Log:New Alderaan: Spring Festival

A herd of Thranta are released on New Alderaan

OOC Date: March 15, 2021
Location: Droalder Bay, New Alderaan
Participants: Ban Iskender, Bors Thul, Chani Tahn, Qadira Suuryet, Kirioth Kora, Aryn Cortess

It is nearing mid-day in Bastion City, New Alderaan. The spring's festival is going in full force with streamers, banners, live music, freshly cooked food and spirits from all reaches of the galaxy (both Liquor and People!) The sky is a rich blue with puffy white clouds. The mountains, which decorate the banks of the channel leading out to the sea, have shed much of their snowy white (save for the tip-tops) for the green of spiky pine and cedar trees that move like a wave with each breeze.

The bay is truly magnificent, the water a sapphire color riddled with white capped waves that occasionally brush up from the stronger breeze. Wind-sailors have their crafts out weathering the bay. And smaller craft speed by, jumping the small waves pulling people with skis behind them.

A large yacht occupies the center of the bay, its hull painted white and blue, and it flies the colors of New Alderaan. It's this yacht that our guests find themselves, upon the top deck with ample view of the bay, the sunny weather, and places to sit. Staff, dressed in white, carry drinks on trays, and a buffet is set at one end with delectable bites and select cuts of the previous hunt.

The decking is made of dark woods, stained and glossed to hold a shine and withstand the elements, and railings hold a silver shine. The name of the yacht is 'Mother's Grace', and there are all manner of guests aboard though most are from privileged or noble background, and others were esteemed guests. Regardless, everyone finds themselves in the same area, sharing a magnificent view, listening to wonderful music played over the sound system, and enjoying the fantastic arrangement of food.

Dressed in simple clothing in varying shades of grey, Chani Tahn stands on the deck of the Alderaanian yacht amidst a crowd of people. She's further off to the side rather than in the middle of the gathering, where she's found a section of exposed railing that allows her to glance over it to the sea below. Her gaze is not cast down, however, but up, towards the snow-capped peaks in the distance. They jut high over vast spans of green canopies, but it's the whitened tops Cahni regards in silence. A passing member of the wait staff offers her both food and drink, but she declines with a polite smile, a gentle shake of her head, and murmured gratitude. Her eyes return briefly to the mountains before sweeping closer to home. The gleam of light off the railing would be blinding were she in the right spot to catch the reflection.

A sight rarely seen is one Roth Kora out of armor and in a dress. But apparently the Arkanian is out here living that life now. Though there is still armor with the leather like gauntlets that she wears like an accessory. She'd been spending a bit of time on New Alderaan and figured she'd see about the festivities! Her hair is down and curled down her back and bounces as she walks. She's wearing little booties with the dress as heels were right out with her height already. No death by snu-snu here.

Kadi is an engineer, and by far not a noble. She's a good engineer, certainly, perhaps somewhat famous in her field, but she's still an engineer. She's here, settled in a seat where she can look out and see what's going on. It's something a bit new for the Corellian -okay, not the idea of a spring festival, but this whole boat on water thing, more like. She's enjoying the ambiance though, with the beautiful scenery, the relaxing music, and the tasty food. it's hard to find a better way to spend a day.

Dressed in his Thul best - dark charcoal colors and silver among the brighter alderaanian colours, Bors walks with hands folded behind his back, monocle polished, and a pair of retainers in tow, carrying a tray with nibbles and drink collected at the festivities.

No other reason than the revitalization of Alderaan lost than the majestic thranta to the skies of the new home of his people was needed to bring he noble here, carefully maintaining a proper look of quietly bemused interest, even if he does feel a good deal giddy about the whole situation.

Ban Iskender stands near one railing on the uppermost deck, left hand composed at the small of his back, the fingers of his right closed tightly around the stem of a delicate glass, from which he sips politely from time to time. Back straight and shoulders squared, the gentleman's posture is impeccable. "A fair day, mistress Tahn," he bids in even greeting to the other standing agaibst the rails at the party's periphery.

The wind picks up a bit, but it only causes enough of a stir to yield laughter throughout the throngs of guests who promptly try to anchor things only to find the wind was trolling. One of those laughing is Aryn, who watches her mother, Marian, flinch and try to capture a napkin that briefly takes flight. Aryn, without much effort, shows no problem capturing the loose article to offer it back. "My word, this wind will be the end of us," Laments Marian Cortess. Marian is a beautiful blonde wearing a variation of red and gold. With both mother and daughter near each other, it is more than apparent they're related; Aryn looks like Marian in almost every way save for her chosen attire which is definitively different from the elegant dress her mother favors.

