Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184 
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jun 22, 2023 8:34:50 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Deciding that her happy dance had been answer enough to any questions her friends might have had prior to seeing it, Elikapeka elects to use a simple coy smile and upwards glance as her reply to Lily's question about having been shaken to the core and cannot help but blush when her friend correctly guesses that the invocation of Shiraya that accompanied her happy dance had not been the only time the ancient moon goddess of Naboo had been praised by the architect in the past several hours.
Nearly choking on her vine-caf when Crystal posits that Lily is suffering from the effects of a deficiency in a certain vitamin, Elika coughs before answering the question both of her friends have asked, "I'm meeting with Andros in a little while, explaining, He wants my lieutenant and I to go to his office to discuss our status, which, she risks another sip of her caf, I hope means we won't be officially missing or broke for much longer. Smiling happily, she says, My Ceesi is coming over later though, unable to keep from sighing as she thinks about how excited she is to see Delaana again even though they have only been apart for maybe an hour now. Looking over at Lily, Elika points her mug at the attorney and suggests, Maybe you should invite your better half over too, beautiful? Winking, she tries to sound serious rather as she says in a scholarly tone, I'm sure he'd be happy to explore treatment options for your vitamin deficiency."
Rinsing her now empty mug in the sink, Elika says, "I should go change, since she is still wearing the same clothes she wore the day before, and then says, Be back in a minute or two," before making her way to her room.
Once inside her room, Elika frowns pensively as she looks at the portrait of Noelani hanging above the headboard of her bed for a few moments before sighing and telling the portrait, "As happy as I'm sure you are for me, she goes over to the portrait and takes the frame from the wall, I'm also pretty sure neither you nor I would be comfortable with you staying up there," and then takes the portrait to her studio across the hall. Returning to her room with a landscape of Naboo, Elika hangs it over the headboard and then changes into something she gauges is suitable for not only meeting with Andros but also for the evening with Delaana, a task that, naturally enough, takes more than a minute or two and involves trying on several outfits before she settles on one.
Re-entering the kitchen after changing, Elika is finishing tying her tie as she asks her friends, "Is this too formal?"
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Ljiljana Jankovic
Mist Government
Posts: 374
Affiliation: Mist Government
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Post by Ljiljana Jankovic on Jun 22, 2023 12:19:55 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Oh da, definitely that good, Gorgeous is blushing, it's so cute. Truly happy for her. I can't help but to think with a happy smile. After all this time ... There was that doctor, but that obviously did not pan out, come to think of it, haven't seen or heard about the doc, anyways. Then obviously that moment when Delika have met one another. Totally called it. Giggling, remembering that talk we had in Baby Girl's office in the government, my giggling dies down almost immediately though when Baby Girl mentions a certain deficiency I currently have, which causes me to poke my tongue out at her. "Ugh don't remind me. Actually finishing my sandwich and grabbing my cup of caf, just breathing in and breathing out, I resort myself to focusing on what Gorgeous is saying and the reason why she is here now. Statuses, Gorgeous. Correcting her and groaning for having done so. Don't mind, vitamin deficiency here makes me cranky, and apparently a grammar nazi too. Taking a sip of my caf, just listening to her with an arched eyebrow when Gorgeous mentions that I should invite Hot Stuff as the Hapan Bombshell is apparently coming here tonight. Well ... Looking at Baby Girl with a somewhat knowing expression. You better have your lover boy here too ..."
It's going to be a supercharged libido environment, and I have no doubt that anyone and everyone attuned to the Force and probably in the near premises might feel that. Oh hell, so not helping at all. Groaning before finishing my caf, I pick up my cup and plate to go wash it in the sink as Gorgeous goes to change. "Happiness becomes her, and it suits her." I factually say to Baby Girl with a warm smile. Grabbing my datapad, and sending a message to Ryan while we are waiting for Gorgeous to return, I look up the moment the architect comes back and shake my head to let her know that actually it does not matter at all.
"It's you, Gorgeous, and it's after hours, I don't really think that Boss Man will care about what you are wearing. Considering that I know Gorgeous enough, and perhaps if it were someone else I would have said something else, but this isn't that case, this is Elika and probably one step at a time she'll consider potentially having a change into her wardrobe. Just be yourself, Andros will be happy to see you either way."
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Crystal Kayne
Mist Government
Posts: 410
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Crystal Kayne on Jun 22, 2023 13:40:45 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Understanding now why Elika had come home, Crystal nodded before rolling her eyes playfully. "Not under our watch," Crystal pointed at herself and Lily on the broke part. "Remember?" Winking knowingly before adding on. "Trust me, hon', Andros works quickly and moves things efficiently, plus it concerns you, so you know he was bound to expedite all of that." It was true, Andros always worked efficiently, and he was a good Vice Governor, it was not a surprise that the Government was appreciated on this planet, the neutrality, the standard of living for the population, he had been gentrifying most, if not all of the neighborhood in the capital.
"Good that you have invited her, just so you know, she is free to come here whenever you want, sweetie." Crystal did not mind, and she was certain that Lily did not either, plus. "Just so you know, she is off the entire week, next week." Crystal informed her with a wink, after all Lana had taken the week off, and as the Hapan had mentioned, she was supposed to head to Honoghr like she often did in the last three years. Taking a sip of her caf, and actually finishing it, Crystal looked at her childhood friend with a narrowed expression.
