Private The Weary World

[Ariel Yvarro]

A V A L O N I A
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Djorn had been given the cold shoulder by Ariel the entire evening. She did everything in her power to not only keep her distance but ensure that he knew that, even if it meant being outright cruel to the man. The Moff didn't opt for the car home, instead, she took the metro line. Ariel did think about him and how she treated the man, but she hoped that he would understand. A sigh escaped her lips as she sat between an Echani man who looked to be into a very sophisticated math puzzle in the paper and a Pantoran woman who sat arm in arm with a Mirialan woman. The two had dozed off, Ariel only scarcely recalled them needing to get off in a stop or two. Gently she nudged them, "think your stop is about to be on."​

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The Pantoran muttered a question asking if it was ninth and fourth, Ariel leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the sign. "Yeah, we're on ninth and second at the moment," remarked the Moff. The Pantoran woke up and shook her friend awake as well. Ariel smiled weakly toward the pair and watched them ready to disembark the metro. Taking in a deep breath she exhaled and held onto the pole as the metro came to a stop. The pair headed off and the Echani man looked up he seemed distraught and hurriedly asked Ariel where he could take a line down to the University.​

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"Get off here, take the blue line until you get to the Royal Plaza, wait for Transit 281-A to the University."​

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"Thanks!" The Echani hurriedly grabbed his things and rushed off the metro that he dropped his paper. Ariel leaned over to grab it and pulled it into her lap. It was yesterday's paper as she caught a look at the date. Thankfully the front page was still on and the data chip of where it needed to be. Tucking the paper into the long overcoat that now pooled around her body. Ariel settled into her seat, she had a few more stops to go before it was her time to get out. Most of the folks didn't seem to pay much mind to the young woman or that she was a Moff.​

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Just as she liked, Ariel's smile fell as her mind again floated over to thoughts of Commissioner Bline. ​

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The metro pulled away from the station and the sight of tunnels faded away in favor of the skyline. The night sky glittered with Life Day lights, Ariel tried instead to think of the gifts that would be needed for her family. Seated in the penultimate car of the metro she watched as people made their way toward her. A half-Zeltron? Maybe? Maybe Keshiri? Followed by a few Humans, a couple of Twi'leks they all looked like they had just come from a holiday party. Drunk certainly, she could smell the alcohol from them as they passed her by. Thankfully they went into the last car and it was then that Ariel realized she had the bench to herself.​

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At least until she noticed an elderly set of Chiss looking for a seat and a lot of people being quite rude. "Here," Ariel got up and helped them to her bench, "no, please it is quite alright." She leaned up on the pole and looked out again at the city skyline as it passed by. Ariel must have been dazed by the lights because she hadn't noticed just who had walked by or who was trying to get her attention.​

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Djorn Bline ​

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[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

PIGS ON THE WING​

She made her intentions clear during the night to him when the New Imperial delegation properly joined with the hosts of tonight’s festivities. Of course, he was discreet with his interactions with the Moff as he kept every purely professional with hidden motives. But even with a professional attire and attempts of a conversation, Ariel was cold towards her; even made some passive aggressive comments at his way. It was all random after their night during the Supreme Leader’s coronation ball; except it wasn’t at all random to him. He made some speculations during his encounters with Ariel earlier tonight. Several plausible theories. One of them was that they were caught and was lectured about it, her position in the aristocracy and government of the First Order would be criticized of these scandalous affairs with someone of lesser birth than her. Another one, which was less likely, was that she was heartless and cold like the dark.

Theories upon theories he could produce out of his mind.

So why did he gave a shit and followed the Imperial? Why didn’t he just turn around and walk away into the familiar cold he lived in? He just met her at different events, and only established some sense of a relationship at the ball. It was an intimate night for him, a feeling that was once foreign to him before remembering its familiarity when he met Rowan. Maybe he continued this chase because he didn’t like to be made a fool. Maybe it was because he wanted that familiarity back, after living years upon years of trauma from his active service as a soldier and intelligence asset. Maybe it was just damn human nature for wanting someone after a night of both of them revealing their pasts and engaging with each other behind closed doors. Or maybe it was just ultimately all of the above.

Snake was cruel and deplorable from what he has done in his past, but he was never distanced from his emotions. A fickle thing for a man who operated in classified clandestine operations that took a special gut to carry out the mission. Hands dirty and tainted out of his devotion as an Imperial patriot. He’d always do what was necessary, but a man needed home.

Any fool knew that dogs need a home.

“That was very kind of you,” he stated for her to hear, knowing she’d be upset to see his presence. Women. He worked in intelligence, and was trained to understand and predict the psychology of people. Djorn stood relatively next to Ariel, his eyes always observing the brilliant lights of the city. Everything had an archaic design in this city, but there was grace and eloquence to it. It certainly looked much better and cleaner than the mega city of Coruscant. That was something to appreciate of.

