Inexorable

[Laira Darkhold]

Sanctuary-class Habitathttp://starwarsrp.net/topic/128967-sanctuary-class-habitat/

It had been sometime since what Vaena called the Second Exodus and the Eldorai had boarded the sanctuaries, taking to the stars. Dimeria had spent most of that time enjoying the luxuries of court life, even if almost all of the Eldorai abhorred her for her mutation. Already she had at least one attempt to poison her while most of the court simply did their best to ignore the fact she existed, only shooting occasional glares her direction. At the end of the day, she was the ambassador from Alderaan and was tolerated in some manner if only so House Cadalthor continued to receive aid and support from the world. To them, she was soulless and a monster, a belief she largely agreed with. Their scorn hurt, more than she had thought to admit, as the tribulation had worn on the young knight greatly over the weeks. You never feel as lonely as when you are surrounded by people and still all alone.

But to Vaena, Di was a confidant and lover, something the Knight had never believed she would have. In Vaena Di had hope, companionship, kindness, and something to live for besides the prospect of a glorious death.

The Shaper Text she had been given seemed to have a list of experiments the Sith had performed on her kind during their occupation, which seemed to imply that she possessed a power from Yun-Yuuzhan rather than soullessness. Rather the ability to cancel or numb her soul, and possibly others. To her knowledge the Queen had forbade any further research on the subject, but apparently that edict hadn’t extended to the Seventh Circle as the manuscript they had provided her with did have updated notes from Alderaanian biologists and one of her superiors. The main booked mark pages were research on what the Legion Shapers had called the “Aura of the Underworld” which had extensive research notes from Sith, Shapers, and Scientists. Certainly the name itself would confirm many of the Eldorai beliefs but in reality it was just the edgy title that the Sith had picked for it. Di tried to spend an hour or so a day meditating in the manner that was explained, which unfortunately required that she be in severe pain.

The other good part about being the mistress and ambassador to the Duchess of Cadalthor, aside from the lavish silks, fine wines, and delicious treats, was that she and Vaena were able to conceal their relationship under the guise of private conclaves between the two houses. The small harem didn’t hurt, either.

Dimeria began dressing after her afternoon routine of exercise alone, spar with one of the male eldorai warriors, meditate on her aura in private and shower. She donned her red and ivory vestments, simple red leather armor over ivory silk robes and trousers with black belt and boots. It had become her normal attire for attending court alongside Vaena, the Atrisian Sword she carried tied at her waist and a smile upon her face.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]

