Public Winter Solstice Festival | Eshan

[Noelle Varanin]

The longest night of the year is lit by a full moon.

Echani all across the nation leave the warmth of their homes to celebrate this auspicious event. Join us and find a vibrant celebration spilling out into the streets. Bonfires warm the street markets, coming of age ceremonies are preformed on the edge of the frigid lake, and a ball is hosted at the royal palace.

On this night only the force can be felt tingling through the brisk winter streets. The air rings with untapped potential.

What will you do with it?

Objective 1: Festival in the streets
Bonfires, Ceremonial Dances, and vendors line the street. Purchase a hand-carved whistle and find yourself with a force imbued object. The shrill trill reaches the ears of the person you care for most. Blow it and they will hear, wherever they are.​

Ceremonial dances:
Are done bare foot and scarcely clothed. Both male and female participate. The dances flow gracefully through a series of moves, telling stories of both recent and folk lore origin. An outsider might struggle to follow the tale, but to an Echani every muscle shift is a clear emotion in the story being told.

Spoiler: Header

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Objective 2: Make a wish
Visit the water's edge to make a wish on this special night. There's docks that lead out to a small island, and a heated boat room lit by lanterns. More secluded spots are easily found, a regrowing forest encircling the mountains that lock the city in.
​

Lake of Tears:
Million were lost to the orbital bombardment that made the crater you stand before. Legend says the lake was filled by the tears of those that survived that day. The spot is an undeniable force nexus; Its shoreline is a silent memorial for all that had been lost.

Rumor has it that on this night only the waters possess the power to return what was lost. Though maybe... not as directly as you are expecting. The force is strong there tonight. Use it wisely.

Spoiler: Header

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/htoasM6.png[/img][/center]

Objective 3: Test your mettle
Visit the water's edge to participate in a coming of age practice. A well lit foot path leads you to the lake that surrounds the city. An echani guide is waiting for you at the docks. Anyone can participate, but not everyone finds what they are looking for.​

A Ceremony of Passions:
Jump into the calm waters and swim down. The harsh cold causes the body to seize up. You must push through this to reach the bottom. There you will find an odd scattering of rocks. When you touch the one meant for you, it will warm between your fingers. If you can achieve this there is a new path opening up for you in your life. Hold this rock close to you throughout the upcoming weeks and it will warm in guidance when you are on the right track.

(towels and bathrobes are available at an adjacent warming tub on shore.)

Spoiler: Header

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/B7vMtly.png[/img][/center]

Objective 4: A Tingle in the Air
Come to the palace to participate in a public ball. The tables are lined with delectable treats and the air is filled with something heavy. The mood is light, the hall a sight, please don't come and pick a fight (ha!)​

The something in the air:
Echani folklore speaks of goddesses, one being the Moon. A superstitious Echani might say the ambivalent presence you feel on that night is the mother goddess herself. Force users might say its simply the force in conjunction with the solstice. A wise person would akin it to be something in the middle. Almost as if the Echani's deep rooted believe shaped the energy that night into something ... more.

Spoiler: Header

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/7992Utu.png[/img][/center]

Spoiler: OOC: An updated Account of Eshan

Over two decades ago the planet found itself victim to a nasty invasion. Orbital bombardments and underground attacks left the city's architecture shattered. Survival meant rebuilding from the underground up. The city now bares an entirely new face.

Instead of erasing the horrors that had occurred, the scars of that day were turned into something beautiful. Lakes and ponds now dot the landscape, the horrid craters from the invasion turned into a source of food and tranquility.

The most noteworthy body of water is the lake that surrounds the palace. It is the spot of the orbital bombardment. The water flows into channels that entwine with the palace and the city roads. Due to the heavy winds, frequent traffic, and thermal vents, the lake rarely freezes over. Likewise, a new mountain range encases the city like a basin. One day it will act a border that will prevent expansion, but the Echani are not there yet.

Echani appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. Those values have not been sacrificed in the rebuild of this city. While decades have passed, small glimpses of construction can still be seen if you leave the city's center.

