(D4 ME) No Mountain, No Starship

[Cynella Andrim]

"Indeed. I've had conversations before about how these festivities are a method for the nobility to give back to the people. The gossip too proves to be a sort of free entertainment for the masses. Why, I think yesterday's Huttball events proved that. It was the talk of the planet, at least from what I saw."

She blinked. "Is that so? I assumed that it was just your preference. Now I wonder if this jacket of yours is some sort of heirloom," she said, tugging at it lightly with a wink.

"Oh, no, no, no. Even we are to be wed, I don't want the menagerie. It's too much effort to look after all of them when it's not my life's calling. Then again, it could be a tourism spot, couldn't it?" She shrugged. "It really is just the whims of a young girl."

Her attention went back to the nerf. "Ah, well, I wouldn't want to scare it off. I've been told that I can be a little... too enthusiastic for them."

[Aurilie Alde]

"We managed to get the attention of Alderaan, despite our performance? It was still very respectable mind you. I get the feeling it was in part thanks to Prince Gaul's cooperation, Riss's team captain management, and being the only team with a Hutt so we can say that we've properly honoured the sport." She chuckled at the memory of a few days ago. "I'd say we should push for more competitive sports during our stay but that might be asking to capture lightning in a bottle again."

"Hah, perhaps not that far. I think I might take more credit for my style but I do have to thank the trends made by my ancestors before of it." She smirked in return.

"Of course, just floating it as a possibility, my lady. You are entitled to projects of your own and I thought that's something you'd be interested in. Certainly, Mount Joral does have a good share of land that could be used for new developments and a menagerie would help shape its role as a resort further...but keeping several animals in a remote location does present some challenges too. More so than fauna," she said pensively on the matter.

"Oh?" She said curiously as she looked at her. It would explain why she kept herself so restrained while fawning over the nerf. The nerf would murrr at the two women for attention, perhaps trying to goad Aurilie into presenting the shiny again. "You have a soft spot for cute little furry things, Lady Cynella?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"Oh I think we did an admirable job," Cynella said. "It's too bad about Prince Joran though. He was practically ranting about it the day we met." She sighed and shook her head. "Well, maybe the next competition will fare better for him. I'm sure there'll be more and, well, hopefully an astounding victory isn't as rare as you put it."

She stifled a giggle. "Again you speak as if we are to be wed for certain. However, I do appreciate the confidence. Then again, I suppose I was playing along with said hypotheticals so you are not entirely to blame." She winked. "You can't blame a lady for teasing."

Her fondness so revealed, she flushed. "Yes, yes, I do. Large ones are fine too but it's really the smaller ones that get to me. I did want my own petting zoo, after all..."

[Aurilie Alde]

"That volleyball competition was almost that but I think it was far casual this time around with only half the team. I think the other sports competition might take on a personal scale. I've heard something about a mud-wrestling contest but I can't say I know anything about it in the slightest." She narrowed her eyes, trying to get a picture of what it might look like or entail.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to sound like I was getting ahead of myself. I suppose it was my intention to present the possibilities in an event we are wed. Please trust me when I say I haven't sent preparations to the servant to get started in the slightest. It is a huge leap and you need to know all of the potential prospects before you take it." She smiled on an apologetic note. "And of course I can't blame you, perhaps being captivating just a natural trait of yours."

"Yet, you seem so reluctant at the prospect at the same time," she teased her in return with a small nudge to her shoulder. "That's fine, I know there might be a difference between fancy and responsibility. Of course, if you ever come by to Mount Joral, we could always take a trip down to the valley and see some of the farms they have in the region. Perhaps not so specialized as this petting zoo but there is a share of wooled and puffy younglings that roam the fields."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Perhaps it would have turned more competitive if the most valiant of Hutts had joined us," Cynella said with a wink. "But yes, I suppose it will be different if we won't have another grand team exercise. A shame, too, since you certainly helped us with a lot of the scoring." And left some openings but the Prince of Joral's record was still overwhelmingly positive.