"You already know he is often here..." Crystal reminded her before leaning against the counter top smiling at Lily's comment, although her smile soon faltered when she felt something in the pit of her stomach. Crystal briefly looked down and closed her eyes trying to get a sense of what she was currently feeling coming from someone that she knew, and that person was Lana...
Opening her eyes and looking at Elika who had come back, Crystal who didn't want to make a big deal of what she had just felt looked completely natural and the same as she was earlier upon seeing Elika in what she was wearing. Before she could even say something, Lily had beaten her to it. "You heard it from, Lily, the highest court of law in this household apparently who has a tendency to correct your grammar when she is cranky." Laughing and nudging her childhood friend, Crystal gave Elika an okay sign to what she was wearing. "Your Lieutenant picking you up then, since he wants to see you both? Or did you need one of us to take you there?"
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jun 22, 2023 15:42:43 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Fussily adjusting her vest after tucking her tie into it, Elikapeka smiles happily when Lily says that the outfit she has chosen is a very Elika kind of outfit, going over to peck the attorney on the cheek as she tells her, "Thank you, beautiful, and, she winks, thank you for the grammar tip too, which I shall remember and look for an opportunity to use as soon as I am able," unaware that just such an opportunity will be presenting itself not too long from now.
Going over to Crystal, Elika hugs her and answers her question about how she is getting to Andros office, "My lieutenant is picking me up shortly, but thank you, hon', and then, blinking owlishly as she realizes she is not wearing her spectacles, tries to remember where she had put them - unaware she will not be finding them in the breast pocket of the very coat she is wearing at the moment until after her lieutenant has arrived and she spends so much time looking for the missing glasses in her pocket that they arrive one minute late even though her lieutenant arrives fifteen minutes earlier than they need to get to the Mist Government HQ - as she smiles and asks Crystal, Did I hear you right earlier, my Ceesi has the whole next week off? Maybe, she laughs, I should ask Andros to hold off on the being not missing part a little longer - unaware that the other news Andros has for her will make her so excited that she forgets to ask about that later - and then asks after having puttered around the kitchen searching for her spectacles, Has anyone seen my glasses? which begins a house-wide search for the glasses that are in her pocket the entire time, and which she does not find until her lieutenant arrives later, knocking at the door to fetch Elika and winding up searching the spectacles along with the housemates until Elika finally thinks to check her coat pockets and finds them in the breast pocket of her suit coat, announcing cheerfully, Oh, here they are! They were, she laughs as she holds the spectacles up, in my pocket the whole time, isn't that funny?"
Lucy, neither looking nor sounding particularly amused, sighs as she glances at her wrist chrono and sees that she will have to break a few speeding limits if they are going to make it to the VeeGee's office at the appointed time, handing the geek her trench coat as she says dryly, "So funny, ma'am, and then, as she herds the geek towards the door before she starts babbling with her friends, gives Lily and Crystal a nod as she tells them, Attorney General, CFO," and then holds onto one of Elika's arms, the geek currently trying to turn around and wave to her friends, and hurries her along her airspeeder to see just how quick she can get to the VeeGee's office.
Later that evening. . .
Returning from Andros' office, Elika is laughing as she tells Andros as she swats his forearm playfully, "Oh, I know no one will believe any rumors, camera feed or no camera feed, then laughs as she says, But maybe the new rumors will put an end to any rumors floating around about you and closets, after which she switches back to their discussion about the Raceways design project she has undertaken as her first project as Umgul's new Master Architect, asking, So, bringing back excitement about the Raceways and gambling? Hmm. . . we may need to look into advertising firms for generating the excitement, at least once the project is a bit further along the way, make sure they come up with ads for local and off-world distribution, then crinkles her nose and says, I'll think about that later on, then asks, Other than hotels, what other kinds of business did you have in mind for attracting tourists?"
Remembering Lily mentioning something about TaSpa! being offered space at the Raceways back when Andros had first begun thinking of the idea of restoring them before she and her lieutenant had their hyperspace mishap, Elika says, "Maybe we offer TaSpa! spaces in one of the hotels, like Lily suggested? Adding a suggestion of her own, she says, Maybe Clothe Encounters too? Seeing that they are getting close to the Lakehouse, she asks, Why don't you come in for a while? We could celebrate the beginning of our project together and continue tossing ideas back and forth, get everyone's ideas as well? Nudging his shoulder, she smiles and tries to persuade him, C'mon, it'll be fun, and I promise to help you escape when too many people gets to be too much for you, as she knows that, like just as she can, he sometimes find being around too many people overwhelming even if he knows them all well, and then, tossing her head so her hair falls over the left side of her face, bats her eyes as she adds, You'll do it for me, won't you, Mr. Vice Governor?"
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Andros Vyridian
Mist Government
Might probably come definitely
Posts: 249 
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Andros Vyridian on Jun 23, 2023 1:51:15 GMT -8
On the way to the Lakehouse - later that evening
"I kinda like people guessing, closets or not. Keeps everyone on their toes, when they are trying to figure out why or how the me stay late hours at the office." Winking at her and laughing, Andros did hear plenty of rumors about him, one that he actually never tried to kill one way or the other. He was just amused all the same, although whatever the Epicanthix knew or did not know, the siblings knew enough to know that sometimes their boss did things to keep everyone on their toes, and the Epicanthix were also probably the ones that started those said rumors. Which Andros knew and also a reason why they did not look surprise earlier when Andros opened the door to his office...
