Ask Reclaiming The Past

[Darth Arcanos]

It wasn’t too long ago that the Sith would never have had the funds to afford Apex. However, multiple Sith were working to expand their assets and network, and a nice amount of credits were funneling into the Order. His own recent exploits on Zygerria had allowed them to have an entire planet’s workforce dedicated to ramping up export trade for the Sith.

Azar had reached out to Apex to hire their services to go after Sith artifacts held by Crimson Dawn. His particular specialties were concerned with alchemy and artifacts, so it bothered him to see so many ancient Sith relics in the hands of some syndicate. He hoped with Apex’s help, he could obtain clearances and codes to infiltrate Crimson Dawn’s facilities and retrieve a stockpile of the stolen items.

The pureblood had acquired a cover attire to hide his pureblood identity. Though it looked ominous, he didn’t look remotely out of place on the station or most outer rim areas in the galaxy. Over the past six years or so, Azar had gotten quite savvy with picking up customs of the greater galaxy. He could easily navigate using different public transports, and his Basic was far more improved.

Azar stepped into the space station, making his way through the entertainment districts to get to the designated office. Apex had a reputation for neutrality and providing excellent service, and he only hoped Crimson Dawn hadn’t hired them to protect their stolen assets.

The pureblood kept his mask and hood on as he was led into a waiting area, and he took a seat to meet with his designated Apex agent.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Azar was far from the most ominous or alien being on Galactica. Clusters of Kaleesh warriors reveled in the Red Light and non-humans of all kinds enjoyed the many services the station provided. If anything, there was an unusually low number of baseline humans. Apex itself was majority non-human. They did not discriminate in terms of employment or contract.

The waiting room the Pureblood found himself in was, perhaps surprisingly and with the exception of a pair of droids in the room's corners, fairly relaxed. Wood and leather dominated the furnishings and artwork from different cultures hung from walls or decorated tables. Formal-adjacent with a personal touch from the representative Azar was waiting on. A Nemoidian secretary typed away on his console.

No more than two minutes would pass before the secretary stood and walked toward the door to the consultation office. "Please, right this way," he said to Azar, bowing and opening the door for him to pass through.

Apex's strategist often took these client meetings when he happened to be aboard Galactica. Their office was largely personalized, with filled bookshelves against the walls, more artwork, comfortable chairs, and a small collection of blooming flowers near the window into space, each from a different world. Inside was pleasantly cool for its occupant, who was himself looking over a holotable in the corner, blue light reflecting off their features.

A series of coiling braids cascaded down his back and over his shoulders turned as they turned to face their guest and the holotable was switched off. He was dressed well in attire somewhere between a business casual suit and a well-made tunic. Piercings in ears and rings on fingers shone subtly in the light. Amber-gold eyes found Azar, hawk-like and analytical. The next moment they relaxed like that look had never been there at all.

The Wrean stepped forward and smoothly adopted a professionally charming expression with fangs hinted behind, easy as breathing. It was different from playful grins that dimpled cheeks and shone behind their eyes but did show genuine interest. The Sith hadn't contracted Apex before and Singh anticipated this could be fun.

"Welcome. My name is Nakoa Singh," he greeted in accented basic while offering a self-assured handshake. "Strategic advisor. Sit with me and discuss?" Nakoa didn't recognize the person standing in front of him with their features covered. He was curious what they'd be like.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar wasn’t sure what to expect, but a familiar face from six years ago was certainly not it. He gazed at the man and his mind suddenly reeled back in time. He was reminded of a fanged smile, of dimpled cheeks, of someone lying next to him having a lazy smoke, someone holding him as he walked by terrifying water. It all hit the Pureblood like a punch to the gut and he quickly suppressed it. He considered the galaxy to be massive and endless, and yet against impossible odds, he found Singh again.

Must be fate, Nakoa Singh had said when they were going back and forth about that bird years ago.

There was a slight delay as Azar quickly recovered before he stood up and shook Nakoa’s hand. Clearly Nakoa had moved up in the galaxy since they met, now leadership of one of the most lucrative businesses in the game.

Azar took a seat across Nakoa, “Discretion is important, you understand,” He spoke. There was no voice scrambler, and there was a very unique accent to the way he spoke Basic, “I need legitimate access to Omega,” He explained, “Big shipment there. Need to extract without alerting..before auction,” The phrases were still limited, but vastly improved from where he first started, “Do you have conflict of interest with Crimson Dawn?”

