Private Traditions

[Makai Dashiell]

JOIOL

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Having decorated under the watchful eye of his wife, including setting up the Life Day tree in the living room, their home was looking far more festive than anything he had seen in his life. All part of his task to come up with traditions to enact over the years. Decorating? Check. Making cookies together? Not quite yet, but ingredients purchased. Closer to the actual holiday he and Ellie would make them after dinner.

Tonight was the start of the third and final tradition he could think of on the fly ; ornament making. Their kitchen table cleared and a old tablecloth put down, he had assembled everything needed to make watercolor-effect glass ornaments. It involved spreading alcohol ink inside the ornament with a small brush or manipulation or even blowing inside to create abstract designs. Considering how creative Ellie was and how well she could paint on a canvas, he figured it was a great tradition to start - a different style or technique each year.

Plus, it doubled as a quiet stay-at-home date night, just minus the wine. Mock sangria was on the menu instead, complete with orange slices in the glasses.

"Between painting Phoebe's room and now this, I think I'm done til next Life Day."

Makai squinted behind his glasses, the sun down and much of the natural light gone for the day caused him to place the spectacles back on his face. Not that this job required precision but he wanted to do a good job. There was an assumption he would be seeing this ornaments in some form or fashion for some time to come.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed loosely as she watched Makai squint at the delicate glass ornament in his hand. The soft light from the overhead fixtures reflected off his glasses, making him look more serious about the task than he probably intended. She smiled to herself, the sight of him so intently focused tugging at her heart.

"You say that now," she teased lightly, stepping closer and snagging an orange slice from the mock sangria. "But I'm sure I'll come up with something else for you to tackle long before next Life Day. You're too good at it to let you off the hook."

Sliding into the seat beside him, Myra picked up one of the clear ornaments and twirled it between her fingers.

"These are going to look amazing on the tree," she mused, dipping a brush into the inky blue color of Dac's seas. "And hey, at least you don't have to go personally looking for the minerals or crystals for some natural dye quest for this tradition."

Her tone softened as she glanced at him, her expression warm. "You're doing great, by the way. All these new traditions? Persie's going to love them. And so will Phoebe, once she's old enough to realize how creative her pa is."

She nudged him playfully. "Now, show me how to do this properly. No way I'm letting you have all the credit when she looks back on these ornaments one day."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Gaze lifting from the task at hand, Makai watched his wife drift closer to the table. Paintbrush stilled in his hand, pausing his task. Watching her he was reminded how incredibly lucky he was, so much had changed since last Life Day yet she had taken it in stride. Now on the cusp of becoming a mother, Makai was more certain than ever Ellie was perfect in every way. Not only was he lucky, but also their little girl.

“How do you know I was that good? Dad helped, could have been all him. Maybe I just stood there.”

As she sat, he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, hand coming to touch her swollen bump. A silent hello to his daughter.

“Personally looking for crystals and dyes would have been amazing. A great addition to what will become a yearly task but I think I would be the only one excited for that part. The goal is to encourage family participation, not drive everyone away.”

Persephone would be doing hers later, which was fine with Makai. It was her first Life Day with them and he wasn't pushing anything. He knew what it was like not to want to celebrate.

Feeling the nudge, he moved his ornament closer to her so she could see. Meticulously he was doing dots in blues and greens, coating the inside.

“Nonsense. You gave me amazing paintings last year and you're worried about a little ornament? I will say this ink is runny, so if you put a lot in at once you could manipulate the orb instead of painting. I'm just dipping my brush and carefully trying to create art inside the glass bulb is all.”

He paused before going back to his task. For someone who disliked Life Day with a passion, he was trying hard to make it special.

“Is that what Phoebe will call me? Pa? I sound like I'm settling the frontier but if that's what she wants, who am I to disagree. Besides, if she's creative it definitely came from your genes and influence, not mine. I'm sure Pheebs will like anything we create…unless you're birthing an art critic but hey, it might be considered a form of primitive folk art to her.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra chuckled softly, her fingers brushing lightly against the glass ornament she held as she listened to Makai's ramble. His words were laced with humor, but she could feel the earnestness underneath. That was Makai, always trying, even when it wasn't easy, even when it felt like a fight against his own instincts.

ALthough she was glad he wasn't going to make it some two week quest to find the perfect minerals or crystals to create the perfect shades of inks.

