As the night stretched on, the Tipsy Tusken slowly began to quiet down as the usual Okami Mandalorian patrons cleared out leaving behind only a few stragglers who continued their conversations and banter; In the farthest corner of the cantina sat a single one, not bearing any of Clan Okami’s markings upon her armor, but a Mandalorian all the same.
Her helmet perched atop the table next to a bottle of Tihaar she’d been working on, gloved hand wrapped around a glass which sat three quarters empty. Fiery locks spilling down over her shoulders with the tips of pointed ears peaking out from them, behind the the curtains of flame-colored locks which framed a heart shaped face rested the visage of a young woman no older than twenty-three, wearing an expression of someone whom had seen much, done a lot, and in all of it.. Lost everything.
The Sephi’s golden-amber hues remained affixed upon her glass as she seemed to think about something or other as a slender digit tapped against the glass in her grasp, but in all of it, regardless of what was on her mind she remained stoic, practically in a trance, lost in her own thoughts, practically drowning in them upon a first glance.
The door hissed open letting the cold night air spill in. Ducking her head slightly under the doorway as she took a few measured steps inside. A few heads turning her way as the door closed behind her. A few taking note of the new face while others were caught up in their own conversations and drink. Pulling her scarf down as well as her hood, her chin length warm brown hair with soft auburn undertones spilled free.
A warm smile stretched across her face as she patted the snow from her attire before walking up the bar and ordering a stiff drink. Her eyes catching sight of the one she was sent here to rouse from their bender. Picking up her drink she strode her way over to their table. Coming to a stop as she reached the table.
Gesturing towards the seat across from the Sephi. She asked in a casual tone “Looks like you have a free seat there. Mind if I take it?” Flashing a wide smile causing her fangs to briefly show. “Plus I heard drinks are always better with company.”
The Sephi was one of the few who took note of the new arrival, hearing the hiss of the door beneath the sparse banter and chatter, a few moments after the door had opened a faint hint of the crisp breeze from the frozen climate of Kaerls found Lynnyaria’s face; however, her attention had soon enough returned to her glass until she felt a presence across the table from her and an unfamiliar voice meeting her pointed ears which gave a twitch at the sound. Casting her gaze up she found that the woman whom the voice belonged to was rather larger than most she’d dealt with in the past, though this didn’t seem to garner any real reaction from her.
She let the question and following statement hang on stale air for a few moments before slow, methodical movements had her lean back from her hunched over position, retreating into a stiff, but lounging lean back against her seat. The redhead studied the Cathar across from her, those piercing golden-amber hues drinking in what information she could about the woman with careful and trained perception. Soon enough though her shoulders rolled in a lazy shrug, almost dismissive of the question itself, but not seeming to carry any rejection.
Finally her lips parted and her voice drifted lazily upon the air, carrying memory of a sound that used to mimic that of a soft summer breeze, “Asking to join a stranger for a drink always has some motive behind it.. So how are we going to play this Cathar, are you going to sit down and waste my time with disingenuous small talk, or do I at least get afforded the honest of why someone whom I’ve never seen before has picked out the most secluded table in the Cantina and on top of that seems a little too interested in talking to me in particular?” After the words left her mouth a brow raised as if to emphasize the question weighted on the tail end of her statement; however, the following silence was short lived as she gave a simple follow up, “If you’re looking to hire a Bounty Hunter, or a hired gun, I am not your girl, you’d have better luck with the Okami around here.. I don’t do that anymore.. As you can see, I am doing just fine for myself.” She stated gesturing from her glass to the bottle of Tihaar.
Shrugging her shoulders softly she sat down at the table and put her drink down. Her eyes flicked across the Sephi as she studied her. Leaning forward onto the table seemingly very interested what the Sephi was saying. Shifting in her seat as if she were antsy as her foot tapped on the ground impatiently. To any onlookers it would have seemed the Cathar was meeting with a old friend and having a engaging conversation and maybe a little to excited. Raising her drink to her lips as she took a sip. Staring down at her glass as she swirled the liquid inside around absentmindedly. She let out a tired sigh before speaking in a more casual tone “I wouldn’t call it disingenuous if I mean it.” A long pause stretched before she spoke again. “You seem lonely. Thought I could help with that.” Nodding her head and putting her gloved hand open and out. Speaking excitedly as her pitch went slightly higher “Your right though. Hi, I am Lysa.”
