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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
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Jan 10, 2012 17:43:39 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 10, 2012 17:43:39 GMT -5
This city was never asleep. No matter what time of day or night, Coruscant was alive, buzzing with human life and...other. CoCo Town was one of the places were species from all over the Galaxy would come to sell, buy or exchange. Golda didn't like the merchant center. She felt out pf place, like a fish taken from safe waters, thrown into sand to choke slowly. It was not always like this, the problems had started about three years ago and after that, this particular district was connected to big red trouble sign in the woman's mind. Golda already could feel cold chills running down her spine as she entered the one of the 'fly-by-night' bars. It was even hard to recall its name. They were all the same with lingering dimmed lights, thick scent of spices, alcohol and what was the most permanent characteristic - stench of sweat from dozens of various species with small addition of tobacco.
There was no one she would know, couple of humans, a group of Rodian's, three Twi'lek dancers, one lone Twi'lek male and one, bored Duros bartender. Actually, Golda couldn't tell if the alien was really bored or she couldn't read anything from his face. Probably the latter...For a time after Eli was born she would often go the various bars looking for a certain man but the stranger she had met years before had vanished from her life with first rays of the morning light four years ago. Nowadays Golda lost any hope, focusing on her job which also consisted of strolling bars seeking employment. Most often such nights ended with a couple of drinks, but sometimes a good money could be made. Golda was by now known as small time smuggler who could inconspicuously move items around Crosucant and even farther away. Her last package of death sticks had earned on itself. Despite that she was still young, trying to make a name for herself in the underworld. For now it seemed it was the only way to keep her family safe and provided.
Constant stress and sleepless showed up on her face, giving Golda's skin certain paleness. The patrons looked at her briefly, some would throw in a rude proposal, something she had learned to ignore long time ago. Led by her routine, Golda sat down and ordered a drink without even looking at the menu. Life is a surprise her aunt would say. Though a surprise alcohol was way better than a 'kinder surprise'. The beverage arrived quickly provided by a battered droid on which side someone wrote 'your mother is a fat wookie' in basic. It made Golda to wonder what the hell was the bartender role anymore.
The drink was gold in color with few crushed ice cubes put in. It took a while before she remembered the name. The Bantha Buster. ”Of course...” She muttered and pushed the cold glass away. For four years she hadn't touched the thing and now it was literally pushed at her by a droid with a insult written all over it. Good thing not by a Zabrak. That would complete today's evening. With a deep sigh Golda leaned against the uncomfortable back. The seats were made of metal with not even the smallest amount of some warm, pleasant material. Figures why drinks were so cheap. Food was here as well but only for the bravest.
The doors flew open just as she was getting ready to leave. Warm air rushed inside, messing her already uncombed hair. Golda gathered her credit chit just in time before someone grabbed her wrist. ”Remeber me?” Disgusting smell hit her nostrils. She looked up, her face seemingly washed from all emotions. ”Darek...What do you want this time?” The human man was a smuggler. Old timer who just recently had lost his ship and was now forced to scrape the bottom like Golda. ”What you owe me, foxy lady” The woman felt strong pull and only quick reflex saved her from hitting the nearest wall. Golda's wrist flared with pain but was dulled with fear and anger. She cursed in a manner that would make a Mandalorian blush. ”Talk to Jaffa, he has your creds.” Her body already knew what mind was slow to grasp and readied itself for incoming fight. Fight, it suddenly occurred to her, could end up really badly for her.
Darek was tall, burly and experience. Age was probably strained his body but not skills. The patrons seeing incoming troubles, quickly scurried away, including the bartender. So much for gentlemen these day and age...She put herself behind one of the tables. “Whatever this little turd told you, he lied.” Golda said, panic ringing in her words.
Her former 'partner' appeared in the back of her head. A rather average Bothan with whom she had made few deliveries. He was told to pay Darek as he was one of the middlemen. Unfortunately the sneaky thief had scrammed with all the money, leaving angry smuggler on proverbial ice. And Golda with him. The man was coming closer, with ever step shortening Daria's lifespan dramatically...
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 10, 2012 19:14:39 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 10, 2012 19:14:39 GMT -5
Zelada'ven was two things for sure, a wandering soul, and a brave man. The former was true by virtue of his constant travels, rarely staying put longer than a few months, and the latter... Well that was true from his choice of the seedy Coruscanti bar's fish and chips. Yes, it seemed to be white meat but there was a little something... fishy about it. Pun not intended.
Maybe it was for the best he didn't know what he was eating. In blissful ignorance, he bit off another crispy bite and chewed it over, swallowing each greasy bite with a bit of a sauce. It was local and tangy, and probably two days old. By no means was this a gourmet establishment.
