Private The Flowers in a bed of Thorns

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Lily woke once again in the middle of the night in a hot sweat. Nightmares were still cursing her sleep and she was only getting a few hours at a time. But she was working hard on finding a way to combat the curse that Adeline Noctua had placed on her. Ensuring no one else learned of it was important to the young Padawan, she felt it was something that she had to combat alone. A trial of her own making to overcome and demonstrate that she could handle things.

She was also thankful that the injuries from her fight with Darth Carnifex were healed finally. Though Lily still found herself idly trailing her fingers where they once were. There was a lot keeping the Padawan up in the early hours of the morning it seemed and she had been through a lot in a very short space of time. Breathing slowly, Lily let her body calm itself slowly from the dreaded nightmares she had faced before getting some training in before she met up with Master Noble. She wanted to be in the best shape possible today since she was exploring an area of Jedi work that she wasn't the best in.

Stealth missions.

By the time the sun was rising on Coruscant, Lily had completed several training regimes she set herself, showered and was studying what attire would be best for a mission like this. From what she had been told, it would be a stealth mission in the lower levels of Coruscant and dealing with some gangs that were smuggling Jedi artefacts and intel out of Alliance space for enemies to receive. Lily figured they would be infiltrating to hunt down the head of the operations and bring them down. However, that meant she couldn't wear her normal attire since it was not appropriate for the location they would be in and was premium clothing which would give away she was someone of wealth.

Sighing, Lily knew that this meant she had to try looking more like her aunt, someone who could blend better into the background.

Arriving perfectly on time for the meeting with Valery, Lily was dressed in what she thought looked casual and appropriate for an undercover mission in the lower levels. She breathed in deeply and hoped that she could at least impression Valery with her skills and eagerness to learn. This was a chance to gain some insight on how Jedi Shadows worked and how to be more effective in missions like this. Especially since Lily's go to method would be to storm in as a Jedi, incapacitate threats and arrest the lawbreakers. However, she was learning quickly that approach was not always ideal nor was it as effective as Lily would like.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

The sunlight barely broke through the dense layers of Coruscant's upper city as Valery arrived at the meeting point. Today, she wore her dark jumpsuit tailored for movement and stealth, with muted tones that blended seamlessly into the shadows of the lower levels. Her hair, usually tied back in its signature ponytail, was left slightly loose, softening her sharp features just enough to make her presence less conspicuous.

Valery had spent years working in the shadows as a Jedi Shadow, and today, she was determined to pass on some of those hard-earned skills to Lily. The Padawan's determination had always been clear, but she could sense that something weighed heavily on her. Valery resolved to keep a close eye on her during this mission, not just for her safety, but to understand the source of that lingering tension.

When Lily arrived, Valery's amber eyes swept over her attire, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Not bad," she remarked, her voice warm but measured. "You've made an effort to blend in, and that's a good start. The lower levels aren't forgiving to anyone who stands out too much."

Her gaze lingered on Lily for a moment, not in judgment but with a quiet sense of reassurance. "Stealth work isn't just about the clothes, though. It's about mindset, adaptability, and knowing when to act and when to observe. That's what we'll focus on today."

Valery motioned for Lily to follow as she began walking, her steps naturally quiet against the pavement. The distant hum of Coruscant's endless activity echoed around them, a stark reminder of how the lower levels buzzed with life, often unnoticed by those above.

"As Jedi, we often want to act quickly, to bring justice and order. But in missions like these, patience is the key. You'll need to assess the situation, gather intel, and act only when the timing is right. This isn't about showing strength; it's about using precision."

She paused at the entrance to a service elevator that would take them deep into the undercity. Valery turned to Lily, her expression softening slightly. "You've already shown that you're eager to learn and improve, and that's a great strength. But don't hesitate to ask questions or admit when you're unsure. I'm here to guide you through this."

With a press of a button, the elevator whirred to life, its descent a metaphor for the task ahead. Valery stepped inside, her fiery gaze meeting Lily's. "Are you ready?"

