Badger Pot Luck

[Diocletian Solus]

Ahh Mandalor, the planet where Clan Solus had been born and its trial by fire begun. It was the center of everything the clan stood for an fought for on a daily basis. The people here were their people and they fought to maintain their freedom. Even the most dedicated of warriors needs a bit of R and R now and then. The front line can be a stressful place and the hardest veteran can crack under that pressure. Also, with all that was going on, a small group of people wanted to express their gratitude. Three citizens in particular actually, Diocletian’s wife Alexandra, and his children Milo and Andra.

It had been a while since they had seen Dio and asked if he would bring as many of his comrades along with him this time. As his wife had told him on the comm, “Husband, warriors can sometimes lose sight of what they are fighting for. Bring them here, we will manage and remind them that Mandaor honors the sacrifice you all make each day.”

Dio had agreed and even contacted some of the other family members he knew of among his brothers and sisters in the raid group. Some had politely declined, and others had accepted the invitation. He had no idea how they were going to fit everyone into his small villa, but he knew his wife would make do. She always had.

Once they landed on planet, Dio had gone ahead of all the others to help his wife with the final arrangements. She was going off the deep end with preparations but Dio didn’t say a word, knowing that this was very important to her. She had sacrificed her life as a raider to raise their children, the least he could do was honor her sacrifice by allowing her to celebrate him. So, he made the stops she requested on the way home and entered their home eventually, arms burdened with packages and bags.

Making his way through the house he found the kitchen and placed the packages there. Sneaking up on his wife he got one step away from her before he turned around and surprised him by kissing him soundly on the mouth. “When will you learn, Attack Badger you may be husband but Stealth Badger you are not!” They laughed together, and he swept her up in a bear hug that took both of their breath away, not from exertion but from the joy of the moment.

Very quickly the sound of small feet on cobblestone alerted the couple that their children had heard of their father’s arrival. They rounded the corner and slid past in their haste, almost seeming to moonwalk back to the door and charge their father. Dio held his ground against the onslaught and barely maintained his standing posture as they both smashed into his lower legs, wrapping themselves around and proceeding to giggle as they tried to pull him down.

Dio had played this game many times before and he allowed himself to go down into a pile of arms, legs and giggles as he was promptly pinned and vanquished in the name of Clan Solus. Hearing someone at the front door, Dio separated himself from the pile and made his way to the door, his curious family in tow.

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

Archie, Daniel's badger, heard the sound of children as the pair walked up to the villa and took off.

Like Daniel, Archie was an exception when it came to the Dire Badgers that Clan Solus raised. He was curious and playful and utterly unagressive. Daniel had even taught him how to dance--an inappropriate trick, Leandros had said--for fun. Daniel wished he could have gone running after his badger and joined in the fun, but he was laden with baskets and trays of pastries and bread.

For a long time he had been a baker serving the clan and still, in many ways, he was still that kid who wanted nothing than to make his friends and family delicious things. He navigated his way up the winding path to the door past many fantastical plants and flowering shrubs. Dio or his wife certainly had a green thumb.

"Dio!! Daniel shouted up the path, "Don't let Archie into the kitchen or we'll all be in for it! Come give me a hand with this junk!"

It felt nice to be out of his armor and unarmed, bringing food to his friends and hoping for a good time.

@Critas

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros had never been to a potluck before. He lived alone and most of his companionship was spent roughing it and drilling with the other Mandalorians, regardless of rank. He did not know what to bring, so he simply carried with him a basket of figs and several skins of wine; it was all he could muster. Hoping it was enough, but knowing it probably wasn't, he made his way up the steps to Dio’s family villa, unsure of how to conduct himself here. Around his vod, he was fine, but this was a man’s family. There were certain rules that needed to be obeyed. Leandros was dressed simply in a linen tunic and cloth trousers with bantha leather sandals, having foregone his armor in exchange for comfort. Having sworn to never leave himself unarmed, he had a dangerous-looking knife clipped to the belt of his pants, but not much else. Truth be told, he was unsure if the man would even recognize him. Most of his interactions with the clan were in serious scenarios furthering the cause. Taking a break felt… unusual. There was so much to do, so much he needed-

No, he was here to enjoy himself, damn it. He kept telling himself that as he ascended to the man’s front door. He knocked a few times and shifted his weight around, wondering if this was the right address. Mandalore was pleasant, even if others disagreed. Leandros liked the weather and the heat – it was perfect for training to survive and thrive in austere conditions. A man of simple, Spartan taste, he was not one to flaunt. Dio’s home was very pleasant; on the outside, anyways. The temperate wooded region of Mandalore offered its own unique challenges and Leandros regularly visited this area.

