Public Zinder's Autumn Festival of Love! (Open to all hopeful couples!)

[Rhys Swynol]

ZINDER'S AUTUMN FESTIVAL OF LOVE!!!

Stewjon was a humble world for Zinder to set its gaze up. There was nothing on the world that screamed party or romance, however, Rhys had a plan. Organising with the leaders of the world, Rhys had been able to negotiate a deal where Zinder could set up a celebration that Stewjon had never seen before. There was a derelict barn and farming land that had not been touched in many years, Rhys had been able to grab the land for cheap after some perhaps underhanded tactics. Zinder's team came to then set the plan into action, a hedge maze was constructed that led the couples that entered to a beautiful lakeside view where the water sparkles. Those fortunate to reach the end would get a chance to enjoy a delightful picnic and wine.

The barn was restored carefully and turned into a horror themed escape room where couples will have to figure out clues and solve puzzles to free themselves before the deranged chainsaw killer returns to finish them off. With actors as ghosts of those who had been killed before hired and creatures used to make noises and scare people, it was Rhys's idea to thrill people and let them fall in love while terrified together. Rhys was excited to see how people felt about the survival escape room thrill, especially since it was something a little different for a Zinder style event.

Finally, to ensure there was some benefits to the locals of Stewjon, to guarantee that Zinder could return again some day, Rhys allowed local stores construct a festive themed market stall. Lots of stalls that sold a variety of goods and many themed on love and bonds. Allowing couples to walk around and even keep mementos of their date together. Rhys saw this as a perfect way to highlight the positives of allowing Zinder to host an event on a planet. He wanted to work to make people seek him out for a destination for the next Zinder event. Profits and a flourishing business was key.

(OOC: Have fun! Be civil! Try to avoid devolving into fighting and go wild with the objectives!)

Objective 1: The Hedge Maze of Mystery! - Zinder has constructed a large, complex hedge maze with spooks and twist and turns. Find a partner and get lost together in the maze and perhaps even find love! Reach the end of the maze to get to observe a sparkling lake side view that is unmatched! A perfect ending to a fun and amazing date! (OOC: Enjoy the hedge maze! What spooks you see and the difficulties you face in the maze are up to you. Just have some fun and use it as a way to build tension and connect with your partner!)

​

Objective 2: The Haunted Barn of Love! - A dilapidated barn has been carefully reconstructed by Zinder to create a detailed and full explorable haunted barn house! Actors and creatures in the barn to scare and thrill you, with an exciting tale of tragic lovers with a deranged chainsaw killer! Escape the killer and survive where the tragic lovers could not! Think haunted house meets escape room! Work together and bond over the tense situation for survival! (OOC: Welcome to the haunted barn! The puzzles and escape room antics you face are yours to create, I just wanted to give people the setting and inspiration for this objective, have fun with it and enjoy the escape room dread!)

​

Objective 3: Autumn Festival Stalls Marketplace! - Explore the many festive stalls on Stewjon with your match, wander around and purchase your partner a romantic trinket to forever remember the event that sparked your attraction! Plenty to admire, see and purchase! All the stalls are local and small business so you'll definitely be helping them out! (OOC: This is a simple market spot, lots of stores with many things related to bonds, love, romance, preparing for winter and some late autumn treats!)

Objective 4: BYOO - Do your own thing and have a great time!

 

[Under Foot]

[ link to Zinder profile ]

Tags: Open​

The Squib stood outside the entrance to the maze.

His comlink was in his hand, errantly thumbing through HikHok vids while waiting to see if the person who'd responded to his Zinder profile would show or not. If he had a credit for every time he'd been ghosted doing the whole social media dating thing... well, he'd had just two credits. But still.

It was probably a longshot.

But it wasn't like he had plans and it seemed like a good escape for a bit. So why not? He'd tossed up a profile and waited to see what happened next.

 

[Iria]

Hedge Maze
Tags: Open

Perhaps a dating app was an unconventional way to issue a challenge for a duel. Iria, however, was growing tired of her inability to find herself a worthy opponent. It was a desperate plea to be sure, but one born from the eagerness to hone her craft. That filthy bloated Gran noble ( Credit Wizard ) had hardly scratched the itch she had for a good sparring match given his embarrassing form. She needed to blow off the steam she had been building up.

This was her chance to have a fulfilling battle.

Iria Lee Gyukia positioned herself within the Hedge Maze, finding herself a clearing within that would be appropriate for an honorable duel. If anyone was to arrive, it was here that she would issue her challenge. The young Zabrak swordswoman needed this. She could feel the malaise of her wavering regiment begin to creep up her back. She could train all she liked, but without a real opponent she would get sloppy. She didn't know who she'd encounter, but Iria could only hope that they could give her a run for her money.

If she was to continue surviving in the galaxy, especially with her clan in search of her fortune, she would need to get stronger. Iria had to be ready to achieve this by any means necessary.

She had to say that to herself to convince her brain that this wasn't weird.

 

[Kat Decoria]

Location: Haunted Barn
Outfit: Autumn attire
Tag: Allyson Locke

She had matched on a dating app with Allyson again. It was something that just felt like some kind of fate or the Force was forcing the pair to interact and connect in a way that Allyson always seemed to resist in some manner.

Kat wasn't sure how the date would go with Allyson this time around but the butterflies stirring in her stomach were hopeful for another positive outcome. There was always something about Allyson that drew her in and Kat couldn't fight that connection even though she knew that Allyson needed her space and the ability to do her own thing. And sometimes that involved suffering her own heartbreak. Currently she was just focusing on the Stewjon event and the fact that Allyson had matched with her.

