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It's that time of year, for Life Day draws near! It only comes once a year, and it's a day for family, fun, and celebration. We come together to express our gratitude towards those who make the Confederacy and life the joyous experience that it is.
Rarely is the temperate world of Naboo covered in snow -- but on this magical evening, a Life Day miracle has occurred and left the entire capital of Theed under a blanket of crystallized, frozen water. In the dusk, shops emit a warm glow as citizens stroll under the bright lights and banners hung along streetpostss. Children play, laughing as they hurl snowballs at each other and the occasional passerby.
And in the central courtyard of Theed, now the host of a temporary and massive communal firepit being used for warmth and a place to roast various foods on a stick, a gift exchange has begun as beings from all over the galaxy come together to participate in one of the most ancient Life Day traditions -- a Gift Exchange. No credits are sought, no payment is required. All that is expected is that if you receive something, that you bring something to give away as well to perpetuate this cycle of charity and brotherhood.
Come join the celebrations and discover who had you on their mind this Life Day season.
This is a thread for those who participated in the 2020 Secret Santa; use this thread to present your gifts to whomever your lucky person is. If you did not get your submission done in time, please post a google doc link with the write-up.
Sorry I couldn't make it to this little shin-dig myself. I'm a busy man in a busy galaxy, and unfortunately, most of my associates aren't too keen on respecting weekends-off for holidays. But hopefully, this letter and packages make it to you okay.
I wanted to give these things to you as a sign of goodwill and compensation for, eh, future events. Plus you're a mighty fine woman -- I'd be remiss if I could not have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of drinks with you.
Regardless, let's get into the gifts that come with this letter. The first that I've left in is a female Ivalian Protodragon. She doesn't have a name, since I thought you might want to take point on that part. But, she was the most playful individual from her brood. She certainly won't be a beast to conquer cities with, but she's just about the gosh-darndest cutest thing I've seen this side of the Tingel Arm.
The next little present I have for you is a much more useful companion. This droid, DB-1, was a prototype that made its way into my lab from Industrial Automaton. Don't ask me how, I don't know. Anyways, I managed to fix her up, give it a good personality matrix, and tune it into a companion worthy of a Queen. It'll respond to Deebie, and it can do all the normal things an astromech can, and a little more -- it'll slice its way through about anything, and bacta sprays and stim injections will let it patch you up quickly (I included Green Bacta in the droid's canisters, and if you ever need more, just holler -- it's on the house). There's a more detailed owner's manual linked inside, which hopefully has enough instructions to keep this droid working.
Finally, I thought that the perfect thing to go along with a (severely upgraded) astromech would be a ship; and thus, I bequeath to you a rare beauty, the Ithilien Empress. I acquired her frame from some ancient Mandalorian schematics -- thought that might pay homage to your ol' master. But she is anything but ancient. Fitted with the finest tech that starshipwrights have to offer, she's fast, furious, and stealthy, perfect for private excursions with your two new friends. She runs on an experimental particle collider, which means you could go full-burn continuously for ten years without having to refuel. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the label, or else you'd find yourself and all matter in the radius of a couple of kilometers sucked into a black hole. All I really got to say is that this ship is a real beauty, which is fitting for a beauty like you.
Anyway, I hope this letter and these gifts find you well. And, uh, Merry Life Day, sister.
Asher was not a socialite by any stretch of the word. In fact, he particularly loathed gathering with those who he did not know well. So he did not attend the Life Day celebrations thrown by the Confederacy. However, in his stead a mechanical beast arrived to the gathering. It quickly made itself known to Aiden Wolf
as a gift. A wolf for a wolf. Attached to Bloodhound's collar was a single tag that read:
It is my apologies that I cannot give this gift to you in person. For the holidays I am away conducting some...research.
This weapon that you are receiving was a weapon of an ancient warrior, who lived thousands of years ago on the planet Hoth. With careful examination I have found that through alchemy it was given the ability to freeze people through the similar process of Carbonite.
When this weapon reaches your hands, I hope that you found my naming of it appropriate: Icebreaker.
To one Anse Baenshaol. As part of the gift exchange we at Freebirds Industries have decided to create a prototype armor for you to utilize at your leisure. Encased in this package is the contents of our PROJECT: WOLFHOUND, our latest development in the line of shifting armors for all types of shifters. You will find that it never needs to be fitted, and will adjust automatically with you as you go through your changing processes. Do take care and stay safe these holidays, but also don't be afraid to put the armor through its paces. As one of our valued customers we at Freebirds Industries feel you should be free to live life without any limits.
