Tis the Season [SJO Winter Ball]

[Varindar Asyt]

Location: Main Hall

"Now that's one special turkey I shall tell my family about; maybe I'll go eat at one of those... five-star restaurants, as you call them"

"There are six restaurants of which I'm the executive chef, but keep in mind that I don't personally cook that many meals. But if there is one thing I ought to say is that one shouldn't go to a specific planet just to eat at a specific restaurant. Nevertheless, if you have another reason to go to Trandosha or Corellia, be my guest and perhaps you can have the very same meal from room service in one of my two five-star hotels as you would from the restaurants' respective dining rooms"

As much as Varindar would have loved to talk about hospitality, she knew there were certain lines Jedi ought not to cross. Sure the Crown Nebula on Trandosha and the Daoba on Corellia are household names in Silver-land because these properties regularly feature as ads on either hospitality newspapers or Jedi-specific gossip newspapers, just that the most notorious of its restaurants, her restaurants, is Bumba's Eatery on Trandosha. And, of course, the Crown Nebula feels a lot more boutique than the Daoba, and the guest that ate from her turkey plate would probably be able to contrast that property from the other. But she had an entire set of business cards for all the restaurants to give to that guest, hoping in secret that this particular guest will, in fact, come to any of those restaurants, let alone all six of them. Yet, at the back of those business cards are, well, loyalty cards. Ten outings at any of those restaurants and the eleventh is free. That was to be a lot of meals and she knew few guests would actually eat this many over their lifetimes.

 

[Pash Tafo]

The Wookiee Tree of Life was illuminated with a flourish of singing and the large, furred hands of the Wookiee elders, to the applause of the party guests. The silver star atop the tree seemingly a symbol of the cooperation between the local Wookiee village and the Silver Jedi. Pash clapped as well, lingering by the food, finishing the pastries and eying some delicious looking turkey, taking a small portion to try. The Matukai adept glanced up and greeted the other patrons at the table with a smile. His gaze darted frequently to the Sargus Novian padawan, until he noticed her heading towards the buffet with a sweater-garbed ranger that Pash knew only by reputation.

Pash remained unseen by Eustacya, and a smile graced his features as he watched his friend try some of the stranger fare offered in the wide spread of food. Waiting patiently, he could not help but pick up another loukoumades and took a bite of the sugary treat. The ranger dismissed himself, and the flaxen-haired padawan finally turned towards him, across the table. He met her gaze with a widening smile, the half eaten pastry in his hand.

"You know, these break every rule of a Matukai diet." He quipped. "But I can't stop eating them!" His smile softened. "Hello, Stach, how have you been?"

 

[Epistor of Phasekion]

~ Tag: [member="Pash Tafo"] ~​

​

Eustachya huffed a laugh as she skirted though the crowds in order to walk around the table to Pash. As she did that, she attempted to focus with the Force on her friend's speech. The power was partially successful, as it became as if he was speaking directly in her ear, but periodically it flickered out to the chatter of all those around her. Thus, she heard only most of what he said, but she didn't ask him to repeat himself as she came to stand in front of him. "I do apologize," she quipped, evidently still practiced in their type of wordplay even though she had not engaged in it in quite a while, "but it conforms to mine." The natural sugar was much easier on her palate that the artifical sweeteners or bleached crystals that she had been introduced to at almost every meal following her last at the temple of Aenuleth. Then she gave a smile of her own. "But, it seems to always bring you about, so maybe I am not."

At the Matukai's injury, Eustachya's face threatened to drop but she did well to hide her emotions. "I've been well enough," was the only truth she could tell, for she did not wish to lie over even something as small as polite conversation. "Also you. I hope you have been of good cheer. If not," she spread half of her wingspan, still holding her mug close to her chest, "​you have arrived at a sublime time."

 

[Asaraa Vaashe]

The voice cut across the girl’s reflections, her head twisting around before a smile touched her lips, blossoming into a full grin as she saw the man that had approached them. “Yuroic!” She hadn’t expected to see the man at the party, well she knew he’d be around but wasn’t expecting to run into him. Turning slightly to face the man the girl inclined her head at Caedyn as he introduced himself. “Caedyn’s my ‘well yeah’.” The girl’s eyes sparkled with an amused light as she grinned at her boyfriend, throwing his words from the last time he’d introduced her back at him, she was allowed to have a little fun with him after all right?

