Open Social Sweater Weather

[Aadya Rasheer]

Of all the unassuming, backwater hilljack nowhere agriworlds in all of the galaxy, Kinyen might have been the most notable. Of course, that wasn't exactly the loftiest height to live up to, but still. Kinyen was known - at least in the agriworld parts of the galaxy - for their massive Harvest Festival. A near several days long party that culminated in a fireworks show on the night of the Harvest Moon. Which if you asked any of the locals was absolutely to die for.

It only happened every seven years or something like that, from what Aadya had heard. Either way, she'd seen some stuff that had gone viral on Switter the other day with people talking about it. Clearly Kinyen had found themselves a tech-savvy Parks Department director, as from what it looked like those viral tweets had brought the Festival a whole hell of a lot of new patrons.

Aadya had arrived on the last day of the Festival - and was luckily wearing clothes fitting of the slightly chilly weather - so things were definitively in full swing. She'd spent a lot of time away recently, mostly drifting from here to there. Despite everything, she'd never really found her footing again after breaking things off with Altair. Which was kind of pathetic, if she were being honest with herself. That was so long ago now, but it still felt like she was trying to rebuild on a foundation of sand.

Standing next to a shop that sold something called Pumpkin Spice lattes, Aadya bobbed her head along to the song that was playing through her earbuds. Everyone around seemed to be having so much fun just enjoying their lives. She couldn't remember the last time she'd done something that simple and free.

A curl of a smirk forming in the corner of her lip, Aadya decided then and there that was about to change. Sipping her latte, Aadya let out a sigh of hopeful contentment as she headed towards one of the sound stages.

Hopefully the live music was good.

 

[Alia]

Alia was not made for the cold, even a slight chill was like the frigid depths of Hoth for her. So she had come prepared, covered in multiple layers of clothing to keep the horrible cold at bay. The only positive of being here was that she was actual able to try out the tail mittens that she had bought off of someone on spetsy a few months ago. An impulse buy everyone had said, a waste of credits, as dumb as the horn lights she had bought for empire day. Well, she thought to herself as she wandered around the festival, a cup of something hot in her hands, who was laughing now, Sally from Imperial Ethics. That's right, me! Suck it Sally!

She was hoping to figure out what to do next, when she spotted her. She had hoped this would happen some day, but hadn't expected it to be so soon, and definitely not when she was half-frozen to death in this frigid hell. She would have hoped for a better setting, a better opportunity for a good first impression. But it was a big Galaxy, and Sith didn't really have the longest of life-expectancies, specially underachievers like her. Who knew if she would ever have another chance. So she downed the rest of her drink in one giant gulp, the hot liquid pouring down her throat like liquid courage for her tiny frame. She stepped up to the Sith champion, and smiled.

"HiI'mabigfancanIhaveyouratographplease?!"

Her mouth snapped shut, her mind freaking out at what she had just done. Her tail, as if having a mind of its own, slithered down under her socks and poked her hard in the ankle to help clear her head and remind her to not be such a nerd.

"Sorry, hi! I'm Alia. I wrote a paper about you in..." She stopped, and looked around to see if anyone could hear their conversation, realized they were in the middle of a festival, and leaned in to finish in a softer voice. "I wrote a paper about you in my anti-Jedi strategy class, I'm a big fan!"

@Logan

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

A celebration of the Fall Harvest had finally come to Kinyen, and the celebration was well set up. Clearly a hired crew came through and sproosed it up fittingly to look absolutely wonderful for the party goers. Not often was it that the Mirialan had been able to celebrate things, but a Harvest Festival? Nah he always has time for them. Especially when there's beautiful music much like the song playing over the speaker thanks to the live bands in attendance.

Dressed in his fall attire he had flannel as well as a nice set of jeans to complete his fit. Naturally he embraced fall weather. His home planet being colder, it was almost like home. Though still different in a good way. Walking through the crowd of people celebrating, some natives and some foreign he couldn't help but admire the scenery. There lights from the rides and food trucks but he wasn't concerned with them. He took in the sounds and the music and the smells of the food and the sights of the fall trees. It was all in all beautiful, and he was so ready to start having fun and meeting the new people here.

Just then he took a look over and noticed a couple of attractive young women. If they didn't catch your eye then something was wrong obviously. He was a little nervous to go speak with them, but something also compelled him to come over. Though he needed something to make it less awkward. A dog always does the trick, but I haven't owned one since Mirial. Maybe just a drink, or maybe my phone? Why is this so nerve racking?

Gaining the courage he just walked up, he could feel his stomach start to turn but on the outside he had to be confident. Not often you get a chance like this.

"Evening ladies, I'm Dimetri. Can I get you two a drink or something? I know the best food truck here. Place will blow your mind."

He had his left hand in his pocket since he had no idea what he would do with it, but with his right hand he had stuck it out to the two of them to shake. Maybe this would be the start to a good friendship. Now he wished he had his guitar, it was always a better conversation starter.

