From the Midnight Sun Where the Hot Springs Flow (open to SSC, others PM for invite)

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Nima Tann"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Phylis was getting used to – slowly – the fact that Siobhan seemed to have been on intimate terms with practically every female Jedi she knew. Even so, seeing her have a kiss with Nima made her briefly pause. Had Siobhan seduced – or attempted to – every Jedi Master in the Sanctum?

Regardless, she brushed it off when faced by Nima’s question.
“Hmm, well, I don’t think we’ve met, but I know you by reputation. And of course I know you from what Siobhan here has said too. Nothing bad, I promise!”
She looked down at the large wolf. Ice, was it? She tentatively patted the creature. It was so…big.

 

[Audren Sykes]

"But it looks so inviting, as if wanting company."

Audren had to smile at that. He could be notoriously bad at interpreting ambiguous comments such as this one. Even so, he found the concept - if she was being literal - amusing. Nature - flora, not fauna - wanting company. Then again, the galaxy was a strange place, and there had certainly been odder occurrences. The whole Netherworld event, for example.

The Sephi barely heard the rustle of fabric as Abaigeal turned. He didn't know what she was looking at, only that it wasn't a person. No new presences besides her had made themselves known in any direction, which meant there was only the garden to take in. An exquisitely-built garden to be sure, maintained with a care that put many others to shame, yet still not perfectly natural. It was just enough to suggest that the place was cared for rather than allowed to run wild. Both the subtle care and theoretical wild growth would be impressive in their own way, though he thought the subtle care more so. It took effort to appear without effort, after all.

Once she turned back from her contemplation of whatever it was, he spoke. The tone was again light, yet less serious than before.

"And how would you propose that be provided?"

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Nima Tann"], [member="Phylis Alince"]


As Phylis knew, Siobhan liked to be friendly and show the ladies a good time. That said, she had not managed to get on intimate terms with every pretty, female Jedi. [member="Coci Heavenshield"] seemed immune.


Anyhow, on with the plot before Sio's ego gets even bigger. "Who? [member="Connor Harrison"]? Pfft. He's just a sulky, sanctimonious prick," Siobhan remarked dismissively in response to the Twi'lek's comment. "Nice to see you, Nima. How have you been doing? Phylis is a very good friend of mine. We've known each other for a long time." Them being friends was probably a bit peculiar since Phylis was sort of an orthodox Jedi. She was even trying to uphold the vow of chastity! As for Ice, he was just adorable, so Sio petted the big wolf happily.

 

[Connor Harrison]

He let out a little sigh, fused with a small laugh, lolling his head back for a second before coming back to [member="Syala Daivik"]. She always pushed, be it gently, and was too caring for her own good about him. Holding out his hand, he started to walk along the path of the railing that would take them across the whole upper outer level to the end where they could go inside, or head down to the lower area of the complex.

Laughter rang out, music down below played, and for a second Connor forgot everything again. But it was at that time that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and his ears caught the mention of his name as he passed. Not sure if was intentional or not, it was [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] talking to [member="Nima Tann"] and [member="Phylis Alince"]. And then he heard the sly dig.

He stopped and turned, hand on the rail still, a curious kink in his eye as he looked to the congregation.

"Sorry?”

He stepped forward a couple of steps.

"You have a problem, Kerrigan? Anything eating away in that head of yours?”

 

[Nima Tann]

"How... much do you know about me, exactly?" She asked to the woman as she revealed that she heard about her from Siobhan , ready to be embarassed since she knew that Sio wouldn't leave any detail outside. And a part of her was pretty happy about this because she was talking about her, which meant she had a good time with her. The smile continued as she watched her wolf, which was indeed having a good time too by being petted by two beautiful women. The tail was a direct evidence he was pretty happy with all this. Being a mutated wolf, he didn't act like one, at all.

Then Sio continued the conversation about her talking about [member="Connor Harrison"], which she didn't comment on more since the more she thought the more she was sad about that man's fate, or she could say, the fate he was pushing himself into. And feeling bad about someone who always thought he needed no help was no good either, so she just nodded and sighed, but then she collected herself.

