Dominion Winter Wonderland | GA Dominion of Zeltros

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Rik Perris Roten
​

Matthew picked up his cup and smiled at Rik. "That's quite alright," he said, raising his slightly messy cup of hot chocolate in a cheerful 'cheers' motion. "I won't steal your drink, I promise. I should really watch where I'm going anyway—apologies are all mine. I'm Matthew. It's nice to meet someone else here; I was beginning to think it'd be a quiet and lonely evening... though at least the view is well worth it."

He glanced down at Roten and gave his head an affectionate ruffle.

"I actually find it kind of relaxing, to be honest," Matthew chirped, his tone light and genuine. "We might have something on the ship in the sick bay that could help you with that, though," he added, tilting his head thoughtfully before looking down. "Aren't your feet cold?"

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Zeltros
Outfit: Festive Casual
Tag: Silas Westgard

She raised an eyebrow at the assumption of Silas that she would simply grab the base of the mug. "Bold assumption of you. You should know assumptions make an ass out of u and mptions." Lily gave a teasing smirk as she took the handle and pulled the mug closer to her to cool down a little while they spent the time to talk and catch up since their last meeting on Coruscant.

"I am now studying on Naboo, so living much nicer climate and getting progress in my training again which is nice. How about yourself? Still on New Cov?" Lily asked as she leaned back into the chair.

She tilted her head, "pelted by snowballs? Not experience that so far." Lily mentioned, having had a perfectly pleasant trip and having had no issues that she could really speak upon. Lily took the handle of the drink and took a sip, letting out a warm, pleased smile as the drink was quite delicious.

 

[Vera Noble]

Zeltros

​

Tag: Aris Noble Caelan Valoren

Vera's grin widened into something wicked as Aris called her scary. "Scary? Me?" she asked, her voice laced with mock innocence. She twirled in place, the edges of her coat flaring dramatically, before stopping to plant her hands on her hips. "I prefer intimidatingly creative," she quipped, tilting her head toward him with a playful gleam in her multi-colored eyes.

Her gaze flicked back to the snow golem, whose candy cane-like grin widened as if mirroring her mischief. "But you're right. We can't let the bad guys win, so let's make sure we're ready for battle. Our golems will be the strongest, smartest—"

Suddenly, Vera froze mid-sentence. Her grin faltered as her eyes glazed over for just a moment. The snow and playful chaos around her seemed to blur as a vision flickered into her mind's eye. She saw a group of children huddled together, their cries cutting through the cold air. She saw a Jedi standing protectively before them, his lightsaber ignited and glowing against the snow, which was alive.

Not just alive — attacking.

The vision snapped away as quickly as it came, leaving Vera blinking in confusion. Her hand went to her temple, her playful demeanor replaced by a more serious edge. "Aris," she said, her voice quieter but firm. "I just saw something."

She turned to him, her expression steady but determined. "Another Padawan could use some help. He's protecting a group of kids, but these snowmen… they're attacking them. I think we can help him."

Her gaze shifted to the small but growing army of snow golems forming around them. Each one stood at attention, crude weapons ready and jagged smiles eager for orders. Vera's grin returned, though it was sharper now, her mischief tempered only a little by this new sense of purpose.

"We have an army."

​

 

[Aiden Rennek]

​

Aiden's gaze lingered on Kara as she spoke, her quiet chuckle sending a warmth through him that not even the cocoa in his hands could match. The way she interacted with Cass, so natural and full of love, tugged at something deep inside him. It was a side of her he'd never seen before, and it made him feel both awestruck and out of his depth.

He watched as Cass happily nibbled on the cookie, his little hands clutching it tightly. Aiden couldn't help but smile, though Kara's question pulled him back to reality. He set his cocoa down, wrapping his hands together as he leaned slightly forward.

"How I've been," He echoed, his tone carrying a mix of thoughtfulness and hesitation. He let out a soft chuckle, but it lacked humor. "That's…"

He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers brushing against the faint stubble along his jaw. "Honestly? It's been… rough." His green eyes flicked to Cass briefly, then back to Kara, his voice lowering slightly. "I sustained injuries that caused amnesia, and things just… shifted. I couldn't remember who I was supposed to be anymore. I woke up and didn't remember I was engaged to Briana Sal-Soren abymore." He hesitated, his chest tightening at the thought of her. "We tried to be together, but it wasn't the same. She lost someone that day, while I don't feel like I lost anything, even though I clearly did. The connection we had, the spark — it was gone, and I could see how much it hurt her."