Although there was something about the way Yuroic was looking at the boy, it perhaps wasn’t the friendliest look Asaraa had ever seen on Yuroic’s face. She bit her lip for a moment, staring at him before her blue eyes flicked over his shoulder, taking in the rest of the party as a pair of youngling’s went racing down the hall behind him laughing and giggling as they wove in and out of the crowd bringing a nostalgic smile to the girl’s face. She’d never been to such parties growing up, but there had been feasts for lifeday and the younglings would play, they would always play. The girl tore her attention to the two men, the smile staying on her face as she nodded at Yuroic, “You clean up nice, Caedyn this is Yuroic, he…kinda looks out for me when he’s not shooting arrows at me that is.” He’d made that lesson very clear, but what was life if she couldn’t tease someone just a little? “If he ever invites you to go training in the woods with him…it’s probably a trap. Or he’s got something up his sleeve,” the twinkle in her eyes and smile on her face gave lie to any thought of seriousness in her words, this was the way life should be, friends, family the ones you loved all gathered around and no-one shooting them or dropping ships out of the sky.

[member="Caedyn Arenais"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]

 

[WelshPsych]

So, Caedyn was Asaraa's boyfriend. A fear of Yuroic's that been confirmed. While he wasn't always there for her as he should have been, he had hoped to return to duty as her mentor in life. He had in his mind successfully intimidated the boy at least to a stutter, though that could be down to him trying to impress Asaraa's friends within the Order. Yuroic still didn't trust the guy. Not that Caedyn had done anything but be with Asaraa to deserve Yuroic's very rare distrust. Even he knew this was paternal blindness, it was just entertaining to let the boy sweat. If Asaraa could handle his tough training then Caedyn had to be capable at handling his "dad" mode.

"So, Caedyn, you are Asaraa's... Well yeah..." He raised an eyebrow at Asaraa for that term, odd choice, "I would guess your thanks for the invite would be to her but I'm sure a smart young man would have known that." A slight jab but nothing too harmful. "However, the party is open to all SJO allies, where do you hail from?" Yuroic had a guess who Caedyn was but assumptions were not his style. "Master DragonsFlame was very kind to finish Asaraa's training after my ill timed vacation." It was his biggest regret not taking Asaraa back when he returned but events after his return proved he wasn't ready for that responsibility once again. It took time but he wished that he more sense to be the Master she deserved, the Master that Josh provided.

He shook his head when Asaraa mentioned that he shot her in the leg. "And that was a lesson you learnt, didn't leave a scar either so wasn't that bad!" He joked with her before turning and facing Caedyn with full seriousness. "However, know that if I was willing to shoot her in the leg and I care about her alot. Think what I would do to you if you hurt her." He then gave a fake laugh and grabbed a drink from a waiter and took a long sip.

[member="Caedyn Arenais"] | [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]

 

[WelshPsych]

(double post!)

 

[Pash Tafo]

Smiling eyes followed the Novian as she navigated the crowd around the table,Pash turning to her as Eustachya drew near. The last bite of the most recently plucked pastry was swallowed as the prodigals' conversation resumed. It took Pash a moment to realize the padawan may have mistaken his jibe as criticism of her baking, until her subtle sense of humor surfaced. "While these are quite delicious, I would say the company of the baker is more compelling." The Matukai replied with a grin.

While Eustachya offered only the most cursory reply to Pash's question about her well being, she was quick to turn the conversation back upon him. "I am doing well, now..." he answered, aware that any deeper delving into either parties' recent history was best left for a quieter time. The Lothan's gaze lifted to take in the festive surroundings, "... and It seems I've arrived just in time for a celebration, but not in time to dress appropriately." Pash laughed, strong hands smoothing over his robes. A quick survey of Eustachya's red dress ended with his gaze meeting hers again. "You, on the other hand, look quite nice this evening."

