Open Yavin IV Life Day on Yavin IV

[Haldir Eressëa]

The Dining Hall​

Haldir was content to stay by the table laden with sweets and desserts. Though his expression remained neutral – only changing into a brief smile as Elidan greeted him back – the Knight was actually feeling more cheerful than the usual. Maybe it was because of the overall atmosphere of cheer in the transformed cafeteria or the sight of relaxation and elation in almost every face in the hall.

The appearance of the Grandmaster saw Haldir straightening where he stood but not once did he stop swiping one cookie after another. Should he approach and greet her? Probably not with cookie crumbs on his hand. Thankfully, one of the chefs took pity and handed the Knight a neatly folded serviette. She must have noticed the Arkanian staring at his hand. He accepted it gratefully, the corners of his lips tugging upwards in a small but sincere smile.

Haldir refrained from taking another cookie when he spotted some younglings headed for the dessert table. Remembering how he had been approached by a small group once, the Arkanian instantly made a beeline for Grandmaster Voran but was stopped halfway by one of the servers who offered him a glass of red wine. Again he accepted the offer gratefully, and silently wished that the kitchen staff would get to enjoy the festivities as well.

Taking a sip of the wine, another smile crossed the Arkanian's face. It was good and made him warm. Not only did it make him think of his lightweight twin brother but it also reminded him of Hyarantë's dismay and envy when Haldir himself turned out to be the one who could handle his liquor best. Shaking his head fondly at the memory, the Knight decided to finally approach Grandmaster Voran. He stopped a few paces behind her when he saw a youngling approach her first, however, and let the child present her gift to the head of the Jedi Order first.

Once the little girl was done, Haldir gave her a smile and an approving nod before continuing his way to the Grandmaster. Stopping a few steps to her left, the Arkanian Knight dipped his head in a respectful bow before speaking using his cousin Chie's voice,

"Grandmaster Voran, it's good to see you here."

Haldir paused and blinked, thinking that that might not be the proper way to greet someone who practically outranked him in every way. The Knight cleared his throat awkwardly, internally cursing his social ineptness, before going again this time with a slightly reserved,

"Happy Life Day to you."

Spoiler: Dice

Rolled a 93 for alcohol tolerance.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Arctus Friers]

The Tree Room​

He'd arrived late, precisely as he meant to, and in comfy clothing, too. That way, he wouldn't be a bother to the Knights and Masters who also prepared presents for the younglings, and though Arctus wasn't actually giving gifts to every kid – just the ones who knew him and were comfortable around him –, he really didn't want to cut through and announce that he had presents to give as well. Instead, the former smuggler approached the Tree as subtly as he could then dropped the small, white sack he was carrying. His actions didn't go unnoticed, however, when a pair of Togruta younglings saw the Padawan. The twins' eyes widened with excitement before immediately gathering their group of friends then making a beeline for the Tree once the former smuggler made his leave.

Unaware that his gifts have been nicked by those they were intended for, Arctus, for the first time, saw Ruzaan in the arms of Knight Eressëa's Padawan. A mischievous grin was immediately plastered on his face – looked like his friend knew a thing or two on how to catch the ladies' attention. Should he offer more advice? By the looks of it, and the way Willa Kanz was smiling prettily at the Togruta, Ruzaan didn't seem to need any.

Of course Arctus had zero inkling as to what had actually transpired, but it didn't stop him from telling himself not to try to tease Ruzaan too much about ending up in Willa Kanz' arms for reasons unknown. Did Ruz have a crush on her and he took the opportunity to confess?

If that's the case, well, way to go, buddy!

At the new announcement, Arctus found himself making his way back towards the Tree. He didn't expect to find anything the Knight had just described that bore his name, but surpise, surprise. He picked up the tiny box bearing his name, unsure what to expect what might be inside. One much younger Padawan politely asked if Arctus would help her reach the box adressed to her and he happily complied. A word of gratitude from the teenager once the gift had been passed and Arctus was off to the side to make way and room for the others.

Hazel grey gaze transifxed on the tiny box in his hand, Arctus began to carefully unwrap the gift. Inside was a glass bauble with his name written in curved, dark red letters. A painting of a nutcracker was also depicted atop his name, the sight making the Padawan let out a rather loud guffaw. To the former smuggler there was a crude joke waiting to happen at the painting on the bauble designated for him, but it was a joke he decided to keep to himself because there were children here, godsdamn it!

There was a note that came along with the bauble. Expression turning thoughtful, Arctus carefully plucked the small card from the box and read:

Shadows may hound your steps, but know that the pieces of your heart will guard you as much as you guard them.
Always choose courage, Arctus Friers. ​

His amusement aside, the Padawan was sincerely glad that there was a gift meant for him. The note was admittedly a bit confusing, but he'd decipher the heart part later. Arctus had always guarded his heart, but what did the note – or whoever wrote it – meant by "pieces of his heart" guarding him?

Pieces of his heart... pieces... pieces...

His immediate family, Reiel Crowholde, Indy, Ruzaan, and Clove flashed in his mind's eye. People he held dear – people important and precious to him. Pieces of his heart.

...the pieces of your heart will guard you as much as you guard them.

Another smile crossed the former smuggler's face, this time soft and sincere.

His thoughts soon focused on Ruzaan and Clove. He prepared presents for his friends, but to be honest he wasn't really going to ask for anything in return. Arctus was more content to have prepared something for the people important to him.

Speaking of presents...

The Padawan swiftly made his way out of the Tree Room before breaking into a run for his dorm room. It was troublesome to leave his presents for Ruz and Clo, but he also didn't want them to get crushed or damaged if someone accidentally bumped into him or something. Worse, he didn't want the gifts getting wet. It didn't take too long for the former smuggler to reach his room, much less take the carefully but clumsily wrapped boxes from underneath his bed. Boxes tucked underneath one arm, Arctus pracically speed walked down the hallways and back to the Tree Room, glad that no trouble came his way.

It looked like Clove was still in the Dining Hall with Xiann and the girl-child, so Arctus instead made his way to Ruzaan. Spotting him still conversing with Willa, the former smuggler cleared his throat rather exaggeratedly to get the Togruta's attention.

"Hi! Willa, right? Knight Haldir's Padawan?" he greeted the young woman first with an amiable smile. "Happy Life Day to ya. Your Master not in attendance?"

The masked guy was known to keep to himself most of the time, after all. Arctus had heard whispered conversations about the Arkanian finally trying to get out of his shell more and more by taking a Padawan learner under his wing. The young woman's former Master was something of a legend 'round the Order, or so Arctus had heard.