"I am feeling good, doing lots of trainings these days to keep myself busy. You know what happens when I don't keep myself busy. How about you, Sio? Still being your own beautiful self?" She said softly laughing, as she turned towards her friend. "Nice to meet you, Phylis. And I think Ice likes you very much." She said, her tone was sincere. Just before she would say anything else, angry footsteps were heard coming towards their way. And then an angry voice followed the footsteps. It was Connor, he must've heard Sio, she thought. "Connor, it isn't the time or the place. We're at a party." She said, with a calm tone opposing his anger. And she stood close to Sio, since she knew Sio wouldn't stay quiet after that taunt. Ice was still indifferent and was enjoying the petting he was getting. But she could sense his movement and breathing changed as well, he was not relaxed as before.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Phylis Alince"] [member="Syala Daivik"]

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Nima Tann"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

Phylis heard the retort and saw Connor looking down at them. She closed her eyes slightly. Connor was being stupid. One did not provoke The Kerrigan without good reason. Ironically it seemed as though Connor was being the aggressor here, and Siobhan the calm one.

“Connor, Siobhan, please,” she said, ever the peacemaker. “Connor, you’re a Jedi, you should know better than to antagonise someone. Siobhan, please don’t poke the wasp nest. Come on, let’s get back to the party.”

She looked to Nima for more assistance here since she seemed to know Connor better.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Phylis Alince"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Connor Harrison"]


This was probably a situation that required tact and diplomacy. Phylis and Nima were trying to play peacemaker and defuse things. This was reasonable, commendable behaviour. Alas, Siobhan was not very diplomatic. That said, taunting Kerrigan was a bad idea. Ironically, she seemed quite calm.


Mostly she felt amused and a tad bored. "Oh, I'm just peachey," she said in a carefree tone, taking a last sip from her wine glass to finish it. It wasn't Eldorai wine, but very good stuff. Compliments to whoever hade picked it. "Something must be eating in your head though. Judging by your self-righteous rants on the balcony. I thought that quest with my little girl was supposed to help you with your issues."

 

[Baalagor]

Ever the peacekeeper, Syala stepped between the four of them, seeming to give each a stern look in turn despite her lack of physical sight. It was amazing what impression even a slight, blind Jedi could make if they so wished. Though the figure she cut was far from imposing, those that were privy to such information within the Sanctum seemed to forget that she took on the mantle of Shadow as well. There were two very different sides to this coin, but for the moment she would impose herself as the diplomat she was intended to be. "You all would do well to remember where you stand. This is a time meant for peace after all of us have suffered the strife and loss that war brings about. Remember that."

Her conflict was with neither [member="Phylis Alince"] nor [member="Nima Tann"], as they were doing their best to diffuse the situation, as would she. If anything, they were the other individuals living up to the label of Jedi at the moment, and she was thankful not to be the only broker of rational thought. "Master Kerrigan," Honorifics would be utilized in this scenario, even if [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] didn't prefer them. That was only her natural respect shining through, "It would be wise, I think, to not speak ill of someone when you know full well they can clearly hear you. Whatever ill will you hold, it's best to speak with the one you're troubled with, rather than holding it within or venting to others. Besides, I would argue that we're all do-gooders of some sort, here. I would expect respect to be demonstrated."

With one lecture over she now turned to [member="Connor Harrison"] and positioned herself directly in front of him so as to prevent any aggressive advance and hopefully dissuade any of the others from lashing out. With a gentle touch she took both of his hands in her own, giving them a squeeze so as to ground him in the moment and focus his attention on her. "Ignore her. You told me yourself that you care not for the opinions of others. Prove me right and let this rest. I won't defend her, but I won't necessarily take your side. Please, do what is right and let this rest. We can go somewhere more secluded to talk, but I would much rather not have a fight break out beforehand." Though she could defend herself and others if necessary, she preferred not to if at all possible.

Finally, she looked between both Siobhan and Connor. "The both of you are Masters in every regard. As a Knight, and being sixteen years of age no less, I would think expecting more of my betters isn't beyond me. Do some good for your own reputation and that of those around you and let this go. I won't ask again."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

After her contemplation on the wonderment of nature and the galaxy, she felt the need for lament. The galaxy is a harsh place, so much it will command of people, taking away what little they have to find a semblance of happiness. It can be done through war, sickness, crime or simply to survive on a daily bases, as one goes about pushing through the dangers. The avian behind her illustrated that, plucking out of the air random insects, who innocent, toiling hard to nothing more than live. And so it goes, she lives in a cruel galaxy that would take away the moment the stoic Knight Sykes, man of few words, had smiled. She had not witnessed it.

