Open TeenForce Go: Yavin- "It's Just a Pot Luck."

[Drastus Drahr]

Location: Drastus' Room
Time: Between Meet the DLX Crew and Religious Experience

​

Drastus had put out the word amongst all his friends and other Padawans. They'd all been running around some of them never meeting and he was here to change that. They were after all, apparently on the same team, despite the various factions that had been forming. And in the next day or so, some of them were on standby to join a strike team on Onderon. Would be a shame for them to die without actually ever getting to know each other. He had splurged on the event, purchasing some kegs of tisane (a Mandalorian fruit tea) and some other beverages for if Master's weren't around. He had invited @Willa Kanz to DJ the event and even took over the room adjoined to his to make room for dancing. If she didn't show up, he still had a killer play list.

The young man was dressed in his best: Black leatharis trousers with his silky purple button up shirt, top three unbuttoned, and a black vest to pull it all together. There was quite a range of invites going around and he expected half the invited to not show, but it is what it was. Nobody could say he ever left anyone uninvited.

His own room now, had the holo up and ready for some people to watch videos or play games, he had party games set up, snacks and drinks. The adjoining room had the black lights rigged together by the junkers, a disco ball (why not), and a borrowed sound system. After a few hours of setting up, he'd lounge on his couch and just wait for some guests.


@Nefieslab @Killa Ree @Forsythe Crowholde @Catbert @Xian @Charndley @Fantasy Liver @Isen @Kayenta Moenkopi @Dasi Vemm @Monimus @AnyOtherPadawanImForgetting

 

[Chom Doneeta]

Chom stood in front of the mirror fiddling with his tunic for about the twentieth time. Chom owned few clothes and so, instead, he was wearing a finely made high collared tunic and matching bottoms of pitch black.

When he had asked for a set of simple dress clothing to be made a few months ago, in case he ever needed to attend a more formal event, he had been surprised that the clothing the Order supplied was made from Synthsilk of all things. The Order had far more funds than he’d ever believed during his Sith days. His teachers back then had made it sound like the Jedi where a bunch of creditless hobos. To finish the outfit off was high leather boots and his usual Twi’lek headdress which not only covered the top of his head but also wound down his lekku.

Tugging at his tunic again the Padawan sighed. He preferred loose clothing but apparently having things be well fitting was “fashionable” especially when one had an athletic body. Chom hadn’t really understood the recommendations for the clothes after his own request being “tidy” and “black”.

Having heard about the party Chom had nearly dismissed it. After all he’d spent all his time amongst the Jedi avoiding his peers ever since his release from imprisonment. However after his recent run-in with the small group of Padawans, including the host of the party, he’d decided to attend. Even if it had taken the incessant beeping of his little R6 buddy to push him towards it.

“How do I look?” he asked R6 who gave a complimentary beep in return.

Chuckling Chom nodded to himself. “Okay here I go.” he said half to himself and half to the droid. Pausing at the doorway he took a deep breath before stepping out into the corridor.

Striding towards the room he’d been told the party was in, belonging to Padawan Drastus, if he recalled the name correctly.

Reaching the room he knocked a few times before entering and glancing around. With utter horror, a feeling which was clear to see written upon his face, Chom realised he was the first to arrive.

What did he do? What was proper protocol? He’d never been to a party before! Well not as a guest afterall. There had been that one time when the target was… well nevermind.

Chom cleared his throat awkwardly before moving into the room properly. “Uhhh… hi.” he said awkwardly. “Nice party.” he added fidgeting with his sleeve.

Finding an empty seat the Twi’lek would sit down, his spine stiff, as he sat ramrod straight.

 

[Lani Tallis]

Galania was surprised. The "event" was what everyone else in the galaxy would call "a party". Were Jedi even supposed to be doing that kind of thing? Didn't it go against the Code in one or multiple ways? "Who kriffin' cares? I'd never say no to a party!" The young Zeltron thrived off crowds and the associated positive emotions. And that was the place to get both. Rest assured, Galania was coming prepared.

For that event, Lani had chosen a style called "Nykosplay" — dressing like Nykoria Tallis, a Jedi Master and her missing older sister. The Zeltron let her straight indigo hair fall freely: below the shoulder length and onto the dark-brown leather jacket with a tribal accent on its back. A black tank top underneath and dark-blue pants completed the picture. For even more authenticity, the holster on the right hip contained Kori's M3 stun pistol, which Lani affectionately named "Eternal-Buster".

And of course, a half of Kori's saber was also clipped to Lani's belt; set to training mode to prevent incidents. It was a vital part of "Kori cosplay", but also a necessary precaution. Although she was not around to see it, Galania had heard all there was to it about Ajan Kloss and the Sith attack. It offered at least a partial explanation while Nykoria was so concerned for Lani and the rest of the family.