Wow, he worked way too much.

Whenever the man opened the door to greet him, Leandros would lift the basket of figs and skins of wine with uncertainty, remarking, ”Ni, uej, athu'neha kai'tome. srava'ya par gar halyasr.”

@Critas

 

[Narir Solus]

Narir had welcomed the opportunity to do something off the battlefield. Don't mistake, he loved a good fight as much or even more than the next badger, but he also liked to kick back, eat, get drunk, and generally revel. So when Dio had offered up his home to the Badgers, Narir had leapt at the opportunity.

He'd not forgone his armor, but had opted against bringing rifle, grenades, sword, and all the other excess, instead just carrying more basic sidearm and knife. It wasn't like he was coming here to fight after all. His helmet, however, he had clipped to his belt and his arms were filled with bags that contained strong, Mandalore-brewed liquors of all different types.

Even Atin, Narir's badger had come along, sniffing at the air and glancing up at Narir and the bottles he was holding. Who knew that badgers could develop a taste for alcohol. No, you're not having any here. You're going to turn into an alcoholic, he said to his badger as if he were a human. And yet, the badger somehow managed to understand what he was saying.

Hey! Narir exclaimed excitedly in greeting upon seeing Leandros. Unlike when he was out in the field, Narir was much more laid back and excited about life here. I brought... refreshments, he said, noting that Leandros had also brought something for the party. That was polite, wasn't it? It was a potluck after all. @Painus @Critas

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

It seemed that Dio didn't hear Daniel's cry for help. Eventually though, he reached the door just as one of Dio's children answered.

Leandros was predictably confused and awkward, he didn't fit into this situation at all. Daniel swatted the big man with a baguette he had brought and stuffed a basket of pastries into the man's arms. "If you're just going to stand there being super weird and formal, at least you can be useful. Hello Narir!"

He looked down at the child who had opened the door. "Now, if I give you a basket of these cookies, you promise not to get lost on the way to your mom in the kitchen?" The child giggled and held out his arms and took the basket of cookies...distinctly in the opposite direction of the kitchen. That was made immediatly apparent by Dio's wife, who came charging out down a hallway brandishing a broom and chasing Archie. The badger had a string of sausages in his mouth and went barrelling past the group at the door and out into the wilderness. Several children, one still with basket of cookies went running after.

Satisfied that they were having a good time, Daniel introduced himself to Dio's wife and the group unloaded their gifts in the kitchen. "Dio's out in the garden at the barbecue, why don't you guys go join him there? I'll send anyone else out to be with you." She said as she started organizing the food and wine.

"Sounds good!" Daniel said happily, taking a mug of ale and moseying out to the garden. "Dio, lovely house!" He turned Leandros and Narir, "Any idea who else is coming?"

@Critas @Painus @Phoenix

 

[Narir Solus]

Narir smiled broadly as the door opened to one of the kiddos who ushered them inside. He wasn't the first one here, but he wasn't nearly the last either. Perfectly punctual. He saw Daniel was already here as well and greeted him heartily.

Hey, Daniel! I see Archie's already getting into trouble, he said through a laugh. It had taken all of a few seconds for Atin to lock in on the fact that not only were there stolen sausages, but there was also Archie. It was badger-dream-day, and Atin seemed perfectly happy to simply run after Archie and the children, leaving Narir behind to smile.

The Mandalorian mixed himself a drink and made over toward where Daniel was standing in the garden. It was a surprisingly nice home. Peaceful, relaxing, and all-around pleasant. No idea, he said. I'm sure a lot of the regular faces will, he said. They all knew who the regular crew was because they'd all been working feverishly over the last several months. I certainly hope everyone makes their way out, he said as he took a sip of his drink.

 

[Koil Solus]

____________

THEME​

Mandalore, the home of his people. He did not consider Eshan his home though he had been born there. He did not consider anywhere his home really. Perhaps Mandalore was the closest to a planet he felt at home with but even so he was often on the move and never stayed in one place long. Perhaps that was residual affects instilled earlly on his life. Either way, he was here now at Attack Badger's home.

Today he was not wearing his traditional beskar'gam. Instead he had driven over on a swoop bike and thought it better to not be fully armored and equiped for a military engagement considering present company. But he was a stubborn man and still would not come in normal clothes. He was wearing a Hippeus Protective Kit because of his mode of transportation. It was fashion and built for mandalorians and had a personal aesthetic. His own personal addition to his light armor choice was a computer spike since apparently he was starting to be considered the token slicer in the group when it came to sorties. He came equipped with a vibro blade and a sidearm like he did everywhere he went along with a few other minor items. His mind often strayed to the worst possible outcome of any given situation and wanted to be prepared for it. His mentor had instilled as much in him. But he felt it would be unlikely he needed any of it tonight.