"That is only limited by your imagination", she replied with her own smile and turned away to look down over the railings once more. "There are .. options. Diving in is out, to shallow. We could take a walk along the bank of the stream to keep it company but I do believe the stream is more, tactile and so we could wade", she said with the slightest of emphasis on 'we' and so she kicked off her white shoes.


Abaigeal began to walk to the end of the bridge and once there she placed her hand on the end of the railing for support before climbing down, "Join me?", she asked but did not wait for his reply. The closer she got to the bank of the stream, the organic ground squelched up between her toes, it was soothing and cool to the skin, it felt nice. Finding a nice place to enter the water, she raised the hem of her skirt a little so not to get wet and stood in the shallow running water. The ooze for the mud on her feet washed away.

​

[member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

It would be so easy to lay into [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] - but immediately she reminded him of Master Kawakami; stubborn, insolent and someone who thrived on pushing others. But, then, the peacekeepers flocked, trying to make light of the situation and diffuse the tension.

He looked to [member="Phylis Alince"] and [member="Nima Tann"] and pointed to his chest. "If a man can't speak his thoughts on a delicate situation without being labelled a sanctimonious prick, and you say I should know better?” He scoffed and shook his head.

Connor licked his bottom lip and dragged his top teeth across the tongue while he looked away and focused everything he could to ignore the taunt. This wasn't the time or place, and the fact he was being made out to be the person in the wrong spoke volumes of how things had changed - this was an Order he didn't recognize anymore.

Looking to [member="Syala Daivik"], he nodded and smiled. Then, he turned to the trio. "Enjoy the party, ladies.”

He then looked at Ice, the mutated wolf he remembered playing with in the snow cave of Hoth months ago, now seemingly ready to pounce. Connor leant in to Nima, not with malice or intimidation, just to speak to her and her alone.

"Who are you becoming, Nima? Someone I certainly don't recognize anymore.”

With that, he stood and held his hand for Wolf to sniff and he backed away with Sy, taking her arm for stability, nodding to the ladies to leave them and any onlookers who were ready to tear into "that Connor Harrison" again. He closed his eyes and exhaled.

 

[Nima Tann]

Trying to play the peace guardian in this little conflict with [member="Phylis Alince"], she was surprised but glad that Sio kept her calm. [member="Syala Daivik"] was indeed wiser than her age, and she was proud of her because of that. Her words seemed effective on Connor as he didn't let this subject go on any further. She was about to let out a relaxed sigh, until she saw the man coming towards her. She looked at him directly in the eye as he continued moving towards her, carefully watching what he was about to do, and then, he said something that she did expect, but being her own depressive self, didn't want to hear. I don't recognize you anymore. He always had something to say that would ruin her day, didn't he? No. Not today. She wasn't going to let him do that and leave, again. She wasn't going to let this matter stick in her head. She had something to say as well to him, something that should've been said long ago. So, as seeing him leaving with Syala, she said, with a cold, but calm tone. She made sure that he would hear her words.

"Hate to break it to you, but it is how the world works. People change. It is you who try to stay the same as before, and that's the problem..." It was the truth, in her opinion, it was natural that the people changed. If it was years ago, she wouldn't say the things she has said just now, for example. "Enjoy the party, Connor." Which, didn't sound very sincere, at all. "And see you, Syala." This was sincere, she had no bad feelings with her, and Nima was glad that she was around. She sighed, but at the same time she felt proud of herself for saying those words. Seconds later, she returned to the real world from her thinking place, and then returned to Sio and Phylis. "Well, that happened..." She said with a smile, trying to clear the air. This was still a party after all, and parties were there for people to enjoy.

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Connor Harrison"]

 

[Freyia Whitelight-Carrick]

[member="Ronin Wendigo"]

Even now and then she couldn't help but let the smell of the flowers get to her nose. It was wonderful even if others wouldn't think of it as odd, she did she loved them, being so much part of the system of life. More so because they came from Ronin himself, as it seem that she like the thought of him doing something like this so. Even as she walked with him letting her eyes be keep on him as if not for the first time but for the time could feel his thoughts. No speaking a word to him, but letting her smile tell him that she like this time they was spending with each other but with others around them.