Gaze shifting to Ruzaan, the former smuggler took one of the boxes wrapped in blue decorative wrap and presented it to his friend. Judging by the size of the box, Ruzaan would be easily able to identify that the gift inside was something handheld.

"Happy Life Day, Ruz! Here you go!" With more childish glee in his voice, Arctus added, "C'mon, take a look!"

Inside the box was a brand new personav. The former smuggler was more than aware of the young Togruta's tendency to wander around and the latter's goal to visit as many planets as he could. The gift was practical, but it would also show that Arctus thought about Ruzaan's interests by coming up with said gift. It showed that the older Padawan cared as much as he showed.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Killa Ree

 

[Felix]

Dining Hall​

Felix was nervous about the life day dinner, It would be his first major event since his promotion to knight and it had yet to fully settle in his mind, he had wanted this for as long as he could remember but yet he felt like an imposter, that he wasn't ready for the responsibility of it.

Felix stood at the edges of the dining hall, in the new robes he had been given on achieving his knighthood, his eyes scanning over crowds, the smiles, the laughter and the general merriment brought a small smile to his face, It had been a while since saw so much of it amongst jedi, eyes hovered over his brother padawans, well his former brother padawans. He hadn't seen Drastus for some time, he didn't know what he had been up to and then there was Arctus, they had been on an 'adventure' not too long the one that lead to his promotion.

Felix didn't know what to exactly to do with himself, he felt it would be awkward to approach the padawans he knew and didn't really know any knights. so he stood at the edges of the dining hall, just silently watching everyone enjoy the festivities

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drastus would take a few sips from his glass, choosing to start with punch. He had been drunk enough around his fellow Jedi in the past and felt that tonight should be a bit different. That is, unless others began to let loose and drink heavily. It had been some time since he had been around so many Jedi, so he took it slowly, until his eyes fell on another familiar face lingering on the outskirts. Felix.

It had been some time since he'd seen the young man he viewed as a brother and so he would take a cruise towards the newly minted Knight. They had gone on quite a few adventures together and a regret formed slowly as he walked towards him. He hadn't seen him since Indy returned, made some promises, then disappeared. Or maybe he disappeared? He could never tell.

When he reached Felix he just offered the biggest smile he could, before pulling him into a hug. "Knight Felix." The grin would be audible. "I could not be any happier than when I had heard. Sorry I missed the Knighting Ceremony." He would break off the hug after a few moments before standing beside Felix and surveying the party. "So... does it feel different? The perspective, now that you're a Knight?"

@christhebetrayer

 

[Severus Creed]

Dining Hall --> Life Tree

Severus rushed a bit past the groups of kids now entering the dining hall after waving to Clove who looked very beautiful today- she always looked beautiful, didn't she?

Then, Severus slowed down a bit after realizing that he had taken Elidan along with him. "Sorry about the rush- just excited." He smiled slightly, because if he smiled to big the stitches would become rather irritating as they stretched and pulled on his flesh.

When he reached the hallway, Master Sevrin was meeting with Thelian and another woman that Severus hadn't met before but knew to be a Jedi Master of sorts. He felt small in Sevrin's presence with the Master's light eclipsing his own- the beast began barking and shaking the cage inside Severus's soul.

The black-clad Padawan flinched slightly as he passed by without saying a word, his stitches flaring up all of a sudden as well. He didn't want to stick around wherever Thelian was either, regardless of what day it was. Those two were like flint and steel- somehow, they always managed to start fires wherever they went.

Then, Severus finally took a breath of air as if he had been holding it in as he entered the Tree room. He then carefully set down the gift for Clove down under the tree and took a few steps back to stare at the glorious tree before him, zoning out for a few moments to gather himself.

He wished he was as sturdy and vigilant as what stood before him- never falling and always standing upright and ready for anything. As much as Severus wanted to believe he could be a Jedi Master one day, those fantasies slowly became...just that; Fantasies. The boy was a genius, but not smart enough to withstand the pull and lure of the Dark Side that he was too weak to shake off.

@LouJoVi @Sreeya @LilyNion

 

[Elidan]

The Dining Hall---> Life Tree

After they finished eating, Elidan followed Severus out of the Dining Hall. Well, at least he tried to follow, because the dark-haired boy seemed to be in a rush. He never thought that the other would be so excited to see the decoration of the Life Tree.

While they passed through the hallway, Elidan saw that Thelian was talking with Master Sevrin. While he watched the two, he thought about how he had never talked with the man before. The Sephi used to occasionally give dueling classes to the Padawans, but the hal-Sephi never tried to talk with him during it. He read some many bad things about the Sephi, how they were a race that considered people like him to be inferior. Sometimes he thought the reason why he ended up in an orphanage was because he was a hybrid.

Due to these stories, Elidan always felt a bit intimidated near Sevrin. Even if he was a Jedi now, the Sephi was the Prince of Thustra. He probably grew up with the idea that the half-Sephi were inferior. The Padawan didn’t want to approach the man and make him feel uncomfortable with his presence.

Following Severus inside the Life tree room, the half-Sephi saw Ruzaan near two other people. Since the dark-haired boy seemed to be busy putting a gift below the tree, Elidan decided to go talk with his friend.

While he walked through the room, the Padawan could see how well decorated the place was. Seeing the gifts on the tree made him think if there would be something for him. He also regretted not having bought anything for his friends.

When he arrived near the Togruta, Elidan waved his hand while smiling. Since there were two unknown people there, the half-Sephi decided to use his Datapad to communicate with them. "Hello, happy Life Day! It's good to see you there, Ruz." then he turned to the other two. "Hello, my name is Elidan and I have mutism. It's nice to meet you!"

@Charles @Sreeya @SlagathorTheUnknown @Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Willa Kanz]

She blinked a couple times at his reaction. Sometimes, people blushed, stammered, or acted aloof to her flirtations, but he seemed... annoyed? Perhaps he was just... not into her?

A surprising thought, but not an unwelcome one. She gave the other Padawan a large grin, and reached into a pouch on her waist. "Happy Life Day, Ruz." From within, she pulled out a pale crystal on a silver chain. Once in the wearer's hand and activated with the Force, it would let out a soft musical chime. In fact, along with some of the other Padawans' and Knights' gifts, there were crystal pendants with their names on them. Each one imprinted with its' own individual note, and when all combined...

Would create, quite literally, a harmony that could even be felt through the Force. It was exhausting work... but worth it. Soon others began crowding in, and she gave a wide smile, savoring her own gifts. She hadn't expected anything at all, but...

