On Plant Eshan, the Echanis open their door and home for a week to show the world of their culture during springtime. It was a symbolism of rebirth, renewal, change, and more days of light to arrive. After a week, they are closed off, but celebrate for one more week in private, just for them alone. Outsiders were not permitted unless personally invited.
The event was lively and massive. If one does not pay attention where they were going, they could risk accidentally interrupting a spar between the Enchanis. There was their local foods, drinks, clothings, weapons, and many more. Echanis and the hybrids wore little clothing including being barefooted.
It was known that you can challenge an Echani during the event and they are not to decline. However, if during the fight or spar, they feel through the attacks that the challenger was to be here on malicious intent, the challenger would be taken down and be brought to prison.
Evelyn strolled through the event and made sure not to bump into anyone. Her snow white hair was free from any constricts and the Astromech Droid was rolling behind her, holding two weapons carefully. They made their way over to the stage where they would host tournaments, dancing, and music. Right now, there was music and not too long after, Enchani Firedancers were up.
The tanned hybrid went backstage and met a few others.
“You know the rules, hybrids in the back,” One of the male Echani brought up as he was checking his double bladed weapon. Evelyn’s dark emerald hues glanced over to another hybrid and gave a small friendly smile. She squatted down and held out her hands to the droid which handed her weapon over.
Evelyn grasped her double bladed weapon and connected them in the middle. She twisted it and made sure it was on tight. The music had stopped and they were currently removing the instruments off of the stage. The group of twelve Echani Flamedancers went up to the stage. Evelyn was in the back. Around the stage, there was a brief roar and orange flames flickered to life. Music started to play and they started as the sun was going down. At first, there were no flames at their twin bladed ritual brand. Their movements were fluid and swift, it was like watching them dance and not sparring.
The two Echanis in the front started by having their ritual brand land on the fire and it wooshed to life. The others followed. Outsiders in the crowd gasped and awed. The others followed. Darkness eloped the sky and you could see the Flamedancers were glistening by how the flame reflected off of their bodies. The music stopped and so did they. Applause was loud. With their bow, they got off sage as the circle of flame was gone.
After thanking the hybrid she sparred with earlier and a forearm shake, Evelyn went to the nearest bar by the stage. Thirteen followed and held her weapons once again. She leaned over to get the bartender’s attention, “Emerald wine, please.” She figured she can start with her favorite basic and then try the local wines later as the night goes on. Her hands went up to her silky soft hair as she gathered the strands and pulled it over to her shoulder to cool her back. It felt so good to be here again. Despite her strained relationship with her family, she really loved being here. The sweat dripped down her body and being a Flamedancer brought her joy that she missed having.
Present amongst those gathered to witness the Flamedancing ceremony on Eshan was none othet than Atto Demici, First Son of House Demici of Serenno. Securing transport to the tropical Inner Rim world had been a trivial matter once he mentioned who his family was. Since it was spring on this part of the planet, Atto had made sure to dress in light clothing–a loose fitting black collared shirt, black slacks with persimmon pinstripes, and light brown loafers. All designer, of course, nothing less for the Epicanthix-Human hybrid of noble birth.
All of the Flamedancers were impressive, but none more so than the woman sporting a long, flowing locks. Even he could spot the minutiae in her movements that made her a cut above the rest.
“Impressive,” he muttered to himself as the performance ended, clapping his hands together in light applause.
Noticing that the woman ventured over to one of the bars near the stage, he took it upon himself to approach. Moving across the field with a confident yet leisurely stride.
“Tevraki whiskey on the rocks, please,” he said to the bartender, tapping the counter with his fingers. When they left to prepare his drink, he glanced over at Evelyn and gave her a nod.
“Impressive work, out there. They really should have you up front since you’re the best of them.”
“I disagree, but thank you for the compliment.” Their drinks had arrived. She pinched at the stem at the wine glass and pulled it closer to her. She glanced over to the male that was talking to her and noticed the Epicanthix features right away. But she wasn’t sure if he was or not. She scanned over his clothes and noticed the threads. The design touches. Tailor was her life long hobby and it would be amiss for her to not notice it.
He had money. Was she in the presence of someone from a noble house?
“My name is Evelyn Wyvern,” she held out her hand for a handshake.
Atto’s lips pulled into a smile and he averted his gaze, shifting his attention to the bartender who brought their drinks over. He pretended as if he didn’t notice her looking him over. She had showed humility in her response, so he felt it was appropriate to do the same by not acknowledging hersizing him up.
