Private Profits and a Padawan

[Lysander von Ascania]

Danger Arceneau

The sun rose above the sky of Naboo, casting a golden tint over the landscape outside of Shiraya's Sanctuary, nestled in the Gallo Mountains. Lysander was already on the verge of completing another rigorous training session, much earlier than usual.

Today, his thoughts were consumed by more than just the usual drills and meditation; they were occupied by someone he’d met at a bazaar last month. Following a recent morning where the entire class was interrupted and full of drama, he finally reached out to Danger. Planning a visit had been successful.

By mid morning, the teen was making his way towards the capital city. He was adorned in warm winter clothes that were in cream and beige, but the lightsaber hilt was still visible on his belt. The snug and luxurious fabric complemented his youthful features, which now had a brighter sheen; perhaps, it was the result of his daily meticulous routine and a touch of bantha tallow. Skipping the robes that were a big part of Jedi culture and practice was intentional. Today, he simply entertained the idea of trying to be his authentic self, away from the critique that so often shadowed him.

The Padawan had devoured every map and every bit of information he could find on his new home, which now made navigating through the streets of Theed much easier. Vendors called out, selling their products, and he could hear children laughing while playing near the Royal Palace as he prepared to step into the spaceport.

He scanned every corner, every terminal, searching for any hint of her ship. The air was full of the hum of engines and the conversations of travelers. And then, in the distance, he finally caught sight of it. A deep breath grounded him while deciding to approach her head on.

There was a curl along Lysander's lips as he then extended a box; the colorful wrapping around it was uneven, as if done by a child. "Welcome to Naboo, Ms. Dangeruese. It's good to see you again. And I know it's a little late," he drawled, "but.. I didn’t want Life Day to pass without giving you something. It’s also a tradition back home on Ukatis." Emerald orbs carried a mischievous glint as he took another breath. "Just remember, the one rule is to never ask where it came from!”

Their first encounter left a big impact on him, something he rarely experienced. The gift was also to show appreciation for potentially being able to learn more from her.

Within would be a local handwoven shawl, carrying the earthy hues of Naboo, an item he'd found during a recent visit to Dee'ja Peak. And next to it, was the extended barrel version of an ELG-3A blaster pistol. But perhaps the most intriguing item was the handwritten note that was folded. It read:

A handy tool to keep the nerf flies away while looking cool.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Lysander von Ascania
| Dress | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

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At least it wasn't Hoth.

That was the singular thought as Danger descended the ramp of her luxury yacht with her trademark slow, rolling stride. Born and raised on the scorching heat of the Twin Suns, the Queen of Trade disliked being in any world with a wintery scene or a temperature that would require her to dress in layers. As it was, she was dressed in a thick but becoming navy blue outfit, with a dark grey coat that modestly hugged her full curves but enhanced the vibrant color of her auburn hair. With each slow, deliberate step, her full hips swayed just so, following the gentle tap of her polished boots against the landing pad.

Queen of Trade's sharp green eyes sparkled with amusement as she caught sight of Lysander von Ascania waiting ahead. He wasn't hard to miss -- tall, blond, and draped in elegant clothing, though Danger couldn't help but notice the lightsaber on his hip. That bit of rebellion against the traditional Jedi weapon was a note she silently filed away, her lips curling into a wry smile.

Danger gave Lysander his due when he approached her with his youthful eagerness, doubling down when he offered her greetings and a wrapped Life Day present. Her brows rose slightly, and a throaty chuckle slipped past her lips.

"Well, Miztah von Ascania," she drawled, accepting the gift with a practiced elegance, "you certainly outdid yourself with flatterin' a lady. I am mighty grateful for the gift." Her voice was edged with the subtle amusement of someone who had seen more than her fair share of bold gestures.

Her gaze lingered on the box as she unwrapped it with careful precision, her manicured nails never once threatening the integrity of the paper. The handwoven shawl drew a soft, appreciative hum from her. Yet it was the extended barrel ELG-3A blaster pistol that truly earned another throaty laugh. Danger turned it over in her hands, inspecting its craftsmanship with an approving nod.

