Owner Pose
Cayde Alexis     Life Day. One of the only holidays celebrated all throughout the galaxy. Wherever one went, whoever you were, there was a reason to celebrate. Of course traditions varied from place to place, but almost anyone likes an excuse for good food, drinks, music, and an all around good time.

    One party in particular had built up a reputation for being one of the best--that being the Andui Life Day Festival on Takodana. Middle ground between the Core Worlds and the Outer Rim.

    Andui isn't that large of a city, at least when you compare it to Coruscant of course, but today the streets are filled with upbeat music, free food and drinks from various shops and restaurants looking to promote their wares, as well as plenty of open street markets with souvenirs for the many travelers who are here and looking for a token to remember the place by. A parade and fireworks are also scheduled for later in the evening, right along the main avenues that are festively decorated in colorful lights and banners.
Zeraph Amid the festive atmosphere, Zeraph immerses himself in the lively celebrations around him. As a Jedi, he appreciates the diversity of traditions and the unity that Life Day brings to various corners of the galaxy. As a Kage, his heart hangs heavy at another galactic year with his people struggling under the weight of occupation. The vibrant energy of the crowd, the tantalizing scents of diverse cuisines, and the sounds of music fill the air, creating an uplifting ambiance.

Dressed in simple, respectful attire of a drab gray, Zeraph moves through the bustling streets, occasionally offering a nod or a warm greeting to fellow festivalgoers. His focus remains on enjoying the spirit of Life Day, appreciating the shared joy that connects beings from different walks of life.

Despite the festivities, Zeraph maintains a mindful presence, attuned to the Force. Life Day, with its emphasis on joy, connection, and gratitude, resonates deeply with the Jedi's values. He allows the positivity of the celebration to uplift his own spirits, embracing the sense of unity that Life Day brings to the galaxy, feeling the connections of so many people through the Force.
Navi Navi strolls through the celebration grounds, studying the revelers, vendors, and the streets with equal interest. She's never been to Takodana, let alone Andui, but what better introduction to a strange and wonderful new place can there be than a Life Day celebration?

Perhaps understandably, the Sephi has laid aside her cultist's robes in favor of the simplest of simple dresses; it's little more than a tabard of pale, undyed local synthfabric that covers her from shoulders to ankles, a bit wider in back to provide a little more coverage. The edges are drawn together enough to overlap at her waist and abdomen, where a long gold cloth belt secures the garment, wrapping once around her waist from front to back, then back around to the front, where it slides through a graceful white plastoid buckle that hangs low down below her waist. Strappy sandals and a light gray cloak complete her outfit, and her hair is tied in its usual high twintails by white orb clasps. No one will mistake her for the familiar Novice of the Shining Brotherhood, although those who do not know her well may not recognize her outside of her robe.
Ayya Paaki Even during Life Day - one had to work. And even when working...

Well, Life Day had a certain energy.

A sniff of the air, and the black thick leather jumpsuit that the woman wore added an almost lizard-like profile to her athletic form. Might be the way she stalked, too - moving from shadow to shadow, her golden eyes narrowing on occasion.

She was a woman who wore danger like a dress, even during a festive celebration like this.

So she kinda stuck out, everyone else was wearing a drabber day. In fact, to those with sensitivities to such things, she was wearing a mental sense of aggravation as she slips through the festival, working her jaw, mouth full of fangs scowling.

Dipping her hand into a pouch at her side, she produces... credits, which she exchanges at a booth for a baked sweetie, grasping it with her hand to bring it to her mouth as she pivots. She was staring now.

Riiiiiiiiiiiight at Zeraph, as she digs her fangs into the baked good.

He looked like he was enjoying the day far, far too much. (As was appropriate, really.)
Soren Cassias Ayya is not alone.

Though most here are here to enjoy the festival and a day off, yet another makes his way through the crowd. He's talking on a holotransmitter as he makes his way through the thronging crowd.

The colorful sights, smells, and sounds around the tall, hazel eyed human doctor with chestnut hair go completely ignored, and he even accidentally brushes Zeraph and shoulders Ayya as he hurries down the street, perhaps nearly knocking the baked good from her hand. "Excuse me," he mutters distractedly, hardly paying either of them any attention.
Cayde Alexis     Honestly, Cayde is terrible at parties.