The burly Rutian Twi'lek took a sip of his beer and whistled an old Twi'lek ballad to himself as he watched a swoop race on the monitor over the bar. It was pretty neat actually, but there was a distinct shortage of Twi'lek riders. For such a populace species, they really weren't that well represented. Slaves, and dancers.
Like the three performing in the club that he kept sneaking glances at. The mercenary was a real sucker for women, especially graceful ones like his ex Gida. She'd been a dancer too, and he had her tattooed on his bicep. That tattoo was actually visible right now, as he was wearing a short-sleeved grey shirt that exposed his massive arms.
Below him was his trusty duffle, and inside it was his pride and joy: his highly illegal Mark III Hutt disruptor. Would disintegrate a chest completely, rendering it into ash heedless of any armor. He liked it a lot. Saved his life quite often.
He took another sip of his beer, a Rylothean style pale ale he was quite fond of. Now there was a Twi'lek contribution the galaxy enjoyed.
At that moment Zelada's instincts told him something was up, and he turned away from both the dancing girls and the swoop race, looking at the source of the commotion. There was a man, grabbing a woman none-too-gently, and that caused him to frown.
He respected women, treated them the way they deserved. People who didn't found themselves on his bad side, and contrary to the belief of some, he wasn't entirely a massive teddy bear.
He couldn't follow all of their conversation, as he was far from fluent in Basic, but he gathered it was some sort of business arrangement gone awry. And that left him with a dilemma.
Either he could not get involved and let anything happen, including the woman getting hurt, or... he could intervene and risk causing a big scene. Oh, he was far from concerned about getting hurt himself, as he was capable with his fists, with the knife on his calf, and with the blaster pistol concealed at the small of his back.
Well, he was going to risk meddling rather than see a woman get hurt. That was just his way.
He rose and walked over, folding his arms and glowering at the man.
"'Ey joo, pick o' sumbody y'own size."
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
Guardian
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Jan 11, 2012 5:09:24 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 11, 2012 5:09:24 GMT -5
Seconds passed as if someone stretched them into hours. Golda watched Darek's small, pale eyes . This was cold and cruel stare of a man whose conscience had died long time ago if it ever existed. The man crossed arms on his cheat and smirked with a content, seeing Golda's fear and apprehension.
Someone intervened with words spoken in a thick accent, definitely not belonging to a human.. It was so unexpected, the two smugglers whipped their heads as on cue. Tall, well built and ...blue. Golda's eyes widened in a surprise. She knew many Twi'leks in her her life, both males and females as they were as integral part of Crosucant as humans but definitely not this one. Darek seemed no less surprised, though it didn't take long for the expression of blunt arrogance to return on the man's pasty features. He wiggled his thick mustache in amusement, casually placing his hand on a belt, right to an imposing looking blaster. ”Listen, wormhead. It's none of your business so why don't you crawl back to your table and leave humans to their business, eh?” It was clear by now Darek had no fondness of aliens, especially those who were nosy.
Arrogant bastard... Golda immediately thought seeing how recklessly Darek turned away from her. He was overconfident, thought the human woman wouldn't be able to match him. What he didn't know was the fact Golda was trained for years in hand to hand combat. Her eyes narrowed as anger began to boil close to the surface. Without a word of warning, not waiting for the Twi'leks response, the woman kicked the table she was hiding behind. It hit the smuggler straight in his midsection, forcing him on the ground.
Within a heartbeat Golda was right next to him, using her innate speed and build momentum the woman landed on Darek's chest. He expected that, however. The aged smuggler like him wouldn't survive for so long if could be knocked out so easily. He grabbed Golda by her hands and pulled, throwing the relatively light human woman over his head.
Golda felt a wave of pain flooding her, just after she landed face down on the dirty floor . Blood from bit tongue filled her mouth, forcing few violent coughs out of the girl. Darek's strength felt almost unnatural. She had her share of fights and brawls but this one was way out of her league. Especially when her opponent was better with ranged weapons.
A single blast cut the air as Golda tried to pull herself up. It landed mere inches from her head, which made the woman to fall on the floor again. ”What the...” She rolled over and hid behind the fallen table. When blasters were coming into play, Golda preferred to run and hide.
((You can interpret the blast as your character's or Darek's. Go ahead and make Zel kick Derek's ass if you wish. ^^ Short one before work, hope you don't mind (: ))
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 11, 2012 22:16:42 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 11, 2012 22:16:42 GMT -5
Zelada hadn't expected the human man to simply roll over and take it, but he hadn't precisely expected insults. And yes, his Basic was good enough to tell that was an insult.
It wasn't that he was an impatient or intolerant man, but he didn't like being insulted. There was a limit to what he was willing to take from someone, and when that someone was racist... He didn't take kindly to that at all.
The idea that anyone could be inferior by virtue of their race or gender didn't set well with him, and he didn't like the people who pushed those beliefs. Didn't like them at all in fact. Zelada rotated his head and cracked his neck menacingly as he mentally planned an attack.