Just piloting the airspeeder normally on a cruising speed and altitude, Andros listened to his now Master Architect's suggestion, and nodded in confirmation. "That's right, yes, although concerning the ads, not your primary job, the government has a marketing department tied in with the chief of liaison about news they provide to the local holojournals and news about the government actions and rulings." He grinned looking at her before it turned into a smile. "You can touch base with any of them when necessary. If you'd like, of course, who knows you might find some other eye candies there..." Chuckling and staring right in front of him at he continued to pilot the airspeeder in the right direction with the from time to time glance at the navicomputer, Andros was glad that the siblings selected this route, not too busy, but also not too quick for getting to the lakehouse.
Speaking of the lakehouse, they were approaching their destination and Andros actually didn't need to say much about the business idea that could be in the raceways. "Maybe a somewhat mall like, I just want also for people to feel that if they head to the Raceways, they also know that everything is within reach. Restaurants, anything else..." One of the things that definitely needed some brainstorming as he actually started bringing the airspeeder down as they neared the lakehouse, and just looked at Elika for her to open the security gate knowing that she had that for him, and when she did, he brought the airspeeder by the B69 that seemed to be there and looked at her momentarily as if considering her suggestion.
It was truly her last statement, question that made him cave in as he did laugh and nudged her shoulder. "Save that look of yours for Delaana, you know I can't hardly say no to you anyways." Andros admitted with a smile before picking up his commlink and dialing the siblings.
Valaras, Xyrias, thank you both. No need to stay and wait for me, go home and goodnight.
Stepping out of the airspeeder, Andros moved around the passenger's side and opened the door for me with a smile. "Ms Master Architect." Andros told her as he offered his hand to her.
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jun 23, 2023 6:16:27 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Elikapeka laughs when Andros shares his love of keeping people guessing with her, supposing that it is not too terribly surprising that he would want to add another layer or two of concealment in addition to the stoic, often glaring facade that he presents when in the company of those he does not want to allow behind the walls he erects to keep those he does not want to know him at all from knowing what lays behind the walls. "That is so you, Elika tells Andros, lightly punching him in the arm with a smile, and then listens to him express more of his thoughts about the Raceways as he circles back to that topic after his conversational detour into about keeping people guessing.
"That is a relief, Elika chuckles when Andros begins by telling her that she needn't worry about the matter of advertising, as it is handled by its own department, and then laughs as he suggests that she might consider visiting the marketing department anyway so that she can see if there are any eye candies there worth the visit, arching an eyebrow as she jokingly suggests, Maybe we should visit the marketing department together then, hmm? See, some of us are better at sharing than others."
Getting more serious as Andros talks about the possibility of a mall rather than her idea about having stores located in the hotels, Elika says, "I hadn't thought of that, bobbling her head back and forth as she muses, I like it though, everything like clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and so on in a central place, bobbing her eyebrows as she jokes, making it easier for big winners to put their money back into the Raceways, right? Nodding again, she tells Andros, Think some more about the kinds of stores you want included in the mall, explaining, it will make coming up with a unique design and layout that fits the Raceways easier if I know what kinds of stores will be utilizing the space."
Using her thumb to keep her sleeve from riding up, the obsessive gesture so ingrained that Elika doesn't even know she is doing it since there is no need for her to do so when alone with Andros, who knows the reason she does so consciously when in the presence of those she is not comfortable with, Elika uses her fingers to brush her hair back out of her face and smiles as she warns Andros playfully, "You really oughtn't to reveal your inability to tell me no, you know, since you never know what I might ask now that I know you can't say no to me, and then smiles as she takes his hand when he offers it, giggling at his use of her new title and replying, Why thank you, Mr. Vice Governor."
Knowing he will not let her hold the door open for him, Elika unlocks the door and lets him open it for her, stepping inside and, as she takes off her trench coat, asks him playfully with a smile, "Are you ready for the perils you might face, Mr. Vice Governor? Or should we try and get you fortified with a glass of wine or something stronger before we go off in search of my housemates?"
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Ljiljana Jankovic
Mist Government
Posts: 374
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Ljiljana Jankovic on Jun 23, 2023 10:19:52 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Previously
After Gorgeous' departure when her glasses had finally been found, I shake my head with an amused grin before bidding both Gorgeous and her lieutenant "later". Although I can't really stick around presently as I am getting hailed on my comm, I pick up my commlink and gesture to Baby Girl that I'll be in the office again ...
Now
Not really quite in the mood to eat this evening, and just needing a long hot bath, I just enjoy it for a bit before deciding to see what Baby Girl is up to. Just dressed comfortably, it's not like we are going somewhere this evening, right? Even if the Hapan Bombshell comes later, it's not like I have to be in my best outfit ...
Finally finding Baby Girl and joining her, I sit down next to her with a grin as I am actually holding onto a cup of caf again. "You have thinking face, Baby Girl ... I tell her when I notice that tell on her face, the one that I have come to know well. In the last three years, I know that she had trained in the ways of the Force, and I also know according to her brother, that Crystal was actually turning out to be better than he and even his fraternal twin. Not that I would know the difference, since I am not attuned to the Force, but I believe him all the same. What's up?"
Hearing the front door, and looking over the couch and noticing two familiar figure there and the two of them seem to be happy judging from the smile on their faces both. "Looks like Boss Man will be joining us tonight."