    Really, any large crowd is...difficult for him. But he had to learn to get used to them somehow...at least, according to almost every elder Jedi at the Temple. So when Zeraph had wanted to attend the Life Day party on Takodana, they'd sent Cayde along with him, and told him to find a way to enjoy it somehow.

    Except, he's doing anything but that. Instead, he's hiding in one of the outdoor refreshers that had been set up to accommodate the extra visitors for the festivities. Even so, it seems there aren't quite enough of them, and there is a long line in front of this particular booth, with many grumbling that whomever is inside is taking forever...
Zeraph Zeraph savors the festive atmosphere of the festival. The diversity of beings, colorful decorations, and joyous celebrations contribute to the uplifting ambiance. He navigates the lively streets, nodding at fellow festivalgoers and appreciating the shared sense of unity during this galaxy-wide holiday.

As Zeraph moves through the crowd, he notices Ayya's distinctive presence. Her intense gaze, predatory movements, and the sense of danger she emanates set her apart from the more casually dressed revelers. Curiosity sparks in his hazel eyes as he catches sight of her observing him with a scowl, which doesn't go unnoticed, and Zeraph wonders about the source of her apparent displeasure. Despite the festival's cheerful atmosphere, it seems she carries an air of tension and frustration. Zeraph considers approaching her to offer a friendly greeting. He starts her way, but with the crowded surroundings, he is bumped by Soren and his attention is drawn. "Hey..." There's a muttered apology and Zeraph let's it drop, biting his bottom lip to wonder at what has him in such a rush during such a lovely time. That reminds him of Cayde and he turns in circles, wondering where he got off to and hoping they'll be able to meet up again without too much trouble to get back to Coruscant.

So many distractions. The chaos. Where's that... He looks now for Ayya's scowling face, hoping to defuse some unintended slight he may have caused. But then he's lost her as well...
Navi Humming along with a band playing joyful Life Day music, Navi keeps strolling, enjoying the sense of peace and joy that fills the air. Passing near the provided facilities, she notes an almost absurdly long line outside one of the portable refreshers. "Maybe they sampled the Buscemian Firedog Casserole..." she muses, shivering faintly at a memory of a potent dish she had sampled once. But only once. She makes a mental note of the long line and is just in time to glimpse Zeraph passing nearby.

She's on the verge of waving to him when she almost walks into a tall Twi'lek woman in black leather, and hastily corrects her course, then again to avoid a hastening doctor. "Oh! Please pardon me, gentlebeings!" she cries softly, and contritely.
Ayya Paaki Soren's careless step through the festival not only bumps into Zeraph, but into Ayya, as well.

Maybe she blended in so well that no one noticed her, but... Surprised as she was, hand opens up, the sweet treat - that she had only taken one bite of... tumbles...
    ...all...
         ...the way...
              ....down.

    The cry that Ayya had was that of loss, intense loss.

    Her hand, perhaps surprisingly strong, grasps Soren's shoulder and *TUGS* him backwards, the huntress' lips going near his ear, and her hand on his shoulder there.

    He hears her breath first, like a viper releasing a breath out. A quick movement, and he can feel that distinctive hum - that low frequency chatter of a vibroblade that was held near his throat.

     She was encouraging him to stay still, so that she can hiss in his ear. "... I need another sweetroll. You will buy this for me, yaya?" she says, her tone of voice and accent thick.
Cayde Alexis     When Zeraph wonders about Cayde, he might be able to detect the other padawan's presence nearby. In fact, he might have a feeling that his friend is the one holding up the line for the refreshers nearby... Navi as well, may have a feeling about it.
Soren Cassias The doctor seems surprised when Ayya grabs him and presses a vibroblade to his throat. However, he does not seem at all concerned for his well being, despite the threat the Twi'lek woman is posing to him.

His brows furrow lightly when he notices the sweetroll that Ayya had been holding earlier now on the ground. "Certainly," he says with disarming politeness, "and I'm sorry about your pastry, that was my fault. I didn't see you and am in a bit of a rush to get to the hospital, but this shouldn't take long."