One. Punch him in the face. Two. Knee to his groin. Three. Fist to the back of his head. He'd be down and out cold in a manner of seconds if he did it fast enough. Luckily, for a big guy he was pretty quick.
But not as fast as the threatened woman, who sprang into action and tackled the man, before he could get in the rapid attack he'd planned. However, he got his chance soon enough when the hapless woman was thrown a rather large distance.
Apparently the man wasn't in the mood for a physical altercation with a girl, as he pulled out a hold-out blaster and leveled it with her head, apparently under the mistaken impression that the Rutian Twi'lek wasn't going to interfere. Boy was he ever wrong.
Zelada spun around, swinging his foot in a lightning-fast roundhouse kick, hitting the blaster just as the man was firing. The shot went stray as the blaster went flying from the man's hand. He shook it in pain as he turned to face the source of the kick. Incidentally, he was just in time to see the blue fist punch him directly in the eye.
The man literally tumbled back and fell over a chair, passing out instantly. People had a tendency to do that when punched in the face by Zelada Ven.
The Twi'lek merc walked over to the fallen table and peered over it at the gold-haired human woman, an inquisitive look on his rugged blue features. He opened his mouth and tried his best to speak basic that made any sense.
"'Ey, joo OK lady? S'ok naow."
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
Guardian
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Jan 12, 2012 15:43:08 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 12, 2012 15:43:08 GMT -5
She let herself to peek over the table. Blood was still pooling in her mouth, but the pain was not that strong. Nothing was broken, that was a good news. Golda looked up and met her gaze with hazel eyes of the Twi'lek. It took her few heartbeats to gather what had just happened. Darek was lying face down, knocked out like a rock. If not dead. The alien had saved her life. His features were not clean but marked with time and experience. Not someone her age for sure. ”Huh?” She asked, at first not being sure if he was joking but then realizing the Twi'lek didn't know basic well. It was first time she met someone on Crosucant that didn't know the language. His accent was typical for his kind though much stronger than those who were using basic for majority of their lives.
The woman touched her mouth to wipe away blood and nodded. There a nasty bump on her head forming but there was no concussion hopefully. Quickly, Golda took off her jacket to examine the hand Darek twisted but it every joint seemed in place. ”I think I am fine.” Her eyes returned to the alien before her. His skin had the most amazing shade of blue. It was a rare color perhaps as Golda didn't meet many Twi'leks of this coloration and hue. ”It was...just a misunderstanding.” The woman added, rubbing her wrist.
She didn't really know how to behave as it had been years since anyone came to her rescue. To think of it, no one she could remember would help her for free but this Twi'lek had risked his life to protect a stranger and a human at that. There was no love between the two kinds but neither was hate, probably why Golda had thought everyone just watched their own ass. Human or not...She looked at the lifeless body. Few more minutes and someone from the law enforcement will get curious and Golda was not on the best terms with them. ”We better go unless you want to pay for this mess.” The most reasonable thing would be to just walk away alone but she preferred not to leave Twi'lek alone as the only witness. Beside, Golda still didn't know the reason why the alien had helped her and there was no such thing as free lunch.
The woman gestured at the Twi'lek to follow her.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 12, 2012 22:16:55 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 12, 2012 22:16:55 GMT -5
Zelada caught most of what the human woman said, particularly the part about paying for it. Money was a language older than words. And he preferred not paying for any more than he absolutely had to, which was, in this case, the greasy fish and chips.
He pulled out enough credits for his food and slapped them down on the counter before scooping up his duffle. There was no way in hell he was leaving all his gear behind. It was his livelihood, even if the disruptor was extremely illegal.
WIth his gear grabbed, he followed her out into the night on Coruscant, a giddy world of glowing signs, bustling foot traffic, and speeders. There was an endless sea of lights and colors to drown in, with advertisements and activity of every shape and kind.
Yeah, he liked Coruscant. Who didn't?
The burly Twi'lek stepped up to the much-shorter human woman's side, admiring her hair from his high vantage point. It was a fascinating gold color, and her skin was as pale as some of the Twi'lek girls he'd seen before in rare colors. But that hair- It was so... exotic. Again he had the desire to reach out and touch it with his fingers, but he resisted. It wouldn't be socially appropriate.
Instead he swung the second strap of his bag over his other muscled shoulder, wearing it over his back and relying on the large knife alone for easy defense. But it was better than getting arrested for packing heat. Including that disruptor.
He decided to risk conversation, despite the communications barrier between them.
"Soo. 'Joo in trooble?"
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
Guardian
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Jan 13, 2012 6:06:11 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 13, 2012 6:06:11 GMT -5
Few credit chits landed on the counter and Golda couldn't help but stare. There wasn't much point in paying right now. She maybe just hang around wrong company but such honesty was something the woman rarely observed. ”I doubt the bartender will even notice.” Golda shrugged and opened the doors. Her head whipped to sides, looking for possible threats but all was calm. The bar was in a very secluded location what probably bought the time to get the hell out.