That was a good sign for them to reconnect in some way.

Kat decided to stick to an oversized jumper and some thick leggings with boots, she had thought about wearing something more alluring or something that showed off her figure better. What prevented her was the setting and weather was colder and leaned for something more practical. Standing outside the haunted barn, Kat looked around and peeked around, she wasn't sure how she felt about a horror themed escape room. She feared the puzzles wouldn't be that complex for a Jedi Shadow like Allyson, who did investigations for a living. But there was the marketplace to check out if they solved the escape rooms too swiftly.

She just hoped that her nerves would settle by the time Allyson arrived.

 

[Ala Quin]

​

Registering on Zinder felt like a moment of desperation. It felt like the admission that she could not find someone without an algorithm doing most of the work for her. But then she had matched with Ethan. He was very handsome, but seemed also genuinely nice. While they did not share hobbies in common, Ala had liked the things he was interested in and thought it would give them plenty to talk about.

She had started to become a little concerned with some of the questions he was asking. He seemed to hold doubts about her appearance? it had made Ala self-conscious. Perhaps the pictures she had chosen were not as good as she thought. It made her want to let Valery Noble give her profile a once over to make sure it was as good as she thought it was. They had agreed to meet on Stewjon for Zinder's big shindig, in particular they were to do the Haunted Barn escape challenge.

Ala looked nervous, fingers fidgeting with the fabric of her floral print summer dress. She thought now it might be too much for a first date. Or too little? "Oh come on, Ala...trust yourself," she muttered.

She had spent what felt like forever getting ready. She had done her hair three different times before settling on the side swept pile of curls that cascaded down her right shoulder. It was too much. She had done too much.

She looked at her Zinder page, and opened the chat log with Ethan. There was still no message, and he was almost twenty minutes late. She read back the previous messages, trying to see if she missed something.

2343 Ala: 7 pm at the haunted barn? That's 7 pm based on the barn's timezone.

2343 Ethan: Yeah, that sounds great. Sounds fun.

0437 Ethan: Just looking at your profile again, wow, that is really you?

0812 Ala: Mhm, that is me!

0912 Ethan: Do you know there is another profile using your pictures?

0913 Ala: What!? link me please?

0913 Ethan: Just look up profile 6738-90210.

0917 Ala: Ooooo K. Well, that has been reported.

0917 Ala: Thanks for letting me know.

0917 Ala: All sorts of scumbags out there these days, I guess.

0919 Ala: Anyway, I should get stuff done. See you later.

1213 Ala: Hello?

1213 Ala: Hope you are OK.

1214 Ala: Looking forward to meeting you tonight.

1215 Ala: GAH, why haven't you replied I can see that you have received and seen my messages....you are spiralling Ala...

1225 Ala: See you are 7 pm <3


​

She sniffed, and the back of her hand rubbed her nose. A little lump felt like it was forming in her throat. Was she this desperate? Really? He had said he would be here...but then the ghosting. She clutched her data pad to her chest, sighed loudly and leaned back on the fence post near the entrance to field where Zinder's escape room was set up.

"He is not coming," she said, head tilted back in resignation.

---

Kaila Irons
​

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Ala Quin //: Kat Decoria //:

Once more, Allyson had decided to let Zinder do its thing. She had received an invite to the event and who she had been matched with. Scanning the message, Allyson's eyebrows raised as her eyes widened slightly. Finally, someone she knew and someone that wasn't going to get weirded out or ghost her. Maybe she'd enjoy the event tonight and not find her way to the catered bar, drinking and chatting up the bartender.

The time of the event arrived, and Allyson, in her typical fashion, donned the Corellian striped slacks, knee-high boots, and a white shirt. Over it, she wore her worn leather Rogue Squadron jacket. There was nothing special about her attire, even pulling her messy brown hair into a ponytail. Allyson Locke looked like any other time, but instead of leaving empty-handed, she reached for a single step, Ithorian Rose. Some of her intended to obtain a Jebwa flower, but she doubted Kat could understand its meaning to the Corellian. Either way, women loved roses, and the Ithorian Rose was a beautiful and brilliant blue. It contrasted the Corellian in many ways, but Allyson did not ponder the implications too hard.

It hadn't taken long to arrive at the Haunted Barn. Allyson was curious why Kat had decided this as their date location. They hadn't seen each other in some time, and Allyson took that as a good sign. It meant that the Echani had taken Allyson's advice and left Sith space, abandoning her ill-fated infiltration of the Sith Order. If Kat had succeeded, the Shadow was unaware of her ability to remain under the radar. Still, Allyson hoped for the former, only to save herself the guilt of not being there to keep an eye on Kat.

Allyson made her way up the trail towards the house, only stopping as her attention strayed towards a woman who stood off to the side. It was apparent she had been crying and was upset about something. Sighing heavily, Allyson figured this was a classic case of ghosting, or she had recently gotten dumped. Looking at the flower, Allyson figured Kat wouldn't care and headed towards the crying girl.