He sat on his idling vehicle for a moment, looking at the building behind the visor before turning the bike off and dismounting. He took off the back pack from where he had been carrying it for the ride and held it in his left hand as he walked up to the door. He knocked once and buzzed to let the homeowner know he was there. Turning to glance behind him he habitually counted the vehicles. two people had arrived, possibly three though he was not sure if that included Dio since he lived here. Constant angles, absorb and process.

As he waited his head turned back towards the building. He looked it up and down. Why was he thinking of scaling the building. Well, his mind was idling. He had not thought of anything except combat, missions and the like for the past few weeks. But that was why he was here. After Narir and Koil had taken down that Sith on Nubia he had figured it was time to relax. Even a disciplined soldier needed to let loose every once in awhile. This was the first real social Solus event he had attended. Everything else had been with clan members maybe two or three at a time at max. He told himself he would just go to the local bar if things got uncomfortable and drink in solitude.

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros continued to stand there uncomfortably for some time. The sounds of laughter and merriment reached him, the origin being directly in front of him. Not wanting to intrude without permission, he simply resigned himself to wait. A few moments passed until he heard a familiar voice shout in greeting behind him. Leandros turned, still holding his basket of figs and wine skins, and, upon seeing Narir, grinned. ”Narir!” he exclaimed back in greeting. ”Gar jivaor pirusti. Ni athu'neha bathas gidr bal papuur'gal,” he said, raising the basket of goods he brought. It was not much, but he was a man of simple taste.

Then Dan came. The boy smacked him with some bread, earning a confused look from him. Giving a small, short chuckle in response, he looked at the basket of pastries in his hands. They looked, and smelled, unbearably sweet. Still continuing to hold them, he gave a listless shrug of his left shoulder and spoke up, ”Ni ganar shi draar cuyir at solus be mies a'yaou.”

Finally, a small child opened the door. Dan gave him some more sweets and sent him on his way as a woman chased one of the clan’s dire badgers down the stairs, sausages trailing from its mouth. Leandros followed the others inside, looking around the surroundings. The interior of the villa was just as, if not more, pleasant than the exterior. Dio certainly had a nice home.

After setting down his offering of figs, wine, and Dan’s pastries, he introduced himself to Dio’s wife and took one of the wine skins. Walking over to Dan and Narir, he took a sip of his wine after pouring a small libation out onto the soil, muttering a quick two-line prayer as he did so. He looked at the two, raising his eyebrows in uncertainty. ”Va warye. Kaysh e'biya mhi an, ba'hak.” He basked in the light of the sun, enjoying its radiance. This truly was a nice day for a gathering with his clan, and he hoped more would come.

 

[Jhem Solus]

Sitting in the sidecar of Jhem’s speeder bike was none other than the lovely, incomparable Petunia. She was also incomparably pregnant. Despite being the runt of her litter, the dire badger had swollen up to be twice the size of her siblings, and the floral print dress that Jhem forced her to wear did little to help her size. With a bow fastened into the fur behind her ear, the glamazonian badger, despite her apparent disdain with the entire scenario, seemed perfectly content to put up with the Mandalorian’s shenanigans. They had, after all, just gotten done with her maternity shoot. She’d never looked better, she’d never looked… fatter.

Staring off into the distance, eyes focused on nothing, reminiscent of a cartoon featuring Big Mouths and a dog notorious for having comic relief moments in a galaxy far, far away, Petunia took the time to have her a moment while Jhem put his speeder into park. The home was nice, looking vastly different from the two bedroom apartment that he’d come to live in since relocating to Mandalore, particularly considering that it possessed columns. Where was the, “Fight, Force, FIRE!” sign that he expected to be hanging over every Mandalorian’s door, or at least decorating the living room? He had to have a talk with this suburban housewife. Just because Dio’s wife was rearing kids and not shooting Imperials didn’t mean that she couldn’t decorate her house with an excessive amount of pillows and motivational quotes! Luckily for Dio and his wife, Jhem had brought them a gift in addition to the crate of liquor he’d had thrown into his side car.

Dressed casually, Jhem sported bright red skinny jeans and a long-sleeved, plaid polo with a black and red color scheme. It felt odd, not wearing the skins of the beasts (and occasional sentient) that he’d killed earlier. It didn’t matter though! He still kept a blaster in his speeder and a knife holstered on his ankle at all times. You never knew when someone would die and wind up being an organ donor.