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

The briefest of tremors to the Wrean's senses, a momentary delay. Both noticed and breezily passed by. Nakoa met many people and it wasn't even close to an outstanding reaction. It wasn't uncommon for people to simply be getting used to their environment or psyche themselves up. Still, a curiosity. Three-fingered hands narrowed down who or what the figure could be. Their handshake felt somewhat nostalgic, although Nakoa couldn't pinpoint why.

They both sat down at what could only be described as a higher-than-average coffee table with large, comfortable leather chairs around it to accommodate a variety of species. Subtle scents of sea salt, mint, ginger, and lotus carried on the air in the Wrean's wake. A notebook, datapad, and pen were already waiting for him. Singh's guest got right to business. His face subtly moved. The smallest tilt of the head, a curl of the lips, listening. Accented basic, common in the Outer Rim. But of a style and pattern he'd heard extremely rarely, years ago. Curiouser and curiouser, his thoughts wandered idly back.

"Naturally," Nakoa agreed as he picked up his notebook. Discretion was one of Apex's strengths and selling points. He listened to the Sith's explanation, pen scratching across flimsiplast. "Need approved access to acquire this shipment, timeframe of auction," he began while underlining a section of notation. "This we can do. Omega has its own mercenaries." Crimson Dawn had no security contracts- or any, really- with Apex. They seemed to prefer the forces already in their pocket.

"No trouble, no entanglements," they replied to affirm there was no conflict. "We will find a ship." The Wrean paused a moment with a thoughtful look. Something else was written down. "Other details or questions for me? You will be going?" His pen lifted to point off to the side, toward a wooden cabinet from which a short countertop jutted. "Care for a drink?" Nakoa flashed the Sith an amiable smile. There was a seemingly sourceless sensation of tension. Maybe that'd help.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

He had a guess that Omega had its own mercenaries, but to hear it confirmed was both a relief and concerning.

“You know anything about their defense?” Azar asked, keeping his focus on business. He found himself getting lost in the work for the Sith Order day by day. Ever since Zygerria, he found a new sense of purpose and belonging he hadn’t felt since when his sister was alive, “I will come,” He stated curtly. Was Nakoa going to go or was he simply arranging this affair? Azar didn’t miss the pause back when they shook hands, but Nakoa was impeccable with keeping his poker face on.

When the drink was offered, Azar propped an elbow on the armrest, resting his chin atop his knuckles as he nodded. Once Nakoa poured them a drink and set their glasses down, the wrean would see the liquid Azar’s glass suddenly shift in color and texture without the pureblood lifting a finger. The glass was then lifted, touched against Nakoa’s and then floated over for Azar to grasp lazily out of the air, “Cheers,” He said with a faint grin behind the mask.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Apex's strategist looked up to the right, calling up an image in his head, then grinned confidently. "Of course. Blue Stars, Blood Pack, Eclipse groups. Blue Stars always run security for auctions, entertainment district. Blood Pack most loosely controls their hangars. Bribable if needed." More scratching across the notebook.

Amberine eyes rose from the book to the Sith's mask. This Sith was going themselves. Even more interesting. "Then your contract will include personal safety," Nakoa stated—standard stuff for on-site clients. Afterward, he retrieved bourbon and glasses with little fanfare. Until Azar added some of his own.

Nakoa had met only three with this Sith's extremely distinct accent in Basic. Two likely amongst the Sith Order, two around this one's height, male and female. One with three-fingered hands. He'd met one who with such ease could alter drinks. The Wrean's face dropped to an inquisitive neutral, head slightly tilted. Their eyebrows slowly rose.

They remembered scents of altered tequila, sweat, and a harbor lake. Talk of birds and sunsets, language, origin, and pretty faces. Most sharply, images of carmine skin decorated with geometric rivers of black ink and rings of gold not quite so bright as the eyes looking back. Fiery heat, little gestures, and speaking without words. A last kiss just in case it couldn't happen again.

A name signed in Ur'Kittat. The whole of it struck him suddenly, the sheer odds of it. And yet intuition told him the pieces fit all together too well to be otherwise. Once, years ago, a Sith Pureblood had made a strong impression on the Wrean Shaman. Today, Apex's guest had the strategist's powerful curiosity. Now, Azar had Nakoa's full and undivided attention.

