Lady Solstice

Lady Solstice
Date of Scene:	08 May 2025
Location:
Synopsis:	Volken and Ellari test Varen's slicing skills; Jorn meets Lady Solstice.
Cast of Characters:	159, 418, Ellari Zin, Volken Mons

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Athena (159) has posed:
While Volken tries to play nice with Thaeln's mother, Ellari makes a plan with Varen to attempt to uncover the footage from Jorn's ship, though the latter seems uncertain of his own slicing ability.

Meanwhile, the young woman who'd accidentally almost claimed Jorn's room back at the inn in Vorkarr now walks alongside him, seeming happy for his company as they head towards the wedding. "Pity neither of us could make it on time for the ceremony," she says, "but I suppose most of the guests who don't personally know the bride and groom skip it," she says with a shrug. "The reception is a better time to meet Thaelin's mother, anyway," she says, "and I'll make sure you're formally introduced to her." she smiles. "Say, you don't have a plus one," she says, "do you?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"You can go on ahead. I'm sure they'd love to see your face," Jorn says in a neutral tone. "I still need to get a gift," Jorn thinks on the fly since she's clearly been tailing him. "My plus one is complicated," Jorn simply says and he will leave it that. "Why? I'm not that interesting to begin with," he says just matter of factly. Hands are close to the weapons just in case. "You tell me where to find you. I'm not a big fan of this wedding anyway," and he'll turn on a heel. Hands still close to the weapons. Although, he does have an idea. It's a very stupid one, but insane enough to work.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "You are excused." Ellari replies, scoffing slightly as Varen heads for the refreshers. She turns and starts heading toward the reception area.

Athena (159) has posed:
The woman smiles, seeming flattered. "You have a way with words, don't you," she says. She laughs when he says his plus one is complicated. "Well, complicated or not, actions speak louder than words and she or he is clearly not here." If Jorn was trying to lose her, well, he's going to have to try harder, as she begins to follow him. "I know a nice souvenir shop just a couple blocks away," she says, "and I don't mind showing you where it is. Tell me," she says, "why are you really here, if you're not such a fan of the wedding?"

Meanwhile, Ellari will find herself in a throng of people pinning their bets on the bridal duels that would occur after the first dance. The tall, fair skinned Mandalorian who had been poking fun at Varen earlier whispers to Ellari, "How much do you reckon you'll make tonight??"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"No. I just speak truths, they happen to either flatter or offend," Jorn continues. The stranger has a point and her words do wound. It doesn't show on his face, in his body language, but whatever target they mean to hit, they do. He's been almost alone during this chaos. A few reluctant friends, but the one person he thought would be there isn't. And Jorn's not even sure they have his best interest in mind. "Tell me something. A couple of them, actually. Yer name and why're you're really here? I know it's not my words. I know it's not my face," Jorn readies a second plan while talking. "And spare me the lies. I've had my fill of those lately. I can stand without the kriffing things in my life," he'll even gesture with one hand. "No one here, but us and the stray shops. So. Out with it." Jorn waits to see. Just calculating his next move.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Well I haven't even made my bets yet." Ellari replies, shrugging. "And before I do that, I'll have to size up the contestants, now won't I?"

Volken Mons has posed:
Revenge on Revara? How strange.. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind since this all truly kicked off. What have people been saying about him?

Volken frowns, focusing more on that then anything else as Lady Solstice starts to move off and he repeats, "I've no interest in getting close to your daughter, Lady Solstice. I've got other more important things on my mind. if you'v been hearing rumors then let me put that to bed and stamp those out right now. If Revara leaves me alone, I'll leave her alone. Simple."

He lets her proceed to get food, otherwise, and just basically stands there - growing darker and more broodish now and disinclined to join the festivities. Finding out of Jorn did what was necessary with Master Volk is now more on his mind.

Athena (159) has posed:
The woman seems amused. "How thoughtfully honest," she remarks, coming to walk closer to him. When Jorn demands the truth and nothing but the truth, her smile disappears, and she looks around, as if to ascertain that there is indeed, no one else around. "My name is Naamara," she says, "but you probably already know that, even if you were pretending not to," she says wryly. "I'll say this. You have more allies than you think you do, even if you think you don't. You don't know the power you wield," she says, "If only you'd wake up!"

"Is that so?" the man says to Ellari. "You don't look like you're trying to do anything, right now!"