The past is still not forgotten here as the city heals.

 

[Ashin Cardé Varanin]

Million were lost to the orbital bombardment that made the crater you stand before. Legend says the lake was filled by the tears of those that survived that day. The spot is an undeniable force nexus; Its shoreline is a silent memorial for all that had been lost.

Rumor has it that on this night only the waters possess the power to return what was lost. Though maybe... not as directly as you are expecting. The force is strong there tonight. Use it wisely.

Visit the water's edge to make a wish on this special night. There's docks that lead out to a small island, and a heated boat room lit by lanterns. More secluded spots are easily found, a regrowing forest encircling the mountains that lock the city in.

​

ON THE ISLAND

At a certain spot on this little island, large rocks formed a natural bench, a good place to sit and rest, right down by the cold water. Ashin wrapped her iridescent cloak a little tighter.

Eyes shut, she breathed in and out slowly, as if she could inhale the lake, this whole place of power and memory. Inhale, and the island's trees and breezes shifted toward her. Exhale, and they leaned away. It was as if the rocky island was breathing, or if she was the island.

There'd be some among the festival goers who'd sense her meditation out on the island, cold as a henge. She might get company via the small elegant boats, the same way she'd come. She might get interrupted. All good things, solitude included, were temporary, and thus to be savored while they lasted.

 

[Aldric Varanin]

The one nice thing about traveling the galaxy, was no matter how far away he went, Aldric always knew where home was. No matter how far he found himself, he was more than happy to return to the place of his birth. Longest night, full moon, family, his people. Well, his mother and sister’s people. Aldric was like his father. Here to support the throne, and his family. But more to attend the event on his own. What he was hoping for was to see his siblings.

He knew that Merion was going to be the talk of the party, because, well, of course that sibling was going to be.

Hot chocolate. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure. Probably the warmth. And the sweetness. Call it him being poor on the road, but since he was out in the Tingel Arm, he wasn’t really hitting the boxes of being ‘well off’ and having ‘money for the luxury items.’ But he was learning a few things about the galaxy.

Seeing that even some of the wandering groups and vagrants were connected to their family made him miss home. And what better time to return home than the Solstice? Walking down the street with a larger jacket, a reserved gray and blue color, mug of the hot chocolate in hand, and a whistle around the neck. There were the dances going on, but he knew he was supposed to meet up with the family by the fountain.

The warm lights of the houses nearby and the shops in the village made it feel so safe, connected. But with the siblings, even the one who sent him part of a planet, it was going to be nice to see them. Looking down the street, he was feeling a bit of that wanderlust from his travels sneak into his approach to today. He knew he was supposed to be at the ball, and up ahead, was someone else who should be indoors too.

The one who sent him some of Exegol. It was still aboard his ship. What was he supposed to do with it?

"Playing hooky, too?"

Celeste Varanin Merion Oreno

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

Objective 1: Festival in the streets

Braze's return to Eshan, this time accompanied only by his friend Loomi, was tinged with a feeling that something was just... incompleate. The absence of a familiar presence left a dark shadow on his heart, a pang of sorrow that he tried to keep at bay. Despite this, he was intent on keeping his focus towards the positive, to make this visit a joyful experience.

The snowy-haired youth wrapped his cloak tightly around himself, seeking comfort in its warmth against the chill of Eshan's air. He turned to Loomi with a smile, an effort to bring some lightness to their excursion. "Do you want to Purchase a whistle, Loomi?" he asked, curiously. He wondered if she might be interested in acquiring another memento from their visit to Eshan like before and make it something of a tradition.

 

[Inanna Harth]

Objective 3: Ceremony of Passions
Tag: Cato Harth

Inanna leaned over the icy lake, cautiously dipping a finger into the water. It was freezing (No kidding?) and she immediately retracted her hand, wincing at the numbness the cold brought. Shi'ido physiology tended to be hampered by extreme temperatures. If she submerged herself in this water, she'd be unable to shapeshift, and likely unable to move with prolonged exposure.