"That was the worst of it. I didn't feel loss, but I could see that she felt it, and how painful it was."

Aiden paused, taking a deep breath. His gaze softened as he looked at her, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "So, I guess I've just been trying to figure things out since then. Who I am, where I belong… what I'm supposed to do." He glanced at Cass again, the little boy's bright green eyes focused entirely on the cookie in his hands. Aiden couldn't help but smile wider. "And now I'm here, sitting across from you two."

His son.

His hand instinctively reached for his cocoa, lifting it to his lips for a sip. The warmth spread through him, but it was the presence of Kara and Cass that truly anchored him in the moment. He set the cup down again, his green eyes locking onto Kara's with a quiet intensity.

Then, a pause.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I... didn't know."

Kara Jade ​

 

[Makko Vyres]

The store attendant giggled, eyeing them from across the store. "Oh, we ask that our patrons wait until they get home for that!”

Makko would have - in days gone past - revelled in Cora's mortification. She was certainly going to suffer some teasing when he went searching for her secret collection of Velvet novels, but he wasn't ready for the comment from the Zeltron.

Zaiya's eyes went wide in recognition. "Cora?!!" Right beside her was, "Knight Vyres?" Another blink. "What are you..."

And he definitely wasn't ready to deal with Zaiya. Makko had come here with intentions of taking a long walk and finding some nice, picturesque romantic sights. He still had one hand over the small hard object tucked into his jacket pocket.

He could feel Cora's genuine shift in mood. Now he wanted to find a solution to the situation instead of making it even worse.

"Oh, we can't see which one we would like to try out first," Zaiya asked innocently.

"Oh no, no... while we are quite progressive, acting it out in the open here in the bookstore is a no-no. Could you imagine if we had every couple wanting to reenact a scene here?!" The Zeltron laughed, gesturing around.

Huh. Reinact?

"Zaiya..."

Makko took a breath and offered a slightly forced smile. He glanced just once at the Zeltron.

"...we were looking for books."

He was aware there were no books behind the sign. The Zeltron smirked.

"Where have you been shopping?" he asked. It was a deflection as he didn't want to face explaining the confusion head on.

She doesn't know whats in these books does she? He imparted to Cora.

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
WEAPON: Lightsaber
TAGS: Vera Noble | Aris Noble

"You know, Snowmen are supposed to be nice!" Caelan yelled at them as they closed in.

Those slushballs and ice balls weren't very nice, even though most of them weren't getting near them. The kids were all huddled behind him as they walked backwards towards the safety of the village. He just needed to get them away from the snowmen. If they got into the buildings, they should be safe. Magic evil snowmen or not, they weren't going to last inside of a warm building. Snow melted. Of that he was positive. Though, he could still use some help in getting rid of them so they didn't tear down the buildings.

When they got closer, he decided it was best if they make a break for it.

"Alright kids, run into the village and go to your homes! Lock the doors behind you!"

He extended his barrier out in front of him and to the sides to make a wider swath of protection for them. It wasn't impervious but it should do the trick. Hopefully none of the kids would get injured by the evil snowmen. If he did, fine, but not the kids.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

A myriad of different cultures stretched across the galaxy. Some were more religious than others, worshipping deities unique to their people.

Cora wondered which god she had offended.

The one fortunate aspect in the emerging ridiculousness of this embarrassing situation was that the clerk seemed amused rather than irritated. Pale cheeks flushed red, Cora stiffly disengaged from Makko and set about picking up the cardboard cutout she'd toppled. Her answer to Makko was a vague sense of unease down their bond.

"Just…books," she mumbled, unsure of what that even meant. As she righted Lord Edgemoore with trembling hands, she realized that her face was level with the image of his bare, glistening chest. The blush spread down her face and neck, giving her the coloration of a blonde Zeltron.

I knew I should've asked for her to tone down the sweat.

The afterthought that drifted through her mind was a sobering reminder. Suddenly, she felt as if the store's heating was set too high.

With Grimus standing tall once more, Cora awkwardly took a step back into Makko. She offered a squeak of apology, burying her nose into her scarf.

"Sorry ma'am," she mumbled to the attendant. "Just…didn't expect to see that much skin."

Cora gestured awkwardly to the proud Sith Lord. She let out a slow exhale into her scarf, then drew her face away from its protection.

"Zaiya, these books might be a little…" she glanced to Makko. "…er, not that interesting to you?" She tried. "I mean, I've heard that they were not very good. They portray cultural aspects particularly poorly…I’ve heard.”