Helping Petunia out of the sidecar, he grabbed the crate of liquor and made sure that Dio’s gift was still upright and functional before scampering up to his door. He shifted his weight, propping the crate on his hip while he knocked on the door. Petunia rallied underneath his feet pushing her weight against the door. She could smell food, and the badger pellets that Jhem had been feeding her were cutting it. She’d had to suffer through whuffa worm and Trandoshan steaks for the past week. Petunia wanted cake. And what Petunia wanted, Petunia got.

When Dio’s wife finally opened the door for him, Jhem gave her a gentle hug before frolicking into her home.

“How lovely to meet you!” Petunia was gone. It seemed that other people had brought their badgers as well. Time to find out where the good stuff was. “I’m Jhem, a pleasure. I brought liquor because the last time I tried cooking something, I almost burnt down all of Concord Dawn.” He offered her a silly grin, pulling her and Dio’s gift out of the crate as well.

“Oh! I brought you this too! I can never keep flowers alive, but I mean, hey. It’s a quality piece, don’t you think?”

It seemed that Jhem had picked up taxidermy. One of the smaller whuffa worms that he’d killed on a previous mission had fittingly been butchered and its skin pulled over a face. Where the vase’s opening was, was the creature’s mouth stretched agape, with razor sharp teeth granting an ambiance that the colorful assortment of flowers didn’t.

“Hope you like it! Now where’s this home cooked meal?”

 

[Koil Solus]

____________

A few seconds went by, then a few more. He thought about knocking or buzzing on the door a second time. It sounded like things were going on inside the home so perhaps they had not heard him. But he stopped himself and turned as non other than Baby Badger and his counter part, his dire badger, had arrived. Koil watched silently and still next to the door as the young man walked all the way up to the door and did not so much as look at Koil. When Jhem announced his arrival the door opened up with a woman greeting him. Koil assumed it was Dio's wife.

The door began closing but Koil stopped it before it closed all the way. Nobody had greeted him or acknowledged his presence. He must just be that good at going unnoticed. He walked into the home and walked over to where the potluck dishes were located. raising the back pack he had been carrying in his left hand up till now her pulled out a container that had a sizable uj'alayi. The Echani had both witnessed and heard children running around, unless there was some other diminutive sentient species scampering about the home. Next her pulled out a bottle of Tihaar, one that was seasonal and of higher quality. He produced a more common, but still quality brand of the same spirit in case others just wanted to get a buzz going and not waste good alcohol. Setting the large bottles on the table one after another they would go next to any other libations present.

The Echani set his backpack down so he was not carrying it around the whole time. Grabbing a cup he separated it from the others that were set out. He looked at it like he was wondering if it was clean or not. Possibly rude, but he also was just that cautious. Opening the lower quality tihaar he had brought he poured himself a single serving of the alcohol and went over to one side to stay out of any children or quadrupeds that ran by while also keeping an eye on other guests still be able to look out the window at the view of the sky as it got later.

 

[Narir Solus]

Narir glanced back as he heard the doorbell ring again. More Badgers had arrived! He took another swig of his drink, feeling the burn on the way down as he greeted the newcomers with a smile. Baby Badger! Silent Badger! he greeted the two of them (@Wess @Darasuum). He'd fought alongside them both at Kashyyyk and then Silent Badger multiple times since then. They were both a welcome sight to the party.

He smiled and started laughing when he saw what Koil was wearing. He grabbed his fellow Al'Verde's shoulder and squeezed with a smile. I swear one of these days I'm going to see that face of yours, he said. You've got to be as pale as a ghost under there, he teased. Glad to see you here, he said more seriously. He knew Koil wasn't the most social - or talkative as his name would suggest - but he appreciated seeing him here. He trusted Koil.

I see there's more alcohol, he pointed out that at least three of them had chosen to bring liquor. So there may not be eating, but there will be drinking, he said with a shrug. That was just fine with him. Tomorrow was going to be a day for a massive hangover. And lots of it. To the Badgers! he said, raising his glass in toast.

 

[Raz Solus]

As per usual, Raz was late to the party. She had shown up on a speeder, actually not wearing her armor. Her full sleeve tattoos were on display as she wore a tank top and some combat pants and boots, hair tied in a ponytail. Her very illegal gun was on her, along with her sabers that she loved to carry for utility purposes. Raz had strapped in a casserole of some sort to the back of her speeder that she hastily made. She forgot a few steps in the recipe so it would taste like ass, but she didn’t know this yet of course.

