Open The Lizard Dance: Part 1

[The Storyteller]

*Note: For political and high ranking military characters*

Trandosha is not a planet that many species enjoy beyond the Trandoshans. It is very muggy, covered in swamps and scorched earth. There are large forests full of some of the most dangerous predators and the areas that are not full of wildlife are dangerous due to the population. The Dosh are not typically friendly to outsiders and are very quick to anger. That in combination to their monstrous appearance makes many believe they are nothing more than violent savages. The one thing it does have, atleast those who have lived to tell of it, say the water is almost as clean as if someone went and filtered every bog, swamp, and river on the planet.

Today the galaxy has been invited to one of the Trandoshan's birthdays. Specifically senator Rrodossk himself, turning an impressive 64. In his lavish home, built on one of the many rivers that backs up to a marshy forest, he will welcome politicians and military leaders with open arms to celebrate many things. From the galaxy unifying to destroy a common enemy, to living after the last major group meeting, and at the very least the date of his birth, Rrodossk is ready to entertain his guests with live music, food and drink, mixing and mingling with those who you may not see often, and several demonstrations that were left quite vague in the invitations. What was stated that anyone who was invited could bring one other guest.

-

The house itself is quite a sight itself. It is constructed using a variety of materials: durasteel, concrete, chromium, glass, and exotic woods. It is also rather large for this planet, being a massive three story structure along with a somewhat smaller two story structure off to the side that acts partially as an animal habitat, garage, art room, and secondary living quarters. The entire place is designed to be a mix of natural and artificial design elements, a pleasing mix that is actually pleasing to non-Trandoshan eyes. The main building also has a large dock off the side into the river that connects to a landing pad that leads to an underwater starship hangar.

The inside is somehow much more lavish than the outside, the usual tapestries of ancient battles Trandoshans love to plaster their homes with are held to a select few rooms and are as tastefully placed as one could. Instead, the art primarily consists of sculptures and paintings from various worlds. From busts of famous heros and villains from galactic history, to landscapes of far off worlds or even the stars themselves, to even simple abstract fill his halls. The furniture is rather modern as well, consisting of many large curved pieces all colored the same white as the stone his house was carved from.

All around the building are armed guards if varying species. Trandoshans, humans, droids, Twi'leks, Rodians, and more can be seen patrolling the grounds all clothed and armed with their own equipment. Security around the planet is tight as the full might of the Trandoshan defensive fleet being held in orbit fully manned, being bolstered by several more mercenary craft. All IDs are checked before entry compared to the invites and galactic data bases as well as their vessels being checked for previous known locations among other information. Unknown to the guests, probe droids have been deployed to scout out the near swamps and forests, securing no attacks are able to slip by undetected. Rrodossk has ensured the security was tight enough to turn his manor into a fortress if any kind of attack was launched, but still light enough to be comfortable to the guests. He saw how the Killiks were first hand, and wished to make sure nothing like that ever happened on his planet.

But with all of those defences in place, the celebration was already shining through. The living members of clan Wassak were already gathering inside the building as well as the catering staff and entertainment, one band being set up in the secondary building and a larger one being in the primary building. Some of the guests had already arrived for the party, and the rest should be on their way. The gifts were ready for those who were to come, and many more filled as backups incase more showed. Though he did not expect any, Rrodossk still wondered what he would get from the others.

 

[Yossk]

The youngest son of the Trandoshan Senator stood at the front door, datapad in one hand. He was there going through all of the probe droid feeds ensuring none were tampered with nor were under any sign of danger. Of course none were, the forest near by were not populated with hunting game at this time of the year. But it atleast gave him something to do while he was bored out of his skull awaiting someone interesting to conversation with.

All around him were inferior beings: weak willed politicians, second rate bounty hunters, minor military leaders. All if them he could obliterate in their areas of expertise in a second if he willed it. Yet Yossk was told to hold his cool for the evening. He wished he had a private room he could slink into, one of his training rooms, so he could practice more with his saber. Yet those were retrofitted into dining halls or music rooms for the evening. Even the library was already beginning to become a hotspot for conversation.