@Wit @Logan​

 

[Zakrym La]

It had been a while since Thyferra, in all honesty Zak didn’t know how long precisely but that ultimately didn’t matter. It had been a long road towards recovery for him, weeks of daily bacta baths to hasten the reformation of shattered bones and ruptured organs. The bacta therapy was accompanied by daily visits of Jedi healers who tended to his wounds and did their best to mend psychological wounds. It was a tiresome recovery and while Zak was still firmly locked on that road, it had been determined that he could now take short trips away from the medbay. Zak abused this newfound freedom thoroughly.

Zak made his way towards the festival, it was a slow limping progress as he leaned heavily on a cane to help support his weight. He had struggled getting the long sleeve shirt of his outfit over his montrals but overall, he was pleased the clothes he had picked out. After some effort, Zak would finally make his way into the festival grounds proper. Zak would then remove his sunglasses, hang them loosely from his shirt and then glance around the grounds for any familiar faces. It wouldn’t take long for him to spot two:

Dimetri Unduli, the Padawan he and Lucifrey had helped establish a new Enclave with. The other was a Tiefling woman named Alia whom he had briefly met on Thyferra, before the battle sparked. His memory of the event caused a twinge of pain to ripple down his body, a shiver echoed the sensation.

“Dimetri!” Zak called out, he waved at the young man.

Zak would hobble his way towards the duo that he recognized before continuing to speak.

“It’s been a while man!” He exclaimed happily. “How’ve you been?” He asked, as he playfully punched the younger man’s shoulder with his good hand. Then he turned his attention to the two women in front of him. “Hi there, Zakrym La.” He stated, extending his right hand towards Aadya first and then Alia. “Most people just call me Zak though, easier to remember or something.” He continued, giving his usual introduction.

Zak’s gaze would remain on Alia, his brow furrowed in faux remembrance. He’d snap his fingers once before pointing at the woman, a small smile would appear on his lips.

“Wait, I remember you!” He exclaimed. “You were on Thyferra right?” Zak would ask the Tiefling. “It’s Alia, isn’t it? You were with that Sith…Draudr, right?”

 

[Darth Tempest]

Prior to a mere few days ago, Vahliri hadn’t even heard of Kinyen - let alone the Harvest Festival native to the Agriworld. It was a place and celebration entirely off her radar - and it was really only due to the recent Switter hype that the half-Annfyn decided to eagerly make the journey out on the last day. She was busier than ever these days - and was truthfully looking forward to an opportunity to completely detach from Imperial obligations and just enjoy herself.

Weaving through the festive crowds, the half-Annfyn couldn’t help the shivers that ran up her spine - feeling the brush of bitter cold against her skin. Her upbringing on Indupar meant that she was far less accustomed to the cold than most - and it was reflected in the way that she bundled herself in multiple layers of clothing. She wore a black skirt and white, long-sleeve blouse - alongside a caramel-colored coat over the top. Her black hair was styled loosely - braided on a few places as it flowed down in loose waves to the middle of her back. The air was scented with notes of jasmine and citrus along the path she carved, every bit of the half-Annfyn put together.

At one point or another, Vahliri had made her way towards the base of a music stage - eagerly swaying her head as the band performed a

popular song. She nursed a mug of spiced tea - savoring both warmth within her hands and the beverage that reminded her of her native Indupar.

Her attention was drawn away from the performance as two others approach the base of the stage - immediately snapping onto Aadya and Alia. It had been months since she’d last seen the Firrerreo Champion, and despite the hostile nature of their relationship in the beginning, she actually found herself on relatively good terms with the woman since New Alderaan. “Aadya,” Vahliri flashed a smirk in her direction, “Been a while. How’ve you been?”

“Hey,” Her gaze gradually flicked over to the Tiefling Acolyte - the friendly smile lingering as she nodded toward Alia. “I’m Vahliri,”

The friendly warmth in the half-Annfyn’s smile faded ever-so-slightly, amber eyes turning them to fixate onto the Mirialan Jedi. Her mind immediately snapped back to the prison break on New Alderaan, and so the brief duel between them. She knew exactly who Dimitri was, and knew that the Padawan would recognize her just as well. Surprisingly, though, Vahliri made no attempt to lash out against the Jedi. Instead, her lips tugged ever-so-slightly wider before casually wiggling her fingers in greeting.

“Nice to see you again,”

@Logan @Scoobert @Apollyon @Wit

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

She needed a break. Heavy was the head that wears the crown or some such nonsense. Charlotte was tired and tiring. The business on Commenor coupled with the Killik invasion stressed her to the breaking point. A terrible truth gnawed at the back of her mind. She was alone. Cairo was gone. Taken by wildfire or some equally horrible fate. Andruil was cloistered on Dathomir. Did any Sith even know her? Probably not. She was ruled the Consortium absolutely, but she had no friends. No trusted confidants. She ruled alone. The Sith in her heart locked deep and far away. Charlotte fancied herself an unbreakable character, but she was cracking. She wanted…needed and escape.