Deciding to get her smoke out of the way, she lit a cigarra and puffed on it as she opened the door for her badger to waddle out. He was an albino badger that all but plopped out, landing on his face before he scrambled to his feet and ran towards the house, “Damn it, Bubbles,” She sighed as she retrieved the casserole from the back. Raz grumbled to herself as she made her way over, seeing that the others were already there with their badgers in tow.

Bubbles immediately ran over to Petunia, promptly sticking his nose under her dress. Raz rolled her eyes, put out the cigarra and went inside, immediately spotting Dio’s wife. She gave the woman a warm smile, putting the casserole down and leaning in to give her a hug, “Thank you again for having us. I… apologize in advance,” She muttered, glancing around towards her clan. She knew there was no way they could all be in the same setting without causing mayhem.

Raz made her way towards Dan, Narir and Leandros, “Ayyyy!" She began with her usual greeting. Leandros wasn’t wearing armor, so he simply received a shoulder shove. Narir got a full on smack to the helmet, Dan got a one armed hug and Koil – she grinned as she walked over to him and immediately put an arm around him and pulled him down into a headlock, “Holy shit, you’re at a social event!! I never thought I’d see the day!” She kept him there, happily clapping a hand above his head a few times.

@Critas @Wess @Lucid @Painus @Phoenix @Darasuum

 

[Rud Solus]

Rud had been looking forward to the pot luck because for once it finally reminded him of his more peaceful life before Raz had made her rallying cry across the clan and became Alor. Families and friends, sharing food and stories. It used to be that he would've gone hunting especially to bring in some meat.. he didn't this time, though. During his last hunt his own badger had died saving him from a predator and that wound hadn't healed enough for him to be able to hunt again. Likewise, seeing all those badgers as he entered Dio's home stung more than he would like to admit. Having brought Bitterballen as snack for the pot luck, Rud evaded most of his fellow badgers and went straight to the food table. He figured, once he put down the meatballs, that having a bite of casserole would take his mind off his late badger and allow him to enjoy the party.

Taking a large piece of casserole, Rud turned to watch his clan members chat merrily and then took a rather large bite. Immediately he knew that something was off about the casserole, "Wha's s'is!?" he cried with his mouth full and foolishly swallowed to clear his mouth instead of spitting it out. A "Oh-Kriff-What-Have-I-Done" look later his face went pale and his stomach made loud burping noises. This wasn't good, this was far from good...

Still, things didn't go explosive at first, so thinking he had to pay his respects anyway, Rud went over to Dio's wife and thanked her for hosting. She smiled at him, but her eyes betrayed she was worried for his health. Every moment he didn't puke, Rud got paler and hunched over as if he needed to protect his stomach.

 

[Koil Solus]

____________

The man was eyeing the limited food selections. This was going to be more of a party than a potluck. Koil figured if he needed some time away from the other members of the clan he could make a quick run to a store. At least the kids would be able to snack on treats while the adults got hammered.

Koil's head turned to look at Narir when he was called by his callsign but otherwise did not move from his spot. Nodding towards the man in greeting "Something like that." Narir would then also make the same observation as the Echani had to which he nodded and murmured a mildly enthusiastic agreement.

He had his drink in hand and was midway raising it to the toast when Raz came into the room exclaiming a boisterous entrance along with her albino badger. Koil's slight smile at his alor's arrival turned to a furrowed brow the moment she looked his way. He knew that expression but he had no time protest or question it. In the next moment she had him in a headlock and he was struggling to not spill his drink on their host's floor, a few drops hit the ground, he would have to wipe that up later ♠. "hrnk~ grd to see you too Raz." He tried to say competently through the playful grapple with a clenched jaw. She was a full ten centimeters shorter than him and normally would have tried to respond by attempting some wrestling manuever but this was Dio's home and slamming the woman that was their leader onto the floor was probably in bad form. So his best option was just to stand there, shifting his footing in an awkward headlock. Hopefully Raz wouldn't try to choke him out though he would not be surprised if she did.

@Phoenix @Ecclessey @Sreeya @Wess @Painus @Critas @Lucid ​

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Diocletian had been away too long and was reveling in the time he was enjoying in his house. He stood in the back yard, his “Stone Cold Grilla” apron on over his simple Mandalorian style tunic and loose pants tucked into low boots. His Beskar’gam sat on display in what he called his war room in the back of the house. All of his mementos where there as well as his wives. She was the head hand to hand instructor for the planetary defense force and her awards and decorations filled the walls of the room. Her Beskar’gam sat on its armor stand beside her husbands, their weapons in locked racks behind.