“Thank you,” he nodded to the bartender while loosely curling his fingers around the textured glass. He pressed his lips to the brim and took a sip, savoring the burn that spread through his chest once he swallowed.
Misty teal eyes settled on Evelyn again when she introduced herself, taking a closer look at her now and teasing out the curious blend of Epicanthix and Echani features present on her tanned countenance. Atto placed the glass down and reached over to shake her hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn Wyvern,” he replied coolly, “Wasn’t expecting to meet another noble so soon into the night.I’m Atto Demici.”
The handshake was a bit longer than usual but she didn’t pay it any mind. She properly looked up and her posture remained firm and straight. She did have a moment of a surprise look on her face when he brought up of meeting another noble. So her assumptions were right. Then the emotion was gone.
“House Demici. I believe that is… Is it Planet Serenno? I also did not expect that. What brings you all the way out here, Mr. Demici?” She asked while bringing the wine glass to her lips and taking a sip before setting it down.
So, he was correct. It seemed that in his time away from his family’s estate, he hadn’t lost the ability to spot another high born from a parsec away. He inclined his head in a slight bow, and finally released her hand when he stood upright again to hold her gaze.
“That is correct, my lady,” he replied, noting the sudden change in her expression. There was a flash of surprise, but it was quickly replaced by a more neutral, measured look. One that looked rehearsed.
“My late mother, bless her soul, brought me to Eshan when I was a child to witness the springtime ceremonies held here. I haven’t had the chance to visit since, so I wanted to do so as a way to keep that memory alive.”
“My condolences.” Evelyn understood that want and need to keep the memory of a loved one alive. She turned and look at the people behind her. A few spars, several dancing, others drinking and chatting. The music was back on the stage. She still remembered the first time she brought Aketa here.
“As someone who brought a loved one here long ago, I am certain your mother enjoyed and cherished that memory.” Then she rose her glass for him to clink with his.
“To memories.”
Atto looked back at her with an expression that appeared like he was genuinely touched by her words.
“To memories,” he smiled and lifted his glass to touch the base against her own. Then, he took a modest swig.
“So, do you live on Eshan, Lady Wyvern?”
Their glasses made a small clink sound and she took a sip in return. She shook her head while setting the glass down. Her hands went to gather her hair strands, again. She had cooled off and the sweat was mostly evaporated so her hair was now on her back instead of over her shoulder.
“Wyvern or just Ms. Wyvern will do. I have not been part of that house for… thirteen years.” Evelyn didn’t realized that it had been that long. “And no sir, I do not. I live on Selen.” Evelyn took a sip and paused. Her therapist had encouraged her to be more involved in conversation. Right.
“And where is your home?”
Atto couldn’t help but watch her while she fixed her hair, trading the unkempt style for one, equally alluring orderly one.
“Ms. Wyvern it is, then. And I’m sorry to hear that. I uh, know what it’s like to have not been a part of one’s house for some time.”
He lowered his head, staring down into his glass while distractedly swirling the mahogany colored liquid. Hearing that her current place of residence made him perk up a bit, prompting him to turn and face her, opening his posture up a bit.
“You’re fron Selen? I just moved there, myself! A beautiful planet, really.”
Evelyn watched his expression. For her, she couldn’t care less about her House. It could burn down. Of course, she wouldn’t wish that on her cousin and her family. They needed to be secured and safe.
For him? His House seems to be close to his heart. It was also none of her business.
Her eyebrow rose in surprise. What was the odds she was going to meet someone here from Selen? Her body language shifted to almost match his towards him, but slightly more closed off and leaned to the bar.
“Let me be the first one to say welcome to Selen, if I am. And yes. Selen has a certain charm to it. Did you move for a job?” Evelyn inquired.
“You would indeed be the first. Well, besides the nice Sarkhai lad working at customs,” he said with a chuckle. “Thank you.”
He turned his head to take another swig of his whiskey, savoring the taste.
“I actually joined as a way to pay back a debt. The … Marshals? I believe they’re called? They saved me from a nasty run in with a group of pirates who waylaid me and damaged my ship’s navigation system. I likely would have perished without them.”
Some likely would have said that flying a ship emblazoned with a noble house’s insignia was unwise, especially while in unknown territory, but Atto was never one to hide his pride in his lineage. Even if many of his house didn’t offer him the same reverence.
“I haven’t decided what I would like to do for work, yet, but I want to do something to return the favor.”
