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[demonicbeauty]

[Ariadne's gotten good enough with her Omni that the feed only wobbles a little bit when she turns it on.  That's progress!  No one's getting sea sick.  Hopefully.

She's standing on the threshold, between her building and her garden, moonlight lighting up her silhouette.  She's wearing her gold gown, clearly eager to make a good impression.  Her long hair is unbound, falling nearly to her calves in rolling waves.  It gives her the look of some kind of forest spirit (but she's not one, Maul, shut up).

Arrayed behind her is Serenity Garden.  Which would look a bit more impressive in sunlight, but Ariadne's done her best to arrange lanterns to illuminate everything.  She does, however, continually cast a concerned glance over her shoulder.  You can't trust fire, you can't turn your back on it.]

Well, it's April.  So I was planning to announce the opening of Serenity Garden to the public.  It's just meant to be a nice place where you can sit, meditate, talk with a friend, court your lover.  Just be in nature.  All are welcome, but no violence against the other guests or the trees.

...hopefully the sun will be back soon so you can enjoy seeing it in the daylight.

[But it's Trench, so that may not be a sure thing.  She can only hope.

Although, on the subject of hope:]

Also, the anniversary of my birth is at the end of the month.  Does that mean I should expect some kind of mysterious gift?  Any thoughts on what that might be?  Just so I can...prepare myself.

Comments

[demonicbeauty]

Do you actually want to know, though?

I mean...it's someone else's life now. Isn't it?

[democratically]

Even if that may be, it doesn't negate the curiosity.

[demonicbeauty]

I suppose not.

[She considers it.]

I wonder what I would do, if there was anyone from my world or my future here...

[democratically]

Say hello?

[Although her own reactions may differ... Were Ryoo or Pooja to show up, all grown, Padmé likely would be taken aback.]

[demonicbeauty]

[Ariadne laughs. A bright, bell-like sound.]

Well, yes.

But I do that with anyone.

[democratically]

[A mischievous smile in turn.]

One never knows.

[demonicbeauty]

I suppose if someone came after me with one of those light swords, "hello" might not be the first thing on my mind.

[democratically]

No. Likely by the stars, whatever are you doing...

[Thankfully she has not had that problem.]

[demonicbeauty]

I sometimes think one or two of the Jedi or Sith might still come after me, one day.

I ask too many questions.

[democratically]

Those must be quite the questions.

[demonicbeauty]

From a certain point of view.

I love your universe, though. It just seems so...full of possibilities.

[democratically]

It can be.

[Yet even with the light, there is still darkness. There are possibilities for some, but not for all. Would that she were able to make it more equal for all. She does what she can, but there are days when it seems like every step forward also means two steps back.]

[demonicbeauty]

Can be.

[That's loaded. But Ariadne doesn't want to pry.]

Tell me this, then: What's your absolute, favorite place in all of your worlds?

[democratically]

That's an easy and biased answer. Varykino Villa. It's our residence in the Lake Country.

[Fond memories of growing up there and playing, and of wedding Anakin in a secret ceremony...]

[demonicbeauty]

Sometimes, I want an easy and biased answer.

Tell me about it.

[democratically]

Centuries before my family owned it, it was a place where artists went, to reside together and think deep thoughts.

[Slightly wry, but also understanding.]

It's on an island of the same name, surrounded by water. There is plenty of plant life on the actual island, from trees to vines to scrubs. Crisp and cool in the mornings, the water warms up later in the day. Sandy beaches as well. The building itself is open and airy.

[demonicbeauty]

Sounds much nicer than the jungle we were in.

Calm. Tranquil.

[democratically]

It was. Lively as well at times. We would vacation there, and bring friends up with us.

[demonicbeauty]

[She smiles.]

It sounds wonderful.

I hope you can find a place like that here.

[democratically]

It is. But I can make do without it. I'm happy enough just to be able to carve out a space here.

[demonicbeauty]

Maybe my garden can become a special place for you?

That's what I want it to be. Something gentle and serene for everyone.

[democratically]

It does look very lovely.

[demonicbeauty]

Then say you'll visit?

[democratically]

Of course I will.

[demonicbeauty]

Thank you.

[She bows her head.]