In Our Thoughts - We drown.

[The Spark]

New Aldera Palace, Throne Room​

Midday​

​

Burden.

One might call it that.

The burden of responsibility and the inability to control situations to one’s desire. It left one with a feeling of helplessness? Alyesa could probably relate to that particular sentiment at this point in her life. One of the things that differed from this burden and sense of overwhelming helplessness was the fact it was no longer on a galactic scale. Alyesa had to only concern herself with the affairs of Alderaan and her systems – but in a more direct role than she once did as a Senator. Here they were now, caught in the midst of chaos while trying to just survive and once again the Galactic Republic had failed her people. They left them vulnerable, all while Alyesa was away on a foreign relations mission for her planet.

It was typical for the Republic and came at little surprise.

Maybe she had expected different, maybe somewhere in her heart and mind she had hoped for something different. She hoped that there would be a spark within the dying embers of the government she was fought so hard for and that spark would ignite the flames of democracy across the stars. However, that was nothing more than a tale told by parents to their children before they went to sleep – of how things used to be. There were no more sparks left in the Republic, and in the eyes of Alyesa Organa, it was nothing more than a few petals clinging to a dying flower.

The days of old were gone.

There were some amongst the High Council who would point their fingers at the Sith, some who would point their fingers at the Republic. Perhaps it was both, perhaps it was the cost of waging war for so long. Alyesa stood in the massive throne room in Aldera Palace, her hands clasped infront of her, eyes diverted to the polished marble floor before her. A few Cairoka birds flew by the massive window she stood before, rays of light shining down upon her as she stood there – reflecting upon the events that transpired in her absence.

Was there a sense of sorrow? Perhaps even guilt?

“No.” She muttered to herself, looking up to the glass and the viridescent plains beyond the castle walls.

Alyesa took another moment to stare out at the scene beyond the walls before turning and moving towards the idle throne. She casually walked up the few steps and approached the two chairs that sat on the dais, hands clutching the outer portions of her dress so she wouldn’t end up tripping upon the delicate fabric. As she came upon her seat, she stopped and looked over it for a moment before approaching the throne of the Queen. As her gaze diverted to the larger chair to the left of where she sat, her hands would let go of the white cloth. They would reach down to touch the intricate silver alloy that adorned the chair and withdraw slowly after she reached the top.

A sigh escaped her lips as she brought her hands back before her, clasping them gently together. “Responsibility, not power.” She muttered softly. “To bear the weight of millions upon your shoulders…" Her gaze lowered to the azure-grey marble again. “Alone…” She cracked a smile and let off a soft chuckle.

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco stretched his arms, popping the joints in his shoulders and cracking his neck as he finished his workout. Since being temporarily severed from the Force, the Mandalorian's exercise routine had increased dramatically. He had focused on just maintaining for a long time, since his early twenties, and had begun to build up his strength and stamina again. Today had been combat training in twice standard gravity against saber droids equipped with little micro repulsors to resist the additional gravity.

The build up had been slow and methodical, moving from one point one upwards over the course of weeks to make it to times two. But he made it there, and his body was dense and filled with taunt sinews now, but his back ached, the old injuries acting up given the increased stress he was under physically. The Force had returned to him, but not completely. The Dark Side wasn't as prevalent. While he could still tap into it somewhat, he was no longer devoted to it, and didn't care to be. It wasn't him anymore. He had too much to be happy about. In a few months, he would be a husband, and a little after that, his twins would be born, and he and Faith would be a happy little family. The big mandalorian wrapped the towel around his shoulders, found some shorts, and went looking for something to eat and drink, lunch. It was about that time of day now.

The quarters Faith had in the palace were luxurious, with nice soft carpeting and silk sheets on a relaxa-bed. But, it was a palace. A place he wasn't exactly comfortable in all the time, having grown used to war and dormitories, and preferring a little solidarity every now and again, sharing a palace with thousands wasn't Draco's favorite thing. Right after a shower though, he was wandering the royal quarters, keeping to himself, messing around the kitchen in search of sustenance.

He found, when in the Palace, he was often shadowed by a member of the Royal Guard, just watching him. It wasn't like they didn't know what was going on between the Knight-Errant of Alderaan and the Princess of Alderaan. They just kept their eyes on him. Draco suspected Arianna's hand in that, keeping tabs on him in hopes of finding anything she could use to convince Faith to leave him, just like Duke Aris had. Part of Draco had suspected Arianna's hand in selecting Gabriella to tempt him, and probably always would. She was cruel like that, saw him as nothing more than a skirt chaser, and saw Faith as little more than a decoration to be sold off when it suited her.

Draco found a cup of juice and was given a plate of assorted fruits and vegatables, as well as a piece of poultry. Protein was important following a workout after all. After a moment, the man made his way through the kitchens and into the main hallway, towel around his shoulders, shorts on, and plate in hand looking for Faith with the intention of eating lunch with her and showing off for her for a little while.

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Alyesa Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith was preparing for a royal wedding she and Claire were looking at dresses, decorations, venue, and invitations. At first she had wanted to keep it small just the family but then she realized that there were some among the loyalists who wished to attend, bring their families. Besides Alderaan needed a positive event one that would draw her friends from the Republic, Draco's clan and friends from the Mandalorians, and then the nobles of Alderaan into a place where they could all see one another eye to eye.