But she had been practicing a few temperature-regulating Force techniques, and she was the sort of person who operated best while under stress. Getting a magic rock as a reward for her efforts also helped. But she wouldn't try such a feat alone, of course. Her husband was there to make sure she didn't die in such a stupid manner.

"Would growing a tail and fins be cheating?" she asked, turning to look at Cato with a nervous smile. So far they were the only people here. Since nobody was looking, she leaned over and kissed his shoulder.

 

[Noelle Varanin]

Palace
Another year, another solstice. Noelle never took for granted the repetitiveness of it all, not when the monotony meant peace. She breathed in the warm scent of baked goods and stepped into the long hall. Blonde heads dotted the already full dance floor, along with the occasional dark or colored hair of an off-worlder. The palace halls were open to everyone tonight.

Something told her it still wouldn't contain her children.

"Nia," she called, looking for the familiar, aging face of her handmaiden. "You haven't seen Aldric tonight, have you? Merion?" She asked, less than hopeful.

"I'm here, Mother." Noelle turned to find the wide eyes of her eldest staring hopefully back.

 

[Celeste Varanin]

Palace
Celeste smoothed out the non-existant wrinkles in her skirt, vying for her mothers approval over her choice. It wasn't the blue dress, as discussed, but it was a pretty silver. She rather felt like a snow flake in it. She could fall into a snowbank and surely disappear from view.

If the queen had an opinion on her last minute change, she didn't express it.

"Yes, I see that," Noelle noted, her lips pursing in familiar disappointment. "And your brothers?"

Celeste shook her head, her core tightening as she answered, "Not here..."

 

[Merion Oreno]

"Playing hooky, too?"

WITH: Aldric Varanin
NEAR: Braze Loomi
FINDING NEW WAYS TO DISAPPOINT AT RANGE: Noelle Varanin

One of the benefits of a Central Isopter cult mask was your face could absolutely light up at a cool rock or your big brother's sudden appearance and nobody would think you were a kid.

"I just got in." Merion glanced back at the Echani bodyguard droid who followed him around the galaxy, a grudging concession to the reality of how old he was and what family he'd been born into. "We did, I mean. Ugh. Long flight from Alderaan. Such a disappointment. It all got fixed five hundred years ago so it's only sort of a graveyard anymore. Dulllll. Hey, did you get my rock?"

 

[Loomi]

Eshan
Tags: Braze

"Do you want to Purchase a whistle, Loomi?"

"Yeah," Loomi nodded.

She had made that decision whenever more information had been divulged to her about what was being sold at the festival. A whistle that could be heard anywhere by the person you cared for most. Either Loomi could use it to keep connectect to Braze... or maybe, just maybe, Aliris Tremiru would be able to hear it and wake. She wasn't sure if that was a reach or not. Love was still a thing that she was trying to figure out. It had been absent from her youth and she was just now trying to piece together what it even ment. Still, one thing was clear.

It was lonlier tonight then usual.

"It's supposed to be heard by the person who you care for most..." she noted, almost lost in thought. "I wonder who will hear it. I... have a feeling in my heart, but my mind is unsure."

And her mind had drifted again. The scent of food in the air had gotten her antennae to perk up.

"Ooh, snacks!" the Godoan observed. "We should get food too!"

 

[Saria Rae]

Eshan
Tags: Open

Wishing was for fools.

At least, that was what the analytical part of Saria's brain wanted to convince her of. She had been lost in thought ever since Shan Pavond 's party. Her friend had really found a place for himself, filled with kind faces and warm emotions. She couldn't help, if slightly, be somewhat envious of it all. All of this time she had seen her time with the Jedi as something to commit to duty first and foremost. All of her time lost to study only left for her to wonder what her place in the galaxy really was.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Her adoptive father had given her a warm upbringing, but she had not been in contact with him as much this year especially. The one connection she could have fostered had gone by the wayside. That wasn't even mentioning how messy her lineage was. Her parents, the biological ones, were an enigma to her.

