Log:The Day of Death
The Day of Death is a celebration on Naboo to push away the fear of Death, by dressing in spooky attire. Travel to Naboo in your spookiest attire, and enjoy a bit of revelry together.
OOC Date: October 30, 2023
Location: Theed, Naboo
Participants: Rey, Bizz Bliptettjupp, Lira'una, Zypha, B'haav Adasta
As the sun sets over Theed, casting a warm, golden hue over the city's cobblestone streets, the narrow, pointed obelisk dedicated to Queen Yram stands tall and proud in the courtyard. The last rays of daylight catch the intricate carvings on its surface, and the soft glow of lanterns and colorful festival lights bathe the area in a gentle, inviting radiance. The air is filled with the mouthwatering scents of street vendors selling local delicacies like stuffed chuba and sweet dessert pastries.
Naboo citizens and visitors, their faces adorned with festive paint and intricate masks, gather around the base of the obelisk. Some wear costumes inspired by Gungan traditions, while others embrace the spooky spirits of the Festival of the Lost Moons, their outfits reminiscent of otherworldly creatures. Laughter and merriment fill the air as people share stories and partake in the local cuisine. A musical ensemble sets up nearby, its members tuning their instruments in preparation for the evening's performance. The serene sounds of the nearby river provide a soothing backdrop, and the scent of blooming flowers fills the air.
In the distance, the gentle cascade of the Solleu River's falls adds a touch of magic to the evening, as the festival's spirit dances around this memorial to Queen Yram. Amidst the lively crowd, you can see children running about with lanterns, and adults huddled together in conversation. The festival's atmosphere is filled with a sense of unity and reverence, as Naboo pays homage to its ancestors and celebrates life, death, and the enduring connection between the living and the spirit world.
Rey is in attendance at the festival tonight, though she is masking her physical appearance behind a ghostly face-painting and flowing white costume of an 'Elder Spirit.' Others in the Jedi Order were asked to attend the festival to witness Naboo citizens paying homage to their lost and loved ones. The atmosphere is happy and the revelry is abundant, in a galaxy stricken with so much conflict and danger, this festival marks a solitary place for a moment of peace tonight.
Brother Bizz waddles in wearing long green ears, and accompanied by a gaggle of orphans from his orphanage on Jedha. Among them are Glim the pink Cragmoloid boy with his elephant-like trunk dressed as a Corellian smuggler with vest and bloodstripe pants; Sonaa the tiny Togruta girl dressed as a porg with paper mache wings; Dia the little Twi'lek girl dressed in senatorial robes; Hylie the Mirialan girl dressed in Boba Fett armor made of cardboard; and Ansra the human girl in her hand-me-down scavenger costume with Rey-inspired stick. Bizz hands the children each a calamari flan and they go running off to buy sweets and things.
As dusk settles over Theed, transforming the city with its warm, golden light, Lira steps into the lively atmosphere of the Day of Death festival. Amidst the myriad of celebrants around Queen Yram's Needle, she's an enigmatic presence, her figure wrapped in the flowing, shadowy folds of her indigo gown. The intricate patterns on her lekku, painted using phosphorescent makeup, glow faintly under the soft festival lights, weaving stories of myth and magic. Combined with dark eye makeup and the glossy stones of her choker engraved with ancient Twi'lek rules, she is cast as Ryja the Mind-Twister, a being from the depths of Twi'lek folklore. The whole ensemble is mysteriously, horrifying enchanting.
Yet her presence seems to blend seamlessly with the spirit of the festival, a celebration of life and remembrance. The streets echo with laughter and the strains of music, as Lira moves with a quiet grace through the crowds. Her makeup accentuates her otherworldly appearance, with eyes that hold an ancient wisdom and lips painted a deep, matte purple.
She pauses occasionally to admire the vibrant costumes of others, taking in the spectacle of ghostly Gungan traditions and otherworldly spirits.
Lira's attention is momentarily captured by the soothing sound of the nearby Solleu River, its gentle cascade adding a serene, almost ethereal quality to the evening. She inhales the sweet scent of blooming flowers mixed with the tantalizing aroma of street food, a smile playing subtly on her lips beneath the dark hues of her makeup.