He then pushes her arm away gently but casually, with a surprising amount of strength for someone like him. Then he makes his way over to the vendor she'd just purchased the sweetroll from. "I'd like half a dozen sweet rolls," he tells the vendor, handing him more than enough credits to cover the cost. "Keep the change, and please give them to the young woman over there," he says, with a nod in Ayya's direction.
Volken Mons Oversized sentient beings, at least by human standards, are of course not an uncommon sight, particularly where large festive gatherings of various species are concerned.Wookies, Dowutin and more.....the list goes on.

That doesn't necessarily make the sight of the extremely massive man making his way through the crowded streets any less potentially striking. A pair of huge Devaronian's enjoying their drinks an outside bar are forced to doubletake as the behemoth of a man trundles past them with all the grace of a lazy moving mountain range.

Mandalorians are known for their passions and deep sense of ritual so festivals and celebrations known galaxy wide can certainly draw them forth. For this particular behemoth, to large to be a normal human for sure..the idea of a 'party' of any sort isn't something he has any issue participating in.

Volken, at least, has the grace to have left his massive weaponry in a secure locker and his helm is off, letting his messy dark hair wrap about the back and sides of his tree trunk of a neck and his lightly bearded visage glance about with pursed lips as he searches for something to hold his attention. A poncho like covering settles over his torso, hiding most of his beskar save his vambraces and his tree trunk like muscled tattooed arms swing freely and visible at his sides as he half swaggers, half rumbles, through the streets. Really it looks like someone just threw a cloth over a tank and set it loose to look for sweets and drink.
Zeraph Zeraph witnesses the unexpected encounter between Soren, Ayya, and a sweetroll. The unfolding drama captures his attention, and he's momentarily torn between approaching to assist or allowing the situation to play out. The vibroblade at Soren's throat adds an unexpected layer of intensity to the festival.

Sensing an unusual level of danger, Zeraph starts moving closer, his hand moving to his lightsaber. He then senses Cayde's presence nearby, triggered by the thoughts of danger and his instinct to have allies around him. It gives him pause, even as he muses on Cayde's awkward situation.

In that moment, Soren manages the situation with calm politeness, and Zeraph observes Ayya's reaction and the doctor's unexpected strength. He remains on alert, but moves towards the refreshers. "Um, hey, you okay in there? Its been a little bit..."

The arrival of the massive Mandalorian, Volken, doesn't escape Zeraph's notice. The Mandalorian's imposing presence adds another element to the lively atmosphere, drawing attention from the surrounding festivalgoers. He's seen that particular Mandalorian before. He says to Cayde, "You should really come out and join the party. No telling when it will get... rowdy... er." He eyes the Mandalorian again before giving a knock on the refresher. He offers an awkward, apologetic smile to the others waiting in line for the facilities.
Ayya Paaki Flicking the vibroblade off, Ayya brings it back to her neck, scratching the flat of it against her neck. With a dextrous flip of her fingers, the blade was tucked... somewhere on her person, the dangerous-looking Twi'lek glowering after the man as he flexes to make a half dozen sweetrolls magically appear.

She steps aside, letting him hustle to the hospital past her, if he chooses. She was focused on her sweetrolls.

So she reaches out her hand to accept the box from the vendor.

The motion of Zeraph's hand - Ayya was a woman in tune to people going for weapons, so she flicks her eyes towards Zeraph in those moments.

But it turned out to be unnecessary.

The giant in the mandolorian armor draws the eye next, her scowl touching her features.

"At least I have sweetrolls," she says. The last thing Zeraph says earns him a stinkeye from the Twi, the woman starting to shuffle off with her sweetrolls in hand.
Soren Cassias The vendor doesn't look happy, though. He holds the box just out Ayya's reach. "You really should thank him," he says. "He might be rich, but he was probably on his way to save some kid's life when you so kindly stopped him. Trust me, I know. There's a Cassias Children's Hospital just across the street, but he only ever comes here when there's ... an emergency. If you didn't know, well now you do. That's him. Cassias. Dr. Cassias." He then hands Ayya the box of sweet rolls a bit indignantly. "Enjoy your pastries," he says a bit sourly. "Hope some kid doesn't die because you wanted 'em so badly."

Then he turns around and starts wheeling his cart down the block, disappearing into the crowd.