“Yes, that would be the Dajorran Marshals. Must found yourself in quite the predicament. I am glad that they helped you. Since you live on Selen, we have many different squadrons for our pilots. I am a proud to be Captain of a really good one, might be biased, the Siren Squad.” Her posture changed and her body was now facing him and she maintained eye contact with his. Her feet at shoulder width, almost close to ‘at ready’ pose that many military customs were.
“We do have an opening if you are a pilot and want to test your skills with us. There are more openings, such as AAF, DIA, and-” She stopped herself.
Her lips curved into a small smile and she shook her head, “I am sorry. You should be here for a good time. To spar, dance, and try the local food and drinks. Not be stuck talking to me about military.”
Atto snapped his fingers, eyes lighting up when she helped jog his memory. That’s what they were called, the Dajorran Marshals. It was a good name, the kind that was simple enough but also commanded respect. And if they were some sort of law enforcement, then the ability to command respect from one’s peers and enemies alike was of vital importance.
“Oh no no,” Atto began, waving off the suggestion with a slightly embarrassed look. “I appreciate the offer but I’m no pilot’s pilot. Anything I can do in the cockpit of a ship is entirely basic, I can assure you. Not nearly the level of skill to serve in the military.”
Atto was leaning forward a bit now without realizing it, fully invested in his conversation with the silver haired woman.
“A Captain, you say? Color me impressed. Of the Siren Squadron, no less. A fitting name for such a … captivating woman, if I’m allowed to say.”
Atto never broke eye contact as he lifted his glass to his lips and slowly imbibed what remained of his whiskey. He set it to the side and gently tapped the glass with his fingers to signal that he wanted another.
“There’ll be plenty of time for me to enjoy the festivities, Ms. Wyvern. I’m quite enjoying how my time is being spent.”
“Ah, my apologies, sir. I should not assumed you were a skilled pilot. Did you come here on your ship or by another?” Evelyn asked, curious. If he had to get a ride, she could always offer him ride back home, considering they were both from Selen after all.
Her brows furrowed and she looked slightly confused. Captivating woman? Did he meant to say something else instead?
“A… captivating woman? Do you mean ship? We are called the Sirens because we lure other ships to death.”
She sipped the wine and her eyes glanced down for a second, to see it was empty. Set it down, she turned to look at the bartender for a moment, “I will try the local red wine, please.”
She glanced back over and nodded, “I am glad. If you wish, we can walk around together and I can help you translate some of the food if you are feeling a bit peckish?”
“In that case, I am heading back home to Selen tonight. I can give you a ride if you wish? I have to return to work the day after tomorrow.” It was a bit of a long flight and she wanted to spend a day at home to decompress from the social events today before returning back to her work.
Evelyn stared at Atto for a second when he clarified what he actually meant. Then a small and soft, “Oh.”
She quickly added, “Thank you, sir. You are quite handsome.” There was no hint of lying. Evelyn wasn’t the one to lie and she knows when someone was attractive they were and Atto was one of them. Sadly, she also had been complimented a lot so the genuine flirtation went over her head. Again.
“Then, let us walk,” suggested the Hybrid as she grasped the stem of the wine glass with her fingertips and waited for Atto.
“I procured a ride from a private transport service. I personally think they’re overpriced but, it was ultimately worth it to visit Eshan again.”
Atto briefly thanked the bartender for bringing their drinks over without delay before returning his attention to Evelyn. He wondered what she’d say in response to his flirtation. Was she the type to flirt back? Or would she simply smile and thank him for the compliment?
What he hadn’t expected, was for her to not catch on to what he was doing at all. He blinked, a look of amused surprise spreading across his features.
“No, no,” he said, laughing softly. “I meant only to say that you’re beautiful. And yes, I would love to have a stroll about the festival grounds. It shouldn’t take long for me to work up an appetite.”
Atto raised his eyebrows at the offer. “Oh, no,” he began, waving his hand. “I couldn’t trouble you with that. I can always secure transport back to Selen.” They had just met, after all. Wouldn’t it be indecorous of him?
Smiling at the returned compliment, he nodded and took his whiskey glass from the table and turned to begin their stroll. Even from here, he caught whiffs of savory Echani food drifting on the light breeze. The sound of cheers and playful banter rang out as spectators watched the first round of sparring began. A young Echani girl had been challenged by a much larger Weequay man, though based on what he could tell, it appeared that she was getting the better of him. Size wasn’t everything, of course.
“So, tell me a bit about yourself, Ms. Wyvern. How long have you lived on Selen?”
