Ask Naboo Festival Nights

[Jayna Thorne]

.

The Lunar Festival was a special occasion on Naboo. For generations, it was an opportunity to celebrate the unique cultural heritage of the planet and her people - and it had progressively become one of the most important events in Theed every year. From the Palace to Pergolla’s Bridge, the city was decorated with lanterns and multi-colored streamers - glowing bright against the three moons of Naboo, high in the evening sky. Boats lazily drifted down the Solleu, filled with attendee’s deep in their revelry.

Naturally, Jayna wouldn’t be caught dead missing such an important social event - and like most students from her academy, had taken time off from her classes to participate in the festivities. She was dressed in a designer crop top and pair of high-waisted black pants, gold belt looping at her waist. Her outfit was accessorized with a few rings on her rings and necklaces, while an expensive Bonhuer (@lizziie) handbag was tucked under her left arm.

She had arrived with a group of other girls from her academy, daughters of ISC Diplomat’s and Naboo’s finest nobility. Of course, Jayna only stuck with the group for a grand total of fifteen minutes, before abruptly cutting through the crowds of people and continuing right along - effectively using her ‘friends’ as a distraction to ditch her security detail. Most of them were fake and only cared about Jayna because of who her father was, which meant the Thorne felt little remorse leaving them high and dry.

With the entire night ahead of her, Jayna strolled ahead - silver eyes sweeping the crowd for anything that might draw her interest.

Spoiler: OOC

Open to anyone. Will probably close it up after a few join.

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Jayna would make her way towards the market stalls ahead of her that featured food and drinks of all kinds. Before she could approach any of them, someone rudely shoulder checked her coming up from behind her. It was enough to make her almost trip and completely throw off her classy act. She would realize it was a massive figure that bumped into her, walking right past. The figure spun around to reveal he was adorned in a large hoodie and a Ryloth Rancors hat. It appeared as just another average civilian, except…

Matching silver eyes stared at her, the faintest half grin tugging at his lips. He had been dragged out here by his husband who was doing some nonsense shopping. He had given Jaikus and his security detail the slip, exactly as Jayna had done with hers. The Axxilan wouldn’t be the least bit surprised and would continue taking an agonizingly long time to inspect and shop at this nauseating festival he insisted on attending every year. Satisfied with how much Emryc managed to embarrass his daughter, he spun right back around to keep walking towards a nearby stall to order himself a veggie smoothie.

@Altaris

 

[Cirilla Shan]

Ciri wasn't supposed to travel on her own, after Yavin padawan restrictions had been further tightened, and the only way she was allowed to get out today was if she agreed to accompany some knights on a scouting mission to Naboo. There was an operative on the planet who had gone silent, and they were here to make sure she was okay.

It was as part of that mission that she was wandering the Lunar Festival, in disguise as one of the festival workers, handing out candy to the visitors. She was supposed to be wearing an earpiece, but she had "accidentally" dropped it in some cappuccino earlier in the day, and no one had the time to fix it or get a replacement, and there was no way they didn't have someone on the ground tonight, so she had a few hours where she was mostly left to her own devices. Of course she was dressed in a manner that made her feel sick, and not in a good way. So the night was not going to be particularly enjoyable, but at least she was away from the cramped quarters she had been assigned on Brighthome. She just hoped no one she knew saw her like this.

But despite her lack of interest in the festivities, she did have a job, and even if she wasn't actively reporting to anyone she would still put in the bare minimum of effort. She had made a promise after all, and you can't go back on your word. She took her promises seriously. Bending them a little though, that was okay. SO she'd work, for a while, and then find a way to actually enjoy this night.

She spotted a girl stumbling as she collided with a much bigger man, and reminded of her job, she walked over to her, holding out her bucket of candied fruits. "May the light of the moon illuminate your year." Her complete lack of enthusiasm as she muttered the practiced greeting would not fill Jayna would any seasonal joy, nor would the deadpan expression on the girl's face. "Have a candy, they are delightful."

