Private A Royal Encounter

[Iwata Kin]

It could have been an intimidating experience, standing before three princesses, but the festive atmosphere and the kindness Junko had shown quelled any fears Iwata had of offending our annoying the royal persons. Both she and the twins had glanced at Junko, as if to gain her approval. To Iwata's surprise, the Princess quieted the captain. The large tiger rose as if to remind everyone of Junko's authority, but was quickly eased by a morsel from the Princesses hand.

As if reading Junko Ike , one of the young princesses diplomatically answer Iwata, avoiding any offense to the Princess when it came to Iwata, and instead inviting her friends. Iwata turned to see Sun and the few others looked at each other in disbelief, then their sergeant also motioned to them to join her. Four Jade Screamers made their way next to Iwata, standing before the princesses.

Iwata loved the twin's little game. They were near identical, and the only way she could tell them apart was that she learned the subtle differences she had noticed when she lived on their home world of Shri-Tal. The holomedia liked to post images of the lovely girls, and Iwata was a fan of them even when young teenagers. She looked to her comrades with a wry grin.

"So, the most generous princesses say they will dance with the one who can tell them apart and name them." Iwata said with her smile beaming. The four soldiers grew quiet, eyeing the porcelain-skinned girls. One of the young men, Kuri, hesitantly leaned to Iwata, to keep his answer secret. "Shōda is on the right."

"No!" Iwata declared. Kuri frowned and stepped back as their friends giggled. Sun came up next, the small woman whispering her answer into Iwata's ear. She too had it wrong, and snapped her fingers in frustration. Finally, Doku offered his answer. "Its easy, Shōda is on the left." He declared confidently. It seemed the young Jade Screamer was a fan himself of the twin princesses, and had looked at enough holo images of them to know the difference. Iwata clapped him on the back.

"Good job Doku!" She exclaimed while the other three clapped.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko clapped to that as the twins nodded approval to being found out. Rising up and going to dance with the two who got it.. well the one but the fourth one kind of won by default as they stood there and moved around the table to go and dance with the jade screamers. Junko motioned with her hand for Iwata to take a seat and enjoy the food and drinks with her as she spoke. "Sooner then I expected but not unwelcome." She said it and took a sip of the tea she was drinking... some of the bread was there and a cake but Junko was eating just enough to be full but not in a way delicate. "Sit sit join me." Junko motioned to the seat near her and Xiganf as the tiger mostly drank some of the water at the side of the seat she was near but still a mountain of fur and muscle near her. "Xifang might look mean but very loving... if you are me. Other might lose a hand."

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata watched her comrades accompany the Shri-Tal princesses from the table to the open area where much of the dancing a festivities were taking place. The sergeant would certainly get some appreciation from her group of soilders later for her bold maneuver, earning them personal time with the lovely twins.

Turning back, Iwata found Princess Ike's gaze on her, gesturing for the Jade Screamer to join her at the table. Iwata paused, unsure that the Princess was actually speaking to her, finding it unbeleivable that Junko Ike would request her company at the head table. Iwata moved to take the vacant seat next to the royal beauty, her eyes darting to the big cat beside Junko. He was intimidating indeed. The soldier woman settled into the chair, her hands folded and resting on the table before her, posture straight and proper. The Princess offered a sublte admonishment about her pet.

"Yes, your Highness, it is again my great pleasure to be in your presence." Iwata answered, continuing to maintain a formal tone with the Princess, unwilling to do or say something that might offend the Princess. Iwata was not accustomed to conversing with royal or famous people. Iwata did treasure the moment, to be so close to one of the most respected and admired figure in all the Commonwealth. And to be able to witness Junko's great beauty up close and personal.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko listened to her and nodded taking in her proper manners for it as her hand came out. "There is no need to be so formal, this is a celebration after all. Loosen up just enough to have some fun, never know what might happen." She said it with a smile on her face and pointed to the dancers above their heads on the silk who moved gracefully. "Now it has been a while but I know many screamers are proud of their longma. Tell me somethings about you aside from coming from Shri-Tal." Which wa sin itself an impressive one she knew some had stayed to rebuild and many came here to bring order to the homeworld... now though rebuilding efforts were getting impressive enough to restore and upgrade much of the colony system.