Regardless, Galania pulled the front of the oversized jacket down to make it look more fitting. Only then did she stay into the room. "Hey, Drast," she'd stand on her toes to reach her friend and give him a brief hug, if he'd have it. "Nice place you've got here," as a newcomer, Galania didn't have a room of her own yet, so she employed a shuttle parked far outside the temple for that purpose. "Got to admit, a little jealous right now."

The young Padawan waved to a Twi'lek with a friendly smile, before jumping into another free seat opposite to him and facing away from the door. Whoever else came into the room, they'd first catch a glimpse of indigo hair, purple cheek, and a dark-brown sleeve of the leather jacket. And boy, was it so much cosier than the pilot's seat on the shuttle! Lani spread her arms on the armrests and crossed her legs, enjoying the amount of free space that her seat offered.

 

[Rahla Vimt]

It was a bit of an adjustment, Rah’la decided, but one she should welcome. After all, being part of an enclave of Jedi was exciting and she really wasn’t the ‘loner’ type. Even so there was an air of competition among the other Padawans, and the Knights too since she was being honest with herself, that was more than intimidating. The whole pecking order was based on skill level, after all, and everyone here seemed to already know into which niche they fit. It teased and tickled her competitive nature, a flaw she was working hard to contain, so it was with an eye to restraint that she moderated her behavior in ways she had never before been compelled.

The bulk of her training had been in private with Master Fonwim, traveling all over as they tended to the work of the Order. She supposed the Knight had felt she had grown enough to be set loose among the others, the thought making her laugh as it conjured up images of some wild beast brought to pasture with the main herd. It was nothing but absurdity and best left at that. If anything it was more probable that she had finally gotten to a level at which she would not bring shame to her Master by being seen in public!

With a large grin she turned to stand before the reflecting glass in the room she had been assigned. Slipping a brass colored bracer upon each one of her head tresses she slid them upward into place and tried not to grow overly homesick. Most of the time she didn’t go around with such formal adornments for fear of losing one but for special occasions no self respecting young lady would be caught in public without them. Her mother’s parting gift and words of admonishment had amused her the day she left home, but today she was glad to have a bit of home to take with her to the party.

Once the last band was in place, she let her hands smooth down over the tunic and readjusted the tie of her sash more securely. She was dressed in browns and golds, with accents of rust and burnt umber save for her trousers which were completely brown. Her boots were the sore spot, as she completed her survey of her reflection otherwise pleased by what she saw. The young woman didn’t have another pair so brushing and a polish would have to do. Surely there would be so many people there no one would notice anyway.

If Rah’la had misgivings about her ability to find the right room she needn’t have bothered for it was more than obvious there was a party going on. She heard the music well before she saw the flashes of color spilling out into the corridor ahead. Rounding the corner she had no trouble in being certain that this was the place. The Nautolan entered through the open door and let her eyes scan the room. Her grin widened slightly as she saw the screen saver on the holo was a meme that had been going round about Pajama Bandits and Children’s Crusades in that actual Pj’s had been edited into the news feed that had so upset her mother. Oh Rah’la could laugh about it now but at first it had basically been the end of the world; at least to hear her mother go off.

”Hello Drast”, she said and nodded to the woman standing with him in greeting. ”Hi”, she said and let her eyes move to the man on the couch giving him a nod and a wave, ”Evening”, she said pleasantly before letting her eyes take in the room. ”This is a nice room...hey!”, she exclaimed slightly as her eyes saw the adjoining room, ”how do you rate a whole suite?”.

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast's initial fear was soothed as Willa arrived before everyone else and set up on his headboard-converted mixing table. Perfect for storage and parties. She would begin to play music before anyone showed up and he had the lights synced to the music.

Entering back into the main room, he paused as the twi entered. He looked very familiar and Drast felt bad for forgetting his name. "Uh hi. Nice party."

Drast would hit him with one of those patented grins. "Hey, bud. Glad ya made it. Dancing is in the other room, make yourself at home yeah? You look great, man." He'd even clap Chom on the upper back as he entered.

"Hey, Drast." Then came the person he was most excited for, but, he could never tell if it was how he felt or how she edged him along with her pheromones. Either way, Lani would enter and suddenly the room brightened. "Nice place you've got here. Got to admit, a little jealous right now."

He greeted her with that same grin "Hey yourself, Lani, c'mon in." though she went in for the hug and hell, so did he. Arms wrapped around her waist he'd lift her the rest of the way for the hug. And this is where the the confusion came in, pheromones or his own will. As he hugged her tightly, he followed up with a gentle kiss to her lips. And then he came back to it. There was a flicker of momentary surprise in his eyes and by the gods was he ready for whatever outcome lay ahead. But for now, he'd play cool. Breaking the kiss and the hug he just grinned. "Make yourself at home."

Then Rah'la entered. The timing of these people. "Hello Drast." He turned to her and was happy to see someone enjoying his hard work at meming the recent flicks of the Pajama Bandits.