Standing at the grill behind the house, he turned the two spits simultaneously as they cooked two halves of some beast. Roasting the creatures to perfection, the smell of smoke and cooking meat filled the house quickly. Reaching down he went to ladle out more of the spicy liquid concoction he had been taught to make by his old mentor. It was amazing on the grilled flesh and complimented the spice rub he applied before putting the animal on the twin spits.

Hearing the crowd starting to get larger, he set the spits on auto and wiped his hands on his apron. It was at this point that he looked over and saw his daughter starting to set up a tea party complete with tea set and stuffed animal companions. He knew just the badger to help her host it. He daughter wore one of his wives few dresses and a it drug the ground behind her as she walked. Apparently, she had found the little bit of make up his wife kept as well as bright red lip gloss was smeared across her face. A large floppy hat completed the ensemble as she set the table.

Dio could not help but smile at the little scene and briefly considered joining as a guest but went inside as he heard his wife greeting more guests as she chased a sausage stealing badger from her kitchen. As Archie bolted past Dio he snagged his wife, dodging her broom and pulled her into a fast but passionate kiss then let her go as she stumbled after Archie, promises of the after party lingering in her eyes.

Making his way to the front of the house he came upon his guests as Raz completed her headlock on the helmeted Koil. At this moment, Dio’s son came tearing through the entryway, his bare feet slapping on the cobblestones. “Come back here you nasty sithy you!” he shouted, waving a toy blaster and wearing what appeared to be a plastic representation of beskgar’gam minus the helmet.

As he charged by, Dio snagged an old helmet off an armor mannequin's head and promptly stuck on his sons head then sent him on his way. “Get them al’verde.” He said to his son with mock formality, saluting the boy, which the boy returned before heading off to the sound of many pew pews as he ran. After watching his son run off with a proud smile on his face, he turned to face his guests and raised his arms in welcome.

“Welcome brothers and sisters, while you are here do me the honor of considering this your home.” He turned to look at Dan and jerked a thumb towards the back door, “My daughter had requested your presence.”

Then to the rest of the assembled group, “There is plenty of drink in the kitchen, I am grilling in the back. Some of the local ladies have sent food as well. If you place it on the table in the garden, we can get this started.”

Turning he led the group towards the kitchen to obtain drinks and then to the garden where a long wooden table had been set up. The table was of study Mandalore wood but the sheer amount of food on the table made it appear to groan under the weight. There was enough food there to feed an army or a clan. “Word got out that we were coming home, not sure how that happened. But the local ladies wanted to show their gratitude for all we do for the effort.”

He looked out of the corner of his eye at his wife who was now cuddling Archie and laughing as the badger danced. She flushed a little at Dio’s comment but appeared not to hear it, clapping in time to Archies dance steps. Dio lingered on the scene for a moment before turning back to his guests, “The meat should be done soon, then we eat!”

@Lucid
@Painus
@Darasuum
@Sreeya
@Rimrald
@Wess
@Phoenix

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros continued to drink his wine, enjoying the companionship of his fellow warriors. He rarely went to social events, what with the open rebellion sapping most of his time, so this little break in the action was, though weird, enjoyable to experience. Narir walked off to greet two more guests – Jhem, the boy, and Koil, his Al’verde. Leandros remained in the garden, drinking and occupying space awkwardly.

Leandros had never met or fought with Jhem, though he knew Koil quite well. In fact, he was probably one of the few Badgers who has heard Koil say more than a sentence after having worked a diplomatic mission on Contruum with the man. That in itself was some kind of privilege, he figured. He knew nothing of Jhem except that the boy had brought his pregnant badger and more alcohol. Nice. They were definitely going to get drunk. Leandros raised his own drink and took a sip as Narir offered a toast to their clan.

The relative calm of the part was interrupted by Raz’s arrival. She walked up in... something entirely unexpected. Leandros had yet to see the woman in something other than armor or an Imperial uniform. He was thrown out of his stupor when the woman gave him a friendly shoulder shove, responding with a baffled, ”..Hi.” He was caught entirely off-guard and was not sure why, so he just drank some more. That usually solved most problems.

Watching the scene with Koil unfold, Leandros shouted up, ”Ta'balyida kaysh buy'ce!” The world needed to see what he was hiding under his helmet, and this was the perfect place to do it. Koil was trapped in a headlock and vulnerable to being de-helmeted. Now that would be a hell of a show at this little party.

Leandros wandered into the kitchen where Rud was sampling some of Raz’s homemade casserole. Seeing his reaction, Leandros chuckled heartily and grabbed a spoon of his own, shoveling the food in his mouth. How bad could it be, really? Raz was probably a good cook-

Oh.