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Crystal Kayne
Mist Government
Posts: 410
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Crystal Kayne on Jun 23, 2023 11:44:44 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Left to her own device after Elika's departure with her lieutenant, Crystal couldn't shake that feeling she had felt from the Hapan. Of course Delaana was her PA originally, but it did not stop the fact that over time, Crystal and Lana had become friends too... And just like she, the Hapan had been going through that feeling of uncertainty when Elika had disappeared. Overtime, as her affinity to the Force grew, Crystal could sense a certain determination from the Hapan. It was always around those times when Lana would take some time off from work, allegedly going to Honoghr, and when the Hapan came back, Crystal always sensed that same sentiment from Lana, guilt, longing? Crystal couldn't quite understand back then for she also was going through her own emotional motion.
Today though, it was the first time she had sensed from the Hapan some anger...
Unfortunately for Crystal, Lily was busy and she couldn't share this with her friend, and of course previously Crystal did not dare raise what she had felt about Lana with Elika as the architect was in a rush, so to speak. Crystal knew that there was no way she could get to the bottom of this, and actually preferred to not inquire about it, as after all if Lana had to confide to someone, she would confide in Elika. Full stop.
Crystal just tried to busy herself around the house to just probably kill that feeling she was having. Crystal definitely had a bad feeling, about what? She couldn't tell, but she had many times been told to not disregard her feelings but also be mindful of them.
Actually going to the garden to spend the rest of the afternoon there to meditate, Crystal stayed there for as long as she needed to meditate...
When she opened her eyes she saw that it was night, but also late. Her mind wasn't cleared entirely but she knew that she couldn't keep this to herself, and would probably need to share it with at least her childhood friend who was the only one here still. Crystal had gone back inside and sat down in the living room thinking on how to voice this out, or how to even start, Crystal figured she'd just jump into it.
Looking at Lily with a frown, Crystal started to open her mouth but stopped when she felt the pending arrival of both Elika and Andros. "Hon'!" Crystal called out to Elika as she stood up from the couch and walked towards Andros and Elika, she wasn't apologetic for interrupting them at all, and knew that they had a good time judging from the smiles and relaxed features on their faces. In comparison to hers, Crystal had a frown, not wanting to delay this, she finally asked Elika "Have you heard from Lana?"
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Delaana Wan
Member
Posts: 176
Affiliation: Mist Government, and The Hapes Consortium
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Delaana Wan on Jun 23, 2023 12:08:52 GMT -8
Lakehouse
With her encounter that afternoon after she had come home from the gym, Lana had spent the rest of her afternoon trying to figure out how to explain to her Shakal, she had to leave. Lana was given five days by the Erenada to get her affairs in order here. Lana knew that the Chume'doro that had approached her in her building would keep a close eye on her. At first Lana had figured she'd show up to the lakehouse in her armor, but then she decided against when she chose to actually walk towards the Lakehouse instead of using her airspeeder.
Lana was hoping that it would clear her mind or even give her some time to think about how to approach this matter. With her talking with her brother the afternoon, and also with her somewhat frozen when it entirely dawned of her that she did not have a choice at all, Lana didn't even contact once her Shakal that afternoon like she had promised before they separated...
Just when she was approaching the Lakehouse did she notice several feet away an airspeeder. Taking that chance, the gate being opened, Lana ran and passed through the gate before it shut and just saw the Vice Governor and her Shakal at the doorstep of the residence.
Sighing softly, Lana thought that she could actually handle this, and do the whole thing correctly, say her goodbyes, and whatever else, now she was thinking that probably it might have been a better idea to just leave a note and leave but that was so cowardly.
And she was no way a coward. She was a Major in the Hapan Royal Guard, and she knew that she had to tell her truth now even if someone already present here knew this fact about her.
"Shakal." Lana called out a few feet away from them, and she noticed that Crystal had walked up to Elika and Andros...
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Andros Vyridian
Mist Government
Might probably come definitely
Posts: 249
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Andros Vyridian on Jun 23, 2023 13:11:48 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Andros could definitely say that he had had a great evening thusfar, the fact that he was just relaxed, open and shared several laughs with her, yeah he was glad to have gotten that one of one with her at his office, though right now, it was the moment of truth. With his hand on the handle, since he had opened the door for her, Andros' smile quickly disappeared as he looked from Crystal approaching them after she had called out to Elika, to the person in question that Crystal inquired about.
Still with his hand on the handle, Andros looked at the Hapan and furrowed his eyebrows before looking at Crystal with an arched eyebrow. Andros had been so into his talks with Elika that he did not even realized that Delaana was nearby, and that was actually strike one for him that got him to grit his teeth in annoyance at himself.
"She is here, Crystal." Andros informed her as he stood aside to let the Hapan be in view since he was probably blocking the view. "Come inside, Delaana." Andros told her, maybe it sounded like an order with how flat the tone of his voice right then and there. He realized it though, but was completely unapologetic about it. "If you want, of course." He added finally before looking at Elika, and however the architect wanted to handle that actually for it looked like indeed that the Hapan had come here to talk, Andros walked inside of the lakehouse and nodded with his chin forward to Crystal to indicate that they should probably move along and give them some space...
