Log:Gifts for the Newlyweds

Gifts for the Newlyweds

OOC Date: July 1, 2016
Location: Waywards Private Hangar, Nar Shaada
Participants: Ax, Qadira Suuryet, Rheisa Dirleel, Wodi Corcer, Rhani, A'isha Adella, Waywards

Private Hangar 02 - Waywards - Starport District, Nar Shaddaa

This is a large private hangar where ships can slide themselves into the massive structure that is the Parmac Starport. The starport is a very tall skyrise building that has many hangar berths of varying size and this particular hangar is one of the largest private hangars available at Parmac's, able to house multiple larger vessels.

A large housing module is attached, accessible by a turbolift. Heavy blast doors are capable of closing off the hangar to the rest of the spaceport. Security guards, wearring the uniform armor of the Waywards, are present along with several droids to monitor the safety of the ships and crew present.

The Waywards hangar was not as busy a usual, likely because Ax and Kadi had just gotten married and things hadn't started really moving forward since. It's been more of a party than anything else going on. Currently, Ax was unloading some things out of the Problem Child and stacking them on a cart, where a droid would then take the items wherever directed. The bulk of items were suitcases and basic 'necessities'. "Alright, put those in my quarters on the Soul. It's a more comfortable ship for an extended trip," Ax tells the droid.

Perched upon Ax's shoulder was his pet tailring, Adder. It was currently dozing off, ignoring the sounds and movement around him.

"I don't know. I still feel like it's a little too tight," Wodi remarks to his pet nexu Ziggy, the two of them walking down the ramp of Some Girl's Name, the newest addition to the Wayward's hangar. He looks down at himself in the new crimson leathers that he's been gifted and reaches down to tug at the crotch.

The large murdercat couldn't be less interested as it simply moves to perch itself on a few crates, making a few circles on top of the boxes before it lays down and rests its head on its front paws.

"Sometimes I feel like you don't even listen to me," Wodi remarks.

Rhani Aeternum strides down the ramp from the Blasted Heath, one hand lifting to tug a pair of goggles from her eyes. She shoves them back over her head and pulls them free, setting her hair to swaying a bit. Tucking the eyewear's strap about her belt, she lifts the other hand to run fingers through her hair. Spotting Ax and his tailring, she turns the gesture into a wave, "Hey, boss. Have you seen Kadi? Recently?" The new ship is then given a once over. The man and murdercat are noted and the wave kind of generalizes to include everyone.

A quiet figure, standing 'horns' above some, more or less melts out of the starport crowd to stand at the center of Waywards' threshold. She waits patiently for security to do their thing, clutching an awkwardly wrapped, cloth bundle to her chest. "No is bad things," she reassures unhelpfully in response to any scans. "Is for Kadi." And not you. Sickle-shaped fingernails have a death grip on whatever it is, letting that silent thought read through. A shiny, chrome protocol droid stands at attention behind her with an alert stare twitching this way and that.

"What the hell is that?" Ax asks as his eyes avert towards the giant feline walking with Wodi. Instinctively, his hand goes up to put a guarding hand on Adder. "Is that a Nexu? Where the hell did you get an adult nexu... and WHY?" he asks, eyes locked on the creature. Without taking his eyes off the Nexu, Ax replies to Rhani, "She's around here somewhere, probably packing some last minute things," he says. Obviously, his focus right now is on the monstrous feline. "If that thing...." He just shakes his head. "Adder, go perch in the rafters bud," and he nudges the dozing tailring awake. With a yawn and a stretch, it gets one look at Ziggy and the sand-dragon is in the air aiming for the highest point of the massive hangar's ceiling.

The security droids are already familiar with Rheisa, and don't give her any problems, simply motion her in. She was added to the 'friends' list long ago in the early stages of the Waywards.

The nexu's massive jaw nearly unhinges as the cat yawns, all four eyes closing before it nuzzles its head into a more comfortable position atop its on arms.

"You're just straight-up ignoring me, now," Wodi says, hands on his hips as he looks the jungle-cat over, lips flattened in judgment. He huffs a bit and moves to lean against the crate that the cat is sleeping on, his arms folding over his chest.