 

[Iwata Kin]

A small, nervous laugh escaped Iwata's lips as the Princess encouraged her to relax. The Screamer sergeant settled against the back of her chair, her hands resting casually on the arms. She wondered what the Princess meant by not knowing what might happen, but Iwata was intent on trying to be herself, even in the presence of the royal woman. The young woman was still confounded that such a powerful and popular person would take any sort of interest in her. But she did, and asked to learn more about the soldier.

"I am not originally from Shri-Tal. I went there with others after..." She hated even saying the name, but she was sure the Princess knew what she meant. "...then I came back home to help." Iwata was hesitant to tell the Princess about her background, it was not the most commendable for a member of the Jade Screamers and royal soldier. But if she should be honest with anyone, it was the gracious Princess who had been so good to her.

"My mother was actually Umanushi." She paused, hoping not to disappoint the Princess. "My father was a liason from the imperial government. I was raised by he and his wife." Iwata explained, almost apologetically. Iwata was admitting that she was an illegitimate child, rejected by her mother's people for her impure blood. "I went to Kansai's Western Academy." She added, hoping to recover any disappointment she earned from the Princess.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

THe revelation surprised Juko... the horselords were proud and well they were dangerous... she knew only a few who had left their god let alone had children She knew a few things about them but this added to the sergeant... they were not the type to leave the planet and go into space... that alone showed a resolve few others had. "A Umanushi who has gone into space... will wonders never cease." She said it with a smile on her face though and poured more of a drink while offering some of the small cakes. "Though the western Academy... I have been there... we myself and the empress handled some problems that were airising with a few students in the other academies but the Western Wolves were quite a sight on the battlefield."

Junko said it and sat there for the moment taking another sip from her cup while she was going over more of the information in her head... seeing if there was anything else she could think of. "But I should be more then fair, my family is from the Bei Xi and we have been part of the royal court for a long time... it was only recently when Shoma Ike was named the heir to the emperor and empress after his bravery in the battles and the passing of their children that I even imagined something like this." She said it and motioned to everything around them but there was more as Atrisia was changing and improving with mroe of the works... she knew the screamers were a part of that as they held the wall when it was in ruins and now that it was being fortified they were becoming even better.

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata watched specifically to see how the princess reacted to the revelation of the sergeant's heritage. If she was surprised Junko Ike didn't let on. She demurely commented on the irony of a Horselord child traveling in space. Iwata smiled slightly. Yes, the Umanushi were notoriously bad spacers, and who physically grew ill during interstellar travel. Iwata inherited some of that, her reaction not as strong as a full-blooded Umanushi, but still enough to require meds to ease her discomfort and anxiety.

The Princess, in turn, spoke of her home and of Shoma Ike . Much of it Iwata knew, for the lives of the royals were in a large part publicized. They were celebrities more popular than any holonet entertainer, and Iwata, as a fan and loyal subject, kept up on the news. "He is a brave warrior, and a wise choice for successor." Iwata agreed. She inhaled, savoring the exquisite fragrances that clung to the beautiful princess. The woman's presence was so powerful, Iwata could not make herself relax, though she attempted to by way of enjoying some of the sweet treats on the table.

"Thank you for coming, your Highness, your visits mean everything to the soldiers here." She offered suddenly. Of all things, Iwata disliked lack of gratitude, and she wanted to the princess to know thankful she was for the attention, both for the visit to the facility, and for the personal attention and kindness offered. She watched as her comrades danced with the twin princesses. It as truly a great day to return from patrol! Turning to the princess, Iwata cleared her throat. "I would very much like join the expedition to find the stronghold. What a great honor it would be to find such a legendary place."