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Lily spotted Valery and her heart sunk initially when the Jedi Master was wearing her usual jumpsuit. It was definitely more subtle than the Jedi attire that Lily wore, she wondered if the get up that Lily had gotten into was too much and that wearing something simple and discreet like Valery was wearing. The words of comfort from Valery were a big comfort and she definitely feel appreciative that her efforts were being noticed.

"Yes Master," Lily replied as she moved to be in step with the Jedi Master, her footsteps naturally delicate and making little noise as she walked. "Patience has not been my best virtue on some of my latest missions." Lily stated honestly. She knew it was a limitation that she had not realised was poor until she had been confronted by the fact her stealth was just not good enough.

Tilting her head, "treat the mission as I would fighting an opponent..." It was clear how sparring was a way for Lily to comprehend other aspects as a Jedi. "I will keep that in mind." There were times where she held patience and allowed her opponent to reveal their hand so she could counter perfectly last minute. Perhaps that was something she needed to think about when approaching missions.

"Yes Master, what are we aiming to do?" Lily asked, not sure the first step of the mission that Valery wanted to do.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery smiled as the elevator descended, her amber eyes meeting Lily's. "You're on the right track," she said warmly. "Treat this like a duel — watch, wait, and strike only when the moment is right. Patience and precision are key."

As the elevator doors slid open to the dimly lit streets of the undercity, Valery stepped out, gesturing for Lily to follow. "Today, we're gathering intel. A group here is exploiting workers and smuggling illegal tech. Our job is to locate their operations and key players, not engage. If we do this right, we can dismantle them without risking lives."

She moved through the crowd with fluid confidence, her voice low. "We'll start at a cantina ahead. Watch how they interact, listen for anything useful, and note details — body language, weapons, anything unusual. I'll guide you, but I want you to take the lead where you can."

Valery glanced back at Lily, her expression encouraging. "Trust yourself, and don't worry about being perfect. I'm right here with you." With that, she pressed forward into the shadows, ready to guide Lily through the challenge ahead.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Nodding her head, she breathed in deeply and let out a slow sigh, settling her nerves, being with Valery was a nervous experience since the Jedi Master was the style of Jedi that Lily aspired to be one day. She was a fearless leader who charged into battle, a master in all forms of combat and protected others by being an unstoppable force. It was what Lily wanted to be. It was why Lily pushed herself so hard, she has seen the type of Jedi that she wanted to be and knew it was going to be all hard work.

Following Valery closely, she listened to the instructions of the mission brief diligently. Lily was keen to make sure she didn't mess anything up or cause an incident that would involve the Order losing the potential opportunity in shutting down a dangerous organisation like this one. "Understood Master, I will keep that in mind."

Lily started wondering if she needed a codename, or fake identity to sell this wasn't some Jedi roleplaying. She chewed on her bottom lip as she thought about the different names that she could possibly use instead of her own. Especially since she knew her name was too dangerous for her loved ones to just throw out there. Two very powerful Sith already knew her full name and she had to make sure that her grandmother and mother was given special protection to ensure they weren't attacked to lure her out.

"Yes. Just do my best." Lily nodded, it was hard to let go of the idea of being perfect and demonstrate to Valery how impressive she was. However, this was also not the place to do that. Instead, she entered the cantina and walked in as if she was just another customer. Heading to the bar but using her natural perceptions to listen out and identify areas of interest to really hone her observation skills in on. Leaning on the bar, she thought about what to drink, she knew that a wine would be too weird for the lower levels. And she could never stand cheap wine anyway, it was like drinking vinegar.

Water? No. No one comes to a bar to order water. A juice? That still felt odd but she knew she couldn't drink a spirit or beers, the former would hit her too hard and the latter was just too awful to think about.