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jun 23, 2023 18:30:16 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Before Andros can answer her question about whether he feels he needs wine or perhaps something stronger to prepare himself for the evening ahead, Elikapeka hears Crystal calling out to her, but is still so happy about how her evening with Andros has been so enjoyable and elated about how things are going with her Ceesi, who she is looking forward to seeing soon that she fails to note the tone of Crystal's voice, which might have given her some degree of forewarning about what soon follows after Crystal calls out to her.
"In here, hon', and gue. . ." Elika smiles as she sees Crystal approaching her and Andros, and starts to say something funny about twisting Andros' arm to make him agree to stay for awhile when she sees the frown on Crystal's face and tilts her head to the side inquisitively when her friend asks apropos of nothing insofar as Elika is concerned if she has heard from Delaana, reminding Elika of the fact that, despite her girlfriend having mentioned possibly messaging during the day, she had not received a single message from her Ceesi, which when coupled with Cystal's question, naturally enough, makes Elika start to worry about why Delaana would not have messaged her.
Before Elika has he opportunity to answer Crystal, however, Andros - no longer, Elika notes with a mounting sense of unease, sounding as relaxed as he had been not just a moment ago - tells Crystal that Delaana is here, which has the immediate effect of making Elika smile brightly as she starts to turn around to greet Delaana enthusiastically since she feels a sense of relief coursing through her, Elika's smile only widening as she hears her Ceesi saying an abbreviated version of her pet name, not featuring the my that usually accompanies the Shakal.
Even before she has turned all the way around, Elika sees Andros' icy, stoic expression has returned as he asks Delaana if she wants to come in, and feels her relief and her smile both start to fade as her anxieties begin gathering strength. "Why wouldn . . . Elika starts to ask Andros in a perplexed tone, only to trail off as she sees Delaana, who looks decidedly . . . unhappy or distracted, and Elika feels her anxiousness ramp up another notch; her first thought - surprisingly to Elika herself, not being worry about her Ceesi being upset about something regarding their relationship given that they had parted ways earlier, at least from Elika's point of view, still both feeling the lingering joy and euphoria from their evening and morning together - being that something terrible has happened to Nash, which is the only reason she can imagine her Ceesi would look the way she does.
Making a decision for a change, Elika doesn't wait for Delaana to tell Andros she will stay outside, instead stepping past the Vice Governor and pulling the door closed behind her since she thinks her Ceesi would not have hesitated outside unless whatever she has come to say was not something she wanted to say first to Elika herself. Though she wants to run to Delaana and pull her into an embrace, Elika hesitates, pulling the sleeves of her coat down over her hands as she asks Delaana, "What is it, my Ceesi? Elika's right hand lifts almost of its own volition to rest against Delaana's cheek, but she pulls it back down as she sees the look in her Ceesi's blue eyes - something in them suggesting to Elika that sadness had joined in the concern and hint of anger that had been present earlier, if it had not been there all along - and feels her confusion and anxiety reaching even higher levels. What's happened?" Elika asks worriedly as she clenches her hands into fists so tightly beneath her sleeves that she draws blood, and realizes that she feels almost afraid of what Delaana will say in reply.
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Ljiljana Jankovic
Mist Government
Posts: 374
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Ljiljana Jankovic on Jun 24, 2023 2:26:51 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Now why all of a sudden it feels like the atmosphere turned into a soon to be high level alert ... From Baby Girl's face that I have seen when I have joined her, to her rushing towards Gorgeous and Boss Man with that tone of voice, I am suddenly overcome with unease. Standing up and going after Baby Girl hearing her question about the Hapan Bombshell. Okay what is going on, it's like even Andros' face and demeanor did a complete one-eighty from when I just saw him ...
From the glances currently to Andros' change of demeanor and ushering Crystal and myself to just leave Delika be, since turns out that the Hapan Bombshell is here now but not coming in, I really feel like that this is not my place to say anything but just go with the motion and just following the lead of the two who are here and attuned to the Force. "Okay, what is going on? I ask them with a befuddled expression as Gorgeous just stepped outside closing the door behind her. Turning to look at Baby Girl with a dubious expression. Crystal?"
It is very rare indeed that I call her by her name right in front of her, but I usually do when I know it's serious, at least I have grasped enough to know. The whole vibe just turned into a glacier one. I really cannot think of something going on, but whatever it is, I am fairly certain that Crystal has an idea. One that she was potentially about to tell me earlier ...
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Crystal Kayne
Mist Government
Posts: 410
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Crystal Kayne on Jun 24, 2023 3:50:27 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Crystal looked up when Andros moved aside to allow her to see that Delaana was in fact here, and now that she was focused on the Hapan, Crystal could not help but to actually get a sense of her emotions... This was truly the first time she had felt these ranges of emotions coming from Lana, and that made her heart sink. Crystal could already tell that this was not going to end well, and Elika had decided to handle that alone and outside. Crystal wanted to stop her friend and also convince the Hapan to actually come inside but it was too late, Elika had walked out and Andros had motioned silently to give them some space.
Taking a step back and retreating for having no choice, Crystal crossed her arms just walking towards the living room again her mind trying to get a sense on what was happening but fact was, quite honestly? Crystal actually barely knew anything about Lana, besides knowing that the Hapan was proactive and always knew what to do at any given time, that she had a brother who was a lawyer with PMS lawfirm back on Honoghr, that same brother that was dating on of her childhood friend too who was Hapan as well. Thinking now did she truly know Lana as well that she probably should have?