He sighed softly to himself and slowly shook his head. He went back to watching the datapad as probe 23 stared down a tiny tree frog. What a bold creature, that frog, it probably had more guts than nearly all of the guests here. As the image of the small frog left the screen the Trandoshan sent out feelers in the Force to see if anyone here even was able to use it. He would be doing this all night, he knew, to find some teachers. He knew he had to learn more about his powers and how to best utilize them. Yossk knew he needed more than one teacher, in his experience one tended to favor some forms over others or completely ignore some. It takes the bias out of things. So now he simply waited and acted as a greeter until interesting guests decided to show up.

@Sreeya @SlagathorTheUnknown @Xorism @LadyRen @Nor'baal @anyoneelsewho wants in

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

"So, what information do we have on these two?" the Queen asked as one of her handmaidens did battle with a particularly exotic-looking headdress. She had never been to Trandosha (truth be told, she had never wanted to go) nor had occasion to interact with the Senator for that world. "Senator Rodosk? Rodisk?" she butchered the pronunciation of the man's name as a member of the Naboo diplomatic corp scrolled through their briefing for a visit.

"Rrodossk, I think, your Majesty." came the diplomat's courteous reply "A former bounty hunter, and one of some renown, he has a son, Yossk, and managed to 'climb', shall we say, to the top of his planets political hierarchy by removing a lot of the other contenders from his path." the Queen scrunched her nose up at that particular approach, prompting the diplomat to continue "I understand it is traditional, and indeed, expected, here."

She sighed.

The myriad differences of the galaxy never ceased to amaze her.

Jolted slightly as the Royal Yacht touched down, its escort of four N-1s joining it, she quickly flapped away her handmaidens and exited the vessel. Dressed in the traditional royal gown of the Queen of Naboo, and flanked by four handmaidens, she walked down the exit ramp and made herself known to her host.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl attended most every social event begrudgingly, but that was not a strong enough term to describe his feelings for his appearance at his Trandoshan counterpart's birthday party. The news that Dosh had banned Jedi from their world did not sit well with the Wookiee, especially as that expression of neutrality threatened Kashyyyk's defensive nucleus should the Sith attack their shared system; a nucleus that he and Rrodossk had been working to create.

His partnership with Trandosha had been met with strong criticism from his people, who were still wary of their counterparts thanks in no small part to the kidnapping of young Waffir at the hands of notorious Trandoshan slaver Zeelfort Gauk. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl often wondered if Rrodossk's visions of glory and success for Dosh were far higher than the Trandoshan was capable of obtaining, but none could deny that Rrodossk hadn't taken initiative. He'd even managed to get the Queen of Naboo to show up, which was surprising, to say the least.

The aged Senator of Kashyyyk decided to channel his overall discomfort at being present at this social into action, making a beeline for Rrodossk. "Senator, from someone who has known too many birthdays; congratulations on surviving another year" he said, greeting his counterpart in the Trandoshan way. "May your coming year bring you good favor and many points."

Ridiculous stuff, Jagannath points, the Wookiee thought to himself, but now was not the time for disparaging Dosh's "religion". This was a birthday, after all, and Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl had not come empty-handed; a case of the top of the line Musky n' Husky was part of Rrodossk's birthday gift, along with a beautifully-carved bowcaster suitable only for display.

@Olwin

 

[Victoria]

Victoria was happy to get a social outing after the events on Gannaria had settled down enough to allow it. She'd come an extra long way for this birthday party, and had made arrangements to pick up something special for the senator. There wasn't a set dress code to her knowledge, but any excuse to dress up was one that she would take.

An aide accompanied just behind her, in tow with a creature of some kind. Victoria had spotted it and decided that it would make a thoughtful gift for the venerable Senator, perhaps a little company would do him good after all the events that had transpired since Ruusan.

She could see Aezz had already beaten her to the man of the hour, but that didn't bother her. Slowly making her own way over, she would step to his side and gently wave to the other attendees. When the opportunity to speak came, she offered Rrodossk her congratulations on such a joyous day.

"Senator, I do hope that I am not overstepping my bounds here, but I have brought you a gift." She stepped to one side and allowed the aide to reveal it for their host.

"He's a little shy at first, but I'm sure he'll come around to you in no time. What would you like to call him?"

She hoped at least that he'd appreciate the gift, but if not, she would understand and whisk it back to her ship.