Kinyen was that escaped. The backwater world was easily forgotten. The Harvest Festival attracted beings from across the galaxy. There were so many people it was easy to get lost on no-nothing world. Charlotte was dressed down for the occasion. She had taken a small shuttle here from Hapes. Only four Chume’doro melting into the crowd. She could lose herself.

So, the Queen Mother wondered. She listened to conversation. She sampled the sweets and treats. She let the sounds of the music full her forward. For once, she just lived. Charlotte took a deep breath as she walked towards one of the sound stages. Her eyes cut on a small group to the side. Why? She looked harder and her breath caught in her through. Aadya. She stood stock frozen for a moment. Without thinking, her mind flashed out and touched the other woman’s. “Aadya?” (@Logan) She hadn’t seen her in years…not since Cairo tasted wildfire.

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Oh, how much Clove loved the Harvest Festival. Despite the fact that she grew up in a medical clinic, her father's family was a farming family. And to top it all off; Annfyns were known for their agriculture. Force, her family even purchased a small farm with some land after the medical clinic closed! Agriculture and nature were in her blood, and while she often chose to ignore it in order to focus on dance and medical science, she'd go to harvest festivals every year and enjoy the atmosphere and all it had to offer.

This year was no exception. While it had been a year Clove... would... rather forget, she wasn't about to back down. Her mental and physical recovery from the breakdown and Thyferra had been slow and difficult, but this was exactly what she needed. Time away from drama, from trying to put her life back together or figuring out who she is. No. Just pumpkin spice, folk music, joyful music, dance, and plenty of warm drinks to soothe the soul.

Clove strolled through the crowd of festive people dressed in some of her favorite autumn clothes—a burnt orange corset, a white top with bell sleeves, a long white skirt with embroidery details, stockings and her favorite autumn boots with even more embroidery details—and a double layer of underwear to stay warm. Her hands fiddled idly with the checkered scarf that held her hair back, her large brown eyes darting left and right in search of a hot chocolate stand.

Instead of hot chocolate, her eyes were drawn to something entirely different. Sith and Jedi chatting together. To be more precise; Aadya(@Logan) and Vahl(@Altaris). Two of the three people who haunted her nonstop during her months of torture. Vahl for blowing up the Jedi Temple and injuring so many people, and Aadya... well, there was too much to list. The only person missing was the man who held everything together, somehow. For a brief moment, she considered turning around and walking away. And yet, she didn't.

Wasn't she here to be herself and get away from her pain? How could she if she kept running?

No. Burn all of that. She was here to have a good time! Aadya and she shared an awkward cup of coffee, and Vahl and she had good relations as far as Vahl knew. She was capable of doing this. She had to do this. And she wasn't facing them alone; Zak(@Apollyon) and Dimetri(@Scoobert) were there, Jedi she recognized. And, while she was no longer a Jedi, she still considered them friends.

The half-Annfyn took a deep and nervous breath before approaching the group of people, noticing another woman(@Valen Pelora) join them. She squinted slightly, trying to remember where she'd seen her before. And then it clicked. The dreadful nightmare manor! Yes! She'd been there, alongside Arctus! She hadn't seen her for long, but she was in the final room! And... wait- Alia(@Wit) was there too! She was a little harder to see next to the taller girls, but she was there! Alia!

"Hay everyone." Clove spoke almost timidly and shyly, her hand lifting into an elegant wave.

---

​

tagged! ​

 

[Aadya Rasheer]

Just as she started nearing the sound stage, Aadya pulled the headphones out of her ears and was almost immediately taken by surprise by a strange red headed girl who approached her and started speaking a mile a minute.

My autograph? She asked with a raised eyebrow, a little suspicious of why anyone would ever ask her for something like that. Then Alia mentioned writing a paper and Anti-Jedi strategy, and things started clicking in place. No way, that's wild! And a little embarrassing, she said with a laugh. But I'm super flattered. Sure, you can have my autograph.

Reaching into the pocket of her jacket, Aadya withdrew the only object she had to write on: a small silver flask she always carried around with her. Looking around, she spotted a permanent marker on a booth nearby and very subtly yoinked it toward herself with the force. Flipping the cap off, she did her most legible signature and handed the flask over to Alia.

Nice to meet you by the way. You hear about this festival on Switter too?

Before they could get much further into conversation, Alia and Aadya were approached by two dudes. Two rather.. good looking dudes, if she were being honest. Looking at Dimetri, Aadya would flash him a flirtatious smirk as she took his hand and shook it. She'd also return Zak's greeting, though without the flirting.

Dimetri seemed so familiar to her but she couldn't quite place him and it bugged her a little bit. Where had she seen him before..

Just as Aadya began trawling her memory for where she knew Dimetri from, a familiar voice pulled her back into the present as her eyes widened in pleasant surprise.

Vahl! She said, returning the girls half smile. They let people like you in places like this? What is the world coming to. Awhile ago, that would have come out of Aadya with the same passive aggressive tone a mom used on her most disappointing child. Instead, it was light hearted and joking, a sign of just how far Aadya and Vahl's relationship had come. You look so fucking cute by the way. You really do need to show me where you buy your clothes sometime.