"In the old days that journalist would have gotten her tongue ripped out," Ariawyn stated disdainfully.
"Knowing Tirathana, she might have been forced to choke on it. Or perhaps been hanged from the highest tower in the blazing heat. It is...for the best that she is not queen anymore," Vaena amended after a brief pause. "Still the nerve that woman had." The interview had not gone well. She had barely managed to restrain her temper.
"She was right, you know."
"Yes," Vaena replied after a brief silence. "Look at us. A fractured race of vagabonds and gypsies. Forced to seek succour on foreign ark ships. Where did we go astray? Is this the Mother's punishment for our vanity?" she asked aloud. The question was rhetorical.
"It's the result of corrupt cretins who prefer to suck on foreigners' teats than think of the people," Ariawyn replied nonetheless. Her tone was caustic.
"Our treasury is empty, but with a few exceptions the great houses host festivals and their members wear the finest silks. Fools. Idle hands are Illyria's workshop. Her Majesty thinks of the succession, but will there even be a throne for her daughter to sit on when she passes away?"
"You know my opinion on that."
Vaena sighed, looking out of the transparisteel window. "If there is a silver lining, a good number of the fools who used to impede progress have left to form their own flotillas. We need to build up our own manufacturing basis. Basic factory ships under our sole control are a start. Bring in foreign experts if needed, but make sure the know-how stays with us when they leave. Set up an exploration corps and dispatch teams to search for habitable worlds. I will entering negotiations with the Alderaanians to purchase a few of their herd ships. And our army needs more field experience. This state of idleness is terrible for morale and increases our slavish dependence."
"Vaena, you can't fix something that's broken. You might as well roll a huge boulder up a mountain. Push as hard as you want, and it will roll back down."
"And to give up would be defeatist. I swore an oath to defend the Matriarchy."
"The Matriarchy is finished. Too many fossiles and fools. You do not need to be shackled to them."
"And what would you have me do? Join one of the many bands of brigands and exiles who dot the stars? Perhaps place a gaudy crown I have not earned upon my head and proclaim myself Star Queen of a couple thousand followers and a few motley ships, as some absurd pretenders have done? Either course is dishonourable, and a violation of my oath to the Queen."
"Queens come and go. The Eldorai people stay. So does the Goddess. You also swore an oath to them. Doesn't it supersede a vow to a puppet Queen who's on the throne because foreigners put there?"" Ariawyn lowered her voice slightly. "There are others who think the same way."
"I am sure. And by forsaking the flock I wouldl deepen its wounds and fracture it even further."
"You would not even have to openly break with them. Not at first."
Vaena seemed to consider this for a moment. "Maybe. For now we must cut away the fat. The Seneshall shall submit a thorough account of our present expenses and make an inventory of all frivolous luxuries we can dispense with to raise funds. We need the steel of the acestors, not their jewels. The same measures will be imposed on the households of the other members of House Cadalthor."
"Make sure the inspectors have guns and aren't crooks. Blue bloods value gold more than their lives," Ariawyn grunted. "Present company excluded," she added after a moment.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria strode down the corridor of the massive ark, smiling as she went. She passed several Eldorai, who she gave polite nods of her head to as she passed. Most of them grimaced or sneered at the soulless demon permitted to walk among them. The knight knew she was likely one of the topics of unrest that Vaena met with often, and she was also certain that many Eldorai did not view her presence as a sign of respect from the House of Organa but as an insult. Such was the price of kindness on behalf of the Queen, she had decided to favor her knight rather than think of decorum and Di would have to bear those burdens as well.

Despite that, there were those who were polite to her, even kind, even if they were the vast minority of the population. It wasn't uncommon for Di to pampered by Eldorai servants when she requested, some who were more than happy to help the amazon-looking woman. The knight, much like many in the aristocracy, was likewise decked out in silks. Not only was she a guest of the Duchess, she also received a stipend from Alderaan which she almost always splurged on luxuries, hardly what it was intended for but she didn't have to turn in expense reports. Besides, Laira's trust-fund made more off interest in a month than she received all year, they could afford for her to look nice and feel good. She approached the Duchess's chamber doors, knocking against the bare metal.

A second later the door chimed and opened to allow the woman in, waiting for her were the Duchess and her loyal guardian Ariawyn. Ariawyn didn't like or trust Di, but she was loyal to Vaena. If Di were truthful, it was Ariawyn's disdain that struck the hardest since she was one of the few Vaena could turn to and the Knight couldn't bear the idea of being the reason Vaena became isolated from her comrades and friends. She bowed deep at the waist to Vaena, "Duchess. Ariawyn. I'm pleased to see you are both well, hopefully in good spirits."

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


The diamond was huge. A cushion-cut brilliant, it was magnificient to behold. Vaena twirled it in her finger. "I have never excelled at estimating the value of these things. How many medical supplies, guns and ships could we purchase for one stone like this?" she wondered aloud. "Consult a specialist. This goes on the list."

"But, Your Grace it has been in the posession of House Cadalthor for generations," a courtier protested. "Valeria Cadalthor herself..."

"Caldathor means dragon. Valeria, may she ever sit at Ashira's side, earned that title by going through the crucible of fire and blood. Not by sitting idly upon a mountain of treasures. And that goes as well. It looks...decadent," she pointed to an extravagant looking piece of art.

"Your Grace, it is vital for a lady of your bloodline to live in a way that is appropriate for your rank. Otherwise you will be seen as a pauper," the courtier urged her, looking a bit distressed. Maybe she thought her liege was going insane.