As she wiped her eyes, Allyson offered the flower and a smile. "Whoever they are, it's their loss." The Corellian gave the woman a wink and stepped back. "They're not worth your tears; if you don't find someone to hang out with, you can always join me and my friend in the haunted house." Allyson nodded up the trail. "I'm Allyson, so just come find me if you'd like." With that, she kept the conversation short and headed towards where Kat was waiting. She waved towards the Echani woman and jogged lightly to stand beside her. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting long," Allyson used her thumb to point down behind her where Ala had been crying. "Oh, you look nice. Uh, I had brought you an Ithorian Rose, but I think someone else needed it a bit more." Allyson gave a sheepish smile and then looked towards the house. "Who thought this would be a good idea for a first date for people? Crazy, either way, I'm sure we'll have fun - I did tell that girl if she didn't find anyone to do this with, she could join us."

 

[Kaila Irons]

​

The life of a sith was a lonely one. The life of a sith who'd been forced down the path, laid at their master's feet and told to excel or die? Even more so. She'd been at odds with her own kind since she was but an acolyte, always moving about the shadows behind their backs, carving out her own little space in those few secret hours of freedom where her master's eyes rarely looked.

But was not enough. It was never enough.

She was now a High Inquisitor of the eleventh sith empire. She had more freedoms than before, as low of a bar as it was, and she was certainly more powerful than she'd once been, but she was still a slave to the true sith. Even worse, what fear she inspired with this new title had afflicted potential allies as much as foes, for she was now a hunter of traitors, forced to do battle with those she might have once allied herself to.

And those few who'd been given a glimpse of her true heart had either perished fighting the alliance or she'd been forced to leave them, for their own protection.

She was utterly alone now.


It is why the empire's "youngest" darth had come to Stewjon, seeking but a momentary reprieve from the jaws of servitude. Yet even this had fallen through.

"What do you mean you've changed your mind...? I'm right here, I can see the barn." she questioned, speaking into her wristlink with a clipped accent as she approached.

"You should have told me what you were."

"What...? I... I thought it was obvious."

"Sorry, I don't date cultists."

"No, I'm not- I'm-" the call abruptly ended.

"...I'm sorry."​

​

Kaila squeezed her eyes golden eyes shut, a nearby fence shaking as she leaned her back against it. She thought they made it obvious enough what she really was, the fiery rings of color fading from red to gold close to the iris, or the way they seemed to glow in the gloomy overcast light of this autumn stricken world, all pointing to the dark side's influence. She thought that maybe, just once, they knew, but might accept her for what she'd been forced to become all the same. And she was wrong.

Darth Anathemous did not cry often these days, but when she did it was an ugly thing. Her fists balled, black nails threatening to tear her shiny black dress. She'd even gone through the effort of wrapping her legs in strips of red fabric produced on her distant homeworld to break up the gloomy color palette some.

She'd gotten all dressed up. all for naught.

Her jaw clenched and her eyes opened with a newfound fire as she attempted to bury the sorrow in anger, the more productive of the two emotions, certainly for sith.

But when they opened, they beheld something most unexpected. Perhaps she'd been too absorbed in her own dilemma to take notice of the young woman a few paces away, but when she finally did, her own features seemed to soften.

They seemed to draw her gaze, despite being her total opposite.

Where Kaila's hair was like the soft golden fields of windswept grain, silken and mostly straight, hers was dark like soil, and wild in it's curls. Her skin too was darker, certainly compared to Kaila's softly flushed pallor. Even her face was warm and round where Kaila's was a thing of sharp angles and usually would have reflected a cold and calculated demeanor.

Whoever she was, she was beautiful.

She blinked, waking up from the momentary daze, only to realize that perhaps she'd been staring a little too long, and that this person was clearly not having the day they'd hoped for.

"You too huh?" Kaila blurted out.

That was when she noticed the blue rose in their hands, and realized then that perhaps it had been meant for another woman. She glanced away for a moment, unsure if she should approach or give the woman some space. What would she herself want if she were in their shoes? Then again, Kaila supposed she already was.

"That rose, that lovely dress, Seems to me your ghost doesn't know what she's missing." she stifled a chuckle, assuming that they'd planned to spend the evening with another woman.

Perhaps then there was a chance...?



Ala Quin

 

[Ala Quin]

​

This was silly. Tears over a boy that didn't show up for a date. She didn't even know the guy beyond a short chat on line, and some selectively edited images on his profile. But still she wiped away unwelcome, near silent tears.

Her attention was pulled away from the mental spiral she had begun when she heard a voice. instinctively she began wiping her tears from her eyes, and stood up and away from the fence post. "Ahem...sorry..." She said before really paying head to who was speaking or what was being said.

Ala was already taking the flower before she really comprehended what was being given to her. When she looked down, her heart rent anew, and tears welled up again, this time in gratitude for the kindness of a stranger. She simply nodded to her words, and found herself having to push away unruly curls that threatened to shroud her face.

Allyson.

Ala tried to speak, but she could feel that it was just going to grant permission to the flood gates. She simply mouthed the words, "Thank you." And clung to the flower like it was her tether to hope.

A few moments passed, and Ala simply gazed at the flower as she slowly rolled its stem back and forth between her fingers. The gentle, yet assertive, words of Allyson playing on a loop in her mind. Maybe she would just take her up on the offer, though intruding on a date seemed a bit awkward. Allyson's date would probably not care too much to see some random stranger injecting themself into a weird, three person date. But then again, everyone on Zinder were essentially strangers to each other...so maybe...

"You too, huh?"

Ala jumped in fright, hand quickly to her chest, and eyes lit with shock. She had been so lost in her melancholy that she had not heard anyone approach. And then she saw her face...Ala could not help a quick gaze up and down to take in the sight. It was a rather dark look to the attire, but the accent of red on her legs was captivating. She was staring too long.