"Hey Rah'la, love the rings." He said with a smirk. The girl had taste, he couldn't fault that. And she definitely dressed to impress. At her question, he'd just laugh. He couldn't share all the tricks of his trade.

It was easy though. He told the room assigner that him and Felix were bunking next to each other and he needed a key to get a jump on. That, was a minor fib. But luckily, they were so backlogged nobody bothered to check. And, he was clever enough to keep some furniture in there in case it was looked in on.

@Catbert @Lazy Swordsman @Xian @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Isen Ramm]

OOC Note: I believe "A Religious Experience" technically happens BEFORE the Jedi go to Sullust and the Sith attack on Ajan Kloss. I believe the entire Blood Forest mission pack happen on the same day.

When the opportunity to fight the Sith on Sullust was presented to Isen, he had to fight back the urge to show his excitement. He got a little overzealous on Onderon with some cultists he was so amped to be thrust into danger. He rushed into a fight with a Dark Side warrior likely as powerful and skilled as a Sith Lord and cut him in half. Isen relished the opportunity to look a giant angler in the eyes and try to break the beast to the young Jedi's will using nothing but the Force with his lightsabers back in the temple.

But this party terrified him.

Social anxiety was the padawan's achilles heel. His master didn't know he was here. If she had known about the event, Izel Thral may have told to break whatever rules may have been against it and go anyway. She feared Isen wasn't created friendships, and she was right. While Isen rarely broke with politeness, the brevity in which he spoke caused many in the order to think he was rude or aloof. Isen knew that perception was reality, but Isen didn't like small talk and he didn't smile at bad jokes or give a false sense of agreement with something he didn't agree with. In short, his social skills were lacking, and Izel feared for his happiness down the road. Isen knew she would want him to come, so, here he was.

The kiffar didn't get the memo about dressing up. He was wearing his typical Jedi garb, save the flowing brown robe. He was in his simple, cream sleeveless undertunic and plain brown pants. Granted, because he trained all the time, his arms were rocking the sleeveless look, but fashionable it was not. His belt felt empty since Izel Thral took his lightsabers away. He was underdressed, but instead of feeling awkward about it, he wondered why the others felt the need for such superfluous clothing. This place wsa loud and the others were mingling. There was a lot Isen didn't like. He knew he wouldn't like it, so he was late on purpose. There was a piece of him that hoped that all the party-goers would have already hooked up and he could stand in the corner, sip a drink, say he was there, and then he could slip out as quietly as he slipped in.

He made his way over to the drinks and went with plain-Jane water. He walked quickly to a wall and sipped a way. So far, so good.

@Rhogar @Catbert @Lazy Swordsman @Xian @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Xiann]

Xiann let out a yawn as she walked down the corridor towards what was obviously the party room. Would the knights and masters not come and complain later if the gig was already this loud? She stopped at the mirror that so many others before her had and glanced over the outfit she’d thrown together to try and give Drast a heart attack. A pair of sand-coloured shorts, a grey tank top and a nice set of boots that went halfway up her shins.

The Twi’lek smiled at herself before entering the party room, just in time to see Drast plant a kiss on Lani. How long had they been drinking already? Had she slept in and it was way later than she thought? No, still early and right on time. Drast was just being surprisingly forward, even for him. She waited for a moment after Lani sat down before practically sprinting over and skidding to a halt next to her like a character from one of those animated children’s shows.

“Well hello there.” She crouched down to match height with the sitting Zeltron her grin as wide as ever, “Was it my imagination or were you two just ‘checking temperatures’?” It took every ounce of her will not to grab poor Lani by the jacket and try to shake the information and gossip out of her. “Come on, don’t leave your bestie uninformed.” Xiann was bouncing on her heels, unable to contain her anticipation.

@Rhogar @Isen @Kayenta Moenkopi @Catbert @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Chom Doneeta]

The Twi’lek looked a little confused when Drast struck him on the back not understanding the friendly gestures. Chom had little experience with informal settings such as these but he was perceptive enough to understand it was meant as a friendly one.

“Dancing? Right. Yeah.” he agreed with an uncomfortable glance at the other room as he remained in his seat.

When the Zeltron entered he nodded slightly in response to her wave with a reserved smile of his own in return to her much more open expression. He noted that the girl had a lightsaber on her belt. That seemed normal enough to Chom. Sith never went anywhere without their weapons either; why would Jedi be any different in that regard? Both had an almost obsessive interest in the laser swords. Chom enjoyed training with a saberstaff as much as anyone but at the end of the day they were only tools as far as he was concerned. The woman also had a blaster holstered at her hip. It seemed a little over-the-top in terms of armaments for a Temple based gathering but maybe that was the way they did things?

Chom’s eyebrows rose in surprise as Drast grabbed the pink humanoid, Lani was it? The full bodied hug and lift was surprising enough but the kiss that followed caught him completely off guard. He didn’t think Jedi did that sort of thing. Well that was why he’d come right? To learn how to be more like his better adjusted peers.