His eyes take inventory of Rhani as she enters, offering her a nod before he looks to Ax and answers, "Oh, Ziggy?" No, the other nexu. "Ziggy belonged to my dad. When he croaked, I started taking care of him. He was just running around my pop's estate until I got the Girl. Not enough room on the Dynamo, y'know?"

Ziggy seems all-around unbothered by the tailring, at present.

Round about this time, Kadi comes up from the workshop below, one hand on a suitcase, the other tugging at her hair. "Oh come on," she says, as she glares down. "Lily, don't be - Arrgh! Droids! If you are coming, then get moving, or you can stay here and guard the place. Your choice." She hasn't even noticed there's people in the main hangar yet.

Rhani Aeternum refrains from asking if Ziggy plays guitar, has the last name of 'Stardust' or knows about the 'Spiders from Mars' where ever Mars is. It takes a while for the distracted woman to really get a handle on just how big that cat is. It takes a measure of will power not to step to one side... away from the cat. Swallowing, she smiles a bit wanly as Adder takes to the rafters. Turning to Ax, she plays it cool, "K. Thanks. I want to talk to her before you all go, if possible. I think I felt a flutter on the Heath." As her gaze is turning toward the entry anyway, she spots Rheisa and waves with a bit more focus. That is, naturally, when she hears Kadi. Turning again, she risks getting dizzy, "Oh, hey, Kadi."

"Oh!" Kee'tch'ka delightedly exclaims as best a machine can. "How very hospitable," 'he' declares with a little wave at the security droids as his Mistress gets waved through. A quick click-clack shuffle keeps pace with her easy, measured gait. Gone is the walking staff, but limp remains.

Rheisa does not respond, too busy examining the expanded inventory as she goes. Last time she inhabited this tarmac the ship count was much smaller. Or at least as memory serves. The Togruta's eyes follow the path of another droid while her other senses keep her meandering on track. Then there's flight happening and her gaze snaps upwards and around, tracking the course of Adder just before he disappears from sight. Isn't long before she's spotted his owner and moves more purposefully that way.

Until the big ass predator gets noted. Rheisa's gently smiling glance around at faces ends there, on Ziggy, and then so does her casual stroll. Pupils dilate. Nostrils twitch. Headtails subtly flex and stripes darken.

"He doesn't bite," Wodi offers to Rhani. "That is a completely unfounded lie," he adds. "But like...he doesn't bite /people/ that often. He tends to stick to chewing on hyperdrive computers." Wodi points an angry gaze at the snoozing nexu.

Ax looks to Wodi, "Your pet, you cover any damages. If they're too extensive, you're likely to find a pile of dust where your pet once was," he says, glancing at the Nexu. He just shakes his head, then looks to Rheisa, offering her a smile. "It's been a while, how have you been?" he asks the Togruta. For now, Kadi goes unnoticed, a lot was going on in the hangar, distracting him at the moment.

"Hey, Rhani," Kadi says first, since she heard her name there.

"Everything okay?" The nexu gets a suspicious glance, and Kadi steps over towards Ax, automatically. "Ax, I'm not ready to go, not yet." There's a pause, and a blink at the big cat. Very big cat. "I don't know about that thing, I really don't." She has no idea what to do with a cat like that, nope. She pauses, her attention going to the new arrival on the scene.

"Rheisa! How are you?" she exclaims, face lighting up. Whatever she had in hand, she drops, and she heads over, but stops short of touching the Togruta when she gets all strange.

Pet?

Pets are not for eating. Or skinning. And generally don't /do/ the eating or skinning. This much Rheisa's learned from the outside world. Still, she doesn't exactly lower her proverbial hackles when resuming approach. There's a claw about the size of the Nexu's hanging from her neck, similar teeth adorning her montrals, and quite comparable looking scars raking her head and shoulder. She hadn't expected to encounter any sizeable wildlife on this barren moon, but it isn't completely an unwelcomed sight. Just...surprising.