It was hard to pretend as though she’d not memorized every critical review of her recent works.

Makko Vyres Zaiya Ceti

 

[Ryana mina]

Tag: Connel Vanagor

Ryana smiled seeing buster and pip greet each other and played as connel day dreamed she was always glad to see that pip had a friend. It did her heart well plus she grew to love buster greatly almost as much as pip when connel said he wasn't sue if this was normal "OK good to know this is my first life day as a jedi so wasn't sure" she said honestly. Not wanting to kill the mood but she was being honest as she saw pip crawled up connels leg and run away with dog treats she couldn't help but laugh as pip ran off to share with buster "it's a holiday I'll let him have that one" she said warmly plus pip was sharing which was uncommon except when buster was involved.

As the snowman began throwing snowballs one hit ryana in the face which made pip growl and charge at the snowman climbing up the snowman as pip became a blur of fur and little red sweater as parts fell off the snowman until it was rendered useless. Pip quickly ran to ryana and climbed into her coat his little head poking out a couple of inches under her chin "good boy" she said as pip purred and chattered. She lowered herself to busters level causing him to run up ryana pulled out a plastic toy in the shape of a bone handing it to buster the akk dog latched on to it and began playing with it as it made squeaking noises making her smile.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Zeltros | OBJECTIVE : II | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ryana mina | TAG (FOE) : @

MAGIC IN THAT OLD HAT

Chapter 1: The Snowy Encounter

The snowmen began popping up more and more, he could sense others in the area engaging them, at the time but was focused on those in the area, namely “The Trinity” as he calls them.]You might think you know it all, but you have no idea. You haven't seen the whole picture. You need to take a deeper look and expand your horizons sometimes. I’m glad you’re here.. Only then will you truly know what you don't know.

The attacking snowman drew out the “work” side of Connel, but he did not have to do anything. Pip sprang into action tearing into one, as another was coming up to defend. That defender had to deal with Buster who treated it like a pile of leaves, diving in and of course… using his “organic” weapon. That snowman didn’t last either. As Pip ran back to Ryana to warm, up, Connel muttered out approvingly Good boooy!

Buster came running up and immediately, before he could give Connel a look, the Knight crouched down to give his buddy a scratch. You know you are to… hey!

Buster quickly trotted over to the scratches from Ryana as Connel could only laugh inwardly with a large grin. Then when she gave him the squeaker toy, to which Buster took to like a Nerf to grass, Connel knew that he wasn’t going to get any sleep for the next week with that toy around, but like Ryana said It’s the holidays, I’ll let him have that one.

Then more and more snowmen kept popping up and more and more “frozen” ammunition was flying at them. Buster was growling, but slowly dragging his squeaker toy behind Connel. It’s okay you guys…

Reaching out through the Force, Connel grabbed one of the snowmen and threw it hard into the other. It should have sent snow flying and snowmen flying apart. It did… but it also created larger snowmen. Connel just had a look…

That was unexpected.

 

[Aris Noble]

"Intimidatingly creative. I can appreciate that, yeah."

Aris snickered as he finished yet another ice blade to arm another loyal soldier. He reached down, prepared to make another right up until he noticed Vera's expression. Or lack there of. A vision. His smile softened as he stepped over beside her, patiently waiting for the vision to end, for her to come back. Some visions were more stressful than others he learned over the years, but this one he wanted to make sure she didn't collapse after.

She thankfully didn't, though her vision brought his brow to a furrow. Children, another Padawan, in danger? By snowmen? Gone was the joy or playfulness in his expression, replaced by grim determination. It didn't sound like a game to him, as she probably meant it. He'd been in too many real battles to think of it as anything less. They needed help, and he needed to help.

"Bring them, then. I'm running ahead. .. Just point me in the direction first."

Vera Noble | Caelan Valoren

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

Corazona von Ascania Makko Vyres

"Zaiya, these books might be a little…" she glanced to Makko. "…er, not that interesting to you?" She tried. "I mean, I've heard that they were not very good. They portray cultural aspects particularly poorly…I’ve heard.”

Now Zaiya was even more confused, evident by the growing ebb and flow of dove grey colors painting over her mottled spots. The Lovalla gave a few blinks, her attention drawing from Makko to Cora, to Makko again.

Looking for books? Behind a life-sized cardboard figure of a -- as it was picked back up and placed back in its place, Zaiya finally got a good look at it. She gave a double take, blinking a bit. It wasn't as if she was unused to seeing a bare chest - sometimes, a few Padawans did so while training or because they were wearing Epicanthix styles, like when Aris wore his ceremonial outfits.