Nakoa grinned a fanged grin that reached his eyes and leaned forward to pick up his glass to raise in a toast.

"To fate."

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar grinned behind the mask as he saw the flicker of recognition on Nakoa’s face. That smile was back, and the words took him right back. In a galaxy full of strangers, there was a strange measure of comfort in finding Nakoa again. He remained masked for now, taking a moment to study Nakoa without the yellow gaze directly meeting his. Had he advanced his strengths in the Force? Had he gone back to his ocean planet? There were questions swirling that had nothing to do with the job, and he quickly curbed them.

“Who accompany me to Omega?” He asked after a moment of pause. As the strategist of the organization, Azar highly doubted Nakoa could be bothered for an individual job. Even if it was with someone he had met prior. He considered the names Nakoa rattled off for the Omega defense, recalling how some could be bribed. Caution had to be applied - you could only go so many places in a space station. The deal needed to be sweet enough to risk it all.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Nakoa slowly sipped his drink and returned the glass to the table, a mysterious little smirk remaining in place. It was more correct, this face he wore. Natural, relaxed with an easy charm, pleased by some facet of the galaxy that'd been placed before him. He'd wondered in the past where Azar had gone after Ord Mantell. How well he'd fared out in the galaxy with the credits he'd earned, another nomad fighting to thrive far from home. He still remembered how Azar never spoke of Korriban. Clearly, the Sith had improved his alchemical arts since.

It was a pleasure to meet again with him. It was a matter of chance that Nakoa was even here at the same time as Azar, often elsewhere either working or engaging in other passions. But there would be time later for questions. Curious as he was, as ever, he was working.

The datapad was taken up and Nakoa sifted through it, brows slightly raised as he checked schedules and availabilities. They considered the details and likely aspects or potential complications of the task head. Nakoa swiped up and a hologram appeared over the table of a rabbit in a trenchcoat. "'Trench Hopper' is available." Another couple of swipes left, then another up. Two more: A Bothan with dyed fur and a mustachioed BX droid.

Another image joined the 'rabbit'. It was obviously Singh in a practically tailored field uniform, eyes sharp as he looked over something offscreen with a hand leaned against his utility belt, hair lightly jostled by passing wind. Nakoa's eyes glimmered playfully across the table, lips subtly curling. "All the same, I'll join you myself." Why should he not go? His position allowed him to pick and choose fieldwork. So he chose this one.

"Will that do?"

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar stared at the holo of the rabbit, the bothan and the droid and finally Nakoa. Seemed like an entire zoo - a rabbit, a goat, a fish. He smirked to himself, though nodded in the end. He was surprised and pleased that Nakoa wanted to accompany him, “If worth your time,” He said in response to Nakoa’s question. A moment of silence hung after that as Azar quietly sat in his seat.

“You like this life?” He asked as he looked around at the room and considered the station. It was worlds apart from the dingy room above a club where Azar had first met him. Nakoa probably had a little Wrean family of his own now and a cushy corporate life. Azar couldn’t imagine such an outcome since he left Korriban.

“You did well,” He said finally, a genuine compliment.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

The Wrean's head tilted slightly, face lit by the same fanged grin. "I say it is. So it is." It was remarkably difficult to get Nakoa to do something he didn't want to do, whatever his reasons might be. He considered his time valuable, and only he could decide what that value truly was. And so when he'd answered, it'd been with a tone straightforward and simple, without doubt. It just was. He had spoken.

An amber-gold gaze followed the rough path of Azar's mask around the office, considering the question. Long fingers reached to gently touch a flower blooming on a shelf. "It is a good life, full of challenges. I am rarely bored," he replied with pride and a sense of passion. "What of yours?" He must have come far after admitting to being creditless and taking his bounties. There was no doubt in the Wrean's mind.

Nakoa well enjoyed his work. As Azar looked around, he'd noticed not the presence of certain things, but the absence. No pictures of dear things or precious people, few objects of great personal value. It wasn't empty of character like the club's little room. Nakoa's office splendidly reflected aspects of his personality. But they were only things, not passionless, but rather neatly presented for first impressions.