"Pa does sound a little rugged, but we've both been using that for years" she teased, shooting him a sly grin. "But, hey, if she grows up thinking she's got some frontier wrangler for a dad, that's not the worst thing. No different than Judah."

Myra turned the clear ornament in her hand, watching the faint shimmer of the ink inside the ones already completed. She glanced down as his hand rested on her bump, warmth spreading through her at the silent gesture. Her free hand covered his, her voice softer now. "Whatever she calls you, Makai, she's going to know that you love her, so I think you'll be just fine."

"And as for creativity," she added, dipping her brush into a bright violet ink, "I think you sell yourself short. The fact that you're even doing this, putting so much thought into it? That's creativity, Makai. Maybe you're not painting sunsets or sculpting masterpieces, but this? This is a memory we'll treasure."

Leaning closer, she studied his ornament, grey eyes admiring the careful placement of colors. "You know," she said with a sly smile, "if we keep this up every year, we'll have so many ornaments that we might need to buy another tree. Or two."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Frontier wrangler for a dad?" Makai laughed, shaking his head. "We'll have to keep her under a rock to get her to believe that. Look at me. Nothing about my physique or fashion sense screams rugged wrangler."

He rolled his eyes at her but smiled when her hand covered his. Giving her hand a quick squeeze, his own slipped away, going back to focus on their little project. This year they may have gone a little overboard with the amount of painted ornaments. Nothing stopping them from doing only one or two per year in the future but something told him that was not going to happen. There was a sudden 'go big or go home' energy regarding Life Day decorations.

"I put thought into it because my lovely wife put me in charge while she's busy growing our daughter. You're right though, a memory to treasure and more to come over the next few years."

Eyebrows raised when she mentioned a tree or two inside their home due to the amount of ornaments. A small cough as he moved to pick up a deep green color to continue his dot style abstract pattern.

"Next year...we can put one in our bedroom, a tree. Its more than big enough. In a few years the girls can have one in their rooms if they desire. Ornament problem solved."

Never did he consider putting a Life Day tree in his bedroom. Yet with the impending arrival of Phoebe, there was a strong emphasis to put his best foot forward. Makai didn't want their daughter to have the same feelings about Life Day as he did, which is why he was biting the bullet now.

"Do you ever just feel like this isn't real?" Focused on his ornament, he did his best to explain. "Right now, our life, is what I used to daydream about. Sometimes I wonder if I'm in some fever dream after that exoboar attack and I'm going to wake up in that little bed with the hard mattress."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra laughed, "Well it might not scream rugged wrangler, but you did spend a few months taking care of the Nerfs back on the farm, "She reminded him, continuing her careful painting of an ornament.

Brows rose in continued amusement at the additional trees that might end up finding themselves in their room or in the kids, "...well that would look pretty, I imagine. Might be fun." she smiled, then grinned, "Especially if I wear my pretty nightgown and stand next to it." She added with a tease.

As for the rest Myra gave a small hum in consideration. She let the ornament gently rotate in her grasp, watching the light reflect through the stained glass.

"It does feel surreal at times, but then I'm glad to see that it is real. " Grey eyes would dart over towards Makai, softening as she looked at him. He looked cute with his glasses.

"I'm just glad that we put all the miscommunication behind us." she admitted genuinely. "That... wasn't fun at all."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Nightgown? I think nightgown is a poor word for your stunning robe." Voice dropped a hair, teasing her. "Eager to repeat some more The Dunan fantasies? I would somehow suffer through a night or two. A sacrifice I'm willing to make for our marriage."

Boyish grin broke out on his face, trying to play nonchalant as he carefully turned the glass bulb over in his hand to get the other side easier. He was nearly done, debating how many they really needed. There was the option to do the same thing in another color scheme - maybe one for Phoebe since he did mention that tree in the future.

"I am too. The emotions and feelings for one another were there but the miscommunication was getting in the way." An understatement of the year. "Sometimes, if I'm objective, from the outside looking in we probably overcommunicate at this point.....yet I wouldn't change it. Its helped in other ways - other couples couldn't handle the stress of trying to be newlyweds and parents all in the first year."

Shoulders shrugged, as if to say he was unconcerned about the soon to be stresses a newborn would place on them. It helped he was looking forward to being a father. Phoebe may be a surprise but a welcomed one.