Her fingers traced lightly over the bauble, and for a moment, her throat thickened when she thought of Max. How he was like a dad, how he would have loved all this... She blinked some of the mist away when another Padawan approached, this one seemingly older. Actually, several. It seemed the Torgruta cutie had a lot of friends, that was cute.

The older one she'd seen before, Arctus. Out of her age group, but still cute too. She offered him a wide, cheeky grin, holding out his own crystal. "Guilty as charged. Happy Life Day, dude." At the mention of her Master, her lips pursed, and for a moment, she stilled, reaching out. Somehow... she got the feeling he wasn't too far away.

"I'm sure he's around, I haven't seen him yet. I'll be sure to bump into him though."

When Elidan approached, she visibly brightened. When he mentioned mutism, she freed both her hands, beginning to sign to him in Galactic Basic. It was a while, but she learned in secondary school, and some of her friends teased her for learning something she wouldn't have to use in a concert.

"Hello Elidan. I'm Willa, it's lovely to meet you too. Happy Life Day, I have a crystal with--for-- you. Sorry, my Basic hand not so good." She gave a flushed smile, but reached into her pouch for him as well. Already, a few strands of noise erupted from one cluster of younglings, a soothing harmony that made them all giggle and dart off to tell the rest of their friends.

She might not have found her master, but perhaps... she could meet some new friends, after all.

@LouJoVi @SlagathorTheUnknown @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

He'd talked to... well, a lot of people this evening, but these three had to be the only ones he'd actually been interested in having a conversation with. Idle chit chat and small talk wasn't something he'd shy away from-- it was apparently a tradition, after all-- but it didn't captivate him quite the same as having a conversation with three who genuinely seemed interesting. Brienne had known him prior to being a Jedi, and that had been what had drawn him over the most, but the other two certainly distinguished themselves from the crowd.

He couldn't put a finger on it, but it almost seemed like the tall one was familiar-- somehow. The man would idly purse his lips as he looked at him a bit more closely. He had to admit that the man definitely seemed at least a little intimidating, what with the armor and fact that he was nearly a foot taller than Laeonas. He also hadn't the slightest clue of his heritage, but that didn't matter much. Laeonas didn't judge based on a person's species-- unless that species was hutt.

The other one, however, was a different story. He'd met a number of albinos in his life-- some of which had been exceedingly rude. But he wasn't one to pass judgement based around appearance, unless they belonged to the slug like species mentioned in the above paragraph. Besides, this one seemed particularly cordial with him. Some might take it as rude or detached, but on Brentaal, open social hostility was essentially the norm. To Laeonas, the boy was being friendly.

The boy introduced himself, neglecting to mention a teacher. "Nice to meet you; I think I might've seen you in the gym a few times, now that I'm remembering right." Laeonas answered, neglecting to bring up the awkward lack of a mention of a teacher. Pressing on such issues were, as his own teacher had reminded him, "rude." Laeonas' own reply had been only a half truth as well-- he never kept track of other people in the gym. After all, there was only one person he was focused on while working out.

The man wanted to start dumping questions on Brienne, but he realized that the three of them had obviously been in a conversation before he'd even arrived. He'd already intruded, and peppering questions on the woman would've just been even more obnoxious. It was around than that the call for the Padawans to make their way to the tree, and aquamarines widened slightly. It was another tradition he'd only read about-- and one he was ready to experience. But he'd done enough of that on his own tonight.

"I'd love to stay and catch up, but it looks like they're calling the padawans." He'd begin, before glancing at the albino-- Thelian-- again. "I'm gonna head down there; can't know what they're gonna get us. Could be interesting, y'know?" He'd suggest, shrugging a little. Most cordial conversation he enjoyed involved transactions or getting things of some kind. Perhaps the other Padawan, whose behavior so far had been "friendly" in Laeo's own eyes, would feel the same way?

Regardless, the man waved the three of them goodbye and made his way towards the tree. Searching for his gift amongst dozens didn't take him to long, and he'd eventually find a long box, wrapped in paper. Reaching down, he'd carefully begin to open it, before giving up and tearing the paper right off. Than, he opened the box. His eyes were first greeted with a note, one that he'd read over quickly. But he was caught off guard by the gift itself.

Looking down, he'd look at the painting in confusion. It appeared to be... a... figurine? It was a humanoid, with odd, splayed white hair. It had a cylindrical nose, and dark blue eyes. What startled him the most was the lipless mouth it had, which was exceedingly tall in proportion to the rest of it's face. He could've stared for hours at it, and every passing second would've lead his face to further contort into disgust and horror.

"...what tha actual fu-" he'd begin, before covering his mouth just in time. Glancing around, it didn't look like any of the younglings or younger padawans heard what he said. Quietly, Laeonas slipped the gift back into it's box, and than the box under his arm. He'd keep the note on his desk; the bauble he could pawn off.

​

@ModernMarvel @Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

As Ruzaan offered Willa a plushie, she handed him a beautiful pale crystal on a glowing chain. The Togruta's eyes widened in admiration at the sight, and he spent a few moments admiring the gift. "Thank you!" he said earnestly, and promptly set down the box in order to fasten it around his neck. He flashed an appreciative smile at Willa, and continued trying to offer her a Yoda plushie until Arctus arrived.

Ruzaan's smile only widened as his friend/mentor/brother crossed over to them. He enjoyed seeing Arctus at happy events like these, and the Gungan youngling clinging to his left boot only confirmed Ruzaan's theory that Arctus was, in fact, a big softie. "Happy Life Day!" he replied to the former smuggler's greeting.

Before Ruzaan could say much more, Arctus had thrust a palm-sized package into his hands and was encouraging him to open it. With a surprising amount of care, the Togruta gently opened the package to reveal the personav inside. "Whoah, this is cool! Thank you so much!" Ruzaan beamed, hoping that he'd managed to cover the fact that he had no idea what he'd just been gifted. He'd have R1-NT identify it for him later, and Ruzaan clipped it to his belt before rummaging around in his box until he found what he was looking for.

He soon produced a hand-knitted plush doll and gave it to Arctus, and when the Padawan turned it over he would see that the likeness was of himself; smuggler's jacket, wry smile, and all. "Hope you like it!" the Togruta said, not entirely sure what to say. Why hadn't he thought to wrap them so he could be elsewhere when the gift was received? He felt a little awkward standing nearby as the gift was revealed.

His thoughts were mercifully interrupted by Elidan's arrival, and Ruzaan once again returned to smiling. In short order, Elidan would have a similar plushie thrust into his hands, with pointed ears and a decent imitation of Elidan's face. It even carried a small plush datapad in its left hand. [Happy Life Day, Elidan!] he signed to the half-Sephi.

@Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @LouJoVi

 

[Arctus Friers]

The Tree Room​

He wouldn't have noticed the tiny Gungan youngling clinging to his leg earlier if the little ankle biter hadn't giggled, and Arctus had sent the kid running back to his friends after telling the young one that a gift was waiting for her – from the former smuggler – underneath the Life Day Tree.

Kids were too dang adorable.

Arctus gratefully accepted Willa's gift, hazel grey eyes alighting curiously upon the pale crystal. It was no kyber, and it made him curious about the crystal's properties. Was it the kind that glowed in the dark, or would the glow be activated using the Force? Intent to find out, the Padawan sent a soft pulse of Force energy to the crystal and let out a delighted huff when it produced a musical chime instead of the glow he'd anticipated.

"Damn, that's pretty neat," he told the young woman, impressed. Arctus set Clove's gift down on the bench so he could put the necklace on like Ruzaan did. "Thanks, thanks! Did you make all these yourself?"

Picking up the lilac box again, the former smuggler's grin transformed into a bright smile as Ruzaan opened his gift. The young Togruta's happiness was too damned infectious, and before the older Padawan could stop himself Arctus had launched into a mini explanation for the gift he had come up with.

"Whew, glad you liked it! That's a personav, by the way. Surface navigation system – 's got a subspace position finder and a 3D compass. Thought it's perfect for ya, since you like explorin' and visiting other planets."

Though he had no idea that Ruzaan didn't have an inkling as to what he had been given, Arctus knew that his little explanation was a dead giveaway as to how much he cared about the Togruta. It made the tips of his ears flush red with awkwardness, but caring for someone else other than his blood was something the former smuggler would never be embarrassed of. Because why would he? Why waste time and energy hiding that you cared, only to regret not showing it when it was far too late?

The life he led in the past made him appreciate and live in the present, and even though his thoughts would drift to the future with a hint of doubt and worry, Arctus would always try to start looking at the brighter side of things. Worrying about the future was pretty damn tiring on its own.

The former smuggler blinked and jolted a little as his thoughts dove back to the present to see Ruzaan handing him a plush doll, of all things. Happy smile still plastered on his face, another bout of mirthful laughter slipped past Arctus lips as he turned the plush over. Staring up at him with a bearded, wry smile was small plushie Arctus – smuggler jacket and all. The likeness between Padawan and plush doll was uncanny, to say the least, and the former smuggler didn't bother trying to wipe the delighted grin off of his face as he gazed back at Ruzaan.

"Gosh darn, it's me!" exclaimed Arctus as he held the Arctus the Plushie close, turning the doll this way and that. It would be obvious that he was equally impressed with the gifts from the two younger Padawans, and Ruzaan would see that Arctus himself didn't particularly care that the gift wasn't wrapped. "Never thought I'd get myself a mini me. This is awesome, Ruz! Freakin' love this little guy."

And it was true.

He was about to ask Ruzaan if the younger Padawan made the plush dolls himself when another pair of Padawans approached their tiny group. A red-haired half-Sephi clad in blue and a human in black garb. The eldest in the group waved at the newcomers in greeting, before his attention was caught by what the half-Sephi seemed to be typing on a datapad he was carrying.

The former smuggler was quick to read what was written on the datapad, and he blinked at the information. A Padawan who suffered from mutism? Arctus knew that he wasn't at fault right now, but he couldn't help but give himself a mental kick for ditching sign language lessons both in his secondary and tertiary education. He tried not to visibly flounder as both Ruzaan and Willa greeted the boy Elidan, and when it was his turn to greet the half-Sephi and his friend Arctus could only lift the hand holding Arctus the Plushie and wave.

"Nice to meet ya, Elidan. Happy Life Day, buddy," he told the half-Sephi, and despite his embarrassment for his lack of knowledge in sign language, Arctus didn't let it dampen his own mood. His smile remained happy and sincere as he nodded at Elidan then at the other Padawan. "Happy Life Day to you, too, er...?"

The greeting intended for the dark-haired Padawan tapered off into an unasked inquiry about his name. The Life Day Celebration was supposed to be fun-filled for everyone in attendance, but the former smuggler didn't need to get a read on the other Padawan through the Force to know that something was troubling the kid.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Killa Ree @LouJoVi @Charles

 

[Elidan]

Elidan smiled when Willa used sign language to communicate with him. Even if she wasn’t so good with it, this was still important to him. Knowing that there were other Padawans that could understand him this way, made the half-Sephi feel more comfortable.

He accepted the crystal that the other Padawan offered to him. Holding it in his hands, Elidan focused the Force on it. Soon a pleasant sound started to come from it. He quickly fastened its chain around his neck, together with his other necklace. Then, he looked at Willa “Thank you.” he signed, while smiling at the other Padawan. The half-Sephi was regretting not having brought anything that he could give to her.

“Nice to meet you, too.” he showed the message to Arctus. He seemed to be the oldest of them. For him to still be a Padawan, Elidan thought that the man probably became part of the Order when he was already an adult. Always curious, the boy wondered what types of experiences the man had in his life before becoming a Jedi.

The half-Sephi’s smiled again when he saw what Ruzaan had given to him. It was an adorable plushie version of himself that also had a Datapad. It seemed to be handmade. He wondered if it was the Togruta who did it.

Not knowing how to thank his friend, he did the first thing that came to his mind and hugged Ruzaan. “Thank you!” he would sign after releasing the other boy. The Togruta would also be able to feel the familiar brushing of the half-Sephi’’s mind against his. This time he didn’t want to establish a mental bond, he was only showing how grateful he was because of the gift.

He felt so strange receiving gifts, but having none to give to the others. Elidan hoped that they would not think that he was impolite. The auburn-haired boy decided that he was going to find one to give to Ruz and another Willa. Maybe he could make something with his own hands.


@SlagathorTheUnknown @Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Spoiler: Alcohol Tolerance

37

Bri laughed harder as Thelian slowly got the joke, quickly drinking from his cup. "Come on Thelian - that was funny, even from Mr. Emotionless over here," she tilted her head towards Sevrin. "And everyone always needs something for Life Day!" she added with an enthusiastic smile, trying to spread some of the Life Day cheer.

In the interim a few of the Jedi helping out in the kitchen brought around slices of delectable looking Naboo red wine chocolate cake, and accompanying glasses of Naboo wine. Bri's stomach felt nearly painfully empty as she eagerly took a slice of the cake and a glass of the wine - trading in her cup of fruit punch. She thanked the server as they continued their rounds. The Knight smiled as she tasted the cake, muttering with a probably too full mouth, "Ooh that's good," to no one in particular.