The crowd presses around Volken, and out of the corner of his eye, he'll see the two barons slipping out of the room where the reception and banquet is being held, to only light knows where. Perhaps he should find Ellari, and discover whether she had any kind of update about the footage from Jorn's ship.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Allies. That magical A-word that catches his attention. "Naamara. Since you know a lot about me, then answer my next question. Who are my allies?" Jorn asks honestly. He may be tucking plan one into bed for now. "I know the power I wield. I've been told that in not so many words," and he watches her intently. "Most people want to hunt me like a kriffing swamp rat. Who are these allies that hide?" he watches her intently. "They weren't with me in prison cells. Ambushes. and so many other places." Jorn seems a little skeptical. Also, he's appreciating Ellari a lot more right now.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari arches a brow at him, folding her arms. "Oh, why would you care so much about what I'm doing? I don't even know your name."

Volken Mons has posed:
He does indeed see them doing this - but even Volken is not brash enough to go chasing after them without some sort of backup plan. Not after the things he's seen and heard since being in this madness.

So he turns and uses his height and size advantage to search Ellari out among the crowd...and soon is tromping towards her.

The crowd may press around him but short of Er'gi getting in his path, there's little thought given to simply moving with the expctation that the crowd will move out of his way.

Athena (159) has posed:
Naamara's gaze hardens, and her green eyes blaze. "Allies! Indeed. Certainly many want to kill you, but how hard have you tried to seek those who are seeking you? Who have claimed to do you no harm? Even now, are you sure the ones you consider allies are -truly- allies? How do you know they will not turn?" She pauses, thinking. "Did it occur to you that they simply couldn't? Not everyone's identity enjoys privacy."

"Because," he begins, "I care about who will bet against me--" and then he sees Volken tromping towards them. "Ah! Is this brute your plus two?!"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"You have to pardon my distrust with the world right now. It hasn't given me a lot of it back lately. Agreements to meet in open areas sound like ambushes," Jorn lays out the pazac cards on the table. He looks up at the wedding, "Do you know what it's like to have a Wedding party want your head? A place full of liars that set me up for a fall. Those that believe the lie and then lie to me. Then those that simply want to shoot me because why not?" He looks up to the sign, "What loyalty do I owe -these- people? Right now, I owe two people loyalty. A third waivers."

"Restore my faith in people, and I can meet them back in the first place you found me. My trust is rare, and not freely given, at best right now. Weeks ago. Kriff, days ago, it was quite the opposite."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Well, in that case, why would I tell you what my plans are?" Ellari challenges. Then Volken is approaching. "I suppose you might say that." she replies, then turns to the large man. "Volken," she greets, nodding. Looking over the tables in the reception area, "I suppose we should find a seat."

Volken Mons has posed:
Said brute narrows his eyes somewhat at Ellari's companion but he says nothing to him. Simply observes him silently for a few heavy seconds before turning to look to Ellari as she greets him.

"Yeah." he grunts and then makes a vague gesture towards the tables. "Sure. LEt's."

He looks back at the other man and then shrugs lightly towards him and then offers him a slow grin before beginning to turn away in anticipation of heading for the table wtih Ellari in tow.

Athena (159) has posed:
Naamara scowls. "You don't owne anyone anything, but you lack fore sight!" she scolds. Lowering her voice and leaning forward she asks. "Do you want to marry her? Freely? Without fear for your life, or for her own? You know the answer. You wouldn't be here right now if you didn't."

She steps back. "We can offer you protection. I have seen Revara, and spoken to her as well as her mother. You assume too many things, Jorn of Bakura. Clan Solstice will not be counted among those who want you dead, not today. I swear it, by my own blood and the edge of the Dark Saber you possess!"

"... well, alright. Goodbye then," the man says, seeming miffed.

By now Varen has returned from the refreshers. He still looks anxious, and his nerves aren't calmed anymore when he sees Volken with Ellari.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Forgive my sight then. It was too busy making sure the rest of me was in one piece," then the question comes out. He looks at her, "Have you been my test? One of the first things I heard was about her ex. I heard rumors about this. Heard rumors about that," Jorn's attention hasn't faltered off of Naamara.

"It's not a question of where my loyalty lies. It's a question of everyone else's." There's a pause, "Swear on your life that I will be safe while I'm there. I'll be safe, if I leave," Jorn has heard one side of the story. He's not opposed to hear the other. However, he does want assurance.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "What's the matter, Varen?" Ellari asks, a brow going up at him. "You met Volken, right?"

    She then nods as Volken agrees to taking a seat, and starts moving over to a table with three empty spots.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Somethin'wrong, vod?"

Volken raises an eyebrow as he looks over this 'Varen'...clearly unfamiliar with him though he turns his full attention towards Ellari as it seems she's ready to go.