“You know, it’s been too long since I’ve bothered to celebrate Life Day. I’m sure you’re always looking forward to it.”

Casual small talk. Harsh replies from Ariel? He was expecting it.

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

"Someone once told me that kindness goes a long way," Ariel remarked it was only after she spoke that she caught a look at who was beside her. She took in a breath and exhaled, her eyes remained on the skyline as it glittered by between the buildings. "This year particularly, but yes Life Day is very special to me and my family celebrates it every year." She knew it must have felt strange to him the way she acted. After having been so intimate during the ball, but it was only one night - what could one night truly mean.​

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The sound of the metro moving along the tracks and the announcement of another stop up ahead gave room for pause. Gone would be the glittering skylines and in their place the dull, pale tones of the metro tunnels. "I thought you would've gone back to the hotel with the other New Imperials." Ariel stated plainly, her tone perhaps softer than it was earlier in the evening. She stepped back when the crowd that entered the last car came up again this time to ready themselves to disembark.​

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Once the doors opened the drunken group moved with haste and it was only after they had departed that she noticed the elderly couple. The pair looked as if they were going to get up but were having a bit of trouble, "can you hold that door for them?" ​

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Ariel swiftly moved to help them to their feet and saw them off the metro line, and watched a moment to see if there was anyone there for them. The Moff felt a twinge in her heart when it looked as if no one was there, but then, of course, just a moment later it appeared as if there had been family for them after all. ​

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The doors to the metro line had closed once again and a few more people shuffled toward the back of the line. An Echani family, and a blended family of Korunni and Chalactan. "Any plans for Life Day?" Ariel inquired as she moved back to lean up against the pole. ​

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Djorn Bline ​

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[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

GREEN IS THE COLOR​

So far she didn’t make any rude comments at him as he was expecting it since he did follow her to the metro, and one of the many things he knew was women don’t enjoy being followed. A good start, he supposed. She was more gentle with him which confirmed his suspicions she did it just because of being public in front of many political figures from his delegation and the First Order’s. Reputation. A stain on one’s image in high society was enough for people to blackmail them in hopes of receiving something long term. Even to powerful families such as Ariel’s were susceptible to those tactics, especially when they had much to lose. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. They were still in public, but these were commoners. They had much important things to worry about like getting off their stop.

Djorn did as Ariel asked as he held the door for an elderly couple when the Moff went to help them from where they stood. Not many others would bother in doing a kind act like she did, and that was coming from upper ends of this society they lived in. The metro forever full as more people entered the machine when other departed from it. Endless cycle like many things.

“Life day? I, uh, I don’t know,” there was uncertainty in his voice as he wasn’t one to celebrate much except a well earned victory from an operation. “I don’t know who to celebrate with,” another glimpse of his life he revealed to Ariel where she could deduce he had little to no family in his life. Such tragedy in his life, consumed by the phantom pain of his past. Nothing was ever truly the same from that one mission.

“Maybe with the Imperator, I dunno. We’ve got lots on our plate,” then again he didn’t think Irveric celebrated the holiday. Men of service and duty that sacrificed so much on the line.

“What’s on your mind?” a subtle way to know exactly what was going on between them, what was going on in Ariel’s life. He was one always wanting an answer, always knowing what was going on. Intelligence or not. It was natural for someone to approach another whom they had special relations on one night with a clear mind. Wasn’t exactly like a club where folks danced through the night with little dialogue and no emotions attached to their movements. Their night was different, categorically.

“I’m guessing someone gave you a schoolgirl scolding?”

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

The metro pulled forward the scene of the duracrete tunnels continued. Ariel turned away from it and took a seat on a nearby bench. Reputation was everything around here, and then at times, it was nothing at all. Perhaps for those who were not from her family and worked where she did reputation meant nothing at all. She could hear the uncertainty in Djorn's voice and motioned for him to sit beside her. They had a while before they got to where she was at least going to stepping off. ​

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From the sounds of it, Djorn had no one to really go home to or at least any real reason to look forward to the holidays. She felt bad for him, Ariel wouldn't know what to do without her family. As dysfunctional as they were and as broken as they were at times, they were still family. Fiolette and Taeli would have a place for her, and if she didn't want to stay there she could visit with her father, or aunt Calucyia, or even uncle Wilhuff. Djorn went on to mention Irveric, but from what Ariel saw of the man. She gathered he spent his holidays looming over charts and war plans. ​

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"Mhmm?" Replied Ariel, there weren't many that plainly asked what she thought, not without some ulterior motive to the question. He then added about a scolding, which gave room for Ariel to realize. "Oh, yes." A pause and then, "quite so." ​