Their eyes settled on Azar when he spoke again, eyebrows raised at the compliment and grin melted away like snow in spring's first rays of sun. The man who'd so quickly and easily returned compliments and flirtation, who'd compared Azar's beauty to a sunset when the Sith called him pretty, who spoke with steady confidence and held little trace of shame at all? He seemed now stalled for words when skill or achievement were praised instead.

Nakoa recovered and their smile returned. "Just so. You too, yes? I'd bet on it," he answered back. A button press clicked off the holograms and he took more notes. "You'll stay with Galactica during preparation?" he asked. Another common service.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was surprised at the reaction to the compliment. Was Nakoa not proud of his work? Azar recalled how breezily they had exchanged sentiments before. The Pureblood had to remind himself that it was almost a decade ago. They were barely out of their teens back then. Azar smiled beneath the mask at the counter question, “I teach,” He said simply, not elaborating much beyond that, “And I still create,” He said as the remainder of his drink changed colors and consistency again.

The smile returned to Nakoa’s face and Azar said nothing more about his work. There was a hint of amusement at his question, “Since you insist..” He trailed off with a smrik. With that, he rose to stand, gesturing for Nakoa to lead the way.

In truth, Azar had never explored a space station before. The thought of it made him uneasy at first - it sounded like a mobile city that could be shot down and destroyed with the slightest accident. Even though it had been years since Korriban, Azar would always prefer having his feet planted firmly to the ground.

“You live here?” He asked as they walked through the corridors.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Azar's short and simple answer was easily accepted. "Artistry is worthy of you," Nakoa replied, better about giving such compliments than he was receiving them. The Wrean stood with a smirk, pocketing notebook and datapad, and so lead the way. "Just so."

Beyond the office and waiting area were well-crafted halls of metal decorated in varying styles. Here closer to the center Galactica wore finery as well as any noble lady. Marble tiles disguised metal beneath their feet as they strode the halls, broken up only by security droids at semi-regular intervals making themselves as inconspicuous as possible.

Nakoa glanced at the other man. "Have a comfortable place here. But don't stay too long at a time." While he didn't share Azar's more specific unfamiliarity, the Wrean could never get used to living every day inside what amounted to a gilded metal box floating through space. He grew restless from sitting still."Enjoy traveling the stars and everything that brings."

They guided the Pureblood into a lift that carried them toward the guest rooms. A few taps on a wall console printed out an access card for Azar that Nakoa handed over. "But today, I'd like to show you Galactica." Nakoa's relaxed grin grew playful. "It's chance I'm here the same time as you. Not every day a familiar sunset comes to me for once."

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Without having to rely on the EZPods as much, the compliments were understood easily. Azar said nothing in response to the compliment, though a smile graced his lips beneath the mask. He found himself unwilling to put up as many walls since he had gotten to know Karys. He had grown up distancing himself and it ultimately led to quiet solitude that didn’t advance him in any way. Karys may have misunderstood the Drast Sith Code, but the man certainly knew how to navigate the galaxy better.

Azar took the access card and fell into step beside Nakoa. At the mention of the sunset, Azar thought back to that day. Was Nakoa always telling him such pretty things and his translator butchered it all? He could only recall Nakoa calling him Cheese or saying poetry about chickens or peacocks.

“I can’t pay more for flattery,” He said at last, the amusement in his tone clear as he teased. Azar remembered how much he enjoyed Nakoa’s company and how easy it was to coexist with him, “But that smile is priceless,” He added as they kept walking.

Galactica appeared impossible large and he forgot he was on a station in the middle of space. There were bright lights everywhere and multiple levels of shops and activities, “What you do for fun here?” He asked, genuinely curious. The last time they met, they had enjoyed a club, but that was hardly Azar’s first idea of fun these days.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Hearing Azar's returned line rather than getting the impression of bafflement, Nakoa let out a throaty chuckle as they strode the halls. The Wrean was already having fun again with Azar's unanticipated visit. They recalled well how well the duo had adapted to each other's presence on Ord Mantell, communicating through action when words failed to get across meaning. There, they'd relaxed quickly into their shared presence, natural and easy. Just like today.

It was nice Azar better handled Basic now. He must have worked hard for it.

