Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

It was...maybe mid morning now? Even if he read the clock while exiting the Turtle, it was always hard to adjust one's routine so quickly from changing one time zone to another. He made do, keeping his head down in the city. Even if he was a little disguised in his role for that car chase with those Mandalorians, got the law involved, and even still managing to make a clean break of both of those factions, he wasn't about to go make any large waves while on the planet to bring any more eyes on him and his ship. Even if it was to remove all evidence of his involvement, he did end up stealing a speeder, turning it into parts, and keeping them to build their own eventually.

So, hopefully this could be a simple task. Do some shopping, find a thing, and get back to the ship before the freeloaders got back.

Simple objectives to a simple task. What could possibly go wrong?

Keeping a eye on the signs, his first place of interest was a sort of general store. Few weapons, gear, other things later on. Hopefully on the cheap; Things were expensive here on this city planet. Still, there thing he had to do, by himself...

This was more a modern upscale mall shopping district, it was glamorous and wonderful and packed with people.

Lots of heat flowing off their faces as he watched all the humans walk by, and he did the same without making any waves. Keeping his head down, he looked thru the signs to maybe find a shop in here. A "botique" was the term he had heard used. Strange word. Just a specialty store for such things he was after, according to the holonet. Grenades and other stuff could be obtained later, at probably other less than favorable areas, but for now, this had to be done. It might be considered unnerving to enter into such a pristine area holding bags and a few weapons. That would absolutely bring him the extra attention he did not want right now.

At this point, he'd just pick the first one that looked like it would fulfill the purchase of these gifts. Something sweet for the princess and...whatever he had to figure out for Lana.

"You look lost, and I don't mean a Chiss on Delaya," a woman said giving him a warm smile.

He turned to the woman before him and nodded. More and more were becoming familiar with his people of late; what wonders the Alliance has done for them. "First time I've had a chance to explore this part of the planet and I'm unsure what it is I am looking for." He nodded, looking her over. "You are a human woman, from the looks of it. If someone were to buy you a gift, where would you want them to go get it at? I was suggested to get a sundress, so a boutique would be the best option. But I am unsure of the quality of the stores."

“This sounds like a gift of perhaps romantic nature or at least something close to that. I would refrain from clothing, unless you know their dimensions. People can be very particular on their clothing choices and if you get something too big or too small it may lead to long term disappointment. Get something small but heartfelt that has meaning to them or even better both of you.”

“A joke or topic you both hold dear or reference a particularly enjoyable moment to immortalize that time together,” she said warmly.

There was a small sigh coming from his mouth as she spoke. That Lt. was not lying when she spoke about her idea, so far as he could tell. This women also spoke honestly, from the heat off of her face. He was only trying to get her a thank you gift, and for something that seemed so easy, it seemed to actually require thinking on such deep and emotional levels. He best not even entertain the thought of what sort of emotional turmoil that this would inflict on humans, much less himself, if he were actually trying to court her this way.

He still kept his face calm for the immediate moment, even if internally he was becoming more stressed over this.

"I suppose dancing with her would be a memory, then. I am unsure how one would immortalize a physical act such as that, however. Do you have any suggestions then, miss?"

“Well where were you when you danced? What did you discuss, what was the song? It seems memorable to you so go with that. You can give something symbolic, a little necklace with a dancer maybe?” she responded.

“Holo pendant of two people dancing, they can easily make it you and your dance partner.”

“Another option is a gift with deep meaning to yourself that shares the culture of the Chiss, a bracelet with an inscription written in Cheunh, perhaps?” she finished.

"The first thing sounds reasonable, although she did seem somewhat interested in my homeworld...that could be the way to go. Less weight than a dress as well."

He looked at her with his red eyes, staring deeply. L. "You have helped me much in this endeavor that I have found myself in. You have my respect for your for your sharp sense to stop me, not to mention your wisdom in this matter. Before we depart, may I know your name, as well as where I could buy something so customized?"

She gives him directions to a boutique that specializes in customized jewelry and adornments. She laughed lightly and said, “I am just trying to be helpful, but it’s Talia, and I hope that your friend enjoys the gift.”

"Thank you, Talia: you were successful in your endeavor." He did his best to ensure it sounded genuine. "I hope she does as well." The impulsive kindness human beings gave was not always a reliable thing, but even a Chiss could appreciate such a thing when he saw it. With that, he would make his departure from Talia, giving a small smile to her as he departed.

The downside to a item written in Cheun was going to be thinking of a word that a non-Chiss could say without too much struggle that meant something. At least he could write it out for the designer, but she lacked the vocal cords for something complex. That was not something Talia could come up with, as it was beyond her capabilities from being born a human. Besides, the word must have personal meaning.

This whole thing had turned into something more than originally intended, not to mention the odds of success continued to fluctuate with every moment. He wasn't even sure what he was hoping to get out of all this effort. Just a thank you and a polite nod, most likely.

Was this always how gift giving went? What a exhausting endeavour. He followed the directions in silence, coming his rather limited knowledge of the woman with the extensive knowledge of his tongue. Maybe something would inspire him along the way.