Once deeming it was safe, Golda stepped into the warm air of Corsucant summer. The giant city had odd, unusual scent in its air. No other place she had visited would have such curious mixture of smells, both organic and inorganic in nature. CoCo Town had one of the most amazing set of lights, differing from what the rest of Crosucant was like. Not only in architecture but overall population. Aside from the Invisible District and the Undercity, CoCoTown had the most number of non human species which only added to its exoticism. Even some of the adds were made primary for other humanoids. Humanocetric policy of the Republic, despite existing of laws that equalize all the sentinenrs, was still prevalent and visible but not in this merchant district. There were no clear barriers between homo sapiens and non-humans here plain example being a human woman sneaking into the night with a Twi'lek.
She had to pull her head back to meet the man's eyes. He was very tall and robust which completed argued with the common stereotype his species was lean and built for agility rather than strength. Her eyes stopped for a moment on bands that eclipsed the man's tendrils...Hmm...they had a special name but Golda couldn't really recall how these strange head tentacles were called. For a moment she stared at the two tattoos, letting her brows to arch in an expression of a mild surprise. He sure loved his Twi'lek women.
Only then her mind registered that the alien asked her a question. Blinking as if caught red handed on something sinister, Golda averted her gaze and looked at the surrounding buildings. ”I am always in troubles.” She smiled but it didn't have any mirth in it. The human wondered if the Twi'lek could even understand the true meaning of this sentence.
Golds stopped for a moment, wondering what to do now. Another bar? Maybe a club? Her apartment? No..that could end up badly. She had gotten her lesson few years ago. Instead the woman settled for a simple question. ”What's your name?” They stood in the middle of a narrow street, more of a pavement running between the two short buildings. The distant call of sirens filled the air. ”Crap...Come one.” Her place in one of the quarters' districts and Golda began to walk in its direction as it occurred to her maybe Darek was not really dead and just pissed off. The Twi'lek had already saved her life once so maybe it was safer to at least have him walk her home. She didn't like to owe anything to anyone, especially to a man, alien or not and if often she would look a way to just sneak from a deal, such random acts of kindness like the one in the bar, would leave Golda with a strange sense of being in debt.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 13, 2012 17:19:24 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 13, 2012 17:19:24 GMT -5
Zelada was doing a rather good job of understanding the human woman really, surprisingly so given his poor knowledge of Basic. She was in trouble, and she wanted to know his name. Those were both simple as could be, and totally understandable.
As he continued to follow her, he pointed to his chest and spoke his name.
"Zelada'ven."
He remained glued to her side through the crowd, only briefly perking up at the sound of sirens. Well, he'd done nothing wrong really, so he couldn't be blamed. He'd even paid his bill just for good measure, but that didn't mean he wanted any run-ins with the police. He much preferred avoiding them completely.
Apparently this woman did to, as she upped her pace a little to better leave the area. He was guessing she had a few problems with the constabulary. But in his opinion that didn't lessen anything about what he'd done. He was just as likely to defend a woman with a checkered past as a lily-white one. It was just the way he was built.
"An joo? Vas yor' nem?" Zelada asked cheerily, or as cheerily as he could muster in such an alien language. For all he knew his emphasis was off.
If only more humans spoke Huttese. That would have been nice.
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
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Jan 14, 2012 14:56:59 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 14, 2012 14:56:59 GMT -5
She trailed the blue finger with her gaze. ”Zel..a...da..ven..?” Golda repeated as well as her poor knowledge of Twi'lek would let her. ”I will call you Zel.” The woman decided after a moment of pondering his name. Only after few moments she realized it was only fair to introduce herself. She had a bad habit of using different names for different people but often the lie could easily checked.
They began to walk away from the commotion and into a wider, more popular avenue. The cold street lights was throwing long shadows on the ground. Few people of various species passed them by, not gracing them with even one gaze. CoCo Town was a multicultural though as soon as the odd couple left the merchant district, the population shifted toward the majority of humans.
The woman stopped again to look at Zel. It struck her how amazingly vivid eyes he had, they seemed to convey every change in the man's mood or any doubt he might have. This was not a poker face. ”Name's Golda. “ She answered after a long moment of silence. The sound of sirens died down which immediately caused her to relax and lean against the wall. ”What now? I am not sure if you know, but the man you beat up is not someone you want to piss off.” Golda chuckled with mischief. The adrenaline rush began to wear off and pain from hurt wrist began to creep in. In her mouth, she could feel metallic taste of blood. That was a close call which made her think for how long she could go on like this.
