Private The High Marshal and The Tea Merchant

[Amelia von Sorenn]

It had been ages since her time on Commenor, and the last anyone knew of her, she'd met her end at the hands of a successful assassination. From that time on she'd more or less gone into hiding in various ways, though she'd eventually found a home in the most unlikely of places - the Confederacy. While in the past she'd her problems and run-ins with them, she thought they'd been buried or otherwise forgiven. If they hadn't, then it would be difficult to explain how she'd risen to command the Capital Armada of the Confederacy. Still, there were those from her days with Commenor that she'd worried about and in her own time kept tabs on to ensure they were at least still alive in one way or another. And as it just so happened, NPC Treasury was one of those people; whose life since Commenor had been tumultuous at best, to put it mildly.

Perhaps then it was the most recent events that caused her to reach out from the dead as it were to the old Commenori Monarch. She was sure that the woman would be just as surprised to see her as she would to see an old friend alive and well. Likewise, what she knew of the more recent days, she'd figured it couldn't hurt to hear from an old friend. After all with the galaxy constantly changing, at times friends seemed to be the only constant and consoling force amid the growing terror and wars. The message that was sent was an invite in a roundabout way; though it was more a letter of safe conduct with the fare for passage already secured to Geonosis.

The bearer of the present document is entitled to the right of unfettered passage across the Confederacy and its subsidiaries, unobstructed by any blockade or other such obstacle. Those that hinder this right must desist in their unlawful actions or face immediate punitive repercussions. As signed by High Marshal von Sorenn of the Capital Armada of the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

 

[NPC Treasury]

von Sorenn...Amelia?

Kay read the strange letter that seemed more like a travelling document than anything else. The last that she knew, Amelia von Sorenn had died. If this was her, then surely something else had happened other than what she had been made to believe.

More lies, more false truths. After escaping execution by Tacitus, there was a time when Kay believed many lies that he had created to break her. It made her lose her sense of reality. Although now she had regained most of that back. To discover that it was possible that the passing of a friend wasn't real, it made her sanity feel vulnerable again.

The purpose of the trip 'request', Kay could only imagine. Her tea business was growing, and so she packed up some of her more friendlier teas and baked goods, placing the little boxes into a case that was easy enough to carry. Then she packed up some clothes into another small one. Kay didn't have much and she wasn't expecting to be long.

Leaving Doyle to tend to the shop while she was on her journey, Kay took the letter and funds in hand to set out to Geonosis.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The High Marshal and The Tea Merchant​

How many years exactly had it been since she'd last seen NPC Treasury , she pondered to herself, mulling the question over as she seemed to wait impatiently for her old friend. Were they still friends though? The question popped into her mind nearly immediately after she thought of them as still being such. Perhaps they weren't; though truth be told she couldn't blame the woman if she felt that way, after all, the last they had seen of each other was during her death. With a heavy sigh, she slightly shifted in her seat, her attention now focused intently upon the chronometer before it shifted towards the doors.

Patience, she told herself. She couldn't expect the woman to just suddenly appear, nor could she blame her if she decided to not arrive after all. The message could have been worded more kindly than it had been, rather than what many would likely see as demand more than an invitation to meet with someone. Still, she was hopeful, wanting to repair any bridge she may have burned upon her unorthodox exit from Commenor and the problems she'd caused during the entire situation. In her mind, she had still chosen the proper course even if others had seen it as wrong or painted her the villain.

Then she made a decision, as she rose to her feet and slipped away from what could be considered by many to be a rather stuff office. She would meet the woman at the Starport, rather than wait for her to arrive at her office.​

 

[NPC Treasury]

Her impending arrival was more than likely announced to Amelia von Sorenn as her letter and identification was verified. Kay hardly travelled anymore, moreso as she lacked a ship and crew than anything else. And then there was the matter of credits. Everything that she had was poured into her business. Of course she had her portion of the Arenais fortune that she could use, but she didn't feel as though she was deserving of it and had left it for her children.

The spaceport was busy as one might expect. Kay walked down the ramp with cases in hand. She wore a simple dress, belted at her waist. A black shawl hung around her shoulders, her hair tied up in a loose bun.

It took a minute or two but then she spotted Amelia in the crowd, nearly dropping her cases. After recovering, she made her way to her, offering up a friendly smile, although her eyes hinted at a disbelief in what she was seeing.