Attempting a more natural smile the Twi’lek would also nod pleasantly towards the Nautolan who entered. She was dressed quite pleasantly but it was her bracers that caught his eye which he silently noted looked quite lovely.

Another Human or Humanlike being, with dark skin entered not long after. He seemed somehow less well adjusted than the lifelong slave turned Sith turned Padawan. That alone gave Chom at least some hope that he himself wasn’t unsalvageable in the social department.

Whilst wondering how many others would arrive a familiar blue skinned Twi’lek sauntered in. Well as familiar to him as their host and the Zeltron. They must be friends of some sort as all had been gathered out in the clearing that he’d come across recently.

Raising a hand he gave a half-hearted wave at the woman, Xiann?, when she entered. “Kei’nata tun.” he greeted her in Ryl. He felt somewhat more at ease around other Twi’leks due to his prior relationships although he was still far from comfortable.

Sighing softly Chom wished he had the sort of ease and self-confidence Drast was demonstrating as people arrived.

When the Zeltron sat across from him he smiled awkwardly but failing to think of anything he would stand up and cross the room to grab two cups of some sort of fruit tea which he hadn’t seen before.

Taking a deep breath and steadying his courage Chom would approach one of the Padawan that he hadn’t met before, tha Nautolan in this case, and would offer her a cup. “Hi. Would you like a drink? It’s some sort of fruit tea I believe.” he asked her. “I’m Chom Doneeta, a Padawan here at the Temple… uhh… obviously.” he introduced himself awkwardly.

@Rhogar @Isen @Kayenta Moenkopi @Catbert @Xian

 

[Maiko Sigur]

​

Spoiler: Intro

He was from a backwater planet, that was true, but it did not mean that Maiko was new to parties. As the youngest child of the owners of the sole common house in their village, the Padawan had had his fair share of attending celebrations and revelries held in said common house.​

Entertaining guests? Serving food? Helping customers? Heck, even helping break up a fight between drunks? Yeah, he'd done those. Just because he was an introvert and would like to only be surrounded by his family didn't mean that he won't be doing his fair share in helping out with the family business. But if there was one thing he loved best about assisting his parents and some of his older siblings with running the common house, it was preparing food.

Baking had always calmed Maiko, aside from spending quality time with his family. And while he wasn't as good as his Ma or his eldest brother Harrik, the young Padawan could still make something decent. And now, after receiving Drastus' invitation, Maiko decided to bring something to make a good impression on his friends... and their other friends.

After spending an awful lot of time in the kitchens, the young Padawan walked out and proceeded towards Drastus' room, one small basket of freshly baked cookies in one hand and on the other a tupperware, but not before making a small stop.

Grandpa (he refused to call the old Morellian 'uncle', he's a grandpa and an awesome one in the padawan's eyes) Rupert was wandering the halls again. With a bright smile on his face, Maiko handed the old Jedi the tupperware containing the latter's favorite pie.

"Bavarian cream, Grandpa Rupert!" said the young padawan brightly. "I didn't forget this time!"

With a final wave, Maiko then made his way to the party. And while he tried his best to arrive early, it seemed that some padawans have gotten here first before him. Well, the only reason he wanted to go early was to help with additional preparations... but it looked like everything's all set now.

He was dressed in a red and black hooded flannel with a blue shirt with the words "Pajama Clan" emblazoned on the front in aurebesh. A pair of good ol' jeans, then brown sneakers. To complete the picture was his trademark grey beanie that sat atop his head.

Willa was on DJ duty, and Maiko would wave and smile at her in greeting as he stepped into the room. Two girls – a Twi'lek whose back was to him and a pretty Zeltron – were already seemingly engaged in conversation. Another Twi'lek, this time a male, approached another padawan Maiko recognized as Rah'la. Brown eyes swept the room and, still relatively new in the Order, it was no surprise that Maiko didn't know most of the padawans who attended the party. There was another human(?) who seemed content in standing against a wall, and the young padawan recognized that the former didn't seem to be the type to enjoy socialization such as the ongoing party.

Now, where's the guy who organized all this–

"Hiya, Drastus!" Maiko greeted his fellow padawan, eagerly thrusting the small basket of cookies on the older teen's chest. "I brought something to your party – hope you don't mind."

He was really hoping Drastus didn't.

Maiko looked away for a moment, scanning the room – the faces, more like – before his gaze found Drastus' again.

"Is Crix coming to the party?"

@Rhogar @Catbert @Xian @Kayenta Moenkopi @Isen @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Lani Tallis]

It all went like a blur, completely out of the blue. First Lani was standing on her toes. Then her body pressed against Drast's much harder than she anticipated. Feet lost contact with the floor below, making the young Zeltron hold on to his shoulders. And then the kiss happened. Before Lani could even process that and react, her feet were already on the floor again. For a moment, inquisitive brown eyes peered into the human, and the Zeltron's purple cheeks instantly assumed a reddish hue.