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko listened to her with the praise but she was excited... there was plenty here still to do but the chance for her to be on the expedition well that did open up more fun. "Well then if you arer coming you should pack well, it shouldn't be to bad and we have the latest in travel equipment with the living modules so shelter and food will not be a problem." Junko had some other ideas about what they might be able to do... she rather planned to enjoy tonight and stood up offering an arm. "Well until you are ready though you can be my escort and show me around." There was a sound from next to her and she looked. "Show us around. Xifang does enjoy the night air and the lights from the anshin are beautiful since they opened up much of its entertainment districts." Junko raised an eyebrow at the chasllenge to show her and impress her more as the twin princeses were dancing and having fun. her handmaidens could handle telling them if needed.

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata was even more excited for the expedition as the Princess shared how the mission would have the finest equipment. Of course it would, Junko Ike would make sure of it. She took care of those who served Atrisia. "I will make sure to prepare well, your Highness." The Jade Screamer affirmed with a small smile, concealing her excitement. But, it seemed there would be even more excitement that evening, as the glamorous princess stood and invited Iwata to escort her through the facility. There was a challenge in the invitation, at least for Iwata, to impress the Princess Ike. Quite a task given most of the improvments and highlights of Longkou were made at her behest.

Iwata stood. "It would be my pleasure, your Highness." She held out her arm for the Princess to take and she lead the elegant guest from the festive hall, the giant tiger in tow. As the Princess suggested, Iwata guided then up to the top of the wall. It was much less crowded then it had been at the welcoming of the royal entourage, with only sentinals and battle droids manning guard positions along the wall. It was a clear night, and true to the princess' word, the lights of the orbital spaceyards were quite lovely.

While Iwata was average height for an Atrisian woman, she stood several inches taller than the Princess. As they strolled along the wall, many of the guards darted repeated glances to the uniformed Jade Screamer sergeant and the famous beautiful princess, as well as the prowling tiger at the royal's heel. Iwata was practically giddy to have Junko on her arm, as if she had the gorgeous princess all to herself. "As I am sure you know, this is one of the most fortified sections of the wall, being the center for military command." She began, realizing there was little she could tell Junko about the wall that she didn't already know. "But this is one of my most favorite spots."

She lead the Princess further down the wall, where a large platform stretched out on the inner side, upon it was a large anti-orbital ion cannon battery. She lead the Princess and her pet along the outside of the weapon installation, until the stood below its large barrel as it pointed skyward. Before them in the distance, the myriad lights of Jar'Kai twinkled. Above the lights of Anshin glowed. Iwata looked out into the night at the city that had come back to life, with the help of the beautiful woman standing next to her. "I think it is so beautiful." She commented quietly.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

The walk was nice and seeing the lights of the Anshin and Jar'kai were beautiful. The Suo cannon was always an impressive cannon that they had developed for the walls and she could see the Orchid Platform was there.. the massive droids were mobile command and weapons platforms mounted with guns... guns and more guns.... the Kamiyama Class War Droid were there and she knew that there was near the bottom a Gentoku train that worked for military purposes. Junko was looking at the lights though and from here you could see the city of jar'kai... after everything it had largely been cleaned up and was sleek... filled with life and some wonder. The central spire standing tall and few knew everythign about the city aside from her which was nice... Still the sight was beautiful and her head turned to look up at the woman. "A wonderful sight to behold." Her finger came up as she pointed. "On the central spire of the main part of the city there are some lovely shops and they made a dance club. A little loud but it has given many a place to go and have fun."

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata inhaled, allowing the cool night air to fill her lungs and relax her, in spite of the electric pleasure of having Junko Ike herself on her arm. The Jade Screamer let her eyes gaze over the defenses that were part of that great wall. It was impressive, the technology practically unique in the galaxy, with the big-gunned platforms and hulking war droids. Some might have felt anxiety at the sight, to think such great armament was needed. But it all made Iwata feel secure. She knew, as most Atrisians by now, that such things were necessary to avoid suffering under foreign rule. It had been a reality for many of them.