Juice. Juice... What kind of juice now? As she spiralled in her thoughts about the order, she was losing focus on the mission and on the fact the cantina bartender was approaching her.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery followed Lily into the cantina, her presence unobtrusive but steady as her amber eyes scanned the room. She took note of the dim lighting, the mix of patrons hunched over tables, and the faint scent of spilled drinks and sweat that clung to the air. As Lily made her way to the bar, Valery lingered near the entrance, blending into the shadows to observe.

Her gaze flicked to Lily, noticing the Padawan's slight hesitation as she leaned on the bar. Valery suppressed a small smile as she watched Lily wrestle with what to order — a relatable, almost endearing sign of how seriously she was trying to fit in. But the bartender was already moving toward her, and the momentary distraction could cost them valuable momentum.

She offered a small, reassuring smile and nodded toward the bartender. "Corellian whiskey for me."

Valery's gaze flicked around the cantina again, her tone quiet but pointed as she turned back to Lily. "Scan for patterns. Who's talking to whom? Who's holding back, watching instead of drinking? Trust your instincts and observations."

She shifted her stance to lean casually against the bar, giving the appearance of an uninterested patron while her eyes darted to a corner table where two figures were speaking in hushed tones. A third sat nearby, nursing a drink but glancing toward the other two just a little too often.

Valery gave Lily an encouraging nod, stepping back slightly to let her take the lead again. This was Lily's moment to prove herself — and Valery knew she had it in her.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Lily heard the order from Valery and wondered if that was the good thing to order around here. She was never a fan of whisky, it tasted icky and the fires it burnt in her throat and body was way too intense for her to handle. Especially with a beverage as strong as whisky. But that did remind her that she was meant to be able to detoxify herself now so the drink didn't matter too much. However, in the future, she might stick to a cocktail of some description.

They tasted alright and they wouldn't make her stand out too much.

Hearing the instructions from Valery, her body relaxed a little more and her eyes closed as she tuned out the noises of the music, the mutterings of nonsense from the clients nearest the bar, tuning out the smells that attempted to overwhelm her senses. Instead Lily focused on the noises in the booths. The people who were trying to hide away. Using the Force to sense the surroundings and paint an image in her mind of what was going on without looking around aimlessly.

"There are two figures talking in hushed tones in a corner table booth area. But someone is also watching them. A rival gang member? Or someone trying to be heroic? I can't tell the intentions yet." Lily opened her eyes, looking over to the silent, alone person and had a quick glance of them. Moving her gaze as to avoid fixating on them as she studying their body language in her mind to figure out their intentions and likely next move.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's amber eyes lingered on Lily, watching as the young Padawan tuned into her surroundings. Her relaxed posture, the subtle way she drew on the Force, and the careful observations she made all reflected her growing confidence. Valery's lips curled into a faint smile, a quiet acknowledgment of Lily's progress.

"Good work," Valery murmured, her voice barely audible over the hum of the cantina. She followed Lily's gaze briefly, her own sharp eyes scanning the lone individual before shifting discreetly toward the two figures in the corner. "You've picked up on something important. People rarely act alone in places like this — if someone's watching them, they're either working together or waiting for their moment to intervene."

She adjusted her stance, leaning slightly closer to Lily to blend their movements into the natural flow of the cantina. Her voice dropped to an even quieter tone. "If you had to approach one of them, who would you choose? And how would you play it?" It was both a genuine question and a subtle test, designed to encourage Lily to think critically and strategically. Valery wanted her to not just observe but to take the next step, to plan and act with purpose.

Valery straightened again, her gaze sliding back toward the lone individual. "Remember, every decision matters." Her tone softened, filled with quiet encouragement.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

The question caused Lily to sit and think. What would her best approach be? It was easy to say her default fault answer which was to just approach the tables and state she was a Jedi, investigating criminal activity in the area. However, she knew that a blunt upfront approach was not the correct way to move forward with this. Lily mused over several ideas, approach them as a drunk patron who had mistaken the pair for friends of hers, however she wasn't confident on how she could act. There was the sober mistaken identity as well but Lily wasn't sure on that approach.