[member="Eustachya"]

 

[Epistor of Phasekion]

~ Tag: [member="Pash Tafo"] ~​

Casting a glance down at the piece of modern attire she had grown fond of already almost involuntarily as Pash complimented her, the padawan hid her smile until she looked back up at Pash to say, "Why, thank you." The dress was only slightly shorter than her regular chiton was, but Jyoti had seemed intent on giving her ex-learner something not floor-lengthened. Eustachya could understand, she supposed, as she had tripped and ripped her traditional dress on a couple of occasions, though those mishaps had simply been accidents that anyone could have fallen victim to. Still, she was not completely sure if the grandmaster was genuinely concerned, jesting, trying to challenge Eustachya to acclimate to the galaxy's fashion sense, or acting in some combination of the three.

Eustachya shook her head before lightly scoffing at his insinuation. Not appropriate. "Come now. Saytros hardly cares what men wear to His banquet table." Before she could stop it, the illusion to her world's god of art, expression, and parties flowed off her tongue, but she then assumed that it would not bother Pash. "I am simply glad that you came," she added before finishing her appetizer.

It seemed to give her an idea. "Would you like us to migrate? I'm always flattered, but surely loukoumades cannot sustain you." She glanced at his plate, noticing the slice turkey she had not before. "A drink, perhaps? Or a fork?" That was polite, yes? Eating with a fork? She was still not accustomed to doing such a thing, as she still ate many of her meals in her dorm room and had not been bothered yet to change her ways, but she had seen enough to know using cutlery was a norm here.

Then a shy smile and a light flush came onto her face. She was not the hostess of this gathering, no, but still, her mother might have killed her is she was here, for the things she was offering were lost to her in the raging sea that was the main hall.

 

[Pash Tafo]

As Pash listened to the curious accent of his friend, he realized how much he had missed the rather unique Novian. While there were a myriad of cultures throughout the galaxy, that from which Eustachya hailed made her quite unusual and interesting. At the far flung edge of the galaxy, her planet seemed refreshingly untainted by the common culture of the galaxy at large, and that arcane tradition flavored everything about Eustachya, as proven in her comment about Saytros, who Pash could only assume was a deity in the pantheon of gods the people of Sargus Novia worshiped.

The Matukai took the consolation offered nevertheless, a boyish grin gracing his face. "If you and Saytros find no offense in my outfit, then I am not going to worry about it!"

Only after the padawan noted his lack of fork and drink did Pash remember the plate of turkey in his hand. "Yes," his gaze searched the table nearby until he found an eating utensil. "A drink would be nice, and maybe someplace less central, where it's not so loud." Pash suggested, hoping to engage Eustachya's attention for a while longer.



[member="Eustachya"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Madalena would declare that Sith weren't below killing off their own family members, and while he wanted to say "I know" he didn't bother saying it. Instead the look that he gave her said it well enough. Granted, Maddy knew him well enough by now that trying to attack him at any point wasn't the smartest move. They'd been through much, she knew his capabilities.

Maybe not to the degree that Scherezade did, though. Scherezade had seen him at the apex of his abilities, to a degree. Madalena had not. Either way, he doubted she'd do something that horrible. And if she did, well... She wouldn't be Madalena or Scherezade anymore, would she?

He just sort of blinked when she acted like nothing happened after that, but shrugged it off. That was how she was, so it was what it was. So instead he answered what else she'd said.

"Any chance you could get Life Day itself off?" Josh would inquire. "I was actually kind of hoping to do a family dinner that day. Me, Jason, my brothers, you and Ra."

He looked toward Ra then, and smiled toward her answer. He felt bad that neither had family to spend time with... But that was what he and Jason were here for, at least, right?

"What of you, Ra? Would you be interested?"

@Riamah @Scherezade deWinter

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: Black Dress | Honey Boo Prototype Combat Boots
Tags: [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Riamah"]
Location: Main Hall

Everyone played along with Madalena pretending that everything was suddenly fine, and she no reason to burst that bubble. She was still angry, but not seething, and willing to remain at the ball for the time being.