It was just that this one was rather... detailed.

While Zaiya fully intended to comment on Makko's and Cora's question, the Padawan ended up abruptly asking, "Wait... Are these Lady Velvet's books?"

The Zeltron confirmed with distance praise and pride.

Zaiya blinked again.

"So Iris painted this?" the Lovalla asked, pointing to the life-sized cardboard figure of the proud Sith Lord.

Another pause, then she registered what Cora had said: "Wait, what makes them portray cultural aspects poorly? The reviews even state readers want to read even more."

 

[Vynara Rylthar]

Diplomatic Mission
Admiralty Board of the Free Zeltros Navy

​

They spoke for some time about the mundane things. The Zeltrons spoke about their history, the shape of things in the current times. There was small talk about the tropical planets weather systems, system tariffs and ever-bodies opinion on the local government. Vynara was careful and tactful to avoid that topic altogether.

All the while droids brought them plate heaping with meats, grape like looking fruits, breads or their approximation, and several cakes she did not have a name for.

Purple frosting, teal fruits, pink skin. She took another sip of wine, trying to calm her nerves, which struggled to fight the intoxicating scent of the Zeltrons.

She smelled perfume, or was it incense? It was sweet, peppery, musky.

At last they cut to the chase.

"So about this Alliance."

Vynara nodded, feeling her pale face flush with blood from the planets effects.

"In short we we were hoping we could count on the Free Navys support. We need additional berthing to repair our fleets, and I'm told the Free Navy of Zeltros has a plethora of skilled sailors from their wartimes past?"

One of the very rotund Zeltrons, with stars on his lapel responded.

"Aye. I'm Admiral Deckimus. Sailed and Commanded since before you were a pup human. I don't see how this benefits Zeltros. You want to use our berthing and refit here. You want Zeltron veteran cadre for your crews. What of us?"

She felt her gut tighten, and her lips press a milimeter more thin.

"The Alliance is prepared to commit Alliance Defense Forces in the event that Zeltros comes under threat."

"The Alliance is bloated beast. Besieged on two fronts. First by the Neo Crusaders, and now by the mad Sith empire number..,"

Deckimus turned to the his fellow Admiral, a younger Zeltron, with a slick look.

"Which iteration is it now? Number two thousand?"

His colleague would not respond. She breathed deep, trying to steady her shaking hands, to focus through the joy inducing pheromones crashing through her blood.

"I understand that. I can personally guarantee that 5th Fleet or a Sister Fleet will be here if we can't. You have my word on that as an Officer and Lady, Admiral."

Deckimus nodded, and leaned back.

I can't tell where this is going....​

The younger Zeltron took the lead.

"To be clear you need berthing, refit and veteran crews. You can provide defense in time of need. Guaranteed by honor of your word human?"

Chit

She nodded.

"Contingent upon the ratification of the political treaty by our governments. I can only speak and offer things from my wheelhouse if you will. That is limited to my fleet and Alliance Naval assets."

"We will have to convene on this matter. If you'll excuse us."

"Absolutely."

The delegation rose and vacated the hall to the foyer below. As the doors swung shut she felt like lightning raced in her veins....

 

[Roten]

Zeltros
Tags: Rik Perris , Matthew of Valendale

"There's a stim for that,"

"Stim?" Roten remarked with a frown. "No thanks. I'd... rather not."

Not if it meant being prodded with something. He wasn't exactly fond of the idea of getting a stim just for a smell. It wasn't that irritating. That seemed like far too much effort.

He glanced down at Roten and gave his head an affectionate ruffle.

"I actually find it kind of relaxing, to be honest," Matthew chirped, his tone light and genuine. "We might have something on the ship in the sick bay that could help you with that, though," he added, tilting his head thoughtfully before looking down. "Aren't your feet cold?"

"Hey!" the Bursantian protested, "You're gonna mess up my fur!"

He sighed, proceeding to 'un-ruffle' his fur, or more accurately just ruffle it back into a position he was more fond of. He wasn't some bright-eyed cub to be treated in such a childish manner. He was a warrior. That's what he was, yeah.

Even if his brain kept reminding him how soft he was becoming.

"I have thermal toe-pads," he stated, still pouting a little. "I need my claws for stability, so my body is equipped for the cold. It doesn't really bother me. I... can handle the stench too. It's fine."

"you like cider?" Rik held out the takeout cup, offering it to the seven-foot-tall man. "It was way too hot at first, feels almost the right temp now."