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"Apparently I didn't think about my family when I spent the evening with you at the Ball," a frown accompanied the statement, "and I disappointed them by doing so, and by clearly not being as discrete as I should have been."​

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The lull of the tracks beneath the metro was just what Ariel needed after a night like tonight. "She didn't seem to care so much that we did, by the by, just that we weren't discrete and she'd rather not any affair tarnish the family reputation."​

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Ariel pushed her lips to the side, "but what even would it matter? I'm not her family, not really."​

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She sounded somewhat dejected for a moment but took in a deep breath and exhaled - her way of changing the subject. "You said you didn't have anyone to celebrate with?" The Moff looked over at the Commissioner, the train's announcer called out the next few stops ahead. "I get off in a few, not this stop but the next one."​

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Djorn Bline ​

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[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

NOVEMBER RAIN​

That confirmed his suspicions as Ariel unveiled to Djorn that she was indeed lectured and scolded for her misbehavior. He wasn’t surprised about it as they weren’t at all discrete now recalling back on their night. The Commissioner was, in truth, also expecting that they would be called out on it. All due to the lack of secrecy from each of their part. Maybe if they hadn’t hold hands or be so near each other when ascending the stairs, they might’ve gotten away with it.

Sitting by the Moff he fully listened to her, understanding that her family was...complicated just by her tone and at that last bit of: “but what even would it matter? I’m not her family, not really.”

If someone were to envy her position, they would be foolish so. She indeed could have anything she wanted, but that came with a heavy cross. All the limelight was on her and her family, constantly monitoring her. Natural she’d probably have enemies wishing for her downfall whether from within for without her family. Such was the nature of aristocrats. They all wanted central power and authority, forging and breaking alliances for their own convenience.

At least she had a family, or relatives she could enjoy the comfort of. Djorn? All he had were memories, traumatic ones of war. He had lost too many; too many comrades along with his family.

“That’s right, I don’t have anyone to enjoy it with,” her words were too obvious for him to know what her inquiry meant. “Would you like my company? Discreetly, of course,” a small quip that he grinned at momentarily.

“What exactly happened to your left hand? I know there are scars and torn tissue when I held it at the garden. Childhood incident?”

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Playfully, Ariel rolled her eyes and replied, "of course I would welcome your company, discreetly of course." A sincerity that hadn't been in her voice made itself known. "At this stage, I just gather so long as none of the cameras realize you're with me, I should be fine." Which explained more or less the real reason why she was on the metro. The sound of the metro coming to a stop let Ariel know it would be time to prep herself to disembark the car. "Oh," she looked down to her left hand and shook her head.​

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"No," answered Ariel who then went on to explain, "I earned this scar during the Reclamation Campaign, probably around late 860. Impaled it on a durasteel bar that jutted out from the ground." A pause, her face shifted that wasn't quite the answer, "it was part of a broken foundation that used to be the old Imperial Palace, one of the many pieces that were upturned and broken."​

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She had heard Djorn correctly that he had no one, and again her heart sank. It hurt to know that there were people who were alone during the holidays. Gloves on, bag hung across over her shoulder, and hat pulled over her ears. Ariel looked around and noticed the car had gotten a little more crowded, standing room only. The metro chugged out of the station with ease, "we can get off at the next stop, then it's something of a short walk." Ariel supposed it was all in how one looked at it.​

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"We can probably exchange stories about scars at my place."​

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Djorn Bline ​

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

PILLAR OF WINDS​

She didn’t decline his offer, didn’t even take a moment to think about it or consider it. Djorn could already envision what would happen with the two alone at her place, and he was sure Ariel would as well. Even with being verbally reprimanded and scolded from their daring night at the ball, she gave it little importance by accepting his company. As long as they maintained secrecy, then there wouldn’t be any trouble.

He couldn’t help to admit that it did feel nice to have that kind of company; that kind of intimacy he thought he wouldn’t encounter again. He had been through his list of hookups and one nights before Ariel and even after when he and his estranged wife were separated after a catastrophic mission. Mostly it was to advance the progress of a mission, simply using someone as a tool. It was cold of him to use people’s emotions against themselves, giving him what he needed.

But this wasn’t an assignment. It was...genuine, or at least that’s what he believed so. He did thought of Ariel when arriving at Avalonia, and she didn’t escaped his thoughts after their clandestine passion. That being said, what did she think of him? Was this all casual? A temporary thing? Maybe, but enjoy it while he can. As the old saying went.

He was impressed by the story of how she scarred her left hand, the Imperial stereotypically thinking she had never entered a fight before. She wasn’t a soldier that much he could tell, but one’s bravery for their ideals and nation was awe inspiring to anyone.