"None of the important stuff," she admitted as [member="Riamah"] asked her about what missions she'd be taking on, "no one really plans the big stuff for this time of the year, so it'll likely mostly be guard duty and other mundane stuff like that."

Ra herself would be spending time with Josh and Jason, it appeared. Madalena swallowed a sip of her water, burying her jealousy along with it. It was not that she wanted to take Ra's place – hardly. She and Josh were best friends, family, that sort of thing and none of that romantic stuff. But Ra was going to do the family thing, which was something that Madalena found herself sorely lacking in as of late.

She was shaking her head before Josh was finished explaining why he was asking if she could take Life Day itself off, wanting to tell him there were already several missions planned even though it was an outright lie and she still hadn't received her mission statements.

And then said what his offer was.

Madalena froze in her seat.

How could she tell him? How could she tell him that the reason she wasn't going to be able to make it was because she was torn between taking stupid and useless missions, and waiting for her brother to show up, even though she knew he wouldn't? Her brother hadn't even come to meet Josh yet even though the two had been friends for years, much before she and Josh had become friends.

And now… Now she was going to have to choose between cancelling missions she didn't have yet, between waiting alone on her ship with Baal, and between coming to see Josh's family.

It sounded so stupid. So silly. She knew she should say yes. She knew her brother wouldn't come. She knew the missions around Life Day would leave her feeling even more miserable. But her voice got stuck in her throat, and she forced herself to sip more from her water before answering.

"I don't know yet," she said dryly, just staring at a random point on the table. And now it was supposed to a merry evening, but it was getting ruined because of her own behavior.

Madalena looked up and forced herself to give one of her friendlier smiles. "I'll do my best," she… She didn't know if she was saying the truth, or outright lying. But it was a non-commitment. She could figure the mess in her head later.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"Yep, I guess that's me, Asaraa's" Caedyn chuckled under his breath as he glanced sideways at [member="Asaraa Vaashe"] who seemed to be having so much fun getting back at him for the number of introductions he had presented to his family back during the Ceremony on Commenor, as well as their more recent excursion with the other teenagers; "...And I thank her every-day" he countered [member="Yuroic Xeraic"]'s little jab, allowing the older man to take the comment however his imagination would.

The Jedi Knight had however inquired as to where it was that Caedyn hailed from. A curious choice of words and one that left him silently wondering if he spoke for his Home-world or his training and present life-path; "I'm not a Jedi like the rest of you, though I know a few. I've been trained under a mentor from the Je'daii Order, [member="Asha Hex"]. I'm still with the Order, though our numbers aren't what they used to be. I tend to bounce around a bit, Aurum, Tython, Svivren...-But I grew up on Commenor", the latter of which he chose not to go into so much detail about. He didn't exactly enjoy the reactions people gave him when they realized he was of royal blood, things were always so much better when they looked at him like just another person without the assumptions or expectations that he might think himself better than anyone else. It couldn't be further from the truth, but at-least Asaraa knew that!

As far as training with Yuroic was concerned, it sounded like a challenging prospect and something that actually hinted at a good time. Never one to pass up a challenge, nor the prospect of learning more about himself or from the very Force, he simply grinned at the pair of them as they bickered lightly in jest of one another. That was until Yuroic teased a light threat Caedyn's way however.

If he had to guess, his Dad would've done the same thing for [member="Loreena Arenais"], so it didn't exactly surprise him too much...-Still, the look that Caedyn returned to the older Man would have almost seemed provocative, challenging in it's own way. No matter the opinion of others, Caedyn had no intention of bringing any negativity into Asa's life. In fact, he'd so far pulled her from the flames twice now, one time where she almost lost her call at the goading from a practiced Sith Knight.

This time he chose not to respond with words, but simply smiled and gave a half nod in understanding. Guys were like this after all, protective of the people they care about most, and at the very least, Caedyn appreciated the fact that someone else was watching over her when he wouldn't always be able to be around for her every waking minute. They did both live different lives after all.