It was a strange situation, as Golda didn't really know how to ask Zel for help. Or offer anything in return, after all she had a debt to pay. A small frown marred her features. ”Listen...I don't have much to pay you. I am not even sure who you are...” The human wondered how much Zel actually understood from all this or even was aware in how awkward position Golda felt she was in right now. Her hand went up to touch the bump already formed on the back of her head. Faint hiss of pain left her lips as the injury was much more painful than the woman expected.
((I am sorry for it may bit rushed >.< I had a long day at work...))
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 14, 2012 16:43:04 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 14, 2012 16:43:04 GMT -5
Zel worked. Of course in his estimation Zelada wasn't that hard to say. Well, for his tongue at least. Apparently it wasn't so easy for her to do it. That was a real pity, he'd have loved for a conversation in a language he better understood. And spoke.
Too few people on the Republic spoke Huttese, and Ryl for that matter. It was just another reminder that he was different from the human walking at his side. Different gender. Different race. Different language. So very alien from each other, yet they were still managing to communicate.
"Golda, dassa nice nem." Zelada said cheerily with a warm smile as the two passed under a neon sign advertising some kind of alcoholic beverage. Or so he presumed with his limited knowledge of the aurebesh. And the beauty was, he wasn't lying. Golda was indeed a nice name, and surprisingly not that hard to say for him. It wasn't quite a Twi'lek name, but it wasn't bad.
He couldn't quite catch all of the rest she said, something that seemed to be related to the man who he'd punched out. Probably something along the general lines of "gee, you don't want to mess with this guy." Of course that meant absolutely nothing to a man who'd messed with a Hutt. Once you'd done that, anything was child's play in terms of grudges.
And he was under the impression she didn't have anything to pay him. Well that was hardly a surprise, and didn't matter since he hadn't intervened in the expectation of pay. But wasn't that just life nowadays? One good turn and people expected to have to pay. No such thing as a free lunch and charity.
Well in his book, there was.
"S'ok, you no pay. Dis one on free." He winked to drive home the playful tone he was hoping to convey. Sometimes people had trouble picking up on his tone through his broken Basic, instead noticing his muscles or his weapons instead of the emotions in his hazel eyes. That was their loss.
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
Guardian
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Jan 16, 2012 7:10:32 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 16, 2012 7:10:32 GMT -5
The awkward compliment made her uneasy. It was sure nice to hear her name sound nice for a man, even if an alien man, though when it came to the species Golda rarely discriminated. Her son being a good example of that. ”Uhmm...I guess....” She answered, fiddling her hair nervously. Such things were difficult for her, even before Eli had been born. A child that had never been praised felt threatened by even a simple compliment, at least Golda had. Her attention instead diverted to the near by commercial of exotic wine.
The Twi'lek smiled at that, with a warm and kind smile, the woman had rarely seen recently. Kindness was not something a smuggler would meet with often, especially kindness from a stranger of another species. Her gaze escaped to the side, looking for a convenient distraction. It was hard to understand Zel but the body language was shared by their kinds which eased the communication significantly. Didn't reduce her stress. The familiar feeling of anxiety crept up her spine, once all the adrenaline from the fight had worn off and subtle tremble could be spotted about Golda's palms.
It would be easier to just pay him, offer some symbolic sum of money and let it go. Forget like many others things in her life. Golda looked again on the goodnatured features. With the broken basic, Zel explained he didn't need any money although the woman had problems with deciphering what the wink and the last words meant. ”Listen, I am not sure...who you are? Where do you live?” It was the same naivety that had brought her troubles all these years ago. Zel was the first person in many, many months if not years to show her such genuine kindness without asking for anything in return. Some might say it was rather obvious to help fellow sentient being but not in Golda's world where dominant occurrences were self-interest.
Without waiting for an answer, she began to slowly walk toward her place. The Twi'lek was either very brave or very stupid to make an enemy from someone who looked so dangerous, then again he might have not understood Golda at all. Even if he didn't, attacking well armed humans on Coruscan fell into the category of foolish bravery. Especially this kind of foolish bravery many women loved and Golda was no exception.
The street opened to a small square where few apartment buildings stood. These were not an expensive kind of housing, but neither they were slums. Area typical for lower middle class of humans who lived near the Factory District. The one in the right, with luminance advertisement of a nearest hot spot club was where Golda had bought small studio flat. She stopped and looked at Zel, not really sure how to ask so he could easily understand. ”I...” His back pack and knowledge of language suggested he was here only for short time, probably on business or visiting a family. ”Where are you staying? In a hotel?” Golda hoped it was enough to give Zel some vague idea about what she was asking for.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 16, 2012 13:13:48 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 16, 2012 13:13:48 GMT -5
Zelada listened to the woman's questions before responding, and the chose to answer the second one first.