Tilting her head to the side, her warm intense eyes focused onto the Sephi’s. Her facial features although marked by dark symmetrical stripes which made her features sharper and more predatory, seemed soft on her face. Her smile was warm and genuine if a little forced. “I came here to find you since you were assigned to be my mentor. Its good to meet you!” Her tone was more measured yet stilled carried a uncertain nature to it.
The Sephi was about to comment on the statement regarding her seeming lonely before the words that she’d been assigned a student settled in, the mood seemed to shift from a casual dismissive sense to one of thick tension, but ultimately lacking in any sense of aggression. This led to Lynnyaria simply staring at the Cathar for a moment, her features twitching for a moment before she erupted in hysterics, seeming to find humor in the statement itself; taking a few moments to regain her composure she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye still giggling.
“I’ve been gone for a few years, off the radar, no contact with anyone, and you’re trying to tell me that I was assigned a student.. Well in that case I am the all powerful Grand Master of the Brotherhood, the youngest sitting Dark Lord of the Sith.” The latter of her statement was wrought with sarcasm so thick one could cut it with a vibroknife. Giving a shake of her head she placed a gloved hand back around her glass and pulled it to her lips, letting the strong alcohol leave a heated, tingling sensation on her tongue and in the back of her throat. After the sip she sat her glass back down and gave a shake of her head.
“Look girly, I don’t know who you talked to, but it’s clear someone is playing a prank on you, and honestly a frakked up one at that.. But I’ll give you this, you’re cute and shouldn’t be wasting your time in this frozen paradise.” She gave a wave of her hand as if dismissing her own words, “But fine, if you like, you can have a drink with me, probably need it after being given the run around to Kaerls, I like joking with newbies as much as the next person, but sheesh.. Sending you to an ice moon and telling you that your Master is the one person that has disappeared for years? That’s a little far.”
After listening intently she raised a brow at the statements, “Well I don’t know what there is to read up on me about, but if you did find something to read on me then you wouldn’t be asking me for my story.” The Sephi commented almost coldly hinting at a deeper turn of events which led her to the position she was in, there was a hint of bitterness to her tone but not a sense angled at the Cathar; Lynnyaria fell silent for a few moments as she finished the remaining few contents of her glass before returning to observing it for a time.
“…So what, you think that just because you’re stunning, you can come in here, flash a sweet smile, and ultimately interrupt me feeling sorry for myself, and then what? I pour my heart out to you about my tragic backstory that led me to an obvious and rampant bout of alcoholism and a disinterest in the outside world that’s left me not even knowing how long it’s been since I first walked through those doors?”
Shifting in her seat she kept her gaze affixed on the Cathar now, pulling a heel up onto her perch as she wrapped her arms around her shin just below the knee. “I think you’ve been reading too many romance novels girly, that’s not how life works… Found that out the hard way, let myself believe that I had something good going for me finally.. That’s my story, and that’s all you’re getting unless you can convince me otherwise.”
The Cathar’s features softened, swirling her dink in her glass slowly with both hands as she sat in that uncomfortable silence. No longer having her earlier enthusiasm and angst as she pondered what her mentor had said. Her voice came out gentle but unmistakably tired “Figured I would get to know the person rather then the story.” Her eyes raised from her glass towards the Sephi but not making eye contact yet caring a air of vulnerability. “Your probably expecting me so say some wise words of encouragement or that I can fix you.” She shook her head and let out a weak chuckle.
“No…….I’m not.” She lifted her head gazing out the window. Her eyes flickering across the vast empty landscape. “I see why you came here. Not a lot of people……Even fewer problems.” Raising her glass to her lips and finishing her drink she set it down. Her cheeks rosy as she was obviously tipsy. “It’s a good place to be left alone with your thoughts, or well alone in general I guess.”