Aadya's mind started drifting back to Dimetri again, but seemingly without fail, her thoughts were once again disrupted by a beautiful lady. But this one, oh this one, Aadya remembered very, very well. Without even thinking about, Aadya's eyes were drawn to Charlotte, looking her up and down as her mind drifted back to what the woman looked like without clothes.

They would meet eyes as the Queen Mother stood away from the group that was forming, and Charlotte would know exactly what Aadya was thinking about. She motioned for the woman to join them as once again, another approached and joined the motely crew near the sound stage.

Clove, Aadya said, returning the girl's wave. It was the sudden appearance of the Jedi that Aadya was suddenly jolted with where she knew Dimetri from.

She'd very nearly succeeding in killing the man when they'd broken Altair out of prison. Holy shit. If Aadya had two credits for every time she was at a festival and someone she'd tried to murder walked up and introduced themselves, she'd have two credits. Which isn't a lot, but it seems weird that it had happened twice in less than ten minutes.

Shaking her head a little bit in disbelief, Aadya turned her attention back to Dimetri with a slightly renewed sense of attraction.

Or maybe she was just hungry. It was hard to say.

Anybody wanna dance??

@Altaris @Wit @Scoobert @Apollyon @Valen Pelora @LilyNion

 

[Dimetri Unduli]

As he became acquainted with the two, Alia and Aadya, he took notice to the seductive smirk given his way. Not often you see this at the temples or around anything Jedi oriented anyway. This really boosted some confidence within himself. Had it not been taken away at the sight of Vahliri. No that just opened up a world of internal pain. Then when Zak appeared he felt a slight relief, though the trauma of that fight at the prison.. it was enough to instill an internal fear once again.

He had to be strong though, and forget the sight of mutilated corpses. He did what he could then and it seemed she was not a threat now. The Mirialan knew he had to move past it. Perhaps she did as well.. hopefully..

"Yes.. Good to see you too.."

She seemed to have a nicer side to her when she's not ripping people apart with the force. The thought of having to handle another fight with her and what seemed to be her colleagues.. it would be a concerning fight. Nonetheless everyone here was here to enjoy the festival. To celebrate the Harvest. Well most of them anyway. Zak had greeted Dimetri with a kindness and the Mirialan was a bit surprised to see he had recovered so well.

"Good to see you as well Zak, I'm good and you seem better now."

A slight exhaled chuckle came out and then eyes back to Aadya. The one who seemed interested. Luckily it was the one he had hoped to speak to tonight. Something about her struck him like a lightning bolt. Her hand was soft when she shook his, a gentle but firm grasp. He could get behind a strong woman. When he heard a new song began to play, he heard Aadya ask for a dance, this was his chance.

"I think I'll take you up on that."

His red eyes set on hers as he held his hand out once more but this time for her to take and join him on the hardwood dance floor surrounded by hay bales and dangling lights. The stage just a good few meters away from them as he would pull her in to begin a 1, 2 step style of dance. It was the only thing he had ever been taught as far as dancing goes. The Jedi are surprisingly dull when it comes to social events like these.

@Logan @Apollyon @Altaris @Wit @LilyNion @Valen Pelora

 

[Sol Kenuk]

There were few in the galaxy that would look upon the stoic minded Sol and assume that he enjoyed such outings. Perhaps it didn't help that the Kel Dor often portrayed himself as the stern, brooding type. Curiosity, however, was something that would draw him out from even the deepest of the galaxy's holes. Fireworks, a dazzling moon, an assortment of interesting products and.... customers. All mingling in one location, where the festival glowed with vibrant life. There was no battle to be fought here. No governments to be overturned. This was a peaceful occasion, and one that the Sith was all too eager to partake in, despite his dreary reputation.

Of course, naturally, the Kel Dor was draped in expensive black clothing. His taste for extravagant attire knew no bounds, even with the biting chill of the planet's atmosphere.

Carved pumpkins jeered at him with painted expressions as he strode gracefully past. The scent of spice latte's permeated the air with a pleasant warmth. The sound of music twirled between festival-goers, inspiring dances among those bold enough to partake. Behind shaded goggles, curious eyes of silver flecked magma glowed in quiet delight. The liveliness of the event seeped through even his thick skin, it would seem. And, perched upon his shoulders, a tabby striped Cyber Cat chattered at the crowd with an assortment of meows, as lifelike as one could imagine a droid could be.

The cherry on top, he supposed.

Several times since his arrival had others stopped to gawk at the mechanical creature, inquiring as to where they could find such an adorable companion. Naturally, Sol was all too eager to advertise his company. That was the primary reason he had brought the cat, after all. Well, that and it was rather adorable.

The Kel Dor reached up, gathered his feline friend within his arms and was content to feel it's purr resonate against his chest as he browsed the assorted shops of the Harvest Festival. That was, until, he saw someone familiar among the crowd. Vahliri? And... several others mingling nearby. Friends of hers? A curious hum is drawn from a masked maw as Sol changes course, talons coiling gently across the surface of the droid he cradled as the young Champion strolls toward the growing group without any regard for whether or not they wanted him there.