With sincerest regards
Ryan Alphonse, Chief Engineer of Freebirds Industries.
On a whim I listed my name under some sort of gift exchange service. Your name was sent to me. As it turns out you are a hard man to shop for, so I decided instead of trying to come up with something for a man who has such reach and means, I would offer something useful.
This weave is something I hope you find to be of great value and, I would very much like for you to become the main seller of goods that use this seemingly delicate silk.
Vanestris Labs is, humbly at your service, should you seek a deal.
Voph never was one to go to these sorts of events. He detested Life Day, and all it reminded him of. But upon the recommendation of some of his associates, he had attended anyways. He bore a gift for a certain individual. One that he had originally conceived of some years back. But times were changing. Voph felt the force ebb and flow. It was time for him to seek another path. His days leading the Confederacy from the forefront were over. Now, on the eve of his departure, he sought to lend his knowledge and expertise to those that would rise to fill the void he would leave behind.
Voph held the small package close as he warmed himself by the fire. Not that he needed to. The Force provided insulation enough. But the soft glow of the flames soothed him. Helped to ease the melancholy that threatened to take his soul each and every year. Now, even more potent given the events of the past months. Voph's planet and family had been reduced to nothing. As he watched the tendrils of energy dance upon the bonfire, he was filled with a sense of calm. That everything would be alright.
Voph stirred when a protocol droid approached him, indicating it came on behalf of High Marshal Kiff Brayde
. Voph extended the package, offering a simple message to accompany it. "High Marshal Brayde. You fought admirably in the skirmish of Dantooine. I see you becoming a great admiral one day. Perhaps one of the best the Confederacy has to offer. With this gift, I hope you are able to make this reality all the clearer. May it serve you well in your future endeavors."
After the droid had trundled off, Voph turned to find a bench to sit upon. His duty here had been fulfilled. The merriment of parties and celebrations filled the air. But Voph wasn't ready to leave just yet. The bench he selected was covered in snow, perched far enough back from the fire that it had yet to melt. A simple flick of the fingers sent the Force surging forth to blast the snow off the bench, and create a dry place for Voph to sit. He sat down with a soft sigh, leaning forward to rest his elbows upon his knees. Tonight was a peaceful night. He could linger by the fire a few moments longer...
It was like Naboo had been caught up under some kind of spell, it was like nothing that John had ever expected to see before. The normally green streets of Naboo covered in snow, the amazed and joyful cries of children and the despair groans of their parents filling the city. It was…nice.
The dark-haired Exarch shook the snow off his coat, eyes flicking back towards the street before he slipped inside, a smile pulling at his lips. He’d never really seen it, snow in a city. He’d never had a chance to see them, the children running through the streets throwing snowballs, making snow angels or snowmen, just loosing themselves in the joy of the situation. It’s why he’d chosen to leave his speeded behind, to walk through the streets, one more citizen carrying a present to a party, one of the countless events taking place across the city.
One more shake of his shoes before the man entered the hall, the thin box joining the other presents before he made his way into the party proper. Hopefully the Grand Marshall would enjoy the gift.
Delicate footsteps carried her through the freshly fallen snow, almost, as if she were one of the unique flakes twirling through the air. She seemed distant. Disconnected. The warmly lit shops and eateries seemed inviting. It would have been, perhaps, if she were anyone else. She loathed this world. She could feel the essence of her former partner in every breath she took. Lingering. It permeated the entirety of this planet. From shore to frozen shore. It made a mockery of every memory.
Every heartbeat.
The sweeping, typically warm winds, and shining faces, slashed through her like razor blades to the chest cavity. Seeing a cold snap choke the life from the greenery Naboo was known for gave her an almost pristine sense of satisfaction. It was not Geonosis. She missed the heat, the blistering, cruel apathy of a world that cared not for its citizens. They survived in spite of it. Because they were innovative. Strong. Not—Because the planet made it easy.
If she never set foot on the so-called rock made paradise again it would be too soon. Unfortunately, her Master required otherwise. He wished that she would remain at his side. Exarch and Apprentice. She would obey. Not out of any sense of misbegotten loyalty; but because it was what the Force demanded. It was her purpose. Darth Metus was her tether. He was her blood—As much as her mother and father. As much as any of her siblings. It simply, was.