Ala's eyebrows rose, and eyes lit up as she looked back up to the newcomer with a sense of optimism returning in a rush. Seems she was not the only one that had been left dateless tonight.

"That rose, that lovely dress, Seems to me your ghost doesn't know what she's missing."

Her lip curled into a half smile, and as if controlled by someone else entirely Ala felt her hips sway which sent her skirt into a dance. "Oh this old thing?" Ala said, with a playful dismissive wave of her hand, "he didn't deserve it.'

There was a darkness about this woman, more than just her attire. Ala felt it in the Force. But there was also a surprising openness, and vulnerability hidden beneath a thin barrier of control. It must have been due to her own recent rejection that the vulnerability was so close to the surface. She was a dark sider, but Ala could see that she was also more than that.

Ever the optimist when it came to her belief in the good in all, Ala quieted her wiser thoughts, and extended her hand with the flower in it. "Name's Ala...want to be a dateless loser with me? I am told I am quite fun..."

Kaila Irons Allyson Locke Kat Decoria​

 

[Kaila Irons]

The way she swayed in that dress brought a soft pinkness to her cheeks, and a less so subtle smile to her face as she glanced away, a little embarrassed that they might see this newfound hue.

"Oh this old thing?" Ala said, with a playful dismissive wave of her hand, "he didn't deserve it.'

"Oh...!" her brows rose in surprise.

"I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have assumed."


It was fine, this was fine. Honestly she deserved it anyway, for thinking only of herself. In hindsight now she felt as if she'd tried to take advantage of the situation to fill her own void. What a selfish but sith thing to do. Every day she wondered more and more if she were thinking like her master, bit by bit.

Yet to her surprise, this stranger was still smiling, approaching even. They extended to her a hand, and clasped between caramel fingers, was that pretty Ithorian Rose. It was the first time in her life that anyone had ever offered a flower to the young darth, at least without demanding she turn it into some foul poison or other atrocity.

"Name's Ala...want to be a dateless loser with me? I am told I am quite fun..."

It was also the first time she'd been called a loser without wanting to punch someone. Instead she stifled a chuckle, and carefully took the rose into her own slender hands.

"Kaila," she dipped her chin in greetings.

"I'd love to. Between you and I, I'd rather not walk such haunted grounds alone." she added with a laugh, despite having eaten a spirit or two in the past.

Kaila approached, walking beside Ala whilst holding the rose close to her chest and idly spinning it between her fingers. Glancing at her from the side, it seemed she was nearly a head shorter than herself, forcing the taller sith to look down ever so slightly as she spoke.

"...have you ever been to one of these before? honestly I'm not sure what to expect. My date insisted I try it but, well, you know how that story ends."



Ala Quin

 

[Ala Quin]

"Kai...la..."

The way Ala said it was like she was trying out a new item of clothing to see how it fit. She seemed thoughtful, even as she spun about and took a deep breath to drive the last vestiges of sadness away. The Force had smiled on her, and given her not just a date...but a project.

"Kaila..."

She smiled, satisfied with how it fell from her lips.

"Come on then. Let's go be scared on purpose," she said, freely joining the Kaila's laugh with her own soft laughter. Ala did sense there was something the pale woman had left unsaid, but did no press any further. "And to clear up your confusion...yes...he was he...but this that we are doing...is a date, OK? We deserve it...and to be honest...I think I swiped right on you anyway."

She left it unsaid that Kaila had not swiped right on her. Perhaps it was simply that her profile had not been presented to her. That would be strange for the algorithm, but who cares. Kaila said yes when it counted.

"That story ends with me...and that is the last time we talk about the wannabes," Ala said with a wave of her hand, fingers dancing through the air.

She coyly pushed errant locks of curly hair behind her ear, revealing the hidden elven nature of them. She found it was a feature that often fascinated people. There were not many people of her complexion that had such a genetic trait. "I would never pick something scary like this of my own volition...it was totally his..." She had violated her own rule, "...no...this is my first. And I am glad you are with me."

She walked alongside Kaila, but at a pace that seemed in no particular rush. "So...I would ask you to tell me something about yourself, but I suspect we both know something key to our mutual natures," she said with a moment of concern washing over her face, and then gestured nervously to herself, "...Jedi," and then to Kaila, "Sith?"

Kaila Irons

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

Perhaps a dating app was an unconventional way to issue a challenge for a duel.

TAGS: Iria
​

A dark ominous shadow swept over her, and soon a cold wind flowed in its wake, carrying the scent of distant forests. The strong breeze brushed past her, stirring her hair like an invisible caress. Heavy footsteps echoed through the silence as a soft glow approached, illuminating the darkness. His towering frame slowly came into view, his attire shimmering as if kissed by starlight, casting a faint halo that bloomed around him.

The moonlight above highlighted his silhouette, a muscular figure standing proud, towering at seven feet tall, adorned with large feathered wings unfurling in his wake with languid grace. They spread wide, glittering beneath the moonlight, then folded gracefully behind him. The light caught in his cerulean blue eyes, and for a fleeting moment, they shimmered like molten silver, warm and all-consuming as that tense gaze settled on the girl.

Then his velvety smooth voice poured forth in a rich timbre, "A duel you seek, and a duel you shall have, my lady fair~" His lips curled into a playful smile, "I shall be your opponent and meet you on the field of honor. Prepare yourself, for I bring charm as my sword, wit as my shield, and guile as my armor. En garde!"