"In short, I am obligated to waste money. Let the fools mock me, if it pleases them. When the day comes where gold can feed empty stomachs and they have an infinite supply, I shall admit they have the right of it. We still have those golden plates, yes? We cannot use them, so they are pointless."

This was the scene Dimeria ended up walking when the door swung open. The courtier looked troubled, Ariawyn stoic. Vaena herself was dressed in rather simple black robes. Doubtless the materials used for it were fine ones, but outwardly it looked quite plain.

"Ah, Dame Nykerian, welcome," she said, temporarily distracted from her zeal for practicing good household economics. "Please make yourself comfortable. We have been busy...implementing some much needed changes," Vaena added. Ariawyn grunted something unintelligible in Eldarai. She did not take her eyes off the human.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria glanced around at the room, turning her multicolored eyes at the walls and finery in the room. Vaena was preparing to auction off much of her heirlooms and inheritance, something that saddened the knight. The Eldorai had fallen on very difficult times, even House Cadalthor was not exempt from such financial crisis. Though the aristocracy benefited from a large collection of wealth, the peasantry suffered from a great deal of austerity. It was something Di occasionally felt guilty about when she lavished herself in finery, but it was not to them she owed her loyalty.

"Yes, I can see that. Ooh, that is a lovely piece." She remarked at the painting that was now being removed from the room. "I love how the paint has been layered to add texture." Di's own passion for art made her remorseful that such pieces were now being removed, taken, and readied for auction. So much history could be found in art, but Vaena was very right that it did not feed hungry people. As much as she would have liked to keep it, in difficult times it was cruel to cling to them when others suffered.

"How was your day, Duchess, hopefully not too many pieces will be lost." Her eyes flicked back to the duchess, sweeping across the Eldorai that had claimed the knight's desires, lingering as she met Vaena's gaze. She found a seat in a comfortable chair near the duchess, removing her sword and scabbard to place it leaning against the seat rather than tucked into her belt, quietly adjusting her outfit as she did so. "Is there anything you need from the Ambassador of Alderaan or am I lucky enough that this meeting is purely for personal reasons." Di's eyes flicked over to the courtier from Vaena, as if to ask if they could be trusted. If she could drop the formalities and speak as a consort or if she was held to her official post.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


"It is a priceless piece of history. One of the finest works of Michaelangela. One of the greatest artists of the Eldorai people," the courtier chimed in. Maybe she was so happy to have come across someone who actually appreciated fine art that she'd decided to temporarily overlook the fact that the coinesseur happened to be a Demon.

"And we can appreciate her works when our people are not beggars living on stations they do not own," Vaena spoke pointedly. "My day has been busy...but illimunating," her tone was a bit stiff. The same applied to her posture. She would rather not be formal, but protocol demanded it.

"I hope yours was pleasant. There is, as a matter of fact, a matter where I would appreciate your assistance. I understand that the Royal House of Alderaan made an agreement with a race called the Ithorians that gives it access to bacta-producing ships."


Vaena was not a medical specialist. While doing some research, she had come across a planet called Vero that supposedly produced bacta. However, after making enquiries, she had been informed that it in fact lacked the components to do so. The Galactic Alliance had apparently tried to rebuild desolate Thyferra prior to its implosion, but in any case the planet was too close to First Order territory for her liking.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria smiled, of course it was one of the finest works. "Might I suggest offering it to the Royal Museum of Alderaan, then. Queen Organa loves art, and sure it won't fetch as much as it might at auction, but it might be more recoverable in the future." Di hoped, of course it would likely bring in hundreds of thousands or millions at auction while the museum would likely offer a tenth of the profit they could make otherwise. Art was history after all, and it represented a great deal of inspiration the Eldorai people had brought with them.

"It was, very relaxing." The marks on her back from the meditation not withstanding, she had a fairly relaxed day thus far. Fairly relaxed week in truth. Unfortunately, they were forced to remain formal in the current setting.

