[AoC] A Crown of Ivy For The Queen

[Amz]

Servants bustled around the royal gardens, which for the day had been transformed with whimsical decor for the event. Chiara took a deep breath, smelling a mix of sweet fragrances wafting through the air. She smiled. The opened air nature of this event was a good idea, she had her mother [member="Erryn Xextos"], to thank for that.

With hands clasped together, Chiara perused the gardens to check that everything was in order before the gates opened.

Varieties of teas, sandwiches and tiered dessert racks lined the tables. Plates were decorated with dainty pastel sugar roses, while bundles of soft florals were placed in gleaming crystal vases beside them.

An instrumental chorus hummed gently in the background, playing a mix of popular songs from the core worlds that would be recognizable to a vast range of different backgrounds, a gentle way to begin the assimilation process. Citizens from what used to be Galactic Alliance space continued pouring in daily, huddled masses yearning to breathe freely while coping with trauma and displacement from the loss of their homes and families. Fostering as much calm, peace, and familiarity as possible was important.

Today was a day of celebration. A day of rest and relaxation, of hopes and dreams of a brighter and better tomorrow.

Smoothing down her dress, Chiara made her way to the tea tent where her cousin had been set up for meeting with the populace, as well as a way to keep her from standing on her feet the entire time and out of the heat.

She brushed aside the lightweight curtain and approached her cousin, [member="Zarah Viren"]. “How are you feeling this morning? Everything is ready and waiting, guests are lining up outside of the gates. Are you and Xander ready?”

Spoiler

Objective:
Come in, have a good time. Relax. Enjoy.
[member="Eulalie Claytho"], [member="Darth Vizios"], [member="Ahani Najwa"], [member="Manu Xextos"], [member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"], [member="Hajrah Marjanah"], [member="Merrick Sato"], [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"], [member="Primarch Iedolas"], [member="Jarael Belaerys"], [member="Livia Maddox"], [member="Anthea Valaros"], [member="Aspri"], [member="Gauge Eclipse"], [member="Iliana Nytrau"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

A party. Xander did not understand why they had to have a party to reveal the gender of their child. Zarah has said Chiara insisted on it, that it would be what those who had fled from Chandaar needed to lift up their spirits. Xander was simply eager to leave Sabarene and reclaim the vacant throne on Indupar. Yes, the vassal which had been put in place by the Galactic Alliance still sat in his chair, but that man was already dead. If they people did not overthrow him, Xander would execute him, publicly.

Xander was dressed as a king should be, and in the colors of his house. Chiara was with Zarah, so Xander was not. He could not face Chiara, and in fact when this event was over she would find the letter he had delicately placed on her pillow. It’s contents were for her eyes alone, and she would not like what it would say. What choice did Xander have though, after he had pushed her to confess her feelings for him.

This party was going to be excrutiating to get through. He paced about the food trays waiting for the event to begin. Wine, he was going to drink a lot of it. For once he did not care of his own dignity. Xander simply wanted to get through the next few hours.

[member="Chiara Viren"] [member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

The Royal Gardens. Eulalie had only been in the gardens once before - during the initial tour when she was brought on to be Batta's assistant in the large kitchen for the Royal Palace. She absolutely loved the gardens and in truth, wished she could spend more time here. In either case, there were other times for her to enjoy the view of the gardens. Right now, she had work to do! She had to make sure she didn't squander her opportunity in the employ of the Royals.

Eulalie wore the formal servers attire somewhat nervously. The elegant garb was beautiful compared to the usual dresses that she wore. Kark, Eulalie wasn't even sure if she had ever worn such a beautiful piece of fabric in her life before. Her life on Coruscant was plagued in poverty in the lower levels. Most of the gowns she had were worn down or hand me downs from her mother or purchased through thrift shops that dotted the lower levels. It truly wasn't a problem or something Eulalie wished was different - she just had to get adjusted to wearing such a beautiful dress.

She carefully had helped cook and lay the food about in the appropriate areas. There would be plenty of food for a wide range of guests, backgrounds, and species. Sabarene's royals were trying to integrate the refugees - herself included - into the local melting pot of culture. As such, it only made sense to make a variety of food and serve them in such a way.

After carefully organizing the food trays, Eulalie then moved back to the kitchen to grab a freshly brewed pot of tea to take to the tea tent. The Princess and Her Royal Majesty would be there as they prepared for the festivities to begin. Eulalie was always nervous around the Royals and while she had most successfully managed to avoid them, she was going to be thrust into serving them this day.