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk was conversating with some of his relatives as the Wookie came close. He sensed their hunger for blood, to spread the pelt of the Wookie across their shoulders and wear it like the cloak he himself had. Yet he had made sure to explain the importance of keeping this being alive and well. He turned excused himself and moved closer to the walking shag carpet with a large smile.

"Ahh, my old friend. Welcome to my humble abode. As a man with too little birthdays left, I shall take your congratulations with pride." His voice was always like sandpaper: rough, dry, and somewhat scratchy. But today it had an audible sense of joy to it. He reached toward the hand carved bow caster, his claws. "Oh my, this is exquisite. Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. I reccomend you say my compliments to the carver and give them a raise." His clawed hand moved the carved blaster from his own hands to a near by droids, as if that droid had been there to hold any handed off gifts. He seemed genuinely excited to see the weapon and it was already possible thst he knew where it exactly it would go.

"And why would I expect anything but the best from you," his claws then moved towards the case of cologne in the Wookies hands, taking it into his as his nostrils occasionally flared as he smelled it. "Once again your product is always an exquisite one in spite of its name. Perhaps one day I may make something as quality of this."

The Trandoshan set the case on a near by table right behind him with a wide smile on his face. He began to laugh softly and pull the larger Wookie into a hug before speaking a message into his ear. Only one the Wookie would hear and understand, codex specifically so only Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl would understand it. He pulled away and laughed again as if he said nothing making sure that no one would suspect anything.

He then turned to the lovely Victoria who had stepped forth from the growing crowd, his head nodding to her in greeting. He froze suddenly as his nostrils flared wide. His pupils closed to slits as he searched around for the object of the smell. His eyes turned down to the small reptmamalian as he stared into its eyes. Suddenly, with one swift movement, he scooped the small animal up and hugged it tight. His claws quickly and gently began to scrub all over its form in a way that would be enjoyable.

Rrodossk spoke Trandoshan to it, and to anyone but a Trandoshan they could not tell he was practically talking to it as one would a baby. He then pulled the head of the creature close to his, giving it a soft kiss on the neck as it turned back to lick his face. This caused the Trandoshan to laugh softly and simply rest his head on the smaller creatures, gently scrubbing its chest with his claws softly.

"I enjoy this little creature, he seems to enjoy me too. The trick is to speak a language he can understand without training, Trandoshan is one of the closest languages to speaking like a reptile. His name shall be Yongary." He grinned widley and laughed as he snuggled into the creature. It was obvious after Ruusan most of Rrodossk's pets had went down with his ship, he was just happy to get this one. He then turned back to his colleagues, smiling wide to them as he nodded slowly. He sat the small Yongary down beside him before he motioned to Yossk. "I have gifts for you two, and my son shall bring them."

 

[Yossk]

Yossk handed off the datapad he had to a near by guard and stepped towards his father. From his back he pulled out a staff that, to anyone paying attention, would seem rather familiar. It was designed to be natural, made with real wood. It was already old and worn, yet to those who knew it was obviously new. It was light and agile as Yossk began to spin it around as if it was a weapon. Yossk was swinging around what seemed to be Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's old staff he had lost on Ruusan. But then something magical happened.

Two bulbs extended out from the base staff and sparked to life with purple electricity. The soft hum as they spun in the air was almost hypnotic. They struck nothing, Yossk made sure of that, but it was still close enough to hear. After a few spins the ends retracted as the young Trandoshan moved closer to offer the staff to the much larger Wookie.

"We have both agreed you did wonders with your staff, but you could have used a weapon that can be practical in its use. We present to you this: a new staff based on your old one with an extendable, built in electrostaff." He nodded to the staff as he moved to a near by table, slowly grabbing a small instrument case. His clawed hands surprisingly did not fumble with the closed latches, presenting the seemingly glowing instrument inside to Victoria.

"We did not know if you played, but this is a one of a kind chromium violin. It does make a rather lovely, yet still notable tune. It is playable after all, but we felt it atleast would be a nice mantel piece. But if either of you feel these gifts are not a worthy one then say so and I shall go gather others." His clawed hands clasped together as he stood infront of the two, back straight and feet together. His face, seemingly kind and genuine, betrayed his inner feelings. He did not care if they accepted these gifts or not, they were good gifts as is and they should be taken and accepted wether they wanted them or not.
@SlagathorTheUnknown @Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Sandé A Veruna]

Gifts! she knew there was something she had forgotten. Making a subtle movement of the fingers on her right hand, the Queen signalled for the attention of one of her handmaidens, who discreetly approached. "Gifts?" she whispered, so only her handmaiden could hear.