She listened as the Princess spoke of the city, and the spire. "I haven't been to the spire, it sounds like a fun place to visit. Maybe on my next leave." She commented politely. Iwata's gaze dared to settle on the woman beside her. She still could not believe the glamorous and gorgeous Princess had chosen her for a quiet evening tour. "Your Highness, is there something in particular you would like to see? It would be my pleasure to show you anything you like." Iwata offered humbly. She only wished to serve and please the royal lady and benefactor of the military, for which Iwata had benefited as a royal soldier.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Hmm what would she like to see or do.... there was always the chance to go with the one she liked... all of the beautiful ladies but this was the wall got to be a little professional.. plus there was the garden of her palace for that with all of the statues and gallery of paintings. "I have always enjoyed stories... interesting people and animals... it is rare to meet one with beauty and brains.. they exist but few speak their minds or know how to hold a conversation. I have met jedi masters whose surface thoughts are everything they think and I have met ones who don't say anything but demand to be in charge. After awhile you just want to spend time with the more interesting people of the galaxy as opposed to the popular."

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata didn't expect to hear such pensive thoughts from The Princess. It was as if, for a moment, they were simply two women enjoying the company of the other on a nice night. It was almost intimate, how Junko shared her deeper thoughts on the nature of people, and what she truly liked. It was a surprisingly revealing revelation to the Jade Screamer. In that moment, Iwata discovered that Princess Junko Ike was more than glitz and glamor, more than power and charisma, more than a royal and a jedi, more than the gracious 'aways on' person the people of Atrisia loved. Junko Ike was also a person, a woman, who enjoyed things very much like the common Atrisian might. Interesting stories, unique people, meaningful conversation. Iwata felt a bit ashamed that she had such an adoring but shallow view of the beautiful Princess. She suddenly saw how much Junko carried upon her small frame, how much responsibility.

Iwata felt compelled to lay her and over the hand Junko had wrapped around her arm. "It is not easy to find someone who stops long enough to plumb their own thoughts, to consider the deeper things. There is a beauty all its own in that." Iwata answered. "So many people live their entire lives jumping from one moment to the next, trying so hard to be someone they aren't to impress others. They miss so much of life." She added, hoping she wasn't speaking too much. She had calmed in the relative quiet of the gun emplacement, but that flutter of excitement and amazement brought on by Junko Ike itself remained. And now, it wasn't just the fact that the famous Princess was alone with her, it was because she could now see the beautiful woman that Junko truly was. That flutter in her heart and belly seemed to grow stronger as she looked at the lovely Princess.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko looked at her and shje sensed in the force something but didn't make a reaction of it.. instead focusing and allowing herself a moment to indulge in the thoughts. THe sergeant was skilled and had talent but she was also good with her words and understanding. "Insightful, so you have beauty, braains and.." Junko looked at her in the armor for a moment and a third B word came to mind mostly to make a joke but she grinned and kept it to herself trailing off in her line of thoughts. She moved over towards the gun and found a place to sit down while raising an eyebrow. "So you do have me out here with you. What would you like to do next?"

 

[Iwata Kin]

The Princess offered a compliment, but left the end of it hang. Iwata found that unusual for a woman of such eloquent words, and wondered at what was left unsaid as the royal beauty's gaze fell to her armor. The sergeant felt her face he up with a flush. The idea that Junko Ike would find the humble Jade Screamer beautiful gave her a rush of excitement. Iwata began to offer her gratitude for such a gracious compliment when the Pirncess moved to sit on the duracrete base of the gun emplacement, and continued to speak.

The Princess' phrasing was unexpected, the question catching Iwata off guard. It was something someone might ask on a first date. Iwata didn't know what to do. She took a few steps to stand before Junko. The woman was breathtakingly gorgeous. What was the proper answer? She was a royal princess? What was the etiquette here? That was when Iwata realized. In the quiet of the night, where just the two of them stood overlooking the distant capitol, Iwata was not in the presence of Junko Ike the Royal Jedi Princess, she was with Junko Ike, the woman.

Even thought Iwata had fought valiantly for the Emperor and Empress many times, what she was about to do took more courage than any battle. She took out a small datapad from her uniform. With a few presses of her slender finger, light, slow music began to play. She set it down next to the Princess. Holding out her hand, Iwata swallowed hard. "I would love to dance with you, your Highness."