Aryn wears formfitting attire of white, gold, and green with an ornate cape mantled over one shoulder stylishly. Her hair, like her mother's, was done up for the occasion but not surviving the wind; another point Marian took to voice. "Mother, we can not release the Thranta indoors. This must be the way." Aryn comments back before rising up. "I would like to visit the guests before you begin. Will you be alright?" The last question is almost mocking, because it earns the younger Cortess a 'stare', which makes Aryn laugh.

The music has changed to a new tune, and a ship leaves the port to begin moving toward the yacht. This large vessel looks to be the one where the Thranta keeper has stored the Thranta, and they are moving into position somewhere in the bay.

Aryn makes a stop by the drinks to claim a chilled brandy, then tries to eye a place to meander. Her mother remains quiet, fidgeting with her glove whilst looking out over the sea and mountains.

It's not quite a double take that Chani performs, but it is still a series of short movements led by her chin and paired with a flick of her gaze. The latter adjusts towards Ban Iskender and Chani is quick to incline her head and her torso in a gesture of respect. "Lord Iskender. A wonderful day to you. I was just thinking about mountain passes and manka cats, and how every time I viist here, I seem to see quite a few of those.Save for today, of course. I credit the lovely yacht for my reprieve." She gestures, vaguely, with a hand, as if to encompass the yacht as a whole to fit into the thread of her idea. "I'm quite excited to see the Thranta."

Roth was over in a corner as a gentleman had found it very odd to see someone like her here. She was indulging the man in conversation and there's a laugh from the Arkanian Mandalorian as she pulls a vibrodagger and shows it to the man. Where the hell did she pull that from? It was so quick that one might not notice. She flips it over in her palm and offers it out to the Lordly looking guy, "It's pretty well balanced. See for yourself." she tells him with a nod.

A sparkle finger wave is given to Aryn in passing while Bors makes his way into the throng of it all, a nod to the petite woman in rough clothing and a moment spared to allow Lord Ban to speak with his own guest as the tall lord makes for a railing to look out at the waters, and give a similar raise of his hand towards the Arkanian - blinking when he realizes the form of dress. Jaw drop.

One of Bors's two aides might have caught it, if it were proper to do so. So they instead put his champagne flute in his hand and automatically he raises it to drink, somehow managing not to pour it all over himself. Just a little dribble.

Stop judging.

Ban Iskender sniffs in composed amusement at mention that the yacht provides a reprieve from manka. "Quite so, mistress. I daresay if the manka ever managed a naval presence, we would all count many more concerns," he adds, dryly. His own green half-cape stirs in the wind that otherwise does little to disturb his short hair or pale grey suit. As to thranta, "It ought be a most memorable spectacle. If fortune allows," hexadds, with a slight upward curl briefly warming his stoicism. *Sip* One black brow lifts slightly as he notes the interplay between Aryn and her mother, before a silent laugh stirs in his throat upon noting Roth drawing a vibrodagger. Bird is given a raise of his glass and a dip of Ban's chin in silent greeting.

Kadi waves to those who wave her way. She's settled in with a drink and quietly watching all the people. She takes another sip, looks at a message, and then laughs softly. "Of course the children are cranky," she murmurs, as she rises to her feet, heading over towards Aryn to pay her respects. She pauses to wait for a good opportunity, not interrupting Aryn in any conversation that might already be under way.

"Doctor Suuryet," Aryn says in a slightly higher pitch before dipping her head respectfully. "I am delighted you made the trip. Last we spoke was at the opening of your new place of business in Hanna City. How goes your business? Well, I hope!" Aryn turns herself to face Qadira after returning the wave to Lord Thul. She was going to speak with him, but suddenly, he seemed ensnared by something else.

Ban and Chani do not remain in peace for long because Marian Cortess steps over to visit them. "Lord Ban," Intones the older blonde with a clever smile. "I must meet your friend, here." She gestures politely to Chani, and smiles again. "Lady Kiko was telling me she joined you during the Battle of Yvonne. I would like to offer my gratitude."

The ship is still closing in, waves bashing against the bow with white sparkling water!

Champagne flute emptied and set back on the waiting tray, Bors's attention is for the sea again, the yacht incoming, and the promise of the bit of history he'd only heard of from family or seen in holos. Hands moving to set against the rail and his eyes for the sky that holds only birds and clouds, the Lord Thul is at least placid there while he watches everything and nothing while hearing all of the conversations around them. His mind instinctively listening for his name or other cues but otherwise, for now, allowed to be a blank.