She brought the glass of wine to her mouth, and promptly proceeded to ingest far too much than she had intended, as a completely unexpected new arrival to their small group arrived. She coughed a few times, before composing herself. "You?!" she exclaimed, lacking any of her usual composure. Somehow the young man that she'd met on Nal Hutta had found his way to the Jedi as a Padawan. And he remembers my name. And lost that accent that I couldn't understand?

The Knight stammered a few words, "Uhh, yeah, wow, Hi - you.... you ended up joining the Jedi?" Bri paused, trying to correct her stammering sentence. "Welcome, glad you're here," she said, still coughing somewhat from the warm alcohol.

"I'd love to stay and catch up, but it looks like they're calling the padawans."

"Uh, yeah..yeah," Bri mumbled, before Leao walked away. She took another big gulp of the wine in her glass.

Once Leao was out of earshot Bri provided some context to Sevrin and Thelian. "Either I'm way drunker than I should be - Or I just saw the last person I ever expected to see here," she nodded in the direction of Leaonas.

"Maybe both," she add as a mumble, steadying her balance momentarily against Sevrin and the wall.

@Tom @Sreeya @Altaris

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Dining Hall -> Life Day Tree
​

No matter how much she enjoyed seeing the small Jedi Youngling slurp his soup, Xi's(@Xian) company, or cramming her face into a slice of chocolate cake, Clove couldn't stop herself from getting up and walking back to the Life Day tree. She knew there'd be baubles. She'd only seen a handful of them before, so opening her own present and discovering what type of bauble they'd given her filled her with childish delight. Clove started walking towards the entrance, her right hand cupped over the cup of hot chocolate milk, after wishing the two Jedi a good time and promising to meet them later.

Two new Jedi grabbed her eye as her high heels clicked against the cafeteria's hardwood floor. Drastus(@Rhogar) and Felix(@christhebetrayer). "Congratulations Felix!" she called, raising her left hand in a happy wave, which was followed by a thumbs up. Then, after clearly giggling, she made her way over to the tree.

Most of her friends had formed a circle by this point, but she chose to stroll past them and right to the tree itself for the time being. Because to begin with, her gifts for them were hidden near the tree. And secondly, she was dying to see the bauble.

Clove knelt in front of the sparkling tree, excitedly searching for her own name. But, to her surprise, there were two(@Charles). One was clearly decorated by the Jedi and was in range with the other gifts, while the other was not. Curiously, she grabbed both and climbed back up on her heels. The half-Sephi twisted and turned the box, looking for a note or something. But there was nothing but her name.

Odd.

She decided to keep it safe next to Xi's present for the time being and unwrap it later. She wasn't uninterested; she just liked to take her time with a surprise gift rather than rush it. The present with the bauble inside, though? That one she opened as soon as she put the mystery box, and hot chocolate she was still carrying with her, away.

When she saw the nutcracker, her lips twisted into a happy smile. A Nutcracker was given to the Sugar Life Day Fairy. Who'd have guessed? Her hand traced over the artwork on the bauble, amused with the faintest blush on her cheeks, loving the amount of attention people put into it. Her gaze then drifted to the letter next to the bauble, which she ultimately decided to read later. She took another loving look before placing the present next to the two others.

It was time to hurl her friend's gifts in their faces now that she had her arms back!

Well, not as literal as that, but, still!

Clove took the bag of gifts and with a hop in her step, she marched straight to the group of Jedi, which included Elidan(@LouJoVi), Arctus(@Forsythe Crowholde), Ruzaan(@SlagathorTheUnknown), and the lovely lady she'd seen with Ruz(@Killa Ree). When the conversation was at a point when she could jump in without interrupting anybody, she said a cheery "Happy Life Day everyone!" while setting the bag down next to her. She'd greet Elidan with three cheek kisses, left, right, left. Then, as she turned to face Willa, she smiled warmly. "I don't believe we've ever met? I'm Clove." She said before kissing her on the cheek three times, just like Elidan. "I have to say, you are very pretty and I love your outfit."

Her face lit up just a little more as she pivoted on her heels towards Arctus and Ruzaan. And for a brief while, the little twinkle of delight and warmth in her eyes returned after being gone for so many months.

Happily, she gave both of them a tight embrace.

"I bring gifts!" She was so overjoyed that she also packed a few smaller items to offer to others. Because giving a gift to everyone except Willa was, to put it mildly, awkward. She reached into her bag, almost eagerly, and pulled out the gift on top, which was Elidan's.

Elidan's gift was tricky. She already knew the boy didn't have much money, so she didn't expect him to give her any gifts. But she didn't want to embarrass him by giving him a gift while he was empty-handed. Regardless, today was Life Day. He deserved a gift. So, in the hopes that he'd realized by now that she didn't mind if he didn't have any gifts, she managed to obtain a hard-bound book titled "The marine creatures of Naboo." Finding a physical copy of the holobook he'd been reading took a little searching, but it was definitely worth the effort. She handed him the gift, which was wrapped in golden foil and tied with a crimson ribbon, with a bright smile. "For you, Elidan. As a reminder of our vacation and a thank you for all of your help." she signed towards him.

The next thing she fished from the bag was a pouch containing many candles of various heights. They had a rich vanilla aroma with a hint of pinewoods. She believed they'd make a nice all-around present for Jedi because they were frequently used for meditations or other relaxing moments. "Here!" She handed the pouch with a yellow ribbon to Willa. "I hope you like the scent."

Then came Ruzaan and Arctus. She grabbed two boxes, wrapped in silver with red dotted foil and a green ribbon, and handed it to them both at the same time. Both boxes contained a small hologram disk that, when activated, revealed a hologram of Ruzaan, Arctus, and Clove hugging sideways. Some little lines and splotches of texture suggest that it was a drawing hologram rather than a recording. The second gift was significantly more personal for both; Ruzaan received a small camera and another hologram disk, while Arctus received a miniature sculpture of a not-medical-accurate heart made from white with pink-hued quartz. A small tiny light, blinking ever so gently, was hidden inside the sculpture's core.

"It's a hologram recorder," She'd explain to Ruz with a soft smile. "You see so many different parts of the galaxy and also find yourself in the most bizarre situations, so now you can record it. There is already a recording on the disk, which is a recording of a valley canopy forest located in Shili. So you always have a little bit of home with you." Her attention then shifted to Arctus. His present required a little less explanation. "And yours is a reminder that you are never alone, and that we are always here for you."

She wanted to make both gifts even more cheesy than they already were, but she felt this would be enough.