While fidgeting with her empty glass her smile from earlier returned. Yet her eyes held a certain understanding to them. “I understand……..Not wanting to talk about your past. I get it……We all have regrets.” Her eyes flicked to the Sephi’s bottle and gestured with her empty glass. “So how about this? If you don’t want to talk about yourself and you called me stunning.” Her eyes meeting the Sephi’s as she spoke “How about you poor me a drink and enjoy some good company?” Flashing a smile “At the very least you’ll have some eye candy to enjoy some drinks with. Misery loves company after all.” Her smile was soft and tired, but this time is was genuine.
The Sephi sat in silence for a short time listening to Lysa speak until finally the Cathar gestured to the bottle; she studied the woman’s features for a moment before shaking her head, “I cannot recommend drinking from that bottle, especially not if you have already been drinking and are feeling the effects of whatever it is that you were having, as I guarantee the contents are at minimum twice as strong.” she warned with a shake of her head.
“Generally you ask someone on a date if you like that they complimented you, not ask to end up face down on the floor because you made a mistake that could have easily avoided.” Lynnyaria chided flatly, “I’m not saying no, but I am saying I’ll have to prepare myself to figure out how i’ll scrape you up off the floor when all is said and done with it.” Reaching out she grabbed the bottle by it’s neck and poured another glass for herself before setting the bottle back down and grabbing her glass which was then pulled to her lips for a sip. The Mandalorian then slid the glass across to the Cathar, the contents swaying and sloshing in the glass by seeming to not spill by some miracle.
“But if you insist, I wouldn’t recommend knocking the glass back, it’s not going to be the leisurely experience that your attitude makes it out to be, mark my words.”
Not being one to overestimate herself she didn’t drink from it quite yet. Her eyes remain fixed on the glass before bringing it to her lips and taking a sip. Her face tensing slightly as her nose wrinkled as she liquid went down. Letting out a slow sharp exhale. “Thanks, I think I’ll be sure to head the warning.”
Coughing a couple times before she cleared her throat and settled back down. The effects of the drink quickly taking effect aided by her already inebriated state as she slowly swayed in her seat. The smile she wore on her face was serene and sincere. Relaxing back into the cushions of the seat she stared out the window.
Slowly reaching a hand out the glass began to rattle some upon the table before flying into her hand, the contents sloshing around during the journey and some spilling upon the table, she then pulled the glass to her own lips and took a quiet sip before closing her eyes and letting out a slow exhale of her own. “You’re right, I came here because it’s quiet, and despite the Okami being here, figured no one would really find me, but seems I need to find a new haunt I guess if the womp rat’s out of the bag.”
She let her words hang in the air for a few moments as she swirrled the Tihaar around in her glass, her own gaze affixed on nothing in particular, seeming to not really know what more to say, or if anything needed to be said in that moment, she thought on various things as ideas swam through her head; however, the one concept she seemed to keep returning to was that maybing having some company at least for the moment wasn’t terrible.
Lysa smiled softly and giggled. The effects of the alcohol having fully set in as she swayed softly in her seat. Her eyes snapping to the glass as she saw what the Sephi did. Faintly they reflected a deep sorrow. “It doesn’t get easier you know?”
Slowly she brought her hands together, softly tracing the creases of her palm. Seeming to be lost in her own world as she contemplated something. She would have appeared drunk if not for the focus still held in her eyes. Finally drawing up to meet the Sephi’s as she spoke again. Her voice coming out casual and light in stark contrast to what followed “We all live, and then die. Some sooner then others.”
Lynnyaria continued to swirl the Tihaar around in the glass as she listened, her expression remaining mostly unchanged save for an amount of sympathy entering her golden-amber gaze, but still she remained quiet, allowing the Cathar to finish her sentiment before speaking; at first she continued her silence for a few moments longer, letting Lysa’s own words hang, she then pulled the glass to her own pursed lips allowing the liquid to wash over her tongue. After pulling her glass back down she cleared her throat. “That’s a very deep, but also widely known sentiment.” She finally said, despite the coldness of her words, there did seem to be some understanding sympathy laced in with her tone, sure the ideal to her was just as much basic knowledge as almost any standard concept, but she also seemed to sense the pain laced in with the Cathar’s own words.