Tapping her fingers on the counter, wondering what approach Lily could do. Breathing in deeply, Lily decided that she couldn't overthink this any longer, "the pair would be the easier pair to approach, the person alone is already far more on edge and focused on the pair. If I attempt to distract or interact, they will see through it or just shut me out." Lily whispered softly, explaining her thinking with this. She wasn't confident that her answer was correct but explaining her reasoning would help how she got there.

"If I go over, appearing drunk, stumbling and swaying, claiming the pair are some old friends. Lets me get in close, maybe pickpocket them or place a tracker on them before moving away. Heading back here." Lily whispered her plan, wondering if Master Noble would think her plan was a solid idea.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's faint smile returned as she listened to Lily lay out her plan, her amber eyes reflecting both pride and focus. The young Padawan was thinking critically, weighing her options, and forming a strategy. It wasn't perfect — no plan ever truly was — but the reasoning behind it was sound, and the initiative was exactly what Valery wanted to see.

"I like your thinking," Valery said softly, leaning just a little closer to keep their conversation private. "You're analyzing the situation, considering the behavior of everyone involved, and coming up with a way to gather more information. That's exactly what you should be doing."

Her tone carried quiet encouragement, but there was a measured seriousness in her gaze. "The plan itself is solid, but keep this in mind: while you're pretending to be drunk, they'll be watching your every move. You'll need to play it convincingly — enough to make them dismiss you as a threat, but not so much that you lose your edge or give them time to react."

She straightened slightly, her voice softening with a touch of warmth. "Go ahead and try your plan. You'll learn a lot by doing, and no matter what happens, we'll adapt together."

Valery's confidence in her Padawan was unmistakable, and her steady presence was a silent promise that Lily wouldn't face anything alone.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

The compliments from Valery cause a slight blush to her cheeks, she had been sure that her plans or ideas would not be appropriate for what they were achieving with the mission today. However, it was turning out well in terms in the planning phase, that was the phase of mission that Lily enjoyed for these kinds of missions, planning things out. Discussing the ideas and analysing situations with care and consideration. However, the next step was taking the plan into action. Something that Lily was not as confident in. She had not truly practiced her skills in deception, roleplay and being able to take control of a situation.

Hearing that she needs to play the role of drunkenness convincingly, Lily knew that she couldn't go over without a drink in her. She had figured out what she could order that would assist with this. "Four shots of tequila please." She requested the bartender, she looked over to Valery with a nervousness glinting in her eyes but she was determined to achieve this.

When the shots arrived, Lily downed them one at a time. Wincing after she finished all four since the tequila was not a high quality make like she enjoyed normally. It was definitely something you could only shot. Shaking her head, Lily let go of the nasty aftertaste and shifted away from the bar. The tequila shots were to assist with convincing the targets that she was likely drunk at this point.

Stumbling over, the tequila had not hit Lily yet, she was still sober but her actions were the movements of someone who hadn't just started drinking. She aimed to head past the pair in discussion, act as if she did not see them initially. As she walked past them, Lily paused and looked over to them. Walked forward a little, then stumbled back to the table.

"Gregor! Vic! Is that you?!"

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's lips quirked into a small smile as she watched Lily take those first, hesitant steps into her role. The nervous glint in her Padawan's eyes hadn't gone unnoticed, but the determination that followed shone brighter. It reminded Valery of her own early days — the quiet blend of fear and resolve that came with stepping into the unknown.

Her fiery gaze remained fixed on Lily, observing every movement with the keen focus of a mentor. She noticed the subtle shifts in her Padawan's body language: the exaggerated stumble, the slight slur in her voice, the deliberate choice of names that suggested familiarity with the targets. A good start.

But Valery also knew the real challenge was yet to come. Deception required not only acting skills but also the ability to adapt and think quickly. Lily had to make them believe her, to plant the seed of recognition without overplaying her hand.