"Now this is somethin' else," she said, her smile growing. "A useful tool and a fashion statement, just my style." She glanced back at Lysander, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Though I reckon I'll take your advice and not ask where it came from....I'd say I've done my fair share of tellin' folk the same a time or two."

Sliding the handwritten note free, she unfolded it and read, her smile deepening at his humor. Folding it back neatly, she tucked it into her pocket.

Her gaze returned to the young man, and she let her amusement settle into something a touch more serious, her voice dipping lower as she added, "Seems you've got yourself a knack for makin' an impression and a clever one at that. Now, let's see what else you've got to offer. Business and good ideas don't wait on nobody, Miztah von Ascania."

And with that, she gestured for him to walk alongside her, the Queen of Trade keen to see if this young noble had more than charm and a good eye for gifts to his name.

"So, what do you have in mind?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Danger Arceneau

Lysander's heart began to race while maintaining a respectful distance. Inside, a mix of emotions churned– admiration, anxiety, and a rare flicker of fear of rejection. Still, he watched the woman with childlike curiosity, though he tried to carefully contain it behind a more mature facade, ready to catch every nuance of her reaction.

But then, as she spoke, he nearly chuckled; he had tried, perhaps a bit too intently lately, to mimic her accent in the company of friends and his sister. It was simply different, like a melody that he was intrigued by.

With a genuine smile playing on his lips, the Padawan tilted his head slightly. While generally quick to dissect words, hers felt like they were simply hanging in the air. He just hoped the gesture was recognized as sincere, rather than expecting reciprocation.

Inhaling a deep breath, he allowed confidence to flow back into his demeanor. “Your acceptance is the best gift in return. And I was thinking more along the lines of luxurious yet practical.” He then met her gaze while reflecting on the blaster pistol. “Some stories are best left untold, huh?"

A sudden rush of determination surged through his veins as he quickly fell into step beside her. During the first several steps, he was reminding himself to not waste this opportunity provided. Impressing people was as natural as breathing for Lysander, but now he was ready to propose something much more thoughtful. The Padawan’s expression became more serious, trying to awaken the intellect he rarely got to display.

"You know," he began, his voice steady. "I’ve been thinking about how we can use some of the areas beneath Naboo’s waters. I learned that the Gungans have wonderful techniques for aquatic farming. It's been passed down through generations. Imagine using this knowledge to grow more nutritious food! It could really advance our agriculture here and provide nutrition to the people of Theed, and even beyond."

He took a second to gauge her reaction before continuing. "With your connections and expertise, perhaps we could coordinate with the Gungans to implement these practices and introduce these crops to local markets, since they tend to only support their own communities. And I'm positive there are ways to expand trade outside of Naboo too."

It was a rare feeling, but Lysander almost felt insignificant in all of this, his only offering being a mere idea amidst the time she devoted to coming here. He thought back on part of their first encounter. "And with me present, you'll have nothing to worry about. I've got your back. Not even a womp rat would come near you. Plus, I'll be sure you make it to Otoh Gunga and back without a single hair out of place!"

His smiled widened as they stepped out from the spaceport and into the street. He gestured to a nearby vendor before shifting his focus back to Danger. "Not to mention, we can have Corellian hot chocolate along the way. It’s the best in all the galaxy."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Lysander von Ascania
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

"The Gungans' techniques, you say?" Danger mused, her tone thoughtful, her emerald gaze cutting toward him with a mixture of amusement and interest. Her steps slowed just enough to let his words hang in the air. It was a good proposition, however, knowing Gungans... that likely meant going underwater. It was not the most pleasing of ideas, but Danger didn't indicate that she was uncomfortable with that.

"I'll admit, the idea of bringin' their aquatic farmin' knowledge into broader markets does have a certain allure. It's efficient, resourceful, and frankly, more forward thinkin' than some of the rigid traditions you'll find in other systems. And you're right... there's no reason Naboo can't be a beacon of agricultural innovation in the Mid Rim."

She glanced at him sidelong, her smile deepening.

