(D1 MA) Well, This is Embarrassing

[Cynella Andrim]

"I'll have to get around to meeting them, most assuredly," Cynella said, "though I imagine the ex-betrothed of Gaul Panteer wouldn't be the most friendly to speak to, seeing as we'll be competing for the same thing." She glanced at the tracks and then to the scenery around them. "They put in a great amount of effort into this, didn't they?"

Cynella shook her head. "House Thul... From what I hear, they're close to sedition, both against the state of Alderaan and the Republic. Their presence will have to be tolerated at best for the time being, I suppose." She shook her head. "Far be it for me to question my hosts though."

She pursed her lips. "The fairgrounds will serve us adequately, for I am not much of a hunter. I wonder if you'd enjoy the company of this Hutt I meant earlier today though. He is... an intriguing individual."

[Aurilie Alde]

"I'll be sure to make mention of you if I ever run into one of them but I get the feeling that your good spirits will somehow open the right doors to earn such an appointment." She smiled momentarily before looking at the path before them as she leisurely walked, although she looked a bit determined in the same way someone might be when challenged with a puzzle. "They have, there's a lot of trouble put into maintaining this maze and they have no reason to keep their craft pedestrian. It's providing a bit of a challenge to navigate, I admit. Perhaps I'm just reading too much into the small things. There must have been a few dozen people who have graced these narrow twists and turns by now."

"House Thul is here now and it's a bit late to rebuke their right on their planet. Of course, any potential audacious actions notwithstanding. We'll just have to keep a closer eye on them, much like any neighbour would." She said begrudgingly on the matter and shook her head to dismiss it. "Sure, let's look forward to a date at the fairgrounds then, Lady Cynella."

"A hunting Hutt," she said with some evident mirth in her tone. "Do you speak of Ser Keyhote? We're actually already more than acquainted already, he's a friend of mine and we've shared a few hunts together already, the last one being on Rodia."

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella smiled. "I wouldn't mind having you spread the word though, as you say, I can handle that on my own accord, if need be." News of the maze's difficulty didn't phase her in the least. "I've been told before that overanalyzing can be even worse than paying no attention."

She tilted her head. "Perhaps there's some way to delegitimize such claims. That being said, I'd have no idea how to do that in Alderaanian court." Let alone Kuati; the Ten weren't exactly a shifting system. "But yes, a date in the foregrounds is positively romantic. I'd say, that's the entire point of the festival, is it not?"

Her jovial attitude turned to outright laughter. "My goodness! You know him already! What a strange coincidence. I wonder how he'll take to our current disposition towards one another," she said with a wink.

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie couldn't help but chuckle a little at the idea as she put a hand to her neck to toy with fixing her tie. "Well, I don't know if it's worst to have some awareness here. At the same time, it is meant to be a leisurely jaunt, so it might indeed take away from the spirit of things here. I don't think there has been any incidents reported of a search and party rescue team that needed to be summoned here...yet..."

Soon, the way they took brought them to what might have been the centre of the maze and it was another presented dilemma. It was a straight path that was closed off on both ends but the sides lined up with several passages to other parts of the maze. Aurilie had perhaps seen old mansions with the same design that were less confusing, they at least had some landmark to go by. She gave the 'hall' a glance on both sides before making her way down.

She smiled at the use of the word romantic as she gave her hair a bit of a brush from her forehead, perhaps a bit bemused by it. It might have been too strong of intent for the first day of any sort but then again, did this count as one already. "I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities here, I suspect House Panteer has a good job with providing all of these venues. As for Ser Keyhote, I'm more curious about his disposition of the festival as a whole too...I'm sure he's made it no secret with his interest in romance. I'd almost suspected that he would have found a way to become a suitor. Maybe some human relative some centuries ago to make claim to a birthright?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"Surely we're not that lost," Cynella said, glancing around the maze. They had been there for quite some time with no exit in sight. "If all else fails, surely we could follow somebody else." A rueful smile. "Though does pride demand that we not rely on such methods?"

Cynella remained completely unphased by her earlier phrasing. It was, after all, a festival about love and that sort of thing!