And the doctor? He's hurried off towards the Children's Hospital, just like the vendor had said he would.
Cayde Alexis     As Zeraph knocks on the door to the refresher, he'll become aware of the fact that Cayde isn't having bowel problems, or anything like that. He's just overwhelmed by the sea of people, which was perhaps an expected reaction, but the point of him coming here was supposed to be to help him adjust to these sorts of situations, hopefully without any other chaos around to get in the way.

    "Hey, that your friend in there?" one of the festival patrons at the front of the line ask when Zeraph knocks on the door and calls out to Cayde. "They gonna be out of there any time soon?"
Volken Mons THere are many disadvantages to beingt Volken's size. Low ceilings and doors too narrow for him to easily fit through - legendary foes. Chairs that don't support his weight despite looking like they should..even worse.

But there are also a number of advantages as well. Height grants him a sweeping vantage point over the crowds even if he's forced to occasionally moves his head around any low hanging light fixtures draped across the streets. Said height and viewpoint enables him to catch the tense situation occuring by the sweet roll vendor as it begins and ....well..they're sweet rolls. What more reason does one need to head that way.

By the time he's arrived the situation seems to be resolved though the vendor is also verbally chastising the dangerous twi'lek for her holding the now departed doctor up. This causes the massive man to turn his gaze down the street in search of the doctor and perhaps the hospital building in question and then back towards the vendor who is now making a rapid retreat.

So..no sweet rolls.

Volken frowns, his lips pursing up and his brow wrinkling before he verbally runbles in a voice so deep it's -almost- unintelligible, but low enough to vibrate through the bodies of those nearby. "Hm...yeah I hope a doctor deciding to..uh...stop to uh...casually buy a box of sweet rolls wasn't in a dire hurry. or something...." It all seems a bit strange to him but the vendor was ruffled considering what had just happened.

"You gonna share any of th---" he begins to ask, starting to direct a shark like grin down towards the twi'lek only to see , that quickly, that she's ducked away...sweet rolls in her possession. So..no box of rolls. No vendor. Volken just lets out a rumbling annoyed breath.
Zeraph Zeraph watches as Ayya deftly handles the situation, retracting the vibroblade and allowing Soren to continue on his way. The tension dissipates, but there's a lingering scowl on Ayya's face. As the sweetrolls are handed to her, Zeraph observes the exchange between her and the vendor, sensing an undercurrent of frustration.

The Mandalorian's presence draws attention, and Volken's commentary on the situation echoes Zeraph's own sentiments. It seems that Life Day festivities aren't immune to moments of unexpected drama. The absence of sweet rolls for Volken doesn't go unnoticed, and Zeraph can sense a shared sense of disappointment.

With Ayya walking away and Volken expressing his thoughts, Zeraph turns his attention to Cayde's situation. Knocking on the door to the refresher, he addresses the festival patron in line. "Yeah, that's my friend. We'll try to get him out soon. Sorry for the delay."

As Zeraph waits for Cayde to emerge, he takes a moment to glance around the festive scene, appreciating the diversity of species, colors, and sounds that make up the Andui Life Day Festival. "Master Cayde, do come out now. We have business to attend to and we do not want to ruin this festival by having all these people making a mess everywhere. Let's be about it then." He then gives another apologetic nod to the people waiting, offering an appeasing, "Light and life. Light and life."
Soren Cassias Volken won't have to look very hard to find the doctor, as he will have to pass the hulking Mandalorian in order to access the Children's Hospital entrance. Unfortunately, the crowd is pressing up against them, and the doctor will have a bit of a hard time maneuvering around Volken."Excuse me..."

But then he catches the Mandalorian's gaze wandering the street in search of the vendor. "Did you... want some?" he asks, arching a brow at the taller near human.
Cayde Alexis     The impatient party guest sighs, muttering when Zeraph seems to still be unsuccessful in emptying the occupied refresher. After a few seconds though, the door clicks and the vacant signal lights up, although no one has yet emerged...
Volken Mons Being addressed by the good doctor drags Volken's attention back down towards him. He inclines his head slightly before narrowing his eyes somewhat and then offering another ear to ear grin as his eyes squint through his messy hair.

"Yeah....yeaaaaah. I did.." he rumbles, heavy voice drawling out almost lazily as he looks the man over.

