[Day 9 - EN] Running the Maze

[Aurilie Alde]

"Good evening to you too," Cynella said, remaining a dainty aura as Aurilie kissed her hand. "Is that so? I would've thought that my ballgown, though sorely ruined now, or my tango dress would be more eye-catching." She sighed. "I'll need to find a tailor for it here on Alderaan or my parents will start asking questions. And not answering them is not something I want to do!"

She looked over to the maze with a big grin. "I think it'd be best to leave them to their own devices. For whatever reason, the spirit of competition just isn't in me today."

Her attention shifted back to Aurilie's strange phrasing presiding the presentation of her gift. Those goofy eyes of the plushy stared back at her and she couldn't help but boil over with giddiness. "Ah," she said, trying her best to keep herself poised. "You really didn't have to."

But try as she might, she couldn't resist booping the plush on the nose.

"Admittedly, the tango dress does have a special place in my heart, as well as well as the dance we shared together." She would admit that. "I'd say that this dress is striking in another way, perhaps less bold but quite eyecatching nevertheless. As for your ballgown...I could suggest a local tailor or two. I've attended my share of hunts and my jackets are often the first casualty, so I can assure you that I am familiar when some clothes undergo adversity."

Aurilie would nod seriously on that matter. Clothing and fashion were something she valued herself.

"Of course I didn't have to," she said as she presented the little ewok closer to her. "But I did. I am a huntress and I suppose you already know by now, perhaps a bit hard to discourage once I put my mind to something. I did run into a bit of encouragement from others at the fair and my shots just happen to align."

She chuckled at the booping on the nose, the plush was perhaps made more for booping than a nerfling. "I believe this little one might be easier to take care of than a whole menagerie?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Well ah would've gone with daring rather than crazy, but sometimes y' gotta take a risk. Like askin' a stranger fer a selfie when y' first meet." Garth reminds her of the circumstance of their first meeting a little over a week ago.

"Ah hear another talented pilot flew a ship full of reinforcements right up t' the gates of the besieged palace, that takes some real guts." He takes off the medal he received and pins it to Miyi's uniform.

She frowned and handed the medal back, “I won’t accept a medal I didn’t earn, Garth. But I appreciate the recognition, it’s what needed doing and I do what is needed for Alderaan and the Republic. I will earn plenty more in the years to come.”

[Joran Panteer]

Joran smiled at the women and said, “You both are incredible women, I just want you both to know that.”

The saint’s statue came into view and he added, “I know we have not known each other long, both of you but I am really lucky to have gotten to know both of you. Alderaan is better due to your actions and I am a better person by knowing you.”

[Jameela Panteer]

Jameela complied with Blai and then said, “I will have to think on a name, but it is cute and fluffy. It’s a beautiful night.”

She smiled as the statue came into view.

[Riss]

Joran smiled at the women and said, “You both are incredible women, I just want you both to know that.”

The saint’s statue came into view and he added, “I know we have not known each other long, both of you but I am really lucky to have gotten to know both of you. Alderaan is better due to your actions and I am a better person by knowing you.”

"I hope that's true," she says, glancing off the briefest of moment. Off toward the hedge to the other side to give her space to think, feel a moment. It was all still so incredibly hazy. Looking back, she focuses in again, a half-smile, "I'll take your word for it though, mm?"

[Garth Wayne Ulgo]

She frowned and handed the medal back, “I won’t accept a medal I didn’t earn, Garth. But I appreciate the recognition, it’s what needed doing and I do what is needed for Alderaan and the Republic. I will earn plenty more in the years to come.”

"Th' years t' come," Garth parroted back with a wistful tone in his voice, accepting the medal with a nod of understanding.

"An' where d'ya see those medals comin' from? The ADF? The Republic Navy? I know y' mentioned wanting t' command the big Capital class behemoths, ah assume that's not a career path that th' ADF can wholly accommodate?"

[Jocasta Teraan]

Joran smiled at the women and said, “You both are incredible women, I just want you both to know that.”

The saint’s statue came into view and he added, “I know we have not known each other long, both of you but I am really lucky to have gotten to know both of you. Alderaan is better due to your actions and I am a better person by knowing you.”

"I hope that's true," she says, glancing off the briefest of moment. Off toward the hedge to the other side to give her space to think, feel a moment. It was all still so incredibly hazy. Looking back, she focuses in again, a half-smile, "I'll take your word for it though, mm?"

Jocasta strokes his arm, "And you are an incredible man. We may have only become acquainted a few days ago, but it is said that trying times forges quick bonds."