"Ah. Fortunately the Queen had seen to helping Zaltin Corporation make a few deals before Thyferra was burned. The Ithorians and Zaltin Corporation own those vessels, after all they are the ones who make the Bacta." Without both the Ithorians and the Vratix, the herdships in question wouldn't work. Zaltin was a company driven for simple desire for credits, which after Thyferra had been burned had wanted to capitalize on being the only legitimate producer of the healing agent. Lucky, the shortage wasn't too heavily exploited as the Ithorians were able to control the price of the substance in the partnership so long as they covered Zaltin's costs and provided them with some pre-agreed upon profit margin. Even still, it wasn't cheap by any means.

"However they made several available to the Royal House for mediating their construction but we do not own them." On lease as it were, less than owned with contractors to work it. "I believe we could assist in having some made available for your people, regifted from the Royal House. Or Zaltin enjoys leasing them for private use and selling the bacta produced on-board exclusively to the leaseholder." It was one of the few loopholes for Zaltin to make more money than the Ithorians normally would allow. "I'm sure you could invite one of Zaltin's Exarchs to the ship, with Alderaan's seal of course, to formalize such an agreement and I'll be happy to remind them how grateful they are to Alderaan."

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Vaena gave Dimeria's suggestion some thought. Art was history, it was true, though her finances were in dire straits. "I shall consider your idea and see what terms the museum would offer," she said after some thought. "Oh, I see," she added after Dimeria explained the legal situation regarding the herdships. In truth, Vaena did not quite understand how free markets. It had not been part of her curriculum in the Temple of Ashira or the Angelii. Most Eldorai aristocrats were rentiers, deriving income from their holdings, but playing little actual role in their management. Those who lowered themselves to do something so bourgeois like run a business were looked down. Adapt or die, she thought.


"I thank you for elaborating. If possible, I would be interested in acquiring some from the royal family if it would be willing to regift them - under the condition that we pay in full once our funds are sufficient. We only need a few. Enough to give us some self-sufficiency. I would very much appreciate the Royal House's aid in this matter." She turned her gaze towards the courtier, who seemed happy that the conversation had moved on from selling off artworks. "Leave us. Report to me once the inventory is complete and instruct the treasurer to draw up a memorandum on our present assets, ways to raise funds and areas where we our house can economise. The findings will be presented at a family council meeting."


"As you wish, Your Grace." The courtier bowed and departed. Ariawyn remained. She stood ramrod straight, with a stoic expression on her face. Still as a statue. But ever watchtful. Her eyes were focused on the Force Dead Demon.


Once the minion had departed, Vaena's rigid posture relaxed somewhat. "I shall speak candidly, House Cadalthor's financial situation is poor. Reparations to Firemane for my cousin's treasonous actions, the wasteful behaviour of certain relatives over several decades and the costs of the exodus have taken their toll," she declared without preamble.


"It is no consolation to me that several Eldorai houses are in the same spot. Most of my peers have decided to bury their heads in the sand. To maintain the appearance of splendour, they accept exorbitant loans from usurers and rely on our firemaned 'benefactors' for protection. I have decided not to follow them. To this end, the entire house shall economise and invest in the future."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria smiled at the Duchess, watching as the ornate pieces were taken from the room, “I’ll see how many can be arranged on loan from the Royal House sometime tonight before I retire.” It would be the easiest way to help the Eldorai, and currently the whole purpose of the ships in their possession was to give as much bacta as they could and break even away as possible. Certainly Queen Organa could adjust her plans to accommodate for a people in dire need.

The courtier left, and Di offered Ariawyn a coy wave in a manner to suggest that she realized the guardian was distrustful and was more or less okay with however the woman felt. Ariawyn either despised or distrusted Dimeria, which as much as the Knight tried to hide it, was the worst she had felt from the Eldorai because she was Vaena’s friend. One mistake and the guardian would likely make moves to fight or execute the Force-Dead Knight.

“I understand Vae. There has been a lot happening lately with the second exodus and everything else. A shame we’ll have to cut back on the replacing the sheets, I’ll have to be more careful with them during our negotiations.” The knight relaxed with a roguish grin, her eyes turning to a shade of pink while she regarded Vaena, flecks of purple and green glinting as she did so. She tried to fight the pity she felt from her mind so her eyes wouldn’t show it. Damn eyes that show her emotions.

