A Sit Down at the Palace

[Faith Organa]

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

It was a very colorful speech and would come in handy with diplomacy. Faith nodded in understanding of the emotions tied with Alderaan, her heritage and their culture. Faith could not offer her more than she had, or more to her house.

Opportunity within the Diplomatic Corps, her father on the High Counci these were not so much gifts as a sharing of responsibility. "I will have to also travel to Manaan in the next month, perhaps you would like to there as well. They are an interesting people with a long history."

And they had expectations of contracts from the Coalition the Queen was working on it.

"The galaxy is vast and we are but a small spot within it. So far our neighbors are all quiet and doing their own business but who is to say how long that will last." Faith feared war on Alderaan. She just couldn't help it.

Education would help, intelligence would come in handy but experience would be the teacher. "There are many factions out there, we need to approach them all, talk with them offer them something in exchange for something. We need friends I think you can help this be accomplished." She did she really did it would only take a little coaching and then they'd send her on her own.

Perhaps she would be the envoy to the Sovereignty, and the rumors of a new Republic rising they too would need to be approached. But that was not for today that was for after.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

So as they spoke, Marina found that there were many avenues and opportunities for her to serve in many ways as a representative of their great society. Perhaps many parts of the galaxy had tired of the never ending conflicts that were driven by greed and the zealous pursuit of domination by one aspect of the force. For through the eons of time, with the sith rising and falling, there were always those whom had suffered devastation, only to rise and prosper again such as her people.
It proved to the galaxy that voices that pursued peace could never be extinguished, even when darkness seemed to have stuck it mightiest of blows. Light always prevailed.

"I shall be honored to stand beside you, your majesty." Marina replied to the queen's notion of accompanying her to Manaan.

And life experiences would come to show their true worth for Marina. For she had indeed interacted with many cultures, both civilized and not. And her experiences within the Underworld, would be invaluable, for Marina had been within their fold. Not as one of them, but as an outsider who had been allowed right of passage without trials. Marina had indeed mingled among smugglers, pirates, mercenaries and bounty hunters. These interaction and life experiences within these groups would give her an edge very few in civilized societies had ever a chance to learn from. One could say she were primed through these experiences for diplomatic representation, much like her queen was suggesting.

"Yes, I have found that many systems desire to unite in peace, and form a common chain.. a link so to speak so that all may prosper with shared commerce. many do seek common allies with similar goals for an enduring peace. If I can be just one more voice to speak among these ideologies then it is what I shall do."

So it seemed perhaps that's what the stars had been calling her out to do. She had seen much but not seen all. She had met with many cultures and again had not had seen all. This then were her destiny...to be the voice of the ages that seek out those who seek peace. It all started to make sense.

 

[Faith Organa]

There was a lot to do within the Coalition so much potential for anyone who had the drive to do it. Alderaan had its own unique pockets for advancement. It would depend on how big the dream was.

"Aside from being a beacon for Alderaan culture and heritage...what do you aspire to be Marina?" Faith could see drive in the young woman's face she could see intelligence, and unlimited potential. But what did she want to be? A Diplomat on the Galactic stage? The organizer behind the scene?

"Laira knows her place where duty lies she will be Queen she has chosen to accept this. But your family do they see you as...what do you see ? What is it that would tell you all that you have done was for that moment, that...achievement." Faith wanted to know what would tell Marina she had accomplished her goals, she had become what she intended to be.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"I've not really thought about it, other than following the call within me to the stars, your majesty." She replied.

"...and at the same time being away from Alderaan, it has strengthened my resolve to speak for those whom were silenced. " It were how Marina could explain what she felt in her heart. To some perhaps it were as reading something from a book to describe their call...but for Marina it were yet fully defined. But the drive and path were and had been there and here she were not at this particular point in her life where she knew she were meant to be. How could something like that be described?

"I can see being no more than I am....Marina, your majesty." She were that, one who didn't seek power,but to answer a call of her ancestors.
"My true self is all I aspire to ever be....and should it one day require me to be put in my sister's place, should she not be able to fulfill my family's heritage, then I shall be Duchess DeVoe." Her honesty certainly were projecting through. It were that way with those whom were in Marina's company awhile. Truth.

"I seek no tittle, nor to be more than I am...but anything you command me to be, I will fulfill those duty to the best of my abilities, your majesty."

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Marina DeVoe"]


There was a hint of conviction in her voice as she spoke one that led Faith to believe that Marina had considered all things and felt her calling to be to stand and speak for those that were no longer with them. The ones who had been lost to the wars.