Still, it's often the children that capture most of the lavender skinned Twi'lek's attention. At five feet tall and only eighteen years old, she's often confused for a child herself, and her kinship with them seems to run deep. Despite the dark nature of her makeup, it's not fear she seems to desire to instill, but rather joy and warmth, a little hand waving, wiggling friendly fingers at any whose gases linger in her direction, not in the least bit shy.
Skin streaked with cyan-glowing pigments, Zypha seems more than happy to mill about curiously. He looks a bit comfortable as he stretches out his legs and slides his mechanical eyes across the event's festivities.
The Zeltron takes a drink of some spiced milk, getting himself ready for a night out, sampling the food and event itself.
It is always a risk at times like these - when the living remember the dead - that sometimes the dead walk among them and remember the living. One such long-dead man, though only by reputation and perhaps misfortune, is B'haav Adasta. The Balosar, who had once been known in Hutt Space as the ever-optimistic psychiatrist, walks the streets of Theed without the long-customary protection of his armors. Instead, he is attired much as he once was, with a silk suit of all black, tied at the waist with a bright red sash. A black scarf is tied over his hair, hiding the salt-and-pepper hair as well as the tell-tale palps that declare his Balosar origins.
But it's the mask that protects him most from prying eyes that might recognize. An intricate and molded affair, painted and adorned with the glimmer of colored costume gems making the sparkling face of a large rat, the protruding nose casting shadow over his exposed mouth and smooth-shaven chin. His gait is uneven, aided with the wooden sword that - rather than tucked into his swashbuckling waist sash - is pulling double duty as a walking aid for a pronounced limp on his left side. He stands slightly apart from the others, having none to group openly with, and his mouth turns up in a smile from time to time as he catches a few mirthful words from those trading stories or the step-back required to let children run through in the carefree way that only youth will find easy.
Brother Bizz finds his orphans being greeted by people helping with the party atmosphere. The orphans are instantly offered lanterns of their own to swing around merrily along with the other children rushing around the plaza grounds, while offerings of food are presented to the other festival attendees.
The costume parade is starting soon, and as such there is a long line of elaborately costumed individuals lining up on one of the nearby bridges to head in to the main street of Theed. The parade participants are handing out bundles of wrapped candies to the young ones, while a contingent of Gungan representitives can be seen marching in to the festival grounds.
Horns blare as the Gungan representitives arrive, announcing themselves with a ceremony of music and lights coming from their people's own costumess. The Gungan contingent is dressed in honorary garb that depicts famous events in Gungan history, including the infamous Trade Federation siege nearly a century ago.
Rey appears beside some of Brother Bizz's orphans, handing them a bundle of wrapped candies she'd purchased from a street vendor. "It is good to see you made it." She says to them all, reaching a hand out to ruffle the hair of the one dressed much like she did once upon a time.
Bizz's orphans run to Rey, being familiar with her, and accept the packets of candies in addition to the ones they have bought. Denta bean buns, rainbow berry puff pastries, white-and-blue cube marshmallows, and blue macaron cookies all find their way into the orphans' grubby little hands. "Thank you!" they say in unison, remembering their manners. Bizz himself has found the beer merchant.
Sonaa the tiny Togruta girl, Dia the little Twi'lek girl, and Ansra the human girl in her hand-me-down scavenger costume somehow find their way to Lira'una and run in a circle around her, their lanterns swinging from one hand and their pastries gripped in the other. They scream as if they are being murdered, as all children do when they are having fun.
Lira moves closer to the parade, her gown flowing around her like a shadowy cloud, an ethereal contrast to the bright and lively costumes around her. Each step she takes seems to be in rhythm with the distant music, her movements fluid and almost dance-like. The children's innocent joy resonates with her deeply, bringing a genuine, soft smile to her lips, her eyes sparkling with delight beneath the dark makeup.
Amidst the bustling crowd, Lira's attention is momentarily drawn to Rey interacting with the orphans. She observes with a subtle curiosity -- Rey's kindness towards the children, the way she ruffles their hair and shares sweets, strikes a chord in her.