She steps in front of the others to place a hand on Riss's arm as well. "It is also said that we can only see our true selves through the eyes of those around us."

She breaks contact and takes a step towards the saint's statue. "You know, I haven't visited the Saint yet this Festival. I haven't seen her since I was a little girl."

[Galen Sol]

Jameela complied with Blai and then said, “I will have to think on a name, but it is cute and fluffy. It’s a beautiful night.”

She smiled as the statue came into view.

"A beautiful night spent in good company and good cheer." Galen nodded. "Not one we are likely to forget."

[Riss]

Jocasta strokes his arm, "And you are an incredible man. We may have only become acquainted a few days ago, but it is said that trying times forges quick bonds."

She steps in front of the others to place a hand on Riss's arm as well. "It is also said that we can only see our true selves through the eyes of those around us."

She breaks contact and takes a step towards the saint's statue. "You know, I haven't visited the Saint yet this Festival. I haven't seen her since I was a little girl."

There was something in what Jocasta said to Joran which gave Ross a moment to pause, fade into a thought. She'd come out of it quickly though, determined as she was to avoid it. When Jocasta stepped ahead, Riss certainly didn't shy away from the touch, but it did get a curious raise of her brow. Half tempted as she was to check the woman's hip for a hidden lightsaber. It didn't linger long, "I've been a couple times now actually. I like to come here and blame the statue for all my problems."

[Blai Frayus]

"At the university? I was thinking Hope." he answered. "What do you think?"

"Sounds like a perfect name, in fact.", he says warmly. "I'm sure she'll like it!"

Jameela complied with Blai and then said, “I will have to think on a name, but it is cute and fluffy. It’s a beautiful night.”

She smiled as the statue came into view.

"I'll want to know what you call it when you decide!", he says to Jameela, tauntingly. "The gray one... I guess... I'll call it Cendra. 'Ash' - from which new life is born." A quiet call to the wolf, which had stayed some steps behind them, and he caresses her mane as he often does. "Some contrast to Elur's 'snow', but... I feel it might be fitting..."

"A beautiful night spent in good company and good cheer." Galen nodded. "Not one we are likely to forget."

Then, looking ahead at the statue and its shine against the night, he smiles broadly as well. "Wow..." is all he can exclaim for a while
"Lovely night, delightful company. A precious reminder of things, people and values worth protecting and returning to", he adds - eyes on the statue, seeming somewhat distant for a moment.

[Kellen Rist]

Kellen wasn't really sure why he was there. There was more to be done at the museum, the Princess seemed to have made some decisions, and he was there on his lonesome. Still, it seemed wrong to blow off the tradition completely. So he waited beside the entrance to see what fortune might send his way.

Also it meant not having to listen to Pimbo complaining about the lack of sandwiches in the breakroom fridge. It was a beautiful night and he could at least get a little peace out here.

[Niall Organa]

Aly smiled, resting her head on his shoulders. "Yes...though now, at this rate, I dread what will wait for us on our anniversary." She let out a sigh. "Mostly okay. Still sore a bit, but otherwise okay. Just glad no one is seriously injured."

She looked up at him. You okay?"

"Good. Good." Niall said, smiling. He turned, just a little, kissing her head.

Then he sighed. "There's always more, isn't there? In a way, I've always known it. Being an Organa means that I always have responsibilities. But even though I've been preparing my whole life for them, well, as I said. There's always more."

Another moment, and he smiled. "I suppose we may face our challenges together, at least."

[Jameela Panteer]

Jameela smiled as they stood before the statue, lit lanterns floating overhead in the night sky she bowed her head briefly and said, “Whatever the future brings I want you both to know that I have enjoyed spending time with you both.”

She watched the lanterns and then said with a smile, “It really is a wonderful night.” She gave both men hugs and then departed with her security detail waving at them awkwardly.

[Joran Panteer]

Joran listened and then gave each lady a respectful kiss on the cheek and then joined his sister in returning to the castle. He gave them his classic smile on the way back to the Spring Palace.

It was not the ending he wanted but his choice would have to wait till the following night.

[Dapper Dog]

"Th' years t' come," Garth parroted back with a wistful tone in his voice, accepting the medal with a nod of understanding.

"An' where d'ya see those medals comin' from? The ADF? The Republic Navy? I know y' mentioned wanting t' command the big Capital class behemoths, ah assume that's not a career path that th' ADF can wholly accommodate?"

“Alderaan has some big ships but I may transfer my commission to the Republic proper, better chance of achieving my goals,” she mused as they stood before the statue.

