Private Dispatches from Tic

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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To: Acier Moonbound
From: Lady Sibylla Abrantes

Greetings, Ace,

I trust this message finds both you and Tic well. Matters here have grown rather busy, but I could not allow the days to slip by without at least sending a few lines. I have been elected as Voice of the Royal Houses, though I assure you, this will not hinder my duties as Ambassador to the Mandalorian Empire in the slightest. I am quite determined that one crown of responsibility shall not outweigh the other.

Forgive me if this message is brief, but I did not want too much time to pass without writing. My duties here keep me running from one matter to the next. Still, I thought of you both, and wanted to be certain you knew as much.

I will be traveling to Ukatis shortly, and afterward may stop by to look in on any Mandalorian affairs that require my attention. There is talk of Mand'alor appointing a new Ambassador to represent the Empire to the High Republic. I trust he will choose wisely. Do you happen to know anyone who may be considered for the role?

Until then, stay safe. And do give Tic my warmest regards, I expect a full report on his latest adventures when next we speak!

Warm regards,

Lady Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Acier Moonbound]

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TO: Lady Sibylla Abrantes
FROM: Acier Moonbound
SUBJ: (no subject)

Sibylla,

Word's already reached me. Voice of the Royal Houses? Congrats. Doesn't surprise me. You've got more fire in you than most, and they'd be idiots not to see it. Just… don't let the weight of it drag you under. Don't forget to be Sibylla. You're more than the crowns and titles they keep stacking on you.

As for the Ambassador role? Your guess is as good as mine. But you know Aether better than most. He'll pick someone who won't waste his time, someone who can actually hold their ground. He doesn't hand out trust easy, but when he does? It counts.

You sound ridiculously busy. Me too, though. Running, moving, fighting when it comes to it. Tic's been there every step, chirping his head off like he's the one calling the shots. Nearly fried his own circuits last week poking into an old relay station. Don't worry, he's fine. Just thinks he's invincible now.

There's something else too. Can't tell you the details, not yet, but I'm gearing up for something bigger than the usual runs. One day, when the dust settles, I'll tell you everything. For now, just know it's all going to mean something in the end.

Know what's funny, though? Even in the middle of all this, I catch myself thinking back to the lake. Naboo, the water, the quiet. Maybe not just that. Maybe the company, too.

It was good to hear from you. Stay sharp. And stay safe.

P.S. Tic says hi.

- Ace

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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To: Acier Moonbound
From: Sibylla Abrantes

Ace,

Thank you, and I shall try to take your advice to heart and remember to be true to myself as well. Although, if I am being honest, there are times when I am not so sure where the line between duty and my own desires starts or ends.

Perhaps that is just what everyone works through. But thank you. It is good to hear someone assure me that I am more than my title or my House.

Sometimes it is just harder to convince myself of it.

I'm glad that Tic did not end up frying his circuits. Do tell him to be careful. You as well. I'd rather not hear that you've injured yourself. Although if you have and you need help, please do let me know. I'd be happy to assist in any way.

You've intrigued me. Just what are you plotting, Acier Moondbound? Certainly, hiking up the anticipation of a rather interesting tale or adventure.

Haha, well, I am glad that you did enjoy your time on Naboo. Perhaps next time you can play host and show me around the places that bring you joy.

Be safe and enjoy your travels.

~ Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Acier Moonbound]

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TO: Lady Sibylla Abrantes
FROM: Acier Moonbound
SUBJ: (no subject)

Sibylla,

Not knowing where duty ends and your own wants start? I understand, Sibylla. More than you know. Growing up, it was just trying to make it to the next day. Took me a long time to figure out the difference between necessity and what I actually want. It's been a process. But you? You'll get there.

If you need any help picking out 'Lady Sibylla' and 'just Sibylla', I'm a line away.

Me and Tic will try to be careful. No promises though. He's getting more rebellious, and I ain't much better. Still... you offering to help? That's not something I'm used to. Don't usually have anyone lining up for that. Means more than I'll say here.