Her gaze then shifts to the long line of costumed individuals, their elaborate attire a testament to the creativity and spirit of Naboo. Her mind wanders for a moment, perhaps imagining stories behind each costume, each character brought to life in the streets of Theed, but as the horns blare, announcing the Gungan contingent, her thoughts are pulled back to the present. The vivid recounting of Gungan history through their costumes a vivid reminder of the galaxy's rich and diverse cultures.
There's so much to take in. And yet, as Lira's blue eyes shift, they find a familiar face nearby -- she'd crossed two or three steps towards Zypha, rasied a hand to wave in his direction, and even made a little noise that almost sounded like his name before the children began circling her.
As their joyful screams fill the air, she laughs along with them, bouncing a bit on the balls of her feet and stretching out her arms to twirl with their circling. Soon she's looking back to Zypha, stretching out her arms and beckoning him to join them.
Tilting his head to the side, Zypha simply finds a place to place his glass and let the drink settle. He walks along a moment, mingling with the crowd, but it's not long at all before the Zeltron simply seems to find his way around to the general area of Lira'una and those around.
He's already exchanging some credits for a trinket or other from a vendor off to the side.
A smile is flashed to Lira as his eyes wander over to her, and he brings himself forward, heels klick-klacking along before he says, "Ah, the air on this planet's *far* more agreeable, no?"
B'haav, flowing with the crowd rather than through it, drifts in the direction of the parade, wooden sword click-tapping half of his gait as the living ghost is swept along. The announcement and arrival of the Gungans draws as much attention from him as any other, though his steel-grey gaze is averted to a lamp post nearby where he can take hold and keep from being drawn further down the crowd of people. Stepping up onto the raised stone circle at the base of the post, he looks slightly over the crowd to tak in both the Gungans and their cultural tapestry as well as the other costumes of the other attendees. Several of the outfits draw a closer examination, and he tucks the wooden sword under his arm so he can offer applause at several of those that pass by.
The festival atmosphere in Theed grows livelier by the moment. Musicians stationed around the plaza play cheerful tunes, filling the air with lively melodies. Vendors and food stalls offer a wide array of Naboo delicacies, from Denta bean buns to rainbow berry pastries, tempting festivalgoers with their delicious aromas. Children with colorful lanterns run and play, their laughter echoing through the plaza.
The costume parade officially kicks off, and the elaborately dressed participants, representing various aspects of Naboo's history and culture, make their way down the main street. Spectators cheer and clap as the parade passes by, catching candies and trinkets thrown by the participants.
Festivalgoers have the opportunity to participate in traditional Naboo games, such as the ribbon dance and ring-toss competitions, and win prizes like decorative masks, hand-painted fans, and more. The Gungan contingent continues to impress with their musical performance, adding a touch of tradition and history to the festivities.
Rey spends a few moments helping the orphans with the laterns, should they wish to run along with the other children. She ends up near to Bizz, however, and offers him a small smile. "Good to see you, Brother Bizz. We ran in to some interesting history on Lothal recently, recovered a few items regarding it. I'll have them sent to your ship before you leave, if you're interested in going over some of it." She eludes to a archaeological event that the Jedi likely had recently.
Rey looks up then to see LIra, and offers her a wave when she's close enough to see it. "Enjoying the show?" She asks the small Twi'lek when she's within ear-shot.
B'haav gets the attention of two Gungan women who smile at him, both of them tossing him flower-necklaces, as they seem to enjoy his festive style this evening.
"MUCH more so!" Lira intones brightly, blue eyes seeming to lighten a bit even within the dark eye makeup at the approach of a familiar face. Though she seemed to have no real issues with being alone in such a crowd, there is a certain amount of relief on her features at not -- at least for the moment -- being solo.
"Plus, the food! And the costumes! It's good to see you, Zee!"
Her voice is raised above the crowd enough to carry, but it's all so loud and boisterous, full of music and laughter and screaming and whistles.