"Jus' arrive. Dunno yet." The truth. He didn't know where he was staying since this was his first day on the city world, and bed time was a few hours off. To be fully honest he'd planned on just taking a nap in an alley until he had a job going, then he'd be able to afford a hotel. He wasn't exactly into living over his means.
He moved onto the other question as their pace slowed, occasionally glancing over at the woman beside him instead of the lights all around him. It was polite to show a little interest in your company after all. And he was, strangely enough for a hired gun, into courtesy.
It was totally safe to say Zelada'ven was not your typical mercenary.
"I'ze a merc. Little o' dis, little o' dat. Itsa livin'."
He decided the next courteous thing would be to ask her what she did, even if the odds of him understanding her answer fully were pretty small. It was the thought that counted really.
"How 'bout joo? Wass joo do?"
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
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Jan 16, 2012 16:18:46 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 16, 2012 16:18:46 GMT -5
So he didn't have a place to stay. A Twi'lek with no fluency in basic was hardly someone who could afford much. There were really cheap places but you would have to be crazy to sleep there. Golda knew it was probably a bad idea, one of her worst and something Eliana would smack her over the head but despite all the cold aura of misery Golda was in fact clingy. Clingy like a stray cat who glues itself to the first person that showed kindness toward it. And nothing shows kindness like saving ones life. ”I have a place...it is not much, but you can sleep there today.” She tried to think when was last time someone had visited her. No man in a while for sure.
”A mercenary?” The woman asked as if to make sure. She suspected Zel had some kind of training, he had to have to dispatch Darek but then again his species wasn't famous for physical prowess or combat ability. Mostly slaves and racers. Though Zel was far more than average at least considering his height and muscle bound physiognomy. Golda blinked, realizing she was staring. ”Oh...so..about my offer?” The girl blushed, trembling in her hands much more visible. She was scared, probably aftershock of the encounter as many of her emotions, especially the strongest ones had tendency to have late reaction but that was not the worst. Wondering about having a man in a close proximity for few hours was...
”Me? I am...a freelancer. I do things for others, things they can't do alone.” Only then it hit her that this vague description fit to a hooker better than a smuggler. Hopefully Zel's skills in language didn't take him to this conclusion.
They were by the doors now. The buildings was old, nothing to flaunt in front of a stranger unless said stranger was poor like a gray mouse. Golda was proud of this little dump she called home, though in tru6th her home should be with her son, though somehow that thought made her uneasy.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 17, 2012 16:03:47 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 17, 2012 16:03:47 GMT -5
Zelada blinked as the woman seemed to extend him an offer to stay at her place for the night. Surely he couldn't be hearing that right, after all, he was a total stranger and she was a lone woman. Yes, he'd likely saved her life and there was such a thing as gratitude, but this was a bit much. Surprisingly much.
He must have misheard. That was the only explanation.
She then repeated what he'd said, apparently marveling that he was a mercenary. To be honest it wasn't all that unusual a profession in the galaxy. It was a big place out there, filled with all kinds of sentients. And some would need jobs done, and people like him were there to see to it they got done.
He tried to stay remotely ethical with his work, making it a personal point not to kill anyone who didn't deserve it, but there were exceptions. Plenty of exceptions. The Rutian Twi'lek had done a lot of things he wasn't proud of in his life, working for Hutts would do that, but he'd left that and was trying to stay pretty clean. Hell, he'd even taken mundane and boring jobs rather than ones involving any particular violence. Zel had been learning all kinds of helpful little skills, from tinkering to arc welding with a fusioncutter.
Some people in his line of work might have called that silly, and he wasn't so sure they were wrong. He was an odd merc. One with a conscience that he generally tried to follow, even when he was skirting laws, or flagrantly violating them as the case often was.
The woman sought to confirm he'd heard her offer, and he decided to try to confirm what she'd said now.
"So, joo gonna let me stay wit joo tonight? No jokes?" His tone was surprise bordering on incredulousness.
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
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Jan 18, 2012 5:57:26 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 18, 2012 5:57:26 GMT -5
The surprise, bordering on shock was more than clear on the man's features. This strange reaction and the interpretation of it caused her cheeks to blossom with a crimson glow even more. Was it inappropriate? He had saved her life and she wanted to pay a debt, a debt he may not believe that existed but Golda was not used to be a damsel in distress. Then again there was another reason named Darek, that most likely wouldn't let go of the grudge easily. Being beat up by a Twi'lek was not something the human like the aged smuggler would live and forget.
Wait...Wait!....It's not...” She rubbed her forehead, cursing out language gap and her haste offer. ”You would sleep on a couch. Couch! Not...It was not about that.” Golda added. ”Hey, It's the least I can do for saving my life. Treat it as a favor for a favor. Nothing more.” She tried to change the awkward subject onto something more neutral. Looking like a lady of the night was not something the woman would want right now. From her perspective, the proposal was not so outrageous but then again she was a human raised on a Crosucant. The Factory District often worked on a system of favors. Any big, poor community did after some time, thought Zel was not from around here.