"I believe his opinion on the matter was that he needed, say, a mate of his own caliber, that being a Hutt." She shook her head. "I suppose it'd be awkward if he outlived his intended mate."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Pride doesn't have much to do with this maze," she reassured her with a small smile. "Especially, if we're not supposed to be overanalyzing the maze here. If there is a way out, everyone must have taken it at some point in their journey. Of course, we could consider squeezing out way out through the shrubs but that would be against the spirit of the maze."

She tapped her chin in thought as she walked down the trail to consider which path to take. "With that in mind, I think the maze likely part of of a combination of experiences, perhaps different things are seen and experienced along the way but it eventually comes to the same conclusion. Each challenge is another setting for the climax before we find its inevitable conclusion."

"Mhm," she murmured regarding the intentions of Keyhote. Admittedly, she was mildly relieved on behalf of both the Hutt and his would-be mate. There would have been so many questions otherwise. "That's good, good for Ser Keyhote. As a friend, I would be saddened to know that he will endure a heartbreak from his loss, even if I potentially won't be around for it."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Do you think that'd work?" Cynella asked, purely from a theoretically standpoint. "I feel like it'd ruin our hair, for one, and that just wouldn't do on such an important debut." Speaking of, she took the moment to correct any stray strands. "So what you're suggesting is... that this maze is a metaphor of life? I suppose all things come to an end with death... other than droids. And other exceptions. Hm..."

She shook her head. She was never adept at this philosophizing thing.

"How did you even end up meeting with him? Was it pure happenstance then or does he have greater connections to the Alderaanians than I had previously believed?"

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie would turn and look at one of the walls as if she was taking her own suggestion seriously before turning back to Cynella. "Well, if we were to try it, I'd imagine that one of us would have to give a boost to the other. Then potentially, the other could try to pull the other one up. It could work but I don't think we could do it without any casualties to our hair...even Jedi are unlikely to accomplish that. It's likely why they often wear something with a hood..."

She chuckled after that bit of seriousness, which was feigned partially. However, she did laugh for a second reason too. "I don't think my suggestion was intended to go that deep, to be fair, but you could take the maze as a whole to be a metaphor of life. I thought of it more as a gigantic and interactive play, perhaps one where we choose our own paths. There were certain points where we were meant the experience, first the spiral of confusion and now the burden of choice..."

With that, she decided to take that burden and begin venturing down one of the paths, going down another maze once more. Then again, they haven't really left the maze yet. "Well, it wasn't by complete happenstance. My interests in hobbies eventually did bring me to other worlds in the galaxy. You can only get by hunting vorn tigers, manka cats and Iraidas for so long. Eventually, you had to seek out other predators. It was eventual that our social circles would meet, he was a hunter like myself, albeit for different reasons. Since then, we became friends with similar interests."

[Cynella Andrim]

"And here I thought the Jedi wore it to look mysterious," Cynella said. "Both for us and their enemies, I suppose." She looked to the shrub and then sighed. "While I don't think we'd struggle to accomplish this, I do think it wouldn't be a great look to be seen climbing around here of all places. The pictures people could take... no, we certainly should continue on the path."

With that settled, she looked back to Aurilie with a smile. "Ah, I see, you're likening this to one of those visual novels then? I've tried my hand at a few, though my younger sister is a much bigger fan of those than I." She interlaced her fingers behind her head and smirked. "They were always about 'choosing the ideal person to romance' or something like that."

On the topic of hunting, she only managed to nod along. Seemed like shooting random animals wasn't particularly her type of thing. "Yes, he did mention hunting as a virtuous art. Perhaps he'd come here because of your friendship!" She smirked. "If he were to cause some sort of fuss, perhaps you'd be the one to blame!"

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie found herself tilting her head at the concept of visual novels that Cynella was talking about before turning her attention back on the path ahead of her. It seemed the walls of the maze were more rigid than the previous segment, there were likely a good number of turns involved as they walked. She was perhaps thankful that she wasn't claustrophobic in the slightest or she would have a moment where she would wonder about her life decisions.

"...So, these visual novels? Aren't all novels visual more or less? Oh, unless you speak of the sort that more drawing-based than text-based." She mused curiously as to what these visual novels she was talking about.

She couldn't help but smile at the idea that Keyhote would come here solely for her. "I somehow doubt it. He is his own agenda, albeit one with his own values. While we have a history together, he is tied more with the Hutts than any of the Houses here. Of course, if I were a suitor, I suppose that could be the case. The truth of the matter is that it's likely a coincidence. Well, he did come to visit me at Mount Joral first and there was a festival in the same world. I think he'll be well-behaved for the duration of his stay. If he were to cause any trouble, I'd be inclined to think that the other party was the one who started it."