"My, my. Quite the gathering." The Kel Dor speaks smoothly, words glazed in polite honey. He doesn't catch onto the group's conversations, other than the request to dance, which a young Mirialan agrees to. Sol himself knew how to dance, though that was certainly a well kept secret. After all, he rarely partook in such activities. This festival, however, might present a charming opportunity. He observes the pair as they head toward the nearby dancefloor, although the Kel Dor does not follow. Rather, his vision rakes through the rest of the group with an inquisitive glimmer, before it finally returns to Vahliri.

"Pleased to see I'm not completely surrounded by strangers." A gentle smirk tugs at the Champion's cheek. "Switter makes the whole galaxy go 'round, it seems." Amusement twinkled within corrupted eyes.

@Scoobert @Logan @LilyNion @Apollyon @Altaris @Wit @Valen Pelora

 

[Atias Zaldreell]

A Harvest Festival was something new to Atias. Coming from a trade focused planet like Commenor, such events weren’t common. Agriculture wasn’t that common on his planet, either. There were some farms, but it wasn’t the main focus of its economy. There were more spaceports on his homeworld than cultivated land.

Even with his lack of knowledge about such an event, Atias was loving it so far. The music was cool, the decoration pretty and the food excellent. The last one was the thing that he most appreciated so far. Everything was made with fresh ingredients and it made the food taste even more delicious.

Right now, he was walking around the fair in search of the food that he wanted to taste next. While he looked around, the half-Morellian saw some familiar figures. He saw Dimitri, the Mirialan Padawan that he met some time ago. He was with Zakrym, a Jedi Knight that Atias used to see in the Temple.

However, what surprised him was the fact that Clove was here. It had been years since he saw her for the last time. Since she left the Order, the ex-Knight rarely answered his letters. He noticed how she was dressed and smirked. Once again the half-Annfyn looked like a character coming from a fairy tale. This time she was cosplaying as a god-hearted peasant. Compared to her, the half-Morellian was dressed more casually.

“Hey, Thumbelina! Finally I found you!” Atias said, while approaching the half-Annfyn. He had no will intention behind the nickname, being more close to how a brother would playfully act with a sister. “It has been ages since you answered my last message. I missed you.” he frowned, his voice sounding strangely serious for someone so easy-going like him. “You could have said that you are alive and well wherever you decided to stay contemplating your existence.” Then, he noticed the people that she was talking with. He waved and smiled at them. “Sorry, it was rude. My name is Atias.”

@LilyNion @Altaris @Nevermourn @Apollyon @Scoobert @Valen Pelora @Logan

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte felt Aadya’s eyes rake across her. A shiver ran up her spine. Why did she feel this way? She could not remember the last time she’d seen Aadya. That one night was the only connection they shared…but it had been a memorable night. In this moment, Aadya felt like Charlotte’s last connection to the Sith. The last piece of her core. She needed that connection. It was still who she was despite all the trapping of power. No one here knew her past. Aadya would keep her secret. Charlotte moved towards the group. Her eyes catching on another woman.

She clicked her tongue. Jedi. She remembered that one from her nightmares. She had been with Arctus before the group split. Well…only Arctus had seen her wield the Force. She had almost liked the Jedi, right until he just had to be a hero. The Jedi never did seem to understand you could let people die. Her eyes flicked over the group again. What a strange gathering.

Charlotte hesitated as more clung together. A young mirialan dancing away with her prize. The Queen Mother scowled. She was the ruler of the Hapes Consortium. 130 systems and more bending the knee. She was not some doe eyed schoolgirl. What was it about facing her past that made her this was? Weakness. She was disgusted with herself. Her hands made a series of signal to her Chume’doro. They danced off to do her binding. She inserted herself into the group. Her eyes focusing on the Jedi. “My…my…an awfully long way from that mansion, aren’t we?” (@LilyNion) Her voice was tightly controlled. Suddenly, the music began to shift. “Do you all dance like him?” She pointed at the mirialan. He retro dance moves on full display. “Is that why you’re standing here?” Charlotte began to move with the beat. “Don’t be boring, dears.” She spun away into the crowd towards Aadya and her green skinned escort. (@Scoobert @Logan)

 

[Kanaloa Tau]

Kinyen's culture was strangely familiar and unfamiliar at once from Kane's perspective. Cooperative and spiritual like the Republic of Tethys, but without the many dangers of the deep sea to compete with. He was also lucky enough to have left home in time to catch their seven-year harvest festival. It'd been blowing across Switter and seemed like a fun opportunity to explore new things. Kane was already fascinated by the abundance of trees.

Dressed comfortably with his gills covered by a cloth, Kanaloa wandered aimlessly through the busy festival atmosphere unbothered by the cold, just taking in the sights and sounds. Various piercings were gathered on his ears along with a pair of snakebite rings through his bottom lip. He was even sipping some spiced coffee drink thing curled in his left hand as he walked toward one of the live shows.

