Fwd: Ensign Haukea-Willow - Better When I’m Dancing Under a Full Moon.
Aly Drolet
---------- Forwarded message ---------
Date: Sat, Oct 7, 2023 at 9:01 PM
Subject: Ensign Haukea-Willow - Better When I’m Dancing Under a Full Moon.
To: <sb118-...@googlegroups.com>
((Little Risa - Near Beach - Starbase 118))
Haukea doubted that Commodore Sal Taybrim had ever seen this side of her personality before. The side where her thoughts ran faster than she could physically process, therefore they rushed out her mouth at a rapid pace, being processed in the moment. The side where she physically couldn’t stop herself from sharing every excruciating detail whether relevant or not. The side of herself where she was far too cheerful for most individuals liking and was brutally honest. The side of herself that she forced to keep tapped down when wearing her uniform.
Even with her excessive word vomit, the conversation naturally turned towards mention of the Risian Moon Festival. The Moon festival took place from about mid September, according to the standard Starfleet calendar, to mid winter, or late December. The two and a half to three month festival was built to celebrate the significance of the ancient harvest, camaraderie during long, cold winter nights, (from before such technology was invented to create a consistent mildly tropical weather pattern) and pay homage to figures in ancient mythology, such as those that dealt with the harvest, ocean as well as fertility; mostly all female.
Haukea loved this time of year as it was a chance to connect with family, friends, community and nature. It meant many late nights under several full moons dancing in shallow salty water. Yet, since running into Sal, the festival was no longer her main priority during her visit to Little Risa, as the Commodore had someone new to introduce her to.
Taybrim: Come. I’d like you to meet the amazing Haukea-Willow. Willow, meet Counselor Karen Stendhal.
Haukea was as always overjoyed to meet new people. New people meant new perspectives, stories, experiences. It meant she had someone new to ramble, word vomit and info-dump to, as silly as that sounded. It was someone new to get used to her little quarks, to come to love them. She smiled towards the counselor, squeezing her hands together to avoid an over exaggerated display of affection.
Stendhal: Nice to meet you both, and please, especially in a place like this, just call me Karen.
Willow: Lovely to meet you Karen. You likely won’t be seeing me much in counseling but here…Now that’s a different story. And please call me Haukea.
Taybrim: Well, by that note, then please just call me Sal. Especially on the beach! I hope you are both enjoying Little Risa?
Naturally, being Risian herself, Haukea found immense comfort in visiting Little Risia. It certainly wasn’t the same as naturally being on the planet of Risa, yet it provided a strong replacement, or home away from home so to speak. What she enjoyed most about the Little Risa sector of 118 was the temperature. It was warmer than other places on base while not coming across as stuffy or stifling. However, what would make the experience better was the addition of her cousin and family friends.
Stendhal: Oh, I must share with you that this is truly one of the finest places in the entire Galaxy to serve. Of course, one of the reasons for that is the exceptional crew and the awesome chain of command.
Taybrim: I would like to think we do a good job ::He smiled gently:: But I appreciate hearing it!
Willow: I have to agree. Although I have not been stationed here a full year yet, I would want to be no place else.
Walking together the three of them, Haukea took in the picture perfect warmth, allowing it to flood her skin, her smile growing wider with pleasure.
Stendhal: Commodore Sal would a hug be too out of place? Rustyy's had his share, and when it comes to my hug list, you and Foster are high on it.
Haukea loved this woman already. Not only was she lovely to be around but she was a fan of hugs, something that was a part of Haukea’s love language, physical touch. Sal appeared to agree as well with the way his smile grew.
Taybrim: I would love one!
Willow: You’re offering me one as well, right? ::Her smile was wide, a slight bell-like laugh in her voice indicating her joking nature::
Stendhal: Response
Taybrim: I would like to think I give good hugs – and in Little Risa they are freely offered.
Sal offered a hug to the both of them and Haukea freely accepted the offer, attempting not to completely melt in his arms as she so often did in hugs, the pressure, touch and comfort relaxing her nervous system.
Willow: I’ll take a hug anytime. Come find me if you guys ever need one.
Stendhal: Response
With introductions and informal greetings out of the way Sal turned back towards the beach, the music, the festival in general.
Taybrim: You know, there is the opportunity for both drinking – and dancing! Would either or both of you like to partake in either – or both?
Willow: I’m not much of one for drinking during the festival. And yes, it’s always better when you’re dancing. Though the best dancing is done at night.
Stendhal/Taybrim: Response
Willow: Yes at night, under the full moon.
Stendhal/Taybrim: Response
Willow: That’s why they call it a moon festival after all.
Stendhal/Taybrim: Response