Then she lowered her gaze, huffing through her nose as a wide crooked smirk appeared on her lips. Her right hand gripped the holstered "Eternal-Buster", while her left was raised at her shoulder level, with two fingers pointing upwards. Lani bit her lower lip and shook her fingers at the Padawan while raising her head again. Drast wouldn't need to be a Zeltron to sense the mixture of playfulness and confusion—Galania could project them onto him just fine. Not a word was said as she sidestepped around him and proceeded towards the seat.

She rested in the seat, taking in the mood of the place. Not paying anyone any mind, Lani sifted through the soft glitter of emotions in her head. That was until a familiar blue presence all but teleported and leaned towards her, curiosity off the charts. Lani exhaled through the nose again, the grin on her lips growing wider than she thought possible. She shifted to the left side of the spacious seat, making room for Xi on the right side. That is, if the Twi could even sit still.

"Well..." she hummed slowly and quietly; both building up anticipation and making sure that Drast couldn't hear the gossip. "He just... Went for it and caught me off guard... And without a witty remark." Her eyes darted at the human Padawan briefly, but returned to Xi shortly afterwards. The last thing she wanted was to give Drastus the satisfaction of knowing how lasting the impression was.

@Rhogar @Xian
@Kayenta Moenkopi @Lazy Swordsman @Isen @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Rupert]

Rupert was just strolling the halls, whistling and shuffling along. The old Morellian had seen the worst that life had to offer and he was just.. existing. Clad in his freshly made blue and gray robes (made by the very youngin that had just approached him), the argyle pattern was nice and across the left chest was a patch that read "Pajama Clan". He also sported a pair of aviator shades, a gift from Drastus. They bore light blue lens that acted as cheaters for the old timer.

He perked up, sensing the arrival of young Maiko and turned to face him. "Oh, if it isn't young Master Sigur." he said with that grandfatherly smile, which would turn to another genuine smile at the offering of the cake. "Oh my, for me? You have my eternal gratitude, young Master Sigur." he said with a bow. He made it a habit of elevating the Padawans to his position in his discussions with them.

The aged Master would accompany Maiko, to the doorway, seeing all the Padawans interacting, somewhat normally, despite the music sounding like droids arguing. It seemed lively enough. Once Maiko was talking to Drast, the aged Knight would clear his throat loudly, to get the attention of all those gathered, even the music seemed to pause at the peaking head of an elder Jedi. Once all eyes were on him, he smiled with an laugh at perhaps what lie ahead. "What do you call a feast on Ahch-to?" he let there be a second or two of silence. "A smorgas-porg." Then returned the smile, a half laugh and out the door those shuffling slippers went. "Carry on, Pajama Clan."

/Thread exit (unless stopped)

@Forsythe Crowholde @Xian @Catbert @Lazy Swordsman @Isen @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Rahla Vimt]

Deciding that a big hug and a kiss were not going to be Drast’s standard welcome for all his guests, Rah’la felt it was safe enough to approach to at least within arm’s length of the young man. Though his refusal to come off with his secrets when it came to gaining more living space was hardly shocking, it did set her mind to wondering if she might improve her own circumstances. ”Distracting me with compliments? Very well”, she replied with a laughing tone to her voice and a slight greening of her cheeks, ”You know a guy, right?” Not one to monopolize the attention of one’s host, she pivoted slightly to face the room giving Drast the opportunity to move on to greeting his arriving guests. She could do with a drink and would seek something soon, though she was curious as to how long they would get to party like this before they all got shut down.

She smiled when she saw Isen enter and noted Xiann appearing soon afterward. The engineer seemed to know her way round the place much better than herself so she wasn’t surprised that she had gotten an invitation. By the looks of how she immediately honed in on the Zeltron to engage her in some close conference, Rah’la figured she had been busy making friends with her usual zeal. Although she admired the Twi’lek for her ease in public places, she may have been a little bit envious as well; maybe, perhaps, just a little…

Rah’la let her eyes go back to Isen, who had claimed a drink and moved off to stand against the wall. She never could tell about wall-flowers. Did they want to be approached, eager to have conversation yet reticent to insert themselves, or were they instead bored out of their man tits hoping the floor would open up and swallow them whole? Well, this was not school and she had no cause to be timid around anyone, least of all a Padawan such as herself. Besides, he had been much too busy defeating evil to notice her fall on her face on the Blood Cultist mission, right?

Just as she was about to pester him, the young Twi’lek Padawn approached introducing himself. Her smile was genuine as she noticed his nerves. Somehow that seemed to ease her own and she laughed when he realized his words may have been giving unnecessary explanations. Quick to accept the drink, she brought it to her lips and sipped lightly for it was not something she had ever tried before.