Relieved to hear that the diplomatic attache had taken care of that matter long before they departed Naboo, the Queen reminded herself to place greater faith in her Government before smiling and approaching their Trandoshan hosts. A small box, containing within it a jewel from the mountains around the periphery of the lake country, was presented to her hosts, as the Queen introduced herself.

"Thank you for receiving us in what I believe may be a historic first; no Naboo monarch has ever visited your homeworld." she began, drawing attention to the historic nature of the day "I would like to present to you this jewel, from Naboo. It corresponds in our solar calender with the month of your birth."

 

[Reyna Vernize]

Reyna had come across Senator Rrodossk's invitation when going through Cassian's apartment, tucked neatly away in the top right drawer of his desk, along with a framed photograph of Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl wrapped in brown paper with an inscription in the Zeltron's hand that read, "For your personal collection." She'd placed both the invitation and the intended gift back in the drawer where she'd found them, too paralyzed to throw anything out or close the apartment. It sat furnished and unused and gathering dust. She was its only visitor now, whenever she wanted to curl up with one of the Zeltron's old dress shirts and wallow in its familiar, fading scent.

The invitation had been brushed aside and ignored, the idea that she should attend a celebration of life on Trandosha ridiculous. Senator Rrodossk's rise to office was... questionable, to say the least, and his reputation could easily besmirch her own if half the rumors she heard were true. Yet here she was—to make new connections within the alliance or to carry out one of Cassian's last schemes—she didn't know, and she didn't care to search within herself for elucidation. She was here, and that was that.

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's framed photograph, out of taste considering the recipient and their people's history, had been swapped out for a box of fresh smoked karkan ribenes, a favorite Trandoshan alternative to meat from what she understood. The half-Sephi wore a light, sleeveless blue dress, chosen specifically to combat the planet's muggy atmosphere. Brown locks of hair had been pulled up and braided into a bun at the back of her head, but several strands along her neck and face curled with the humidity.

"Senator Rrodossk," Reyna greeted with a curt nod, the Trandoshan already surrounded by politicians and family members. "I didn't realize you were such an art connoisseur. Please, accept this." She handed Rrodossk the box of karkan ribenes, adding, "You must allow me to paint your portrait." That would be her gift to him, for as long as he gave her no reason to waiver in that decision. Painting had been her avocation since a child, but she was selective of who sat for her. @Olwin @SlagathorTheUnknown @Xorism @Nor'baal

 

[Rrodossk]

The Trandoshan smile was already seemingly as large as it could get on his muzzle, the points of some of bus teeth shining through like small shards of marble. That was before he could turn to see the Queen of Naboo, where his smile grew even wider. He nodded his head towards the female as he preformed a "bow and scrape". His clawed hand touched his left pectoral as he did so, before his hand returned to his side as he stood. He motioned with his left claws to a near by guard as they brought forth a black case with a viewing window shrowded by a veil.

"Why yes, this is the first time anyone from your planet has ever been on this planet in our recorded history. The honor you have bestowed upon me is immeasurable, and with such a beautiful gift I feel almost embarrassed at my own. But here, this may not be as beautiful as it will be soon," his clawed hand threw away the veil, which revealed the entire box was actually an encubation chamber for a large egg, "but I believe you may still find some joy in it.

This is a Pijal varactyl egg, and within I believe two months it should be ready to hatch. I felt the regal crimson coloration of the Pijal subspecies would best match the royalty of Naboo than the soft blues and greens. If you would require education on how to raise this animal I can reccomend several animal handlers throughout the galaxy adept with them. But please, if this gift would not work well in your royal living area say so. These creatures do take up quite a bit of space and require much more. I understand I myself have much more space than most to raise animals, but as I have never been so honored as to step foot on Naboo i would not know if that enviorment would be well for this creature." His head then turned to the new female who arrived and smiled widely, nodding at her as a near by guard took the gift. He moved a step closer towards her and gathered a smell to identify her with.