Evelyn gave him a small nod in acknowledgement that he will find a ride home. She already offered and she wasn’t the kind of person to push. He may had been uncomfortable with the idea or wished to stay longer. Boundaries were important. The spars had started and she glanced over for a moment to get a read of their thoughts and emotions. Evelyn didn’t mind people watching but that was going to be on hold for a little bit.
Oh no, he asked about herself. So it begins. Her life was … rather boring. Safe for some interesting things that happened during mission but her home? Quiet, sterile, clean, and empty. She would still try.
“I have lived on Selen for nine years now. I am sorry, Mr. Demici. I am not a very interesting woman. I simply am an assault pilot and a captain, as you know. And at home, I simply either clean or tailor.”
She glanced over to Atto with a small friendly smile, “I do hope your life is much more interesting to tell if you are comfortable.”
He smiled politely and shook his head. Something told him that she was selling herself short. It was a common habit for people of noble birth to downplay their talents and interests, either due to a desire to feign humility or a genuine inclination toward the virtue. Evelyn didn’t seem like the type to do the latter, so he figured she was genuinely humble.
“I think being an assault pilot is very interesting,” he said, “Far more interesting than living the life of a noble, and then being forced to leave home.”
He lifted his shoulders in a light shrug, scanning their surroundings while they walked. Eventually, he pointed out a food stand so they could begin making their way in that direction, albeit slowly. He wanted her to have the opportunity to ask questions if she wanted to.
Evelyn’s body tensed for a moment. Being forced to leave home.
“Sir…” She paused for a moment as she looked at his blue-grey hues with her dark emerald ones. “We found something in common I believe. I was kicked out when I was sixteen. It…” She her lips curved into a frown and goosebumps formed on her skin. Evelyn let in a slow inhale and she went back to having no emotions on her face.
“I was lost, scared, and confused. Desperate even. Made… some horrible mistakes. Although, I learned from them. I am sorry that it happened to you.” There was a slight pang of jealously. Forced? Did he love home or did he despite it?
Atto felt the tension resonate through the Force like a string suddenly pulled taut. He looked over to her with a concerned look.
“I…” he began to speak, but was unable to find the words, at first. It seemed they did have that in common, indeed, though he wished they’d found something they shared that was less … upsetting.
“That’s terrible. No one should have to suffer such a fate. I’m glad you survived.”
He pressed his lips together tightly while mulling over what to say next–how much to share. He wouldn’t feel right if he didn’t tell her a bit about himself, now. She’d opened up to him, after all. Offered something that she didn’t have to.
“You must promise, Ms. Wyvern, that you won’t look at me differently,” he began while joining his hands at his lap while they walked. “I am noble born, as I mentioned earlier. But my reason for being expelled from my House’s estate is because I was born to a different mother than my older sister, you see. I’m a … bastard, as some would say.”
The way he hung on that word, hesitating before he uttered it, made it clear that he resented it. His mouth even felt dirty, having said it.
Evelyn gave him a small friendly smile along with a shake of her head. Her white locks flowed with the movement.
“It was terrible but I try not dwell on it,” she explained softly. She watched his body language and his expression. He was getting uncomfortable or conflicted. When he brought up that he wishes for her not to judge him for what he was going to say, she was going to try to stop him from continuing.
Evelyn grimaced slightly but said nothing for a moment. This was delicate. It wasn’t his fault that his father had lain with a different woman.
“I would not look at you differently because of that,” she started, “I judge a person by their morals and their heart. With that said, I am sorry that happened to you when it is clearly not your fault. And that I hope there is nothing but happiness and stability for you from this point on. Pardon my language, sir, but kark the nobles.” She has not cuss in a very long time, not ever since she joined the military.
Hearing Evelyn’s answer made him feel relieved. In his experience, it was rare to find another of noble birth who wouldn’t have looked at him at least a little different upon learning that he’d been born out of wedlock. But just like him, her relationship to her nobility was anything but typical.
“Thank you,” he smiled in kind. “And you’re right. Kark the nobles.”
That last made him chuckle.
A rumbling in his stomach prompted Atto to scan the area for the nearest food vendor. Once he found it, he pointed in its direction.
“Shall we?”
He could already smell the savory morsels from where they stood. If Evelyn agreed, he’d lead her over to it.
Evelyn lips slightly curved upwards in a small grin. It was good he took it well. She wasn’t sure, considering he seemed rather crestfallen about the situation.
If it wasn’t for Skylar and her family, she would see her house burn. Maybe. She figured she might be too goody two shoes for that. She noticed Atto pointed to a stall and followed him. She started to list off each savory food, some of them even a combination of savory and sweet. Once she was done, she realized she was hungry herself.