A brief ping in her ear announced the arrival of a missive from a mysterious character referred to as The Nomad
. She was surprised to hear from him. The name had appeared in a variety of murmurs and dockets that had crossed her desk in Polaris Court but they had never been formally introduced. The information that the message contained was more than a little surprising. So many gifts on Life Day and an offer for libations for “future events” caused a singular elegant eyebrow to raise.// Your compliments are well met; though ill-placed. I am merely a product of happenstance and my betters. //
She was curious. Endlessly, so.
It was perhaps her one defining quality that didn’t revolve around a sword. A new creature for her menagerie, a droid, and a rather impressive ship. He was right. The Vicelord would appreciate the sleek schematics that had bits and pieces drawn from Mandalorian culture.
// We may have tea, Nomad, whence you next pass Naboo. //
The words were delivered with a glacial chill that echoed the wintry world around her, though, any who knew her would recognize that it was an honor. She made time for few. Even fewer—Did she actually offer to entertain for an afternoon. The Echani left her Holo-Comm on for further communications but returned to following an invisible line toward the person she had come to visit.
“He is here.”, she murmured, lightly, and the dark wisp that wrapped around her torso shifted in response. Uncertain. Srina could only smile. Horace was prepared for this. They had spoken of his endeavors at great length. They would likely not see one another again for quite some time. She could feel his excitement, anxiety, and happiness as only a mother could. Her finest creation, that she was most proud of, was so very ready to see the galaxy. “There…”, she pointed out with a delicate hand. Seated on a bench was a familiar form. Srina would know Voph anywhere.
The shadow moved. He would join this Miralukan on his travels. His recent departure from the role of Lord Commander seemed to have shaken some in the Confederacy, but Horace seemed to think of this new path as a solid stepping stone. Who knew what awaited? What could change?
Horace would stay with Voph when his mother took her leave. He would protect what she found important, dear, as so few things fell into that category. This Voph was significant to her.
That made the white-haired man significant to him.
<<He seems different, Mother...Aloof? Cold?>>
"Perhaps...", she replied, though, she didn't elaborate fully. Not yet. Horace would need to find his way around people in the same way she had been forced to. It would be the only way he would survive on his own. "Every man has his secret sorrows that the world knows nothing of. We will often call a man cold when truly...He is sad. Perhaps, it is that."
Srina approached Voph without trying to hide her presence in the Force. The long white cloak she wore pulled along behind her while the ivory fur that lined the caller ruffled. It was warmer as she got closer to the bonfires, but, not much. A sense of something akin to peaceful nostalgia rolled through her. Melancholy. She understood it rather acutely. Soft hands reached around his head to hide eyes that couldn’t see. It was a childish thing and her words were delivered in an exceedingly deadpan fashion. “You may guess who, now.”
Actions, with the Echani, would always speak louder than words.
He was lucky she hadn’t thrown a snowball at him.
"When I sensed your approach, I half expected a snowball to be lobbed in my direction." Voph pushed himself to his feet as Srina Talon
withdrew her hand. He turned to face her, and bowed slightly. A gesture without the typical rigidity he displayed in such motions. A greeting offered to only the closest of friends.
Friends.
If Srina could even consider him that any more. His duties as Lord Commander had kept him busy, but not busy enough to warrant not having seen her since...
...how long HAD it been since the two had spoken? Voph could not remember a notable interaction since the fateful day on Kuat. A day that had changed the girl forever. Voph did not know how or why, but he had heard the stories. Even the most oblivious beings noticed the smallest details. Voph wasn't sure how well verse Srina was in the arts of reading people, but he was sure that his form did not tell a pleasant story today.
In the recent months, Voph had found an entirely new understanding of the loss Srina must have felt after the Mandalorian barbarism on Eshan. Having suffered a devastating loss on his own planet, he too bore the scars of intense loss. Even though his quest consumed much of his time, now, Voph silently resolved to make more of an effort to be present for his friends. He understood pain and hardship better than most. And he was unwilling to allow those he considered his friends to pass another day in perceived solitude.
"I trust our famed couriers have delivered your gifts in a timely manner?"
The package had been a simple affair. Something seeming akin to a farewell message. There was a note packed within the box, explaining the purpose and function of the items contained within. The chief among them had been the Domakir, a device given to the Obsidian Council, as well as Metus, his Exarchs, and a few other notable persons. But packed on a more personal note were two items given to Srina specifically as a gift. A cloak, based on his own gift, and a simple ring. One bearing the shape of a dragon. His family crest. Simple gifts, but it was the best he could manage in these trying times...
Among the merriment and gift-giving, a lone package rested upon a small table. Neither of which had been there moments before, or perhaps they had and had merely been barred from perception. Nevertheless, the package and table - both purples in pigment - rested as if they'd been there eons ago. Attached to the parcel, a note, etched in a metallic purple ink, a spattering of gold flecks embedded into the parchment.