"Karkan Ribene, you know your Trandoshan culture. Did you know Luke Skywalker said one of his favorite dishes was karkan ribene with tomo-spice?" He softly laughed at the comment and paused a moment, before moving on. "I infact try to make it a top priority to collect art from every planet that I have met someone from, so a portrait sounds wonderful. And you might be from..." before he could finish, his son began to speak up.

@SlagathorTheUnknown @Xorism @llamallove @Nor'baal

 

[Yossk]

Yossk had sensed her before she even stepped a foot inside the building. She had a spirit around her, one of sadness and pain. Of guilt and of being troubled. He understood how she felt, felt her pain many moons ago. Her wounds were fresh, still healing, his heart was thick with scar tissue from his. He already felt a kinship to her before he even saw her, and his reptilian pupils nearly invisibly widened. She was stunning. A full head of thick, wavy hair, dark skin that radiated warmth and beauty, and a pair of eyes many men would die for. No wonder why Cassian had fallen for her.

"Princess Reyna Vernize is the second in line for the Onderanian throne, and the lover of the most esteemed Cassian Graves. May his spirit be happily resting in the Force." Yossk interrupted as soon as he knew that his father would be asking that question. He would bow his torso towards her and take the box from her hands. "I apologize for your loss, princess, and hope we may find you a solitary night of respite from it. Your gift is... well it is to large to bring here. It is out in our secondary building, if you would like we can swing by and retrieve it for you before you leave. If you would like in the mean time I believe I can gather you a drink if you would like one."

He preformed a shrug and what was the equivalent to raising an eyebrow at the last sentence, trying to show it as not a very big deal. Outside he was trying to show he was cool and calm. Inside, he was different. For some reason he felt his heart lightly quicken. He never was one to be excited, even before... then. But now he was happy just seeing this woman he just met. But why?
@Nor'baal @llamallove
@Xorism @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's eyes narrowed as Rrodossk whispered something in his ear; if the Trandoshan was hoping to avoid a meeting later, he was sorely mistaken. However, now was not the time or the place to have such a conversation, as other representatives began exchanging gifts with their hosts. Senator Victoria Winterblaze, a rising FWA politician in the eyes of the aged Wookiee, was also present. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl wasn't certain that he would go so far as to call her gift to Rrodossk cute, but it did appear to please the Trandoshan enough that he didn't kill and eat it on the spot.

"Senator Winterblaze, it pained me to hear of the reaction to your brave words at the recent Senate meeting" he said, favoring her with a nod. "Although I'm sure that it is nothing but a vocal minority, I would be happy to campaign on your behalf" he said to her. Given the fractured nature of the FWA, he needed to do everything he could to help what allies he did have in the notoriously diverse faction. (@Xorism)

There was also the Queen of Naboo to greet. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl inclined his head as the monarch approached. "Queen Veruna, thank you for gracing us with your presence" he said, without even a hint of the sarcasm he felt inside. "It is not often that we see members of the ISC this deep into FWA space" he said, tactfully omitting the fact that he was part of the reason why that was.

Then, one of Rrodossk's spawn- Yossk, if he remembered correctly- approached with a very familiar-looking staff. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's eyes widened momentarily as he recognized its shape. His wroshyr staff, lost on Ruusan? To the Wookiee's slight dismay, it turned out to be a concealed weapon- trust the Trandoshans to turn a perfectly good walking staff into a lethal weapon that he wouldn't be able to carry into a Galactic Senate meeting- but Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl gracefully accepted the gift. "Thank you for your generosity" he said, admiring the staff. "It truly is without equal." That was probably the nicest thing he could say about it. (@Olwin)

The appearance of Princess Reyna and the mention of the late Cassian Graves sent a pang through the Wookiee's heart. So many had been lost to the Sith, and even still the FWA refused to fully fight back. Onderon still stood, thanks in no small part to the Jedi Order, but recognition of that fact had been dwarfed by more recent events. There had been a time when he could've trusted Onderon's King to back the Jedi, but the King was dead and his heir, Prince Weylin, was an unknown commodity. Princess Reyna's appearance at this event was most telling, as she clearly held some sort of official influence on Onderon. "Please send my regards to your people and planet, Princess" he addressed her. "I know that my daughter has personally expressed interest in visiting your beautiful planet and helping it rebuild." (@llamallove)