"Yes, of course," she said with an easy smile. "I really am teasing this time." It was a constant reminder for herself; in the end, it all boiled down to how her parents felt about the prospect's parents and so on.

"Ah, well, it's because it would be really spoiled and irresponsible of me." She swayed with the nudge, her cheeks still pink as she adored the infant animal. "I don't know if those farm animals would be nearly as amenable as these are to my love and affection." Her hands inched towards the nerf as she took a deep breath.

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie chuckled and smirked as she remembered her competitive play. "You flatter me by taking notice, Lady Cynella. Would you believe that Huttball is something I don't have too much experience in? But there are a lot of fundamentals that are the same, perhaps a bit of stalking involved that might have aided me in finding the right opportunity and the legwork that allowed me to capitalize on it. It has encouraged me to consider other sports, perhaps just to get more mud and bruising to tell stories about."

"Your charm does have a way of keeping me on my toes." She smiled back at her. "Perhaps all the better to ensure that I learn the right footing when dancing with you, so to speak."

"Well, perhaps not as much as the audience with this particular kind, gentle...teething nerf. It takes a bit of nurture to get them to be this curious about people." She said as she watched the nerf carefully. After, some murring, the nerf would lose his attention in Aurilie and her shiny, choosing near Cynella's hands through the pen with several curious sniffs with his snout.

[Cynella Andrim]

"Oh I certainly believe it. It seems like most of us are in that camp and yet we won pretty handily." Cynella smiled a bit ruefully. "As you say, there's a lot to be said when you can just brute force your way through things, though that didn't seem to work out in favor for our mutual Hutt friend." She shook her head. "His sacrifice may have afforded us our victory yet though."

She looked away, mock-bashfully. "Oh my charm, is it? Incidentally, I am quite the dancer back at home. Such a thing was necessary to show off at my debutante ball." Her expression drooped a bit and she laughed it off. "That being said, I suppose I didn't find a suitable match at that. There was a boy once but we didn't work out."

The nerf was a much lighter conversation piece. "I think when they're raised from birth, they'll be this happy to see people." She inched forward more, biting her lip to contain herself. "You know... I really hope he's happy and not, like, cruelly kept in here."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Oh, that's right, poor Ser Keyhote," she recalled that the Hutt wasn't exactly explosively successful as he would have liked. Her mind also did go to the hunt itself earlier in the day and his rather close brush with death. It seemed if she had to place his luck somewhere, it was better spent today than on the field. She gave a shake of her head to shake herself from that thought and favoured Cynella with a smile once more. "If there was a prize for most thematic team, I'd like to think we bested all the other teams by having Ser Keyhote on our team alone. Of course, it is a team sport and not everyone can score. I'd imagine in his own noble fashion, Ser Keyhote acted as a bulwark against the offence and gave them an appropriate distraction so that the assault could slip through. Actually, I'd say that's very much the case. The fact that he was able to serve selflessly in benefit for the team is a victory in itself."

"Oh, a dancer now? Perhaps that's something we could consider for our next date? That is if you're keen on the idea too." She smiled at the thought then she turned a bit inquisitive. "That is unfortunate, Lady Cynella, but I doubt it has to do anything with your shining character."

The nerf would get a bit bolder, clearly having some suspense over the approaching company. His nose would snort the air continuously as Cynella neared, almost like a beckon by the gesture.

Aurilie frowned softly as Cynella's attention was on the nerf, feeling a bit bad for being reluctant over the nerf's offered affections earlier. She gave a glance around at the other nerfs in the pen and the transport nearby that likely took them elsewhere. "Well...I suppose he will grow up eventually. While he won't be able to serve in the same manner, I imagine there must be a menagerie somewhere that could keep him if he continues to be this adorable?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"Really now? I would have placed Major Organa's team as the most thematic of them. The great symbol of Alderaan himself along with other shining figures of the Republic." She smiled meekly. "But that could just be patriotism speaking. Both of our teams did extraordinarily well in working together to defeat their opponents."