With a deep breath, she took the hot tea to the tent. She carefully, nervously approached the two inhabitants in the tent. No one else had seemed to arrive just yet, which made her significantly less terrified of her situation. She gave a small curtsy towards the Princess & The Queen as she came into view. Although, she tried to stay out of the way as Chiara talked to Zarah, putting the teapot down and subsequently putting the teacups down. "May I pour your tea, Your Royal Majesties?"

[member="Darth Vizios"] | [member="Chiara Viren"] | [member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

‘My love are you yet unsettled? Come to me, do, my love. Let me assuage all ill.’ Zarah projected to her husband. The serendipitous love of her life.

All princesses were well aware of the royal duty to procreation from the moment they realized women were the route infants took to arrive. A royal woman’s swelling belly was not her own, as her wealth and position in society were not her own. They belonged to the society who allowed them, and as Her Royal Highness Zarah Viren, Queen of Sabarene and Cron stood in front of the mirror paced inside the tent for her use, she cuddled her arms around her small bump.

“My beautiful little one, aren’t you a sight? My beautiful little darling. Mummy and Daddy love you. We love you, my little dear.” Zarah spoke endlessly to the growing protrusion from the moment she first felt the flicker in her belly. How amazing to feel her and [member="Darth Vizios"]’ child as the future heir grew…

… yet the stronger magic still was Zarah’s burgeoning ability to love her baby. That relief alone had Zarah in hormonal sobs in her beloved cousin [member="Chiara Viren"]’s arms, as she realized the curse of Viren females was done.

Over and complete.

Zarah was not her mother.

The tears were done, yet Zarah could not enjoy this event without her husband by her side… but something happened between him and Chiara. Their history sordid enough, Zarah could only sit wondering what took place to cause him such distance with Chiara.

“Chiara, you look lovely! I and the future monarch are ill but wonderful. I can put a mighty face on for our small crowd, surely… although Xander has disappeared again… I do hope he isn’t once more having… oh, Chiara it’s alright! My Consort is most assuredly just outside. I am ready, do please let them in.” Had she threatened him? Had he another vision? Could it be that she was no longer pleasing to Xander? No. Certainly not. Zarah cuddled her belly once more, sighing into her dress as [member="Chiara Viren"] and [member="Eulalie Claytho"] came in.

“Yes, my dear you may. A spot of tea would do marvellous for all troubles and sore feet alike.”

[member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"], [member="Hajrah Marjanah"], [member="Merrick Sato"], [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"], [member="Primarch Iedolas"], [member="Jarael Belaerys"], [member="Anthea Valaros"], [member="Aspri"], [member="Gauge Eclipse"], [member="Iliana Nytrau"]​

 

[Amz]

She saw the flicker of doubt writ briefly across Zarah’s face and felt her gut twist with guilt. That should never have been there, that...Chaira knew it was her fault.

It must have shown in her face, the concern she felt, at least enough for her cousin to try and brush Xander’s absence aside. She tried to muster a smile, half-way succeeding. Part of her felt like she should say something, but good sense told her to keep her mouth shut. Zarah didn’t need more on her plate, and this would only cause dissension between the three of them, it was something to never be mentioned again.

“Thank you, my dear, you look even more so. You have that radiant glow of a mother.” she walked to over to her side to embrace her cousin and pulled back, rubbing her arms and giving them a squeeze before letting go. “I’m glad to hear it, the Chandaari people need to see the strength of their King and Queen and our new citizens need to know them, and what to--” she stopped herself and sighed, smiling. “but, you know all of this. You’ll do great out there. All three of you.”

Pulling a comlink from her pocket, she pressed the button with her thumb.

“Sarri? Yes. Instruct the guards to open the gates on her Majesty's order, it’s time. Yes. Thank you.”

Looking to Eulalie she held up her hand. “Oh, no tea for me, thank you.” turning back to Zarah, she gave her a last quick hug before leaving.

“I’ll see you out there in a bit.”


[member="Yuca Najwa-Keth"], [member="Hajrah Marjanah"], [member="Merrick Sato"], [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"], [member="Primarch Iedolas"], [member="Jarael Belaerys"], [member="Anthea Valaros"], [member="Aspri"], [member="Gauge Eclipse"], [member="Darth Vizios"], [member="Eulalie Claytho"], [member="Manu Xextos"], [member="Livia Maddox"]

 

[Lunafreya Solidor]

As Lunafreya got into the ball, she immediately regret this decision. Acting on her daddys bidding was something that the elzeri truly loathed, as her humour showed while onboard the corvette that took them there. While in her cabin, the princess kept dumping clothes everywhere in the room, screaming that she did not found anything that was in her liking.