 

[Reyna Vernize]

"Thank you," she made reply, eyes bouncing between Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhdurrl and Senator Rrodossk's son as each expressed their condolences for her loss. She extended a hand to them in turn. The gesture showed her mastery over her own emotions, ignoring the stabbing pain in her stomach and the numb feeling that settled in her chest.
Reyna Vernize, second in line to the throne of Onderon, beloved daughter of its late King, jewel of her mother's eye, had never once been described as "the lover of Cassian Graves." Always—without exception—the opposite had been said. The abnormal introduction almost elicited a chuckle from her, knowing that Cassian, in his own twisted way, would have derived great pleasure from the description. Following the flow of conversation, she said to Yossk, referring to the gift, "You've certainly captured my imagination." Although, it this gift truly was as large as the Trandoshan implied, it might not fit in the ship she had arrived in.

To the Queen of Naboo and the Senator of Gannaria, the latter of whom piqued her interest after recent comments made in the Galactic Senate, she inclined her head respectfully and smiled. "An honor to meet you both."

Dark eyes settled on the Wookiee that loomed over her after that, studying him. There were questions she wanted to ask him—him the bastion of the Jedi in the free worlds now that the Senator of Lothal was dead. "Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhdurrl, how long has it been since you danced?" Should he accept her invitation, she would offer him her hand—as tender as that of a granddaughter's with her aging relation. As if to try and coax him, she added, lips twisting upwards without a trace of derision, "I'll have the band play something slow." @Olwin @SlagathorTheUnknown @Xorism

 

[Victoria]

She was happily amused that Rrodossk accepted her gift the way he had, likewise graciously accepting the fabulous gift that his son bestowed upon her. It was all the more thoughtful knowing that she was at least passingly familiar with the instrument owing to the years of music tutoring that she had undertaken in her youth. @Olwin

Next she mingled with Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl and Reyna, the former an esteemed and honourable gentleman of the senate and the latter a dazzling beauty in the mirror image of Onderon. "Thank you, your kind words do ease the pain that I have felt since that day. It seems truly selfless people are few and far between in this galaxy of ours, especially amongst our colleagues. I would be most grateful for your support." @SlagathorTheUnknown

She had heard the terrible things that had happened during the invasion of Onderon and her heart broke for the princess. It was inspiring to see her remain strong and defiant in the face of adversity and cruelty. Victoria didn't need the force to know what tumultuous ripples wrought through her life since then might do to a less kind soul. @llamallove

Her face betrayed her admiration for the woman. "Likewise, princess."

It was fortunate, then, for the gilded gift for whence the pair would dance, Victoria would play. Slipping away with a nod towards the band, she asked them if they would play alongside her. They'd not practised together, but the band agreed to find their way the best they could.

Smiling with determination, Victoria began to play a tune, hoping that it would be pleasing to the audience.

@Nor'baal

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl paused in thought for a moment when Reyna asked him to dance, noting that the Princess was unable to resist a little joke at his expense. Cassian had been cut from the same cloth- the Wookiee remembered being the subject of Graves' humor on more than one occasion- but he'd sensed no malice in Cassian's pranks and likewise none in Reyna's. It was a tragedy that Reyna and Cassian had not been allowed to grow old together.

"It would be my pleasure, Princess" he said, his mind wandering along with Reyna's question back to the last time he had danced; with Jithrrruthrrreorrfyirph a couple days before Kashyyyk had been bombarded. Had Cassian and Reyna danced when he was alive?

Had either of them suspected that it would be their last?

And so, with limbs weighed down by age and a heart weighed down by too many losses, the Senator from Kashyyyk danced with Reyna; a tribute to both his partner and hers who would never dance again.


