Dominion Winter Wonderland | GA Dominion of Zeltros

[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

Connel’s jaw DROPPED as he watched Ryana throw a picture perfect pyrotechnic at the snowman, watching it reduced to little more than water. He knew it would take more than that to truly “scare” Buster in that manner (he was probably cheering her on, like “Yeah! Get’em!) but it made him feel good to see how much she truly cared about his best friend. That is when he sensed the aura of one… no… two… three… in the area… The Noble kids are nearby… they can handle themselves but I would still feel better making their lives a little easier. .

Meanwhile that “big” snowman? It was making more, and seemed to be waving at others to move in different directions. Oh, that’s how it is?

Suddenly reaching out through the Force, he “grabbed” a hold of the big one, who was now apparently calling its brethren to combine. Buster was now barking at the big one in between Connel’s legs.What say we make him smaller, eh Buster?

Closing his hand into a balled up fist, the snowman squirmed and fought but to no avail as it ultimately was reduced to nothing more than a snowball. Is Pip okay? The hiding Racyon did not go unnoticed.

Then more and more snowmen kept popping up and more and more “frozen” ammunition was flying at them. Connel wanted his combat shield, but he only had his lightsaber. He still did not like to use it, but it will have to do.

Buster, stay with Ryana… she’ll keep you safe. This was not anything negative against his friend, “family” and Padawan, if anything more and more he felt like she deserved to be Knighted. He knew she had the capabilities to defend the three of them, even without pyrokinesis. Igniting his weapon, Connel took a deep breath. I have a feeling this won’t work, but it’s worth a shot.

 

[Kara Jade]

Location: City Centre, Zeltros City
Objective: Enjoy the Life Day Festivities
Tags: Aiden Rennek​

Kara blinked.

Of all the things she had expected to hear from her question, Aiden’s response had shocked her.

She knew his line of work was risky and dangerous, especially during the height of a war. For a soldier, every battlefield they stepped on could potentially be their last. Hell, she knew Aiden had already gone through something like it back on Selvaris. But to ‘take a knock’ to such a degree to lose one’s memory…Kara couldn’t imagine what that was like.

Force, how did Briana feel?

Heartbroken no doubt. It was one thing to wake up with amnesia, it’s a whole other to be the person on the other side who was seen almost as a stranger. Especially when you shared such a deep connection with them, and it was just…gone for them.

Kara’s expression softened as she listened to Aiden, watching the expressions cross his face as he explained what had happened. She couldn’t begin to imagine what it was like to be in his shoes. To have all the facts laid out before you, but being incapable of feeling it.

She tried to say something, anything really. But what could she possibly say in response?

One thing she knew was that the selfish part of her was glad that he hadn’t forgotten about her too.

Aiden turning his attention to the cocoa reminded Kara of hers that had remained untouched since he had started speaking. She grabbed it with her hands, taking in some of the heat before lifting it up and taking a careful sip. Kara finally found her voice.

“You’ve nothing to apologize for, Aiden.” She began, her voice quiet as she placed her mug down. Missing the pause in Cass’ cookie munching, a flash of recognition in his eyes, before resuming. “That…was the point, at the time. I didn’t want to become a wedge between you two.”

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: winter coat | Wedding Ring

Valery couldn't help but smile warmly as Thurion spoke, her arm tucked comfortably around his as they walked through the snowy streets. His words carried a weight of wisdom and tenderness that never failed to stir her heart. She listened quietly, her amber eyes reflecting the glow of the festival lights as he spoke about children, family, and the joy of raising them.

"You are the rock, Thurion," she said softly, glancing up at him. "And not just for my kids. You've been that for so many, including me. You're the kind of person people lean on, and we're all better for it."

Her steps slowed slightly as he mentioned Midvinter and his promise to her family. The sincerity in his voice was undeniable, and the kiss to her hand brought a faint blush to her cheeks. "Kahlil and I are lucky to have you in our lives," she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "And I hope we never have to take you up on that promise, but... it means the world to me to know you're there for them."