With a pleased look on her face over its taste she said, ”Oh not to worry, Chom Doneeta. Not everyone here is, you know”, she said giving a slight nod toward Xiann. Her voice held no sneer to it because it never entered her mind to have an elitist mindset. She was just trying to let the man know he was not necessarily restating the obvious.

Without missing a beat, she held the glass out and said, ”Thank you for the drink”, and extended her arm out toward Isen before continuing, ”Have you met Isen? I doubt seriously he will remain a Padawan for long”. She had never really met Isen before either, but what did that matter? She was about to invade his space and was bringing reinforcements whether Chom knew it or not.

She always felt so alive, when she wore rings in her tresses…

”Oh wow. Do you smell cookies?” she said to no one in particular. At the wrong moment of course; a pall had come over the gathering and everything seemed very silent. Her eyes turned upon hearing an elderly voice and her stomach tightened. Surely this was the shut down she had expected. She was stunned, too stunned to groan at the pun. Shaking her head she looked to Chom and Isen wondering out loud. "Who's grandfather was that?"

@Rhogar @Lazy Swordsman @Catbert @Isen @Xian @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast would just smile at Lani as she retreated to her couch while he was talking to Rah'la. Internally, if he was a battery he'd just now hit energizer bunny level. He could not die. When Rah'la spoke again, he was pulled from his reverie and so he hit her with a finger gun "That's the strat Rahrah." he said with a grin. "One day, when you're older, I'll let ya know. Really though, love the rings." As she stepped off, his gaze would shift back to the Zeltron before one of the Padawans he was sure would never step foot at the gathering showed up: Isen.

As one of the best martial combatants amongst the Padawans, Drastus had immense respect for Isen, who would no doubt be promoted to Knight soon. "Isen." he said with a bow of his head in greeting as the man passed and did what he expected, disappeared into a corner with a drink. He'd catch him on one of the rounds.

Then there was a sudden flash of very familiar blue: Xiann. Who seemed to just dart right past him and did some kind of awkward run to Lani's side. The girls then began to whisper and chat conspiratorially: that didn't bode well. He would have to investigate that at some point, but from what he could tell, Lani was smiling? Hell she didn't shoot him so that was good, right. He smiled a bit as everyone kind of began to congregate to form groups: on one side, Rah'la, Chom, and Isen in a corner. But nobody was dancing. That would have to change and now he had all the best tools to make that happen, or so he hoped.

Then came another familiar voice: Maiko. Drast would grin widely at the young man "If it isn't my little brother from a way shorter mother! Get over here, Sugar Cube." Drast pulled him into a quick brotherly hug. "Damn son, you're just dripping with swagoo." he teased as he began to guide him over to Lani and Xiann.

Cookies in hand, he'd come to a stop before the girls. "Honestly, don't know if this is his speed, but I hope he shows. Now for two beautiful ladies I want you to meet." his gaze would briefly flit over Lani before landing on Xiann. "Xiann.. Maiko, Maiko Xiann.. and the vision to her right is Galania." Though he had some energy in those words, he would definitely mean them.

Lani in particular, could also feel the increase in happiness Drast was feeling at this exact moment and with it some other slew of excitement and confusion. Maybe even some hope.

@Catbert @Xian @Forsythe Crowholde @Kayenta Moenkopi @Lazy Swordsman @Isen @christhebetrayer

 

[Isen Ramm]

The Kiffar gave a knowing and polite nod to Drastus when he was approached and spoken to. The talkative padawan kept on his current course which suited Isen just fine. Isen had been seen. He was no longer a social outcast. He could finish his water and lea...Oh, no. One of the party-goers, the Nautolan, he supposed about his age, that was with them on Onderon was looking at him. Rah'la. They hadn't had a chance to really meet formally, but he remembered her. Isen started drinking his water rather quickly to try and finish before she could approach, but was relieved and able to slow down when she was approached by a Twi'lek padawan. Isen grinned to himself thinking what a close call it was. Thankful...

”Have you met Isen? I doubt seriously he will remain a Padawan for long," Rah'la said, shocking Isen as she extended her arm toward him. Once more, Isen nodded and stepped forward. Always polite. As always, he did well to hide his insecurity behind a stoic facade. One had to reach out through the Force to know his emotional state. Whether he was sitting with a cup of water at a party that poked at his social anxiety or standing in front of a powerful Dark Side Force warrior, the expression was the same. He offered a greeting to both. "Good evening, Rah'la." He looked to the blue Twi'lek and bowed "Nice to meet you."

”Oh wow. Do you smell cookies?” Rah'la asked out loud just as the place got silent. One of the older members of the order, another member that Isen had seen but not met. Isen snuck a grin at the Smorgas-porg joke. Rah'la asked, "Who's grandfather was that?"