@Xorism @llamallove @Olwin @Nor'baal

 

[Reyna Vernize]

The princess expected the band Rrodossk had employed to begin playing the next suite, but it was the Senator of Gannaria that stepped forward, violin in hand, and began to play. The band followed her lead, and the rest of the room was enthralled, every pizzicato movement stimulating and canorous. Hers were the hands of a musician, dexterous with calloused fingertips. A woman of many talents apparently, and Reyna wondered what other talents she might be hiding. @Xorism

While the senator played, Reyna and the Wookiee danced. There was dancing between two lovers, and then there was social dancing, where it was expected that conversation be made. Reyna would do just that, as she suspected the Senator of Kashyyyk was not the kind to carry the conversation unless pressed. Cassian had always described him as a grumpy grandpa, distant and frightening. The former she could understand, and on the latter, she would wait and make her own judgement. Her left hand sat on his shoulder—or as close to it as she could reach—and her right hand was held in his great paw, entirely engulfed in its brown fur. The size of the aged Wookiee was even more apparent when dancing.

"I've wanted to meet you for some time," Reyna spoke plainly, in a soft voice so their conversation was their own. "Cassian... he spoke often of you." She smiled, mostly for the Wookiee's benefit. "And mentioned that you were not inclined toward interminable conversations" How unlike a politician. How unlike Cassian. "So I will speak freely, if I may. You continue to support the Jedi." That was evident from his comments in the last galactic session session. "After their padawans killed your own people. After your association with them brought destruction upon your forests. Why? What do you hope to gain?" @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Dusty Daytonus]

"I'm telling you, I need a lizard guy in my entourage. The optics would be killer! Tell 'em Kyle!"Dusty was telling the Trandoshan guard, who had stopped him at the gate, a little unsure if the Governor of Ploo II should be allowed to bring his birthday gift inside. The guard explained that he wasn't looking for any further work and that he was under contract, no matter how "badass" it might be for the Governor to have a Trandoshan in his retinue.

Eventually, Kyle, the long suffering yacht pilot of Dusty Daytonus, managed to steer the Glymphid away and into the party proper, leaving the gift behind in the care of the guard, since it didn't seem as bringing it further was an option. The gift was an AT-RT walker. Dusty had plenty of them in stock ever since he'd traded access to his planet's oil fields to Nor'baal the Hutt in exchange for a metric shit ton of walkers. Personally, he loved taking the walked out for joy rides and he got the sense that Rrodossk would too. Dusty went to go find the Trandoshan birthday boy and tell him of his new gift.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

"The pleasure is all mine, Princess Vernize" Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl responded, grateful that she had more or less skipped the small talk and went straight for what was on her mind. The galaxy could use more of those kinds of people, the Wookiee mused to himself. He would match her confidential volume, knowing that T-8R would as well in case the Princess didn't understand the noble language of Shyriiwook.

This was hardly the first time he'd fielded such a question from someone asking why, after all that had transpired, that he still supported the Jedi. Indeed, to much of the galaxy it must've looked like Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl held a fanatical devotion to the Order of Force-users. Noting that Reyna didn't say that Cassian had spoken well of him, the Senator of Kashyyyk decided that there was no use in dancing around with his words to try and make a good first impression- clearly, the Princess of Onderon already had an idea of him in her mind.

"It is true that the Jedi are not perfect, and that supporting them has caused my planet much suffering" he admitted. Even now, years following the bombardment, Kashyyyk was still rebuilding. "But what is the alternative?" A rhetorical question he was only too happy to expand upon. "Sitting by and doing nothing while the Sith divide and conquer plays right into their hands." A good thing that the only ISC representative in the room was out of earshot. "Over the course of Kashyyyk's history this same scenario has played itself out countless times; Czeerka Corporation, the Empire, the First Order..."

Princess Reyna might not have expected such a lecture from him, given the pleasant music provided by Senator Winterblaze (@Xorism). But, knowing that his days were numbered, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl seized on the chance to try to pass along his ideals to the next generation of leaders. "I support the Jedi not because they are perfect, but because whenever the galaxy is imperiled by the Sith- as it is now- it is the Jedi who fight for its freedom."

The Wookiee glanced down at Reyna, sympathetically. "Just as Cassian did when the Sith invaded Onderon" he ventured, unsure what reaction that comment might provoke from the Princess.


@llamallove

 

[Reyna Vernize]

The elderly Wookiee was a moralist and an idealist. The former she had expected. Cassian had told her as much, and the media couldn't stop themselves from talking about the senator's latest reproach or his hard nosed stance on any given issue. He always made his opinion known, and his scorn for Emryc Thorne was legendary at this point. He was strong-willed and dogmatic. The latter, however, that beneath his stern expression, overbearing manner, and matter of fact language he was an idealist—that surprised her.