They continued walking, the festive energy of the market surrounding them, and soon enough, Thurion stopped in front of a toy shop. Valery's gaze followed his to the simple toy train chugging along its circular track in the window display. The way his face lit up reminded her of a child's pure joy, and it was so endearing that she couldn't stop herself from teasing him.

"Should I be adding a toy train to your Life Day gifts?" she asked, her lips curving into a mischievous smirk as she tilted her head toward him. "I can just picture you setting it up on Midvinter, watching it go around in circles for hours~"

She chuckled softly, her teasing light and affectionate, before nudging him gently. "Come on, let's go inside. Maybe the kids would love something like that... assuming you're willing to share it with them, of course."

Her tone remained playful, but her amber eyes shone with genuine fondness as she led the way into the shop, ready to see what treasures they might find for the children — and perhaps even for Thurion himself. Life Day was about these moments, and she wasn't going to let a single one slip by unnoticed.

Thurion Heavenshield ​

 

[Caelan Valoren]

ATTIRE: Link
TAGS: Vera Noble | Aris Noble

There were so many of them it was nuts. Where in the world had they all come from? This wasn't the normal sort of behavior he expected from spending time in the snow. Maybe a wampa or something hiding around, but not crazy snowmen. Especially crazy snowmen throwing ice laden snowballs and swinging candy cane swords. What even was this? Someone's idea of a joke gone wrong? Whoever did this needed to be stopped, but he couldn't do that on his own.

At least the kids were relatively safe. It seemed like most of them had made it back into their homes. When he glanced over his shoulder to check the street looked deserted, which meant that he could stop with the barrier for the moment. He let his arms fall back to his side and took a deep breath. That was exhausting, making such a big barrier.

Course that meant he started getting pelted with snowballs again, and so he had to bring up a protection bubble around himself do he didn't get murdered by slush balls. Seriously, he needed some help. He had already been tired from the snowball fighting, and now he was running low on energy. Hopefully something changed soon!

 

[Aiden Rennek]

​

Aiden sat quietly as Kara spoke, her words settling over him like the gentle snowfall outside. His green eyes softened, and he gave a slow nod, acknowledging the weight of what she had just shared. The idea that she had intentionally stepped back to give him and Briana the space to navigate their pain hit him hard, and for a moment, he couldn't find the words.

Instead, he let the silence linger, his gaze drifting to Cass as the little boy continued nibbling on his cookie. Aiden's heart ached at the thought of all the moments he had missed, moments Kara had likely faced alone for his sake.

"That must have been incredibly hard," Aiden finally said, his voice quiet but steady. "Stepping back like that, putting us first… I don't even know how to begin to thank you for that." He met her gaze, his expression filled with genuine gratitude and a hint of regret. "I know it wasn't fair to you, and it means more than I can say that you made that choice."

Aiden's hands tightened slightly around his mug, grounding himself in its warmth. He took a deep breath and straightened, his tone soft but resolute as he continued. "But you don't have to do it alone anymore, Kara. I'm here now, and if you'd like…" His gaze flicked briefly to Cass, the faintest smile tugging at his lips before he returned his focus to her. "I'd like to be there for you both. To support you, however I can."

Maybe she'd prefer to keep raising Cass alone, but he wanted to at least offer it. A chance for Cass to have a father, and for him to feel like he regained purpose in life.

He leaned forward slightly, his green eyes earnest and searching hers for any sign of doubt or hesitation. "I know I've got a lot to make up for, and I don't want to push if it's not what you want. But I mean it — I want to be there for you and Cass. Just say the word, and I'll do whatever it takes."

Kara Jade ​

 

[Zaiya Ceti]

A LITTLE THING CALLED LIFE DAY
So embarrassed!!
Interacting with: Makko Vyres Corazona von Ascania

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

Zaiya blinked, her opal blue eyes wide as soft blues and ambers rippled across her skin, deepening with every word Makko said. She tilted her head, still clinging to the innocent understanding forming in her mind.