A group garbed in autumnal attire had gathered around the stage, some moving to dance. Kane was surprised to see people he'd heard of a couple mostly by description or deed. Namely, Aadya and Vahliri and their frontline fighting. There was also someone else he was like eighty percent sure he recognized from the holonet. Perfect excuses to wander over since he was otherwise by himself in new territory. He'd never met any of them in person, but that wasn't stopping him.

"Hey-ah, I'm called Kane," he introduced himself to the group with a breezy smile, pronouncing it Kah-nay. Kane offered his hand to shake with the various people still in the group. "Aha, aren't you Wheels?" he directed at Clove. His voice was notably accented; tonal with smoothly rolled Rs and the flanged undertones typical of Wreans. "Big fan of the wheeling lance."

Getting a closer look at the others around, the pointy-eared one was definitely that Vahliri known for never covering her face in a fight. "And, Vahliri? Definitely heard of you." For reasons he wasn't going to bring up at a public festival. Amber-gold eyes settled for an extra moment on Alia, taking in her many layers of clothing and tail mittens. She practically screamed 'does not vibe with the cold'. The Wrean couldn't relate.

"Consider dancing to warm up?" Kane asked her, head cocking toward the floor and grinning slightly.

@LilyNion @Apollyon @Altaris @Wit

 

[Tazlen Axil]

While he had absolutely no musical or cooking talent of his own, Tazlen loved festivals for the live performances and food they offered. He always made a point to stop by each stall to sample something, his focus far more on that than people. He had a pastry in one hand and a pumpkin cinnamon drink of some sort in another as he made his way through the crowds. Taz could spot a few familiar faces up ahead and decided to gravitate towards them.

He was dressed for the weather, the blue in his shirt matching his piercing gaze. Taz swallowed the last of his pastry before wiping his sticky fingers off on a napkin. He approached the small group, recognizing a few of the ladies, but he wasn’t sure from where. Everyone was certainly easy on the eyes, whether male or female, and he decided to just vibe and sip from his overly sugary drink.

Taz immediately spotted the Queen Mother, a woman that was becoming more and more known throughout the galaxy for her exploits. He was surprised to see her here mingling with the crowds instead of being surrounded by security. His gaze next wandered over to the blond with the pointed ears, recognizing her as a prominent member of the Jedi. Rumor suggested she had left the Order, but he didn’t want to pry. His gaze then landed on the second Annfyn, lingering there for a moment as he took another quiet sip of his drink. He had never seen a Wrean before, so he eyed the handsome man briefly as he gestured the Devaronia- wait... she had a tail? What race was that?

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri took a small drink from her spiced tea, savoring the aroma of the beverage and the warm that helped banish down the chill in the air. Her lips cracked upwards into a playful grin when Aadya spoke, eyes narrowing ever-so-slightly in a way that wasn’t at all serious. “Not a very high bar for entry after you slithered your way in.” She cocked her head ever-so-slightly. There had been a time when either comment was likely to end in blows being exchanged. Now, it couldn’t have been more lighthearted and playful. It spoke volumes to how far the two of them had progressed and how much the half-Annfyn had grown personally. “Any time,” She said towards the Firrerreo when she mentioned findings clothes together, “Can make a day of it.”

The half-Annfyn’s cold smile lingered on Dimetri for a few long seconds before flicking over to Zak, spotting the Togruta before offering him a jut of her chin, “Vahliri,” She said with a friendly tone. The same tone was sorta-kinda extended toward Sol as the Kel’dor walked up - recognizing the fellow Sith. “Hey,”

She had to do a double-take when Charlotte strolled into their little circle - immediately recognizing her for the Queen Mother that she was. The half-Annfyn was entirely shocked to find the prominent royal mingling common folk, least of all without a full detail of security around her. “Hardly,” She grinned, glancing over to watch the Mirialan’s dance moves for a few moments. Her attention promptly flicked over to Kane - watching as the Wrean made his entrance. His was a rare species - with Sol being the only one of his kin she actually knew. “Good things, I would hope,” She grinned at his words. “Nice piercings.” The half-Annfyn gestured lightly with a hand.

Vahliri’s eyes widened ever so slightly when Clove arrived - immediately recognizing the half-Annfyn as she entered the group. Truth be told, she hadn’t seen or heard from the girl since New Alderaan - and harbored no hard feelings after she had helped direct them to where Altair was being held. Any heartache or trauma she suffered due to Vahliri’s own scorched-earth tactics was entirely lost on her. “Clove!” She smiled, “It’s been a while!”

Vahliri’s gaze flicked finally to the last arrival - lingering for a moment on the man as their gazes met. Good looks aside, she immediately recognized their shared Annfyn ancestry - bringing a smile to her lips. “Don’t be a stranger,” She called out - her voice friendly and playful as she waved Tazlen closer. “I’m Vahliri,” She said with a small wiggle of her fingers. She didn’t wait around too long before stepping backwards and towards the dancing - momentarily facing the group with a smirk, “Care to dance?” She said towards Tazlen personally, gaze lingering on the half-Annfyn half-Firrerreo before back to the others. “Come on,” A bit of encouragement to get the others going.