Stopping on her tracks when she heard her name called out by Lily, Crystal focused her gaze on her childhood friend, shaking her head at first. "I am not quite sure, Lily..." Crystal began to say in defeat, it was true, Crystal did not know and she could only go with what she had felt, currently feeling, but from there, Crystal knew she wouldn't be able to give an answer. Crystal supposed that she should start from the beginning since she felt what she had felt earlier from Lana.
"When you and I were talking with Elika in the kitchen earlier after she got changed, I got that sinking feeling that something was wrong coming from Lana..." Lifting her hand to prevent her childhood friend to interject then, she was pretty certain that Andros would stay silent and just listen like he usually do when he was in those mood of his. "All of a sudden if it felt like she had been overcome with anger, and then it shifted all of a sudden. Due to what? I have no idea, I have felt anything happening around her." Turning to look at Andros, "Do you know anything, Andros?" Crystal implored, she actually asked that question of hers begging, asking him to share anything if he knew because this wasn't just about Delaana, it was also about Elika.
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Delaana Wan
Member
Posts: 176
Affiliation: Mist Government, and The Hapes Consortium
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Delaana Wan on Jun 24, 2023 4:20:43 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Prior to coming here Delaana did send an encrypted message to the dark channel comm that had been assigned to her here in Umgul and only she, Andros and the Deputy Director of Intelligence were part of that black site communication. As far as Lana was concerned, only Andros and Horsea knew about her background, she had informed them that there was a Chume'doro from the Purity that had found her, and she also let them know to not even try and look for her as it was most likely that they wouldn't be able to trace her, and that Lana would handle it, come what may.
That come what may was everything she had feared, everything she hoped to never happen, at least not now, not so suddenly when everything was starting to look up for her. But unfortunately, indeed she still had her oath back home, and now that there was a a new Erenada, she was still bound by duty to the Consortium. What did happen last night between her and her Shakal, and even this morning was everything she had wanted, was everything she had hoped for, and in the joy of having Elika back here after three years, Lana did not think, did not even give it a second thought and just let herself be ruled by her want, and need to consume that passion with her Shakal.
She had indeed been fueled by anger upon coming here, but the moment she found herself standing in front of Elika, sadness overcame here, and everything in her sunk when Elika stopped herself from touching her. Probably for the best, Lana thought. The Hapan now found herself to actually be not worthy of the woman standing before her...
Selfishly though, Lana walked up to her and took Elika's hand pressing her chin again the palm of her hand as a tear dropped from her eye, she started mumbling in a low voice in Hapan, mostly saying that she was sorry and that she wished she had more time and was asking for forgiveness. Of course in her own native tongue, probably not something her Shakal would understand, which was why Lana looked at her with a conflicted expression, breathing softly. "Forgive me, my Shakal..." Lana began to say before releasing her soon to be ex-girlfriend's hand, for in Lana's mind there was no way that Elika would probably ever want to see her again. "My name is Delaana Wan..." That was a given, there was nothing that had been changed about her name, but there was something else about her that no one was aware except for some. "Major Delaana Wan, Chume'doro of the Hapan Royal House." Lana wasn't quite sure if the architect had knowledge in Hapan customs and what her rank entitled, or what it meant. "The investigative branch of the Hapan Royal Guard found me, and I was ordered to return to my homeworld by the Erenada." There was no other way for her, at least she wasn't certain on how to come around that subject, but she knew she had to do it one way or another and because of that Delaana's eyes was just filled with sadness..
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Andros Vyridian
Mist Government
Might probably come definitely
Posts: 249
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Andros Vyridian on Jun 24, 2023 6:38:11 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Hearing the front door shut behind him, Andros glared at the door, accusingly perhaps, or just because right that instant, there had been so many emotiones that had been surrounding him. He knew that his change in demeanor probably affected Elika's own emotions. Her anxiousness coming back up, one that he had not felt in a while especially ever since he stepped out of his office with her. Plus they were having there own little private joke at the expense of some of the Mist Government's employee.
Then it all came crashing down. Gritting his teeth and closing his eyes wishing he was still in the bubble of the Ysalamir in his office, Andros knew he could not avoid this, nor actually would he want to avoid it, as for whatever was happening out there, he knew at least he had to be there for Elikapeka. Following both Ljiljana and Crystal inside of the house, and hearing the two of them talk, Andros' head, and gaze snapped in Crystal's direction when she started describing what she had felt about the Hapan previously...
By this time, Andros had shut off his senses to the Force, and he looked indiscernibly at Crystal when she asked him that question. Remembering feeling his datapad previously vibrating and alerting him of a message, Andros was so focused on spending time with Elika that he didn't even think twice about looking at his datapad. Getting it out from his inner breast pocket of his suit, after inputting his security code and validating it with his fingerprint, Andros' eyes remained focused on the message, he showed no emotions, nor did he show any facial expression but just that intense glare at the content of that encrypted message.
"Yes." Andros finally replied to Crystal question if he knew anything, but before he certainly did not, for he wasn't aware, now it definitely all made sense. Problem there, as usual that was not his story to tell, and furthermore it was not something he'd share at all. But if and when Crystal, and Ljiljana found out, he knew that he had a lot to answer for potentially, depending on what the Hapan would share with them. He did, nonetheless, knew that he had to say something, which was why he only said after sitting down. "Your personal assistant will probably be leaving soon..."