"Descriptive scenes of couples being… intimate?" she echoed, her voice light with curiosity, as if she were testing out a riddle. Her thoughts conjured harmless images: handholding, warm hugs, maybe even sharing a particularly lovely sunset. Wasn't that what people did when they cared about each other?

But Makko leaned in, his voice dropping to an explanatory whisper. The weight of his words hit her like a seismic charge.

"Things people do with no clothes on in private Zaiya,"

Zaiya froze midstep, her breath catching as the realization ignited her understanding. The colors on her skin erupted in a flurry of coral and silver, glowing so intensely that even a passing book patron paused to glance her way. Her hands flew to her mouth, her voice muffled by her fingers.

"Wait… what?!"

Her cheeks burned with heat, her bioluminescent skin spiraling into a chaotic mix of mortified hues. She risked a glance at Cora, whose face was now flushed redder than a Tatooine sunset. The Zeltron book assistant behind the counter smirked, clearly relishing the spectacle, while Makko just stood there with the resigned air of someone who had drawn the short end of the vibroshiv.

Zaiya groaned, the sheer embarrassment of the situation radiating off her in muted flashes of silver and coral. "Is this why Cora said Lady Velvet's books weren't suitable for Mahsa and me?!" she demanded, her voice climbing an octave.

Cora, however, was too busy gawking at the book display, particularly the cutout of Lord Edgemore, whose smoldering expression and glistening chest left no room for ambiguity, commenting that she hoped Iris Arani was being well compensated. That was all the confirmation Zaiya needed.

Her stomach sank. "Oh. My. Stars."

And then it hit her -- she had been recommending these novels as Life Day gifts. For her Jedi friends. Her colors shifted to a muted silver, pale with humiliation, while streaks of coral shimmered faintly as if to protest the sheer absurdity of her mistake.

"Oh. My. Stars!" she repeated, louder this time, burying her glowing face in her hands.

"I.. I'm sorry," Zaiya began to babble, already taking a few steps back, "I... I should go." Feeling the impending sense to flee due to her mortification, the Lovalla Padawan spun on her heel and headed for the exit.

Of all the embarrassing situations to find herself in! And wait! Did this mean Mahsa already knew about this?!

- Exit post! LOL -

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Valery Noble
​

Thurion let out a childish giggle a man of his size ought not be capable of as his friend teased him. "I've no doubt it would be greatly appreciated by the cat. Bubby would have a field day chasing it around," he chuckled as they entered the store. His eyes widened at the wide selection of children's toys, each more incredible than the last. There were toy trains, but there were also miniature starships zipping around, plushies of every creature imaginable, masquerade costumes, holo-vids and games, arts and crafts, and much more.

As he stood there observing little children rush around and peruse the store's vast inventory, Thurion felt something click in the back of his head. A thought he'd not dared entertain for many years, given the poor outcome of prior attempts. Frozen in place, he reached for Valery's hand without looking.

"You know, Coci and I," he began, leaning closer. "We'd often muse on what we'd do if we ever retired. We tried it once, by stepping away from the Silver Jedi and finding a quiet spot by the sea on Midvinter. Today, that spot goes by 'Heavenheim', so that proved a rather humongous failure," he chuckled softly.

"Well, one thing led to another, and now I've scarcely dared to hope for such a day. When the Lion is no longer needed, and I am free to pursue a simpler calling. If you'd asked me an hour ago what I'd do instead, I wouldn't have a clue. But this..." he said, nodding to himself.

"This I could do. If I am destined to reach my twilight years, this is how I'd like to spend them. A toymaker, putting smiles on little ones' faces everywhere. I would consider it my highest calling — an honour greater than that of being king. That is how I could face my maker with a smile; by knowing I've given them to others before my time is done."

The blonde giant stretched out his hand and retrieved a stuffed bear from one of the top shelves before crouching to pass it on to a tiny child far too short to reach for herself. He remained crouched, watching the child happily skip away.

"A strange aspiration, perhaps."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: winter coat | Wedding Ring

Valery chuckled softly at Thurion's heartfelt confession, her amber eyes shimmering with warmth. "A toymaker," she echoed, her tone full of admiration. "I think that's a beautiful aspiration. Bringing joy to children, filling their lives with wonder… it suits you."