 

[Epistor of Phasekion]

~ Tag: [member="Pash Tafo"] ~​

The bout of embarrassment melted away as quickly as it had set on. "A good idea," replied Eustachya. As long as it he wasn't set out them going outside, that is. Not only was the woman not dressed for the weather, but she was not mentally prepared for the winter's scene either, as tame as she knew it was compared to the ice age wasteland that was the Daphis Iceway. "We might try the hall, if that is to your taste?"

She did not leave her suggestion at that, however, as she added, "It might break your rules a bit more, but the cocoa is very good." She walked backwards a ways to look around a bit and then point out a table she spotted through the fluid crowd. It looked to be a beverage station. "Whatever the case may be, there seems quite a selection to be had over yonder." After her comment, she began to walk the Matukai over to their first stop on their new mission. Once Pash selected whatever looked to him the best, Eustachya exited into the closest corridor, off the Main Hall and to the east. A few strides down the hall and the grand doors fell closed behind the pair, drowning out the joyous cacophony. Even if Pash had desired to step into the courtyard before, perhaps the hallway would make a good compromise.

Somewhat nearby was a cozy little alcove, likewise decorated. Upon reaching it, Eustachya audibly sighed and went to sit on the far chair. "Pardon, but my feet are--how do you say? Killing me?"

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Domino"]

The party was in a good swing as the jedi master moved around clasping her hands around her back and she stopped for a moment with a look on her face. SHe looked over though and slid a hand taking a small cup that was filled with tea before taking a small sip of it. A little cold but sweet as she focused on the liquid with convection and it started to steam and heat up. Just hot enough as she took a drink the soothing sensation at the back of her throat was there. She sipped at it and walked holding it between her hands when she felt something familiar and there was something she hadn't felt in a long time.

 

[Domino]

It wasn't often that she got out anymore, not anywhere civilised at least, and Domino had been surprised to find the invitation to the winter ball in her mail. It'd been a long time since she'd assisted the Silvers defend their temples on Voss from some bloody ravens but it looked like she was still on someone's mailing list. She'd picked a navy blue chiffon high-low dress for the occasion not really having anything seasonally themed and she liked the lace panel that came up from her waist to circle around her neck. A pair of black heels completed the ensemble for her.

Entering the hall though she suddenly became more than a little self-conscious, she was acquaintances at best with most of the people she knew here and they all probably knew her from a time that... wasn't her best. Well then, she squared her shoulders and eyed up the magnificent life-day tree centering the hall, it was time to give them new memories.

 

[Domino]

#2for1 #DrunkPostingFTW!

 

[Nick Dragovalor]

She was here for the holiday festivities having made sure Marcus would be taken care of. Yet Jairdain wasn't at home here. Welcomed, but still an outsider. It was probably good her life's path had taken her away from the Silver's. Life Day though was something where she could relax and be away from Commenor and any other work she had.

After picking up her present and returning to her quarters to put it away, she now walked the halls unsure of where to go. The Force guided her and the familiar sense and presence of Nicholas was nearby. A man she had met more than once now and maybe there was a reason for it.

He had helped her before, now it was her turn to help him. Following where she sensed him, Jairdain openly approached with a friendly look about her. Now she was on the path she was meant to be. No longer chained by Krest or the Sith and it appeared he was free as well.

"Nicholas, it is good to see you again. How are things?"

Stopping in front of him again, there was no way he would miss her. Though like before, she did not reach out to touch him and kept that distance between them.

[member="Nicholas DragonsFlame"]

The girl.

He stopped when he would be approached, staring toward her with a curious eye when she did. They had spoken once before, though not overtly at length if he recalled. Granted, much of what had happened since he had come here had been a blur to him. He seemed to be unable to percieve the flow of time as well as he once did... Everything seemed to just pass by him. Days, weeks... They went by without him even realizing.

When she asked her question, he closed his eyes a moment, unsure of how to answer her. After a few moments more, he wold answer. His tone was calm, reserved, yet as dulled as the rest of him seemed to be.

"I live" He responded. "It will be a very long time before the damage that has been done to my mind and body is to heal."