 

[Iria]

Hedge Maze
Tags: Matthew of Valendale

"I shall be your opponent and meet you on the field of honor. Prepare yourself, for I bring charm as my sword, wit as my shield, and guile as my armor. En garde!"

Iria scoffed as the large, winged nobleman drifted down with open arms. She was not impressed in the slightest with his flowery words. He had a weapon on him at least. That was all she needed to see.

"You can save the dialogue," the Zabrak sighed. "I've heard it before. I did not express having interest in storybook banter. Enough of such from those of blue blood has littered my ears to last me a lifetime."

The young noblewoman drew her songsteel blade. It was pristine, polished to a fine point and spotless. Not a single scratch was visible on any surface, blade and hilt alike. Iria prepared herself in an opening stance, letting out a soft exhale as she did so. Combat. This was about becoming stronger, not some pedantic, childish courtship talk. She had little care for such anyways.

"If you have a good sword arm about you, I suggest you make an effort to use it," she stated, her tone all business. "I need an able warrior to train more than I need the fluff rolling off your tongue. Words won't hone my talent."

 

[Kaila Irons]

"Kay-luh" she tried to help Ala settle into the proverbial new accessory, that being herself. She only hoped that she'd prove a good fit, so to speak.

"Come on then. Let's go be scared on purpose," she said, freely joining the Kaila's laugh with her own soft laughter. Ala did sense there was something the pale woman had left unsaid, but did no press any further. "And to clear up your confusion...yes...he was he...but this that we are doing...is a date, OK? We deserve it...and to be honest...I think I swiped right on you anyway."

And it seemed that she was indeed, perhaps better than she'd thought.

"Ah? I wonder if that was before or after I updated the profile," it's what got her into this mess in the first place.

"Anyway, I'm glad my assumptions proved false. I did not want to be too forward in asking, but it seems you've saved me the trouble."

Now she wished she'd brought a flower of her own to exchange with Ala. Honestly anything would have been better than nothing, but her argument over the commlink on her way up the hill had thrown her train of thought for a loop.

She was about to explain that scenario, and how they'd preoccupied her attention through calls and texts leading up to this moment, giving her little time to examine her notifications, to say nothing of the important data constantly streaming in from her political work back home. If she could even call it that. However, Ala did not wish to discuss such people, and honestly it was good advice, to end that story here and now.

Her date continued then, brushing that wild hair aside, which reminded her of the proudly untamed jungles of her homeworld. But where those pointed ears she saw? She had met but one other elven eared woman in her travels, though to which near-human species she belonged, Kaila could not recall. She seemed curious in the way her golden gaze carefully traced their angular shape, her lips initially pursed in thought, then curved into a smile. Although they certainly had an exotic allure in their own right, there seemed to be something deeper behind that little smile, and that was comfort. Though she did not look the part, Kaila herself hailed from a near-human species, and had suffered for the unique traits of her genome, and so she often felt a little more at home with other near-humans or genetically altered individuals.

"I would never pick something scary like this of my own volition...it was totally his..." She had violated her own rule, "...no...this is my first. And I am glad you are with me."

"A new experience then? How exciting! But a thing best shared with another, no?" she chuckled softly, joyed that she needn't go it alone or simply leave.

"So...I would ask you to tell me something about yourself, but I suspect we both know something key to our mutual natures," she said with a moment of concern washing over her face, and then gestured nervously to herself, "...Jedi," and then to Kaila, "Sith?"

But then her smile faded, and the young darth realized that she'd left her typically analytical mindset at home for the day, failing to spot a Jedi right in front of her, something that could have cost her everything were circumstances any different.

She stopped a few paces from the barn door, gaze sinking into the soil below as she struggled to find the right words for a time. At least It seemed by Ala's attitude that she was not yet in danger, nor did she even see a lightsaber about her person. Actually it would be difficult to hide one in that outfit —Oh gods, she was looking again.

"It's... complicated," she finally managed.

"...but yes. I suppose I should be more honest then, and reintroduce myself."

"Darth Anathemous," she bowed her head, unable to look Ala in the eye.

"Governor of Echnos, High Inquisitor of the Sith Order."

If Ala was an alliance Jedi or kept up to date with recent battles, then Kaila knew that resume, though incomplete, painted a grim picture of who Kaila was, and the sorts of things she might have done. Even so, she didn't have it in her to lie to Ala's face about this.

"I assume this is where we part ways then, Jedi?"



Ala Quin

 

[Ala Quin]

"Darth Anime-tho-mouse, huh?" Ala said, clearly getting the name wrong on purpose. Her knowing smile gave as much away.

It was true. Jedi and Sith were enemies. But Ala had seen on more than a few occasions how a little compassion, and a little care, went a long way toward redeeming souls such as this. Even now, Kaila seemed mournful of the fact that her being Sith would interfere with her interaction with Ala. The shorter woman could see how Kaila disliked the role she was pressed into. Bad decisions could not be undone. But good decisions could begin.

Her curly mass of swept-over hair blew in the breeze as she stepped closer to Kaila. The proximity was perhaps more intimate than a first date should have permitted, but Ala knew that the key to reaching out to people in this state was vulnerability and the willingness to see beyond what the Dark Side had made them. Ala's soft fingers curled around the hand that held the rose, while the other tilted Kaila's downcast gaze upwards to meet her own gaze. Her eyes were deep chocolatey coloured pools of empathy that invited Kaila to let go.

"All I see before me...is Kaila?" Ala whispered, "you are who you choose to be...today. Please choose to be Kaila...choose not to leave."