“Maybe I could reach out to the Queen for a loan for you. Part of what she does is supply those in need when she’s capable of it.” They were rich enough to handle paying the Eldorai and not expecting it back, it was a matter of pride and a matter of how much money the Queen still possessed after all this time.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Dimeria's remark about sheets caused Vaena to blush slightly. Her pale features acquired a slight pink hue. "Yes, that would be advisable," she said a bit awkwardly, coughing slightly. Ariawyn just looked stone-faced. "I do not wish for my people to be seen as a charity case." No matter how accurate that perception might be. "But I may have to take you up on that offer, though I would like to review our fiscal situation first. And if I do, I must insist on repaying it." Even if she would not be able to do for longer than she would like, it was a matter of pride. Only beggars never repaid their debts.

"As cynical as it might sound, our current impoverishment may be a blessing long-term. If we wish to survive in any meaningful, we will have to focus on what matters. Not only is our noble class rotten. Over the past years twenty years the Eldorai have developed a culture of slavish dependency. A shock therapy is what is needed. The rot runs deep."

"The weeds extend to the throne," Ariawyn grunted.

"Ariawyn," Vaena chided her sternly. She did not like besmirching the name of the royal house, especially not so openly. Anya Venari maintained a frugal court and was personally well-intentioned and decent. However, she was a weak leader. Where the people needed resolution, she did not provide it.

"I swore an oath to you. Not to the council of harlots, not to the clergy of liars and not to an absentee queen."

"And I appreciate your devotion. You are a good woman and true. Nonetheless, we wish to build something new. Something better. Not dwell on the failings of the court." Pehaps this to be her role. Ever since being made a Duchess, Vaena had harboured doubts. She lacked the education or refinement of a lady. Most of her peers vexed her. But now it was time to cast her doubts aside and stop moping around.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria listened carefully, she understood that Vaena did not want to be the ruler of her long and prestigious House that oversaw it being driven into financial ruin. No one wanted to be remembered for such things when their time was done. But leading their people through a time of suffering and coming out the other side better for it was another legacy altogether.

"I understand. It is often only when necessary that people are willing to make needed changes and evolve as a whole." She smiled, running her hands along the soft fabric that lined the chair she was currently splayed in. Their talk of their queen and their aristocracy reminded her some of Alderaan and how it had been after the One Sith occupation and the Netherworld Crisis. The Republic had been slow to move, blocking funding and expenditures on rebuilding Alderaan. Some even called for it to be burned and strip mined, ditching the population to find elsewhere to live all while people suffered. That had been their leaders until Arianna Organa and Alyessa had overseen the rebuilding, funded by their own personal wealth with help from many of their friends and allies. They only recovered somewhat because of their perseverance and ruthless business tactics the Prince-Consort had wrought.

"I know how it goes when the leadership is slow to act," Dimeria sighed deeply, thinking about her own home. "On Alderaan, if the ruler is corrupt the Knights who guard them are sworn to oversee they relinquish their authority back to the Great Houses to select another ruler. I've read about it happening, and then the guard would all retire and place their lives at the mercy of the new monarch."

"What I'm saying is sometimes what is needed is not loyalty to a ruler, but to a throne. And the throne is not a place of power but one of burden, for upon it rests the responsibility for the people that follow it."

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Vaena frowned. She seemed to misunderstand Dimeria's intent. "Are you suggesting I move against the Queen? That would be treason. She is Ashira's governor in this world. I doubt she is a believer, but she is a good woman, though an irresolute one. There have been four civil wars in my lifetime and I shall not be the author of another. Too much Eldorai blood has been spilt in pointless struggles over the crown."

"The Demon is not saying that," Ariawyn suddenly interjected gruffly. "Queens come and go. The Goddess and the people stay and are what matters. Protect your own first. Your oath to Her supersedes that to her viceroy."