"You do know how to charm a lady with a good pitch... However, workin' with the Gungans will take diplomacy, patience, and a touch of persuasion, not to mention navigatin' the waters of trust they've built over generations. That's no small task." She was curious if Lysander had the ability to navigate those waters as well as one of a guard. Not that she was expecting any issues on Naboo.

Danger shifted the shawl he'd gifted her around her throat. All the better to stay warmer in this frigid cold, she mused. Her grin turned sly, her throaty voice dipping to a near conspiratorial tone.

"As for womp rats, I'll hold you to that promise. I expect no less than my hair remain in perfect order while we're traipsin' about Otoh Gunga, talkin' with diplomats and Gungan farmers alike. If you can manage that, then I might just say you've got potential, Lysander."

With that, after she tucked the blaster in her purse, Danger extended her hand toward the vendor he'd gestured to, her smile as inviting as ever.

"And I reckon with this chill, a hot chocolate ain't a bad idea," even better if she could get it loaded with a bit of whiskey for the road.

"So, how about you tell me what you know about the Gungans so far. Anything I should be aware of that might hinder potential negotiations? Who would we talk to?" it was casual conversation as much as a test of his knowledge since he pitched the ideas. Danger wanted to see if he had done his research before hand.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Danger Arceneau

It was easy to be drawn in by the confidence she radiated. In truth, it was the same energy he was often surrounded by before choosing the path to become a Jedi. Looking straight ahead for a time, his mind began lingering on the nuances of her tone, rather than the actual task that lay before them. “A beacon of agricultural innovation..” he repeated with a murmur. It was like testing the words on his own lips, ready to manifest them into reality now.

The Padawan's eyes trailed along the greenery around them; the vibrant landscape was like a reflection of the thoughts brushing against his consciousness. “You’re right,” he said while walking beside her. He couldn’t deny that some of his personal views were also infused into the idea. “Not only could you modernize the agricultural landscape here, but you’d also preserve its beauty. Naboo has always been a symbol of elegance and peace. If we were able to collaborate with the Gungans, you would also protect the landscapes of this planet.”

Danger’s occasional glances made him start to second guess himself, if only momentarily. His understanding of diplomacy was solely from his personal studies. Lysander’s gaze flickered momentarily to the shawl as she adjusted it. But just as quickly, he lifted his eyes back up to meet hers. The corners of his mouth formed a smile that felt effortless. “Well, I do enjoy a good challenge. I will treat keeping your hair perfect as my next Jedi Trial.”

As they approached the stand’s counter, Lysander took a second to collect his thoughts; he wanted them to be more precise. Ordering the drinks, he handed over his credcard. After the cups were filled, he stepped off to the side and held out one to Danger.

“They have new leader named Mossi Pommu.” He took a sip. Rather than continuing to walk, he savored the warmth in his hands. “Word has it there’s been a change in power since the Netherworld Crisis. The old leader..uhh, well, he didn’t survive, not after all that stuff struck Naboo. I was actually present during that battle and.. I didn’t catch much of their involvement in the whole thing. Our relationship hasn’t been the closest with the Gungans, unfortunately.”

Suddenly, amusement bubbled up within him. Lysander’s lips pursed while fighting to not laugh. But it quickly became a losing battle as a small chuckle escaped. “I made sure to lay the land before you arrived because I definitely don’t want to get caught with my pants down in Otoh Gunga.”

Curiosity began to brew. "Hey Dangeruese, do you have..like.. any specific rituals before diving into business?" His brow furrowed slightly, not entirely sure how else to ask. "For example, before I practice my grappling and submission techniques, I have a super specific and personal warm-up routine and then repeat the same few words to myself every time before starting. If I skip it or even feel rushed, it always makes me feel unprepared..even if I know the skills are still there regardless."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Lysander von Ascania
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger accepted the drink with a gracious nod, her lips curling into that familiar, knowing smile.

"It's a rare thing, hearin' someone so young speak with such care about preservin' both progress and beauty. Most are in too big a hurry to see past the credits." she drawled, the words slow and honeyed as she took a sip of the warm beverage.