Ala found her eyes stealing quick glances of the pale woman's lips. There was a kiss there, lingering in the corner of the Sith woman's mouth. But it was not Ala's to take. The Jedi pulled back, realising that she was probably being ridiculously too forward, not just for a first date but for a first conversation.

Her fingertips lingered on Kaila's hand as she stepped away, blushed, and averted her eyes. Her gaze went to the haunted house. "I choose to believe that despite our not connecting through Zinder...that the Force still meant for us to meet. I knew you were Sith when I swiped right...and when I gave you the flower..."

Ala looked back up to Kaila, hopeful. Her hand held out slightly hoping the woman would accept her.

"...and here you are."

Kaila Irons

 

[Kaila Irons]

​

Kaila glanced up with a look of someone who did not have the energy to even glare anymore as Ala purposefully mispronounced her name, the one thing she had created for herself that no one could take from her. It would have been such a... Jedi thing to do, to ridicule all that she had built despite what it had cost her to do so.

And yet, the smile she saw was not the mocking thing she had expected.

There was something different about her. Something warm, compassionate even. Not at all like the warrior monks or crusading nobles she'd faced before. With the exception of but one Jedi, the only one to bother treating her as anything but a faceless combatant. But as a person. But it was too late for her to abandon the dark, having seen the truths she has.

No matter how much she hated the truth.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Ala neared, coming much closer than she had allowed any Jedi before her. She glanced to their meeting hands, only to look up in surprise as she was taken by the chin, made to lock eyes with hers.

"All I see before me...is Kaila?" Ala whispered, "you are who you choose to be...today. Please choose to be Kaila...choose not to leave."

Though she could feel the breath leaving her lungs, no sound escaped her pursed lips. Lips which Ala seemed drawn to, and for a moment, she wondered if they might kiss then and there. It was a treasonous thing for an Inquisitor to even think, and yet it would have been one of many things she'd hidden from The Order, and certainly from The Kainate.

When Ala pulled away, she could not tell if it caused her physical pain or if it were merely that she hadn't taken the time to recover her breath until after the exchange.

Her fingertips lingered on Kaila's hand as she stepped away, blushed, and averted her eyes. Her gaze went to the haunted house. "I choose to believe that despite our not connecting through Zinder...that the Force still meant for us to meet. I knew you were Sith when I swiped right...and when I gave you the flower..."


"...and here you are."

Ala spoke of the force then, turning away to look at the cheesy festivities which had brought them here, though Kaila knew she was seeing something well beyond this place, within her mind's eye.

She too found her gaze wandering to something far from here.

Meetings influenced by the force were not something she trusted. The fact that it had a will alone was unnatural and frightening, but even more so, that it meddled in fate. Her visions of a lover's death upon Echnos, followed by their sudden disappearance, had proven her theories correct. And for that, and many such tragedies, she would never forgive the force.

And yet, she wanted this, whatever this was.

"I... would caution you against doing fate's will," she began hesitantly.

"But perhaps, just this once, you make me... curious, as to the nature of it's plan."

A smile played at the corner of her lip as she took Ala by the hand, officially joining her in the evening's festive plans. And as she came closer, leaning sidelong to speak privately as they approached, she whispered softly.

"And I appreciate this, more than you might know. However, you needn't feel like you owe me this act of charity, I'll survive one bad date."

"I'm not so innocent, you know. And I wouldn't have stopped you." she added with a coy smile.



Ala Quin

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Iria ​

"You can save the dialogue,""I've heard it before. I did not express having interest in storybook banter. Enough of such from those of blue blood has littered my ears to last me a lifetime."

"If you have a good sword arm about you, I suggest you make an effort to use it," "I need an able warrior to train more than I need the fluff rolling off your tongue. Words won't hone my talent."

Matthew's chuckle was low and resonant, tinged with a shade of weary wisdom as he looked Iria over. "So, you thirst for a bit of sword play?" He stepped forward, his voice lowering , "Allow me to impart a lesson: those who live by the sword, die by the sword." he paused, letting the weight of his words settle, "Drawing ones blade over trivial matters is folly. A drawn blade signals readiness for death."

His hand moved over the hilt of his weapon, his gaze meeting hers, "So tell me young warrior. Are you prepared to die?"

 

[Ala Quin]

Ala's face seemed to melt into relief. It was clear that even if Kaila did not need this, Ala very much did. Her fingers wove in amongst Kaila's and she wrapped her other hand around them both. "It is you that do me the charitable deed, Kaila," she said, but then paused with Kaila's next word. She was insinuating something there.

The diminutive Jedi found herself gasp in realisation. Had she been that obvious? A heat rose in her cheeks, giving her an intense blush. "Then...it was a good thing...I stopped...myself," Ala said, voice uncertain as her eyes scanned Kaila's face.

There was a rising feeling of need within her, one that scared her for how quickly it rose. Ala turned her eyes towards the barn. "Let's go lock ourselves in a scary room and try and escape shall we?"

She gripped Kaila's hand more firmly, the only signifier of her rising heart rate. Their willingness to be so physically close was not a surprise to Ala, at least on her side of the equation. She was a hugger, a holder of people. Now that she knew how ready Kaila was, her willingness to hold hands did not seem off either.

The door creaked open, and the two of them were quickly ushered into a small room. It was no more than twenty square meters. It was decorated as if it were a stall for animals. Hay covered the ground, and there was a small feeding trough on the far side of the room. There was not a lot of objects within the space, far less than what she had imagined there would be.