Vaena raised an eyebrow. "Does that mean the Demon and the Angel on my shoulders are in agreement?"

"Yes. No."

"It is heartening to know that even in these dark times, the Heavenly Mother has a sense of humour."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Ariawyn is part right." Dimeria turned her eyes towards the guardian. "I mean, if she can't keep you and your people safe and secure, you owe it to your people to look out for their livelihoods no matter where that takes you. Your loyalty must ultimately be to those who follow you, not those you serve." Dimeria didn't know the Queen who bore the crown, and she knew how difficult holding fragile alliances together could be. Alderaan was lucky enough that when the Great Houses became angry and disjointed, they were presented with a unifying enemy. And they were tame by comparison in their politics.

The Eldorai are already splintered, to take more away from the Queen might be too much to hold the Houses together any longer. "If she is a generous queen, she'll welcome you back once the crisis is over so long as you don't make moves against her or the rest of her people."

"And yes, before long Ariawyn will enjoy my company as much as I enjoy hers." Assuming Dimeria inwardly enjoyed Ariawyn. At best she enjoyed that her friend had someone they could rely on within their inner circle.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


"I tolerate your company solely because Her Grace wills it," Ariawyn said sharply. If the Demon had been making a joke, it had either gone over the Eldorai's head or irritated her. Like many earth elementalists, Ariawyn was extremely grounded in her beliefs and loath to change them.

"I hope you two never lose your penchant for speaking your mind. As long as you do not start fighting each other. Unless it is the type of wrestling I can enjoy. Without clothes and involving scented oil," Vaena interrupted, which earned her a cold glare. It had been worth a try.

"Regardless, I thank you both for your counsel. For the time being, improving House Cadalthor's position is paramount. We will have a better bargaining position vis-a-vis the other great families and the throne once we have got our house in order. And, if need be, be better equipped to detach ourselves without it turning into a farce. A house that does not live in the lap of luxury while the commoners are deprived should resonate better with the people."

"Speaking of House Cadalthor's position, I've completed the security checks on the suitors who've offered you their hand in marriage. The report is in your desk. I suggest you review it soon," Ariawyn stated, bringing up a topic Vaena had been doing her best to avoid.

Vaena nodded, though she did not like it. But duty came first. "Not a moment ago you denounced all noble houses as liars and degenerates. But I suppose it cannot be put off for much longer."

"They are. Nonetheless, it's imperative you find a suitable match."

"I know, and I shall," Vaena glanced to Dimeria. "I take it Princess Laira has been hearing this a great deal as well?" She was not that familiar with Alderaanian royal politics, though based on what she had heard they seemed to involve a good deal less violence. But from her perspective it stood to reason that the crown princess would have to marry and provide an heir to ensure the continuation of the lineage.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria grinned, "Awww, she tolerates me now. Last month it was barely tolerates, so I'm wearing her down." Her pink hued eyes softened with twinges of blue around the edges for a moment as she met the guardian's steely gaze. The knight laughed at the duchess's joke and then sat quietly at the mention of marriages and heirs. Technically, as a Knight of the Eternal Flame she was bound by the Order and the Crown to a life of loneliness. At one point chastity had been the consideration of their oats, but not wanting to be monks, the Tribunes had decided simply that they not be able to marry without permission from the crown and suggested they not become entangled in long term relationships.

"Princess Laira?" She shrugged, readjusting herself on the chair to put her legs up across the arm. "I'm sure her mother and father receives a fair number of offers from other Great Houses. I believe she is currently being courted by one of the Lords Panteer, but the queen married for love and said early that she won't force her children into arranged marriages to some grumbling." House Rist had retracted its offer for one of their daughters to marry the Prince upon such a declaration, but had quietly pledged support to the crown. A show of support on both sides left them unpredictable. "No sane House believes they can garner more support than she among the people though. She squanders vast personal wealth to improve the lives of her subjects, it shows and the people know it and are grateful. Besides, her line is strong with her third child having been born recently."