Ban Iskender dips his head and shoulders to the approaching Marian, "Your Grace, it would be my pleasure. Marian, the Duchess Cortess, may I present before you Mistress Chani Tahn, of Naboo. An exceptional musician who has shown resolve and skill in arms at Yvonne, Codri, and a half dozen more, beside." He affects a short bow from the waist, and a motion of one arm to Chani with the steadily voiced introduction.

The man that Roth is talking to looks a little scared when she just pulls a knife on him. But it's apparent she's not going to stab him. Or at least she's going to be smiling when she does. Could be worse? He takes the offered knife and plays with it a moment while Roth takes a sip of her drink. Her white gaze flicks over the crowd until she sees Bors with a group and she almost spits her drink out. She wiggles her fingers that way before she lowers the glass, "I'll be needing that back before I go see my friend." she whispers to the man as she reaches for her knife.

Kadi smiles as she arrives over with Aryn. "You are most kind, Doct- I am not sure quite what is the appropriate form of address, I'm sorry." She takes a breath and then adds, "Business is very good, it seems customers are coming to find me, even with the new location. This pleases me quite a lot, as you might imagine. I am glad I got to come, though I had hoped Ax would also be here. He is on planet, but back at our ship with the children. They are a little cranky so he stayed with them."

"That is wonderful to hear. I imagine it must always be a risk to move a business, but if you have customers tracking you down, I say that spells success all its own." Aryn laughs, and waves politely, dismissing the address. "You are my guest, so my name will suffice. Worry not!-- With any hope, you and the family will be able to return and see the Thranta anyway. I hope that they take to their new home. We have so many native Alderaanians present today just to see them take flight, and hear their calls." Aryn grips her glass with both hands and turns slightly to look out over the glittering water.

The ship that has been closing to the yacht begins to slow now, creating a small wake that spreads out over the blue. It draws closer, dropping anchor a moment later to flounder a bit, but in a way that afforded the shoreline and the yacht, a view of its main deck. Much of the vessel looked to be cargo in nature, with a massive compartment at the center that was closed by lard, hydraulic doors.

Whistles aboard the other ship sound as blue suited crewmen hustle about to prepare to open the compartment at the center of the ship.

"Oh, I think they are nearly ready!" Aryn calls out, looking over everyone before settling her blue eyes on Kadi a moment. "Come, let us get a closer look!" Aryn pauses a moment to see where Ban and Chani are, meeting Ban's gaze a moment and rolling her eyes, amused that he and Chani had been ensnared by her mother. "Mother help them," Aryn says under her breath, laughing.

"Mistress Chani Tahn of the Naboo," Marian repeats aloud, smiling beautifully. "What a beautiful name, and a wonderful world too. I cannot say I have seen many worlds more peaceful or green than Naboo. You are an honored guest. Thank you for all you have done, and sacrificed, to protect our lands, our people, and my daughter." Aryn's call draws Marian's gaze and she hikes up her dress a bit. "Oh, oh.. I do not wish to miss this. I have not seen Thranta since I was a child! Please, excuse me. I must see them."

Ban Iskender dips his head again to the departing Duchess, catching Aryn's eye as he steps deftly to draw nearer the Princess as the process of loosing the thranta begins in earnest.

Another slow pan of his sight carries Bors back in time to catch the wave from Roth, drawing his hand up to return the gesture, brow lifting with the sight of the blade and the man who should have worn his stately robes of brown. Unable to stifle a chuckle for the sight before him.

His attention is claimed though, Thranta! Another moment spared to beckon the mandalorian over while he works to secure himself a good place to observe. He'd clasp his hands before his chest if people weren't likely to gaze at him oddly. Who cares if he is a Lord of Thul! These are Thranta, and so he'll look like 5 year old princess.

Hands begin to raise.

What will his retainers think? They'll think he's Bors, the man is... prone to his own whims.

Higher.

He's going to enjoy this moment in the best way that he can and if that means that

Hiiiiigher!

he is going to have his hands however in all the hells of Corellia he wants 'em!

Mission control! Mission control! This is the torso - we have hands clasped. Repeat. Hands clasped before the chest.

Somewhere, woman with a headset and a man with a clip board look to one another while standing over a control station, with a tearful smile shared between them.

Kadi smiles to Aryn and nods her head. "You are most kind," she says, very much appreciating the kindness. "I am quite curious to see this as well, though perhaps not so much as many of you." She looks over as Aryn does and offers a nod to Lord Ban and Chani, before she too moves over to the side, leaving room by Ayrn for the Duchess and whoever else might wish it. Still, this puts Kadi in a pretty good spot to see what comes next.