"Yeah.." he says though he glances back towards Varen, awaiting an explanation before fully committing to step away.

Athena (159) has posed:
"You heard me," Naamara says, "I swear it." She shakes her head when he mentions the barons. "Don't concern yourself with him. He'll be taken care of in due time." Then she continues with, "If you are certain of where your fiancee's loyalties lie, then you need not worry where her or her mother's allies loyalties lie," she says. "No one from that side of the family is trying to kill you. However, one can only speculate about the Duke's intentions, what with bringing you in to participate in games with weighted odds." She turns on her heel, and starts heading for the venue. "Well? You're coming, right?"

"Briefly," Varen says, swallowing. And he looks like he might say something else, but thinks better of it. Once they sit, he looks around uncomfortably before lowering his voice, saying, "Look, we should eat quickly and excuse ourselves to enjoy setting off some of the recreational fireworks outside. No one is out there right now, they're all too busy drinking. I can ... have a look at the footage then, and there."

Volken Mons has posed:
THe brutishly huge Mando narrows his eyes slightly, looking confused and searching his mind but as Varen joins them and then lowers his voice, Volken grows more attentive and then his eyes widen slightly before narrowing again.

He says nothing at first, as this seems to be a matter Ellari already had in hand...

But once Varen finishes speaking he rumbles, "Mm...sure... Besides, apparently people seem tot hink I"m only interested in revenge on Revara or something - so - why stick around? More fun outside..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Oh, no no." Ellari says, shaking her head. "I don't have it here with me. Of course not. But I will give you something simpler to slice, just to prove you actually have the skills you say you do."

    "But certainly, we can head outside now." she finally says, nodding and getting up.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn gets the promise and he folows. No words. Just quietly following the woman. It's his time to hear about the other side of things. Are they really allies? He's not sure.

Athena (159) has posed:
Volken not only wanting revenge on Revara seems like news to Varen, but he doesn't say anything. He just blinks slowly, then gets up just as slowly and starts heading outside.

"Why couldn't you have asked me to do this later?" Varen needles Ellari, "if it isn't even the real thing..."

Naamara leads Jorn into the venue where large groups of people are congregating in front of the room where the reception is being held. They're all drinking, laughing, having a fine time.

She takes him inside, where it's even more crowded, and leads him towards a dark haired woman with flecks of silver lining her neatly tied bun. She has angular features, and there's a hint of Revara there. She's older, but beautiful for being the age she must be. When she sees Naamara approaching, she smiles. "Naamara," she says, bowing. "I was hoping to meet your plus one of the night," she pauses. "Who's this?"

Volken Mons has posed:
"Why does everyone think I want revenge on Revara? Revenge for -what-? I already dealt with her infront of her father and then had her situation explained. I haven't had anything to do with her since then! We've even talked in public since then!"

Volken clearly looks incensed briefly as he notes Varen's reaction. "Who is spreading these rumors...?"

He does quiet though to let Ellari handle the data-splicing issue. All of that is actually news to him...though he frowns.

"What about our other contact..?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Because, the point of this is to prove to me that you can actually do what you're saying, as I already pointed out earlier. If you can't do that, then I am not going to take you anywhere." Ellari replies, as they start to head outside. "What's the problem, anyway? If you are as talented as you say you are, it should be no problem."

    "I am not sure about the other contact...I will have to follow up with Jorn about him."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Not her plus one," Jorn says with his modulating voice coming from the helmet. He'll pause to see the reactions of others. "You wanted my ear. For days. You have it," he will incline his head slowly, just showing respect. One should be respectful of lions when in a lion's den. "And I was told I have unseen allies in recent days. I'm willing to hear these claims." Jorn will quickly add, "Mom,"just to clear up any hint of doubt of who has literally walked into her hideaway.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Who -else-?" Varen mutters, shaking his head. But who he meant by that, will remain unknown for now.

Varen sighs. "It's not a problem! But don't you think this is all just a little... horizontal? We're not accomplishing anything tonight, if you'd hoped to figure out how to expunge Jorn's name..."

"But fine. Let's see what you have for me to do."

The older woman's grin broadens. She seems pleased. "Well met, then," she says. "Most know me as Lady Solstice, but you may call me Bjurn." A pause. "Shall we go outside and enjoy the fine weather and the rose gardens? I'd like your thoughts on the bracket I've formed thus far for the bridal duelling." Of course, she probably likely had no intention of discussing such with him, but she couldn't let anyone else know that, for the sake of his privacy.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"'Mother BJurn' will suit me fine," Jorn says honestly. "I have your word about safety, correct?" Jorn gestures to the group. "Forgive me, but my trust is in short supply." Although eh will scan to see if someone will show themsevles from the shadows. They don't. At least they haven't yet. That stings. "I've been framed, shot at, been te target of at least two explosive results and a long list of other matters. Forgive me for being jumpy even when being around some of the most beautiful things on this planet," Jorn says knowing that not everything may be as it appears.