[Cynella Andrim]

Cynella, ever dauntless, didn't seem to mind any tight spaces either. However, she considered if she should start transporting herself to places back at home more so that her sense of direction would be better.

"Yes there're more visuals, hence the name, than an ordinary text-based novel. They usually have some element of choice as well, kind of like the choose-your-own-adventure genre." She held up her hands with an awkward smile. "But don't ask me too much about either. I'm not an avid reader. Again, only familiar because of my sister's interest."

When it came to the Keyhote, she simply shook her head in amused resignation. "I suppose other parties should beware of his sense of honor then. I do think a duel where one is a Hutt would be quite legendary."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Hm, maybe something worth investigating," she said in regards to visual novels. A part of her wasn't sure if she would actually look into it but if the topic came up again, she would consider it. "I suppose your sister enjoys reading more than you do? What would you rather do in your leisure time if you're beyond picking your own fate while looking at illustrated pictures?"

Aurilie narrowed her eyes in scrutiny before asking. "Is that what you're picturing or has Ser Keyhote brought up to you the idea of duelling someone for honour? Because I will admit that while he's not looking for a fight, it seems to be something he would fancy an opportunity to practice."

She turned around the corner and could see that they were likely heading into a dead-end. That brought a momentary frown on her face before she edged closer to Cynella, giving the slight hint that either she would have to pass her or she would have to turn around and go toward where they had come from.

[Cynella Andrim]

"To be honest, I'm surprised that you haven't heard of them before. I wonder if they're a Kuati thing," she said out loud, tapping her lips. "But yes, my sister is the bookish one while I'd say I'm the jock. That's oversimplifying matters but it works well enough for comparison's sake and, well, I suppose exercise isn't exactly leisurely."

She raised an eyebrow at such scrutiny. "Oh no, though now I must ask if Ser Keyhote goes around challenging others often. I can hardly imagine him hovering over with a lance." Though as she thought on it more, a smile crept up on her lips.

At the dead end, Cynella tilted her head until she got the message. She stepped aside, digging her hands into her jacket's pockets. "After you, then?" Clearly the idea of squeezing past each other didn't phase her one bit.

[Aurilie Alde]

"Thank you, Lady Cynella," she said with an apologetic smile as she sidestepped to squeeze by the other woman. The scent of light sandalwood and flora notes did follow her as she moved before walking on to retrace their steps.

"House Alde has a reputation of being old-fashioned, especially considering our long history on Alderaan for being one of the first houses and a major player in the planet's formation." She said proudly on the matter. You couldn't say Alderaan without Alde. "While I suppose House Panteer currently has their time in the spotlight, we have many reasons to cling on our history and traditions."

She fiddled her tie with her gloved hand before fixing it back. Her current outfit, while nice, was some indication she didn't go with the recent trend where Jedi-like robes were more fashionable. As Cynella would later know, her choice of arms too followed the same archaic stylings. "So admittedly, we could be considered a little behind on the times. Visual novels could be popular in most of the galaxy and we just haven't caught on yet. Hm, it probably seems only right that I should brush up on my literature," she murmured to herself.

"A jock? I'm surprised you didn't get the idea to jump the hedges first then." She meant it as a joke. "I can't imagine Ser Keyhote going around challenging people for fancy but he won't back down from one if offered. I do wonder if he'll get around to sparring with a Jedi."

[Cynella Andrim]

Nice as the Alderaanian smelled, Cynella saw no reason to comment on it. She followed along, pleased to hear more about the history of House Alde. "I wouldn't say that visual novels are up there in terms of literary quality. That being said, I wouldn't wish to be caught saying that in front of my sister." She shook her head, maintaining her smile. "As you say, people vary in tastes."

Cynella shrugged. "Oh but I was enjoying the walk regardless. I never doubted that it'd be possible, of course, but we are both of noble birth. Propriety is an important aspect of our everyday life."