"Cider?" the former-pirate mused. "Is that some nasty booze chi- ...I mean stuff?"

 

[Silas Westgard]

Location: Zeltros
Objective: Eliminate the snowmen
Tag: Lily Decoria

"Not if I have a chance to be true," he said with a smirk back before taking a sip of his own hot chocolate. It wasn't true, but teasing Lily was almost too easy. He enjoyed their back and forth, although silly it kept things fun between them "Just wait till you accidentally do that one day, it will very much be a sight to behold"

Nodding along to what she had to say regarding their travels elsewhere "Unfortunately not, even though I love being on Nev Covenant my time there has passed. I finished all my lessons for the holidays, so I went back to Azbrian to prepare for the festivities" He said with a smile while looking back at her "You should come over if you have time. I'd appreciate the company, even if it means you annoying me about recent events."

Briefly rolling his eyes, he let out a small sigh "You probably haven't been ambushed by the Nobles yet then." his eyes then looked to the window, where it kept for a long few seconds "Like what they're doing now with those two snowmen looking through the window right now..."
​

 

[Makko Vyres]

"Zaiya, these books might be a little…" she glanced to Makko. "…er, not that interesting to you?" She tried. "I mean, I've heard that they were not very good. They portray cultural aspects particularly poorly…I’ve heard.”

Another pause, then she registered what Cora had said: "Wait, what makes them portray cultural aspects poorly? The reviews even state readers want to read even more."

Makko made a small nasal noise. He brought his right hand up, closing his eyes to rub the bridge of his nose. He wished there was a way to throw in the towel and surrender.

He took a deep breath.

Makko walked closer to Zaiya, lowering his voice. Cora was never going to get there. Not unless Zaiya suddenly picked up on the elaborate metaphor of a former princess who had been raised to pretend that relationships were not for the fairer sex to enjoy.

"Zaiya, these books feature quite descriptive scenes of couples being intimate."

He kept his voice low, but decided even that would lead to follow on questions.

"Things people do with no clothes on in private Zaiya," he continued. Someone had to just say it and Makko came from a very different culture to both Cora and Zaiya.

He took half a step back and looked at the cutout of Lord Edgemore. He wondered if there were any scenes in the books that that had stuck with Cora. Perhaps he needed to do some research.

"Are you saying Iris makes the covers for Lady Velvet novels?"

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Valery Noble
​

The subject of children never failed to put a smile on his lips and a chuckle in his throat. For someone whose childhood had been anything but simple or carefree, his chief concern throughout his adult life had revolved around saving little ones from sharing his dreadful early experiences. Even in his advanced age, he resolved to retain his inner child rather than bury the trauma suffered. The boy was not to blame, but rather deserving of being kept alive through the man's actions.

Thurion wasn't born to be king; that was his older brother. No, he was born to be a father. He sustained himself on the laughter of children and drew wisdom from their innocent ways. To hear Valery describe her family with such joy made his heart sing.

"Children cannot refrain from climbing the biggest rock. I'd gladly be their rock," he chuckled, putting his arm around Valery and rubbing her arm. He remembered Aurra especially, for she reminded him of his Nina. Valery was more correct than she realised; the quiet ones are wiser than one often give them credit, for they observe and listen instead of speak.

"You'll find a way to keep up," he assured her. "Some people find having children an unnecessary burden, that they leech off of us and then leave when we're no longer of use. I pity them, for they do not understand what selfless joy it is to raise a child into becoming the best of ourselves, refining what's good and filtering out the bad. But to get rid of the bad, one must first come to terms that there is bad in us, which is something many are not prepared to admit."

As for his part in the Noble family, Thurion couldn't help but feel a lump form in his throat the way Valery declared him an honourary member. "Then, you have already provided me the greatest gift I could have asked for," he replied, visibly stirred by her kind words. "For I would walk through hellfire for each of them, same as if they were my own. Should anything befall you and Kahlil, Force forbid, know that they have a place on Midvinter just as they have carved a place in my heart."

He took her by the hand and kissed it to show his sincerity. If the Sword and the Shield should ever fall, there would still be a House Noble to avenge them, along with the wrath of winter at their backs.

Once on their hunt for presents, Thurion became glued to the window of a toy shop showcasing a simple toy train going around in circles. That inner child of his shone through in moments like these, smitten by the things he never had as a boy growing up. His face lit up looking around at the other toys, humble as they were.

"Can we go inside," he turned to Val, asking permission.