“We can do that, yeah. I’m sure mine matches yours,” in regards of their scars as Djorn was littered with them either from burns, blaster bolts, knives, and what else that was on the list.

“Looks like it’s our stop,” he stood up from the seat and walked towards the sliding doors of the metro. It came to a complete stop, opening the doors and allowed its old passengers to leave and welcome any new ones wanting aboard. Both the Moff and Commissioner walked together as a pair on the station. “Well, lead the way. Don’t think there’s any cameras on us?”

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Ariel internally wondered just what in the bloody netherworld she was doing with the Commissioner. The screeching she got from Natasi regarding him should have been enough to thwart her away from him. Outside of the metro, Ariel made sure her gloves were on, it was always so bloody cold this time of year. No. It was more than screeching, it was her cousin absolutely losing her cool over everything but least of all, Djorn. She was more or less ticked over the program that Ariel was almost sure no one read.​

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It only took a glance to realize that Djorn hadn't quite expected the answer that Ariel had given him regarding her scar. "Well then it shall be quite the evening," replied Ariel to the New Imperial as she guided him from the metro and up toward the busy sidewalks. "Mind your step, there's a bit of ice here," then thoughtfully, "remind me to call city services and have them deice the entrances to the metros." ​

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"Oh and please, these streets are covered in surveillance, the difference is going to be if anyone is actually paying attention, and how long we stick around before the photographers catch wind," and with that, she tilted her head away from the metro's entrance. "C'mon, I've got a few places to head to before I get home." The snow wasn't the problem it was the wind and it cut through the thickest jackets a little too easily. Ariel blamed the mountains north of the city across the river. ​

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Ice, salt, and dirt along with whatever other soil bits were crushed beneath her shoes. "The Naval Foundation is that way, beautiful museum if you ever get a chance, but we are heading here." She had gestured across the street toward the building before motioning toward the signs that directed them toward the Market Gardens. Ariel was a bit excited about the food and her enthusiasm showed, "some of the best food is this way and it's not too far from my flat."​

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"Are you hungry by the way? My treat," she told him plainly as she buried her hands beneath her arms, "bloody cold as kriff around here, and I thought Thames on Galidraan was bad."​

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Djorn Bline ​

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

There was never a modern city that didn’t have surveillance monitoring the streets around the clock. Blending in with crowd was never a problem for him; however, when he was walking alongside a beautiful woman that was cousins with the Supreme Leader and held political power, it wasn’t easy to maintain secrecy from the public. Although, as long as they did as Ariel said, then they wouldn’t need to worry about being focused on. After all, there were other pedestrians that walked on these streets which made it very difficult to track so many faces moving about.

Snake kept close to the woman’s side, slightly behind her as she navigated the pair throughout the busy streets of Avalonia. It was a huge city after all, probably similar size as Ravelin on Bastion. His hands and arms stiff at his side, even the trench coat he wore that hid his uniform could not guarantee against the harsh winds blowing through the city. It wasn’t the cold that was the problem, it was the wind itself. His eyes made glancing observations of the city, not a single speeder was seen. Everything was by motorcade. The only thing that suspended in the air was the shuttles departing and arriving from the sky, and even that was limited. He still didn’t understand why, maybe it was because of the aesthetic his counterpart Imperials were proud of? It was, admittedly, a gorgeous city that outmatched others in its facade and immaculate polish. Despite its adoption of retro vehicles for transportation, he’d pick this over Coruscant any day.

He continued to listen to the Moff, following her gestures to impressive landmarks such as the museum she mentioned before returning focus to where they were going. The Market Gardens. Only thing famous about it was the culinary produced from it. He was hungry, hadn’t eaten anything since arriving here.

“I’d like for a bite, yeah. Thank you, I haven’t eaten anything since arriving here.,” he replied back to her invitation with a grin, although it was...odd to have a meal in public with the Moff. Or maybe it was just a quick pickup for food. “Here,” and took off his own coat and wrapped it around the woman, feeling a wave of cold wind on his skin and shivering at its greet. “Don’t worry about me, I’ve faced worse than this,” and offered a reassuring smile to Ariel before she could protest about it. He had faced much worse than this weather, that was true. His own arms crossed and cradled into his body with attempts to conserve and find heat.

“I’ll go with whatever you choose, Ariel,” it was the first time he said her name, without proper titles, on this night; away from any First Order aristocrats. He couldn’t help but feel this was felt akin to a date. Was it?