Her gaze drifted over the bustling store, her smile growing softer as she watched the children darting between shelves, their laughter filling the air. After a moment, she turned back to him, a thoughtful gleam in her eyes. "You know," she began, her voice light but laced with sincerity, "If I ever retire one day… I'd want to start a daycare. Surround myself with children, watch them learn, grow, and play. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them smile."

She paused, a sheepish chuckle escaping her lips. "Which, I guess, is pretty obvious, considering how many I already have running around." Her laughter was warm and genuine, her fondness for her own children radiating like the glow of the festival lights outside.

With a playful nudge, Valery stepped past him to browse the shelves. "Speaking of which, I think I know exactly what I want to get for them." Her tone carried a spark of excitement as she began picking up items one by one.

"For Aurra, a new Tauntaun plush. She's so attached to her old one, but they need friends too, right?" She smiled to herself at the thought of her youngest daughter clutching a soft, snow-colored creature.

"For Adam," she continued, her fingers brushing over a small, carefully crafted guitar. "This. He's always tapping his fingers like he's meant to be a little musician. I think it's time he had his first instrument."

She glanced over her shoulder at Thurion, a playful grin on her lips. "And for Aeryn, something sporty. Maybe a hoverball set — she's got enough energy to power a small city, and this might help her burn some of it off."

Valery moved toward a section filled with colorful baby toys, her hand resting on her stomach for just a moment. "And for the little one on the way… some soft rattles and blocks. Something simple but sweet."

As she gathered her selections, Valery's gaze turned thoughtful, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "For Vera, Aris, and Colette… well, I have other ideas for them. Something more personal." She didn't elaborate further, her smile turning secretive as if she were already imagining the surprise on their faces.

Turning back to Thurion, her arms full of carefully chosen gifts, Valery tilted her head and offered him a bright, affectionate smile. "What about you, toymaker? Found anything to bring a little joy to someone special?"

Thurion Heavenshield ​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Valery Noble ​

Thurion held on to the shelf as he slowly stood, as if the subject being entertained had somehow aged him many decades. He'd always felt his age; feeling old in spite of the prolonged lifespan of his people. The feeling only went away while in battle or during other tense situations, and he had not suffered any physical impairments with the march of time. It was more of a state of mind that was taking hold of him, more with each year. Nevertheless, he felt a pop in his knees as he rose to full height, watching how Valery strode from shelf to shelf and picking out Life Day gifts for her little ones.

The guitar especially got his attention, sidling up to her to give it a try with his oversized fingers, only able to produce a handful of sloppy chords. "I think it's a great idea," he said while semi-successfully serenading her. "Something to leave behind. Not some vague, undefined legacy, but something real. Something tangible. Something for your children to inherit."

Thurion continued to pluck away at the tiny guitar, careful not to sever the frail strings with his fingertips.

"Well, I'll be taking that train for starters," he beamed a grin at her. But when the subject of what to give little ones, Thurion stepped closer to Valery as his playing became still. In truth, he'd only been buying time.

"As for Vera, Aris, and the others... I do have something in mind, if you'll allow it." He put aside the guitar, feeling that it undermined the solemnity of the moment. "I love them as my own kin, same as you and Kahlil. You are family to me, each and every one of you, and... I was thinking..." His cheeks grew red, unsure of how best to approach the subject.

"Well... I need not remind you of your husband's side of the family tree. Kaine can never be a grandfather to them, but... I-I'd be happy to fill those shoes, with your permission. That is to say..." he kept stumbling over his words, fiddling with a holo-device in his pocket.

"My Life Day gift for them... is me." He switched on the device, revealing a holographic document awaiting signature. "Adoption papers. I'd become their legal guardian, in the event you and Kahlil are... unavailable. And, more importantly, it'd give me another reason to dote on them like any self-respecting grandparent ought to."

He rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardly.

"If they'll have me, that is..."