Volken Mons has posed:
"I'm forced to agree with 'im. I know you're trying to vet 'im Ellari, but, we dont' exactly have a lot of time here. Lady Solstice is on to what's happening and we dont' knwo where Jorn is or if contact was made with our contact. We don't need to be adding steps here. If he's willing to help let's just get on with it."

So that's Volken vouching for him but he then adds, "As for Revara--what do you mean 'who else'? ARe people just -assuming- I'm trying to get revenge on her because they'r eharintg about someone trying to do it? You need to speak up vod. What are these rumors? Whose lying?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Then why are you so nervous about it?" Ell probes further. "I only just ran into you a few days ago, I have no idea what you've really been up to or what kind of man you've become. All I know, is that your story sounds somewhat far-fetched, and you've refused to give details about anything."

    "And Volken, I should have thought you'd be smart enough not to trust just -anyone-."

    Back to Varen. "Now, if you're exasperated with me, no one is keeping you here but yourself. So if you're done, then be off with you." she continues, making a shooing motion. "Enjoy the rest of the party."

Athena (159) has posed:
Bjurn chuckles softly, and once they're outside, she dismisses Naamara with a wave of her hand. "Of course," she says, when he asks about safety. "And that's understandable. There's no need to worry," she tells him, "you're safe with me. Revara sends her regards. She went out to the country to look for you, and found she couldn't make it back in time for the wedding." She smiles. "But I'm glad you're here." She leads him into a hedged walkway, away from the reception room, and closer to where the recreational fireworks are out for leisurely use. "We find ourselves in a curious situation," she says to Jorn gravely, "one that isn't easily remediated, but one that can most certainly turn into an opportunity, if we play the cards right. Tell me, what do you know about the Dark Saber? Have you used it yet?"

"Fine, fine," Varen says, ignoring Volken's question. "Whatever test you have, let's just see to it, and see to it quickly --" But then he hears the faint and distance voices of Jorn and Lady Solstice nearby. "...! by the gods. It's her!" He tries to grab Volken and Ellari and pull them behind a sculpted hedge, but Volken is taller than it.

Volken Mons has posed:
Indeed there's no hiding a Mandalorian the size of a adult Dowutin, no matter how dressed and cleaned up he may be for a wedding.

"You gotta be joking..." he hisses. He's not easily moved but eventually, for lack of any other immediate ideas, he goes along with it. "What's hiding here supposed to do? We got a right to be out here don't we?"

Volken crouches down, if nothing else he can manage getting his head lower then the pillar though he wisely keeps his voice down.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari hurries behind the hedge, but Volken's size puts him at a disadvantage in this situation. "-You- don't have to hide." she tells the towering man.

    "Here," she hands Varen one of her personal datapads that doesn't have much of anything important on it. "Here. Slice into this. If you're the expert you say you are, it should be easy."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn doesn't quite believe the story where REvara is. Or at least why she's there. "I'm aware of more than people think," he says firmly to her. He looks out toward the area. His eyes roaming over things. "What are yogetting at? Tell me your plan," the hands near the weapons because he knows how the weapon can change hands. Someone's missing an arm due to those rules.

Athena (159) has posed:
"We do," Varen hisses, "but there's literally no one else out here, if she sees us she'll wonder why we're not with the rest of the guests inside, eating--" And then Ellari thrusts a datapad into his hands. "... with Lady Solstice mere -meters- away?" he grumbles. "Easy, sure..."

"Make up an excuse to be out here," he says to Volken pointedly. "And make sure she doesn't come over here."

Bjurn smiles, and carries on. "The Dark Saber is a relic of the past, forged by the Jedi," she says, "many thousands of years ago, there was a Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla, who was both a Jedi and the ruler of Mandalore, believe it or not. His descendants, those of House Vizsla, were traditionally taught the art of the saber, despite proficiency in it meaning to embrace the ways of the Jedi, our sworn enemies. When Old Man Vizsla died, his ability to wield it skillfully died with him, as his eldest daughter perished too young and his youngest daughter reviled him. He had no sons." She turns to Jorn. "The Dark Saber is not just a pretty relic. It is disastrously powerful weapon that is difficult to use proficiently. That is why I asked how you've fared using it."