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Avalonia's bitter cold would have certainly made the trip worse, had it not been for Djorn's rather chivalrous gesture. "Thank you Djorn," oh they were on a first-name basis now, that was comforting, she thought a moment with a bit of a sardonic tone. She pushed it away and pulled the man's coat around her. Speeders clogged up the roads with repulsor trucks and motorcades about, of the road beside them as they followed the flow of foot traffic along the sidewalks. Newspapers and magazine vendors shouting out their prices while the hand-painted window signs of sales lured customers into shops. Red flowers hung from the lamps, Ariel smiled and recalled, "oh I'm so glad they put these up." She gestured to the flowers.​

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"These flowers on the street lamps were donated by Nahutal, they're quite lovely, poinsettia." Ariel slowly pronounced, "yes they call them poinsettia flowers so, in working with the mayor we had them hung around the street lamps." She pointed them out as the couple approached an intersection. They waited for the signal to cross, the aroma from the distant food carts was overwhelming, "can almost smell the fried pastries from here." There was a bit of excitement in her voice. A Mirialan beside her agreed, he was taller than both her and Djorn, a wide-body fellow with a bag of gifts. His hair was long and braided neatly. Before Ariel could ask any other questions the signal had chimed and the crowd began to cross.​

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Once across the street, it wasn't too far from the Market Gardens. A sign ahead loudly displayed that they were there, and then there was the map beside it, a display to show where they were and where the other attractions were. The crisp winter air outlined the breaths of the people around the pair. Ariel pressed ahead turning on Pierce Street, "we can grab a quick bite here then move out toward artist alley, then get an actual meal from one of the best diners for an amazing Kryiday Roast. Benduday I think on Galidraan, Dosuun's got two extra days on the calendar." Explained the Moff haphazardly regarding the Dosuunian calendar that the First Order revolved itself around. ​

"What do you think of the city so far?" Inquired Ariel, and if she were honest, "and be honest you can absolutely hate it. I realize we're a bit backwards in some cases what with restricted air travel." ​

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The view of food carts, booths, cleanly strung lights across the street both in festive Life Day colors and not. Ariel led Djorn to line up by a rather popular cart, "this vendor makes these delicious sweet cakes from Seoul, their family owns a few booths in Sejong and it's just great, hopefully, you'll like them." If not, Ariel wouldn't mind taking the sweet cakes from him if that was necessary. ​

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Djorn Bline ​

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[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

Throughout the time they had already spent with each other, which was no more than hours on the clock, Djorn couldn’t help but identify parts of Ariel’s personality. She was a patriotic Imperial, there was no question about that. She always carried a smile and a good attitude on her person. Most of all, she was innocent when compared to him. He had long forfeited his own innocence, carrying a taint on his soul and dirtying his hands even further. In truth, part of him envied that in the Moff. She hadn’t seen or experienced what he had in his life.

Good.

It was better she did not. It’s what made her company ever more attractive to him. Some sense of peace he could enjoy. He temporarily felt different around her presence. She wasn’t anything like his estranged wife back home. Rowan was cold and carried little compassion, also committing as much erroneous things in their line of work. Ariel? She carried a whole lot of humanity in her, vibrant like the sun. Her kindness and compassion from what he had seen was something to admire of, especially in her class of society.

“I’m unfamiliar with Galidraani customs, Ariel,” he admitted to enjoy saying her name, “I’m not as fancy of an Imperial as you are.”

“The city? I don’t hate it at all; I do find it kind of weird, but I don’t hate it. It’s clean, hardly anything wrong with it. It’s much better than Coruscant that much I can say. Though why the restriction of air travel? Not a lot of speeders to be seen.”

The couple, in line, picked up the sweet cakes from the booth after paying of course. It wasn’t something he was familiar with which truthfully there were many foods he was foreign to. Same time didn’t hurt to give it a try. Fortunately he welcomed its taste after taking a bit. “It’s good, thank you. Wish there were some around the Braxant Run.”

But they all knew the conditions of those worlds with the nuclear fire the Sith unleashed.

“I’d grab another, but I’ll leave some room for the meal. Should we carry on?”

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

"Oh please, I am not fancy at all. I just had a lot of protocol drilled into my childhood not that it's done me any favors," remarked Ariel in jest. "But, usually on Benduday in Galidraan the family has a lovely roast, usually bantha, sometimes rontho whatever's available and just sit around the dinner table, eat, talk that sorta thing." Thus far, Djorn seemed to be quite genuine, something Ariel scarcely got from others who weren't related to her and even then that at times was met with skepticism. ​

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Ariel enjoyed his company and if she could confess anything it was that Djorn had a kindness in his eyes. Maybe he didn't share that with others, but that coupled with his smile? Well. Ariel was certainly done for, "oh," she began a response to his question, "a couple of reasons, one." In the middle of the cake she waited politely as the coupled moved on from the vendor. "Safety, as I've observed a lot of accidents that occur in higher skylanes that trickle down and they're all horrific."​