It was the Jedi that came to the galaxy's rescue and aid at every turn, so long as it was against the Sith. It had been the Jedi that had swayed the battle for Onderon's freedom in its favor. Not the Royal Guard. Not the Untamed. Without the Jedi, Onderon would have been overrun with Sith and taken over. For Kashyyyk, however, she supposed it all boiled down to one question. "Taking everything into account, have the Jedi made the lives of Kashyyyk's citizens better?"
The half-Sephi looked past Senator Aezzairfhowlhudrrl, to the Senator of Ploo II. Behind him, the security guard stood staring up at an AT-RT that had been parked in the reception hall of the house. Free Worlds senators were an eclectic bunch, and Cassian had been no exception. She was grateful for the diversion, a far away looking crossing over her dark eyes as the Wookiee spoke of Cassian's death.

A fight for freedom. That's how he spoke of it. She was glad. Glad that Cassian's legacy was not confined to his good looks, the speculation that surrounded his rise to office, and his derisive jokes. "Cassian respected you," she said suddenly, looking back to the Wookiee. "Begrudgingly. He never would have told you that, but he told me that you never buckle under pressure. That you aren't consumed by public opinion or the influence of other politicians. That you always do what you believe is best for your people." There had been other things said, many of them not positive, but Reyna would not mention those.

He had given Cassian a compliment. More than most politicians were willing to give him, and she would return the favor. The music came to and end, and so did their dance. Reyna's hand slipped from his fur, and she said, "If you would permit me, I would like to visit Kashyyyk at your earliest convenience." She wanted to see how the planet had recovered, if the Jedi had come through on all of their promises. "And you may tell your daughter that she would by my honored guest, should she ever visit Onderon." @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

There were few days that Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was grateful for his advanced age, but as Reyna asked him the most forward- and perilous- question about the Jedi that he'd fielded recently, the Wookiee was glad that he was doing little more than shuffling along the dance floor. His open support for the Jedi was what had drawn the ire and destructive focus of the Sith Empire; not a day went by that Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl didn't wonder just how much of his people's blood was on his hands.

No, he reminded himself. Cassian had no love for the Jedi, and he still was murdered by the Sith. The sobering thought, along with Reyna's memories of the late Senator Graves, made him respond to her conversation slightly out of order. "I hope that he knew that I respected him as well." Nobody had encapsulated what it meant to be a member of the FWA quite like Cassian.

The temptation was there to recount only recent events; the bombardment, the vines... but Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's memory went back further than most. "The Jedi have always worked to aid Kashyyyk" he responded after several moments. "The return of the Jedi broke the original Empire's hold on the galaxy, and then the First Order's. After the bombardment they have been assisting with the refugee resettlement program and have continued to defend those threatened by the Sith and the Kiliks, regardless of allegiance or borders. We can ask for no more courageous allies."

A graceful incline of the head acknowledged the change in subject, along with his agreement. "Kashyyyk would be honored by your presence, Princess" he said. The planet still bore the scars of the terrible attack, but it was beginning to heal. "And I shall relay your message to Syoti; I am certain she will appreciate your most generous offer." Reyna's mention of his daughter raised the Wookiee's curiosity, but not enough to begin interrogating his dance partner as to how she and Syoti had met- nowadays, everything was done online, and it also wouldn't surprise him if they had met at a diplomatic function of some sort. Syoti tended to eschew the more formal events, but he saw something of a kindred spirit in Reyna; both were intelligent young women in positions of influence, and perhaps Syoti could learn a thing or two from Princess Reyna's example. Goodness knows she wasn't much in the habit of listening to him...

Eyebrows knit briefly together as Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl searched for a conversation topic, before his mind settled on recent events on Onderon. "I heard that King Weylin agreed to stronger ties with the Hapes Consortium" he mentioned, managing to keep his true thoughts on the matter from leaking into his tone. The Queen Mother had been quite aggressive of late in recruiting planets into her fold. "I have not heard many details; how will Onderon benefit from this alliance?" He was wary of the continued expansion of the Hapan Consortium, given the Queen Mother's past desire to elect a single leader for the FWA in the past, and the opportunity to speak off the record with a member of Onderon's royal family didn't happen every day.

@llamallove