The children, moving on from their games of circle-the-Twi'lek, find their way soon back to Bizz and the rest of the venue's offerings... or perhaps it was approaching their bedtime. Either way, Lira watches them go for a moment before her attention is shifted to Rey, returning that wave warmly.
"Very much! This was a /wonderful/ idea!"
A pause, then, as she takes just a moment to look a little apprehensive. She didn't know Rey all that well, and that moment of deliberation over 'do I or don't I' shows on her features.
"I have something I'd like to show you. Not tonight. But soon. If you have time."
And then it's out with a smile that borders on apologetic, her gaze shifting to Zypha, still nearby.
"This is my friend Zypha!" she adds, gesturing grandly, that smile turning a bit more goofy in it's youthfulness.
The Zeltron's eyes wander over to Lira'una and Rey as he's introduced. Zypha gives a dazzling, pearly smile as he gestures himself through a quarter-bow, "Charmed." He greets in a general kind of politeness before his eyes turn to Lira'una.
"It's good to see you as well." Zypha offers to Lira as he finds himself leaning against something or other, "I've been enjoying myself quite thoroughly. Theed is turning out to be quite... Charming, as it were."
It is far from expected, when strung flowers fly through the air toward the Balosar, who moves to catch them, though at the cost of the wooden sword that falls from its place tucked beneath his arm. There would be more of a look of alarm, and perhaps will be later, but in the moment as the flowers fall over his outstretched arm there is only a broad smile and something that he thought he had lost long ago: a blush rising on his tan-colored cheeks. The heat of the mask mixes with the flush of his skin and beneath the get-up he is certainly beginning to sweat, but no notice is paid as he lowers his arm to catch the necklaces in his hand and raise them to loop over the glittering nose of the rat mask and back to then rest eventually over his black silk shirt.
As the flowers settle, they fall past the top two buttons of his shirt that rest open for flair and breathability. Just barely visible for those close enough to look, a leather tie runs along tan skin to a small leather pouch which had followed him all the way from Socorro, in spite of the many adventures (and misadventures) that made up his life. Adjusting the flowers to rest just so, he looks back to the Gungan women and raises his hands to applaud more as he whistles his gratitude with one arm crooked around the lamp post. Below, a child at play has found his wooden sword and has begun charging about and waving it in the air. That will surely not lead to trouble or injury. Noticing the missing fixture beneath his arm, the costumed swashbuckler begins casting his eyes around in search of the missing sword.
The festival's joyous atmosphere shows no signs of waning as the night deepens. As lanterns light up the plaza, it transforms into a scene of enchantment. Dance performances take center stage, with graceful dancers swaying to the rhythm of live music, their flowing costumes and intricate movements captivating the audience.
Food vendors are kept busy as festivalgoers indulge in more Naboo delights. Aromas of roasted Nuna drumsticks and sizzling sausage waft through the air. The candy and sweet treat stands have attracted long lines, and vendors scoop generous portions of blue macaron ice cream into waffle cones and sprinkle them with colorful candies.
A grand fireworks display is set to light up the night sky soon, a magnificent spectacle that will cap off the evening's festivities. Families and friends gather on blankets and cushions, enjoying their sweets and treats while eagerly awaiting the colorful bursts of light that will paint the night sky.
Rey's face is painted in whites and blacks, a skeletal ghost pattern covering her natural features, but her brown eyes still shine with a happy kindness toward Lira, and toward Zepha in-turn. She nods once toward Lira, her hands held together in front of her lap now as the ghostly tendrils of her costume wave gently in the night wind around them. "You know I'm always available if you ever need my help, Lira. I'm eager to help all of you, if ever there is a way I can." She states in a quiet tone. "I'm headed to Kashyyk after this... as I have some reports of something worth checking out there, but yes, I'll be here another day or so."
Rey offers her right hand toward Zypha. "A pleasure to meet a friend of Lira." She says toward him. "This is quite a festival, yeah?" She asks, a grin showing on her skeletal face painted visage.
The Gungan women wave back to B'haav, one of them even blowing him a kiss before they proceed on down the parade route, with a number of lantern-wielding children chasing them along!
"Thank you. It would mean a lot to me," Lira says warmly to Rey before her eyes shift back to Zypha, offering him a grin that's a little more broad and easy.