Valery sipped from her own drink — a non-alcoholic beverage that could pass for something stronger — and casually adjusted her position at the bar, ensuring she had a clear line of sight to the targets. Her fiery amber eyes flicked briefly to the pair Lily was engaging. Their reactions would determine how this next phase played out.

At the table she approached, the two looked up and Vic spoke, "And you are?" he asked, as he looked her over.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Lily faked a look of hurt when asked who she was, as if it was obvious who she was. "I'm Daisy! How could you not remember me?!" She stumbled closer and grabbed a chair to sit down at the table with them. "We met a few nights ago, I had finished a job on Onderon, was here to celebrate with a few drinks and perhaps something stronger, if you catch my drift." Lily winked suggestively to them both with a giggle.

She then continued, "we drank, sang, celebrated the night away! How could you forget me?!" Lily pouted sadly as she continued the act of a drunken fool in the moment.

Her heart was racing and the nerves were threatening to make her burst into a sweaty mess but she just collected her thoughts and continued to keep to her story. She was Daisy, she was Daisy. She was Daisy, who did a job on Onderon. Simple smuggling job of a few crates of spice. Nothing major but who doesn't want to drink and celebrate a successful job, no matter how minor. Daisy also likes to enjoy spice herself from time to time. Helps take the edge off of things.

Build a solid backstory, be unflappable and then things will be reality. Truth is what Lily made it for these people. They couldn't prove her a liar unless she was going to let them prove it. She had to be smarter and cover every part of her story.

"So what are you two up to here now? Getting into trouble?!" Lily whispered loudly, with a teasing giggle to her voice.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery observed the exchange with quiet intensity, her fiery gaze locked on Lily and the two men. The momentary flicker of hesitation in Vic's expression, followed by Lily's bold performance, was enough to assure Valery that Lily was holding her ground. But it was a delicate dance — one misstep, one inconsistency, and everything could unravel.

She adjusted her posture at the bar, keeping her movements casual as she tuned in to the conversation. From where she sat, she could feel the subtle tension radiating from Lily. The nervous energy was there, but she was managing it well, channeling it into her act.

The two men exchanged a glance. Vic leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he studied Lily. "Onderon, huh?" he said, his tone skeptical but not outright dismissive. "That's a long way to come for a celebration."

"Yeah," his companion added, leaning forward with a smirk. "And Daisy, was it? You sure you've got the right guys? We've had plenty of drinks with plenty of people."

Valery's lips twitched with the hint of a smirk as she watched Lily's response. This was the moment that would determine whether they bought into the story or not. She needed to play her cards just right — confident, but not overconfident; familiar, but not too pushy.

She sipped her drink again and casually turned her attention to the bar, but her focus never wavered. If the situation soured, she was ready to intervene, though she hoped it wouldn't come to that. This was Lily's test, and so far, she was holding her own.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Lily grinned and gently slapped the shoulder of the one she had named Vic, "come on, I had to come back to Coruscant to get paid for a successful job. That's why I was celebrating, I just got paiddddd." Lily added a little drunken tune to paid, "I swear I said all this last time!" Lily pouted as if she thought the pair did not listen to her and that she was disappointed in that fact.

"Of course Gregor, who could forget that ugly mug!" Lily teased in a joke before she took a step closer to get a better look at the two of them. Her eyes squinting but she gave the expression of someone struggling to focus on their facial features. "Yeah... Definitely you two. Pretty sure. Are your names not Vic and Gregor?" She looked shocked at the idea that this could be a case of mistaken identity.

Lily made sure to lean in close, to keep a good look on their faces, it was allowing her to analyse their faces and study the body language better as well. Tapping into her skills as an Echani to read people to a certain extent. It was a way to keep her cover as well since they would smell the strong scent of tequila on her breath so it would show that she was a drunkard and not someone attempting to spy on them.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery leaned back slightly against the bar, her fiery gaze sharp beneath her hooded lids as she watched the interaction unfold. Her presence remained subdued, blending seamlessly into the hum of the room, but her focus never wavered. Every word, every shift in posture from the two men was carefully noted, her instincts fine-tuned to detect even the faintest sign of danger.