A little warmth does seep back into her expression though when she returns focus to the newlywed couple and all their busied buzzing. "Am well," she answers them both as one while offering the unknown Rhani a direct look and nod. "I hear some nice thing happen. Come to say..." a hesitant glance at her droid, who chirps on her behalf "Congratulations!"

Rhani Aeternum nods to Kadi, lips parting to answer the question. The words go unspoken as Kadi's attention is claimed by a variety of things. Instead, she smiles at the woman, then eases a bit closer to Wodi and the big cat. "That is... mostly good to hear. Though if he chews on important parts of your ship, isn't that dangerous?" Sliding her gaze across Ax and Kadi, she notes Rheisa's reaction, her own chatter dying away. As the focus shifts and tensions begin to ease, her smile returns though it remains on the nervous side of wary.

Ax chuckles, and just shakes his head. "I have no problem with pets, but anything that could swallow me whole isn't what I'd consider a pet," he says before looking to Kadi and offering her a smile. "We can leave whenever you're ready, baby. There's no rush at all. We've got the rest of our lives," he says.

Ax's attention shifts to Rheisa and her droid. "Thank you," he says with a smile. "It was a small little ceremony, but word seems to travel fast. We weren't trying to hide it or anything, just didn't want to make a huge deal of it."

A look is given to Rhani. "Yeah, a creature eating ship components could be catastrophic for both the ship and the creature."

Kadi smiles at the comment from Rheisa. "Thank you," she says, obviously glad to see the Togruta. "Have you met Rhani and Wodi?" she asks. Not introducing the Nexu, that's Wodi's job. At this point, Kadi looks at Rhani, well aware that she lost track there. But seriously! Nexu! Rheisa! Ax! Not necessarily in that order. "Hopefully the ship components can withstand the chewing?" she offers, a little dubiously.

"No." Rheisa answers simply and angles her face to look upon these newer additions to crew a second time. Wodi and his proximity to the Nexu get a brief once-over - skepticism tensing her jaw. Rhani, on the otherhand, is afforded another nod and "Nice to meet," with an acknowledging tap of finger to brow after the bundle gets shrugged into one arm. "Rrrhani. Wodi."

Then it's back to business. Long and nimble fingers peel the outer layer of wrapping back to reveal two more nicely wrapped objects. One is short and squat - a box. The other is about a meter long and slim. It's this one she offers up first after taking a knee. There's a sudden reverence in the gesture, both palms uplifting the thing for either man or wife to accept, head tipped a few degrees forward and gaze downcast to Kadi's feet. "Will not stay long. But have two things I want to give Kadi and her mate."

Ax raises an eyebrow at the gesture, but motions Kadi, after all, he was just the 'mate'. "You didn't need to do this, Rheisa," he says with a smile, "but we do appreciate it. It's good to have friends who are as thoughtful." He had no clue what was wrapped up, but curiousity was definitely getting the best of him.

Rhani Aeternum nods to Rheisa, "Same..." She slides a bit closer, though as the gifting turns nearly ritualistic, she tucks her hands into pockets and angles out of the line of sight. Don't want to spoil the moment. As Ax' words penetrate, she looks down, a half smile touching her lips.

Kadi smiles at Rheisa, her own gaze very curious as well. Bright eyed. "Ax is right. Gifts are not necessary, but the thoughtfulness of our friends is very much appreciated." She pauses and then adds, "And I don't know about him, but I like gifts. So thank you." She takes the meter long slim box that is passed her way, especially as Rheisa gets rather formal there. "Uhm - do I need to do anything?" she asks.

"Open?" Rheisa suggests timidly in attempts to offset the eager gleam in her own eye.

Kadi pauses, mischief flaring in her eyes, but after a moment of stalling, she opens the packaging, curious to see what is inside.

Ax chuckles and reaches in to help Kadi open the gift, smiling the whole time. "You're killing me, babe," he says, his curiosity outweighing his patience."

It's an arrow.