She turned slightly, letting her gaze drift across the snowy Naboo landscape. The sunlight danced on the white banks of frost, casting shadows that seemed to shimmer as the breeze played over them. She might have admitted how lovely it was if she wasn't so peeved at having to be here in the winter.

Nine hells, how she hated being cold. Danger adjusted her scarf, making sure her neck was warmed by Lysander's gift.

The mention of Mossi Pommu caught her interest, and she gave a slow nod. "Change in leadership always stirs the pot, doesn't it? But sometimes, a fresh perspective is exactly what's needed. I'd be curious to see how Mossi handles negotiatin'. We'll have to tread soft, but not too soft. There's a balance in all things, Miztah von Ascania, even diplomacy."

When his laughter bubbled up, she couldn't help but join him with a throaty chuckle of her own. "Lay the land, hmm? Well, I do appreciate a man who comes prepared. " Her emerald eyes twinkled with mischief as she lifted her cup for another sip.

At his question, she tilted her head, considering him for a moment before answering. "Rituals? Hmm... I reckon I do. Before any meetin', I take a moment to ground myself. Could be as simple as sippin' a drink of choice and listenin' to the sound of my own breath, or as complex as goin' over every angle of a deal in my mind. Know who you are talkin' to, their history, likes and dislikes. Information is your friend -- and networking is worth its weight in Aurodium."

Another glance of emerald fire eyes landed upon the young teenager.

"There's more to it, but perhaps you can tell me what you believe makes a good start to negotiatin'. " she began, interested to see what he would say.

"How would you, if you were takin' charge of conducting business with Mossi Pommu, what would you do?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Danger Arceneau

​

"Credits aren’t what motivate me," he stated. But as the words tumbled from his mouth, he felt a touch of hesitation. Slowly, the thought was pushed to the back of his mind, deciding he wouldn’t delve deeper unless asked.

Lysander took another sip; he could feel its warmth spread through his entire body. The teen nodded his head in agreement with her next comment. The purple kyber crystal in his lightsaber meant he should understand these issues better, but he’d been failing miserably with handling most moral situations on Naboo. “You're right, balance is something I try to practice every day,” he said, truly believing his words. “I don’t want my strength only to just be in combat, but also with listening and understanding better, too. You know.. the only other thing I’ve heard about Mossi is that he may be a bit.. arrogant.”

The Padawan’s face lit up with mirth as he playfully shook his head at the woman's answer. However, when she casually dropped the gem about networking, another thing he’d been struggling with, it was stored away to mull over later. ”Hmm. Well, it doesn’t sound much like a ritual to me if you’re throwing in something different each time! It should be more consistent." A look of curiosity then spread across his face. “Have you ever tried meditation?”

Danger’s last question made him reflect on how he learned to navigate the rather treacherous landscape of courtly politics from his father’s aide. “Well, whenever around the council, or the many nobles back home, I was taught to use both grace and caution.” He recalled a handful of awkward encounters. “Compliments are always a good first step.”

Emerald orbs darted from left to right before leaning in closer, speaking barely above a whisper. "Not all the girls were exactly.. cute," he mused with a mischievous glint in his eye, "but you still have to find something truthful to say.. like, for example, you have rather beautiful ears that compliment your dress. Or maybe something about their nose." A light laugh slipped out.

He took a moment, trying to organize his thoughts, hoping to find better words for the setting they were about to enter. But instead, it just made him more aware of his lack of experience. So, he shifted to his connections with others. “I’d say setting clear boundaries is good. That would help us avoid conflict down there.” Then he reflected on some of the other Padawan’s he had been forced to work with lately. “And we should remain calm under pressure. If I lose my cool.. or well, if we lose our cool, it will give them an upper hand. We need to show them we’re in control of the situation. And any alternatives that could benefit both sides might also be a good thing.”

Conscious of being too chatty, he made a gesture with his hand towards the distant waters. “I also managed to get someone to lend me an old Bubbly Subbly. There's a story behind that too, but I'd rather save it for another time.”