"Only do as I asked Marina remember who you are, where you are from that is all that I ask. But if one day you find that you would care to do something else just let me know." Faith felt assured that whatever Marina's path it would lead her to good things.

"Do you have any questions about being an intern?

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"No, your majesty. I am certain that any minor questions I have are, minute enough for me to ask our administration." Marina replied.
She and the Queen had talked a while and in that time, marina shed most of her anxiety and were in a calm state of mind. The Queen had a way to easy her people's mind, as she never seemed overbearing.
marina did have many questions, but as she explained, they were not in the context of asking the Queen as they pertained to administration.
There were details like, travel arrangements when accompanying the Queen. Even overnight stays at the palace itself when working long hours...things of the nature that the Queen's administrative staff could answer and have all arranged.

"If you wish... I can deliver your request to my father Duke Kyle DeVoe myself. I'm certain I can answer some of his inquiries on the matter before he come before you, your majesty."
Yes, perhaps the best news to deliver to the Duke would be best served by his own daughter on behalf of the Queen. But Marina could not do so, without first getting her Queens permission.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

Normally Faith would ask but it was not out of the question that Marina should bring it to his attention. If he then chose to decline they could both save a little face.

"Yes Marina that would work well that way if he wants to say no it can settled without making him come to court." How would some members of the court react if he did say no. She was Queen but that didn't give her the right to push her wishes onto anyone at all. Alderaan was not rules by a dictator.

oh goodness...

 

[Marina DeVoe]

It were unfathomable, the notion that her father would refuse.
But again, it weren't Marina's call to speak for her father. She had given her opinion and now it were a matter of her bringing it to her father.
Whatever the answer would be, marina had no doubt it would be her father who's answer his Queen yea or nay.

"Yes, your majesty." Marina replied, bowing her acknowledgement and respect.

All there was to do at this point was await for the queen to dismiss her. Then marina would get right on back home, give an hour or so flight time and see to her father on the matter of her majesty.

 

[Faith Organa]

"I look forward to your joining me on Onderon. I have been considering visiting our Embassy on Coruscant, would you be interested in going there?"

She looked over she could keep a young intern busy. And maybe just maybe there was one other thing she could request of the young woman. But that would come in time.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"Onderon..." Her hesitation were only that she knew little of that system. Other than some spoke of it in passing as it being sith occupied. But whatever the reason, her Queen were going there, she'd be there too.
"Yes, of course. I shall make it a point to be there early...I mean, not on Onderon. Early here so that I could come with your staff, your majesty."

There it were settled. Marina didn't even have to make a mental note on Onderon. She were in mindset at this moment to be there at the palace along with the Queen's entourage not on time, but before time.
Marina knew the Queen could count on her to be there on time, every time.

Everything then were settled between the Queen and Marina.
All that Marina were to do now was speed home, and pass on the message to her father.

With all that and then some out of the way, Marina bowed to her majesty and bid herself to be excused.
The Queen kindly permitted her do so and wished her well and safe journey back to the Aeiden Mountains.
With that, Marina once again thanked her Queen and was escorted out and on to the palace courtyard.

She made for her family speeder sedan, but not without first looking back up to the palace. She took a deep breath and couldn't believe that she never figured it were the Queen's palace when she used to fly over it as a little girl. She smiled in memory of those innocent days, then turned to enter her speeder. She had an important message and great news for her father and family on Mt Cetril.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

Mt Ceitril...House DeVoe...


"Father..." The new Duke acknowledged the old.
Duke Kyle DeVoe had finally made it back from one of the defensive outposts set along the Aeiden Mountain range, that he toured almost on a daily basis. It were one of 7 of the outposts that currently provided Alderaan with 1/5 of it's planetary defenses since the DeVoes had established themselves once again on a rightful system they could call Alderaan again.

"... these tours seem to take longer as we're upgrading the cannon series." He began, before realizing his father was more pre-occupied at looking over the southern part of the mountain range.

"I just came in through the hangars...the Mariner IV is still parked there...so can't be the flight risk.." he joked about his youngest daughter.
"What's the news on the front?" The Duke asked, meaning in the political arena. Duke Kyle DeVoe had taken up Head of Household, but his father the former Head, took care of politics.

"Because her ship's in the hangar, doesn't mean she's not buzzing the Queen's palace again....and I believe she's there with one of the family's speeders" His father took a moment to look away from the vista and face his son. His expression was serious.