"No trouble," he playfully countered, lips still relaxed into a languid, laid-back upward curl uneven at the sides, eyes glimmering with mirth. "Surely yours affords it." For his part, time seemed to only grow both his confidence and his easygoing nature outside. Nakoa strode the halls with a certain subtle and silken swagger as the two men exchanged lines and conversation. Their curiosity over one another seemed to have only increased over time and distance and Nakoa had no trouble indulging it.

They gestured toward a long bay window they passed by that looked out over a section of Galactica. Azar's question was taken literally. "Some days I visit antique shops in Red Light," He gestured with a hand, the small collection of rings on it in older styles and from different cultures. "Or theatres and casinos. Sometimes cabaret." A finger pointed out another window they passed at the central dome containing the Promenade. "Often convince chefs to make spicy wings," he added with obvious amusement.

"Speak with travelers, visit the Arms' food stalls and bazaar. Favorite, though, is the library. Never fails." Together they arrived in front of a guest room door with a fine plaque denoting the room number. Nakoa stopped and turned to Azar, leaning a shoulder against the doorframe with a slight tilt of the head. "What is it you want to see?"

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“Cabaret?” Azar said slowly. He was not familiar with that term. He followed Nakoa’s line of sight to see brilliant costumes, headdresses, dancers and unique forms of artistry. His brows raised before Nakoa even managed to rattle off the other options, “Let’s see cabaret,” He said with a confident nod.

The pureblood would walk with him towards the large hall that allowed for dinner and drinks during the show. Azar was silent for a moment before he smirked behind the mask, “I still have those Trandoshan boots,” He said with amusement. He wasn’t sure why he was still wearing the mask - it wasn’t like anyone recognized a pureblood on sight.

Once they entered the dark room, he finally took the mask off, allowing Nakoa to take a glance at his face for the first time in almost a decade. It was the same face, but more polished and refined, with a few more piercings along the eyebrows and ears. The gleaming, yellow gaze was very much the same.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

The pair strode into the hall and Nakoa smirked as Azar mentioned the boots, chuckling softly. "Really? You'll have to show me," he replied, previously curious over whether or not the Pureblood would follow through with making them and how they'd turn out. "I still have your jacket." Cloaked then in the cool, dark lighting of the entertainment hall, he caught the Sith slipping his mask off from the corner of his eye and so glanced over.

There it was, physical confirmation it was the same Azar as years before. A little older and more filled in. Nakoa counted more glimmers of gold along ear and brow, accentuating unique facial ridges and the gleaming gilding of his eyes. The Wrean's lips curled upward at the moment of nostalgia, the whimsy of chance, and the back-of-mind urge to ask about the piercings. Looking into yellows, as bright as Nakoa remembered, amber-gold reflected the dim light like a cat's before turning to guide them through to a VIP table.

Cabaret Music​

A big band played a number up on stage. An eclectic range of species, costumes, genders, and instruments meshed to play music and act out sensual choreography. None gave the Pureblood a second glance if they even looked at all. In fact, no staff came to help them to a table either. Apex's strategist was recognized here and could sit where they liked.

Although an untamed heart still beat in his chest Nakoa had been out and about long enough now to learn common ltitle gestures. Nakoa pulled out a well-padded chair for Azar to sit in before sitting next to him so they could both see the stage and much of the room. Azar would also notice, while no one was watching, that Nakoa's clothes had somehow shifted from formal blues to relaxed whites. An easy grin was directed Azar's way. "Can offer more than a snack this time. Have your tastes changed?" he asked.

A Cathar waiter dressed in a close-tailored uniform appeared to deliver concise menus and take drink orders. He seemed curious about the strategist bringing a guest but professionally said nothing. Choosing a mixed drink called 'Ocean Blue', Nakoa kept a mindful eye out in case Azar had any trouble reading the stylized Basic script, and he knew Azar would catch that.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar’s brows rose when Nakoa admitted to still having his jacket. He said nothing about it, though a faint grin graced his lips. He turned his gaze towards the stage, the music lowkey and different from what he heard in clubs the few times he went to them. One of those times was with Nakoa himself.

He didn’t miss how several others recognized Nakoa and catered to him, “I feel like I’m with celebrity,” Azar said with a smirk as he took his seat. He had been so busy with potions and the academy, he couldn’t remember the last time he took time away just to unwind. This wider galaxy had countless ways to indulge, and he had only just begun to scratch the surface.