Regardless of whether Tazlen took her up on the offer, the half-Annfyn began to move her hips gracefully to the music - intent on dancing with a partner or not.

@Sreeya @Apollyon @Wit @Logan @LilyNion @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @Valen Pelora @LouJoVi @Nevermourn

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen was mid-sip when the gorgeous half Annfyn eyed him and asked him to dance. At first he actually looked around and behind himself to see if she meant someone else. When he realized it was himself, he tossed back his drink and used the Force to casually float the mug over to ditch it into a nearby bin. He walked closer to Vahliri with a smile, “I’m Tazlen,” His smile revealed slightly pointed fangs. They weren’t as prominent as a full Firrerreo, but they were there all the same.

He extended a hand to take hers, tugging her closer, “I have to warn you, I’m pretty shit at dancing,” Tazlen admitted with a chuckle. He could already tell he would be outclassed with the way she moved. He faced her at first, glancing down at his own feet and then hers, his hands awkwardly on her hips as if they were in high school prom.

Tazlen looked up and gave her a sheepish grin, “I promise I’m not this worthless at everything,” He didn’t want to admit to her that his dance experience was mostly standing around and swaying while someone else grinded on him. That took all the effort out for him thankfully, but Vahliri seemed like she was used to dancing with people who actually knew how.

@Altaris

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri couldn’t help but arch a brow, watching as Tazlen casually floated his mug away with the Force. In their current setting, there were no questions about Sith or Jedi or what side of the war they ultimately fought on - and instead the half-Annfyn merely flashed him a playful grin. “Tazlen,” She repeated, as if committing the name to memory. “Pleasure to meet you.” Vahliri didn’t miss the hint of this prominent fangs - a feature that hinted he wasn’t entirely Human or Annfyn and carried its own allure.

Nonchalantly disregarding her spice-tea into a bin with a flick of the wrist , Vahliri wasted no time in seizing Tazlen’s hand - fingers coiling around his own as the distance was closed, her other hand coming to rest lightly against the nape of his neck. Her lips tugged up a bit when he made his admission, revealing the dimples that crowned her bright expression. “All you need is the right partner,” She said without missing a beat, hips swaying with languid, fluid grace. It was abundantly clear by the way she moved that the half-Annfyn was experienced - almost second nature after a lifetime of dancing.

Just as Tazlen glanced down at his own feet, Vahliri brushed her hand across the top of his own - guiding one of his hands from awkwardly at her hips to rest against the small of her back - nudging just a bit closer to their hips just grazed. Even as she swayed and undulated with the music, the half-Annfyn slowed her steps ever-so-slightly for Tazlen to follow. After a moment or two, she lifted their conjoined hands above them both - twirling herself and causing her braided dark hair to twist around in waves. For all the ways that the half-Annfyn could dominate and flaunt on the dancefloor, she made a point to find pace with her partner rather than dancing circles around him.

She tilted her head a bit when Tazlen spoke, arching a brow ever-so-slightly when he proclaimed there were other things he was good at. “Oh?” The half-Annfyn stepped forward in synchronization with the music, picking her moment to abruptly tip the man backwards. She maintained her grip on his hand and the back of his - and Tazlen would undoubtedly feel the faint manipulations of the Force she summoned at once - supporting his weight despite their size difference and revealing exactly what she was in the same moment.

“What else are you good at, Tazlen?” She said with a smile, using both the Force and her own strength to seamlessly pull the man back up to his full height. She stepped backwards gracefully, allowing him to lead their dance however he felt so inclined.

@Sreeya

 

[Alia]

Alia didn't really follow much of the conversation when the two Jedi showed up, she was rather star-struck at the moment and too busy trying to find the safest place to keep the flask that Aadya had signed and given her. She hadn't really expected an autograph, but getting one, and on something as cool as a flaks? Her mind was very much blown. She was going to have to go find Arla and beg her help with a spell to ensure that the writing never vanished from the flask. Sure, the thing might be called a permanent marker, but she had scribbled more than a few insults on the faces of people she didn't like with permanent markers and knew that they were anything but permanent. Not that she was going to spend a week scrubbing the writing off the flask, but still, better safe than sorry.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by Vahliri's greeting, just in time to also notice Clove's arrival and general greeting to the group. By then she had started falling behind in the greetings, and Vahliri was already tied up in banter with Aadya. A little cross at having missed her opportunity to speak more freely with either champion, she turned to Clove just as some guy showed up and started badgering her about not returning his messages.

"Take a hint," she called out to him as she stepped up to Clove, completely misinterpreting the situation between the two, "will ya? When a girl doesn't respond to your messages it means she doesn't want to talk to you. Her being too polite to say otherwise isn't an excuse to keep bothering her." Shaking her head in a bemused smirk, she pulled Clove into a hug, whispering into her ear. "Don't worry girl, I got you. You Jedi really need to learn that it's okay to not be nice all the time."