"Mandalorians revere tradition, but more than that they worship honor, and worthiness. Invoking the rite is just one way to prove to the rest of Mandalore that you are worthy of the blade and sovereign authority," She stops talking for a moment, and regards Jorn a moment. "Do you see what I'm getting at now?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Well then you'd best hurry, it seems." Ellari tells him, folding her arms and not appearing worried at all.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I can use it just fine," Jorn doesn't elaborate how because Revara's sibling did lose a hand during it. And well, this is Revara's mother. "Why?" Jorn doesn't know that certain points tonight made the blade lighter when the mind bcame clearer. If ihe had only picked it up during that time.

Volken Mons has posed:
Okay, so, a distraction.

"You know how unflappable you are at every thing that happens, even when you really should be panicking liek a sane woman - makes you so sexy."

Volken reaches a massive arm out, looking to grab Ellari with it and scope her up into a grasp.

"I should just take off with you right here and now. In fact, I think I will. What do you say? I'm very, very eligble."

Athena (159) has posed:
Varen sighs, sounding deflated, but starts examining the datapad. However, he doesn't really seem to know what he's doing. But then Volken picks Ellari up like a princess or something and starts flattering her. His eyes widen and he cries a bit too loudly, "I didn't mean like -that-!"

She seems disbelieving. "You demand truth from me, and I have been only been honest with you since we've met, so now it is my turn to demand honesty. Who was your opponent?" she says, folding her arms.

For the time being, she doesn't hear Varen or Volken.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Revara's brother," Jorn says honestly knowing that answer may not be the greatest. She wwanted honesty though. He knows what an answer like that means.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari giggles when Volken scoops her up, perhaps enjoying this a little bit too much. "Oooh! Volken, I had no idea you were so...interested in me. I'm not sure if now is a good time, though."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Well hey you wanted a distraction and areason for people to stay clear if necessary, right?" asks Volken as he glances down to Varen.

Ellari's reaction does surprise him however. He expected her to swing on him reflexively, not just lean into it though he presumes she's just acting.

"Whoa, friskier then I thought!"

Athena (159) has posed:
Jorn might be surprised at Bjurn's response. She doesn't seemed bothered by this, or at all surprised. "Ha! No wonder you fared reasonably," She scoffs. "Thaelin is likely ten years your junior, and a very poor swordsman at that. He's much better a good long distance from his target, or with just his fists if the situation demands it." She scowls slightly. "He was never a good fit for House Vizsla, but I never could make him see the light." A pause. "Have you drawn the Dark Saber since? Studied it carefully, examined it in depth? Many revere it, but there are few who truly -understand- it." But then she takes notice of whatever is going on with Varen, Volken, and Ellari.

She frowns. "It would appear we're not alone," she says, and approaches. "Now what would anyone be doing outside, not enjoying the open bar and buffet?" she calls out.

Varen grumbles. "You're making this -difficult-!"

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn just listens to Bjurn's resposne. He's actually shocked given how fiery Revara's reaction was. It feels like such the contrast cy comparison. Taking a step back, Jorn was simply here to talk. Yes, he has more reason to sit witht his group than the one that framed him. The one that told him to go. That doesn't mean he does.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari laughs. "I do surprise people, at times." She looks over toward Bjurn. "Depends, on who's asking." She replies, approaching the other woman. "Why do you care so much?"

Athena (159) has posed:
Bjurn regards Ellari with an arched brow. "Lady Solstice is asking," she says, "And you're Clan Zin, aren't you? I've heard of your folk."

She glances at Jorn briefly, then back to Ellari. "I don't, I just came out here for a private conversation and was hoping to keep it that way. Is that so outrageous?"

Volken Mons has posed:
Volken probably enjoyed that little bit of distraction attempts with Ellari a bit to much - but as he now -sees- Lady Solstice and sees Jorn ... well he doesn't have much of a poker face and he looks briefly flabbergasted at this turn of events.

He has enough self control and common sense to not say anything specifically to that, however and instead regathers his wits as he moves up to join Ellari. There's no point in hiding his presence after all or trying to duck awayf rom her given that Ellari has directy addressed her.

"No, no problem at all. We were just alking ourselves. We go..."

He makes a gesture at Ellari, "..Way back...."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn will just send Ellari a message of about how many people he saw getting to this spot. Just mixed in with a simple message: "She has (estimate here) in the other room. I'm unharmed." Just in case anyone gets any rash ideas. Jorn pulls back the curtain a little.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Ah, well, you aren't the only one looking for private conversation, nor are you the only one with a right to it." Ellari answers, folding her arms.