"Maybe after Phoebe is born - months down the road - we can spend the summer at the Farm. Let her start getting the memories we had."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Having Makai point out her little Dunan fantasies that ended up spending a fortune on a replica night gown immediately made the heiress blush. Her lips pursed into a mock expression of an affronted pout, narrowing stormy grey eyes over at his direction.

"You weren't complaining when I was," She pointed out to him, lifting her chin in mild defiance, well aware that she would win that quip. Although her expression softened as Makai turned serious again, agreeing regarding the whole miscommunication fiasco and that they had that in the past now.

"Honestly, I rather over-communicate than risk getting things wrong, and it turns into a fight." Myra admitted. "It might not work for others but I think it works for us."

Very carefully, she set the finished ornament she was painting on the little drying tray. Then she picked up a new one to start painting with little pretty swirls.

"That would be nice.... and by then, Mama might be feeling up to returning. I know the place still has some bittersweet memories, but hopefully we can remind her how great that place is with Pheobe and Rue to keep he busy." Myra agreed, musing on it.

"Anyways... so, how do you feel after surviving the family dinner?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Never was complaining. In fact we can head back upstairs and I can show you how much I appreciate your love of literacy. The ornaments can wait, trust me, I won't be long."

Eyebrows waggled at her in exaggerated fashion, trying not to laugh. They were having a bit of a serious talk but he couldn't help ensure that he held her faithful representation of the robe in nothing but the highest of regards. Stifling a chuckle, attention returned to his task at hand.

He picked up a new ornament, this one with Phoebe in mind. He would do this one in yellows, oranges, and pinks - considering he just painted her room a soft pastel yellow. A little ray of sunshine, or so was the theme in his head for both the room and the ornament.

"Bittersweet memories but we had our wedding there, would be nice to have our first anniversary there as well. You're right, she might be open to returning and seeing the potential in having the girls enjoy the space."

Makai was making alternating horizontal stripes in his ornament with the colors, listening as she mentioned the dinner. Shoulders shrugged, feeling nonchalant about the entire ordeal. The first of its kind, it went off smooth enough in his eyes.

"It was alright. Happy I got to see Rue again. Azula didn't like me calling her Zuly and I learned she considers herself a 'fixer' in her professional life, which gives me a little pause. That was me meeting her for the...third time? Still can't get a good read. What did you think about the get together?"

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra gave a roll of her eyes at the way Makai waggled his brows at her.

"Oh please, not this heavily pregnant! I can barely roll out of bed without any help!" She shot back, but amused nonetheless, a slight flush of pink over her freckled cheeks. Okay, she realized it might be him teasing, but hearing the compliment was still nice.

After a small chuckle, she listened to what Makai had to say regarding how he thought the evening had turned out.

"Oh, she doesn't?" Myra asked in surprise and a bit of confusion, "But didn't she tell you to call her that? Or wait, was that Judah who called her that?" She vaguely recalled Makai relaying to her how he had met Azula during a work trip first.

"And what does a 'fixer' even mean?" She followed up, pausing getting some more blue ink with her brush.

As for her own thoughts.

"Well... The evening went as well as we had hoped. Everyone showed up." She had other thoughts but didn't want to swarm them all out yet.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Help? I don't need any help. I know all the steps to this dance. You can just enjoy the moves."

Another grin, happy to tease her. Still, while Ellie didn't see herself as sexy right at the moment, he definitely did. Even when she wasn't pregnant she typically didn't believe him, so it tracked that Ellie would doubt him now.

"Not sure if she told me to call her Zuly. I can't remember to be honest. As for a fixer, someone who carries out illegal activity for someone else. Trying to withhold some judgement - maybe she meant something like a crisis manager? Where they work out problems on the behalf of companies? She did mention shipping. Didn't deep dive down into it."

Paintbrush dipped in yellow as he made another stripe.

"Yes, everyone showed up. I hear a 'but' hanging in the air."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra lifted her brows high at hearing that, so much so that she gave a small double take.

"That... is not the sort of work I thought a Jedi Master Xenolinguist did..." Recalling back to what Judah had introduced to them when they first met Azula at the Expo.

"Wait, is she part of the Jedi Order or not? " It all seemed confusing on exactly what Azula did now. "I wouldn't have thought a Jedi would involve themselves in illegal activity." she mused, finishing her blue swirl only to clean her brush and select a purple tint next.