"Marina flew to Aldera?...not near the palace?!"

"The palace...
I think she had to put down on the palace courts...hard to tell, as I haven't got intel yet..." The old Duke made it sound that Marina had been forced down, pulling one of her old and thought it had been left long behind, buzzing the palace.

"Oh, my God....of all the stunts-"

"Yo!...easy lad....you're her father."

"YES I'm her father! " he shouted, not at his own father but at the thought of his daughter having the nerve of knowing better...

"Tone it down... I had requested she go."

"Wait...wait, hold on a second....lets back up a few..." He said, regaining his composure and realizing he had been played by his father.
"Seriously...you sent her...why?"

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] [member="Marina DeVoe"]

It was very interesting watching Marina was she excited? She held her cards close to the vest and waited everything out. Good or Bad? Faith wasn't sure yet a lot like Laira that much was for certain.

But now would the father accept the offer and would they now once again put the High Council in place.

The Coalition Assembly had not met yet either. Perhaps they were too far apart. It weighed on her mind so much to do...

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Odd her father was standing there by the open hangar, as she made her approach.

Marina put down a meter above the landing platform and hovered the speeder into the family hanger. She picked up on her father's eyes, trailing her even after passing him to put the speeder down.
The hanger doors were closing as he came over to her, opening the door.
"Hey dad...thank you..." Marina said stepping out of the family speeder, giving her father a hello kiss.

"Hello..hello...so...how was the queen today?"

"Oh...grandfather spoke to you about it?"

"Not without some coaxing.... " he had taken her hand and helped her out.
The Duke turned a moment to the standby crew giving them a go ahead signal. The sounds of snow/debris clearing equipment sounded off, cleaning the bay from the snow that had blown in when the doors had opened to receive the speeder.

"Hadn't known he had covered for you in your youthful escapades. Buzzing Alderaa palace huh?"

"Uhm..yea...I..
Sigh...That was a long time ago-"

"But still not excusable..."

"Uhm...no."

"So what's the damage?....your grandfather thinks otherwise, but he is too fond of his granddaughter..."

"Dad...the queen wishes to see you."

His misstep before continuing on in escort his daughter inside, gave way to his discomfort...but would wait to hear it all out.

"Uh huh...You're pulling your grandfather, so you know.." The Duke knew his father all too well and in the manner that his daughter was delivering what had taken place was in line with how his own father presented it.
"I need it straight, Marina. I'm in little mood for games at this moment, please." he was after all militaristic...not much toying around, when it came to the Great Houses.

"I'm interning under her majesty." Marina laid it out as they entered the main hall of the house.

The rare smile of her father, lifted her so. He was a stern head of Household, but a loving father deep inside.
"Intern... intern..." he kept nodding and repeating the word like it were a chorus to a classical song.

"And she has asked me to relay a most humble request to your person, father..." Marina continued. her features were one that were looking for his reaction before reacting herself. it were hard to gauge if it were good news or bad.

Ok, so he took a deep breath and gave her his full attention. He didn't know what to expect.

"Her majesty would like it if you would consider a Council position within the Great Houses."

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

It wasn't a decision he could just have made on the spot. it was apparent the queen had giving him a chance to talk it over with his family and see if it was indeed feasible for him to maintain full control of the Northern defenses and be on the Council without compromising either of those duties.
The Duke had called for a family meeting that evening and that included the outpost commanders under his leadership.

"Marina...please stay." He asked her for the first time to sit in on a strategic meeting.

"You're as much part of this as I am." He turned to his daughter. he had his rare smile on..and it was meant for his youngest daughter.
marina's mother and elder sister had gotten up to leave for the second phase of this meeting as it mostly dealt with the House's position and strategic analysis of the pending position the Duke was to take. It no longer dealt with family matters over it. it had been agreed that he was to accept.
Now for drawing up working plans to keep the Northern defenses at their optimal readiness when he would be away.





TWO DAYS LATER... Aldera Palace.

"Duke DeVoe, her majesty will be seeing you immediately. I pray your flight was without incident. Seems quite a storm up North."

"It is. But its to be expected this time of year.."

"Yes, yes...of course....this way please, if you will, Duke DeVoe..." the captain lead him in and towards the queen's open court. The Duke had just arrived as it had been scheduled and had immediately been welcomed in and now escorted as protocol dicted, to meet with the queen.

 

[Faith Organa]

Today was different type of occasion, today what would transpire would begin the healing of Alderaan's people more than the planet. The long tradition of the High Council would once again be reborn.