"It is, isn't it? I was just here.. not that long ago. The overlook at the top of the waterfall is amazing--"
But, as it so often and easily is, the little lavender Twi'lek's attention is stolen. Her blue eyes track to a youthful sound of triumph -- to a boy waving a wooden sword above his head and beginning to run amok. Her smile doubles in side.
"Back in a minute!" she says, sweeping off quickly and looking hurriedly around as she goes. It's not all that hard to find a piece of debris.. a length of plastic stick that was supposed to be holding a sign for the event that had since been plucked off, perhaps. But in her hands? In her hands, it's /also/ a sword.
She appears between the boy and his next intended victim, brandishing that plastic tube in an overly dramatic dueling position.
Thus commences A DUEL TO THE DEATH!!
Clack. Clack. Clack. Back and forth the two go with Lira grabbing at her skirts with one hand, fancy footwork carrying her up onto a bench and nearly bumping into another party goer as she gracefully leaps from it a moment later.
"Sorry!" her voice rings out to the elderly woman she almost (but didn't!) knock over in the process of avoiding a blow.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
The duel continues through the crowd.
The boy jumps up on the edge of a fountain, and /just/ when it seems like Lira might have bested him, he lunges and the wooden sword impales her!! (Well, it goes right through her side, captured under her arm, and crumples to the ground on top of it). Ryja the Mind-Twister of Twi'lek folklore lets out a playful wail of agony as she draws her final breath, no longer a threat to the innocent people of Theed!
The boy whoops, jumping and waving his arms in victory before running off, and as Lira cracks an eye open, she watches him go with a little smile on her lips.
There's a few blinks before Zypha's eyes watch Lira run off. He slightly tilts his head to the side before lifting a shrug, letting out a vague chuckle before his eyes wander bakc to Rey.
"It's much more... *Cultured* than what I get to experience where I work." Zypha gives an uptick of the chin to Rey before his cybernetic gaze settles on the conversation at hand, "Do you live here? It seems very... Idyllic."
Clack. Clack. Clack.
As the undercover Balosar scans for any sign of his lost weapon around the base of his light post, the sound of youthful battle pulls his attention away from the nearby to a war waged in the physical and imaginary realms. Swashing and buckling, leaping and parrying, the two move roundabout and B'haav is doing his best to descend gracefully from the raised foot of the lamp post, though in the end he has to lower to sit on it and then swing his legs - one cooperating, the other less so - to the ground and rising again. As he tries to navigate through the crowd, he has lost sight of the duel and must follow by the sounds of joyful battle.
Finally emerging from the crowd to the small clearing around the fallen Twi'lek, B'haav takes a few hesitant steps forward, his limp looking not unlike a sailor's sea legs when the adjusted gait walks on solid land. "I'm..." His voice is rough, like gravel had been tumbled through it until worn to smooth and then placed in a river. He presses the back of his wrist to his mouth to stifle a small clearing of his throat. "I'm terribly sorry, miss. As no self-respecting Pi-rat should, I have lost my blade and it seems it has taken another life without me." He offers a hand to the slain-in-play woman, his left leg balancing behind him as his right leg holds the majority of his weight. "May you rise again as the tide? The sea is treacherous in these parts." Though he does his best to play his part, B'haav's eyes are glancing over Lira'una for any signs of actual injury that may have befallen her in this battle. P "Are you alright?"
As the festivities continue, the crowd's excitement only grows. Musicians on various stages throughout the plaza play joyful melodies, their instruments filling the air with uplifting tunes. Children dance and twirl with their colorful lanterns in hand, forming a vibrant, ever-moving display of lights.
The costume parade, featuring participants in a wide array of elaborate outfits, commences in full swing. From Gungan dignitaries adorned in ceremonial attire to elaborate and intricately detailed costumes inspired by various galactic cultures, the parade captivates onlookers. Revelers in the crowd cheer and applaud as the procession passes, and they eagerly await their turn to join in.