---

Tag (Already tagged!) ​

 

[Arctus Friers]

The Tree Room​

While waiting for Elidan's companion to reply, Arctus focused on the red-haired half-Sephi for the moment and quickly read what the latter typed on his datapad. The former smuggler smiled at the kid and his readiness to converse with someone who didn't know how to speak in signs. Despite his inability to speak, Elidan seemed like someone who had a lot to say. And judging from how the half-Sephi showed his gratitude for the gift he'd received from Ruzaan, the former smuggler could see that the two were good friends.

Well, anyone who were nice both to Clove and Ruzaan were pretty much a-okay in Arctus's books, and it made him feel kind of awkward that he had nothing to give to Elidan. Granted, he had nothing to give Willa, too, so he guessed he could be forgiven. For now. But he was already thinking of something to give the two Padawans as late Life Day gifts at this very moment, so the thought should probably count for now. Hopefully.

A cheerful voice soon broke through the small group's light chatter, and Arctus was quick to flash Clove a bright grin. He'd already seen how she was dressed up earlier by the hallway, but seeing her up close brought a bark of teasing laughter from the former smuggler. He just knew that she had probably been turning heads since her arrival, and while he was ready to act like an overprotective older brother he also knew that it might probably embarrass her. In response to that Arctus promised to behave himself, but it didn't mean that he wouldn't tease her like any older brother would tease their well-dressed little sister.

He let her greet the others first. Chuckling fondly as Ruzaan was given a hug, Arctus returned Clove's embrace just as tightly – but still very careful not to accidentally hurt her because that would suck –, a warm smile tugging the corners of his lips upwards as he lightly pressed his forehead on the crown of her head.

"I didn't get the memo that the Life Day Fairy's gonna make an appearance," he lightly teased the tiny half-Sephi as they separated. "Haha, I'm kiddin', don't punch me. But damn, you look pretty, Clo. Maybe Ruz and I should've whipped out the suits to match, huh?"

Seeing the familiar twinkle of both wonder and warmth in those chocolate eyes was something Arctus added on his mental list of things to be grateful for. Dantooine still wasn't far behind for his friend/little sister, but he knew that she possessed the strength to move past it. He and Ruzaan promised that they would always be there for her, and he knew that the Togruta would keep his word as much as Arctus would.

At the mention of gifts, Arctus felt a little embarrassed as he held the lilac box meant for Clove. Ruzaan's was both practical and thoughtful, and while it was easy for the former smuggler to figure out what to give Clove, he still felt a little... silly, for thinking and buying what was– were inside the box.

He waited quietly as she passed the others their gifts. A hologram recorder for Ruzaan was quite the perfect fit, and the oldest Padawan in the group couldn't help but chuckle at her explanation.

"You're not gonna believe this," he reported to Clove as he shot Ruzaan a teasing grin, "but I gave him a personav for that same reason as him seeing so many different parts of the galaxy. They'll go hand in hand, huh?"

As his gaze shifted back to Clove, Arctus once again placed the gift meant for her back on the bench with mini Arctus standing guard over the lilac box. Gently he accepted the tiny half-Sephi's proferred gift, and carefully opened it. The heart-shaped white and pink-hued quartz was the first to catch his attention, even more so the tiny light blinking gently inside it. The miniature sculpture looked so fragile in his rough hand when he carefully held it for a moment. He'd never received something so delicate, and when Clove explained the heart quartz' significance Arctus had to mentally and repeatedly remind himself not to tear up – or worse, cry.

Gaze darting between the Arctus plushie Ruzaan had carefully and meticulously hand-knitted and Clove's heart quartz with it's gently blinking light, the former smuggler felt a little overwhelmed – but in a perfectly good way. He couldn't find the words to say to Clove about the significance of her gift, so he opted to show her the note included in the nutcracker bauble he'd received earlier. Handing her the small piece of paper for her to read, Arctus then checked the small hologram disk included in her gift.

Needless to say, the former smuggler was so close to just tearing up at the sight of the three of them – Clove, Ruzaan, and himself – hugging sideways. Arctus toughed it up, redirecting the tears into a grateful and happy laugh. He couldn't remember taking this particular picture, but upon closer inspection he found that it was actually drawn. Alright, so Ruzaan knew how to knit, and Clove was an artist. Somehow, he wasn't very surprised at the information.

"Thank you, Clo. This– You have no idea how much this means to me. All these," he finally mustered with a grateful smile, gesturing at her gift and Ruzaan's. "Now Arctus the Plushie has a heart."

He returned both heart quartz and hologram disk back inside the box and gently placed it beside Arctus the Plushie on the bench. In turn he took the lilac box and offered it to the small half-Sephi. The box was larger than Ruzaan's, and Clove would find a carefully bundled pair of fairy lights inside, along with a small box containing a bracelet.

To hide his embarrassment, he was quick to launch into an explanation as to why Clove was receiving a pair of 10-meter fairy lights and a moon bracelt, because what better way did Arctus have to hide whatever he was feeling other than talking?

"I picked the fairy lights because they remind me of our conversation when we first met at Drastus's potluck – remember when we talked about glow bugs and catching some? I, uh, well, you were concerned about catching and keepin them, so I thought, 'if we can't keep the glowing buggers then why not buy something close to those little sh– guys', right? No glowing bugs harmed, and, er... the fairy lights are solar-powered, got two panels for each in there. And– well– I called you a fairy way back in Bal'Demnic, so the theme just stuck. But, uh... the lights also remind me that you're a very soft and warm person, and that you – and Ruzaan, really, both of you – are a constant, gently blinking light who believes in someone like me..."

He knew that he was rambling, but he couldn't really stop himself now, could he?

"And the bracelet, well... I know it sounds–" he lowered his voice in a conspiratorial whisper so any youngling straying close wouldn't hear "–fuckin' cheesy an' all, but the stars are already in your eyes, Clove, so I told myself 'why not give your best friend – practically your little sister from another family – the moon?'"

@LilyNion @SlagathorTheUnknown @Killa Ree @LouJoVi @Charles

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan was quickly running out of hands to hold things. He precariously juggled the box up onto one arm, the crystal from Willa dangling in his left hand, while his right juggled the personav. After a few moments of struggling, he finally managed to maneuver the box enough to set it down on a nearby table and accept Clove's proffered gift in exchange for a small, hand-knitted plushie of the half-Sephi. This one came with a small knitted bag with a couple extra outfits, allowing Clove to change her plush self back and forth between Jedi robes, fancy dress (from Drastus' party), or her casual attire. It had been nearly impossible for the Togruta to knit Clove's tattoo in the right shape, but it was a decent approximation of the beautiful markings spiraling across Clove's upper chest.