Isen shook his head with a light smile and finished off his drink. It wasn't until the old man started shuffling off that he noticed he was wearing slippers. Isen thought to himself that he hoped he died before he felt old and comfortable enough to wear slippers all over the temple like that. Isen could feel something from the Twi'lek, something...surprising He felt there was...experience there. Experience that one would not expect from a Padawan. Interesting to note. He felt the need to say something, so he turned his head to Rah'la and said, "I remember that on Onderon, in the throws of battle, you checked on and tried to protect your fellow Jedi. That was very brave of you. Perhaps when we're both Knights and not told where to go and what to do, we can choose to serve by each other from time to time. I would be honored."

Isen knew this may not be the best place to talk shop, but Jedi shop talk was all that Isen really knew.

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Catbert @Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde @Lazy Swordsman @Xiann

 

[Xiann]

Xiann’s grin only widened when Lani seemed to be genuinely happy about the sudden surprise, “Oh my. Lani and Drast, sitting in a tree doing things they shou-” She cut herself off quickly when she saw Drast heading in their direction. She hopped up onto the seat next the Zeltron, “Pull yourself together girl, a little chase is fun you know.” She straightened up and did her best to look innocent as Drast arrived at them with another person. Her attempts were totally transparent.

She smiled and wiggled her fingers in greeting to the pair, “Hey there Maiko.” She sniffed the air slightly, “Are those cookies you’ve brought? You really know how to get a girl's attention, don’t you.” She brought out her sultry smile and slowly wiggled towards the newcomer and his basket, locking eyes with him. The Twi’lek was practically climbing over poor Lani for these delicious smelling cookies. She had her priorities straight.

@Rhogar @Catbert @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Maiko Sigur]

Maiko was glad for Grandpa Rupert's company as he made his way to Drastus' room, of course. And when the old Jedi Knight dropped one of his famous jokes, the young padawan had to bite his lips to keep himself from bursting into laughter.

He wished the Morellian was his real grandfather. Maiko grew up not knowing his grandparents from both sides of the family, so the sentiment had a sincerity to it.

At Drast's enthusiastic and warm greeting, Maiko's smile turned brighter as he returned the older teen's hug. The action was indeed brotherly, and the young padawan felt as if he was back home, surrounded by all six of his older siblings. Gosh, he would miss these friends of his once he departed from the Temple to begin his journey and education under Master Voran's tutelage.

"Thanks! You look awesome as well," he told the older padawan. At the response about their other friend Crix, he only nodded at Drastus in response.

Maiko let Drastus lead him towards two girls who were sharing a seat on a couch and talking to each other. The young padawan gazed at them and had to agree with his fellow student. They were indeed beautiful. So, Xiann was the Twi'lek and the Zeltron beside her was Galania.

He blinked, head tilting to the side in curiosity. Both girls were very pretty, but calling Galania a vision? He didn't need to be well-versed in rocket science to put two and two together!

He's got a crush on Galania! Don't worry, Drastus, your secret is safe with me! Unless she already knows, so...

Maiko turned to Xiann with his usual sunshine smiles. He waved back at her before noticing the way she smiled at him. Let it be known that the padawan was comparable to a piece of cinnamon roll, too pure and innocent to even discern nor understand the sultry curve of the beautiful Twi'lek's lips.

"Hi, Xiann!" he greeted her in return and followed up with a, "You're very pretty. Hello, too, Galania. You're very pretty as well!"

At Xiann's query about the cookies, Maiko's smile widened, eyes crinkling with merriment. With a muttered "'scuse me!" he plucked the basket of cookies from Drastus and offered it to the two girls. He'd heard Rah'la's question about the baked goods earlier and Maiko was glad that he'd made plenty for everyone to share. He would just have to make a trip back to the kitchens to retrieve the rest of the cookies. There was a spare batch for the younglings, of course, already delivered before he made the ones he'd take to the party.

"Yeah, chocolate chip, in fact. I hope you're partial to this," he told Xiann. Maiko's cheeks turned pink at the compliment and he shrugged bashfully. "Oh, I dunno about that... anyway, please take as much as you want! I made plenty, and the rest are still in the kitchen."

@Rhogar @Xian @Catbert

 

[Lani Tallis]

Lani grinned widely in response to Xiann's unfinished jest. The Zeltron gave her bestie a soft nudge on the side with an elbow as Xiann landed next to her. But her next advice made sense: the chase was so much better than any catch. That's why Galania did her best erasing the grin from her face as the two young men approached. She'd meet them with a soft, barely noticeable smile.

The Zeltron retained that rather aristocratic smile and tilted her head a little as Drast introduced her and Xi to another Padawan. "Pleased to meet you, Maiko," Galania replied rather warmly; perhaps feeding off the happiness that Drast radiated. The only soft sting was the fact that the newcomer added "very pretty as well". That was almost like putting Lani second to her friend.

Then again, who wouldn't like Xiann and her provocative and flirtatious attitude? Even the Rutian climbing over Lani could be seen as a... Wait, she was really doing it all for the cookies?! "No karkin' way!" Being rated second to Xi by Maiko, and second to cookies by Xi was tough. But being denied the first pick of the cookies was the final straw that broke the Zeltron's patience.