A sudden burst of instruments heralds the appearance of the Naboo's Royal Queen, and her entourage. They step out on the balcony of a nearby building, the young Queen's ornate costume looking both breathtaking, and painfully difficult to ever get in to! The Queen begins to wave a hand toward the crowds below, as the costume parade continues onward.
Rey smiles to Zypha and shakes her head gently. "I'm an explorer. I mostly live inside my ship. Tonight I just decided to bring my two children here. They've been coming to this celebration since they were very little, though I think they're beginning to grow out of it." She says with a grin.
A vendor passes between Zypha and Rey, offering them both glowing orange drinks that look both filled with ice, while the glow makes them look fiery. Rey accepts one with a smile for the vendor. Once they pass, she looks back to Zypha. "This is your first time on Naboo?" She asks. "You must tour it. It ... really is one of the best planets this far out from the Core."
A second later and the first firework goes off, booming in the sky, and soon many more begin popping off with colors crossing over the City of Theed as a whole.
Lira pushes up to her hands, but her gaze turns up towards B'haav, her eyes and smile both softening at his words. She stretches her hand up to take the one offered without an ounce of hesitation, and a soft laugh escapes her painted-dark lips as she rises as if weightless -- with nothing more than the lightest pressure on his fingers.
"Fear not," she says theatrically, her youthful voice carrying only the faintest hint of a Rylothian accent. "Ryja the Mind-Twister is not so easily defeated. He may have one the battle, but she will rise again... one day."
Her lekku, with their glowing, intricately phosphorous-painted patterns, curl a bit, slithering up around her shoulders as she presents his sword back to him with a smile that glows /almost/ as brightly as the fireworks that would light up the sky in only a few moment's time.
"I'm fine, I promise," she assures in a voice much more gentle and mellowed. "I'm Lira." Not that he necessarily needed to know that, but... well.. it didn't seem like the girl had ever met a stranger. Or, at least, not anyone that remained a stranger for long.
Of course, there's that attention thing again.
"Oh, the Queen!" she gushes, pointing.. as if B'haav might somehow miss what had suddenly become the focal point of the entire crowd. And then, not long after, there was the first explosion of fireworks, and Lira's eyes turned skyward, that giant smile returning... filled with the innocent joy and awe of youth as she watches the colors.
"I love Naboo."
"Not my first time, no." Zypha finds no shame in admitting, flashing a smile all the same to Rey, "But, I'll be making it a priority to visit more." Though, his curiosity is caught by some of what's said, "Ah, an explorer? It must be quite liberating." He says nodding along, "Though, I personally prefer being groundside."
And it's when the parade starts that his attention is pulled, stepping back, and observing for the time being.
B'haav, prepared to counter-balance far more, is surprised at the near-weightless ascent of Ryja the Mind-Twister. Moreso as she so quickly offers back that which he had carelessly lost. He accepts the sword reverently and with a bow that would have looked far more fitting in the queen's court than the streets below the Queen's impending appearance; his trailing leg is slightly wobbly, but his right is sturdy enough to lower him gracefully as he holds the wooden sword to heart and his right hand sweeps out to the side. Rising again from the stately gesture, he nods, rat-mask emphasizing the up-and-down motion of his head.
"I'm glad. I would not live it down if my mishap lead to anyone's injury." He is about to answer his introduction with his own when the Queen's appearance interrupts the exchange. He raises his voice and his applause with the rest of the crowd, and then the fireworks follow. If any chain of events could disarm the man as much as this, it would be hard to find. He looks over to the Twi'lek and without thinking... "I'm B'haav." There's a smile and then he's looking back up to the sky where the smile begins to melt away. That was not an alias.
"Erm... Bee. It's nice to meet you. And... Thank you." A bloom of firey explosions and cascading colors scintillate off of the jeweled rat mask, and he shows some of the displays light back on itself.
Rey's gaze follows the bursts of fireworks, their dazzling colors illuminating her features. She takes a sip of the glowing orange drink, enjoying the cool and refreshing taste. "It's a magnificent celebration, isn't it?" she remarks to Zypha. "Naboo certainly knows how to throw a party." She tells him before offering a wave as he departs.