But she wasn't going to make a wish to magically make things better, or make her more considerate. That was rediculous. Wishing achieved nothing. She was going to make a promise.

"Alright you... body of water," she began in a hushed tone. "You better be listening. I'm gonna be a better person, and I don't need a silly wish to make that real. So forget it, ya hear?"

Silence. Saria couldn't help but let out a sigh of embarrassment. She probably seemed rediculous.

 

[Iuuna Talon]

Oh what a lovely little soriee.

Disgusting.

Such a wonderful atmosphere the party was, and on such a beautiful night. Iuuna was sick to her stomach with such 'goodness' yet she supposed someone good looking had to be there. Iuuna had long since abandoned the notion of sticking around the current edition of the Sith Empire. She had been exploring the galaxy with her small little crew, studying the elements. Learning the kind of powers her mother Tellu Nysana Talon once wielded. Rather than getting sucked into the petty politicking that this Sith Empire seemed to be about; weaklings. The lot of the, and scarcely a proper Echani there, sans her aunt of course. Aunt Srina was the best Echani in Iuuna's opinion.

Biased?

Of course, darling.

Talons were the best of the Echani, had endured the sordid affair that had been the Mandalorians thrashing their homeworld to pieces. Iuuna was of the opinion that Echani were the best species in the galaxy and that among them her family were among the champions. It of course ruffled a few feathers when she traveled, but she considered it other people's problems and not hers.

So she arrived on a little shuttle, ornate as it was.

Silver tresses spilled over her shoulders, her gold dress was just a little number she picked up on the way there. Iuuna sighed and decided to find the nearest beverage of which to partake and make this rather despicable display of cheer, bearable.

[Open to Interaction]​

 

[Aldric Varanin]

WITH Merion Oreno
AVOIDING Noelle Varanin Celeste Varanin

Aldric had the sad circumstance of not having a mask. He was an Echani through and through, and would keep to an armorless life, maybe (almost definitely) he had a dueling shield strapped to one arm. If anyone was looking, it was the left arm, under the tunic. If anyone asked, no, he was not carrying anything like that. He had a bodyguard droid not too far away. He wished it was farther.

He’d been out to Lorrd, for Force’s sake.

“Alderaan?” The older brother bit his lip. He knew exactly why Merion was out there. Rumor was that it was destroyed by an ancient Empire, a Death Star, but had been rebuilt. Vong, or some unlocked Celestial process or another. “Right, I heard they were capable of doing that, out in the galaxy.” Until recently he’d not left the Six Sisters.

“The one of Exogol? Yeah… do I even want to know how you collected that?”

 

[Ko Vuto]

Location: Echan
Objective: Festival
Tag(s): OPEN

This now marked the second time that Ko has been on the Echani homeworld. The previous being during a summer solstice. He presumed that the other hemisphere was having its summer solstice now. Looking back it was rather surprising how much stuff has happened for him since he was last here. Ko was still recovering from the battle on Chaldea, and Jonyna wasn’t even his master yet. Now his training his taken him to new heights, he’s fought Mandalorians, and lost his eyes.

The Kel Dor also recalled how he accidentally battered the foot of a fellow padawan at the palace during the summer solstice. The memory filled him with a tinge of regret. Currently he wasn’t at the palace, instead checking out the local festival. Choosing to sit back and observe the dancing he’d heard about before and to see how it overlapped so much with their fabled martial arts. Remember some of what Lily Decoria told him about how echani could communicate so much through their movements.

