Faction Diplomacy in Beskar (For the People)

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Thread for: Aether Verd Adelle Bastiel Helios Ardemark

Sophelia had never been to H'ratth. Unfortunately, it came at the cost of flying. Airsickness patch was firmly adhered to the side of her slender neck, half obscured by those feathered, golden locks that tumbled down the slim curve of her shoulders. She wore a gown that represented some of House Pelagia colors. Mostly the deep blues melding into plum with small honeyed accents. Sleeveless dress, down to her ankles. Well appointed shoes to match with straps behind her heels. Sunlit drop earrings dangling from her lobes.

Their ship moved beneath them. Bright azure eyes flickered to the hologram of her brother. Even as her hands fidgeted in her lap.

She was well aware of the treaty the Mandalorian Empire shared with the High Republic. And she was aware they held treaties with the very people she was trying to shield her people from. She and Helios were trying to shield their people from. Wasn't losing one's entire planet enough? Losing one's entire home and friend network? The slaughter of the elder and children. Those very civilians trying to flee, thwarted.

Fingers curled into a fist in her lap as she tried to remain in the present.

Not let herself be dragged to that day when everything changed. Forever. The ship signaled their arrival out of hyperspace and approach to the planet and agreed upon rendezvous. Sophelia found herself surprised and grateful when the very leader of the Empire, one Aether Verd, and the representative to the High Republic, Adelle agreed to meet. A meeting was a start. And she would take it.

Gaze rested upon Helios’ shimmering form. "Do you think the rumors about crucifixions of the jedi are true? Do you think I'll be...safe?"

It was a foolish question, Sophelia knew. After Tapani, Soph knew safety was an illusion. Her brother said something encouraging. Something truthful before the transmission ended and Soph was left with the crew and the ship as it approached for a landing.

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

H'ratth
Tags: Sophelia Ardemark | Aether Verd

Mandalore waited.

The wind swept through the plains as Adelle waited at the landing field. H’ratth proved itself lush and beautiful while still being wild in a way Mandalore the planet was not. And while she wished she was here for other reasons, she had ensured she was dressed for the occasion that brought her here. The matte black plates of her beskar’gam had been cleaned to a dull shine, the blue accents breaking up the blacks of beskar and her armorweave. She had attached the wolf-pelt cloak of her rank as Iron Lord, as usual for matters of state.

The sound of an approaching ship alerted her to the imminent arrival the petitioner. Adelle looked over to the tent set up nearby, where Mand’alor the Iron waited with refreshments. Lady Ardemark had first approached her about her request but Adelle was only Ambassador. Her authority lay solidly within the realm of foreign affairs and enacting Aether’s will abroad. This was only a request Mand’alor the Iron could entertain.

Landing gear hissed and groaned as the ship settled onto the plain some distance away. Adelle approached as the landing ramp lowered, waiting patiently.

“Welcome Lady Ardemark,” she said pleasantly. “I trust the trip was uneventful.”

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Sophelia's fingers smoothed down the fabric of her gown one last time. The smell of fresh air along a light breeze made a small smile curl briefly on her lips as the ramp hit the solid earth. Thank the stars. A reprieve from flying. Finally. Her face would still look a little paler than normal to those with a keen eye. Color would slowly creep back in the longer she stayed on solid ground and out of that ship.

"Ambassador Adelle," Soph dipped her chin in respect as she joined the mandalore on that soft grass. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me and set this meeting up. It's an honor to meet you in-person. I am hopeful for these discussions. The journey was...fine." Azure gaze swept toward the landscape, noting beyond the plains sat an arch-like rock outcropping with the greenest forest she'd ever seen just beyond that. She'd follow the mandalore toward the tent. Eyes lingering on the detail of the other woman's armor.

Voice dropped a little as she admitted. "And a little nervous. Any advice before going in there?" There were two guards who joined her down the ramp. Her mother had insisted. Soph had instructed them to stay with her ship and not follow her further. She didn't know if they would follow her orders but she hoped so.

Aether Verd Adelle Bastiel

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

H'ratth
Tags: Aether Verd | Sophelia Ardemark

Lady Ardemark was younger than she had expected. Adelle could feel the echo of anxiety and nausea through her Empathy. The nausea was immediately more concerning although it also had an undercurrent of imbalance to it. Motion sickness? The young woman did seem a little pale but she could also be one of a myriad of near-human races that had pale skin. Even if it was, the best remedy would be solid ground and fresh air for a while.

Adelle led the way to the tent but kept abreast the young noblewoman.

“If you’ll excuse me stating the obvious,” she said, smirking beneath the helm, “we’re Mandalorians. Speak plainly. Honestly. Respectfully. That’ll do you more good than all the etiquette in the galaxy.”

It wasn’t a long walk to the tent set up near the Mandalorian ships. The sides of the military style tent had been rolled up to allow the breeze to flow through, keeping the burning heat of the sun in a cloudless sky off them. Three chairs sat in a circle—well, triangle really, with a table between filled light refreshments. Next one of the empty chairs sat a portable cooling unit, stocked with netra’gal of course as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Adelle ducked her head as she entered the tent then stopped.

"Lady Sophelia Ardemark, formerly of Pelagon,” she said, gesturing to the young woman. She turned to look at the blonde and inclined her head towards Aether. “It's my honor to introduce Mand’alor the Iron.”

 

[Aether Verd]

M A N D ' A L O R​

Wearing: Mask of Mandalore | Darksaber | Beskar'gam
Location: H'rrath

Mandalore was curious.

Whenever the children of democracy broke bread with the warrior race, their asks were one of two paths. Either to bleed on the democracy's behalf...or to stay their hand. Such was even the nature of the treaty held between the Empire and the High Republic to date. Violence was a commodity that Mandalore sold in ample supply. Naboo? It paid to maintain a friendly relationship with its eastern neighbor.

It paid to stay their hand.

What road would the young noblewoman's desires follow this day? Would they follow the same footsteps? Or would they beat a new path?

The flap of the tent's entrance began the tale.

Mand'alor the Iron stood ready to receive his guest. As ever, his beskar'gam was battleworn and of charcoal hue. A crimson cloak draped about his shoulders, whilst his helmet was tucked beneath his arm. Aether's gaze, piercing as ever, found the young woman as she entered. It was then that his brow moved ever so slightly. Curiosity wormed within his mind like a virus, all centered around one question: why did this fall to one so young?

After Adelle had made introductions, Aether regarded the young noblewoman with a nod.

"Welcome Lady Ardemark. Please, make yourself comfortable."

It was then that the Mand'alor took his own seat, pausing only to prop his helm upon his thigh.

"Mandalore is listening."​

Sophelia Ardemark + Adelle Bastiel