@Altaris

 

[Silvi Velt-Morata]

Silvi had only been to Naboo like twice in her life.

Which, okay, was like twice more than most others of her age group, but it was with her mother and a bunch of boring old people. And she was little, so did it really count? She wasn't so sure.

All she knew was, she was open to trying new things, and she was giddy with the relief that she was walking without her mother shadowing her steps. For once, she wasn't followed by security droids, or by the good Doctor, or even some of her mom's weird 'friends' in the Jedi.

For once, Silvi Velt was totally, completely, free.

Tugging her hoodie over her head and adjusting her fake glasses, she openly gaped at the soaring architecture, the sights, the sounds. She was dressed simply in black boots, close-hugging leggings and a baggy sweatshirt sporting her college's logo; it was the only thing she had that wasn't overly flashy or obvious.

Sky blue eyes panned the revelry, and a small, mischievous grin perked on her lips. It seemed many famous people's kids were also here, but she basked in comfortable anonymity, happy to merely be another spectator for the time being.

 

[Pootalina]

Pootalina is approaching...​

A foul scent hung in the air, drifting upon the twilight breeze and making its way down Naboo's crowded streets. It followed a tall creature; one dressed up in a bright blonde wig and a pink metallic dress that was ill-fitted to her form. The masses parted before her like the sea before Moses, as if being within her mere presence would cause them to fall deadly ill.

This was a smart move, actually, because even a whiff of the wermal's natural musk was enough to warrant a fit of gagging from even the most congested passersby.

A couple of folks followed along with her, casually wearing nose plugs to block off Pootalina's stench. "Our Beloved has been spotted nearby!" one of them gasped, showing another the ThorneWatch alert on their NalPhone screen. "OMG! We have to find him! I want an autograph!" squealed another. "Do your thing he'll sign my- "

"Ooo he's nearby?" Pootalina could feel her heart begin to race, and her singular blue eye began rapidly jumping around faces in the crowd. She wanted to see him, to congratulate him! To tell him how much he meant to her! "We could get pictures... c'mon!" Maybe if she was sneaky, or asked nicely, she could get a loc of his hair!

The wermal began charging down the street, causing passerbys to quickly jump out of the way as they avoided her large stinking figure and the group of other fan club members following behind her. The excitement in her chest traveled down to her stomach, and then down even further, causing a high pitched squeal to slip out into the air. A foul, foul strench followed, smelling of fermentation and rot. The fan club members behind her were saved because of their nose plugs, but everyone else?

Well, let's just say @Jayna Thorne and @Cirilla Shan might be loosing their lunches as the towering wermal ran by, showering them in a cloud of her gas.

tags: @Altaris @Wit @Killa Ree @Sreeya

 

[Jayna Thorne]

Jayla paid little heed to the men and women around her - silver eyes fixed upon some of the festive decorations up ahead. As a result, she didn’t see the towering figure until they bumped right into her shoulder, causing Jayna to stumble forward a bit and nearly eat it in her expensive heels. It completely threw off any sense of poise or class, much to the amusement of a few people watching. Jaw setting into a firm line, Jayna immediately whipped around to face the individual in question - silver eyes narrowed with icy irritation.

She spotted the large hoodie and Rancor’s hat, until she finally met the piercing gaze identical to her own. At once, Jayna’s expression of irritation completely vanished - her silver eyes going as wide as saucers. “Daddy!?” She exclaimed, the look of comical surprise and embarrassment clear on her expression. The heiress never would’ve guessed that her father would’ve been in attendance of the festival. Did that man that Jaikus - her papa - was nearby? Jayna stared back at his half-grin with bewilderment, blinking a few times without a single word leaving her lips.

She watched as he started to walk away, and despite her mounting embarrassment, began to consider following him towards the veggie smoothie stalls. It wasn’t often that she had an opportunity to spend time with her father, after all. Before Jayna could step in that direction, her silver gaze was drawn towards the arrival of Cirilla. She stared at the girl for a moment, one brow raising as her eyes flicked up and down.