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"Second, this reduces over all emissions all the vehicles that come through here are met with very strict environmental guidelines. Third, this keeps our airspace clear so in case of emergency our rapid response teams can get to the situation faster. Our military can respond quicker, and all without having to worry about getting everyone grounded." Ariel was quite proud of the policy she had help craft. "And it's quite lovely to see the sky." ​

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"Definitely carry on, other wise we'll be full before we get to the diner," she answered and then threw the wrapper into the proper waste receptacle. Artist alley wasn't too far from where they were, but the crowds were certainly growing as time went on and with them came more police presence and they weren't too hard to notice. Most of them had been veterans of some kind or another. "I'm hoping to grab a few gifts for my cousins, they're in town for the holidays and I haven't seen them in ages. The good stores are here in artist alley, not to say anything of the chains that we have around the city."​

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A pause as she thought on how to really describe what she wanted to say, "unique? special?"​

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As they turned the corner a few musicians were playing holiday music, Ariel tossed them a fiver. ​

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Djorn Bline ​

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[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

“Just a way to spend time with others, then,” he added as a last bit when Ariel explained to him what exactly Benduday was. Seemed almost similar to Life Day except Life Day was a popular intergalactic holiday and Benduday was just local on Galidraan. He was feeling more and more like a normal person around her, having this kind of conversation with another was something uncommon for him. The people he always hung around were men of war, everyone carrying the same vibe that imprinted itself on them from their duty. This was something nice to run away with, even if it was just for mere hours before his departure.

“Didn’t really think of that. I sure wouldn’t want debris from a crashed speeder raining on me,” and his eyes looked up to the ebony sky that belonged to the night with small dots of stars detailing the picture with the moon its main attraction. “It’s a good view to have, yeah,” and his eyes went on Ariel for a moment, pupils wanting to connect with hers which came along with a toothless grin: a subtle, nonverbal message if she were to understand it. He disengaged when he took another bite of the pastry he was enjoying.

“Best of the best works,” he added as Ariel described what she wanted to say previously. Almost true to its name, there were some musicians claiming their area as they performed their music for the pedestrians to hear and enjoy. This kind of music he wasn’t all too familiar with as he did typically tuned out of the holiday spirit everyone was having.

“If you need to, we can stop real quick to get whatever gifts you need. It’s up to you. I just want...” he fell silent on his words, feeling a bit anxious on admitting whatever emotions he harbored that he sometimes felt afraid of unveiling. It wasn’t the first time he’d been in this position before, but it had been too long for him.

“I...just want to spend time with you, Ariel. Enjoy it while we can,” the same words he uttered to Ariel in the gardens during the ball. The exact words when he made his advances towards her and she welcomed him. He did have some questions and wanted to act intimate; however, he knew that would have to wait behind closed doors in privacy. “Hopefully we’re still being discreet,” an attempt to break any awkwardness, if there was any after his words. A small jest to break the ice and see what else there was beneath it.

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

"Yeah, I guess you could say that - as a kid, I usually hated them but as an adult, I have a finer appreciation for them," replied Ariel to Djorn. "It was just a thing we did, and it was expected, now, now I wish we had them more often." On the one hand, Ariel did miss seeing her sisters, but on the other hand, sometimes distance was a good thing. The pair walked along the sidewalks, the commotion of the people around them seemed to drown out everything else. Ariel took a moment to look at the way Djorn carried himself, certainly a different person than what she was presented with at the summit months ago now. ​

​

As they walked, Djorn replied to Ariel's explanation for the lack of air traffic around Dosuun. She followed his gaze to the stars and then found that his attention laid with her. The Moff couldn't help but blush a little, just as he turned to take a bite of his pastry. "Of course, Renata has told me that we should be mindful of places like Coruscant where this won't work, but thus far it's something we've been able to implement in worlds across our realm."​

​

They had approached the area known as artist alley where boutiques, shops, and booths packed the narrow lane tightly. "We are as discreet as we can possibly be what with a crowd, Djorn," she then offered her hand to go along with that smile of hers, "wouldn't want you to get lost around 'ere." It would simply be a tragedy if Djorn got lost here, "and it'd be quite difficult for cameras to pick us out this far."​

​

"And yes, spending time with you thus far has been quite a delight, I've enjoyed your company." Remarked Ariel with a joyful tone to her voice, "and I promise it'll be quick, well, ish. I have no idea what an eight-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl would want for Life Day." Thankfully, Ariel had some help from the owner of the toy store, but just in case Ariel also grabbed a few stuffed animals and a few of the action figures that featured the old First Order's White Wolves Stormtrooper Squadron, and at least one naval toy that showed off the Resurgent. "Maybe I went overboard." Concluded Ariel as she looked into the massive bag of toys, "in my defense the last time I saw them they were two and one."​