Leandros looked around, the horrible taste hitting him almost immediately. Grabbing a small napkin, he fake-coughed into it, spitting the horrible, horrible food into it and balling it up. No human should ever be subject to such foul, accursed, profane cooking. What did Raz put in there, rotted corpse meat? Though his stomach did not react as poorly, he still made a mental note to never, ever, ever trust Raz’s cooking again.

Dio sauntered over to the group smelling of meat and looking like he had been cooking for some time. The promise of good food made his stomach growl. He had not eaten in some hours, which would help him get drunk sooner, but he really wanted a nice slab of meat. Dio welcomed them all, prompting Leandros to lift his drink in greeting, a smile crawling across his lips. The more of his kin he saw, the happier he was. This was a joyous gathering of the clan, despite the grim nature of their lives outside of here. Things like this kept them human, something essential to their mission. They could not submit themselves to the primordial nature of war and become the very beasts they were fighting.

”Da'ha Kad par jate kai'tome!” he exclaimed, smiling and looking at his kin.

@Lucid @Critas @Darasuum @Sreeya @Rimrald @Wess @Phoenix

 

[Daniel Solus (old)]

Wasn't Dio's daughter six?

Wondering what in the world she could want, Daniel gamely went back outside and found her tea-party in full swing. Upon seeing Daniel's kind face she shot up and ran over to him, almost tripping over the borrowed dress. He grabbed his hand and tugged him back over to the tea-party. Daniel had to admit, she had a pretty good plushie collection. A series of stuffed Ewoks were at the far side of the table. A stuffed Nexu (clearly a gift from her father) was next, followed by something that Daniel truely envied. She had arranged the complete set of Super Jawa Squad action figures on the near side. She had every one. Even the hard-to-find figure of Archie, the Jawa Squad's human scientist friend and the namesake of Daniel's badger. Archie had been (and still was) his favorite character when he had saved his badger from the vultures that had wanted to eat him.

It seemed like an odd collection for a little girl...she must have borrowed them from her brother. That complicated things, but she didn't give him any time to ponder it. "Uncle Dan, Uncle Dan!!" She gushed happily, "Sit there, we're having a tea party!" Dan laughed and sat down, cross legged on the ground and accepted an empty teacup which he sipped from appreciatvely.

"It's lovely! Wonderful!" he said, playing along as she 'poured' tea for her other guests. She sat back and seemed to think about something.

"Kriff!" The bad word made Dan snort unexpectedly. She must have picked that one up from her mother. "Raphie forgot to bring the snacks!" She got up and cuffed the stuffed Nexu on the head playfully.

"Don't worry! I brought extras just in case. Want to go get them?" She nodded enthusiastically and he led her back into the house to the kitchen where he had left the trays of pastries he had brought. It took no time to find the tray of his special sticky-buns that he had made. With his hands he pulled two off the tray and handed them back to the girl. "Here! Take these back to the party, they'll be a hit, I'm sure. I made them myself!" She squealed happily and took the massive pastries in her tiny hands, carrying them carefully back out into the garden.

Smiling to himself, Daniel grabbed a fresh drink and a couple of trays of savory breads he had baked for the party. Everyone seemed to be back out in the garden and he figured he could help out by taking some of the food out. Ale balanced precariously on top of the trays he headed back out. Everyone was begining to seat themselves along a big wooden table that had been set up. He placed his breads at the end with the other food and grabbed a plate, loading it up with tasty looking items.

Then he came to Raz's casserole and balked. It looked weird. He didn't want to take any, the baker in him being very suspicious. However the other part of him, the part that was nice to everyone won out. He took a very small portion and put it on his plate before taking a seat. At the table, he ate his way around the offending casserole, listening to the conversation around him. He was happy just to be there, happy to be among friends and happy to watch his badger dance for Dio's wife. Stupid trick indeed, he thought to himself. Leandros could be so joyless sometimes.

Eventually the time came to eat his piece of casserole and he dreaded it, but Raz was looking at him and the pressure was just too much. The moment it hit his tongue he knew what was wrong. The cream she had used had turned and split. There were weird curds and entirely too much salt. Daniel immediately turned green and felt his stomach protest. Without warning he jumped up from the table and ran towards the house, hoping to make it to a washroom before his stomach turned to open rebellion.

He didn't make it.

He was a few paces away from the house when he felt something rising in his throat. It was coming. He ducked swiftly behind some bushes and promptly fell to his hands and knees, vomiting copiously. The noisy ordeal went on for many minutes. At the end of it, Daniel rolled over onto his back away from the disgusting pile and stared at the evening sky, wondering if this was the end.