Unfortunately however, Ko feared he might be missing out too much on it. Partly because he was just a foreign visitor, the other being that he couldn’t quite see the dancers with his eyes. Relying solely on The Force to perceive their movements. But the Kel Dor didn’t want to let himself feel too defeated over that. He didn’t want to worry that perhaps it was too late for him to fully appreciate the art. Ko kept his focus on the dancers, trying to not be distracted by his own concerns and doubts. To let himself be centered and present in the moment and allow The Force to provide him with a clearer image of the local dancers. Not just to see it, but to feel it. Otherwise how else could he possibly understand the story being told…​

 

[Cordelia 'Cori' Eldoris]

Location: Great hall of the palace
Objective: 4
Tags: Celeste Varanin Noelle Varanin (Open to others)
Outfit:

It was during times like these when Cori was infinitely grateful to be a member of the Jedi order. After all, had she not been a Jedi, she wasn't sure if she would have been so quickly and painlessly ushered into the palace, no real invitation needed to take part in the elegant ball before her. Of course, she didn't really need an invitation to an open party like this, but her status as a Jedi had saved her having to go through the security process the other non-echani were. Cori didn't blame them for being cautious, though. Their sovereign was inside these walls, and therefore the future of their entire planet.

Speaking of the sovereign and her family, Cori shot a glance towards them over the rim of her champagne glass. A smile tugged on her lips as she noticed that the princess of the planet was wearing a pretty silver dress that was similar to her own. Cori was rather proud of her outfit tonight, she felt that the white and silver of her dress perfectly matched the theme of the winter event. It wasn't the most practical choice, of course - the long sleeves got in the way, and it was not made by her people so she would surely tear it if she was to shapeshift - but tonight wasn't about practicality. Tonight was about having fun, and experiencing echani culture for the first time.

"Hors d'oeuvres, Miss?" a server asked her, waving a tray of steaming hot refreshments in front of her face. Cori bit back a gag. She never did understand why other people ate their food hot. She only ever ate cold food.

"No thanks," she politely declined, finishing the last of her drink. "Would you take this to the kitchen for me? Thank you."

Handing him her glass, Cori delicately made her way over to the sovereigns. Upon reaching them, she gave both the princess and the queen a respectful curtsy.

"Your majesties, I wished to thank you for this wonderfull celebration," the Jedi knight smiled. "I am honoured to be able to attend. Oh, and princess?" She paused and gave her a wink. "I adore your dress. Great minds think alike, right?"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

OBJ II
Silas Westgard​

Cora lingered at the edge of the shore, watching the frigid water lap gently at her boots.

Eshan was a world that had suffered a staggering loss. The crater from an orbital bombardment had been filled - someone once told her with tears, which she thought to be rather poetic - turning something devastating into something beautiful. A memorial for lost lives, reclaimed from battle, forever etched into the landscape.

It gave her hope that if Eshan could rebuild, so too would Ukatis recover from the razing of the Mandalorians.

But not without scars, she thought while idly tracing the thin line scored across her right cheek.

Gazing distantly at her reflection, Cora's mind wandered to what she'd lost, settling on the child she'd never known.

What would you have looked like? Me, or your father?

It was a line of thinking that was both unsettling and comforting. The last time she'd been on Eshan, her spirits had been brighter. Now, she wasn't quite ready to shake the somber chill away.

Clutching the fur lined coat tighter to her chest, Cora began to walk slowly along the shoreline.

 

[Merion Oreno]

​

“The one of Exogol? Yeah… do I even want to know how you collected that?”

"It's majestic. The Jedi ritual speared the planet's core and then the Maw ritual summoned these transdimensional beings, and the contest between the rituals ripped the planet apart. Years later half of it is still this churning gravel pit. We parked an Observatory over it and started contemplating. You wouldn't believe the visions — we got to see how it all happened. And then some of us got on a shuttle and flew down into the mess for mementos." Merion gripped Aldric's upper arms with immense excitement. "I flew through Exegol."

 

[Valery Noble]

Eshan

​

Outfit: Winter Coat | Wedding Ring
Tag: Kahlil Noble

It was that time again.

Many years ago, the Winter Solstice on Eshan had turned into an important memory of her life. At the Lake of Tears, she had wished for her partner to return while she was pregnant with their daughter. He had just in time to be with her for Life Day, and now their daughter was on the verge of becoming a Jedi Padawan. This year, though, Valery didn't want to go back to the Lake until later, when the kids had returned home, and they were alone for a few more days on Eshan.