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: winter coat | Wedding Ring

Valery froze mid-step, the soft plush toy in her hand forgotten as Thurion's words registered. Her amber eyes shimmered, reflecting the warm glow of the shop's lights, and a wide smile broke across her face. For a moment, she just stared at him, the guitar now abandoned as he fidgeted with the holo-device. His awkwardness, the way he stumbled over his words, only made the sincerity of his offer hit harder.

Her breath hitched as she stepped closer, her hands rising to cover her mouth, a telltale glint of moisture gathering in her eyes. "Thurion," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. She reached out and hugged him tightly, her arms wrapping around his broad frame with all the gratitude and love she could muster.

"You have no idea how much this means to me," she murmured, her cheek resting against his shoulder as she blinked back happy tears. "To us. I can feel Kahlil Noble through our bond, and he's as overjoyed as I am."

She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her hands resting on his arms. "They will absolutely love this. You've already been family to them in every way that matters, but this… this makes it something even more tangible, something they can hold onto as they grow. Knowing they have you, that they're never alone, it means the world to us."

Her smile grew, radiant and warm, as she glanced down at the holo-device in his hand. "And you better believe I'm signing those papers as soon as we're done here," she added, her tone light but filled with emotion.

Valery reached up to cup his cheek briefly, her amber eyes filled with affection. "Thank you, Thurion. For being who you are. For loving them like you do."

As she stepped back, her smile turned teasing for just a moment. "But be warned," she added with a playful glint in her eye, "This means you're now officially the go-to for spoiling them. Life Day, birthdays, and every little achievement — they'll expect grandparent-level doting, and I fully intend to remind them of it~"

She winked, then laughed softly, her earlier tears of joy still evident as they moved together through the shop.

Thurion Heavenshield ​

 

[Silas Westgard]

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

Silas couldn't help but smile, of course Lily belonged to some nobility "Well, I'm sorry princess. How common of me to presume such a thing" he said sarcastically with another sip of his drink. It was all in good fun at the end of the day, he didn't care where anyone came from as long as they had a good sense of humor. Lily thankfully did, which was proven when she lifted her pinky to express that she'd never do it.

"It's only respectful to ask, I doubt the both of us would have been doing anything" Silas shrugged, pleased that she was willing to take up the offer. He was going to have company throughout the holidays, but it wouldn't hurt to have more visits "I'll make sure to chop some more wood for your arrival then. We don't want to freeze to death do we?"

Upon being called an easy target, Silas rolled his eyes "Far from it, I know those brats tricks inside and out. That's why they've never caught me out, and never will" he said proudly before looking to the snowmen who were still peering at them through the window "How strange, the brats must have built them quick considering they weren't there when you arrived" narrowing his eyes at them both, Silas slowly put his mug on the counter and got up.

Normally, he'd be able to sense the Nobles close by. Right now, there was no sign of them.

When the knight got closer, one of the snowmen suddenly raised their stick arms and pressed a candycane sword against the glass with a loud thump. Silas didn't flinch from the sudden action, but it was enough to make him look back to Lily with a concerned chuckle "Is it the hot chocolate, or did that snowman just move?"

Then, as if by command more and more began to appear in front of the house in a mixture of different clothing. Silas had seen many things, yet being attacked by a horde of snowmen was not one...

"Yeah, I'm starting to think it isn't the chocolate"
​

 

[Kara Jade]

Location: City Centre, Zeltros City
Objective: Enjoy the Life Day Festivities
Tags: Aiden Rennek​

She’d have been lying if she said it hadn’t been hard. It was one thing to completely unroot your life and move elsewhere in the galaxy. Only to then have to tackle being a mother, in a completely new place where you didn’t know anymore. Fortunately, Kara had managed to form a small group of friends; primarily other parents, who were more than capable of looking after Cass when it came for her to work.

The idea of being a teacher was something that had never crossed Kara’s mind, but it should’ve been. She had only just become a Jedi Knight by the time she had to leave the Order. But she had at the time been pushed towards the idea of taking on a Padawan.

She supposed in a way, Cass was just that. Only the relationship was a lot deeper.