This slim, meter-long piece is primitive in construction, but crafted with undeniable skill and attention to attractive detail. The wood is a deep, whorled red and polished to a sheen. Sensitive fingers may feel the fluted grooves etched the length of the shaft. The head is made from thin slices of bone, shaped and pressed together and notched into the shaft beneath golden wire binding. On the opposite end, black and white feathers form the fletching. There is one detail that's quite prominent and quite impractical in the design - a strand of red, clay beads dangles from beneath the head - an obvious impediment to flight.

"By itself, the projectile is quite ineffective as a weapon, but it's not the gift of functionality that's offered here - I - I do not think." Kee'tch'ka steps forward on cue with stiffly gesturing hands. "It serves best as a symbol, the offering of protection. In a Togrutan pack, this protection is mutual and purely unconditional - every individual lives, and dies, to serve the tribe as a whole. By extending this gesture to one not biologically or anthropologically associated with their true pack, it can be interpreted as a sign that the giver holds the recipient - and by proxy their mates and/or offspring - in high esteem. High enough to be considered 'family', at least. I did only confer with Mistress Dirleel about the matter yesterday prior to our visit, so I beg pardon if I have not fully articulated the appropriate translation."

Kadi laughs softly, stretching up to rest one hand on his cheek for a moment, and then she examines the arrow very carefully. An intent look on her face, as she does run her fingers along the length of the arrow shaft, examining the feathers and the arrowhead for a moment, as well as the clay beads. "A symbol," she says, glancing at the translator droid, and then over at Rheisa. "A symbol of family?" she asks, incredulous, as she then moves to give Rheisa a hug, assuming the Togruta will let her.

Ax listens to the droid, and nods in understanding before looking to Rheisa. "We've considered you family for a while," he says, lowering himself to a knee, to be closer to the Togrutan's current stature. "You're always welcome here, and if there is ever anything you need, you will not go wanting for long before we help." His voice carries more sincerity than usual, and he smiles warmly. "This is an absolutely beautiful gift," he says. "We will cherish it always, and it will have a place above our hearth so that it is forever fresh in our minds."

Quiet and unassuming, there is a barely audible but ever-persistent reminder monitoring from Rheisa's wrist of just how much life ought be cherished, as short as it is. Her heart hiccups steadily along, a contented thrum issuing from her chest as she gently butts a montral against Kadi's head when engulfed in hug. Her not-presently-squashed hand goes to pat the silver fuzz sprouting from Ax's head. "I know," she says softly, keeping words to a minimum. It isn't long before she's extracting herself though to offer up the box next.

Ax, Kadi, and Rheisa are standing amongst the ships. The two newlyweds being given gifts by the Togruta. Currently, Kadi is holding a very ornately carved arrow that is simply riddled with symbolism that was earlier explained by the silver protocol droid. Rhani and Wodi, realizing that there was little for them, moved off to get better acquainted with each other, and take the damned nexu with them as they wander into the common areas.

Rheisa has found herself on one knee, as she offers gifts. Kadi is holding a fabulous hand crafted arrow, that is definitely going to go atop a mantel, over a hearth so symbolic and well made it is. She takes the box, and just sits on the ground at this point, resting the arrow on her lap so she can open the second part of the gift. "Family is who you want it to be," she says, "Along with the ones who come from birth." She leans back against Ax, before she says, "And you definitely qualify, Rheisa. You will always be family." Course, that doesn't stop her from ripping into the next package so Ax won't accuse her of killing him this time, due to his curiosity.

Ax smiles broadly as Kadi goes to open the next package. Adder was still hiding amongst the rafters above, likely dozing again, the lazy little buzzard. "Truly, Rheisa, if there's anything at all you ever need," While Kadi opens the box, he gently takes the arrow, looking it over. "This is absolutely amazing," he says with a grin.

Get those goodies, Kadi! Get'em!