“I hope you don’t mind if I go ahead and order.”
When Atto gave her the go ahead, “I would like some of the Deep-fried coin-crabs, please.” The Echani at the stall nodded as he got a paper bowl with wax paper on top. Scooped two spoonfuls of the small crunchy fried crabs into it and handed it to Evelyn while she gave him the credits.
“Thank you.” She stepped back a bit to give Atto room and waited patiently for Atto to get his food an start eating before she eats.
Old habits die hard.
“Of course not,” he replied, gesturing with a smile toward the food stall.
Atto licked his lips when he heard her order. Coin-crabs were a delicacy seldom enjoyed by nobles back home, who tended to regard as the food of paupers, but he knew better.
When it was his turn to order, he stepped forward and pointed toward the basket of deep-fried crabs. “I’ll have the same thing she’s having, please.”
He placed the credits on the table and took his bowl with a thankful nod, then turned to Evelyn again.
“They always manage to pack so much flavor into the fried batter. It’s marvelous.”
Atto took one of the fried crabs and ate it whole, covering his mouth with one hand while he chewed. As he expected, it was an explosion of flavor against his tastebuds. He wasn’t raised to speak and eat at the same time, so he instead offered her occasional glances, smiling with his eyes to ensure she knew that he was enjoying himself. He hoped she was feeling the same.
Evelyn grinned with a closed lips smile, she was wanting to be careful not to spill her contents if she didn’t do so. When she finished with the food in her mouth, she glanced around for something.
“It really is. Seafood had always been my favorite, but this one? I always seek for it during festivals or events. I could never get it right at home.” Then she chuckled softly with a shrug.
“I do not even know how to cook really. My parents taught me dancing, fighting, singing, and many more. They took me to different planets to experience different cultures and their way of life. They especially loved historical museums and we would go to operas. Yet, they never taught me the basics. Maybe I should tell you the story I tried to use the washing machine for the very first time…” Evelyn grinned sheepishly as she grabbed another bite of the fried crabs. It was nice to talk about her history a bit without some hate of her parents.
They didn’t raise her properly or even love her, but at least they prepared her for other things despite it all.
He nodded. “Same here. Learned a lot about the ‘finer things in life’, but it took me a while to learn how to take care of the bare necessities once I was out on my own.”
Atto’s face lit up when she mentioned a story, one he was sure would prove to be a humorous one if given what she’d said about her upbringing. “Oh, you have to tell me that one,” he replied, chuckling.
Evelyn nodded as she made sure to finish the bite she had first.
“I checked the tags on my clothes and looked it up. I made sure I was going to do this right over thirty times. I talked to myself of what to do and how to do it, step by step. So when the time came, it was working great! I got it started, made sure the colors were separated, and that there was not too much soap. What I neglected to find out, however, was what kind of soap. Next thing I knew, I saw this massive white bubbles emerging from my laundry room-” Evelyn started to laugh as she shook her head.
A hearty laugh rumbled up from Atto’s chest when he heard Evelyn’s story. “That’s a good one,” he said while moving a finger to wipe a stray tear from his eye.
“That must have taken forever to clean up. Hopefully, it didn’t do as much damage as when I tried to cook on my own for the first time. Never got the scorch marks off of the wall and ceiling in that old apartment. My heart goes out to whomever inherited the space after I moved.”
Evelyn laughed a bit longer.
“It was. My clothes were destroyed. I had to throw them away. It did take a bit to clean up.” Then she laughed at Atto’s story about nearly burning down his apartment. That also seemed to be the theme of adults who wasn’t taught how to adult.
“I cheated with that. I ordered a lot of food or have other people make it for me. Then I met Aketa, she was the…” She exhaled softly with a smile. It was obvious from her expression that she was reminiscing.
“You can challenge her by putting two things you think would not be great together and she would take you up on it. Not only that, it may be one of the best things you had ever tasted.”
Atto noted Evelyn’s use of past tense. Perhaps this “Aketa” was the loved one she’d mentioned before?
“That’s quite a skill. Something I wish I had myself during my travels,” he admitted with a smile, “Someone from Selen, as well?”
Evelyn shook her head softly. She finished eating so she glanced around for the nearest trash can and spotted one.
“Well, she did live on Selen longer than I did. But she was originally from Csilla before she got out.” She threw away the paper container and wiped her hands with a napkin. She felt her skin crawl. She was ready for a shower but she can ignore it. Being in a few wars had taught her to adapt when needed.