"Oh... more that I meant considering. I know you were concerned about all the parentals in the same place- you had a conversation with all of them, telling them to keep their act together."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"I know as much as you. In fact, you probably know more than me because you two love to talk. Your brunches and general catch-up sessions."

Makai wasn't upset or bitter, he was happy the pair found time to catch up. It was more that Ellie had the unlock with his father - in a way she always had. They had bonded even when Ellie was a young girl. Now that Ellie was his wife, he found it extremely important they got along as well as they did.

"Hmm, yes I did tell them to get their act together. None of them took it well but my delivery wasn't the best either. Mom and I had a productive conversation during ours but other than that..."

Cleaning his brush he moved onto a pink stripe, brows furrowing in concentration.

"Little concerned if Azula is involved with illegal activity. Just for the reputation of the business I stand to inherit and the implications of the type of folks around Phoebe and Persephone."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"Honestly, I've only spoken a bit more about Azula while everyone was outside. Even then, not much detail on Azula herself as much as how he was doing and feeling." Out of respect for Judah, she wasn't going to divulge the most intimate of details Judah had relayed, but a summary she would be fine with.

"He's still trying to figure out his place with her it seems," She admitted, glancing back down at the ornament to paint a few more purple swirls that looked like ocean waves amidst a midnight storm.

"But not sure... I think I'm more concerned about that he ends up with someone he cares about and cares for him as well." Myra admitted, although she did agree in hindsight, "But I know too well how perception ends up being a majority of our business dealings outside of our home."

It had been the very reason why Myra had been tutored and groomed, and Casteel was even her escort for six years to ensure that she had the support she needed to maintain her reputation as the Arceneau Heiress.

"Then again, I don't think your dad really cares so much about appearances and reputation as much as mama."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Oh, okay."

Makai wasn't going to pry into their conversation. He wasn't sure how to feel about Azula and he was merely curious on how things were going. Apparently the 'figure out' phase was still in effect. Realistically his father would live for another thirty plus years, and Makai wanted him to be happy. What that looked like though he had zero clue.

"You don't think Azula cares about him? Or maybe cares about the wrong things?"

He had no idea, wanting her insights. Less oblivious than himself, there were things his wife could pick up on easier. Their conversations were different too, which also meant different perspective.

"Dad cares about his reputation in the sense of can his word be honored. Being truthful and loyal. Your Ma...a little different. She looks at all angles and who she may be associated with. I just don't want this blowing up in Dad's face - what if Azula is a criminal? I'm not worried about the business but Dad's relationships."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"You don't think Azula cares about him? Or maybe cares about the wrong things?"

Myra paused, hearing Makai's concern when he asked that question. He had previously mentioned that the Togrutat was around his father because of his wealth and the possibility of gaining some sort of leverage and position within the family.

So, seeing how much it meant to him, the heiress took a few quiet seconds to think it over. On what she knew of Azula, Judah, how their relationship - from what little she knew of - came to be and how they seemed to react to each other during the family dinner.

"Honestly... I am not sure. She's hard to read," Myra began, giving a slight frown. "If I had mama's observations skills, I'd be more on point on it I guess... but then again, I think we all have our biases and preconceptions when it comes to anyone being with your pa." Myra admitted.

"If they got together and were dating for a while, broke up, and then seemed to be trying to make it work again... maybe? Then again, you mentioning that she might be some sort of illegal activity as a Force user doesn't sit well with me -- then again, " she paused wryly tossing him a look "I always thought any Jedi was trying to get you because they were floozies so, maybe I'm not the best one to make a determination."

"Plus there is the aspect that Judah hasn't really brought her around enough for us to get to know her. That could very well be on purpose... either by his own design or Azula's. "

Another pause.

"Honestly other people's relationships are hard to decode," She said with a laugh.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai listened to her perspective on the situation. It seemed they were both on the same page ; Azula was hard to read. Much like his wife, they both had preconceived notions on who should be with his father romantically. Makai thought he needed another executive - someone who understood the pressures of business and the responsibility that came with it. Not that Azula didn't have responsibilities or understand pressures, he had seen her under pressure. It was hard to define.

"First off, trust me, no one except you wants me. I've had only one person try to flirt with me since being married, if I was such a hot commodity I imagine there would be more attention."

A roll of his eyes. With that settled he went back to the topic at hand.