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Elikapeka Hekekia
Mist Government
Posts: 184
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Elikapeka Hekekia on Jun 26, 2023 4:41:25 GMT -8
Having expected to be informed of something tragic or at the very least distressing that has happened to someone in Delaana's life, Elikapeka is disabused of that notion almost as soon as Delaana speaks, her Ceesi's first words being to ask for forgiveness. One does not ask for forgiveness, in Elika's experience, unless they have done - or at least feel they have done or perhaps will do - something that hurts, in one way or another, the one they feel the need to ask for forgiveness from, and so Elika can feel herself mentally preparing for a blow, which is reflected in her body language when she wraps her arms tightly around her chest and hunches her shoulders as through trying to make herself as small as possible while she unconsciously takes a step away from Delaana once the Hapan releases her hand after pressing Elika's sleeve covered palm to her cheek.
While Elika may not know exactly what a Chume'doro or an Ereneda is, she can figure out enough from the context of what Delaana says to understand that it is an important enough position on Hapes that the fact Delaana has been ordered to return to her home world is not a simple matter. Why Delaana would have kept the fact she is, or at least was at some time, a Royal Guard a secret seems strange, there being no stigma against the Chume'doro that Elika can think of, which makes her feel as though she is missing something, some final piece of information that will, when put in place with the rest of what she has been told, make the whole picture more clear.
Seeing the tear on Delaana's cheek makes Elika get teary-eyed as, still reeling after having gone from the highs of the morning and evening to her present plummet towards the depths of despondency, she visibly struggles to make sense of what Delaana has told her even though the central point - that Delaana has to return to Hapes, either because she went absent without leave or has been called in from reserve service - is unsettling enough on its own given that Delaana's nakedly disconsolate response to it suggests that her Ceesi believes it means their parting would be a final one, an ending to all they had found in one another and might yet find given the opportunity to explore it further.
While Elika's old, familiar anxieties and fears reassert themselves and counsel surrender to the inevitable, her willingness to fight for what she and Delaana have found together is still strong enough that she shuts them out and tries to grab onto anything that might stop the ground from falling away beneath their feet, scrambling for any sense of hope she can reach for and take hold of. Preventing their parting is what Elika seizes onto first, and - setting all thought of what sacrifices it would require of her, or of what it could mean she would need to give up aside - Elika takes a step back towards her Ceesi, a fragile yet hopeful smile on her tear streaked face as she says, "I'll go with you, nodding emphatically and moving her hands, which had been pulled up into her sleeves, to cup Delaana's cheeks in her palms, still bleeding sluggishly from the crescent shaped cuts her nails had left in them, as she repeats herself for emphasis, her tone taking on a hint of fearful desperation, I'll go to Hapes with you, my Cessi, we don't have to be apart, ever. I can work remotely, travel here as often, she waves a hand to dismiss those kinds of details as trivial, things to be worked out later, and smiles a bit more certainly as she looks into her Ceesi's eyes for any confirmation that her relief is shared by Delaana as she says a third time, only this time phrasing it as a question since her anxieties are all too happy to remind her that there may be reasons Delaana would not want Elika to go to Hapes with her, I'll go with you, so everything will be okay now, right? We'll be okay?"
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Ljiljana Jankovic
Mist Government
Posts: 374
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Ljiljana Jankovic on Jun 26, 2023 8:24:07 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Well ... that certainly isn't clear, of course I cannot fault baby girl about that. Indeed, how can I, when she just like me has been here, and she only has her sense thing with the Force to go on with. Rubbing my temple and actually wondering what is happening outside between Delika, there is still that big part of me that just wants to get to the bottom of it because I love Gorgeous, and because also I appreciate the Hapan Bombshell. After this afternoon's display by Gorgeous, I know that those two are meant to be. C'mon now, people would be blind to not see th— ...
Halting my thoughts, my attention snaps at Andros who is sitting stoically sitting there on the couch, my eyes narrow. "Excuse me, but what? I might have sounded just shocked, even in disbelief there, but honestly, that cannot happen at all. No, why would she, after everything?" Either I am missing something here, which is probably the case, but unless there is truly something else, then that is just preposterous.
"Why would Delaana leave?!" Probably not the best tone to employ to technically my boss, but I do not care because I am rooting for my friends there outside, which is probably the reason why I should probably say something right there, and I am heading towards the entrance of the lakehouse to maybe say something, or just ... Heck I don't know, I don't care, but she cannot leave! Opening the door and seeing Delika there, I start opening my mouth to say something but that something isn't coming out just yet for I actually one do not want to interrupt them, and two, I don't even know what I want to say just yet.
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Crystal Kayne
Mist Government
Posts: 410
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Crystal Kayne on Jun 26, 2023 11:07:42 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Crystal was used to Andros, she was used to see him that way as a Vice Governor, and she was also used to him exactly knowing on how to adopt that certain expression that most did not dare to question. The glare he had thrown at his datapad, she also knew about those kind of glares, to her it always screamed being annoyed, just simply pissed off, although she was getting absolutely nothing from his emotions. They seemed to be neutral, and that was probably why she really couldn't quite understand, until he gave a semblance of explanation. Before she could even say anything, of course Lily had said what she was also probably thinking.
Closing her eyes and trying to come up with a reason, only to find none, why would Lana indeed leave after everything. Cringing at the tone Lily used at Andros, Crystal knew that her childhood friend actually did not care and she would often face the consequences if there were some, but this was about Elika and Lana. Crystal was about to ask Andros why indeed, but then she noticed that Lily was heading to the entrance of the lakehouse.