Cynella performed a small flourish with her arm, a move from Kuati tango. "Yes, I imagine that we should try dancing sometime. I wonder if there's somewhere more formal than the faire for said activity." On the matter of her former relationship, she simply left it be.

The infant, in a way, served as an excellent distraction from such matters. "Ah, well, it'd be cruel to move him away from his family. I imagine he'll sire children to continue, well, the cycle of bringing infants to petting zoos such as this one." She reached forward to boop its nose. "I just hope he's going to be okay!"

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie chuckled at that point and gave a few sound nods in agreement. "It is my oversight to forget about the great Captain Alderaan and any team part of him could be made into his own thematic assault squad for the betterment of the galaxy and fighting for the Republic! Although, I have the confess that it doesn't feel question the same as that last time he teamed up with Major Impact and Kalhoun Kables. Of course, there is always a new team for every occasion that I'll concede that Captain Alderaan has the edge to being Alderaan's...team."

She raised her brows at the tango moments, which was admittedly a dance she wasn't familiar with. It would seem later on in the night, this would prove doubly true when Cynella danced with another prince. Perhaps some research was in order. "Of course, we should find a suitable venue. I recall seeing a suitable ballroom that could be used at Castle Organa. With all of the festivities focused at the Grand Spring Palace, the elegant ballroom may be surprisingly underused at the moment."

Meeeeeh! The nerf would call back at Cynella with the boop.

"Well..." Aurilie said as she found herself wondering about that too, eyeing around to see if this setup was a legitimate petting zoo company or merely just a farmer who thought up a creative way to utilize his future livestock. "Here I was thinking that perhaps this one could find a home on Alderaan. I'm not so sure if he'll be flown elsewhere or off-world after the Festival, if he belonged to the carnival corporation as a whole. Perhaps, you could be informed of his progress...I'd imagine that we could at least keep in touch regardless of where you find yourself in the future, Lady Cynella."

[Cynella Andrim]

Playing along with her enthusiasm certainly pleased Cynella. Some might have even said that Cynella liked that. "Oh? It seems like you too have some familiarity with his background," she said with a warm smile. "Though I hadn't heard much about the specifics of his Huttball experiences. Perhaps you know more about the sport than you've led on!"

She raised a brow. "Should we be using the ballroom there? Or is there some sort of event that's coming up soon? I hardly think it'd be appropriate for us to use it by ourselves." Her voice implied that she wasn't worried about any negative connotations but rather not taking advantage of them.

The nerf's adorable reaction prompted Cynella to continue booping it repeatedly. "Hehe."

Any input on the background of the petting zoo would be far beyond her even if she wasn't entranced by the creature. "I suppose it would be easier for you to contact them than me. And of course, Prince; I wouldn't squander an opportunity to spend more time with you, married or not."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie smiled with a small wobble of her hand on the matter. "Just a little bit in both regards. I suppose how can you not in regards to Captain Alderaan and the war efforts, even in the remote regions? Well, in this case, it's more of relating to his wartime escapades than his Huttball experience. Major Impact and Kalhoun Kables were publicized as his squad mates during the Battle of Hill 45. Major Impact would clear the entrenched footholds with her might rocket launcher while Kalhoun Kables would zipline down behind enemy lines to clear the rest and Captain Alderaan would take them head-on in battle. It is said they would lead the squad from the front, matching under the cover of mobile fire! Captain Alderaan and the Howling Monkey-Lizards leading the way! That said, I don't know if that's actually was true...never really had the chance to speak to him personally."

"Only one of the many ballrooms in the Castle, I'd imagine," she said pensively on the matter and looked to her with a smile. "Perhaps not the ballroom but it a ballroom will suffice? I don't imagine there will be a need to host a large audience unless Lady Cynella would prefer performing before an enthralled crowd?"

The nerf seemed a bit perplexed by the gesture and only call back, either in confusion or annoyance? Or maybe the adorable nerf was often booped and this was his natural response?