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Her eyebrow came up for a moment at the datapad and then music but JUnko internally was surprised a little. The sergeant had seemed to be more nervous about what she was feeling but now she was bold.... and JUnko was thinking about two things... the first was offering her hands for a dance Xifang might rear up and take the chaance... the tiger was perceptive when it came to her but knew how to get hugs when she made that pose... the other was that she would love to dance... but she imagined the surprise if Xifang had done it... mostly that likely Iwata would have backed up and off of the wall or something dangerous so something best not to allow to happen. She moved and joined her with the music playing as a grin came across her face. "Lead the way."

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata's gaze shifted to the big tiger that never was far from Junko's side. She almost forgot about Xifang as he sat quietly in the shadows. She didn't think about how the guardian pet would react to her approach and reach for the Princess. Luckily, the cat seemed to sense no danger in Iwata's intent, and allowed the soldier woman to take the Princess' hand.

Dark eyes watched in admiration as Junko rose gracefully. The music drifted on the air, occasionally competing with the mechanical sounds of a war droid passing by over along the top of the wall, or a drone in the sky overhead on its way to patrol. With the Princess' instruction, Iwata took the lead, her hand resting lightly and respectfully on Junko's waist, the other keeping her small hand in hers. Her feet began to move, guiding the royal woman in a casual dance. The Jade Screamer was remarkably agile, even in her armor, and was not hindered in the dance. She dared to keep her eyes on Junko, nearly mesmerized. There was that unbelieving thrill that she was actually dancing with, and only inches from the face of the great Junko Ike. But Iwata cooled that feeling. Being so close to Junko, she saw her much more as a woman and much less like the idol she had seen from afar.

"Do you ever get lonely?" Iwata asked softly, her courage still up. It seemed she was always surrounded by people, but did they look at her like a real person, or just a personality?

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Lonely.... hmmm Junko had to think about it as she danced and kept her eyes on contact with Iwata... there was a flow and she knew how to use her force awareness to her advantage but the screamer was also leading the way. "Hmm sometimes there is a lot that I am able to do to keep myself occupied. There are still places on Atrisia and the system's worlds that we have been working on." SHe said it with a grin and there was a whole lot of things for them. "We also have more reports and holo-entries to make... we recently uncovered a palace of the AMber Empress someone there was not much known about in our history."

She said it and the exploration of the palace had been different compared to others. the AMber empress was a recluse... she often went away for long periods of time." She said it and there was a lot that she did but she was only active when she was not roaming around the planet she was... well she was in her palace, in her garden... in her gallery with statues and paintings... poems and handmaidens who were lovely and loyal to her. "Though sometimes when I have the rare moment to myself and nothing to do or am waiting for news... it can be a little lonely even when surrounded by hundreds of people."

 

[Iwata Kin]

Iwata continued to guide her dance partner as the music played softly nearby. The Jade Screamer's gaze remained fixed on the Princess's, humbled that Junko would address her so directly, so casually, and meet her eyes as she did. Iwata also listened. She was sure Princess Ike was very busy, and probably had little time to feel things like loneliness. She had such interesting and exciting things going on, things she lead as part of Atrisia rising from chaos. But it touched Iwata that Junko did admit that, in those rare quiet times, she could feel loneliness. She was, after all, a person, a woman, just like her.

"I can't imagine." Iwata offered, sincere in her appreciation for what Junko did, for all of them, and the toll it must take on the woman at times. "So much is going on, building new things, discovering old ones. It is truly a wonderful time for Atrisia, and even the colonies. I am happy to be even a small part of it." Iwata commented, her gaze admiring Junko's intelligent, thoughtful eyes and beautiful features.

 

[Junko Ike]

Iwata Kin

Junko continued to move with her, to be guided in the dance as she listened and there were many who might know what she felt like.. she was spoiled, she was entitled in many ways and she did hold herself over some but she in no way thought she was the only person problems happened to in the universe... now being the center of it sure she was awesome and beautiful and had everything perfectly portioned... she was thinking it and not saying it... again showing she knew a few things more then others let on and the princess looked up at Iwata. "Well you comign with ,e for this will make you even more a part of it... though haven't decided if I should go by longma or palanquin... they can be cumbersome with droids carrying it but does let one enjoy the sights."