Her hands, one pulling from Kaila's grasp, were brought to her mouth the second after Ala looked up. Above their heads were a series of markings, like ancient runes. She reached up, only to find as she should have expected, that it was significantly out of her reach, likely Kaila's too. She fell back to the ground from her tiptoes, and gave Kaila a sly grin, then she set to work.

"There has to be something that matches...or coincides with those markings..."

She began to search the room. It felt fruitless for a time, but then she pulled aside the feeding trough and found a set of dials with the matching runes on them.

"Kaila...describe the runes...in order..."

Kaila Irons

 

[Kaila Irons]

Kaila held on tight as their fingers intertwined, their rising feelings of need mutual, each sharing a heartbeat through their touch. In truth she was happy to perform this charitable act and might have done so regardless, but for all her tough talk, Kaila was quite certain that Ala had saved what would have been a dreadful day which she would have either dwelled on into the small hours of the morning, or drowned out the thought in a bottle.

And it was only because of her that she could softly chuckle now, even if at the Jedi's gasping, seemingly realizing that Kaila could see what she desired in her chocolate eyes. And that she had divined them correctly, judging by the soft flush of her pronounced cheeks.

"Then...it was a good thing...I stopped...myself," Ala said, voice uncertain as her eyes scanned Kaila's face.

"Hmm." her feint smile took on a certain smugness for but a moment.

"I suppose then we epitomize our orders; One to crave everything yet leave themselves with nothing, and another to deny themselves what they desire."

She chuckled at the irony as they approached the barn, though fell silent once they were directed to the beginning of their little game. It was surprising to learn that they had not merely thrown actors into dilapidated rooms, but in fact constructed new ones redecorated to match the theme. It was a little more professional than she had imagined, and considering she now cared about making this a shared experience worth remembering, it was a welcome surprise.

Though there was something off about it as Kaila attempted to open the door, having assumed this was simply the entrance and nothing more.

"A door which does not open, inside a themed room." she thought aloud.

"A puzzle then?"

Ala looked up with a gasp, a cute little sound which Kaila was beginning to enjoy, though that is not why it drew her attention so. Rather because it seemed to be a cue of sorts whenever her elven eared companion was struck by realization.

"There has to be something that matches...or coincides with those markings..."

"Clever girl." she grinned in kind, appreciating her inquisitiveness, given her own nature and history.

Kaila watched with an enamored curiosity and a hand to her chin as Ala searched the room with a notable determination even as the search dragged on. She might have joined in the search if this were a more serious occasion, but for now she wished to drink in every detail, try to get a better understanding of this woman was but a stranger only minutes before, yet seemed to captivate the young darth so.

At some point the feeding trough was moved, and Kaila's lips parted into a toothy grin, knowing even before Ala spoke that she must have found what she was looking for.

"Kaila...describe the runes...in order..."

"Yes ma'am," jokingly saluted with paired fingers before turning her attention back to the ceiling.

"Odd, I don't recognize the-"

She took a few steps around the room, and soon realized that she'd been reading them upside down.

"Ah! It's ur-Kittât!" she exclaimed "I haven't seen ur-Kittât since Korriban."

"Let's see here... Four letters."

"L, that's the empty rectangular one. Yes I know they are All rectangular, nevermind that."

"O, which sort of looks like a box with a half circle at either end."

"V, It's missing the right side and forms an angular symbol near the bottom."

"E, which sort of looks like 3 in Aurebesh."

"Oh...?" she silently mouthed each letter, than rolled her eyes.

"Oh well that's just cheesy..."



Ala Quin

 

[Ala Quin]

The puzzle before her was a series of tiles. It was only a half dozen of them. There were four slots for the tiles to be placed. It could be solved by brute force, but Kaila's calling out the runes made the process so much easier.

The name of the language was unfamiliar to Ala, but she was glad for Kaila's knowledge. She would be sure to ask more about it later. For now though, she arranged the letters and listened to the commentary.

By the time the second letter was given, Ala already knew wha the word was going to be. Kaila seemed absorbed in the process and not catching the obvious outcome. Ala became momentarily distracted from her task, glancing up at her date. Ala's knowing smile was almost Cheshire in nature, stretching her face as she began to laugh softly and shake her head.

"Cheesy?" She said, aghast at how unappreciative Kaila was of the thematics.

"It is in the title of the adventure!" Ala declared, "love is what its all about...surely."

The tile resembling the Aurabesh 3 was in hand, and Ala slid into place. She heard a loud click, and then nothing. A frown set deeply in her forehead, causing a few wrinkles to form midst her brow. She touched the last time again. But nothing. She was about to complain when they began to glow.

Eyes widening with anticipation, Ala bounced up to her feet, dress billowing about her, and she danced over to Kaila. Without hesitation, she looped her arm in with the pale woman's, and placed her other hand upon her bicep. She could feel Kaila's strength, it was tangible. Her eyes, soft and welcoming, glanced up at the Sith. A look of joyful anticipation was writ large across her open and expressive face.

From their right, there was a hissing sound, and a door slid open. Out of the door stumbled a lumbering actor dressed as a maniacal saw bearing serial killer. Ala's eyes grew wide with shock, but quickly eased into faux-concern. She stepped between Kaila and the would be 'killer'. Stepping back, she pressed her back against Kaila, pushing the Sith to the opposite wall. That very same wall also hissed, and a control panel popped out of the wall. There was a simple analog tumbler lock, requiring three digits.