    She smirks slightly at Volken's comments, then starts back over toward the hedges where Varen is hopefully close to being finished with proving himself worthy of her time...

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well, then, we'll excuse ourselves to somewhere else," Bjurn says, glancing back the disguised Jorn before turning back to Ellari. "I just wanted to make sure that no one was trying to intrude, that's all."

Thankfully Varen had finally gotten himself together and slipped away without Bjurn noticing while they'd been talking.

Bjurn turns back to Jorn, and smiles. "Let's go out by the veranda," she says, "we can continue our conversation there, more privately."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    With that handled, Ellari steps behind the hedges again and starts replying to Jorn's message.

    |Why are you here? You were supposed to stay at the hotel. Have you spoken with Master Volk yet?

Jorn (418) has posed:
|Trailed. We were compromised. Her hunter was at the hotel. Disguised as another guest. I tried to shake her and she followed me the whole time. It was either face off or listen to Bjurn.| Jorn says honestly as he does feel like a child caught in the place Mother told him not to go. So, he tries to be open and honest with her.

Jorn nods and will wait for Bjurn to take the lead on this one. He doesn't know where that even is.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    |And who is this Bjurn? You didn't answer my question about Master Volk. He may be your best chance, as crazy as that sounds.

    Ellari sighs, shaking her head. Even sending that message just feels somewhat ridiculous.

Jorn (418) has posed:
|Mama Revara. I did not have a chance to contact Master Volk. I haven't had a chance.| Jorn says and he waits for a moment. To him it's that easy.

Volken Mons has posed:
"What's happening?"

Volken's deep voice has lost any pretense of its prior joviality and he's back to what passes for normal. He notes the messaging going on but is clearly being left out of the loop though he goes to stand by Varen again. "What is going on?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Jorn is here...somewhere." Ellari replies when Volken asks what's going on. "I don't know why, or how but he said he's safe and talking to Lady Solstice."

    She goes back to the message. |You need to find somewhere quiet and contact him...where are you?

Volken Mons has posed:
"He's -talking- to -Lady Solstice-? Is that the 'private conversation' she just mentioned? What about Master Volk? That fool... Lady Solstice is trying to manipulate this whole thing! She just tried getting to me and trying to find out what I knew and what's going on and now Jorn went -right to her-? Why am I even bothering with this nonsense if he's just going to walk into a trap! Some of them already think he planned this whole thing!"

Volken's voice raises as he gets more and more agitated and exasperated.

Athena (159) has posed:
Lady Solstice leads Jorn away from the hedge maze, heading east towards the other side of the structure where the reception is going on. There, he'll see a lake, and a veranda overgrown with ivy. There's no one there.

She takes a seat on a bench under the awning, and smiles, patting the spot next to her. "You see, the Dark Saber isn't a simple matter. You could prove that you never meant to own it, and expunge your name, but in the end it doesn't matter. What matters, is that you have it. Even if you did not rightfully claim it, you cannot just give it back. Not after you dueled my son, and certainly not after every other Mandalorian has torn up Sundari lookng for you." She leans towards him. "You have a choice. You can gain mastery of the Dark Saber, and be able to kill anytime someone invokes the right to secure your ownership of it, or, eventually be killed by a challenger who outmatches you."

Meanwhile, Varen is certainly taking his time with the task Ellari has assigned him. "Wait, he's /here/? Why is he here? Isn't that practically a death wish?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn follows the woman through the maze. He tries to make note of each turn. All the little things they do before making it to the Lake and the bench. However, he will pick a spot across from her.

Jorn listens to everything about the blade. This replies scenarios in his mind. It creates a lot of ideas and thoughts. Pushing aside the noise he tries to clear his mind. "What else do you know about the Saber?" Jorn feels the weight already. How important it is to everyone else. What he needs is an idea of how to wield it. To him, it was so heavy before. If only he had used it a few other times. The balde would have been effortlessly light.

"I know the choice, I'm making. But that brings the question. Your interest in me." Because that can go a few different ways.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari rolls her eyes. "Yes, apparently and no I don't know why. He said he was trailed but why that would equal coming here I've no idea." She shakes her head...okay, she knows Jorn is a fool. But now she's beginning to question whether any of this has been worth it or will ever be worth it...

    However, she now turns her attention to the task she'd given to Varen. "Well, I think it has been enough time now. Are you finished?"

Volken Mons has posed:
"This whole thing was about clearing his name and absolving him of its theft so that there could be a rightful passage of the blade to those who actually want it and can obtain it fairly. If he's just going to take it right to her and hear her out then our efforts are meaingless. I might as well have tried to beat his head in for what he did to Thaelin. Message him again and demand he meet with us. I want to know his true motivations and if I"m just wasting my time. I was doing this for Thaelin but not even Thaelin believes me when I say Jorn is innocent and maybe he's not if he's going to go over our heads and go right to Solstice."