Whoever took over for the Queen wouldn't receive her legacy of kindness and charity, they would have to forge their own and as of yet the Great Houses wanted to hold greater lands and authorities than they had. After the Sacking of Alderaan, the One Sith Occupation, and the Republic's hostilities, none of them really believed that the crown could keep them safe.

"She comes from a different world. Before the Netherworld Crisis she would have been bound to a world in exile and marriages would have been far more necessary. It's different for you though, you will need support. I would suggest one of the more stable Eldorai Houses if one exists."

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]

It was almost imperceptible, but the mention of the Netherworld Event caused Ariawyn to stiffen slightly. Both she and Vaena had lost friends to the calamity. Some had vanished into Illyria's maw, others had died in the fighting that broke out on Kaehana. Some of those had been slain by their blades, for they had fought on opposite sides.

"As you can imagine, there are certain expectations regarding what is considered an appropriate match for a Cadalthor," Vaena spoke. "Alas, there are few ducal houses and even fewer ones with viable candidates. I have been taking the Kyratha, Valinaes and Tashnothi families into consideration. All good, solid middle peerage families whose head is of Countess or Marchioness rank. The Kyratha are new peers ennobled by the Queen. Regarded as upstarts by older houses. The Valinaes are old blood - strong, conservative and ambitious. The Tashnothi have a prestigious name and can trace their line back to queens of old. But they have been hard done by in recent decades."

"They want a good match because they're out of money," Ariawyn opined. "Fools. The Valinaes are pompous, scheming chits who've grown too big for their boots. The Kyrathas are decent. They might have gotten their title from the foreigners' stooge, but they worked their way up. Instead of being born with everything and pissing it away." Of course they had probably made their share of enemies during the course of their ascent.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The Netherworld Crisis had been hell for almost everyone in the galaxy, but the rapture had freed Alderaan from the One Sith and allowed it to be reclaimed by the old Monarchy and the Great Houses. For better or for worse, it wasn't all that bad for Alderaan in the long term even if it had been an atrocity.

"It seems we are in the same straits as the Valinaes then." Dimeria mentioned with a chuckle, leaning back across the arm of the chair she had claimed, sprawling out quite comfortably. "I will miss all the silks and fine wines. Kyratha outwardly seems the best match." With what little she knew about Eldorai it wasn't common that new houses would rise to prominence without something significant taking place to facilitate them. Vaena seemed to imply most of the other Houses vied for power and influence and suffered internal power struggles quite frequently.

Wouldn't that imply that a young House would have done so through treachery?

"Kyratha might draw the attention and ire of some of the more established houses though. On Alderaan, House Alde, Organa, and Panteer form a bloc of old houses that frequently align together. House Rist and Ulgo normally remain independent, and the others form smaller blocs and alliances based on their desires. There is some power to be gained from marrying into a well established bloc, regardless of their current financial standing." Not always true, but there were many of the smaller Houses that would rather join with House Alde's second cousin that marry the heir of one of the smaller houses. Even with empty coffers, the old houses had allies they could call upon others did not.

"It does seem rather awkward to discuss marriage proposals with your mistress though, doesn't it?" Dimeria smiled, leaning her head back so she could look behind her at Vaena to watch the eldorai's reaction.

@Vaena

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


"Well, you are, uh, around the house a lot and thus will inevitably run into whoever I choose to wed. So it is prudent to..."

"You're cute when you blush."

"Are you two having a moment at my expense?"

"No."

"Regardless, the Valinaes' position is similar to the Cadalthors. With the difference that they are not tainted by past treason against the Crown and the Eldorai people," Vaena continued. Granted, in certain circles being associated with the late Tarissa Cadalthor was a bonus, but it was something Vaena would rather move away from. She had paid the reparations to Firemane without protest despite her distaste for their leader, partly to punish her relatives.

"You mean they're just good at hiding it," Ariawyn opined.