"Ah, very good. I would like that very much." She smiled earnestly at Cynella and looked down at their furry friend. "Well then, perhaps I could see to our small friend here and ensure he is well taken care of. Actually, it would be best if he stayed at one of the farms on Mount Joral. Likely transport in space is a confusing affair for many animals and if he is to make a return appearance at next year's festival, it would only be a relatively short trip away instead."

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella raised an eyebrow at the tale. "Oh, wow, you really do have a wide knowledge of him. I'm more familiar with what he's done with his Mandalorians, well, the Mandalorians he works with." She imagined that they'd loathe to be considered owned by anybody. "There must be some truth in those stories, even if some aspects are exaggerated. I suppose either one of us could ask him some day."

She smiled meekly. "Ah, I more-so mean that it'd be a lot to ask them to give us the space just for the two of us. Though I must admit, I do enjoy a crowd."

Booping didn't cease. Not yet. It was either that or her trying to scoop him up into her arms.

"Oh, no, no, you don't have to adopt him on my behalf... unless you want him yourself? I'm just not sure how much work it is to maintain this little guy."

[Aurilie Alde]

"I wouldn't say that I'm an encyclopedia in the slightest." She chuckled as she didn't see herself as a big fan. "Just going by what gets broadcasted around here, which we also might hear doubly from the Republic as a whole as well. It would be something to approach him in person eventually, just only see him in my peripherals, despite sharing the same room together. I imagine he must be busy with shaking everyone's hands and perhaps even signing his name a few things for the children at home, or so a fan will say."

Aurilie gave a shake of her head to put her at ease over the ballroom. "I'm sure I could manage it, especially when it will be for an honoured guest of Alderaan. It just doesn't seem right if you weren't given a proper venue to dance. As for a crowd, that might be a bit more difficult but I'll see what I can concoct...however, before all of that. I suppose we're in agreement to meet again in a few days, Lady Cynella?"

She was admittedly now concerned about the nerf around Cynella too, despite the fact that he tried to take a chunk out of her earlier with his jaws. Suddenly, she could see why Cynella was so reluctant earlier. "...It shouldn't be that hard. Admittedly, I likely won't be taking care of him personally but rather will leave it in the capable hands of one of our local farmers. In the warmer months, I believe they do shave the nerfs some of their fur and make rather impressive creations with their fur weave. While it's not a petting zoo, they are very well taken of."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Oh I could imagine the stories being circulated here more. Kuat, well, there's a bit of a high-brow culture of following mainly Kuati celebrities." She raised a brow. "You should go and say hi though. He's been easily approachable, as far as I've seen."

Cynella nodded. "But of course. If you're able to arrange for such an occasion, I'd be quite pleased. But I understand if something else turns out to be more suitable. What matters most is that we spend time together, yes?" she asked with a wink.

It appeared that a demon had been unleashed within her. She continued to boop and otherwise prod the nerf, pleased by the tactile sensation of, well, the entire being. "It'd still be resources from your family that I wouldn't consider a necessary expense. Wherever he must be, would work, yes."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Of course, it seems to be an oversight on my part to let this opportunity to shake Captain Alderaan's hand pass me by before my very own eyes. Much like time, the occasion is very valuable here as well. Of course, it seems only fair to include you in that sentiment as well, Lady Cynella." She smiled at the wink and found herself returning one in kind, not to steal her character trademark but her flirtiness was a little infectious.

"More time would be wonderful but I'd like to make the occasion as perfect as possible if I could help it. Honestly, I do think it's a small request and I have to admit that I'm very taken by the idea of dancing with you. I don't know if the Festival will be present the opportunity on its own." At least, so everyone at the gathering.

The nerf would continue to meh back at the Lady, sounding a bit more confused and annoyed each time. If he were a full-grown adult, he would have taken that as a challenge but as a tot, he was a bit more confounded.

Aurilie grew concerned for both the nerf and Cynella, perhaps coaxing the Kuati noble by taking hold of that arm around her and then lead her date away from continually prodding the captive animal. "Again, a small request and I think I'd be happier that our new friend was cared for then...left to an uncertain schedule. Uhm, now, perhaps we might be underestimating his popularity. I believe the children might want to acquaint themselves with this charming creature. Please, Lady Cynella."