Would others around them, like the Masters of the order know what was going on with the two young ones. This caused her cheeks to heat a bit if not for the fact that they was coming to the drinks. "What you think after getting drink we go find some folks to socialize with." as her eyes look upon his.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Abaigeal E'ron"] [member="Nima Tann"][member="Setzi Lunelle"][member="Xander Stanforth"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"][member="Krux Mullarus"]

 

[000]

[member="Freyia Whitelight"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Phylis Alince"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Abaigeal E'ron"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] |[member="Nima Tann"]

It was then as the two slowly made their way towards the refreshment stand that Ronin could help. But take passing glance over at her and be all seem glad. That however well it may seem to other too simplistic and no where as grand as those he'd read in the archives during their time together there...the mere fact she appealingly was well very appreciative of it all the more made him happy. That even thought she might not know the effort and care he'd put into it. But then just look at her made it all worthwhile somehow...as even without words the two seem to come mutual understanding. At the very least that what was he lead believe himself. As her cheek seem to redden the closer they got to the fresher stand and with it company of other in the crowd.

"What you think after getting drink we go find some folks to socialize with."

As she then comes to say and he in turn with beaming innocent grin on his face nod.

"Well ok guess that what were here for and i recon this gathering is for.....at the very least with you by my side. I hopefully won't get loss or very least end up in that pond over there....."

At which case the last sentence was meant more of innocent jest at old memories from their meet. A seem way for him poke fun at how utterly awkward he was when they first met. Compared to now where with her help he somehow found the confidence and semblance of his former self abet. It had been slow going and they were what he felt not out the woods yet. As there was much yet still to work on till he could feel satisfied he'd made enough headway to gain back that which he'd lost...in time.

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Nima Tann"] @Sylala Daivik

"If a man can't speak his thoughts on a delicate situation without being labelled a sanctimonious prick, and you say I should know better?”

It was one of those rare moments of enlightenment when Phylis realised that in so many ways she was closer to Siobhan than most Jedi. It was a revelation which both worried and amused her.

As for Connor, she looked at him coolly. “That doesn’t mean you have to be one just because she says so. Goodbye, Connor.”

With a sigh Phylis turned back to the pond. She felt bad…for some reason. It wasn’t because she felt upset at Siobhan, but rather because she didn’t feel upset at Siobhan.

“I should probably go. It was nice to meet you at last, Nima. Take care, Siobhan…I’ll come and see you and Coryth again soon.”

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Phylis Alince"], [member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Nima Tann"], [member="Syala Daivik"]


While Connor was getting terribly worked up about things and proving Siobhan right, the Countess was being utterly nonchalant. Thing was, she considered the man to be beneath her. Typical whiny manling, she thought.


Her eyes flicked over to Syala after the woman delivered her 'guys, chill and act like adults' lecture. That one seemed to have a good head on her shoulder. "Oh, I like you," Siobhan exclaimed. For a change, that was not sarcasm or lame innuendo.


Then Connor had to turn to Nima. Siobhan heard what was said and felt like rolling her eyes. Sulky because she doesn't need you to be her hero? she thought to herself. However, she held her tongue and let Nima have the floor. The Twi'lek's words made her feel proud of her. Siobhan had only made her acquaintance recently after Ziost, but she had come a long way.


"Phylis, you always express things better than me," With that she turned away, after the bookworm had delivered her parting shot to Harrison. She was about to make a quip but then thought better of it when she saw that the librarian looked a bit disconcerted.


For a moment she wondered whether this was due to something she'd said and felt a bit concerned. "You sure you wanna go? Ok. Do come visit me soon," she said softly and impulsively gave the woman a hug. "You're a good friend, Phylis. Well, you're kind of like a sister to me," at that she grinned, wondering how Phylis would react to that. On the bright side, it meant she wouldn't be trying to seduce the librarian anymore! No, she'd just try to hook her up with other women.

 

[Freyia Whitelight-Carrick]

Finding herself going over the drinks that they had it wasn't as if she hadn't drank before. After what seem like a time she made her choice of a more of light fuzzing tasting drink. Finding herself very curious to his own choice. As she was about to take her first sip she couldn't help but find myself spitting out in front of her.

"Oh well, at less maybe there be swim suits here, to put on." as she gave a little laughter. Even then couldn't help but give him a little nudge with her shoulder. Even so she couldn't help but think of what he though of her own action. Telling her the next thought it was enough to relax. That was then she thought she knew she needed to met other but who would they go up to or try and talk to first.

"Where do you think we should start at lend the way, Ronin." as she let her arm be in his with her drink in the other hand listening to the change of the music.