“But, no matter how simple a concept it is, it holds true, and while we can’t escape that simple face, we can still make choices on what to do, and me? I just decided to stop playing the game after a while.” Now returning to swirling the Tihaar in her glass once more, her eyes shifted to scan their surroundings before falling back upon Lysa, “The First Order, The Resistance, The Hutts, The Syndicates.. Nobody’s the good guys, don’t really care what people tell themselves.” Exhaling a gentle sigh the Sephi shook her head slowly letting her leg drop back down as she plopped her glass back atop the table. “Look, I don’t know what you’re looking to get by joining up with the Brotherhood, or what you really think you’ll get out of an alcoholic that’s locked herself away in a frozen over bar, but what I do know is that there are many better ways to live your life than drinking and feeling sorry for yourself at this table with me.” The corner of her mouth turned up in a slight sympathetic smile, “You could say something similar to me, but fact is, me being here is a choice; one that I made a while ago and haven’t seemed to reconsider.”
Slowly the Cathar began to smile, it was warm and had a deep depth of gratitude that reflected in her eyes. “I don’t feel sorry for myself.” Looking back out the window towards the great expanse of white powder that blew across the snowy planes. “I was just remembering my sister. She’s actually the reason I’m even here.” Letting out a soft giggle that grew louder until she was laughing loudly, seeming as if she heard the funniest joke ever. Finally calming down as she wiped the tears from her eyes and caught her breath, cheeks flushed red from the alcohol in her system. “Of course no one is the good guy, we are not in some kids story.”
Finally her eyes drew back towards her mentor to be as she spoke “Life is messy…..It is dark, and bright…..I’m here to live my life. For myself, and for my friends and family.” Her expression becoming softer and her tone lighter as the topic shifted. “But I mean what I said…..It doesn’t get easier…..What your doing. What you have been doing.” Gesturing with her hand open as if to show the Sephi as a example. “Im sure talking with me has been better then the years you have been here……..Quietly-” Her lips moving faintly as she spoke under her breath, her words trailing off and going quiet. Her last words lost in the cool breeze that drifted between them.
A simple roll of the Sephi’s shoulders was given in response to the Cathar’s words, she hadn’t been very animated when Lysa was talking, but instead more akin to a statue, almost as frozen as the wastes outside. “Like I said.. It’s a choice, and I know it’s probably not a good one, but truth be told.. It’s the only one i’ve come up with and I don’t often stray from my choices easily.” The glass was placed upon the table as she decided to hold off from taking another drink; having been partaking before the Cathar arrived, the Tihaar was already beginning to catch up with her as her cheeks had begun to take on a hue of their own, warmed from the effects of the beverage.
“Well.. I can’t say it’s not somewhat pleasant as you’ve not made me want to kick you out into the cold.” Lynnyaria remarked as her golden-amber eyes shifted away seemingly to calculate her next words, or the statement she’d just made, “It’s been a time since i’ve sat around and talked with anyone; however, that is also a choice, this place is only really empty during the down hours. Her gaze then returned to the woman across the table from herself, "So.. What’s expected to happen now.. I get up and hug you.. Maybe thank you for showing me the error of my ways, admit that i’ve been a fool for wasting away and feeling sorry for myself and then we run off into the sunset and live happily ever after?”
The latter half of her statement was wrought with sarcasm, gloved hands patted around her belt until she produced a small case from one of it’s many pouches; flipping the item open she pulled out a long, slender deathstick before snapping the case shut, tapping the end against the silver shell before popping the filter end into the side of her lips, her eyes remaining locked on the Cathar throughout the process. “Earlier, you said you read up on me, and it feels like you know more than you’re letting on, I only know of three people myself who know what happened… So… Spill it, who snitched?”
“Arika.” The words fell from her lips almost a little sour. “That’s how I read up on what happened. The more nasty details at least……I don’t really want to pry or expect you to pour your heart out. I’d rather not hear about it and I know you don’t want to talk about it.” Her eyes faltering from their steady intensity and focus as a wave of grief flashed behind them. Gone as quickly as it came, letting out a long sigh before her smile slowly returned. Lyra’s words coming out light and calm as she settled back into the booth. “I’m glad I am not entirely unpleasant to be around.” Letting out a faint laugh, trying to keep her voice down as to not disturb the peace of those around.