Galania's competitive side awakened from the lull of the party, as the Zeltron tried to pull on Xiann's shoulder with a chuckle and a friendly reproach: "Hey, mind your manners, Twi!" Lani couldn't avert the Rutian going for the cookies; the goal was just a momentary delay and distraction.

If Lani were successful, Xiann would find the nearest cookie she'd reach for soar into the air and way above her head. After traveling down a parabolic curve, the chocolate chip cookie would land right into Lani's mouth. With one hand busy controlling the trajectory, and the other delaying Xiann's advance towards the box, the Zeltron would have to catch the "cookie of discord" with her teeth. With a forced wide grin, and the cookie still between her teeth, she'd utter: "Hwwoww's wwwawt fwwoww a pwwawwty twwik?"

@Rhogar @Xian @Forsythe Crowholde
@Kayenta Moenkopi @Lazy Swordsman @Isen

 

[Xiann]

Xiann reached forward to the basket with the cookies in it. The woman was almost drooling as she tried to grab a cookie, “You’re a doll Maiko. If they taste anything like they smell I may have to organise a raid on your kitchen some- Hey!” They cookie slipped away just as her finger closed around it.

The Twi’lek watched as the cookie soared through the air and became acutely aware of the hand trying to hold her back. So Lani was trying to outdo her? That would not do at all. “Oh no you don’t!” She followed the floating cookie with her eyes straight to the pink lips of her friend.

Like a flash of lightning she closed the distance and latched onto the cookie with her own teeth, her lips lightly grazing the Zeltron’s. She paused for an instant staring, at extremely close range, into Lani’s eyes before a crack broke the moment as the cookie snapped in half. Xiann leaned back slowly, her tongue running along her lips and pulling the cookie in to her mouth. “MmMmm. Dewishush.” She had yet yet to break eye contact and her usual smirk was wider than usual.

@Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde @Catbert

Spoiler

I know, I'm sorry about post order, but i couldn't just let her get away with that. Plus, more to react to ;)

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast couldn't help but have a big brother smirk as Maiko spoke, he was going to turn the little guy into a ladies man. He was in full stride until he realized that Lani was now looking at him with a sudden indifference despite their shared moment.

Then it clicked. She was trying to play it cool, make him chase harder. Those wiley girls. Then he noticed a struggle, over a cookie? Or perhaps it was about something more than the cookie? I did catch the slight sting for Lani. And then the cookie engaged in some Force propelled gymnastics, before landing with a thud between Lani's teeth.

Despite the basket of cookies, he'd grin as he reached for the cookie, fingers about to snap the other half free. Then came a flurry of blue and he immediately became acutely aware of his fingers sandwiched between both girls -now touching- lips. He couldn't lie, the sight was one he may have imagined a few times with some alterations, of course.

"Normally you gotta pay extra for snacks and a show." He said with that grin. "But something is totally out of whack now." The hand, now freed, would move to Xi's chin and tilt her up for a kiss to her lips. Unlike the one with Lani, however, this one wasn't filled with burning emotions. Was it jealousy or feeling left out that caused it? Who knew. Breaking the kiss, he'd smirk. "Better. Alright, I'm going to dance, hopefully you ladies join, Maiko too. Don't want Willa's hard work going without appreciation." He then winked at Lani before heading for the adjoined room. That's when he tasted it. 3rd hand chocochip cookie in his mouth. He chewed twice then swallowed. It was pretty good.

@Catbert @Forsythe Crowholde @Xian

 

[Maiko Sigur]

Maiko watched the tiny chaos unfolding before him as Xiann and Galania battled for the first cookie plucked out of the basket. The young padawan could only take a step back, hands raised to his chest, as the girls play-fought – with Drastus now stepping in to referee and–

Confusion filled Maiko's eyes as his friend kissed the Twi'lek. On the lips.

In front of Galania.

Whaaaat?!

Oh, this was going to give him a headache... Was Drastus trying to make Galania jealous? How would Xiann feel about Drast's actions? Was his brother from another mother secretly a casanova? A womanizer?

This is why I don't understand romance. Mom and Dad, I get – and my siblings and their better halves. But this? Quoting a meme he saw in the holos, the young padawan shot the three an awkward smile and thought, I am confusion. Someone explain!

Nodding at Drastus' words, Maiko's attention would shift back to the Twi'lek and the Zeltron. Smile more natural and genuine now, he offered them a hand each. This was a party, after all, and he wouldn't be a gentleman his older siblings would be proud of if he ditched the two girls just because a possible love triangle now loomed before him.

"Care to join me and Drast on the dancefloor? He has taken the cookie basket hostage, after all." Then, with a mischievous grin he added, "We can't let him hog all the cookies – even if there's still more in the kitchen!"

@Rhogar @Catbert @Xian