The Alderaan throne behind her she stood at the bottom of the steps. She looked back taking in the details it was simple and yet represented so much. The seat of power of Alderaan.

​

​

The tiny details above the throne, the House Organa colors displayed. All who viewed it understood what Faith's rule was meant to show. Simplicity. Elegance. Faith stood there turning back to look at the door unlike when she had met with Marina this was official this required Queen Faith to stand.

The floor length sapphire blue gown a single piece of jewelry a crown fashioned from gems of Alderaan. She breathed easy closed her eyes for a moment, "Escort [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] in." Bekka stood silently nearby taking notes all that was discussed would be a matter of record.

Faith watched the doorway what was the Duke like, did Marine take after him? These questions crossed her mind seemingly unimportant details to some but to Faith it was about the details the small things that no one thought about. She remembered her House history saddened that her own Aunt had lost her life on Alderaan because of politics and alliances.

A small tap to the floor brought Faith's attention back to the present. The court protocol droid and a young paige stood near the doors the long staff he carried meant to draw attention. It had tapped the floor gently, "Your Majesty we present Duke Kyle Devoe"

It was the moment of truth.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

The Duke was a man few really knew outside of the Aieden Providence on Northern Alderaan. Kyle was the successor of his father, the former Duke Onan DeVoe of the Great House DeVoe, whom had stepped down 10 years earlier when his wife Duchess Grace DeVoe had taken ill.
The former Duke had been very popular in the courts when The Queen Mother had reigned. And it was without say that the present Duke had indeed made an official appearance in the Royal House of Organa when he became Head of House DeVoe. But that were 10 years ago and it was more of a formal ceremonial transition of power between his father the former duke and himself.
It were at that ceremony that Duke Kyle DeVoe swore allegiance to the Royal House of Organa and to defend Alderaan as his forefathers had done.

Now Duke Kyle DeVoe was present once more in the Royal House of Organa. On this occasion, he came to answer the call of his queen for him to accept a seat on the Council. A Council which for many generations had been dormant. But the galaxy was now more divided then ever and Alderaan had risen to answer the call for unity. And this unity was growing, prospering like a well kept garden...bearing already fruits...hope, prosperity and peace among the systems it influenced.

It were also the same reason that House DeVoe under the current Duke Kyle DeVoe had more concentrated on fortifying the Norther planetary defenses than keep court.
It were without say that Duke Kyle DeVoe was almost the opposite of his younger daughter Marina, in terms of political views. The Duke was very militaristic and believed in a strong military both for defense of Alderaan and that of her allies.
Marina on the other hand was a Traditionalist like her ancestors were on Old Alderaan.

The Duke had come in his formal black dress attire befitting the Duke of the North. His beard were not as trim as most who made visiting courts a daily fashion. He was what many in the lower valleys and fertile hills of Alderaan called mountain men, for they rarely came off the Aiden Mountain Regions. But his stature were one that not only projected pride, honor and loyalty...but an air of love for his Alderaan that needn't be advertised with speeches, nor attending elaborate balls and galas. He were a man who once given his word...it were said to carry the weight of the very mountain upon which his house were set upon.

Duke Kyle DeVoe in formal black attire, as he meets his Queen.


The Duke was lead in, with the announcement of his presence.
His walk were not of a man charging, nor were it one of uncertainty. It were one of a loyal Duke approaching the call of his queen

"Your majesty." He had stopped a few paces from his queen and rightly bowed his head in respect of her royalty.

"If I first may apologize.... I stand here humble, under my queen's objective for the two day delay in response to her honored request." He spoke, in a semi third person perspective as it were often done in matters such as these.

It was indeed true, he had replied and requested his presence with the queen two days after his daughter had delivered him the queen's message.
But it were not because of his lack of interest, no.
He had first presented it to his family, who had been quite eager for him to accept it. Then, he had to confer with his staff and generals on the feasibility of maintaining the Northern Defenses at their optimal before he could commit to the task of joining the Council. His understanding was that the Council had not been activated for many generations and that it would require much of his time and effort which currently had been on the Northern Planetary defenses. He had to make certain that the defenses would remain as fortified and strong as they had been, should he take a seat on the Council.

"House DeVoe which has been loyal under the Royal House Organa for many Millennia is here present to accept her majesty's honored gift of serving her House and Alderaan under an unbroken oath."