Inside the now-ripped box is a squat, wooden statue capable of sitting in the palm of one's hand. It possesses a uniquely Togrutan silhouette - tall spires of exaggerated montrals and short, corpulent headtails that tripod stiffly out from the skull. The body is rather pear shaped, bottom sculpted to make for easy balance. The limbs are simply etched in, but the seemingly engorged, sagging breasts make gender unmistakable. A tiny green sash of real cloth (just maybe from the scarf-turned shirt she presently wears) has been tied about its rotund midsection and left to hang in front.

"Makes babies." Rheisa's two word, three syllable explanation of this gift is far less windy than whatever interpretation Kee'tch'ka would have likely produced. It's more than sufficient, coupled with the mischievous glimmer behind her gentle smile. Probably, the young woman doesn't have personal experience to back up confident claim staked in its potency, given her flat belly and tiny bosom, but her stare and accompanying grin are unwavering nonetheless. Ax's marveling over the arrow is secretly pleasing to her sense of pride, but she works hard to keep her color muted, expressions subtle.

"I find some good wood on Naboo," she explains. "Bring much back, last time. Is not like Shili, but...is good."

The Turbolift hisses open, through the doors slips a slender Lethan, clad, as ever, in clinging black leathers. Expensive, but no armour. The only concession to her trade is the blaster on one taught thigh, on the opposite hip a messenger bag, oddly heavy. Red's eyes are burning gold, almost glowing. But the smile on her lips is warm, so very real as she stalks to the others. The tap of her heels beating a measured time, her lekku writhing slowly, sinuously. :That is lovely, Rheisa...She smiles more broadly now, teeth so white, so...sharp. Her slim arms are bare, but she holds her hands behind her as she stands, weight on one hip. "I hear congratulation are in order...I am sorry I could not make it in time....affairs took me far away...." She offers her own package now, a carved wooden box, flat, bound with a red ribbon.....

Ax chuckles, "This," he says lifting the arrow, "will go above our hearth. That," he says, motioning towards the small statue, "will go in the bedroom." He chuckles. "Thank you so very much, Rheisa. These gifts mean more than you can imagine to us."

Ax's attention shifts to A'isha, smiling to her. "Thank you," he says, gently setting the arrow down on a crate, where it wouldn't get broken on accident, and takes the box. "You didn't have to get us anything."

Kadi holds the statue, staring at it, even as Rheisa's words slowly sink in. "Makes -" blink. Kadi blushes, her gaze darting at Ax, and then back over to Rheisa. "Babies," she finishes after a minute or two. "With horns even," she teases, a bit, as she holds it over where Ax can get a good look at it. "That's very kind of you, Rheisa. I think that wishes for children are always welcome after marriages, especially from family." She might look a little bit bewildered, pink cheeked, and hoping Ax's glib tongue can supplement her own poor words. The turbolift gets a look over, and Red's arrival is noted with another smile, especially as Ax does step in for the save. She gently puts the little hand held statue on the box by the arrow for now. "Thank you,Rheisa," she adds, soberly. "And thank you, A'isha. You are very kind."

The box is simply in design, but beautifully crafted, the ribbon falls away easily under Ax's fingers...the top raises to show black velvet with what appears to be the sign of infinity, the lazy eight, in red gold. At the juncture is a blossom of the same metal...the alien flower forms a fan of petals like flames.

"It is a necklace, one for each of you, the flower parts each wears one. I saw such once in my travels. Flame Blossoms, my patron called them. In his culture the symbol of eternal love and passion. Long may you wear them in happiness...." With that Red bows, deeply, her Lekku spread wide, "You are my friends, I am blessed for having known you...I could only wish you happiness....."

Rheisa's impish smile remains, lips curled slyly over sleeping fangs. "Most welcome," She bows her head, then sits back on her heel and leans 'gainst her protocol droid. Kee'tch'ka falters briefly in balance, arms extended and mono-expressive face managing to seem startled. His stabilizers kick in, compensating for the prolonged nudge against his legs.

"The fertility effigy is a common one in any encampment, housed typically in the birthing hut." Says the walking dictionary, if a bit belatedly.

Rheisa watches A'isha from her uncomfortable but available pillow. "'Lo," she chirps before turning her gaze to survey the beautiful things to emerge from the box as she listens to the explanation.