"I like my sweets."

He cuts his gaze into the crowd. The vendor's no doubt long gone and Volken's disclined to try and go chasing through crowded streets considering the number of bodies to likely go flying once his rapid movement begins.

"Don't worry about..." he finally declares, "I wouldn't want some kid to die on account of you arranging more sweet rolls and I'd want more then just one box.."

His grin remains for a few lengthy seconds and then he lifts his head up and turns his attention to the crowd. HIs very beskar seems to creak and groan as the giant takes a huge breath. THe straps on his arm strain and his sinew bulges out, body beginning to even stretch the poncho drapped over top it like a tent being pulled in every direction.

"EVERYBODY - MOOOOOVE!"

The force of his voice bellows out like a rumbling wave directed through the crowd blocking the most direct path towards the hospital entrance, practically parting them in a sudden rush of movement in gasps and panic followed by a sudden silence in the local areas as all eyes lock onto the behemoth.
Soren Cassias "One of my assistants should be able to give you a hand with that--"

Then the doctor's eyes widen slightly when Volken bellows loudly at everyone to move aside... for him. His cheeks flush slightly. "Ah... that was hardly necessary," he says, looking slightly abashed. "But thank you very much, nonetheless. My RJ unit should be able to assist you in finding the vendor selling the sweet rolls." Hardly a moment later, a tiny RJ unit pops out of the doctor's pocket and hops out onto the street.

"Hiya!" she bleeps as the doctor hurries into the hospital behind Volken. "I'm RJ-1Z, but everyone just calls me Onesie~" The first thing that Volken will notice about the diminutive droid is that she is... exactly that. Diminutive. Very diminutive. In fact, she's so little, Volken might have a hard time getting a good look at her. She's half the size of his palm.
Zeraph Zeraph turns his attention toward the vacant refresher door as it clicks open. He waits for Cayde, who has been grappling with the challenges of the bustling festival crowd, but he does not emerge. "You okay, Cayde?" he asks, expressing understanding rather than frustration. "We must face all challenges, be they external or internal, with equal measure. We cannot allow our personal issues to so negatively affect others. And we must lead by example."

As the festival-goers react to Volken's commanding shout, Zeraph leaves Cayde to his struggle and follows the path created by the sudden movement. "Come on, let's give them some space," he suggests, moving through the now-parted crowd with a quick step.

Once he's navigated the initial surge, Zeraph turns to look back at Cayde, hoping to see him following. The Life Day celebration continues around them, and Zeraph hopes that this momentary disruption won't overshadow the joy of the festivities.
Cayde Alexis     Cayde doesn't emerge from the now unlocked refresher immediately, but oddly, after Volken shouts at the crowd and draws the attention of most of them, he finally does come out and follow Zeraph.

    Relieved, the next person in line hurries into it and locks the door, switching the signal back to occupied.
Volken Mons The fact that he bellowed with enough force to send a herd of bantha scattering - or answering him in kind due to thinking he was one of their own - is of no consequence to the gargantuan Mandalorian. It's like that's just sort of normal and no big deal and the grinning expression on his face seems to solidify that as he looks at the embaressed physician.

"Heeeeey... no problem.." he rumbles with that drawling heavy bass voice. "Just doin' my part for the sick and shut in. It' s important to care for th'kids...right?"

There is..the vaguest hint of something in that very last statement. A tinge of darkness and weight but it doesn't seem to be directed at the doctor.

By the time any of that could be sorted out, he's at the hospital entrance and the Soren is heading well within. A swift glance of his eyes takes note of the robed Jedi but he doesn't seem to focus on them. Yet. It could be a deliberate show on his part or perhaps he's just plain distracted by the sudden arrival of his new tiny guide. "Huh." he rumbles while lifting a finger as thick as a sausage up for RJ to perch on it if she wishes while he peers with squinting eyes to try and focus on her.

"RIiiiiight.." he rumbles while staring at her as his nose wrinkles a touch.
Silas Silas was wondering the streets and markets mainly browsing around attempting to find some food while taking a break from work and pondering the activities of the days past. He didn't know anyone that he readily recgonized and continued walking around. His stomach grumbling, he looked around more intense for something to eat. Overall he was out getting some fresh air.
Soren Cassias "Wowee! You're really big, did ya know that?" the tiny droid chirps at the monstrous Mandalorian, looking down at the finger the's perched on.