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"]

A delay was to be expected it took time to decide whether to sit upon the Council she would not fault him for the time. The formal black attire lent a serious tone to the meeting which Faith appreciated. They had both gone the formal route like minded on some traditions, good.

She smiled and motioned him forward at the same time Bekka came forward with a small pillow upon it an aiguilette that bore the crest of House Organa, and the Royal Seal. "Duke DeVoe do you swear that in all things you will speak with me truthfully while administering the duties of your office as a Member of the High Council?"

Bekka stood silent waiting for the moment the Duke would agree and the Queen would pass the symbol of office over to the Duke. It was the most formal ceremony Bekka had ever seen in the Palace. It was moments like this that she was glad to serve the Queen.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

He were not a man who needed to dance or partake in a waltz to speak to the point. And he too pride that his queen also were of the same cloth. They were both here face to face for the second time in Alderaa's Royal Throne Room. His first time were when his father Duke Onan DeVoe passed him the right of head of House DeVoe and he took upon his duties of Duke DeVoe of House DeVoe. Since then, he had never faltered in his duties to provide a strong Northern Planetary Defense for Alderaan. As thus, he rarely if at all wavered too far from Aieden Providence, as he took to personally oversee all 7 of the Northern Defense Outposts.

Now duty called him to the Council, which his queen was re-enacting for Alderaan had risen to become a beacon of light for systems that tired of tyranny and injustices under their current and overthrown governments. These systems looked towards the achievements of the Alderaani that rose from the ashes of their destroyed ancestral world and rooted once more to become like the mighty oak tree and stand firm against the fiercest storms.

The Duke without hesitating took to the cushion and swore his oath. He could just as well have been given a bed of nails to kneel, it would have made no difference in his resolve to keep his oath.
there was no question as to the validity of it. It stood like the oak...like the stone mountain upon which his family home stood on and had stood for 450 years here on New Alderaan, and as it stood for many Millenia on their ancestral world which was now Alderaan Graveyard.

The spirit of his ancestors were not dulled with time, or distance, nor of generations that had persevered as no-mads without a home. His family spirit had been loyal to the Royal House of Organa then, at this very moment and forevermore.
He remained kneeling awaiting his queen to bid him rise as Council.

 

[Faith Organa]

Bekka stood with her mouth open, Faith took from the pillow the aiguilette and began to braid it from the shoulder lapel to let it hang to where the crest of her house showed and the royal seal making it all official.

The Duke had sworn his oath to be honest and truthful with her. She could not ask for more than this of anyone that served the Crown, the Alderaani, and Alderaan. Tradition was met and satisfied. "Rise [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] " She put her hand on his shoulder and then stepped back.

Those in the room nodded their approval and Bekka seemed to have recovered she was use to routine and well she had been practicing what to do so when the Duke took the pillow she immediately panicked. Faith however remained calm and adjusted.

She nodded to those around them waiting to come and congratulate the Duke and of course begin to curry favors and whisper in his ear about all they hoped to accomplish. Faith knew that there was an adjustment for them all. In time it would all come with time.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

This was the forth time he had been through a formal inauguration. First being sworn as a young captain in the Aeiden Northern Defense Guard, while under his father Duke Onana DeVoe. Then his marriage to Sansa, followed years later to his transition of Head of House DeVoe as the new Duke (upon his father's retirement), and now here for the second time at the Royal Place of Organa, his inception to Council.

The queen's smile on his person had him return a very gracious one to her majesty, before he bowed and were consumed by well wishers and politic of the court. The Duke waded through with proper etiquette and notions of taking said ideas presented to him to scheduled meetings. For the most part, it were more of making acquaintances with those whom he would have to navigate policies through...much like her majesty were doing on a daily basis.

Drinks accompanied by toasts and a few delicacies completed the ceremony and by a few hours past, after all whom had to say what they needed to say to the new Councilman, the Duke found his self once again approaching his queen.

"Your majesty..." he spoke clear enough to attract her eyes, but not demanding of it. Such a meeting between the two were long in waiting. But the court had to be first satisfied and here he now were once more free to speak with his queen. No doubt she had not retired, knowing..expecting for them to finally have a few words before evening's end.

"I trust you have a few moments so that we may speak?" He asked. It were an invite, a request for her company so that they may speak. This of course would be the first of many, many times they would be in dialogue. After all, he were now not just a Duke who had given his House allegiance to her House, but now as her Councilman, who would be delegating her interest concerning Alderaan directly under her.

It were time they spoke without all the formalities...but still as Duke and Queen.