Her eyes widened, and Crystal quickly stood up and followed after her friend placing a hand on Lily's forearm. "Dammit Ljiljana, give them some time!" Crystal hissed and looked at both of their friends breathing, just unable to shake off that feeling she was getting from both Elika and Lana. Closing the door again to give some privacy to both Elika and Lana, at least as much as she could, they could. For as much as she wanted to do something, help them, Crystal knew that this was something that can only be sorted between the couple outside at least.
But still she knew that Andros knew more than he let on, which was why she walked back towards the living room, taking Lily with her and looked at the man, her boyfriend's brother and asked. "Who is Delaana, as I do remember you were the one who also recommended her to me as a PA after you dismissed her?"
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Delaana Wan
Member
Posts: 176
Affiliation: Mist Government, and The Hapes Consortium
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Delaana Wan on Jun 26, 2023 11:54:21 GMT -8
Lakehouse
It was unbearable to Lana, to see her Shakal, this way, to see her pull away after that revelation. The fact that Elika had stepped away, just shattered her further inside, Lana knew that it was her fault to begin with, she didn't expect to fall for the Architect, and the fact that Elika was gone for three years, Lana did everything to get her back... Her feelings grew even more with Elika's absence, Lana did not understand as first why, and then it finally clicked in those moments she would go to Honoghr, and just see her brother with the one he had come to call his Childao, just the love, the sense of belonging, it was also in those moments that Lana knew she wanted the same things that her brother had, just looking forward into being in someone's embrace again and talk about random things...
And now, Lana also realized that she had potentially shattered her brother's happiness too with Lindsay.
Lana had no idea on how to get out of this and her oath was so definite too, her life so to speak belonged to the service of the Queen Mother of the Hapes Consortium. Was there even a work around to that? Lana did not know, and honestly right this instant she was more worried about her Shakal than anything else, which was why Lana looked at her when Elika approached her once more and placed her hands on her cheeks. Now that her mind seemed a little more in focus, she could distinctly smell that metallic smell that was blood, and Lana looked at her and placed her hands on the back of her Shakal's hands, she had half a mind to remove her hands from her cheeks, but did not and instead just looked at Elika, but before even saying something, she noticed the door opening, Lily soon followed by Crystal standing there.
"My Shakal" She began to say softly as she rested her forehead against Elika's closing her eyes trying to see how this could work, how even it would affect them, what if indeed Lana showed up there with Elika by her side? Delaana did not know, and she would probably be tagged as a traitor too for breaking her oath so to speak in the literal sense. "I wished..." Breathing softly and looking at Elika after she slightly pulled her head back, in a way in her gaze there was love, also happiness, but also at the same time uncertainty. "I wished it was that simple, every part of me wants to say yes to you, but there is also that other part of me that is saying the oath I had one spoken would be violated..." Sighing in defeat, plus there was also that other Chume'doro that was no doubt following her every move, though at the same time, she did not want to risk it.
"Crystal and Lily are worried about you, my Shakal, and I am also worried about you." Lana told her softly as she removed Elika's hands from her cheeks and turned them palm facing upwards seeing the blood there. Lana knew that she did not answer the matter of Elika coming to Hapes with her, but honestly at this point, right now, she really did not know if that was even allowed. "Please can we go inside, I'd like to clean this up..." Lana asked her softly as she also remembered that Andros was inside too. "I also would like to talk with your friends while you are there, so all of you can understand my conundrum right now..."
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Andros Vyridian
Mist Government
Might probably come definitely
Posts: 249
Affiliation: Mist Government
Traffic Light: Orange
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Post by Andros Vyridian on Jun 26, 2023 12:55:13 GMT -8
Lakehouse
Lily's outburst, those he could always take those, or at least he was used to hearing them, sometimes, and usually those said outbursts weren't directed at him. Yet still he showed no emotions, nothing at all, as in the end truly, it was not to her that he owed an explanation. To the person he did owe one, that actually unsettled him more than he could ever say...
A reason why right here and right now, he was still silent and staring at the message in question. Andros had no idea about their said tactics, he had never been faced with those, but this was a breach in security and one that might cause a diplomatic incident, maybe. Closing his eyes briefly and dimming the datapad, he relocked it and stored it back to his pocket just when he thought he would be safe from explaining, Crystal came back to him asking who was Delaana Wan.
It was true that back then under the guise of rejecting the Hapan's application he forwarded it towards Crystal. It was also true that he had asked the Hapan something, but that really wasn't the question right now, right now he was being asked who was Delaana, and while he could withhold the information, probably for the best, there was no way he could get away from this and pretend he did not know.
He was the Vice Governor of Umgul, anything related to security, he also knew about those, and he could ask anyone from Intelligence a background check for whomever. But fact was, he did not need to exactly know on who was Delaana, for he knew and that was around the time the Consortium probably did not have a Queen Mother.
"I did, yes." Andros replied about recommending Lana as a PA having no other ulterior motive, or at least passing and looking like he had no ulterior motive at all. "As for who she is, well..." Looking at Crystal with a darkened expression, he just said. "She is more than a simple Hapan good at her job in the government..." He was backed against the wall, he knew that but again if Lana had not even mentioned what or who she truly was to them, perhaps there was something else...
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