The new face (PM for invite)

[Feena]

Being a Queen had it's perks.
...That was a lie. No it didn't. The hours were long, the work was exhausting, and nobody really thanked you for it. Here she was, looking older and more worn down by the day. And what did she hear? Complaints about policy, complaints about taxes, complaints about how construction was going. Honestly, and this wasn't even what she was hearing from the people. This was all from the Princes and Princesses of Naboo. So they didn't like her taxing the rich? Boo hoo. She wasn't about to tax the poor more if they couldn't afford it! They paid their fair share of taxes as it was! Why shouldn't the wealthy pay taxes?

She'd just dismissed one of the Princes of Naboo from her office, saying essentially; You don't make the laws. We vote, and this is what the people voted for. Too bad. Go cry about it.
He did not take it well. Too bad for him. She had a million other things to worry about.

Like the war with the Republic and Empire her son was oh so sweet to threaten her with. Why did he think that was her concern again? Oh yes. Because he'd wanted her to grab a lightsaber and fight a war she didn't believe in with her arthritic hands. Yeah. That would go real well. She'd just take a week off of being Queen. She was sure the people would love her dragging the planet into a religious war.

The Queen shook her wrist, taking the pen up with her left hand instead. She'd learned to write with both hands now and you could hardly see the difference. Part of the job. She was always writing, always signing things.

"Your Majesty-"

"Yes, yes," she snapped, looking up from her work, "What is it, Percy? I've got hours of work ahead of me."

"It's your new handmaiden-"

"She's here? Send her in." The young body guard opened his mouth and shut it again. He knew better than to argue. He bowed and disappeared to fetch her. He'd have tea sent up too. He knew exactly what else she wanted before she even wanted it.

 

[Wyla Endeel]

Valya had been living in the palace for only a short time so far, and most of her time had been spent training with the other handmaidens. Though she felt like she was starting to fit in with the others, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being the ‘outsider’. It was only that morning Valya had been informed that she finally ready to commence with assuming regular duties. This would also mark her first meeting with Queen Mason.

She had dressed that morning with purpose, settling her robes about her in a most precise manner. The handmaiden’s long dark hair was pulled back into a bun. Valya had only just stepped out of her room when she saw a young man approaching her. He introduced himself as Percy, a body guard to the Queen. He quickly and silently swept Valya along, ushering her at a brisk pace towards the throne room.

Once they had arrived, Percy instructed Valya to wait outside for just a moment and she nodded in response. She smoothed out the front of her robes, taking a moment to ensure that she was presentable. Valya couldn’t deny the nervous thoughts that entered her mind; she took a deep breath and steadied herself. Percy appeared again and motioned for her to enter. Careful steps brought her before the Queen, where she bowed gracefully with respect.

“My name is Valya Croice, Your Majesty.” She said as she rose to her normal, almost ridged posture. “I am here to serve, you need only tell me how.” Valya she spoke calmly.

[member="Feena Mason"]

 

[Feena]

"Just a second," The Queen responded, holding up one finger as the girl bowed. She signed one more page, set the pen down and cracked her knuckles loudly.
"Well! I think I might have absolutely ruined my fingers for ever playing the mandoviol, but I got it done."

Force, that felt good. She finally allowed herself to look up, just as Percy appeared in the door way again.

"Percy, could you-"

"Tea? Already on it's way, your Majesty."

The Queen smiled, nodding approvingly as her body guard disppeared again.

"Not even one of my handmaidens, and he still knows exactly what I want before I even want it," she laughed, actually laughed.

The girl was so stiff. She would learn to loosen up with time. She was not here because she was silent and stiff and, well, boring. Feena did not hire handmaidens if they couldn't do something more useful than just serving. She had an entire palace staff for serving tea, and cleaning, and picking out dresses. What was this girls skill?

"Tell me something about yourself miss Croice. Something interesting."

[member="Valya Croice"]

 

[Wyla Endeel]

It appeared that the Queen was tremendously busy, Valya’s dark eyes watched as the Queen finished up her paperwork. She was a bit surprised when the Queen cracked her knuckles; but she imagined that the Queen had been behind her desk for hours already.

She stepped to the side as Percy made another appearance and announced that tea would be forthcoming. Valya nodded when the Queen remarked about Percy and let the faintest hint of a smile cross her face when she heard the Queen laugh aloud. It seemed that Percy was well versed in the ways of the Queen, something that she would need to learn in time.

Valya’s brows slowly rose as the Queen asked for her to speak about herself. Interesting was never a word that Valya had used to describe herself. Now that Feena’s eyes were upon her, Valya was at a slight loss about how to she should present herself. However, when in doubt, she always felt safest going the more formal route.

“I am an accomplished gymnast, your majesty.” Valya answered, but felt that this may not be enough of an answer to satisfy. “…I am also fond of dancing.” She added.

When Percy returned with the tea tray and set it down for them to enjoy, Valya began to pour the hot brew, being careful not to spill. She deftly lifted the cup and saucer for the Queen, and gently set it in front of her. Valya finally took a seat and looked down at the steam rising from her cup for a moment.

“Please tell me of the royal family, I have heard little about them so far.” Valya said, breaking the silence.