Things got even more difficult when he opened his gift from Clove and listened to her explanation of what this strange piece of technology was. His thumb found the activation button and an unmistakable holo depicting the forest canopy of his homeworld, Shili, popped into view. Instantly, an incredible pressure descended on Ruzaan's chest and a lump wedged its way into his throat. Something hot was threatening to spill out of both of his eyes.

"Thank you" he whispered just as the tears began to fall. Embarrassed, he wiped a sleeve across his face and turned away, trying to give himself space to compose himself.

@LouJoVi @Killa Ree @LilyNion @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Tie’en Chianti]

Life Day -> Tree Room



Holidays were always a solemn for Tie’en. She often thought of home, which was even further away from her here on this jungle world. The lights on the tree were beautiful though… T had spent most of the evening inspecting the tree with her magnifying goggles. Their old raggedy appearance made her look like a poor gem appraiser as she calibrated her very antiquated scope to inspect the beautiful orbs. She had on a comfortable grey jumpsuit with a very festive set of red overalls that made her look more like a life day engineer than a Jedi. Her hair was choppy and short, with a cowlick at the top that seemed to just didn’t want to stay down. Her goggles sat comfortably over s pair of glasses that served to help her with observations. Her little leather bag hung on her side, containing her lightsaber, a small set of tinker tools, and her diagnostic scanner that she surely wouldn’t need. Her overall’s front pocket was stuffed full of pens, laser pointers, and screwdrivers that she had no use for at a party. She certainly stood out amongst the well dressed Jedi that were in attendance.



“Fascinating!” She squealed to herself in her nasally tone. “These orbs seem to contain real life energy? As if the season is truly saying rebirth and eternal life for all though the force…or something,”

She grumbled to herself as tons of padawans began to fill into the room. With each new stranger, another bead of sweat began to roll down her forehead. STRANGERS! How AWFUL! Tie thought to herself as she did her best to his behind the huge life day tree. They were mingling and sharing gifts, and she felt a twinge of loneliness. To share such a wonderful day with friends and family was a luxury that she had surrendered, and yet she was still unsure how these jovial Jedi could feel as they do.



Emotions were much more welcome in the Jedi tenets than they had been in the antiquated past, yet her people embodied those feelings. Her yellow-green skin hid how pale she felt, wondering if she should approach some of these groups and attempt, dare I say, making friends, as it were…or if she should just blend in with the tree, in hopes that she would survive the evening. She surveyed the room, her attention momentarily stolen from the life orbs that had been engulfing her night thus far. She saw a group exchanging gifts and suddenly, a Holo recorder caught her attention. A strange individual was moving her hands about all…probably using some sort of sign language. She kept flashing a screen, which led her to believe that she couldn’t speak…perfect company for Tie.



She sneakily snooped her way over to the group that consisted of Elidan @LouJoVi Actus @Forsythe Crowholde Ruzzan @SlagathorTheUnknown and some woman she couldn’t even recognize @Killa Ree . She had not met any of these people before, nor was she completely positive that she wanted to. She jumped on her chance to add to clove’s @LilyNion wonderful gift.



“Wow that’s this year’s model of Holorecorder? Does it do hexagonal picture? Do you want a storage holo card for it? SOO COOL!” She mused rather rudely as she produced a small data chip from her center pocket and held it out awkwardly, as if her offer made any sense to anyone other than her…perhaps her abrasive approach would not be appreciated; however, she didn’t know any other way to be, other than being herself…Her facial expression was one of extreme joy and interesting, attempting to mask her serious discomfort.

 

[Felix]

Dining Hall​

Felix noticed Drastus approaching in the corner of his eye as he surveyed the festivities, sighing to himself as he knew what was going to happen next. He accepted Drastus hug with one in return. "you know you don't have to call me that." he replied back hearing the grin in his words. "

It's okay, it wasn't anything too special," he didn't want him to feel bad about missing it, "as for perspective?" He laughed quietly, a short huff of air out his nose. "I still feel as if I’m in over my head but that will probably change over time" his words were his candid and honest thoughts “and i trust the council that think they I’m ready.”

“what about you?” he asked his tilt slight towards Drastus to catch a better glimpse of his face at the edge of his sight “what have you been up to? I haven’t seen you for a while.”

A gentle smile would come across his face as he heard Clove (@LilyNion ) shout her congratulations to him, giving her a nod in thank you alongside a small wave while he listen to Drastus’ reply. He was glad she made out of that place with him, she was a ball of warmth and light amongst the jedi it would have been a massive loss to the jedi if she hadn’t made it out.

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would laugh at Felix's response. "Yeah, I get that feeling a lot. Never quite know what's gonna come of it. But sometimes, ya just gotta attempt the Shyriiwook and hope your arms don't get torn off." His gaze would travel the Dining Hall as he spoke. "I think they made the right call too. You'll find your stride. Max and Indy trained you well."

When he looked back at Felix he just grinned. "Me? Getting into trouble most likely. Ossus was good.. I needed that. And while I was there, the Mandalorians who had helped us said they saw this.." his hand would trace over the dragon sigil on his throat. ".. sigil on Concord Dawn. My family's dead, so I thought maybe finding my Clan would help the healing. So short answer, tracking leads, or helping Knights or Masters who need a sidekick here and there."

As Clove passed them by, Drast offered a grin and a salute. "Happy Life Day Clove." Once she was gone his gaze shifted back to Felix. He was going to try to ignore the call for Padawans. "Anything you need a sidekick for?"

@christhebetrayer @LilyNion

 

[Laeonas Tannaras]

When he and Brienne had first met, it hadn't been under... "friendly" circumstances. It hadn't ended badly though; at least, concerning the both of them. Laeonas did wind up having to break a few of one of his crewmate's fingers in order to cow them into not selling him to the hutts, and he'd ultimately had to book passage and shred his ID. But, reiterating, he and Brienne had left on cordial terms.

Ofcourse if a person looked at Brienne's facial expression at the sight of him, they might think she'd just seen an apparition. Her utterly shocked expression was matched by her response. For his part, Laeonas took the surprise in stride; he’d never expected to see Brienne again, especially at a life day party. His surprise had faded quickly though— and for once in a social interaction, the person he was talking to had more alcohol in their system than he did.

“Oh yeah! Real long story ‘bout ‘ow- ahem, about how that happened, but it’d probably bore the hell out of you.” The man replied, flashing her a grin as he answered her, both out of friendliness and out of amusement from her expression. “I’ll have to play catch up later— stick around Yavin for a few days, will ya?” He’d add in a tone that he tried his best to sound humorous, but both he and everyone might recognize how forced it sounded. A quick goodbye later, and he was off towards the tree, with or without the other padawan.