Oh, you're intrigued? I'll make a deal with you, Lady Sibylla Abrentes. Tell me how you're settling in as the Voice of the Royal Houses and I might tell you what I'm up to.

And about playing host next time. I've got a few ideas but don't expect gardens or museums. Closest thing I've got is a nebula out on the Mid Rim... stars look like fire spilled through glass. Ain't court-approved, but it's the kind of view that makes you forget titles and crowns. Think you'd like it.

- Ace

 

[Acier Moonbound]

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TO: Lady Sibylla Abrantes
FROM: Acier Moonbound
SUBJ: (no subject)

Sibylla,

Things have happened since my last message. None good. I'm not ready to talk about it yet but, I did something terrible. I don't know if you'd look at me the same if you found out.

Me and Tic are heading out again. I don't know the full details but it's got something to do with an Imperial super weapon. Guess it's the whole galaxy's problem now, so I figured I'd let you know in case you didn't already.

I don't know if I'll make it back. This feels bigger than anything I've been in.

Not good with words but if this is it, I wanna say this: I haven't known you long but you've got a way of making the galaxy feel quieter, even when everything's burning. You've been the only person other than Aether that I felt like I could really let my guard down with.

If things go sideways, don't worry about writing back. Just… think of me next time you're near water.

You were one of the few good parts, Sibylla. One of the real ones.

- Ace

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

Ace,

Apologies for the delay; transition work and travel across Naboo and Republic worlds have kept me uncommonly busy. That said, are you all right? That is my first and foremost concern. You need not go into particulars now; save those for when you are ready. I only want to know you are safe. Your last message carried a troubling tone. What is going on?

I am grateful you can confide in me, and I value our growing friendship. It is a strange comfort to be so trusted by someone who rarely offers his trust; that trust is not a thing I squander.

You say you did something terrible. People do terrible things and remain human; sometimes they become better for it, and sometimes they are punished by it. I will not pretend that every wrong can be smoothed over by sentiment, nor will I be quick to cast you out on the basis of shadowed news. When you are ready to tell me, I will listen without theatrics and without immediate verdict. If you need steadiness, I will be steady; if you need hard truth, I will give it plainly. If you need shelter, I will not turn you away.

If this is truly larger than anything you have faced, then take this as an encouragement rather than a reprimand: be brave in the way I know you can be.

Bravery is not the absence of fear but the decision to keep moving anyway. Let that small stubbornness in you lead the way. And if you find the road too heavy, do not carry it alone because you think you must. Let others shoulder it with you.

Holocall when you may. If words fail you, send a single transmission blink, a coordinate, anything. Tic or someone with you can relay it if you cannot. I will wait for that small signal.

Go with what courage you have, Ace. Trust it. Trust yourself. And when the world burns around you, remember you are not alone.

Always,

Sibylla

P.S. If you insist upon dramatic gestures, at least permit me a small, practical one; my assistant Corde will keep a channel open for you. Use it.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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To: Acier Moonbound
From: Sibylla Abrantes

Ace,

Are you well? I've tried reaching you several times now, and I haven't heard back from you and I'm even more worried. Reports have been circulating about the Empire's assault on Atresia, with the Death Star III of all things, and I saw the transmitted destruction of the Mon Mothma live, and I can't help but wonder if that dangerous mission you spoke of is somehow tied to it.

If I don't hear from you soon, I'll contact Mand'alor Aether Verd to make certain you're safe -- you know I will.

Please, comm me when you can. I'd rather be cross with you for making me worry than left to wonder if you're still out there.

~ Sibylla

 

[Acier Moonbound]

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TO: Queen Sibylla Abrantes
FROM: Acier Moonbound
SUBJ: (no subject)

Can we talk?

- Ace

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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To: Acier Moonbound
From: Sibylla Abrantes

Ace,

It's good to hear from you. We can meet, of course.

I will be in Rishi discussing a few trade terms; if you would like to meet there.

If Rishi is unacceptable, let me know. We can discuss a different location.

~Sibylla

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