“Screw this.”, Lunafreya shouted to herself, grabbing some trousers, combat clean boots and and a corsage with a long trench coat to wear in that damn party. She was not her sister to dress so fancy and were some stupid beautiful dress to impress some nobles she didn’t even knew. But Iedolas was very clear on the matter, and told his daughter to be courteous and polite with everyone, for they needed to show that Kaikielius had the best intentions regarding the Alliance of Crowns.

Choosing as a chaperone, Lunafreya said that her personal knight in Kingslaive would serve as her escort. Instead of the many Counts and Dukes, Barons and Lords the Protectorate and his court had for her to select. Even in little time, she actually enjoyed the company of ‘Sir’ Akabane of Nowhere as her companion, he had great potential with the force, and she was more then willing to whip him up to teach him how to swing a sword or use lightning on some enemies.
"Rush now, boy. We can’t possibly be more late than that.”

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Nobles... Akabane was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, and waiting for his lovely princess as he thought about the dreadful day ahead of him. The way he acted with Miss Solidor was for his own amusement but putting on a smile for the others didn't seem to please the young man. He couldn't recall a time when a member of a royal family wronged him. It was a feeling that lingered for no good reason. It was as if he actually had experienced trouble with snobbish people. Sigh. He was able to find at least one thing good about being in this situation. The lady, who he recently started serving appeared to be struggling with finding a suitable outfit for the event today. She was pretty odd ever since the first time they'd met. Anything after the atrocious outfit she wore during their first meeting wouldn't surprise him. However the one she decided on after some struggle wasn't all that shocking but he was sure she'd go with something else. An outfit a little more revealing to be precise.

Akabane brought one hand up to block his face as he chuckled. Tasked with protecting her, although he doubted she even needed help, he followed her everywhere like an obedient puppy. Thanks to that he got a good laugh out of her frustration before they left. He wanted to make a comment on her choice of attire but that could be saved for later when his murder would be witnessed. Just thinking about dying by the hands of such a beautiful creature filled him with joy. It was an obsession, hoping to be killed by a beautiful lady. Of course he knew chances of that were next to none. Either way he knew some ways to increase his luck. One small comment would do the trick. He laughed when he thought of how it would go down.

Spending too much time around nobles put a bad taste in his mouth but he couldn't deny the various beauties within sight. Well, he hoped that would be the case when they arrived. He moved with Miss Solidor at a steady pace, a few steps behind her. Whatever their relationship was considered at this point he chose to act professionally. Akabane was her escort and he desired nothing but the best of her health. This was business to the man who typically showed his humorous side. Being so serious all the time was a stupid ideaology in his eyes. Which is why he tried to have a fun personality and draw people in, rather than being grumpy or unfriendly. Still, there were times like now when he had to be serious.

He forced the comment from earlier out immediately after entering the ballroom. Akabane clasped his hands together and let them rest behind him as he spoke, showing the cocky part of him. "Oh Princess, that outfit is unbefitting for someone with your figure and status. Perhaps I shall pick for you next time?" He grinned, proud of himself for being bold. It was certainly a bold comment but even he came dressed appropriately. Not to say her's was bad or anything... just not what he expected from the princess. Akabane had a considerate following his comment. Could her confidence be low today? He thought about it for a moment and then spoke again. "I'm kidding, of course. You look great as usual, love." The topic of today's event is what changed his mind. An alliance. She needed her confidence, and whther it was lost or not he wanted to help even if a little.

[member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"]

 

[Hajrah Marjanah]

Hajrah didn't need a life's worth of experience in the more civilized galaxy to know that it was a giant mess. In just the few months she had spent on Sabarene, free of her solitude on Yurb, she had witnessed enough to come to that conclusion. It was in no better state than what her ancestors had ran from some 800 years ago. A heartbreaking fact made worse with every new refugee that made landfall here.

This celebration was but a flash of light in an otherwise dark and gruesome existence. Sure, they smiled and laughed as they should at such an event, but it was all facade. Hajrah felt it from each of them. Their anxiety, their fears, their anguish ...these where broken peoples. All of them where just sentients coping and waiting for the next disaster.

This was what experience had taught them. Hope for the best and plan for the worst. It saddened her to think that was the mentality being passed down to the children, the future of the galaxy. In her mind they where the messengers to the future they hoped for. The seeds.