"I would never insinuate that a house with such an illustrious lineage would be anything than loyal to the Crown, the Goddess and the people." Can you feel the sarcasm? "The head of the house is...rather similar to my late cousin." On the upside, that made her predictable. Downside? She was a scheming queen. "

"The Tashnothi have no money, but their name has weight, especially in the church and they are untarnished. The Kyrathas have the most interest in aligning themselves with an old house, even a diminished one led by a bastard. Being common born has given them a perspective many highborn lack, but they stepped on their share of toes to get where they are now. Most Eldorai nobles do not accept 'upstarts'. Funny how that is, since most of us are born to common servant girls and do not share a drop of blood with our official highborn mothers."

The irony was that, unlike many of her relatives, Vaena was actually the biological daughter of a Cadalthor. Alas, her father had been a common 'courtesan' her mother had taken to her bed. They seemed to have forgotten to take the appropriat precautions to prevent his seed from flowering inside her. Or reaching her womb in the first place. He had been whipped. Literally and not in the fun way. Vaena did not know his name and he had probably died of unnatural causes.

"I will be making a decision soon. There will be interviews, followed by contract negotiations and so on. Later today, there will be a gathering for House Cadalthor. Well, all important members at any rate. All members in one place would be a little crowded."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Contracts and negotiations. Dimeria certainly didn’t envy her companion for the ordeal of having to navigate the treacherous terrain of nobility, even if it did come with many luxuries she enjoyed. All the Houses of the Eldorai were in far more dire straights than they had been, and that made them far more dangerous. Desperation always did that to people.

“Well, if you can, pick one that I can break in too.” Dimeria smirked, letting her head list back to watch Vaena’s reaction. Such a request was unlikely, as the Eldorai were not known for their kind, accepting nature. Especially not most of the nobility. Vaena was the exception that proves the rule, having been able to look past the soullessness of the Alderaanian Knight and see Dimeria for who she was instead of what she was. To believe that Vaena could find a match that would similarly view Dimeria, was childish. Something the expression on the Knight’s face seemed to understand.

But one could hope. She’d found a few amicable servants within the House that didn’t seem to mind the condition of the Knight’s soul so much as they appreciated her demeanor and physique.
The knight beckoned to Vaena with her finger, patting her lap. “Come here,” she said with a roguish smile. She was laying across the arm-chair her back and legs propped up on either arm, “You can tell me what you need me to do for this little meeting.” A pinkish hue filled the knight’s eyes, changing color with her mood, flecks of green and crimson in her irises.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Vaena coughed slightly. "Don't, uh, break them too hard, dear. I do need a maleling of good breeding in sound enough condition to provide me with daughters," she tried to joke. In truth, she suspected that whoever she married would probably not show Dimeria the kindness she deserved and she felt bad about it.

Dimeria had claimed that she did not have much of a connection to her sistren on Alderaan, but the young duchess nonetheless felt guilty about taking her from her homeworld. It was true that the Knight had come of her own volition. Vaena wanted her by her side and enjoyed her company. The woman was brave, honest and forthright. Vaena could not see her soul, but she acted like she had one. So why did others maintain that she could not possibly have one? Vaena could not see the Great Goddess Ashira. Her existence was a matter of faith. Yet she believed in her. Why was it different here?

She had considered employing some non-elves in her household. Partly because they would have no ties to the established Eldorai power structure and thus would be more reliable. But also because it might give Dimeria more people to talk to. Hiring some Dahomians sounded appealing. Not just because Vaena appreciated their exotic physque.


"I have some new recruits to instruct," Ariawyn spoke up. "By your leave, Your Grace."

"Yes, my friend, thank you. I shall...catch up with you later. See you at prayer?" Vaena patted the older woman's hand.

"Of course." There was a flicker of emotion on the stalwart soldier's face. Then she clicked her heels and turned away. For her part, Vaena walked over to where Dimeria had made herself comfortable on the arm-chair. Making herself comfortable on the human's lap, she curled up against her.

"You can keep me from punching someone. Such as my mother or my sisters. Foolish, entitled brats. So sure they know best, yet so ignorant," she took a breath, cutting her rant short. "I would appreciate it if you could get in touch with the Royal House regarding the medical ships. There is much that must be done to get things on a sound footing again. So little time," she looked stressed.