​

"But, the diner's around the corner and then we can take a cab to my place because the trains at this hour." Ariel blew air out of her mouth with a wide-eyed expression to follow, "the people are either really weird, handsy, or become the reason why I carry a can of mace on my person." She paused her lips up and nodded, "yeah..."​

​

Djorn Bline ​

​

​

​

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

He was, admittedly, astounded that Ariel would want him to hold her own hand. Here in public? It was daring and bold. Much like when the two did at the ball, their hands never departing even in front of Natasi Fortan when they walked from the palace’s gardens. This time? They were out in a mobilized public, well blended with with crowds away from any surveillance cameras. Boldly he took her hand as they walked the streets, giving a relief exhale as his own thumb caressed her hand. She didn’t feel afraid of doing this, and that was impressive. Any repercussions they could face was thrown out of the window. His heart did move when their fingers wrapped around each other, especially when she made it known to Djorn that his company was well enjoyed and wanted.

Stopping by the toy store the Moff made her errands quickly before exiting back out to the cold of Avalonia. Hopefully she enjoyed the brief warmth inside the store. He did wonder if his coat was still resisting the harsh winds on her person.

“That’s a long time, Ariel. Seven years? I think overkill was the correct way in the gifts,” he commented, surprised it was that long she was separated from her cousins. So much time that couldn’t be recovered, but they were young and usually adolescents welcomed the arms of family willingly at that age.

Djorn’s hand slipped into Ariel’s own, wanting that feeling that made him breathe profoundly. It was like him finding a rock to shore up to. He was sure she’d welcome that approach from him. “You should have a pistol on you. Maces can do so much, but they’ll leave someone painfully blind which I guess is the poetic justice of it.” And by painfully, sometimes permanently damaging. Even a cup of fresh brewed coffee could do the trick.

“Have you ever...” he trailed off to let Ariel fill in the blank if she’d ever gotten harassed by those scum. “I’m sure someone being smart around a member of the Supreme Leader’s family would be incinerated without a trace.” At least he would if he was in such power. “Looks like we’re here. Table for two, yes?” With their luck, hopefully no one would gaze at them too long at the diner. Of course, they could make it a private booth if they had they had that luxury here.

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

They had walked side by side toward the diner, snow ever falling on their persons. Outside the store, Ariel once more linked her hand with Djorn's, it was after that he commented on the length of time she and her younger cousins had been separated. "I agree, it is an extraordinarily long time, however; there was very good reason for it and I was in no shape to care for them in the way Natasi did for me." Then again, she half wondered if Natasi had been in the proper shape to truly care for Ariel at that age. The answer would presumably have been no, but Natasi was certainly more mature for her age and time back then than Ariel could have ever hoped to be.​

​

"I do not carry a pistol on me, but there is a dagger just not in my purse and I really prefer not to use it on a randy drunk," she grimaced, not especially because he'll wake up both sober and in pain. Although she supposed drunk or not, one should mind where their hands go. Ariel listened to Djorn ask, or rather leave her to assume his question of which context followed. "The answer is only, a few times and during my university times. I taught the boys a lesson or two afterward." A pause as they came to a stop in front of a diner. "I'm fairly certain one of them still walks with a limp for it."​

​

"Also, incineration is too kind Djorn. Far too kind for such a grievance against the family," replied Ariel with a devilish look in her eye. She then confirmed, "yes for two." The pair stepped through the threshold and Ariel was grateful once they sat down. She took off Djorn's coat, folded it over neatly before handing it back over to him. She sat opposite of him in their corner booth, Ariel took a look at the menu only to confirm they indeed had what she was looking for. The diner the pair were in had been fairly crowded, the atmosphere was joyful, and the lights were a dim but warm yellow, the Moff ordered an Avalonian Pale Ale along with chips and cheese to start as an appetizer while their Kryiday Roast got started on in the kitchen.​

​

Ariel certainly would have recommended either the Pale Ale or a Victorian Lager, or one of the punchier Gawain Bourbons if he wanted to hit heavy. Water was served up complimentary and their chips and cheese were delivered fresh from the kitchen. "I have yet to meet a potato I didn't like," commented the Moff as she took one of the chip wedges and dipped it into the bowl of melted-to-perfection sharp cheddar cheese. "If you want a milder cheese we can ask for one, I think there's an Avalonian Smooth version which isn't as sharp, and I think they smoke that cheese in house." It may have happened that Ariel had been to this place before, maybe. ​

​

Djorn Bline ​

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

He did catch that devilish eye of hers in regards to incinerating those that were foul to the Royal Family of the Supreme Leader. He knew it meant something, meaning that those that disrespected Ariel and her kin were subjected to harsh means of torture. Torture wasn’t something unfamiliar as he used several methods when interrogating prisoners and other assets. Maybe she wasn’t just a simple Moff with duties and responsibilities to her Imperials; maybe there was more to her than underneath that gorgeous smile of her. Why else she would make a comment with eyes like that?