"Yeah, I agree its hard to judge from the outside. I wouldn't want anyone assuming anything about us based on our actions or lack thereof. She hasn't been around and its hard to formulate anything off just a few meetings. Why she hasn't been around is beyond me - perhaps too soon? Worried about the ex-wife dynamic? Could be many of things."

A pause, debating if he should say it.

"Not sure if I would be comfortable with Dad and Azula taking Phoebe, given what we don't know. Which pains me to say, I have excellent memories of staying with Grandma and Grandpa Kai."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Of course Makai had to mention that someone had attempted to flirt with him. Immediately, Myra's grey eyes narrowed, and an all together jealous infused glower perked at her expression. It was rather comical how quickly it came up. Makai was oblivious and, of course, wouldn't see how handsome he was, especially as he was getting older.

"Oh, is that so. Who?" she asked, wanting to know who would be so bold enough to, only to have to wait until after Makai was finished with the rest of his concerns regarding his father.

Right.

"Could be all of the above," Myra replied, trying her best not to ask again who it was that had flirted with him. Patience.

"Mama always said that having ties to one particular Force organization made things difficult. Maybe your pa is trying to see how well that would work out business wise... or maybe he rather not have her showing up to too many events where he is trying to keep a neutral perception." there were a lot of what ifs there.

"I mean, I know you likely don't remember, but did he want your ma around when you were little to go with him to events?"

As for Phoebe, Myra agreed.

"Yeah, I would rather wait a bit more to get to know Azula before having Pheobe be in her care... Just to be on the safe side. Then again, odds are she will stay with us for a bit at the compound and maybe visit other family when we go. Not sure how well I'll feel to leave her alone with others too soon."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"Oh, some woman named Vanya? Vayla? I didn't pay much attention, I was on Castilon for mining business. Spent an early morning surfing and she was on the beach. At least I think she was flirting with me - seemed entirely too friendly."

Shoulders shrugged, mildly amused by her expression and reaction to the admission. Makai wasn't concerned about any 'fallout' of sorts but could still find it amusing she was jealous. He had yet to figure out why. Naturally, if someone flirted with Ellie, he would be a little jealous but confident in the fact his wife wouldn't entertain such attempts to flirt.

Ornament for Phoebe done, Makai set it down on the drying tray next to his blue-green-white dotted ornament. He wasn't sure how many he was supposed to be making. There were plenty of supplies for more, purchased as a just in case someone in the family was feeling particularly crafty.

"I am not sure if he ever wanted Mom at events with him. Don't remember, I was too young. Its only logical ; I want you events with me. Maybe if I keep getting flirted with you will finally come join me once in awhile."

He couldn't help but grin, gently teasing her.

"Well, the nanny biot should be here soon - so the biot could always accompany Phoebe out. Given she will be relying on you for milk, kind of hard to go out, even with pumping and placing things in bottles. Which is fine - creative date nights at home in our future for a little bit."

Makai was big on continuing to 'date' his wife. Much like they touched on communication at the beginning of making the ornaments, making Ellie feel appreciated and re-connecting as a couple was high on his list. Even if said dates were something simple as making ornaments at home.

"Something to just keep in the back of our minds, to observe."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra's eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line as she crossed her arms over her very prominent bump. Vanya? Vayla? Whoever she was, she was definitely flirting. Her husband might not see it, but she sure did.

"Too friendly?" she repeated, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. She rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched, betraying her amusement beneath the huff. "Uhhuh. Right."

Now as for the events.

"Besides, do you really think I'm about to embarrass myself by throwing up in the middle of some fancy gala right now? We both know how I get, just the thought of all those people staring…" She trailed off, her voice softening briefly, an undercurrent of unease slipping through before she covered it with a sharp look. "You'd be carrying me out halfway through the appetizers."

Still, the way he grinned at her, so infuriatingly confident in their bond, made her heart tug in spite of herself. She reached for the drying tray and picked up his ornament, inspecting the delicate pattern.

"And don't think you're off the hook just because you're cute and good with dots," she said, poking his shoulder lightly before setting the bulb back down.

"Anyways as for future events…" She exhaled, her annoyance softening into a tentative smile. "Once she's here and the Nanny biot arrives, we'll figure something out. Creative date nights for now. Public date nights later. Deal?"

Her fingers brushed his hand briefly, a silent reassurance, jealousy or not, she knew where his heart was, even if he sometimes needed reminding that there were plenty of Jedi Floozies that probably wanted him.