Broken adults were harder to fix than building strong children so when it came for the Knight to act as diplomat, she chose deliberating with younger and more malleable minds. It was no surprise then to find Hajrah circled by a group of no fewer than six or seven small people. Lost in a fit of laughter it was hard to tell who was enjoying who more.

Some of them fawned over her hair, a seemingly endless bubble braid of shimmering black, or looked on in bewilderment at her less than traditional attire. The veil was of particular interest to the younger ones who treated it as a tool for a game of peek-a- boo. Of equal interest to all of them of course, was the Hajrah's lightsabers.

The children weren't the only ones with questions however. A child loved to be listened to as much as they loved to inquire and Hajrah made sure to quiz them all on their own outfits and little tidbits about themselves. It was an enlightening experience to be sure and one the Socorran wasn't very keen on ending but today was about another child entirely.




Yuca Najwa-Keth, Merrick Sato, Princess Lunafreya Solidor, Primarch Iedolas, Jarael Belaerys, Anthea Valaros, Aspri,Gauge Eclipse,

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

The servant stayed quiet as the conversation between the Queen and Princess continued. Eulalie sensed some tension in the room but otherwise kept her head down. She had no right to really talk to either of them. In fact, she really didn't want too! She was too nervous as is! From the lower decks of Coruscant to a royal family servant was quite a leap.

A leap, she pondered, if her mother would be proud. Eulalie may have relatively little to call her own but she had a bed to sleep, food in her belly, and all in all a good place to live. That by itself was worth much. And who knows, maybe she'd become a celebrity chef in the halls of the Palace one day! Or something. Not that she would ever ask for any such promotion, just... Daydreaming of a future that may or may not come to pass.

The King had disappeared... Again? That didn't sound like a good thing. Didn't he need to be around to like... Do Kingly things and rule and stuff? Or did the Queen do most of the work? The monarchies of the world were only somewhat confusing. Living under Galactic Republic, then Galactic Alliance, and so forth, meant the girl was exposed mostly to democratic forms of government. Her mother did dabble in the Coruscant First movement, though, before the subsequent razing of the planet which led to their separation and fleeing. She had a crash course in the proper etiquette of Monarchies when she started here - a lowly refugee that somebody saw some type of talent in maybe.

"Yes, Your Majesties." She poured, albeit her hands slightly shook which betrayed her neutral face, one cup of tea. She gave a small nod to the Princess, although otherwise, she kept her head down in their presence. At that moment, Chiara said her farewells and left. "Is there anything more I can do for you, Your Royal Highness?" If not, she would make her leave to head back to the kitchens before returning to attend to other guests, nobles, and citizens as they trickled in from the opened gates.

[member="Hajrah Marjanah"] | [member="Akabane"] | [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"] | [member="Chiara Viren"] | [member="Zarah Viren"] | [member="Darth Vizios"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

“I promise I shall tell you all after this gathering. I do not wish to upset it, nor you. However, when all is done we must away to Indupar. The throne is to be mine again, the alliance gone, and I wish to deal with their vassal myself. He still clings to my throne as if he was made for it...”

Xander did not want to trouble Zarah with what had happened with he and Chiara. She was already aware of a past between them, and it would not do her countenance well to know that Chiara had feelings, or that Xander did as well. How could he not when he’d chased her for so long. Zarah had nothing to fear however. She had his heart, his love, his body, and most of all, his child. She had given him a child, and would make him a father.

He sighed and stepped into the tent where Zarah was being attended to.

“I am late, forgive me, but all is ready and well. Perhaps we will head to the gardens and greet our guests. They are eagerly waiting the announcement.”

[member="Eulalie Claytho"][member="Hajrah Marjanah"]@Akabane@Princess Lunafreya Solidor[member="Chiara Viren"][member="Zarah Viren"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

‘Indupar? Must we so quickly, Xander? I did hope to remain on Sabarene for some length of time, even to the coming of our child. Although I shall trust in your judgement of events, and stand beside you. Your Queen and Consort... and so help me I will murder any who dares come between you and our thrones.’ Ultimately, her husband’s desire to see the despot removed from his ancestral right was enough of a reason for Zarah to travel by his side. They were equal partners in rule and life, one no more integral than the other. Yet, this mood of his worried her.

It was no longer a question of whether something occurred, but of what and how pressing that occurrence was. Sipping the tea [member="Eulalie Claytho"] provided her, Zarah offered her hand to her husband, when he arrived inside.

Where had [member="Chiara Viren"] gone? Curious… most curious.

“No, thank you dear. You are doing excellently, please do take some time for yourself and enjoy the event.” Zarah smiled carefully for the hired help, Eulalie was a sweet, if new girl, and Zarah wished she could learn more of her. Take her under her wing.