She bowed her head and allowed him a moment before she planted a passionate kiss on him and said, “You’re a huge dork, but I think I can stand to have you be my huge dork.”

[Galen Sol]

"Sleep well, Jameela.' Galen whispered as they hugged. He watched her and Joran leave, then glanced at the others, and then the statue.

"Hopefully, we all find some form of peace and contentment at the end of all of this."

[Garth Wayne Ulgo]

“Alderaan has some big ships but I may transfer my commission to the Republic proper, better chance of achieving my goals,” she mused as they stood before the statue.

She bowed her head and allowed him a moment before she planted a passionate kiss on him and said, “You’re a huge dork, but I think I can stand to have you be my huge dork.”

Garth's hand caressed Miyi's neck as they kissed, before sliding down her back until he tucked it behind her knees and lifted her up and into his embrace.

"Yours an' only yours." Garth whispers after their lips reluctantly part.

[Cynella Andrim]

"Admittedly, the tango dress does have a special place in my heart, as well as well as the dance we shared together." She would admit that. "I'd say that this dress is striking in another way, perhaps less bold but quite eyecatching nevertheless. As for your ballgown...I could suggest a local tailor or two. I've attended my share of hunts and my jackets are often the first casualty, so I can assure you that I am familiar when some clothes undergo adversity."

Aurilie would nod seriously on that matter. Clothing and fashion were something she valued herself.

"Of course I didn't have to," she said as she presented the little ewok closer to her. "But I did. I am a huntress and I suppose you already know by now, perhaps a bit hard to discourage once I put my mind to something. I did run into a bit of encouragement from others at the fair and my shots just happen to align."

She chuckled at the booping on the nose, the plush was perhaps made more for booping than a nerfling. "I believe this little one might be easier to take care of than a whole menagerie?"

"Is that so? Perhaps I should introduce a Kuati tango club here. I'm sure I'll be able to find some members out of the people I've met so far and future friends." Cynella tilted her head. "How good is Mount Joral for housing guests anyways? I'm unsure how often my friends from Kuat will want to visit." Apparently talking about marital home life was much easier for her than sorting out romantic feelings.

"As for the ballgown, yes. I would very much appreciate that." She smiled. "I didn't consider your occupational reason for knowing such a reliable tailor but, in hindsight, I wish I'd made the guess."

The booping commenced a couple more times until she sighed. "It's not fleshy enough! Not to disparage your gift, of course. It's just... ah, perhaps I'll need to get some sort of domesticated animal as a pet!"

[Dapper Dog]

OOC: Riss and Jocasta, Joran liked that. Blai and Galen, Jameela liked that.

[Aurilie Alde]

"Is that so? Perhaps I should introduce a Kuati tango club here. I'm sure I'll be able to find some members out of the people I've met so far and future friends." Cynella tilted her head. "How good is Mount Joral for housing guests anyways? I'm unsure how often my friends from Kuat will want to visit." Apparently talking about marital home life was much easier for her than sorting out romantic feelings.

"As for the ballgown, yes. I would very much appreciate that." She smiled. "I didn't consider your occupational reason for knowing such a reliable tailor but, in hindsight, I wish I'd made the guess."

The booping commenced a couple more times until she sighed. "It's not fleshy enough! Not to disparage your gift, of course. It's just... ah, perhaps I'll need to get some sort of domesticated animal as a pet!"

"Oh, now there's an ingenious idea. I'd imagine that it might become quite popular around here for its distinctive style and bold expression. You might have a following, especially if you're going to consider including your future friends too. As for Mount Joral," she said looking perhaps vaguely in the direction of her land. "The castle proper does have its share of rooms, more than enough in the warmer seasons when we do have guests over. My ancestors were probably expecting us to host a grand summit every year for all of House Alde and are perhaps a bit disappointed whenever it doesn't happen."

Aurilie smiled faintly, perhaps a touch concerned for Rhia's appetite for things cute and fleshy. "That's understandable that it's nowhere near the same thing, I suppose I'll have to wish that only I could be as adorable. However, perhaps hold on to our little friend for now and we'll just have to consider our options for the future."

She began to walk and offered her arm, leading them into the maze proper to participate in the custom. "There is our nerfling friend, who you'll likely get to see more than once a year now what you'll likely be moving to Mount Joral. Also, I had been thinking about getting some personal hunting hounds, rather than contracting them. Doctor Rist did make me consider a droid...but Mister Frayus had a compelling arguing for something furrier."