Ala pushed Kaila backwards until they came fully in contact with the wall. The attire of the would be 'killer' was odd. Blue overalls, and what looked like a jacket for a high school sports player.

"Don't...those jackets have numbers...on the back?" She whispered.

She turned to Kaila, feigning the dramatic. "I shall sacrifice myself so you may escape," she said, back if hand depressed against her forehead for effect, "I will call out the numbers that I see..."

She paused for effect, cupping Kaila's cheek in her hand. She felt a bit silly, but this whole thing was silly. Why not embrace the storyline?

She walked to the left, keeping to the wall. The 'killer' followed her. Ala cast an unsure glance back to Kaila. That is not what you were supposed to do...

As she rounded the room, the actor stumbled closer to her, but eventually had their back to Kaila. For Ala though, it was too late. Her puzzle ended, as the rubbery fake saw came down across her neck. The actor whispered, "Yer dead...just go with it."

It had been explained that this was a possibility. So Ala obliged. She crumpled to the ground in the most dramatic death scene ever. "AAAAAH...I'm too young to die...I just wanted to graduate High School...noooo...why did I agree to come to this barn...it wasn't worth...tell my parents I love them....blah..." She closed her eyes, and he head dropped to the side as she sat on the floor.

Kaila Irons

 

[Kaila Irons]

"It's about-" zinder's corporate profits.

"Never mind, don't let my sithly cynicism ruin your fun." she dismissively waved the thought away with a slight chuckle.

Ala seemed to be enjoying herself, that's all that mattered.


Or at least she was until their cooperation seemed to bear no fruit, and Ala's frowning lips brought one to her own. It wasn't so much that the game might end before it began which disappointed her, but rather there was something about Ala's face that she couldn't bear to see it unhappy.

"Maybe the mechanism's worn out...?" It would make sense, the barn had opened itself to dozens of couples throughout the day.

"Let me make it up to you? We can get some food at the market, I'll pay."


She was about to turn towards the door when the device began glowing, causing Ala to practically glide over with bouncing stride. The way she and her dress both flowed through the room like warm water brought a soft smile back to her face and joy back to her blackened heart, and for a moment she wondered why Ala had been so humble about her excellent choice of attire, or if perhaps she did not see, as Kaila saw, just how well she complimented that dress, outshining even it's warm colors.

Soon they were arm in arm, Kailla pulling her just a little closer with a warm smile, ready to walk her into the next room when they were interrupted by an abrupt hissing sound which heralded one of the paid actors.

Kaila however had been so absorbed in Ala's smile that, for a brief moment, everything else had faded into the shadows but her date's radiance.

Caught off guard, she instinctually, reached for a lightsaber that wasn't there. But there was nothing, and in her fearful daze, she had been left glaring at the costumed man as if he were the enemy on one of several battlefields from the past. Even Ala might feel the way her heart went racing, pumping blood through the veins of her newly clenched bicep.

And yet she stepped between Kaila and the "danger" before her, backing her to "safety" and into the wall. Having since awoken from that dazed state, she could now feel just how close they really were, bringing a little color to her pale face.

"Don't...those jackets have numbers...on the back?" She whispered.

"Jacket...?" she forcibly pulled her eyes away from her companion's face, only now realizing what was happening.

"...right, right. The controls." Kaila stammered.

"I shall sacrifice myself so you may escape," she said, back hand depressed against her forehead for effect, "I will call out the numbers that I see..."

"Nooo!" she laughed softly, having discovered a newfound fondness of Ala's cheesy antics.

In fact she watched the whole interaction wearing a bemused grin, forgetting to even study the numbers as she watched Ala's performance, even clapping her on. "Encore!"

"I'll save you with the force or... something... Darth Plagues the Wise and all that."

But then the "killer" turned around, and Kaila's brows rose in panic as she remembered the plan was to enter the numbers sewn into his jacket.

Kaila turned to begin frantically punching in numbers.

"113...?"

it flashed red.

"117...?!"

"115...??"

It blinked green, and the door began to open with a soft hiss.

"HAH."

But when she turned around, the costumed killer was already upon her, raising his rubber vibro-saw overhead. Kaila ducked and weaved around him with a fluid grace that alluded to her darker training, but allowed in this instance to "save" the Jedi as she backpaddled across the room until she'd circled behind her, and in a spur of the moment decision, scooped Ala into her arms.

"I've got you!" she said proudly, shuffling her way across the room again.

This time when the masked killer approached, he found the feeding trough suddenly slide between himself and the not-quite-couple, though one would never know seeing how close they were. It seemed that the thing moved on it's own, Kaila never once lifting a finger as she slide through the doorway sideways, careful not to dump Ala into anything despite the speed and excitement coursing through her.

It wasn't until they were through that Kaila gently lowered her to sit upon a table in the next room, and with the flick of her finger, locked the door behind her with a knowing smile.

"You alright?" she turned to Ala, giving the room only a cursory glance.

It was a similarly small room, appearing to be some kind of mock slaughterhouse complete with fake meat and plastoid skeletons hanging on hooks. At the far end of the room there were a pair of deliberately shaped holes in the next doorway, no doubt some kind of lock with it's keys hidden somewhere in the room.

Judging by the otherwise empty nature of the room, Kaila assumed they were meant to frantically run from the costumed actor and hastily find the keys, but it seemed she'd just thrown a wrench in the game by locking the door behind them.

They were all alone now.

"You know," she smiled down at Ala who was sitting right in front of her.

"I'm starting to enjoy this cheesy game."



Ala Quin