Leaning forward onto the table propped up on her elbows, her chin resting atop her hands. “I think you made a good choice coming here…….and staying here.” A warm smile spreading across her face as she looked into the Sephi’s eyes with curiosity. “I think your bored now though…….Spent enough time alone. No one is saying you cant feel bad for yourself.” Her smile cracked for a brief moment before returning to its normal warm glow. “I just think its time you have some fun. So what do you think?”
Her body language softening as she lets out a long sigh as if deflated from keeping up a act. “Also I’m not much the hugging type so if your expecting that from the pretty face…..Give me a few more drinks and a reason to stick around with you then I might be though.” Her eyes playfully darted to the glass of Tihaar and back to the Sephi, gesturing towards it with her head. “Sound like fun?”
The Sephi once more listened intently, and after the Cathar was done speaking she paused for a long moment then slowly moved to slide the glass across the table, “Knock yourself out, but if you have too much, i’m not babysitting you.” She remarked, though there didn’t seem to be a dismissive tone to her voice; something about Lysa had caught her attention, though she hadn’t quite managed to put her finger on it yet, but there was one thing that the Cathar had right.. She was bored, very bored and in reality it was only her own stubbornness keeping her in the Cantina.
“…Seeing how determined you are, I can only assume that Arika has already begun fixing up a room for you on the ship..” Lynnyaria exhaled a long sigh of defeat, “…Fine, fine.” She stated with a dismissive wave, “We’ll start your training first thing, but there will be no complaining..” As the Sephi spoke she raised a brow. “Also, training won’t be postponed for hangovers, so drink only what you can handle.”
“What I can handle? We are well past that but faaaair enough.” Letting out a soft chuckle as she softly swayed in her seat. “Yeah, you know Arika pretty well it seems.” Her demeanor softening as she let out a soft sigh of relief.
“Even if I have a hangover?” A soft smile spread across her face again as she looked at the glass. “It wouldn’t be first time being hungover for PT in the morning.” Shrugging her shoulders and bringing her hands up in surrender. “Fine! I won’t have any more tonight, but that doesn’t mean we cant still talk on our way to the ship and relax more tonight right? I mean the night is still young after all and you need to make up for lost time.”
As the Mandalorian slowly rose to her feet her eyes remained locked onto the Cathar as Lysa spoke, “I do, Arika has been part of my crew for a while.. There’s no chance that you won’t meet her and her wife so be ready for that, they’re definitely… A pair..” The Sephi commented as she took a short while to slowly tie her fiery locks back, her eyes closed as she took in a deep breath, picking her helmet up off the table, lowering it onto her head and locking it in place after adjusting it slightly.
“…Alright, let’s go before I change my mind.” The Mandalorian commented, her voice now having a crisp modulation to it; offering her hand to the Cathar as she stepped around the table, her head turned to look at the door, “We leave now, should be able to get to the ship before that drink settles in with you too much, and to be blunt.. You’re cute, but we’re not dating, nor on a mission.. So I don’t want to have to carry you for any measure that I don’t need to.” The Sephi’s helmet hid the scowl that accomapnied her statement.
Only realizing now she may have had too much already. “I can’t wait to meet them.” Taking the Sephi’s hand and rising from the table upon slightly unsteady footing. Slowly brushing down her attire to straighten out her clothing. More out of habit then straightening or cleaning up any real mess or wrinkles. She did a quick yet measured one over as she felt each pocket and made sure everything was accounted for.
Flashing the sephi a warm smile “Lead the way….yeah we should be on our way.” She flashed a timid smile in a mock sorry as straightened up gaining her previous confidence and pouting playfully “I’m sure you could carry me. I’m not that big am I?” Letting a soft giggle out before she spoke again. “Don’t worry I can handle my drink…..well enough to get to bed at the least.”
Having given the Cathar a moment to steady herself, the Mandalorian slowly released Lysa’s hand giving the woman a once over before taking a step back and turning to leave, pushing away the second thoughts about leaving which had been cropping up since she stood. Wordlessly she began striding towards the door with the Cathar close in tow, the door to the Cantina opening and the sobering blast of freezing air from the tundra outside swept through the bar.
For the first time in a few years the Sephi was about to set foot back into the Galaxy; however, unlike many a time before, she had no clue, nor plan for what was to come next.