"And we are equally blessed, A'isha," Ax says with all sincerity, showing the gift off to Kadi. "These are very nice, very pretty. I believe it will look great worn," Ax says as he looks down his wife's shirt to where the pendent would lay. "Why don't you both stay for dinner and drinks. We're going to be flying out at some point for a few days vacation, before we go I'd love to spend time with those close to us."

Kadi grins at the walking dictionary, and then at Rheisa briefly. As she spies the necklace, in red gold - necklaces - she smiles. "Thank you, A'isha," she says. "This is lovely. All of it. I wasn't expecting gifts, but I love how thoughtful these are. Thank you both." She nods, a smile on her face at Ax's words. "Dinner and drinks sounds wonderful," she agrees. "That chef droid has some new recipes, I think. Though I'm not sure where he got them from, but the pancakes were awesome this morning."

A’isha smiles as she rises, "You deserve the best, all of you..." Her voice is soft, still that dark, smoky contralto, but the tension normally latent in it...is gone. For now. She smiles at Rheisa. "Hello, it has been too long...." The she turns back to the newly weds. "I will be glad to join you...."

Ax smiles more, apparently he's been happier the past few days than he can ever remember, and his face ached from it. "I thank you both," he says, looking between A'isha and Rheisa. "You both mean a great deal to us. We're going to have a big party to celebrate soon. Our wedding was small and rather spur of the moment. Only a handful of people attended, but it doesn't mean you weren't in our hearts or minds," he adds with a grin, leaning over to kiss his wife. "I'll get the droid to preparing a meal, then I'm going to get cleaned up." He looks to the two alien females, still grinning. "You can't imagine how special I feel right now. The gifts, all of them, were absolutely amazing. You have my deepest appreciation."

Rheisa's smile turns a touch sad, then pensive. "I am happy that you are happy. It puts warm in my heart," she touches a hand there, over the failing organ. "I wish very much to share meal with you..." There's a 'but' lingering on the tail end of that statement and she casts a look to Kee, then past him, towards the massive maw leading to the rest of the port. "There are -- is -- person I promise to see." A pause and her worried eyes avert to stare at the arrow. There's plenty more where that one came from, cached away in her shithole apartment on Lehtera st. And they are bead-free. Soon to fly soon enough, perhaps. "He want talk. Is not, how you say...patient?"

Grey lips find life again, spreading apart to mask the underlying nerves with a toothy grin. "I am sorry. Want come here first before I...if I forget." Not likely she'd have forgotten, but it's an excuse and she's rolling with it. Badly. "Have good trip. Safe trip." It's with a little wobble that she stands. "And do not forget mhet," she points to the fertility statue.

Ax looks to Rheisa, "I will not forget," he says. There was definitely some lingering doubt on his mind as to whether she was ok or not, but he didn't want to pry. If she needed help, hopefully Rheisa would come to him or Kadi. "Be careful out there with im patient men, and if you need us for anything, we're a simple call away."

A'isha Adella looks long at Rheisa, then leans close to her. "If ever there is anything I may fdo to help you, please do let me know...I have...a certain skill set...." She stands upright now, eyes still on the Togruta girl......

"On Shili, impatient person become dead person," Rheisa answers A'isha back, tone soft and matter-of-fact. A tired shrug doesn't exactly confirm whether or not she understood Red's inference about 'skills'. But the somewhat naive, passive little art curator, storyteller, rat hunter, isn't without tricks of her own. She'd killed just two of Nar Shaada's nefarious ilk in this past ten months of coexistance, and made a bloody mess of both, but one'd be wise not to underestimate the Muse's mistress of arts. Which is precisely what she's banking on this 'impatient man' and his friends doing.

"I can ask for help, yes. And I thank you." A solemn dip of her chin, headtails contracting against her frame. "But now you go," she 'shoos' at the three of them. "Eat some for me." A little wink before she turns around to lead Kee'tch'ka out. Her sport knife spirits from its sheath at her waist and twirls idly between fingers, between woodcarving hands, each digit as dexterous as the next.