“Same taste..though perhaps enjoy more seafood now,” Azar gave a playful smirk before glancing over at the menu. It took him a bit of time, but he managed to make out enough to order himself a drink and a meal.

“I am pleased to see you again, Nakoa,” He said quietly as the show prepared to begin, “Makes galaxy feel a little smaller.”

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Nakoa let out a short bark of laughter when Azar compared them to a celebrity. "Only on Galactica," he answered amusedly before continuing on in a teasing tone. "Or maybe it's my pretty face?" Last time they'd met in that Ord Mantell club nearly a decade before, surrounded by neon lights and grinding guitars, life had been much different. But the ease of just being and casual flirtation remained exactly the same. It was almost like they'd never been apart at all.

Their tastes hadn't changed so much as matured alongside them. And speaking of tastes- Nakoa took a moment or two to catch his Sith companion's double entendre, almost choking on the water he sipped as he stopped a laugh that bubbled to the surface. Amber-golds turns to fix Azar with a certain look. His returning grin was sharp, and full, and promised of mischief.

"That so? What kind do you favor?" he asked Azarin in a tone of feigned innocence that sharply contrasted his expression, as much unsubtle teasing as invitation, leaning slightly toward Azar as he spoke. Just as before, being around Azar was fun. Nakoa didn't need to put on a face or pretend to be different than they were.

Azar's more sentimental admission brought them pause, but only for a moment as they organized their thoughts. Nakoa almost made a joke about not even needing a bird this time. But instead; The smile that answered Azar was warm and lacked the usual playful edge. His voice when he spoke next was smooth, sonorous, deep. A rumbling as quietly intimate as it was utterly unashamed.

"And I am glad to have met you, Azar, and made the galaxy that much smaller."

That expression vanished as it turned to the starting show, remaining only in the pleasant curl at one corner of Nakoa's mouth. A cabaret show began in earnest moments after, colorful in its costumes and theatric in song. A tale began on stage, admixing comedy with romance and sensuality with every verse and motion. Food and drink were silently delivered at some point during. Azar might catch Nakoa glancing toward him at points during the show.

They'd found themself wanting Azar to enjoy himself here if only to see him smile like he had when he'd bade farewell.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar grinned at Nakoa’s seemingly innocent question, “Mainly the salty and spicy,” He remarked, “The milder flavor too bland for me,” He added before he looked back at the performance. The flirting was enjoyable, but he was instantly captivated by the performance. The singing, the colors, the dazzling lights all had him hooked. Nakoa would catch Azar with an almost comical look of wonder on his face as he took it all in, watching a creative expression of story and passion. There was no real war here, no contemplating the Force or survival for the next day, it was strictly art. In some ways he was reminded of the late night desert dances around a fire and the great feasts afterwards. The dangers of tuk’ata lurking beyond the horizon only added to the thrill.

“Is this part of a ceremony or ritual? Or simply…just because?” Azar mused aloud as he looked over at Nakoa to find him already glancing his way. His curious look was replaced by a grin, “Enjoying me or the show?” He quipped as he took a sip of his drink.

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Their sharp grin had widened, like Nakoa was on the verge of laughter, revealing his silent reply and a certain impish inclination. He'd rather liked Azar's answer. But then attention diverted to the starting show.

Azar's reaction was better than Nakoa had been hoping for. The awestruck captivation shining in the other man's gaze, tinted just so by fond nostalgia, was reflected across his face. The Pureblood's face sometimes moved in a way that seemed not to give too much away, less now than in the past. It hadn't been a smile, but it was something new and, in its way, it was beautiful.

"Just because. They love the performance and are paid well doing it. Their-" Nakoa had been about to go on a ramble about the performers when it hit him he'd been looking at Azar just then. They blinked bemusedly as they realized they'd been caught, well, staring. Then the Sith's quip coaxed stilled lips into a playful smirk. "I enjoy both," he quipped right back.

"Was only wondering how the spirits caught sunshine for your eyes," was breezily added on without an ounce of shame at the cheesy line serving as a flimsy excuse for staring. He felt no need to keep his interest quiet unless the recipient was unreceptive or uncomfortable. "There are ceremonies like this where you're from?" Nakoa genuinely wanted to know and was curious if Azar's question had anything to do with how things went at home. He offered a piece of his own home first.

"On Wrea, there is song and movement for many things. Changing seasons, coming of age, hunting."

@Sreeya