The Naboo Queen continues to offer waves to the costumed crowds below her balcony level, as members of her entourage begin releasing floating lanterns that glide up toward the sky. In the sky the booming fireworks continue, sizzling against the backdrop of the Naboo star system above. The Costume Parade continues onward as well, the wide array of intricate attires causing the onlooking children to smile with glee, or outright fight over who they believe is dressed the 'best.'
Rey ends up finding her two teenage twins again, both of them returning to their mother to check-in as ordered. The trio spare a moment to stare up at the fireworks as well as more boom loudly above.
The floating lanterns that the Queen's entourage released begin to spread out across the horizon, floating out toward the city to symbolize the lost souls of all who have died to keep Naboo safe and independent in galactic conflicts. The 'Lost Moons of Naboo' that the celebration is based upon.
Lira's reaction to B'haav's grand bow is nothing short of glowing. Her weight excitedly rests on the balls of her feet as she bounces lightly there, taking in the entirely of it while (apparently) barely stifling a giggle of joy by chewing on her lower lip.
But then it was time to applaud the Queen.. and then there were fireworks!!.. and then she glances over to meet his gaze, the offer of his name stoking a renewed warmth in her eyes.
...at least until it seems to upset him.
Concern cools that warmth just a little. Sympathy, maybe, for something she didn't understand. Couldn't fathom from just the mere shift of expression of a stranger. Yet, there's sympathy there none-the-less.
"Bee," she agrees after the correction, nodding. It's not understanding as much as it is assurance that replaces that curiosity. Though she certainly seemed the type to let her curiosity run wild, she'd apparently met enough people to know not to ask. Not to push. "It's nice to meet you, too... but I didn't do anything."
There's a pause, then, as her gaze finally turns up towards the lanterns that float up into the sky.
"Unless you count taking a sword through the heart for you."
It's almost said seriously.. but then her lips begin to curl, again, and her eyes cut to the side towards him.
"Totally worth it, though. That kid was crazy good."
A faint giggle escapes, and then her eyes are back on the lanterns, watching him float up. She draws in a deep breath as she does, seeming to let the weight of the meaning of the lost lives fill her... and then that breath is blown out slowly, calming her once more.
The Balosar's straying smile returns, though in a much softer rendition, as the Twi'lek echoes his revised name. He still watches the fireworks, but as they fade under the rising of lanterns and the symbolism therein he looks to the side again to his new-met acquaintance. About to speak, the words still on his lips at her addition.
'Unless you count taking a sword through the heart for you.'
Surprisingly, this addition prompts a genuine laugh from the Pi-rat, and his smile grows once more. "From experience, taking a shot or a sword through the heart is an endeavor only worth doing in the most worthy of causes." He looks down to the sword, which is helping support his weight as he stands more or less staring upwards.
"A good fight worth fighting is surely one of those." He quiets though, his smile turning more serious as he considers the ascending lanterns. "I used to send one up. But sometimes... It seems more like the one I lit it for was me." He looks to the Twi'lek once again. "Thank you, for your heroics, Lira." And for making an old ghost feel a bit alive again. Anything is possible on the Day of Death. "It's my pleasure to have made your acquaintance."
"I whole heartedly agree," Lira answers the sentiment about a good fight worth fighting, her own voice softened despite the pun she managed to slip in.
Her blue eyes shift at the mention of sending one up, there and watching him when he looks at her again, her attentive interest warming once more as her smile reaches her eyes.
She listens to his words... absorbs them. There was so much meaning in them that she was ignorant to, but she could sense it. She could feel it down into her bones. As unlikely as it might have been, however, the two strangers had shared their moment, and even in Lira's youth, she seemed to understand B'haav's sincerity -- that more words weren't necessary.
To his thanks, she simply smiled and allowed her eyes to dip as if she'd ever-so-subtly bowed in acknowledgement.
"Likewise," she simply answers that final sentiment, smile still lingering as she watches him.
A moment later, however, her eyes were cast up towards the lanterns floating in the sky again... and after another moment, she was gone... simply swept back up into the crowd as she made her way back out of the square to begin the long walk back to the spaceport.