Roth gives a little dip of her head to the man once her knife is returned and she slides it back into the sheath that's strapped to her thigh and then heads over towards to Bors and others. She doesn't want to interrupt the moment though and stands quietly where he waved her while they look at the Thranta. She'd never seen them either so it's a new experience for her.

The long whine of hydraulic pressure stiffens as the cargo hatches are drawn back. It takes little time to reveal an open bay where, at first, nothing comes out. It is quiet, awkwardly quiet.

When Ban draws closer to Aryn, she threads her free arm carefully to his and stands against him to watch. When doubtful voices begin to speak up, a mournful cry cuts them off. It is loud, and long, and distinct. Almost immediately, Marian begins to cry at the sound of the animal, "Oh Mother above, come to your new homes!" She calls out, emotional and beckoned by Lady Kiko to accept something to fight back her tears.

Aryn grips Ban's arm tighter.

The loud mournful cry prompts others to join, and the loudest of them all cuts over with a croaking noise followed by a herd call. Without further warning, a massive thranta flaps its wings and rises from the cargo. It is huge; in fact it is so big it casts a colossal shadow over both vessels. Its actual body is long, scaled like a dragon, yet smooth with a lizard like face and beautiful yellow eyes. Its tail flaps up and down as it finally finds the wind and hangs upon the air seemingly motionless.

When it begins to tilt and angle away, smaller thranta rise up from the compartment, flapping into the air in a flock. They all follow, making a small cyclone of circling animals until their alpha has heard all the calls. Now it is a choir of mournful cries, babies, mommas, and daddy thrantas have taken to the sky and begin to break up their cyclone to fly about the bay. One dives into the water near the yacht, returning a moment later with a large fish captured in its mouth! Water sprinkles across the deck as a crowd erupts with cheers from the shore, and the party on the boat begin to clap, cry, and laugh!

Ban Iskender rests a gloved hand atop Aryn's fingers at his arm. He is patient in the uncertain moments of stillness before the great beast emerges, followed by its smaller flock. Half to himself, he murmurs, "It is a marvel they can fly at all.. The look more born of sea than sky, yet ascend so easily.." His small smile briefly deepens as one thranta dives into the water for a meal, before taking flight with deceptive ease, afterward. He doesn't cheer.. but the smile lingers.

Roth! YOU FOOL!

Bors reaches out, the hands released from one another, to grab at one of the arkanian's arms and drag her over so that he can stage whisper excitedly, "Look! Thranta in Alderaanian skies again!" excitement! OH the SHEER JOY of it! The lord bounces on his feet some, and unconsciously makes to gently shake the woman who could likely just... stab the... just the absolute life out of him.

Like shaking a steak before the gundark here. But who cares! He'll have died seeing thranta in flight.

"Thaaantaaa!" more stage whispering, he's almost too close... or isn't he? He's not sure, he's more soldier than statesman and he's getting carried away.

Kadi stares as that hold is opened, and nothing happens. Her brow furrows, and she shifts in position a bit. As the first cry is heard and then people aboard the ship start crying, the Corellian looks around and then just in time back to the hold to catch sight of the massive thranta alpha taking wing. "oh." She says, eyes widening. As the flock makes it out, her eyes manage to widen further and she comes out with "Oooohhhhhhh." So very expressive. She stands completely still, watching with some bemusement. Quietly. She's not missed this her whole life because she didn't know it existed, but it's definitely something she's glad to see.

Roth is silent for the moment, standing alongside the Alderaanian's and their guests. When there are claps and cheers there is a smile to them and she claps gently, but there are no tears from the Arkanian. When Bors grabs her arm though she stiffens just the slightest little bit before she relaxes. She wasn't expecting that. "They are magnificent really. I've never seen them." she whispers to him as she is pulled closer by the excited man. While she could stab the dickens out of him, she wasn't upset with things. She does give a laugh at his drawn out Thanta and she gives him a hip bump, "Did you see these when you were little?" she asks softly.

The Thranta begin to circle the bay in wide passes, some even gliding over the water before taking to higher altitudes. Aryn wipes a tear away as her mother comes to her seeking a hug. Aryn has to step from Ban, set her glass aside, and accept her mother in a warm embrace. "For a moment, I was girl again, Aryn. Hearing their calls, seeing them again.. it brings such good feelings back to my heart." Aryn squeezes her mother and laughs. "There are still more to come. This was only the first herd, and many more will make the trip."

The music has begun again, and the party on the beach has erupted in cheering and even louder music. It seems the entire hillside leading up to the palace is alive with good folk watching the events. The Thranta, thank goodness, seem to take to their new home well. Several more are diving into the sea and rising back up again!