Volken makes a dismissive gesturea nd turns to start heading off, "I'll try and contact Master Volk myself. IF they want to know where I am tell them I had a client who reached out to me. A noblewoman from a family who runs part of Canto Bight."

There's a pause as he turns to leave, "I should ahve just taken her job offer."

Athena (159) has posed:
"What do -I- know about it?" she says, "I have told you everything I know about it, Jorn of Bakura. I've studied its history, and could recite every owner of the Dark Saber starting with the Jedi and Mand'alor himself Tarre Vizsla. But I have never wielded it, I am not House Vizsla. What you really should be asking, is who does know about it. Who created it? You know the answer. Even if you don't like it, you know it."

She leans back, giving Jorn a small smile. "I want my daugher to be happy. And if you die, she certainly will be anything but. Simple as that. Your survival and flourishing means renunification for us, and finally some damned stability for her, after all these years. Don't you think she deserves that?"

Varen takes a moment to reply. "... yes," he says finally, sounding irriated. He hands the datapad to Ellari, but his expression is a sour moue. "What's the point of all this, anyway? If he's just here, and talking to Lady Solstice -- Volken's got a point, actually."

Just as Volken turns to leave, his commlink pings. It's from Thaelin, requesting they speak as soon as he's able to break away from whatever he's doing.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Yes. I know," Jorn says honestly. Then he begins to sit up slowly. "I know where I got to go. Right now, you're the ones actively not trying to kill me. I respect that," Jorn knows this could be a front. However, too many people have been pretty quick to deceive or very quick to violence. This lull is appreciated.

He wants to say more, but stops himself. Pushing aside that stray thought, he focuses on something Lady Solstice passed onto him. That mentality. It does allow his mind to cling at something while brushing away the other thoughts. Those are short term problems There are too many longterm ones still in play.

Volken Mons has posed:
That was well timed because Volken was nearly ready to leave the wedding party in order to follow up on his comment.

He pauses to read the message and then responds back to Thaelin. <<I'm on the way...>>

WIth that he turns to Varen and Ellari. "I'm going to see Thaelin now and then I'll make my mind up on if I'm just going to break Jorn in two and be done with this whole mess. They seem to want to paint me as wanting 'revenge' on Revara so unless I get a good reason not to...I'm going to play the part of the monster because to hell with this back and forth."

With that, he turns and starts heading off.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Fine." Ellari takes the tablet back. "Yes, he does have a point," she glances at her commlink to see if Jorn has responded to her question of where he is yet and sighs upon seeing he has not. "But no one is forcing you to help me, or him. If you are quite done with this, then no one can fault you for taking your leave."

    She sends another message. |Jorn...I don't know why you're talking to Lady Solstice, as she is out for no one but herself. If you truly think one of the twins is guilty of framing you, then challenge them to a duel for rightful ownership of the blade. I would be willing to fight alongside you, if you feel you need a partner...|

Athena (159) has posed:
Lady Solstice's smile broadens. "Know this," she says, "if you seek their counsel, or challenge one of them to a duel, it must be done very quietly. The Jedi are our sworn enemies, after all. Unless, through some ridiculous stroke of luck or miracle, you win the duel. Then of course, you must come back with that Jedi's saber, and pronounce yourself ruler of all Mandalore."

Thaelin meets Volken right outside the chapel, and Sanza is with him. Despite today being his wedding day, the lad looks... downcast.

But his eyes light up a little when he sees Volken. "Volken!" He pauses, swallowing. "I'm afraid I have bad news..."

Varen sighs, and rubs his forehead, but doesn't oblige Ellari with an answer.

Volken Mons has posed:
It's a bit of a double hammer there. Thaelin's smile almost causes Volken to reconsider his previous threat of action to Varen and Ellari but then as he grows downcast, Volken frowns abit and then looks to Sanza.

"...What is it, vod? Are you two alright?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"And if I do, your kindness will not be forgotten." Because unlike most, he does not have an issue with Lady Solstice at this moment. "I need to go, Lady Bjurn. I do appreciate your words and the name even," he does not there is a similarity to his own. That amuses him.

"I need to be on the move. Tell your shooters, I am not a threat to you." He wants to be sure his safety is there. Too many people shooting at him for comfort lately.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari groans and looks back toward the reception, then shakes her head. "Well, I think I've had quite enough of this party for one night." she says, putting away the tablet. "I'm heading back. It was nice...reconnecting with you, Varen."