Golda could feel there was a wall between them, both racial and cultural, let alone a language barrier. Despite all this, she did think it was a reasonable way of showing gratitude. It was possible she wouldn't sleep today anyway, so one more person in the room was not such bother. Many would think Golda was very naïve and trusting when someone showed her so much honest kindness but she couldn't help it. A neglected child in her always craved for appreciation and care.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 18, 2012 18:41:45 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 18, 2012 18:41:45 GMT -5
Zelada nodded his agreement to the offer as the woman elaborated. A couch was what? Something you sat on? He was under that general impression, though it was possible he was wrong. Well, perhaps not so possible. What else was he supposed to sleep on? He knew she hadn't said bed or floor, so that was fine. Couch it was.
"Tanks," he said in his thick accent as he grinned. Yes, this was infinitely better than sleeping outside on the dirty ground until he found work. He was grateful for that, quite grateful indeed.
Now if only this woman had spoken Huttese. Ryl was obviously out of the question since she lacked headtails. Of course that didn't stop some people from trying, and that meant you had about half a meaning to each sentence. It lacked subtlety that way.
Together they passed through the doors of the aging building and Zelada peered around curiously. It was worn yes, but not decrepit. Aging, but not a ruin. It was, in short, like any other lower-middle class apartment on a city world. Not bad, but not great.
It was obvious the woman besides him wasn't one of means, and he didn't want to disturb her routine or her finances much. He'd sleep on the couch for the night, and then he'd leave in the morning in search of breakfast and a job. That way he wouldn't burden her.
He had a delicate touch around women, which was a little odd since he was so massive and made a living with the use of force. Well, he was just a little odd. There was no way around that.
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
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Jan 19, 2012 15:11:57 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 19, 2012 15:11:57 GMT -5
He nodded and grinned. Either her explanation worked or Zel didn't understand a word and just decided to go with it. ”Ok...” Golda responded with a small frown. Her hand trembled slightly when he was opening the doors. A simple code was not a good protection, actually it was not a protection at all. The hallway was neglected to say the least. Ugly paint paired with cans and cigarette butts gave rather unpleasant impression. But it was a home.
The small apartment was located at the top floor with a nice view on the Coco Town district. She stepped over small cat stretched on the ground. The creature meowed loudly in a protest. ”it's a stray cat, we feed him sometimes.” It was actually Eli who liked this feline and often when visiting mother, the boy would chase after it for long minutes. Though Golda didn't precise aloud who was 'we'.
The doors opened and she stepped into a plain looking room with little to no personal items. White walls, red carpet with few old stains on it. A picture of a three year old boy though hardly a human and few prizes from her early years. Back when fighting was a thrilling experience. Overall not something a very picky person would like to live in but for Golda it was alright. It had a kitchen, small bathroom, coach, table, bed. All items looked worn and cheap. She tried to remember when was the last time she had a visitor who wasn't her old aunt or a small boy.
The woman turned to face the Twi'lek and awkwardly spread her hands. ”That's it...not much.” She shrugged indifferently but then remembered she had couple of steaks in the fridge. It was surprising for most but Golda was a good cook. She had to be working three years in her aunt's bar as a cook, waitress and god knows what else. ”Would you...would you like something to eat?” It struck her now but it was actually nice to have someone here who wasn't on business or her family. Awareness of how lonely and reclusive she had became for the past couple of years was almost sad if not pathetic. As if she had forgotten how is to have guests. ”Uhmm...I have two Roba steaks with cabbage. “ Golda tried very hard not to look nervous but constant fiddling with her hair and fidgeting didn't really help it.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 20, 2012 2:04:10 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 20, 2012 2:04:10 GMT -5
"No, I jus' et," Zelada answered as he peered around the apartment, scrutinizing furnishings carefully, automatically looking for clues about the tenant. It wasn't that he was particularly suspicious or worried, quite to the contrary. None of his combat instincts were flaring, and there was nothing at all to indicate anything was underhanded or 'up.' Yes, he supposed it was technically possible the fight had been completely staged for his benefit and this was a cunning trap, but really, wasn't that a bit of a herculean effort to make to mess with one lone Twi'lek merc?
No, it was clear as he peered around at the touches of decoration and the little homey-bits that this was perfectly normal, as normal as it seemed. A thankful woman was simply being welcoming to him. Sometimes things didn't have to be complicated. This was one of them.
As he noticed a picture of a small child, it suddenly became clear who the 'we' the woman referenced was. She wasn't the only member of her family, there was a son. A half-Zabrak one he noticed, judging by the horns. Well he'd just spent two weeks on Iridonia among the Zabraks there, and he'd gotten used to the horns. The freezing and miserable cold? Not so much. That was far outside his comfort zone. To be fair though, he wasn't that keen on the twin-sunned ball of dirt that was Tatooine. Or Molovar for that matter, and he'd been stuck there for quite a while working a job. Lucrative one too, but that had dried up, and the money was all spent and saved.