Perhaps that was the beauty of Sabarene, the ability to take any and reform, rejuvenate and return to a more splendid future.

“Yes, my love. Let’s do what our People and guests require.” Her Royal Highness Queen Zarah Viren, with chin high and elegant hand upon her royal husband’s wrist, walked firmly out to the guests gathered at the party.

It was quite the collection of people! This was a happy day in a sea of woes the Galaxy over. An heir secure for the Throne, and a day of beautiful things for those who chose to share it.

“My dear gathered guests, His Highness and I do extend our gratitude for your celebration of this occasion. A healthy daughter for Sabarene, Xander and my first. Please, dear ones, celebrate the joys of life itself, and may we all know each other better by the time this day is done.” With a hand on her growing stomach, Zarah bowed her head as music began to play to guide the revels. Unable to contain the excitement on her own face, the usually dignified Zarah was grinning from one ear to the other, clutching her Xander’s hand. At long last… at long last a child and a crown. The suffering of their past was over and done, washed over by these tender beginnings and the docile heat of the desert sands. Finally all the woes of House Viren and House Blackmoore were done.

It was time to meet the guests.

[member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"] [member="Akabane"] [member="Hajrah Marjanah"]

 

[Judah Lesan]

Xander had no desire to meet the guests, and every desire to run after Chiara as they had passed each other on their way to where each should have been at the start. All he wanted to do was clear the air between them, and apologize. He should not have pushed her to reveal the feelings she had burried deep from their first meeting some 800 years ago. Even if she were a clone of the original, the memories were all there, and the feelings that came with them. Xander had only pushed because he thought it would be better to have it out in the open. Instead he had only reminded her of what she wanted to avoid, and dig up the feelings he had buried out of loyalty and love to Zarah. Forsaking others did not mean there were not feelings. That was why they had to go to Indupar. Xander had messed up.

Zarah couldn’t know until they were on their way.

He heard nothing of her speech, and the furry of the guests hustle only caused him to want to hide. It seemed he was no longer cut out for the crowds under such an occasion. Instead, he wanted to retreat. He steeled himself for it, and took Zarahs hand with a squeeze to remind her that he indeed was there. He knew she suspected something, but it would all come out later.

“Let us do only what is required and nothing more. I am afraid I do not wish to delay our departure any longer than we must. Your servants will have already placed what you need on the yacht, and I have left a letter for our dearest cousin to read once we are gone. This is the best course, and Indupar must have a chance to celebrate her princess as well. If you wish, we can even take the estate I lived in as a child. It is still mine to this day....”

Xander clearly was trying to steer Zarah away from their guests. It was odd behavior for the king, but not more odd than Zarah would have known before. He was always full of surprises and this would certainly be one of them.

[member="Zarah Viren"] [member="Chiara Viren"] [member="Eulalie Claytho"] [member="Hajrah Marjanah"] [member="Akabane"] [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Hidden tidings consumed Zarah’s husband, as [member="Darth Vizios"] glanced at [member="Chiara Viren"]. Was this it? The moment in the portrait fulfilled and now his wife’s usefulness ended? Was Xander bored?

Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Zarah put on her bravest face and walked into the crowd, meeting everyone who wished to speak with her, taking the compliments on her radiant health and the advice of Echani mothers, who informed her how to properly lash her husband to the housework.

“Ahhh, meeting the people, Xander! Look at their joyful faces and look, the little gifts. Oh, it has been ages since the last party in my honour. Goodness, I think I was twelve, and Father was alive.” A genuine grin struck Xander’s usually demure wife, one which faded to the thin mask of the caged Princess he knew those many years ago. “Oh… but…. I did hope to spend a little time at my party. It’s been so long since I’ve had one and there’s even little cakes.”

Take the estate? Do what was required? Sensing outward, Zarah attempted to find the danger which would cause such fretting in her beloved. Yet… there was nothing but a hidden emotional complexity.

‘Xander, what has you so concerned? I’ve longed for a party, just a little longer my love. Please.’ The mental voice striking his brow was rather small, as Zarah steered herself back to where a group of children held up a painting they created for the event. “Oh lovely! We shall have it framed, little ones. Now. I do believe there were cakes abounding. Shall we find some?”

Amidst the squeals of glee from the children, Zarah smiled and waddled off beside them. It was her party after all, and she was not going to leave so unfashionably early without gorging herself on two whole cupcakes.

Surely Xander could wait long enough for two cupcakes.