"Anyway, the vendor guy usually always goes up and down the block," Onesie says cheerfully, "In fact, he's probably coming back around this way soon. I can buy you several boxes, if you want. I'm sure Dr. Cassias won't notice, or mind!"

A beat. "You know I noticed you had a funny look on your face when you mentioned that it was important to take care of the kids... in fact, you looked kind of sad. Are you okay?"

Then she perks up, distracted. "Oh look! The vendor's coming back..."

Coincidentally, the sweet roll vendor is passing in front of Silas. "Hello there!" he greets the doctor. "You look hungry... care for a roll?"
Zeraph Zayden observes the unfolding events with a watchful eye. As Cayde catches up, Zayden lowers his voice, expressing concern. "Cayde, there's something you should know. That Mandalorian in the hospital entrance has a sizable bounty on his head. Twenty-five thousand credits. People might be looking to collect, and it can get messy. We should be careful and keep an eye on the situation. Innocent people might get hurt in the process."

Zayden keeps his gaze on the hospital entrance, his thoughts swirling with the potential risks and complications. "Stay close, and let's try to enjoy the celebration, but keep an eye out for trouble. If things get too heated, we might need to intervene."

With that, Zayden excuses himself from Cayde and slips into the crowd. He attempts to immerse himself in the festivities, hoping for a moment of respite before potential complications arise.
Volken Mons Dang droids. They don't miss much on account of being droids.

It still catches Volken slightly off guard however and he rears back, blinking a few times and his features settling into a displeased frown. The change in his tone was certainly not intentional. He likely didn't even realize he'd done it. But it's out there now.

So the easiest solution is to simply deny it.

Well no, the easies solution would be to close his hand around the tiny droid and then brush the pieces of it to the ground and then just leave. Second easiest solution then as he resists the urge to do so.

"Don't worry about it..." he rumbles languidly. "Besides...sick kids. That would make most folk sad....right?"

His tone is more flat now. If RJ could have picked up on his distant sadness she can no doubt -really- pick up that he doesn't want her to pursue any thread of further questioning.

"You just get me those sweet rolls..."
Cayde Alexis     Cayde stares at Zeraph as the other padawan goes on about a bounty or something...but none of it quite seems to register with him. Once the Kage boy slips away, he just sort of starts wandering off toward the hospital, feeling drawn toward it for some reason.
Soren Cassias "It's okay sir," Onesie says sweetly. "I could be totally wrong, but you seem a lot like the type who would rather deny your repressed trauma until you can't, and then it just explodes out of you and you have to go smash a bunch of stuff to feel better." Then more softly she says, "Which is okay. Everyone has to find some kind of coping mechanism, to manage. And you didn't smash anyone, or me, just now, so that was really good self control. You seem like a really nice man."

She pats him on the arm affectionately. "I'll get you five boxes, how about that?!" She hops over to the vendor, pays him, and then tries to pick up five boxes of the sweet rolls on her own. "Oh, um... " The boxes are too large for her to carry alone, though...
Volken Mons Whelp! That's enough.

"Hey, heeeeeeey! You're killing me here with all of that."

Brave droid, but, Volken already showed his hand here when he didn't just crush her outright and it -is- Life Day after all so..that must be it. Galaxy wide cheer and good will, even to droids that press and push issues they should leave well enough alone.

"IF anybody over hears you, I'm going to have to work twice as hard to balance things back out to me being a terrifying but charming force of nature..."

He lowers his massive hand as she darts away and then, after waiting and seeing her struggle with the boxes...takes several heavy long steps towards her to retrieve them himself. He then begins walking away with heavy rumbling footfalls towards side streets away from the crowds.

"Thanks.....and tell the doctor... He has Volken's thanks.."
Soren Cassias "Terrifying? You're not terrifying," Onesie says, "you're so nice! And I'm sure the doctor will have been happy to buy you the rolls. I'll tell him you said thank you. It was nice meeting you... Volken." She beams at him, relieved when he takes the boxes from her. "Whew... thanks. Hope you like the rolls..."

Then she toddles off back into hospital.