His own family had received a great deal of it when he'd found them again. There was his mother Lyn, a beautiful woman in her own right, but nothing compared to his sister, Supisy. She was Rutian like he was, like their father had been. And now there was his stepfather and his former mentor Cotan'poy, and Vuren, his half-brother.
This woman had a family just like he did. That was the beautiful thing about people, everyone had some kind of family in the universe, whether chosen or by blood.
With a smile, he pointed to the picture.
"Wass 'is nem? 'Ow ol' iz he?"
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
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Jan 20, 2012 7:04:17 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 20, 2012 7:04:17 GMT -5
Her apartment was cozy, as cozy as two chamber home can be. She took off her jacket and hanged it on the back of a chair. Golda wanted to ask about something to drink when Zel pointed at the picture of her son. The boy was playing with few pazaak cards he snatched from his aunt. The picture was taken half year ago before Eli turned 3, nevertheless his horns began to show. They wouldn't grow though until he comes of age or so she was told. Golda also asked if there was a way to remove them but the doctor had looked at her as if she was either insane or stupid.
The woman slowly walked to Zel . He didn't seem to be disturbed or even mildly surprised about what her son was. Then again, humans tend to be much more judgmental than many other species. A lesson Golda had learned many times even by just walking with Eli. The boy had clearly Zabrak features, muted by his human blood, though inner biology was a curious amalgamate of species that evolved under two different suns. ”It's Eli, he finished his third year of life couple of months ago” It was strange, almost unnatural to talk about her child. As if she wanted to be a mother but was too ashamed to admit it.
Golda took the picture . ”He doesn't live with me, though.” It was hard to tell if it was sadness in her voice or resignation. She placed the photo back on its place and gestured Zel to sit down. ”Do you want something to drink?” There was some forgotten bottle of Corellian wine. Next to it few pills of xanax were lying about. As if by reflex Golda reached for them than stopped...She didn't need them. She felt safe and calm.
Her eyes trailed off to the blue alien. He was so unlike most men, human or otherwise she had met. Gentle, calm, collected if not a bit goofy but that may as well be language barrier. She smiled, but unlike before. It was a shy smile of an embarrassed girl who didn't really know what to say. ”Do you have anyone? I mean...family.” The woman finally asked, her gaze trailed off to the two tattoos the man was sporting.
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last online Apr 19, 2013 18:45:53 GMT -5
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Jan 20, 2012 17:12:36 GMT -5
Post by Lemur, The Kool-Aid Guy on Jan 20, 2012 17:12:36 GMT -5
"Shore, I'd trink." Zelada answered, since the absence of his beer was felt far more than the completion of his fish and chips. Hunger was no issue while thirst was definitely present, for either alcohol or something soft. It was important to stay hydrated, and in social situations, lubricated.
As to the other question, it had a bit of an answer to it, and luckily he had a visual aid. He set his duffel down on the couch and opened it, rummaging through it and wondering if Golda could see his small arsenal as he finally found what he was looking for. A leather book about the size of his massive bicep, one brimming with pictures. Real pictures of his family. But first, he'd noticed his tattoos had been noticed. And there was a story behind each.
He pointed to his right bicep, pulling up his sleeve a little farther to make sure nothing was obscured. Clearly visible was the lithe and willowy figure of a green Twi'lek woman, with a warm smile and soft eyes. The tattoo was obviously of the highest quality, and the same could be said of the young woman.
"Das Gida. My firs' luv. She gon' now."
He rotated to showcase the other bicep, where another woman was. This one was just as beautiful as the other, but in a different way. Her skin was a brilliant yellow and she had bold, dramatic curves. A vivacious grin was barely visible as she was half-looking away.
"Das Koyi. She lef' me."
He could still remember what parting ways had felt like for him. The sweet and kind Gida had been a slave, sold to another owner, and when he'd finally learned to seriously love again with the bold and assertive Koyi, she'd eventually had to switch her smuggling run and bid him farewell. Both losses still stung a little, and he realized that despite the occasional fling, he hadn't been serious with a woman since those two. And he'd probably never be serious again.
He sighed as he ran two massive hands over the book of photos and opened them up, from the back to show the current pictures. The first one he pointed to was a recent family album, with him kneeling in the center being hugged vigorously by his half-brother, as his mother and stepfather stood together and his lovely sister stood to the other side.
He pointed to each of them in turn, providing a description as best as he could.
"Dis is Supisy, she my sister. Rutian like me. Dis my dad, Cotan'poy, an' my ma, Lyn. An' dis Vuren, little brother. Dey all runna brew- brewery, an a restauran' togetha."
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