[member="Ronin Wendigo"] Audren Sykes | Phylis Alince | Siobhan Kerrigan | Syala Daivik | Abaigeal E'ron | Connor Harrison |Nima Tann

 

[000]

[member="Freyia Whitelight"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Phylis Alince"] | [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Abaigeal E'ron"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] |[member="Nima Tann"]​

​

It was at best seemingly a humorous jest that had not gotten passed her as soon she had gotten her drink. And was about take her first sip that she unintentionally spit some of it out while she replied back.

"Oh well, at less maybe there be swim suits here, to put on."

To which with her starting laugh all the more prompted him to do so as well. Just as with a faint glance he too puts in his order as she then.

"Well true maybe they do.....but then would kinda feel bit well..awkward.."

He pause just as his drink had been handed over which was some random drink he seem fancy try on the list. Which much to his surprise wasn't half as bad abet it was bit seem on the strong side. But in any case he figured not be rude and instead take smaller sip of it hope it would. If anything not that he'd not know how to drink having done so few times before on his sojourn. But then again with her there he could help feel slightly conscious and not want embarrass himself in front of her or the other. So keep his cool he then continued listen to her speak instead.

"Where do you think we should start at lend the way, Ronin."

With light nudge with her shoulder felt by him as he then felt her arms in his as they both shifted their drinks on the other. Music playing to shift in tone over at the distance where small group played. That he turn to her and glance about randomly .

" Well how about umm there?"

His hand with the drink lifted to point at where the music was playing and soon after over hear voice on the side. turn his head to take note of small group of individuals gather onto their side. Where in for some reason had fancy to peak his interest that his gaze turn towards one them (@ Phylis Alince) .

 

[Audren Sykes]

His imagination could be exceedingly disappointing at times, either too dull to come up with anything interesting or flooding his mind with all sorts of interesting - and non-applicable - ideas. So he merely listened to her suggestions rather than making his own. The stream itself was indeed too shallow to go diving in, that was a good way to get a broken neck quickly. The idea of walking by the stream wasn't so unusual to him, but wading was something he simply hadn't considered. However, she apparently had - the slight emphasis on the word 'we' gave evidence of that.

His facial muscles quirked in what could have been the beginning of another smile and one of his eyebrows raised slightly as she kicked off her shoes - also white. He waited to do the same until she asked him to join her, partially out of skepticism and partially out of amusement. Once she asked though, he began taking off the boots he wore. She didn't wait for him though, stepping down the bank, into the mud and then the water. He left his boots and drink where they were and followed. Someone wandering up on the items might think them odd, just sitting on the bridge, but he didn't much care.

It had been a long time since he'd walked in a stream, even longer since he'd done it for fun and without shoes. Possibly even back to childhood. The mud felt unusual, the running water odd. And slightly cold, enough of a difference to send goosebumps racing across his limbs for a moment. He allowed the water to wash over the hems of his pants; they'd dry soon enough once removed from the source of their hydration.

[member="Abaigeal E'ron"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The mood outside was far more convivial to that of the gathering within the party room. And she was most grateful for it. For a moment and with her head inclined, Abaigeal allowed herself to watch the running water pooling around her legs, she could feel the pull of the current not strong enough to 'threaten' pulling her over but enough to give the hint of it's true power were it given lead to do so. Nature at it's most tranquil seeks into the souls of those that are touched by it.

She knew Audren was close by, he had joined her which delighted her greatly. She did not look at him, it was odd but she felt to do so would be intrusive upon his own reflections, if he so indulged them. There is a hint of a long recalled memory shifting in his aura within the force, an unintentional sharing of a gift from the past from one to another. And so she drew on her own thought of childhood, the child given freedom to run a muck on Voss which grew her capacity to a wilder-ness, forests and pools of water no stranger to her, not much in nature was.

Finally, she raised her head and looked toward Audren. She could see the growing water line on the hem of his trousers he cared little about it which is only right, she smiled but did not say a word. They are not needed as tranquility does not require that company. The conversation of the forest was enough to listen to.

​

[member="Audren Sykes"]​

 

[Phylis Alince]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]
Phylis did not protest at the hug, though Greenie peered suspiciously at Siobhan, and finally settled on licking her thumb before hiding in Phylis’ hood.
“Thank you, Siobhan. If we’re sisters now, I assume it means you’ll stop trying to seduce me?” she asked hopefully. That might be a step too far, but worth a try.

“I’ll come and see you again soon, Siobhan. You should probably meet my Padawan – Izzy – as well!”