“What the hell are you wearing?” She asked flatly, her face settling into its passive deadpan once again. Jayna tilted her head a bit, as if appraising the ridiculously outfit. As far as she was concerned, someone couldn’t pay enough Crowns in the Galaxy to justify putting that on. “Who’s idea was Credit-Tree Q’anah Bunny?” She squinted down at the candied fruit, gingerly plucking one off the top that looked decent and hopefully no one else touched.

Regardless of Ciri’s answer, Jayna’s attention was unfortunately drawn towards the sound of.. Lumbering, coming from elsewhere in the ground. She immediately grimaces a bit - stepping backwards in anticipation of some beast of burden to come charging through. Maybe a Gualaar had broken free from nearby carriage-rides? She was half-convinced someone was about to get trampled, and was commited it wouldn't be her.

Instead, Jayna’s silver eyes narrowed onto the horrendous form of Pootalina, charging through the crowds. Before a single word could escape from her lips, the stench of the Fan-club President began to assault the heiress’ nostrils - immediately causing her to whip around and hunch over, gagging and dry-heaving from what constituted chemical warfare.

Nearby, Silvi would have a front-row seat to Ciri and Jayna coming under assault by the Wermal’s odor. Out of seemingly nowhere, a man in a bright-and-colorful costume emerged from the crowd - greeting the teenager with an exaggerated bow at the waist. “May the Light of the Moon illuminate your year, miss!” He said, far more excited than Ciri had been.

With that, he extended a tray towards her. “Can I interest you in a few mini-burritos, by chance!? A Serennian delicacy, I am told.”

 

[Cirilla Shan]

Ciri kept the bucket held out for Jayna as she spoke, and didn't show much of a reaction on her face as she commented on her clothes. "The other girl started crying because she looked bad in this, I don't understand how crying helps, made her look even worse, but I offered to switch because I know I look good in anything." She paused, and then it was her turn to appraise the other girl's outfit, "She looked a lot like you," she returned her eyes to Jayna, "all bling. Another candy?"

She was about to turn and leave when the smell hit her. The desire to throw up was overwhelming, but somehow she held on. That was till Jayna started dry heaving, and that set her off. So as the new arrival joined, his cheerful offer was punctuated by Ciri suddenly emptying the contents of her stomach, most of it thankfully in the bucket she carried, but there was collateral damage done to her own clothes, and those worn by Jayna.

She straightened up, face still expressionless as she looked at the mess in her bucket. She wiped her face on a sleeve, the fluffy material finally of some use, before turning to look at Jayna and extending her arm towards her. "Do you want me to wipe that off?"

@Altaris @Killa Ree

 

[Silvi Velt-Morata]

Thankfully, Silvi had mostly avoided the chemical warfare. However, it was horrendous enough even from her distance that she began to dry-heave a little bit, covering her hand with her mouth. Others seemed far worse for wear; a rather fashionable young woman that seemed vaguely familiar, and a girl in a... pink bunny suit?

Must be some kind of festival thing.

Cutting a sour look at the man offering mini burritos, she lightly jogged over, cringing at the added level of miasma from the vomit as the... was it a wermal? seemed to stomp away. Again, vaguely familiar, but she wasn't gonna pursue that. Didn't the guy read the room? Girls needed privacy, damn it, not greasy snacks.

Swallowing hard again, she reached into her pocket hoodie, and pulled out a water bottle, holding it out to them both and cringing in sympathy.

"Hey. You might want to wash that taste out; we should probably find some clear air?" she jerked her head over to where she was heading, an open gazebo that was lit with festive lights and tables. "Thought a stink bomb had gone off," she muttered, mostly to herself.

@Altaris @Wit

 

[Jayna Thorne]

Jayna stared back at Ciri with a completely unamused expression. Her frosty eyes flicked up and down, as if appraising her attire and scrutinizing the claim that the Padawan looked good in anything, without ever saying a single word.