A friend to be had, both young and old, Their name is Uri, or so I've been told. An aid or guide are both within reason, For this creature gifted in holiday season.
There was a sense of joy among those who were receiving their gifts, and even Gerwald felt the warm glow of the merriment as he was presented with the axe. It was an ironic gift, the summer wolf would be given a wintery weapon. The irony of it was what made Gerwald enjoy it all the more. It was unlike anything he had been given, and while he was used to combat with a sword or lightsaber, Gerwald looked forward to adding this to his arsenal. The new Lord Commander needed a weapon designed to intimidate, and this would certainly do just that.
His icelandic eyes scanned the room, looking to faces that were familiar to him. Of all those in the room it was uncertain who he was closest to, Kyyrk
, his mentor as of late, or Srina Talon
, the Echani which had saved him. Both held a different place in his heart, for equally diverse reasons. Gerwald had not drawn either of their names for his particular event. It would have seemed rigged perhaps if he had.
With everything going on around him, the wolf did not know if the person his gift was for had arrived yet or not. Still that did not stop him from standing and calling for the person he would gift his creation to.
Oleander Webb
, you have proven yourself to be a capable Knight, and a capable Knight needs a dependable dagger. Fashioned after the design of the people of my home planet, I present you with Bearclaw.”
Her hands fell away from sightless eyes when she felt Kyyrk
move to stand at her arrival. If anyone else dared bow before her as he had the Exarch might have straightened their spine with a solid slap from the force. The Echani warrior prostrated herself before no one. Not Kings, not Queens, nor anything else in-between. Typically, she wouldn’t have allowed it. Typically. But it was Voph. She remembered his mannerisms with the sharp clarity of a vision encased in crystal-quartz. A delicate shrug rolled through slender shoulders and a ghostly smile brushed by the kiss of pale lips. “I thought about it. Twice.”, she admitted, without the slightest ounce of shame.
“Hitting a blind man on a park bench with a snowball on Life Day seems…Distasteful.”
Time did not dictate a friendship.
Srina could count the number of people she referred to as a friend, excluding family, on one hand. Their duties, distance, and time spent apart did not disqualify that. Life was not always patient, nor, was it kind. It did not take into account that their respective stations had led them from one side of the galaxy to the other more times than she could count. It did not account for periods of loneliness, rage, and despair. Nor, for the time she spent locked away, learning, and training.
She was the Dread Queen. Darth Omnia. If she didn’t send their enemies screaming and fleeing in terror there was obviously something wrong. The opposite was also true. Those Srina favored would always be welcome. Always, be safe. “You’ve been busy.”
It was a statement. Not an accusation. As the Miralukan asked about the gifts he had sent she reached up and tugged a long silver chain from around a swan-like neck. He would see the dark grey vylmirium ring glimmer in the distant fire-light. The cloak was a little large in the shoulders but she understood the sentimental value more than anything. It wasn’t quite a sword, but, personal armor sang to her all the same. It had been important to Voph. She would keep it safe and well-worn. “I have had difficulty persuading the rabbits that your gifts were for me, not them. They argued very loudly over the Domakir for at least an hour.”
Simple for Srina was best. Simple, honest, from the heart.
Speaking of, heart, silver eyes flickered toward his center mass. His chest. His heart felt wrong. Not in the physical sense of a murmur but in the fact that the tip seemed to have a weight pulling it down. The same sadness that Horace had mistaken for being aloof. The closer she became, the longer she looked, the more she knew. Pain recognized pain. Srina tucked the necklace back down the front of her traveling dress and the Echani moved around the bench. Her hand caught his elbow as she passed and she tugged him closer to the bonfire, and thusly, closer to the light music that filled the air.
It wasn’t overly cheerful. Somehow, it fit the falling snow. The cold evening.
“I am sorry, Voph.”
The apology was coupled with the raising of her hand, palm outward. The dance that the others performed around them was quite old. A game of sorts. They would mirror one another through easy turns without actually touching at all. Something, to get the blood moving lest they all resort to Tapas or freeze to death. Srina did not explain what she was sorry for. It was not she who had placed loss in his path. They both knew that. He would also know—She understood. “You should visit. From time to time. I imagine that the Knights would enjoy a game of catch and release with their former superior…”
Silver eyes flickered. Either with amusement, the anticipation of a challenge, or, a simple trick of the light.
“And I will reap the benefits of watching them try.”