"Amelia...it's good to see you." She lowered her cases to the ground and then opened her arms to her, inviting her in for a hug.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The High Marshal and The Tea Merchant​

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The thought once again crossed her mind as to how many years it had been since Commenor; and the more she thought on it, the more it seemed like it had been a lifetime ago in a place that was far far away. There she stood now though, quietly watching as the crowds pushed their way through the crowded spaceport to their destinations. Then the woman caught her eye and Amelia hadn't known what to expect, though what she saw was not what she had in mind. The memories of the stoic and collected woman that had been Queen of Commenor flooded into her mind, a stark contrast to the woman that she saw standing before her setting a couple of cases down on the ground. ​

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Of course, it went without saying that the two hadn't exactly parted on the best of terms, or with the best situation. With a heavy sigh, she stepped forward, though there was one more thing she had to do first. Carefully bringing her hands up, she gingerly removed the helm that she wore, a cascade of silver-white hair falling over her shoulders while a pair of golden hues fell fully upon NPC Treasury . Taking a step forward, Amelia held the helm out to the side and released it from her grasp, knowing that someone was right there to take it before it fell to the floor; the knowledge of which was ensured when there was no following calamitous roar of the helm clattering against the floor. ​

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"It's been some time." ​

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She barely uttered the words out, not sure what else to say and for a moment she was hesitant when it came to the embrace that was offered. Finally, she relented, and her desires overrode her otherwise instinctual hesitation as she wrapped her arms gently around the woman. It had been some time since Amelia had shown any kind of affection towards anyone, friendly or otherwise; thus she forced herself to ensure that the gesture was not short-lived before the hug was broken by both parties. ​

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"How did you find your trip?" ​

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It was a stupid question, she thought to herself, to ask how the former Queen had found herself or if she enjoyed the trip. Amelia should have sent a vessel for her rather than a simple letter of safe conduct and secured passage. For now, it was something that could be worried about later, she was sure that the two had some catching up to do, with conversations brooching both Amelia's apparent death and Kay's lack of a Monarchy. ​

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[NPC Treasury]

The white hair was much different than what Kay had remembered Amelia von Sorenn having. Yet those golden hues were certainly the same. And as the embrace was accepted, she held onto it. Any warmth was difficult to feel given the armour that Amelia was wearing, so Kay could only assume.

As the hug ended, she took note of the almost awkward moment between them, and so she tucked her hair behind her ears in some bid to keep her hands busy. "It was alright. A little crowded at times, but I had some holonovels to read. And of course my tea. Thank you for the safe passage, by the way. I don't exactly feel....comfortable...outside of neutral territories."

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The High Marshal and the Tea Merchant​

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A soft nod of understanding followed in response to Kay's words, and Amelia understood all too well what it felt like to be uncomfortable in such places. The woman though was more than happy that her friend had arrived, nor would she have blamed her if she decided to simply send the letter of safe passage back without a word given their last interaction between. With a soft smile slipping across her lips to reveal the tell-tell fangs, she motioned towards the small quartet of guards and a somewhat familiar six-armed droid that had accompanied the woman.​

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"Please, Alessara will take your bags."​

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The Nartaki HRD would step forward, offering a simple greeting of bowing her head and folding her hands together.​

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"That is if you do not mind."​

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Amelia said before looking back to Kay, not wanting to assume or put her in such a place that she would feel even more uncomfortable. What had happened since Amelia disappeared from Commenor to NPC Treasury was unknown to the woman, though a simple guess from how she had arrived could give her all the information she required, nor did she plan on pressing the woman for further information.​

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[NPC Treasury]

Kay didn't have a lot to take. In the past she'd usually arrive with plenty of luggage and gifts for those she met with. But that was in her old life. Now her work consisted of things that Amelia von Sorenn wouldn't be able to enjoy as others would. So instead she could just offer her company during this visit.

She bowed her head to Alessara, giving the droid the all clear to pick up her bag, before following her friend to wherever they were going to next.