She wanted to take him ice skating, enjoy some cozy time by a warm fire with stories, and as always, she wanted to go for a walk around the lake with him.

But on their first day, while Vera and Aris were off to do their own thing, she had dragged him along to town. Before their arrival, she had kicked his butt out of the bedroom while she got dressed, not wanting him to see her little surprise until later. All he'd see was her longer winter coat, her scarf and the cute little hat she had on to cover her ears as well.

"Where do we start, love? We can get some cocoa or try a local snack... or we get one of those whistles already!"

"This is an important day for Mom and Dad," Vera explained to Aris while she looked at the cold lake and tied all of her hair up into a bun. They were about to dive deep into the cold for a challenge to overcome together, and she already in her bathing suit, not bothered by the cold. Sometimes, she really didn't get why Mom made such a big deal out of it. They had all learned how to regulate their body heat, right?

"I don't know if you heard the story, but Mom made a wish years ago about Dad coming back. No idea if it's just a coincidence, or if that lake is actually special, but he came back right around Life Day. A week before I was born." She smiled at him and stretched her arms to prepare herself.

"So, basically, we stay away from them. You know how Mom gets, and Dad too." She grinned and walked over to the edge of the water.

"Ready for the dive?"

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

Objective 1: Festival in the streets


Braze thoughtfully selected a variety of treats to purchase for himself and Loomi. He chose spiced candied nuts and a various chocolate coated treats, and some spiced gingersnaps to the mix. Each item was warm and freshly made and warmed their hands.

Braze also bought a couple of whistles, one for each of them. He even thought ahead, purchasing a few extra whistles to give away as gifts in the future. "Let me help you put it one. " he said moving to place the necklace about Loomi and work the clasp for her.

"I think everything changes based on the passage of time even people's emotional feelings. I suppose our connections are always changing too... " He trailed gently looking his over and turning it about. " I get the feeling this was more so 'invented' out of romantic interest but it may work in other ways too... Love is a pretty broad concept and can mean lots of things to lots of people. " He offered softly. "So I guess the only way to know is to maybe try it out yeah?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Honestly, the whistle sounds really cute. We know what's going to happen anyway, but I still want to get one." It'd be useful, anyway. Not in a practical sense but he could at least blow it when they were apart so she knew he was thinking of her. Especially with the war going on, it'd be good for them both to carry. He kept his hand in hers, despite the gloves they wore, squeezing gently as they walked.

"So why'd you kick me out of the bedroom, hmm?"

"That makes sense."

Not the wishing part, anyway. Aris didn't understand how that worked exactly, but he wasn't going to try and figure it out now. Mom had wished for dad to come home, and dad had come home. That was enough for him. "Yes. We stay away from them. They're very.. Romantic." That was the best word for it that he could think of, anyway. He looked to the water instead, idly flexing his hands, stretching his arms. He could handle the cold easily enough.

"I can handle this, yes. We're Epicanthix after all." He wasn't going to let some Echani challenge make him back off. "You ready to?"

Valery Noble | Kina Ropal

 

[Loomi]

Eshan
Tags: Braze

"Let me help you put it one. "

"Th-thank you," Loomi stammered.

Her mind had got to spinning again. A part of her hoped that Aliris would hear the whistle, but another part of her hoped it was Braze. Did that make her a bad person? One could have the slim chance of helping her friend wake up. But how was she supposed to care about one more than the other? They each had a very different kind of friendship, she didn't know if there was any way to choose. Then again, maybe she couldn't choose.

Maybe the mind was simply oblivious to the heart.

" I get the feeling this was more so 'invented' out of romantic interest but it may work in other ways too... Love is a pretty broad concept and can mean lots of things to lots of people. "

"I... I'm kind of scared now," she admitted. "D-does the whistle mean that whoever doesn't hear it I care less for? I-I feel like I'm choosing favorites, but not like in a way that I can control. I... love is new to me. I feel a lot of it, I think, but it's... messy. Hard to understand..."

She didn't know what was going to happen, or what it would mean. It was scarry.