“I-I’d like that.” Kara replied, smiling at Aiden. She was unsure how exactly it would work, but at least Aiden would be in their lives now. “We can figure out the details, like I’m not going to suddenly say you can’t be a soldier anymore. I know that’s who you are.”

“Are you my Papa?”

Cass’ sudden question almost had Kara choke on her cocoa. She turned to look at her son, only to find him staring intently at Aiden. Or as much as a child could with eyes full of innocence, curiosity and hope.

“Mama always said Papa was away being a brave soldier.” Kara blushed slightly, a sheepish smile on her face. She had never told Cass that his father was ‘out of their life’. Only ever framed it as having to be away constantly due to his work. “I heard her say your name a few times, when she thought I had fallen asleep.”

Okay, that got a full on flush from Kara.

But at the same time she felt something of a weight lifted from her. One thing that had been on her mind for years, had been her son’s reaction to finally meeting Aiden. She feared that as Cass grew older, and became more understanding of the circumstances, he would grow to resent her for ‘keeping’ his father out of his life.

 

[Lily Decoria]

​

Location: Zeltros
Outfit: Festive Casual
Tag: Silas Westgard

"I'm not a princess, that is outlandish to state such things!" Lily feared the repercussions of her even humouring the idea that she was a princess. The Eshan royalty were a very established family that were formidable opponents in combat. "Nobility is very different to royalty." Lily mentioned, "but I suppose a commoner such as yourself might not understand the difference." Lily smirked as she carefully drank some more of the hot coco.

Lily nodded her head, "well, my family have traditions around this time of year. Things we enjoy to do on Eshan, but there is time I can make to spend time with friends." Lily mentioned as she chuckled at the idea of freezing to death, "I come from Eshan, likely much colder where I am from than where you are from." She winked teasingly to him.

She snorted when he indignantly defended himself and the two eldest Nobles had never caught him. "I'm sure they would say the same if I were to ask them how successful they had been against you with their tricks." Lily grinned, she had gotten to know both of them a little since they had both trained under her Master at one point, though Aris was now training with another Master.

When Silas shifted and his attitude change to focus on the snowmen outside, Lily placed her cup down. Adjusting to the tension that was building. Things were not simple anymore and it seemed that their casual meet up was going to be deeply heading downhill. The snowmen seemingly had a life of their own.

"Guessing this isn't going to be some prank is it?" Lily shifted to pull her hair into a ponytail and breathed in deeply as she realised she had to use her hand to hand combat skills. How did she not bring her Lightsaber here?!

 

[Aiden Rennek]

​

Aiden's heart twisted as Cass's small, innocent voice broke through the room's quiet warmth. His green eyes softened as he turned to look at the boy, his tiny frame perched with such earnest curiosity. The weight of the question, Are you my Papa? carried so much hope that it made Aiden's chest tighten.

He glanced briefly at Kara, catching her flushed cheeks and sheepish smile. The sight of her like that brought a faint, knowing smile to his lips. Even after all these years, even with the circumstances that had pulled them apart, she'd still thought about him. Still spoken his name.

Taking a steadying breath, Aiden shifted forward in his seat so he could meet Cass's gaze directly. "Yeah, buddy," he said, his voice warm and filled with affection. "I'm your Papa."

The words felt right. They felt like something he should've said years ago, but it was better late than never.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here for your birthdays or to watch you grow up," Aiden continued, his voice softening with regret. "But I'm here now, and I want to make it up to you."

"How about this? To make up for all those missed birthdays, we'll go shopping, just the three of us. You can pick out the biggest, coolest gifts you want for Life Day, and I'll get them all."

While he waited for the boy's reaction, Aiden turned to Kara with a smile, "I'm going to be away from the front for a while," he told her gently, his voice dropping just slightly to keep the moment between them. "I took some extended leave after what happened, so I can be here. As much as you'd like, as much as you need."

He paused, his smile deepening as he leaned just slightly toward her. "And I'll be around to make sure you don't have to carry it all on your own anymore."

Kara Jade ​