Vic's skeptical expression softened just slightly as Lily leaned in closer, her drunken act convincing enough to stir a flicker of amusement in his eyes. He chuckled, though it sounded guarded, and exchanged a quick glance with Gregor, who wore a faint smirk of his own.

"Alright, alright, maybe you're right," Vic said, scratching the back of his neck as he leaned back in his chair. His movements were casual, but Valery caught the tension in his shoulders — a man who wasn't entirely at ease.

Gregor, meanwhile, tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze scanning Lily's face as if weighing her sincerity. His smirk widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Vic, you remember Daisy here, don't you?" His tone was light, but there was a faint edge to it — a subtle test.

"Yeah, yeah," Vic replied, nodding slowly. "You were celebrating, huh? Paid job, drinks, all that. Sounds about right." His voice carried an air of reluctant acceptance, but Valery could see the flicker of suspicion lingering beneath his façade.

Still, the tequila on Lily's breath and her stumbling charisma were doing their job. The men seemed willing, for now, to let the act slide.

Valery's gaze shifted subtly between the two, her instincts whispering caution. Their apparent relaxation was surface-level at best, and while they seemed to be playing along, the glances they exchanged told her they were still watching Lily closely.

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

Lily could feel the bubbling of excitement since she was successful in the deception and able to trick the pair that she was who she said she was. It was still nerve-wracking since if she wasn't careful then her cover would explode and put herself in more danger. She wasn't sure how far that Valery wanted her to take this deception but she figured that the Jedi Master would inform her when things had progressed far enough. For now, Lily just had to maintain her cover and ensure that she could figure out what these two were doing here and perhaps even figure out who was the person watching them.

She gave a lazy, friendly smirk when the pair agreed that they recognised her. "I'm so glad! It would have been terrible if you had forgotten about me!" Lily gave a teasing pout, slightly flirty attitude but that was all part of the plan to disarm and keep the conversation moving fluidly. Lily did not want to blow the cover so trying to prevent them from seeing through her guise and distract them however she could would be ideal.

"Round of tequila for the table here!" Lily ordered the bar before turning to the pair, "got to keep the party going, right?" Lily grinned widely as she sat down and leaned back into her chair.

It was going to be tough since she knew that consuming more alcohol held the risk of her getting drunk, she just needed to balance herself and use the Force to detoxify when she got the chance. It was at the point where she needed to be keeping sharp mentally so that she could extract information that she needed.

"What have you two been up to?" Lily asked with an eager grin on her lips, looking to catch up with them.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery's fiery gaze remained sharp as she monitored the exchange. Her posture remained relaxed, but her senses were attuned to every subtle change in the air around them. The two men glanced at each other again, but this time, the tension in their shoulders seemed to ease slightly. Lily's act was working.

Vic chuckled as Lily called for another round, his skepticism softening into something resembling amusement. "Well, Daisy, you're nothing if not persistent," he said with a smirk. "Tequila it is, then." He leaned back in his chair, allowing himself to relax slightly, though Valery noted that he still seemed cautious.

Gregor, meanwhile, tilted his head, his sharp gaze lingering on Lily. "You always knew how to keep things lively," he remarked, his smirk growing wider. There was an air of calculation behind his smile, but it seemed tempered by genuine curiosity. "Business keeps us busy, though. You know how it is."

The bartender arrived with a tray of tequila shots, placing them on the table. Vic grabbed one, raising it toward Lily with a grin. "Here's to old friends and... whatever trouble you're getting yourself into these days."

As they all took their drinks, Gregor leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming conversational but still guarded. "You know, Daisy, we've been dealing with a lot of, uh, 'opportunities' lately," he said, his words laced with innuendo. "The kind of opportunities that make life a little more... interesting."

