorably on... materials that fall outside of the educational purview.... but uhh... me and knight Ko Vuto ? No... no way no... He's uh... more like an older brother to me or a cousin. Master Jasper Kai'el is my instructor and he's well... wall he's my dad now. "

​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

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

"Hmm... hacked?" That was a thought. Even with the giddy, bubbly state her head seemed to be in, Zaiya was still thinking about those Ysalamiri cages and what could be done.

"Maybe I can ask Knight Corazona von Ascania orr Knight Ran Serys ..." Oh wait, didn't one of the Imperial mercenaries go with the two Jedi Knights?
However, her attention, as well as a mischievous smirk, grew over Zaiya's lips, cyan tones flickering with golden bioluminescence over her flushed skin indicating that she had picked up on Mahsa's expression and words.

"Ohhh... so what are you thinking of then?"

Nevermind Zaiya had to also think of a present to give to Aris Noble too!

 

[Mahsa]

Location: The Crystal Rose | Attire:【✶】

The floral details on her dress were suddenly fascinating as Zaiya began to probe further, shades of coral and pink dancing in her hair as Mahsa stumbled over her words. "W-Well I couldn’t get him anything l-last year…" Life Day, like many other festivities, were something they’d come to learn about after leaving the Cage, and the desire to make something for Ayhan had stuck with her ever since… she just hadn’t known what to do exactly until recently.

"R-Remember the branches of ankarres wood that D- Drifter gave me?" She had been curious about the many things her unexpected savior turned friend had gifted her, and she thought the properties of the wood would complement the Firronthix’s natural abilities. "I w-was thinking of combining it with the amberite to make a r-ring…?"

It had sounded like a good idea in her head at the time, but the heat that continued to flush her skin in a bright rosy hue now had Mahsa wondering if maybe it wasn’t a good gift after all.

---

Zaiya Ceti ​