"We have much to catch up on. What compelled you to reach out?" Kay thought that she was hidden well enough on Altiria. But then again, she had lost all of her power and political standing, so she was no viable threat nor of any use to be bothered.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The High Marshal and The Tea Merchant​

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Amelia would pause for a moment when the question was brought up, a soft smile crossing her lips as the mention of the vast amount of history they had to catch one another upon. It was for that exact reason that she had cleared her schedule for the rest of the day and evening to ensure she could give her old friend all the time that was needed for them to properly apprise one another upon what had happened in their time apart.​

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Of course, there was also the reason as to why Amelia had brought NPC Treasury to Geonosis in the first place, and truth be told, it was for a rather selfish reason beyond wanting to see an old friend. As they approached a waiting vehicle, she took a step to the side while holding the door open, gesturing for Kay to step in first before she soon followed behind. Alessara would join the two once the bag had been loaded and secured.​

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"I must admit that it was two-fold; with one reason being purely selfish in my own right." ​

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Amelia spoke simply as she leaned forward and lightly pressed a button, a small selection of drinks shifting out of a covered section of the interior of the vehicle. Though the selection of drinks wasn't what she normally had on hand, it was still rather impressive, including a handful of wines and alcoholic beverages, as well as a few selections of tea - though it was clear they weren't of a superior standard.​

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"I'll be appointed to Grand Marshal of the Confederacy, overseeing their Naval Command. The selfish reason I requested you here was to ask that you join as an aide." ​

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[NPC Treasury]

Kay stepped into the vehicle as she was invited to do so, taking a seat and getting herself comfortable.

"Selfish?" She sat back as Amelia von Sorenn revealed a variety of drinks. And it came at no surprise that Kay picked the tea. Everyone that knew her knew that it was her staple and go-to beverage.

She let Amelia elaborate further as she prepared her tea. But the first thing that came to mind was about Amelia's promotion. "Congratulations. I'm sure that you'll do them proud." However when Amelia revealed her selfish reasons for bringing Kay here, she was taken aback. That was a far cry from what she was expecting and that was clearly evident by the expression on her face. "Me? An aide? But I know so little of navy warfare...And you know how stubborn I can be." She sipped her tea and then let out a small sigh. "Andonce you've heard what I've been through, you might very well change your mind."

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The High Marshal and The Tea Merchant​

Amelia sat quietly for a moment, leaned back and relaxed with one leg resting over the other with her knees crossed; while one hand rest upon her knee, the other hand lightly rest against her chin, the knuckle of her finger lightly brushing against her upper lip as she took in a deep breath before releasing a soft sigh. It had been many years, though Amelia still remembered how stubborn the woman before her could be, and it was that stubbornness that she thought helpful in the long run. However, she paused for a moment when NPC Treasury spoke of the things she'd been through, the things she'd likely have done which saw her as a simple Tea Merchant at the edge of the Galaxy.

"We have all made mistakes, and gone through trials that have affected us in their own ways, such as deceiving friends and allowing them to believe I was dead rather than aiding them when they needed it the most."

Her golden hues settled upon Kay once more as she permitted another soft sigh to slip from her lips, her hand still resting against her chin before she shifted slightly and brought it to rest atop the other. Looking out the window for a moment as the sights of Golbah City rushed pass, she thought on the many years she'd had, in effect, abandoned her friends. Returning her attention once more to the here and now, rather than allowing herself to remain daydreaming of past mistakes, a soft smile crossed her lips.

"We have all the time we may need, and perhaps, in the end, you will find yourself surprised and accepting the position."

Amelia smiled as she gently grasped a glass of sanguine liquid handed to her by Alessara before taking a soft sip from the glass.

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[NPC Treasury]

Yes, Kay had gone through her fair share of trials. Yet as far as she was concerned, she had failed them all. The only things that she had was herself and her children. Everything else was gone.

Of course Kay had been spending a lot of her time in grief, despair and fear. But even her children didn't blame her for it. The problem was that it had been taking place for too long. Perhaps that was what Amelia von Sorenn had sensed and helped her to decide to bring her here.

She raised a brow slightly as Amelia seemed to be playing it a bit coy, as though she knew something that Kay did not. "You seem rather sure...Yet is there still a warrant out for my arrest? I did try to protect my niece during the Jedi-Mandalorian war. Veiere had told me of a meeting among many government bodies where I was brought up and they spoke of wanting to arrest me." Or worse. Yet when the time came and war arrived to where Kay was, Veiere had helped her to escape undetected instead of arresting her. And there was no record kept of her even being there. It was a testimate to their love and bond.

Veiere didn't deserve to die. And there were many times in which she wanted to switch places with him. But fate was cruel and had chosen to keep her alive.