"...doin' this without drinkin' is tha trial of tha karkin' century..." He'd mutter to himself, letting out a huff.

--------

To say his gift was unsatisfactory would be, in similar words, "the understatement of the karking century." How was he even supposed to feel? Disappointed? Offended? Angry? He got disappointed when Ephiny cut in on his gym time or when he kept winning in bets against non force sensitives. He got offended when gangster teased him about his father, or when foreigners took shots at his accent. Anger came at the mere mention of the Sith, whose evil he'd both witnessed and been a victim to.

No evil had been done to him though. It didn't seem like an insult; at least from the cursory glances he got, one or two other Padawans got very similar gifts. He hadn't really made any bets before he'd opened the box, and he certainly hadn't felt disappointment. He might've been disappointed if the gift was overtly cheap and practically useless, but it only managed to tick the latter. It was clear that somehow, someone had spent hours of their life carving, painting, and decorating this figurine-- for him.

This gift was unknown to him, and the way he felt at the moment he'd seen it was just as unknown to him, yet the feeling that came next-- that feeling that came in response to any serious encounter with the unknown-- was fear. What was this thing, who had made it for him, why had it been given to him? All questions burning through him, all stoking his fear. How would he even deal with something like this?

He could throw it out. Go back to his room, toss it in the disposal, and be done with it. "But what if it comes back?" That magically thinking part of the mind whispered, to which a part he was more familiar with suggested that he "smash it ta pieces." The box shook a little in his hand, and shaking out was that note that had come with his horrifying gift. On instinct, he snatched it with the hand that was free, and the words he'd smiled at met his gaze again,

Dear Padawan Laeonas. Firstly, we wish you a happy Life Day from the entire Jedi Order. We are more than happy you are with us, and so proud of your progress. Never lose focus on what you are fighting for, and keep your head up. You've come a far way and there's a bright future ahead of you.

-- The Jedi Order.

Perhaps it was the words-- the genuine kindness of another that came without any strings or debts attached, which he'd only gotten from a select few through his life. Perhaps it was all the lessons he'd been taught about what a Jedi ought to be-- and how it would be distinctly unjedi-like to destroy or throw away a toy out of blind, animal panic. Whatever the reason, Laeonas was able to stay his hand-- long enough to crumple the note up, shove it in his pocket, grab the boxes lid, and force it back on with the intent of never opening it again.

The man's expression softened a little, and unfocused on his gift, he began to look around for others-- any face he'd recognized. He couldn't spot Brienne in the crowd, and nor were any more recognizable faces, like his teacher. He couldn't even spot the Padawan he'd met earlier, whose features would stand out like a single white hair on a middle aged wookies coat. He thought he spotted a short, knife eared girl, and figured it had to be the middle schooler he'd trained with a few months ago. Nearbye was a mirialan-- perhaps the polar opposite of the half-sephi in figure-- and the togruta boy as well.

He couldn't remember any of their names.

"...guess it's taime fer plan B." He thought to himself. And like that, Laeonas Tannaras walked past the small group of teenagers to find company in his age range-- expensive booze.

​

@ModernMarvel @LilyNion @SlagathorTheUnknown @Tetsu

 

[Vren Mallick]

With being an Echani, he was naturally perceptive, especially when it came to reading people. Gwen's recognition of the candy hadn't gone unnoticed by him but it was too late. At the point, he already had the piece pinched between his fingers before he popped it smoothly in his mouth, there being no concern or apprehension in his movements as he had no idea what was about to come.

The candy struck the center of his tongue, half of it practically dissolving instantly while the other half remained solid. Vren opened his mouth at first but it snapped shut instantly, a curt cough erupting from him as his cheeks puffed out and he used a closed fist to cover his mouth. Both his eyes shut momentarily before he glanced over to the one who supplied the candy, "Gwen..." Her name was barely muttered out as he coughed once more, the same action as before repeated but this time, Vren leaned forward and had both his hands rest on the cart and made it shake for a moment from the sudden addition of his weight.

Both of his grips on the cart tightened for support, his knuckles beginning to turn white as he had an internal battle. Vren was having a battle of willpower that raged within him because of the predicament he was in. He wanted to spit the candy out but if he opened his mouth, there was no chance that he could contain the contents of his stomach. If he kept it in his mouth or even swallowed it, the results could be much worse as the taste almost flooded all of his senses somehow.

The half of candy that melted into liquid tasted absolutely foul, it was practically a thin sludge that made the rancid taste linger while the half that remained intact tasted leathery and what he imagined his sock would have tasted like if he stuffed it into his mouth after a workout. Despite the assault that was happening inside of his mouth, the corner of his lips even twitching slightly, Vren's gaze flicked down the hall and spotted all the Masters and Knights that were speaking to each other. With just having returned from sneaking out, he didn't really fancy the idea of drawing their attention.

Closing his eyes once more, Vren took a moment to prep himself before he took a large swallow and had the candy whole. After a few seconds, he opened them slowly and returned his attention back to Gwen. He opened his mouth to speak but just like last time, he slammed a closed fist to cut himself off. Unlike last time, she would see the Echani's own eyes widen as he instantly turned around and rushed to the nearest plant beside him as he fell to his knees and wrapped his arms around the edge like it was one of his own family members, his head hanging over the pot and intermixed with the leaves.

In the position, it took no time for Vren to hurl right into it, his body forcibly attempting to remove the candy from his system as whatever he ate the entire day came back up. Because he had swallowed the candy, the taste came back up and let him get seconds, only adding more fuel to the fire as he threw up again. When there was a break, Vren leaned his head back slightly, "Gwen... what the fuck?" Before he could turn his head to even peek at her, the smell punched him right in the nose and trigger another round of hurling. Vren already wasn't a fan of sweets but this would solidify his hate for them.

The round only lasted for a few more seconds until he was finally empty, the Echani groaning as he slowly pushed himself to his feet, his hands on the pot the entire time. When he reached his full height, that's when he would finally remove them before he turned around to face Gwen. With a quick swipe of his mouth first, he walked back over to the cart without saying a word and locked their gazes together. He couldn't even process what he felt with the taste of Hutt-balls lingering on his tongue. Without making them break contact, mostly so he didn't throw up again if he looked at what he was doing, he picked up the bag of candy before turning to take a few steps and throw the bag into a trashcan. When he came back, Vren leaned against the cart as he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her, not wanting to open his mouth and experience the smell again.

(Late af but rolled a 6 and have to respect the Maiden.) @Wit