She raised a brow. "Wait, did you say that he wants to spar a Jedi? Now that is even more absurd than... well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised anymore. In the short time I've been here, things have already been rather odd."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie nodded a few times as she walked, this time taking the other turn in their maze. "Oh, of course, I imagine not all books are made equal but I'm getting the sense that these visual novels are often made more for fancy or sensationalizing? Do they deal with current events? Or perhaps exaggerate some recent scandal, changing the names of those involved here and there? I think I've read something like that a few times, when bored but I don't know if they were as visual."

"Especially at such a time and place, I agree. Breaking propriety to just find the shortest route out of a maze might be a little too much and silly in reasoning. I think people would expect that stakes would be a bit higher at the very least before resorting to that."

"Not exactly," she said in the defense of Keyhote. "I think I was partially responsible for floating that idea in his head, just something said out of fancy when he seemed ambitious to make an impression and tackle on a challenge. He seems pretty confident that it might be an even match and I don't think he is absurd to think so, even if I do have my doubts."

She raised a slender brow as she turned to look back at Cynella. "Are you saying odder than our mutual friend?"

[Cynella Andrim]

"Sensational, yes, just how my sister likes it." She shrugged. "You'd really have to ask her about what they pertain to. The ones I saw were rather generic. Anyways, they're a point and click sort of game, many of which easily playable off of a datapad."

Cynella pursed her lips. "Well I, for one, see absolutely no stakes in getting out of here any sooner." She let that linger for a bit before smiling and adding in her signature wink.

"Oh my. You're the one who suggested such an idea? Perhaps a scandal of his would be on your hands then." She crossed her arms and tilted her head in thought. "I suppose you have more experience with seeing him in the field of combat. Nonetheless, I'd say that he is, indeed, the oddest occurrence that I've witnessed thus far on this planet." For some reason, she doubted that'd remain the case.

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie knit her brows together at the mention of visual novels being a game, which perhaps confused her a little more when she was thinking they were more along the lines of young adult literature or a tabloid rag. She had admittedly dwelled on this topic enough, especially when it is Cynella's sister who was the expert. "...Of course, if I ever have the pleasure of meeting your family, I will at least have some conversation ready. Thank you."

She pivoted in her steps a few times as she navigated some turns in the maze thanks to some extraneous walls for the sake of complication. That said, the maze had stumped her a few times already to prove their worth.

"I certainly hope not." She said on the matter of a scandal. "I merely floated the idea but it's entirely another to act upon it, somewhere between entertaining fantasy and allowing harsh reality to bite back. Again, I trust Ser Keyhote to handle himself accordingly and he is in every way a gracious gentlehutt that I doubt he'll get himself into a scandal, at least in public. I'm sure there will be odder during your stay, if it ever allows itself to surface between the Sith representatives and the strong Thul interests here."

[Cynella Andrim]

"Oh yes. If it turns out that we are to be wed, you'll be sure to see her quite often. Then you'll have all the opportunity to speak with her about such things. You may even want to start studying ahead of time," she said with that damn wink of hers.

"Oh yes, I don't mean to call his honor into question. I mainly mean, since his mere presence is already an oddity, that it's impossible to really predict what will happen." She tapped her lips. "Perhaps that squire of his will end up in some sort of trouble."

She shook her head. "Imperials. They shouldn't even be allowed into Republic space, and yet, here we are."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie couldn't help but titter a little at the added trademark wink for effect. There was something amusing about Cynella's rather forward-thinking prospect of the future but perhaps she was merely keeping objective in her own way. She put her hands behind her back and nodded. "Yes, but I am reminded that would do little if I am to court you for romance and your hand in marriage, Lady Cynella. I think it would be better to impress you first before thinking about keeping myself on good terms with your family. Do you think you'll be keeping in touch with them when you are wed, with anyone here, that is."

"Sando? Perhaps...I suppose the squire could be capable of anything if he hasn't taken the likeness entirely like his master yet. They are constantly seen together, almost inseparable. As a proper friend, I again find it hard to believe either of them will get into trouble. Surely, Lady Cynella," she said as she cast an inquisitive sidelong look at her, "they can't be the biggest suspects here for wrongdoing based on their appearances alone? Have you met other...characters, shall we call them?"

"It really seems like the political landscape has changed strangely even in our own lifetimes," she said with a faint frown. "I'm a bit of a loss of how to explain them either. This oddity hasn't gone unnoticed by most of Alderaan, I assure you."