Private Gathering Storm

[Aiden Porte]

Naboo
Royal Palace
Kalantha

The sun was setting on what was a incredibly beautiful day, more laughter and goodness in the day since it started early in the morning. There was much change happening within the Royal Naboo Republic, as it was soon to be reorganized into the Hight Republic. Naboo would still be at its center, forever as she was indeed what started it all. Aiden hoped that many wouldn't forget that. There was much change happening within the once Jedi Padawan, now granted the rank of Jedi Knight. He couldn't rest on his laurels though, there was so much work to be done. Aiden for the first time in a really long time looked to the future with a strong sense of hope and light.

The events of the past would always be with him, yet he wouldn't let them sway his judgment any more. He was a renewed individual, and seeing things such as this made him realized what he wanted in his life and who he wanted to share it with. He would always continue to care and love his closest friends, and he would be there to support them.

It's who he was, that would always be with him.

Wisdom, maturity and most importantly his hope and strength had returned.

It had only been a few days since his Knighting and he was quite pleased to get and invitation from Kalantha, the Queen of Naboo. There was some sort of formal party that was taking place amongst the political types, and he was extended an invitation.

Perhaps to save her from the woes that some of her political foes may have. Aiden knew the truth, she had the strength, and heart to rise above them all.

Perhaps he was being biased. Maybe....

Most likely....

The Jedi Knight wore a simple tuxedo courtesy of Locke and Key Mechanics, John Locke had been an incredible friend and ally since his fathers passing. He owed him a great deal....

Aiden moved easily about the Palace grounds before making his way to his destination, before catching a glimpse of the Queen of Naboo.

Graceful as ever, and beautiful.

The Jedi showed a small smile, looking her way.

 

[Kalantha]

GATHERING STORM
Theed, Naboo

​

Some might have called Kalantha's tendency to call upon the Jedi Padawan-turned-Knight Aiden Porte a bad habit, one that might stir up rumors and gossip, but she couldn't care less about the hushed chatter of stuffy nobles. She was just as entitled as they were to bring any guests she wanted - perhaps more so, given her position.

So when a tuxedoed Aiden arrived at the afternoon convivia, she smiled brightly and met him with as regal of a hug as she could manifest. It was incredibly hard to show a friend she cared about him without drawing eyes.

"It's so good to see you," she said, beaming. Without her headdress and makeup, Aiden could see how much Kalantha had matured this past year. She was no longer the girl-queen of Naboo; today, she looked the part of a proper stateswoman, still youthful and elegant, but sharp and distinguished as well. Those traits were difficult to spot beneath the veneer of white makeup she often wore as queen.

"You look so fancy," she giggled. "You clean up nice, Aiden."

Kalantha held out her arm for him to loop his own through, if he wanted. She'd lead him near the edge of the terrace where they could chat without drawing too much attention, yet still appear involved with the festivities. That was the true balance - convincing the watching eyes that you care, even though you'd prefer to be anywhere else. The Assembly was all about appearances. Kalantha hoped to challenge that school of thought. Replace it with something better, something more genuine.

"Things are changing, you know," she teased. A sideways glance and a small smile confirmed that she herself was the force behind those changes. "I love the Royal Republic, but I believe we've reached the limits of Naboo's ability to guide the people on its own merit. The further south the Republic reaches, the harder it will become to serve the people."

She knew she didn't need to explain why. Aiden had an impressive record of missions to various worlds in the Outer Rim. He was well aware of how disdainful the far reaches of the galaxy were towards the Core, a sentiment that would easily replicate should the Crown Worlds come with promises of freedom while touting the regency of a queen. No, they would need something more palatable. Tangible. Relatable.

"I wanted to tell you in person that... well, I'm not running for Queen of Naboo." The words were true to her heart, but much harder to say aloud than she imagined. "I'm running for Chancellor... of the High Republic." She almost whispered the words, as if even her closest political allies were not yet apprised of the situation. In fact, many were not. The idea was still nascent, but one she believed in steadfastly.