She pulled back from the hug, and before she could create further drama between Atias and Clove another new arrival mentioned dancing to fight the cold. An appealing offer, specially with her beverage gone and unable to help keep her warm. "Sure," she replied, just as the music changed as well, moving to a slightly more upbeat number, "oooh, I love this song! Let's go!" She gestured for Clove to follow, and then grabbed Kane's hand and made for the clearing that seemed to be the impromptu dance floor. Once there she started moving to the music, in her mind putting up a show worthy of Dancing with the Stars, but in reality much more likely to become a meme video on spacetube.

@Logan @LilyNion @LouJoVi @Mr. Teatime

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Ah, it seemed most people either knew each other, or were eager to get to know one another. Well, everyone except Sol. Asides from Vahliri's simple greeting, the Kel Dor got nary an acknowledgement. And to think, he had brought his adorable little cat with him for the sole purpose of attention. Tragic. His talons slide gently down the striped back of his feline droid companion as the Sith observes the ensuing dances with a cold jealousy.

In truth, he had half a mind to cause some trouble. Perhaps set the food tent on fire. Or someone's ass. Of all the people here, Sol was the only one that mattered. But, well... he won't a tantrum over it, even if the thought of a few deaths amused him. Ultimately, it would gain him nothing, and the attention it would garner would certainly not be of the intended type.

So, he won't be petty. He couldn't blame them, anyways. It wasn't as if Sol was particularly well know yet. He was determined to change that, but it would take time.

For the moment, his wintry eyes shift to land upon a vibrant Togruta, a stranger, but one that had yet been invited to a dance, much like the sassy Kel Dor. The Sith slithers gracefully toward Zakrym (@Apollyon ), the gait of a deadly snake in the guise of a gentleman. The Cyber Cat is still tucked within his arms, and the cute droid only serves to fortify Sol's polite appearance.

"Well, hello there." The Champion greets with a honeyed drawl. "My name is Sol Kenuk." And with an elegant gesture, his right hand slips away from the Cyber Cat to extend toward the Togruta. "Care for a dance? Or shall we just continue to stand on the sidelines, like awkward loners at a high-school ball?" Dry, sarcastic humor. Something to be expected from the Kel Dor, though only a few would know it.

 

[Arctus Friers]

Never thought you'd be back here and yet here you are. And you aren't even hiding from some schmucks tryin' to beat you up. Told ya, making that Switter acount is mad.

Well, he was here now and that was what mattered. Kinyen had and would always be one of his hiding spots, former smuggler or not. The agriworld had a certain charm to it, and Arctus had always been mesmerized by the sight of the leaves changing color, shifting from vibrant greens into fiery oranges and reds. The shift from summer to autumn didn't just herald a change to the seasons, but it was also a reminder of his upcoming birthday. And what better way to spend the weeks prior to it than to join in on the Harvest Festival?

That had always been one of the few reasons for visiting Kinyen. This particular visit, however, was for a brand new reason. Before, he'd been here as a smuggler, an addict. Now he was just Arctus, not the former smuggler nor the Padawan, just... him. Spending his alone time away from the madness, the chaos, and the overall mess the galaxy found itself diving head first into. He was here to have a good time, a quiet time. A place where only a few people knew him, and away from the duties he should be upholding as a member of the Jedi Order.

Music floated all over the place when Arctus arrived where the Festival was being held. He pulled on his jacket, halfheartedly trying to stave off the chill in the air. The Corellian politely turned down offers of food and drink from shop and stall owners, though he obliged a tiny girl-child behind a lemonade stall. At first he had been worried that her parents left her to manage the stall on her own, but his concern was swept away by the arrival of a couple whom the girl-child recognized as her relatives. Assuring Arctus that they were there to watch over the little girl – and there was no lie or doublespeak on the pair of adults' words –, the woman then offered him a pastry, on the house, which he gratefully accepted after sneaking in some credits across the counter.

He wandered around, whiling away the hours as he waited for the fireworks display. Booted feet carried him towards the sound stage, head gently bobbing along with the beat of the music playing. Arctus would've stayed on the sidelines, sipping on his lemonade, had he not spotted a familiar face he didn't actually expect seeing again – or any other time at all, for the matter.

He barely noticed Clove, hells, he barely even noticed her companions and a fellow Padawan. Hazel grey gaze alighted on her, and memories of that horrible mansion and its terrifying denizens (fuck that one priest in particular) flickered one after another in his mind's eye like an old holomovie he wouldn't want to watch again. Oddly enough the initial emotion that surged within him was relief, mostly because his worries about her escaping from that mansion have been finally eased. Though he would have normally avoided and possibly fled at the sight of her, knowing full well what she was, Arctus allowed himself to focus on that relief (and a smidge of gratitude that surprised him) that like him and his friends–

"Charlie...?"

He was still a few meters away from the group, still standing on his corner with a look of pleasant surprise on his face. Arctus, for his part, didn't even try to be discreet with his staring, sure that she would feel someone's gaze on her and eventually find the source.

@Valen Pelora