Vic nodded, swirling his drink idly. "Pays well enough to keep us in tequila, so we can't complain." He laughed, his tone light, though Valery caught the way his eyes flicked briefly to Gregor, as if gauging his reaction.

"What about you?" Gregor asked, his sharp gaze settling on Lily. "What kind of trouble have you been stirring up since we last saw you? You have a knack for finding excitement."

Lily Decoria ​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Coruscant
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade
Outfit: Casual
Tag: Valery Noble

"Can't let things get peaceful, no money in peace!" Lily exclaimed with a grin, business for smugglers and pirates were always more in times of war than they were in times of peace. There were times that they could even get paid by big factions to go around and cause trouble for others. She started to filter some of the tequila out of her system, sobering herself up a little. Not completely to avoid her behaviours to drastically change and be noticed. Just enough that she didn't have to fear about getting blackout drunk.

Taking a shot, she cheered with the pair and took the shot down in one. Wincing slightly at the distasteful flavour but enjoying the chance to leave of these opportunities that they were talking about. It was a lead and Lily knew that she needed to be careful about how she approached the chance to take part in these opportunities. Figure out what would be the ideal way to lead her and Valery towards the next step in their plan to put an end to the gang operations.

"Me? Oh, I'm between stuff at the moment. No fun work that I can find." Lily mentioned as she leaned a little in more, "so, this well paying opportunity that you two got going on... Do, do you think.... Nah. Be rude to ask." She waved off the notion. Not wishing to appear to eager, but definitely interested in a paying gig. "Sorry, just a rough time between jobs, so was hoping to get a new job. But I don't want to pressure you guys because we're friends." She hoped that framing it in a manner of valuing the friendship more would work in her favour here.

There was a bubbling of nerves in her stomach as she continued this undercover work. Lily hoped that she was doing well and that Valery would be impressed with the dedication she was giving the mission. She had no clue when she would have enough information to be able to pull back but she would leave that for Valery to inform her.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Vic chuckled, swirling the last remnants of his tequila before setting the glass down with a sharp clink. His gaze slid over Lily, appraising her with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. "Oh, c'mon now, Daisy, don't play coy," he drawled, his grin widening. "You wouldn't have brought it up if you weren't interested. And far be it from me to turn down an old friend looking for a good gig."

Gregor leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze raking over her with an intensity that was both calculating and indulgent. "Rough time between jobs, huh?" His smirk deepened. "Can't imagine someone like you struggling to find work — unless, of course, you've been holding out for something particular." His voice dipped, his words laced with suggestion.

Vic's grin turned knowing as he gave her an obvious once-over, taking in every detail with unabashed appreciation. "Well, I suppose we could put in a good word for you," he mused, fingers tapping against the table. "It'd be a shame to let all that talent go to waste."

"Tell you what," Gregor continued smoothly, "There's a shipment moving through in a couple of days — sensitive cargo. The kind that needs the right kind of hands. Hands that are good at staying quiet… or looking good while making noise." He smirked, clearly entertained by his own phrasing.

Vic laughed, shaking his head. "What my charming partner here means is that it's a high-value run, and we need people we trust." He paused, leaning in just a fraction closer. "And Daisy, we always trusted you." His eyes glinted with something unreadable, a mix of nostalgia and something more predatory. "Maybe we could talk more… somewhere a little quieter?"

From afar, Valery remained silent, her fiery gaze carefully watching the exchange unfold. She had to admit — Lily was handling this exceptionally well. The way she played the balance between interest and restraint, the little push-and-pull that kept these men on the hook, was impressive.

She could sense the slight flicker of nerves in the younger woman, but there was no outward sign of it. Only a smooth, well-practiced performance that had both men eating out of the palm of her hand.

Valery's lips barely twitched in amusement, though she kept her presence quiet. No need to disrupt Lily's moment.

Lily Decoria ​