Kalantha let the words hang between them, looking up meet Aiden's eyes. If anyone would shoot straight with her, it'd be him.

Tags: Aiden Porte​

 

[Aiden Porte]

"It's so good to see you,"

"And you, your grace." Aiden in turned offered the same hug, as to keep things regal with those around them. She had the image of a Queen that would be remembered forever. Since the last they spoke she had grown in every way. There was a bigger sparkle in her eyes and even the makeup that covered her face couldn't hold by the light that emitted from her. He could sense it through the force, she was truly something else. He smiled on the inside as he held his hand out to her to take.

"You look so fancy,"

"You clean up nice, Aiden."

"Well, I am known to surprise people at times. Even myself...." Aiden chuckled lightly as he glanced down for a moment. "I want to say thank you. I never properly did for all your words and comfort. During well...you know." The Jedi Knight winked at her and gave her arm a gentle squeeze. Looking back at the support that had come through, it meant volumes to him. During that time, as alone as he felt.

He never truly was...

"Things are changing, you know,

"I love the Royal Republic, but I believe we've reached the limits of Naboo's ability to guide the people on its own merit. The further south the Republic reaches, the harder it will become to serve the people."

"This is very true......" Aiden smiled as they moved out towards the terrace, overlooking some of the beautiful scenery the Palace offered. She was going to say the words, but his intuition had served him well. He looked over to her with an encouraging smile. "When a plant grows to big for its pot, its growth is stunted. The only way for it to reach its full potential is leave where its at and spread its roots to bigger places."

He spoke truly and sincerely, knowing what this was going to mean. And yet he couldn't help but feel a bit of sorrow. He knew it was going to be hard with her....not here.

"I wanted to tell you in person that... well, I'm not running for Queen of Naboo."

"I'm running for Chancellor... of the High Republic."

"I could sense that, that's good." Aiden said, looking her in the eyes. "For as long as I've known you, you've strived to protect the people and provide them with a strength. If there is anyone that is capable of doing that job, it is you Inara. There isn't anyone else I would recommend for it."

The smile he showed couldn't have been portrayed any better. The look in his eyes and the ease in his heart, as he thought about her as Chancellor for the High Republic.

He cleared his throat before speaking again. "With your permission your grace, should you get elected. It would be my honor to continue to protect you and have a place at your side. If you would only consider me still worthy of that."

Kalantha

 

[Kalantha]

GATHERING STORM
Theed, Naboo

​

Kalantha squeezed Aiden’s arm gently. He never had to thank her for supporting him. "You've been there for me since I was a little girl. You were there in the market, passing out food and supplies. Do you remember? I'll never forget your face, that smile. You made me feel safe when the world was so big and scary." She hoped he knew it wasn't out of obligation that she'd come to be a prominent piece of his support system. She was there for Aiden because she wanted to be, not because she had to.

Looking back now the two of them had both seen their fair share of trouble, but neither had given up hope. Kalantha was incredibly grateful for that, and moved that Aiden wanted to remain by her side as her protector.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said. Her lips wore a smile, but there was a glint of worry that flashed her eyes. She took a step away from Aiden, moving close to the baluster. She rest her hands on the stone, feeling the warmth it'd absorbed from the afternoon sun. It was grounding, in a way. It steadied her mind.

"The path ahead is going to be quite dangerous. More so than it has ever been, I'm afraid." Kalantha was nothing if not a pessimist, but she was also not the idealistic little girl that her political opponents made her out to be in their slander campaigns. She was wise enough to understand that the galaxy was about to get a whole lot bigger. A whole lot scarier. What was black and white will become muddied into shades of grey. What once felt right will be questioned.

She turned her head to face Aiden, eyeing him with warm regard. "Sometimes, I wonder if I'm ready for all of this."

Tags: Aiden Porte​