@Sreeya @Critas @Darasuum @Rimrald @Wess @Phoenix[/I][/I]

 

[Wyatt Kebiin-Solus]

The rumble of a jetpack could be heard, followed by the slow descent of Angry Badger into the open courtyard of his good friend Diocletian. Wearing workout shorts, moccasins a sweater that read 'College' and his jetpack Wyatt landed with a half keg over one shoulder. Slowly he pulled his sunglasses down ever so slightly to look around at the assorted company as his captured lightsaber on a chain a silvered one at that, swayed back and forth.

Children whizzed by and the gathered clansmen looked like they'd been here for a while, eating and socializing and it clearly wasn't going to be one of those parties. Clearing his throat quickly Wyatt looked for the next similarly dressed Solus only to find Raz in as comfortable as an attire as his. "I hope everyone likes a good corellian..." Wyatt said as he adjusted the half keg on his shoulder and began to walk towards the closest table, passing by an assortment of food and picking up one of the figs and popping it in his mouth.

"Who made casserole?"
@Sreeya @Critas @Darasuum @Wess @Phoenix @Lucid @Painus

 

[Narir Solus]

Narir was glad to see all the more members of Clan Solus arriving. They were all faces he recognized, and each felt like family. They were his family, after all. Raz arrived bearing a casserole and gave Narir a hard slap that was met with a wide smile. Good to see you, Raz. Someone's been working out, he said with a smirk, poking her in her very tattooed arms. What's in the casserole? he asked, wandering over to the food table and taking a big bite before his face turned white (@Sreeya).

The taste was... well, it could only be described as horrendous. He wasn't sure if he'd ever tasted something that so definitively had rotten meat in it, but he'd already swallowed it before he knew it. No doubt if he ate as slow as Raz, he would have noticed in time and spat it out. He didn't, and the food slid down into his belly, which almost immediately began to rumble.

A slight groan was followed by a bite of the odd little balls of food that Rud had brought (@Ecclessey), which Narir found to be surprisingly good. Maybe he'd take a couple more! So he did precisely that, popping them in before wandering back over to the group.

Dio (@Critas) made the announcement that the rest of the food would be done soon, and Narir raised his glass, glancing around at the others assembled. I certainly do! he said in response to Wyatt's statement (@Rimrald). Also welcome, welcome, he said before wondering if there was some way he could warn Wyatt off of eating the casserole, but everyone was too close by.

Even now, he could feel the rumbling in his belly as his stomach prepared to reject the casserole and everything else Narir had put into it so far. It began with the cramps...

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros continued to drink his wine and munch on some figs to get that horrible, horrible taste out of his mouth. He was genuinely impressed that someone could concoct something so foul and consider it edible, but he would abstain from hurting Raz’s feelings. She probably put a lot of work into making the casserole, and he would not risk her ire by bringing up how frighteningly-bad it was. Still, the taste of wine and figs could not rid his tongue of the aftertaste. He needed some meat. And probably to drink a lot more. That would cure his ailment.

Walking over to the drinks and snacks, Leandros looked to the sky and saw a figure streaking towards them. Naturally, his hand drifted towards the beskad on his hip, though he stayed his blade for the time being. It was just Wyatt jetpacking into the middle of the villa carrying more alcohol. Nice. The man announced himself and questioned the nearby casserole. Leandros walked over to the man (@Rimrald) and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, leaning into his ear to whisper an extremely critical piece of information,

”The casserole is cursed. Do not touch it.”

He clapped his hand on his shoulder a few times, smiling at the man to make it seem like he did not just deliver grave news to him that may have saved his life, provided he obeyed. ”Welcome, brother!” he said cheerfully. Leandros took a swig from his wine skin, emptying it and tossing it on the table next to his basket of figs.

Giving a cursory glance around the area, he realized how many of his family were here and enjoying themselves. Well, except for Dan (@Lucid), who was mysteriously absent. Leandros thought that he heard the sounds of an animal dying outside, but that was likely just his imagination. Was Dan foolish enough to eat the casserole? Leandros looked back at the dish, noticing quite a few bites missing, then looked at the others gathered. Who among him was so bold to try the dish? Narir? Rud? Koil? It was quite a mystery. He figured that, sooner or later, it would be made apparent, but for now the thought plagued his mind.

Wiping the look from his face, Leandros picked up a bottle of something and popped the top, taking a sip from it. It was pretty strong, so he figured it was one of the drinks Narir brought. The foul taste of the casserole lingered but was beginning to fade away. He looked back at Raz, regarding her fondly, but much more warily now that he knew that even her food appeared pretty, but was liable to kill you at any given moment.