Then again, it was all just speculation from Djorn with no evidence to prove it.

Although it did make him more curious about the woman he was having this clandestine affair with. Even more impressed she knew how to handle herself from prying hands.

The couple sat down at their booth which, thankfully, was by the corner. Everything warm and lively inside, a good crowd of people occupying tables mostly just couples. Everything inside was set to be very...intimate? The lighting didn’t help to not prove that otherwise. To Ariel’s recommendation he ordered the Lager, surprised she ordered an ale instead of wine.

“Oh, I’m sure the cheese is fine, Ariel,” as he, too, dipped a chip into the bowl of melted cheese, enjoying its flavor. “I’m pretty simple with food, not that hard to please me,” which was true. Eating grub in the barracks from his younger years made him appreciate any food prepared outside of those particular kitchens.

“I thought you’d order a wine, to be honest. I didn’t take you as someone to order an ale,” he commented to her. “I get the feeling you’re full of surprises; our night was something that surprised me,” and it was a great night for the couple.

He felt like asking her about what she thought of him or this little affair of theirs, but didn’t have much of the guts to do so. Maybe another time, perhaps her apartment. Or maybe he’d wait until she asked that question.

“You know, I wouldn’t ever thought of being here with you after that diplomatic meeting. I still remember how you corrected me in front of everyone,” and gave a grin and a chuckle with it. She was fierce which only matched with her loyalty and sense of duty.

Truly their paths in this wide Galaxy was fascinating and interesting to know where they’d be taken.

 

[Ariel Yvarro]

Djorn was definitely, studying or at least observing her and Ariel didn't seem to mind. It wasn't often she was allowed to just be, her. It felt nice for a change to actually relax and enjoy herself. She definitely noted that he was a 'simple with food' a casual gaze toward the Commissioner told her that perhaps this was, well, it had been by all accounts a change of pace. Djorn mentioned it even, chuckled lightly when he expressed his surprise regarding her choice of drink. She thanked the waitress as the ale was set down in front of her, "not that into wine to be quite honest, obviously if it's being served I'll nurse it but other than that." Ariel shrugged it away as she took another wedge and dipped it into the cheese. ​

​

"Mhmm, well," blushed Ariel as she hadn't seen that exact comment approaching. "It felt right for the moment." The Moff's answer was nonchalant, but then again, "and it was nice to talk to someone, is nice, to talk to someone who I can just talk with and not."​

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One chip wedge in hand and other a gesture, "what's the phrase."​

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"Act like a rimrod straight politician all the time, the smiling, the pretending, around you at the ball it just felt natural," she explained, "or maybe I'm just rambling and I'm going to stop." Ariel ate the crisp wedge and then washed it down with a hearty drink of her ale. "Also, used to drink several of the lads at uni under the table. Galidraani men often seem to think themselves quite the heavy lad if they can drink the whole night through, especially the cocky city boys."​

​

Ariel's eyes widened with a knowing look regarding the diplomatic summit, "my cousin quietly told me it hadn't been necessary."​

​

"But." She started and then stopped to take a sip of water, "but I can agree with that sentiment, certainly wasn't something I foresaw that day either, but here we are and I believe we are better for it?" Or at least, that's what she hoped she was feeling. ​

​

Djorn Bline ​

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
AVALONIA
FOCUS | Ariel Yvarro

She was blushing an awful lot around him, and a lot content with his presence. What struck him the most was when she offered her hand to her during their walk. That was the main highlight for him on this night. Everything right now felt normal to him. Just two people enjoying the time they had to share with each other. Almost like a date, something he hadn’t done in a long time. A date he literally stalked without setting it up professionally with the Moff. Come to think of it, she didn’t even bother the fact that he followed her to the metro.

“I think we are, yeah. I know I am better for it,” he replied to her before taking a drink of his lager. He followed with another grab of a cracker dipped into cheese, and then settled his focus on Ariel.

“I know what you mean by having to pretend, especially with others you’re not familiar with. It seems all we do is wear masks,” oh he certainly knew a thing of wearing different masks, different personas. Something that was mentally exhausting to maintain, but not this. This he was sure to be his actual self, his true face without any masks to veil him. She made him feel as if he’s always kept a life of innocence and never committed to a life of committing crimes that he always got away with the phrase of “plausible deniability” in intelligence.

If only this could last forever.

“I’m glad I make you feel that way, Ariel. I also like being around you if that hasn’t been obvious,” indeed obvious with the many times he neared her only to be met with a cold shoulder until they were together on the metro.

“Would you, uh, say this is a date? Technically it is, yeah? Dinner and then you’re place,” which both of them knew how their evening would conclude. “Just need a movie to go along with it.”