And when it did, he wasn't sure what he was to do again... The man that had caused all of this was dead, after all. He'd killed him himself. Even that vile ship was gone, blown up over the skies of the Rest. He wasn't sure where he was to go next... Did he tackle the Sith as a whole? Did he kill them all by association?

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Domino"]

She felt it... then she saw her and grinned. It was rare to see the old twi'lek out and about sometimes but she was one of the old old old old members who had been here with the SJO and helped out selling them ships when they were yeah young as an order. "Domino." She said it with a grin on her face looking at her and the dress before she stood there looking at the tree then the other people who were around them. "You look nice and I am glad to see we were able to entice you to come out if only for a little while." She took a sip of her drink while holding out one of the small presents. THe life day rings were small bracelets of aurodium for emergencies and to look decorative.

 

[Pash Tafo]

At Eustachya's suggestion for an alternative location, Pash nodded. "Sounds perfect." He agreed. A hallway leading off from the main hall would remove them from the bustle and cacophony of the festivities, which was fine with the Matukai. He was more curious about his friend's recent doings than the celebration itself.

Pash carefully navigated the crowd with his plate of turkey, turning aside to the beverage table Eustachya had discovered. He poured himself a mug of the cocoa, again at his companion's suggestion, for Pash had learned to trust her tastes. He allowed himself a sip before they continued. "Mmmm... this would go well with your honey donuts." The Matukai commented, hefting the mug in salute. The pair resumed their trek to the outer hall, Pash even more cautious not to spill the hot drink as he dodged celebrating jedi and rangers. Only his highly tuned reflexes kept him from tripping head long over a refuse droid meandering through the room.

Finally, a refuge was found, a quiet alcove decorated with a Life Day tree. Pash settled into the seat across from Eustachya, setting his plate and mug on the small table next to him. A crooked grin answered the Novian's comment about her feet. "I am happy to find a seat more comfortable than a starship cockpit." Pash replied. "Do you mind if I eat?" He added, aware that it might be rude to eat if Eustachya wasn't.

"May I ask, since you are here at Silver Rest again, are you continuing your training?"

[member="Eustachya"]

 

[Epistor of Phasekion]

~ Tag: [member="Pash Tafo"] ~​

As Pash settled himself, Eustachya turned her head to regard the Life Day tree to her right. A glass icicle ornament, specifically the way it seemed to capture light inside, had caught her eye and she reached out to hold it in her palm. Then her friend spoke again, calling her attention, and she withdrew her hand. "No, please," she began, and added after he asked his question, "I will answer, you go forth and enjoy."

Only after likewise placing her mug down on the window sill nearest her and tucking her legs under her chair so that her feet would be afforded a break from balancing on the heels she wore did Eustachya begin. "Not quite yet, but soon." She pursed her lips, suddenly disappointed in herself. If Pash thought that Eustachya had left the Rest, he might have felt abandoned or, at the very least, mighty confused. "I've...become something of a hermit. I have been here, hiding away. I made myself attend tonight." Pausing to bring her hands into her lap, the padawan began gently wringing. "My attention was not to worry you, if so I did. I was..."

Eustachya trailed off for a long moment before rolling her head and heaving a sigh. She forced herself on, "...not fit for the Shadows. Walking that path with Master Nooran made me feel guilty." Having previously spoken to both Idris and then Jyoti about the topic made it easier to talk about tearlessly, but the annoyance that she harbored for herself was more difficult to be rid of. "We Children of Sargus value peace above all else. War riddles our past, but not our present. It is the highest offence to assault another, be it in battle or defense."

Taking another break, Stach needlessly swallowed. "​Am I being idiotically pious?" Then, realizing that her friend was chewing, she held up a hand on her thigh. "Poor timing. Excuse me," she allowed herself to chuckle.

Another sigh left the young woman's lips. She knew she was doing the right thing for her by conceding defeat by trying again. But again, on whichever path Master Varless led her down next, she would surely encounter some amount of violence that she would have to meet with her own. She knew, but even so was not ready to train with her now-not-so-new lightsaber, left back in her dormitory, and rebel not only against her people's beliefs but her religion's.