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella smiled at the wink. It really did seem to be an infectious trait of hers. "This festival has served as a wonderful opportunity to expand connections with all sorts of people. It's a helpful reminder too that figures such as Captain Alderaan aren't so unapproachable."

She tilted her head. "Is it? I suppose Alderaanian culture might look upon it differently! My parents would likely grumble about having to accommodate somebody on a whim without something else in return. Ah, but I'm making them sound so selfish."

Any sort of sound coming from the nerf didn't serve as a warning for Cynella. Instead, it did take Aurilie's insistence on walking away for her to snap out of it. "Ah, yes, I wouldn't want to rob the children of the opportunity," she said, fully meaning it. "Perhaps some Alderaanian child will have the same fantasies as I did when I was their age."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Considering how the Festival is open to the people, I suppose the same could be said when it comes to approaching royalty and the like as well. Well, perhaps I will seek him out the next time when the Princess holds one of her flower courts." She said pensively but ultimately, she would miss Captain Alderaan once again on her next attendance there.

"You're making it sound like this is going to be a chore to me." She smiled softly at her. "I'll just be borrowing some space for an occasion, likely not overlapping with anything else that's running at the moment. I think that pleasure of dancing with you is well worth it."

Aurilie was relieved on the nerf's behalf as she manages to pull Cynella away, taking her a stroll around the pen and perhaps putting some distance from other pettable animals. The nerf seemed a bit confused at what just transpired but easily moved on with its life as it meandered over to one of the troughs nearby to quench his thirst. The prince would glance back for a moment and chuckled. "I think that's more than likely to happen, probably with a child with less strict parents who might just get them a menagerie by the time they get home. It's perhaps not our place to judge, even if we weren't afforded the same parental leniency, but I hope those animals will find themselves in a good home if the children ever get bored of them."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Well, he's by no means royalty, unless my perception of Alderaan is completely wrong," Cynella said with a faint smile. "But speaking of, I suppose I am able to speak with Her Majesty at many opportunities."

She shook her head. "More a chore for the hosts, really. But I will trust you on this matter. I suppose, in a way, it's a good test of your ability to arrange such matters. It wouldn't reflect well on the ruler of Mount Joral to be unable to accomplish this, yes?" she asked with a wink.

That poor little nerf couldn't have seen that coming. "Oh you're much kinder to this hypothetical child than I would be. That sounds like a recipe to spoil them rotten. Though on the topic of children, I'm now curious how we'd do as a parental duo." Cynella, ever willing to discuss this potential marriage without any sense of embarrassment.

[Aurilie Alde]

"I'd say that a war hero, media darling, and someone who's been able to capture many hearts in the Republic thanks to his valiant actions would be almost considered royalty to many people. I admittedly have a lot of respect for the men and women who serve." She nodded, recalling that brief attendance she had at the royal officer academy.

"Speaking of darlings, however," she smiled at her date. "Perhaps it should come as no surprise that you've spoken to the Queen on many occasions. You are also one of her potential future children-in-law too, at the end of the day."

"Again, a small request on my part. I may not be a local around here but I do carry enough majesty to reserve one ballroom with polished marble flooring," she said confidently on the matter.

"Not exactly how I would spoil them, just an idea of what might transpire but another one's aspirations here." She laughed as she walked on, taking back to the ride area and away from those various nerf scents. On the matter of children, she did turn a bit pensive. There were many options when it came to a life with children and/or also having children but those details were for later.

"As two upstanding nobles, I'd like to think that we have a good measure of discipline when it comes to rising them. It seems we both had childhoods where both of our tall expectations were tempered. However, I'd admittedly like my children to reach for their aspirations, especially if they've proven themselves capable and worthy. It might be folly to not recognize if they are destined for something else in life that might exceed whatever future I had conjured up for them based solely on tradition or my limited imagination."