    With that, she turns and starts to leave, sending a message to Volken and Jorn.

    |I'm going back to the hotel. Jorn, if you still want our help, meet us there.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Why, there was never any intent to kill you," Lady Solstice says, "My agents were instructed to find you, and make sure that you found my presence, at some point, so that I could reassure you of my intent to not harm you. Which they succeeded in doing. If you'd like to see your fiancee," she finishes, "she's staying at a property in the countryside, on the border of the D'kire and Voran sectors." She hands him a small datastick. "You can reach out to her and let her know you're safe and have finished speaking with me. This also stores my personal commlink frequency."

Then she nods, inclining her head. "Be well, Jorn of Bakura. I'm sure we'll speak again soon."

"We've heard from friends of ours, that Lady Solstice's clan plans to wrest control of my dowry," Sanza says. "With the Duke still incapacitated, and the need for a swift decision about the division of the land urgent, there's room for her to sweep in. The original plan was for Thaelin to not assume a position of political power, and while he can change his mind, she's still holding all the cards. She's formally received Revara back into her clan, but she could revoke that membership and petition for Revara to be permanently exiled. And given her... history, being removed from another major Mandalorian clan may be the straw that breaks the blurrg's back."

"We need your help, Volken. If you make a formal request to expand what was promised to you by the Duke originally, there's a chance that we can stop her power grab. Of course, no one can know this conversation happened..."

Varen scrambles after Ellari. "Wait! Let me go with you. I... I still want to help."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Are you sure? I have not yet heard from Jorn." Ellari tells him. "This may well be a fruitless endeavor, since he doesn't seem to know what's good for him." She keeps walking, heading for the front entrance.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn pauses. Then he takes the datastick and then looks at her. "Got a communicator?" he asks and he will reach out to Revara that one. Whether he gets one, or not, he will nod. "Be well, Lady Solstice," and then he starts to make his way out. He will stop to speak to Bjurn's hitter. "We've spoken. She says I am safe," and then he gives her a nod. Words from the woman still linger in his head. He will try to push them away fro now. For the moment, there's a lot more to worry about.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Are you -kidding me-?" hisses Volken, leaning forward towards Thaelin and Sanza. "You want -me- to get into a political brawl with Lady Solstice? I can barely figure out where to sign on the line for mercenary contracts! This isn't something I can settle by crushing its skull or breaking it in half, Thaelin..."

It dawns on him...this is probably why it's a gamble that could work. She wont' see it coming.

"I don't believe it. Alright, fine. But I"ll need a mouth piece to say any fancy words..."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Yes," Varen says immediately. "Whatever you need, I'll be happy to... provide or try to provide," he says.

Naamara nods at Jorn. "Good luck," she tells him. "I'm glad you were able to speak with the Lady and discover that she was the ally you were needing all along." Then she turns and heads back to the room where the reception is being held.

"I know you dislike politics," Thaelin says, "but she can't hold exiling Revara over you. She knows you don't care about her, and she doesn't know we know heard the whisperings." He glances at Sanza. "Sanza will advise you," he says, then his expression softens. "Thank you, Volken. This means a lot to me. To us." A pause. "But there's another thing. The bridal duels will start soon. My cousins are still here. Challenge Caine. Tell him that if he loses, he must tell you the truth and nothing but the truth about what happened with Jorn and the Dark Saber. He won't be able to refuse -- he's obligatorily on the dossier."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Hmm..."

Volken considers this and then finally says, "I was very close to washing my hands of much of this Thaelin. You and Sanza are probably the only ties I have here right now that are worth keeping. You should know that Jorn's spoken with your mother. Probably deciding to get her side of the story. I dont' know what to believe anymore but I'm tired of being moved like some sort of game piece so I'll bite. I'll issue the political challenge and I'll fight Caine. After that? We'll see.... We still have one more ace up our sleeves..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari pauses. "Stay here for a while, and see what the twins are up to. I'll contact you later tonight." Then she hurries out of the reception area.

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaelin suddenly hugs the other Mandalorian behemoth. "Thank you, vod. For staying. For reconsidering every single time you wanted to jump ship. To me, you are the truest Mandalorian there ever was. If loyalty had a name, it would belong to Clan Mons." He smiles, and releases Volken, slapping his upper arm in a friendly fashion, eyes glassy. "We're going to do our first dance, and then I'll announce the start of the bridal duels. So I'll see you in there, soon," he says. "Thank you, again."

And then he and Sanza take their leave.

"Wha--" Varen deflates. "Alright..."