It didn’t last long, as the Heiress was quickly doubled over and dry-heaving from the stench of Pootalina as the Wermal waddled past. Luckily for Jayna, the contents of her stomach remained where they were - saving her from the embarrassment of painting the smooth stones of Theed’s street in puke. Unluckily for Jayna, Ciri didn’t seem to have the same control over her stomach.

The Heiress’ blood ran cold - feeling the splatter of puke collide with the sleeve of her crop top. Her silver eyes went wide, immediately feeling the urge to gag again for entirely different reasons. “This is premium chaughaine,” She said with narrowed eyes, reaching over to use Ciri’s sleeve in a vain attempt to clean her top.

Her attention flicked over to Silvi as the woman approached - accepting the water bottle with a small jut of her chin. “It did,” She muttered quietly under her breath, icy glare flicking in the direction that Pootalina had wandered off to. “Species should come with a warning label.”

“Jayna,” She jutted her chin towards Silvi. She took a few drinks from the water bottle, swishing it around a bit as she approached the Gazebo. It was positioned close to the water, with access to a small pier - where one of Theed’s many boats and gondolas was tied to shore, waiting to be taken out onto the water. Jayna glanced around, double-checking to see how many people had seen the entire exchange. More importantly, she hoped that Emryc didn’t see her get puked on or lose her cool.

Jayna started to make her way towards the boat - not too concerned if Silvi and Ciri followed.

 

[Cirilla Shan]

Ciri had no idea what chaughaine was, so as Jayna was using her cleaner, fluffier, and more comfortable looking sleeve to wipe her own stained, fancy, chaughaine sleeve, she observed Jayna's top to see if she could spot anything special about the material. When Silvi approached with her bottle of water, Ciri did not try to interject as Jayna took the bottle, rather just nodded to the new arrival in thanks.

Assuming the situation mostly resolved, she had intended to return to her duties of distributing more candy, and keeping an eye on the proceedings, she was still on a mission after all. So she let Jayna and Silvi wander off towards the boats, only sparing them one last glance before intending to find somewhere to go dispose of her bucket. That was till she spotted something, a figure that stood at the head of the gondola that Jayna was heading towards. She had seen the face, on one of the briefing boards she had studied as preparation for this assignment. He was a thug of some sort, one of the last people their informant had made contact with before going dark.

She should have flagged someone down, but without comms she had no way to inform anyone about this new development. So she reacted in the only way she could, moving in herself. She started following after the others, and dropping into a vacant patch of plank that counted as a seat on the gondola that the others had boarded.

She got a curious glance from their guide, though whether it was because of her outfit, her jumping in just as the boat was beginning to push away from the shore, or because he was suspicious of her, she did not know. So to try and fit in and allay some of his fears, if he had any, she turned to the two girls, ready to strike up a conversation.

"I'm Ciri."

@Altaris @Killa Ree

 

[Silvi Velt-Morata]

Jayna was definitely familiar; perhaps it was the eyes, the casual use of money that was whispered in her clothes, but she followed along, not because she was particularly enamored with either girl, but because she figured this duo would be more entertaining than simply sitting back and crowd-watching.

Folding elegantly into one seat, she was suddenly squished by the arrival of the new girl... Ciri?

Offering both young women a cheeky grin, she cocked her head. The hood fell back, revealing unmistakeable platinum hair, glasses glinting in the ambient light. "Silvi. Pleasure."

The awkward silence that flooded afterwards would have been unbearable, but she didn't really mind it. She'd dealt with worse silences when her mother had one of her rare flares of melancholy. Squirming slightly to adjust and give the other two more space, she nodded at the guide, and they began to push off.

Not too far away, the person of interest to Ciri seemed to glance about, and nod to someone offshore before ducking back into the crowd, unseen by Silvi. She was too focused on trying to not rock the boat, quite literally.

"So. Um..." pursing her lips, she blew out a breath, and fixed both of them with sky blue eyes.

"Fireworks, or speeder racing? Which do you prefer to watch?"

Force, being social was hard. But if the rumors of the underground race were true, she'd probably ditch the other two and sneak off to get a closer look, or even participate. Unless they would be game... it was hard to tell.

@Altaris @Wit