It would prove to be an interesting event at the very least. Course now she had no idea what Draco would wear, armor? perhaps that way he could be ready to flee should the need arise.

they had come a long way since that very first meeting. That very first weekend. That very first week, which led to months and now. Here they were. With all the gifts he had given to her the Twilllik the ship, and she was sure he was building a place on the planet Aldera.

One event however still had not been addressed. [member="Alyesa Organa"] had finally returned, again. How could she be expected to take on the responsiblity of Alderaan if she kept disappearing without a word. She didn't know but she had to admit she was glad she was back. Events had occurred regarding Alderaan.

She didn't know how to talk to her sister anymore. At one time she thought they were getting closer, but their paths kept changing. Didn't Alyesa understand that only the women of House Organa remained. That the males of their line had disappeared, that in truth their line would end with them unless Theo, and Garith returned. Only through them did the Organa name continue.

Unless there was a cousin out there somewhere they had not found. It was possible.

Faith closed the date book responsibilities were growing. Aldera High Council asked for her return and she would have to go again, taking [member="Draco Vereen"] with her the decree naming him to be Prince Consort to her as Queen of Aldera was in place it needed only the marriage, and signature.

Her recent meeting with Kaine Zambrano left her with questions.

 

[The Spark]

“Your Highness…” A voice popped up behind her, causing her to stand upright and turn slowly, her hands coming up to gently touch together. Her amber orbs glanced at the man standing at the base of the dais.
The aide bowed low and remained there as he spoke. “The Princess, your sister, Faith, has arrived.”

Alyesa smiled gently and waved a hand towards the man. “Thank you, that will be all.” The man quickly stood and inclined his head before scurrying off to some other duty. Alyesa stepped down gently as the massive doors opened down the stretch of silver and gold trimmed carpet. Of course, Faith would be expecting to see the Alderaan High Council – but there would be a small stop first, Alyesa. The rumors of Faith and Draco had befallen her ears, but she dismissed them as rumors. She would hear these things for herself. Not that she wasn’t happy for her sister, she just preferred to get the information directly from the source.
Maybe that was the CEO in her, or maybe that was just how she was. One could never tell.

The sound of thundering footsteps and clicking of heels beyond the doors indicated that Faith was no doubt amongst the escorted guardsman. A minor detail, and one she cared not for. As the detail spread out and Faith emerged, Alyesa picked up the edges of her dress and rushed down the carpet to greet her sister – a beaming smile upon her face. It was like they were kids again. She hadn’t seen her in ages, and granted many things had changed between them – they were off and on, but Alyesa tried so hard to make sure she was on the right with Faith.

For the better of her people, their people and their family.

For themselves.

They were sisters after all.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco stopped and asked one of the palace guards where Faith had gotten off to while he had been exercising and the guard directed him towards the throneroom. The Mandalorian wasn't entirely sure why she would have gone in there, but he wasn't that worried. Arianna was aware of the situation to a degree, though few were aware of the twins Faith was carrying. She wasn't yet showing too much, so it wasn't exactly obvious. Even if the Queen didn't know about them, he and Faith had survived worse.

He made his way through the palace, picking at the food on the plate, while he walked. Draco had been careful to select a few things he knew Faith would eat in case she hadn't eaten anything or was feeling peckish. He tried his best to look out for her, though it was becoming increasingly more difficult. She was as stubborn as her mother and sister, if not more so, and she knew which strings of his she could tug on to get her way.

Draco made his way through the Palace slowly, his Aldera Royal Guard following behind him. Just the one was afforded to the Knight-Errant, betrothed to the Crown Princess of Aldera. Captain Lindsey had insisted that Draco follow protocol during his stays, and assigned one guardsman to keep watch over the Mandalorian, something that Draco was torn about.

As much as he desired to be a part of her world, someone that fit in beside her, he also wanted to hold true to his culture, his warrior people, the barbaric, less civilized nature. His own clansmen called him Boss, or Alor. These people called him sire or Ser or announced him by his full set of titles.

The warrior could see Faith's guards in front of the main doors, and made his way to them, standing in the center of the threshold he could see Alyesa ushing to meet with Faith. The Crown princess looked excited to see Faith, maybe not as excited as he was too see Faith, but Alyesa was excited. Draco handed off the towel around his shoulders to the guard behind him and then the plate of food and the glass of juice. "Hold this for me man."

He smiled and crossed his arms, the thick cords of sinew in his limbs, powerful muscles over his dense frame. He kept his mouth shut for now, while he approached Faith from behind, giving her a moment to reacquaint herself with he sister.

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Alyesa Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith came from behind her guards entering the throne room and moving down the long walkway to where Alyesa was.....Faith paused was she actually rushing to see her? How long had it been since Alyesa and she had rushed to see one another?

Were things finally going to get back to normal?

She couldn't help but smile at her and visibly soften, she quickened her step to meet her sister.

Family first right?

She was on unfamiliar ground with her now, did she hug her? She would let Alyesa lead on this not wanting to put her sister into a position where she would be uncomfortable if she wanted to hug her she would, if not Faith would follow her lead.

There was much to tell between them things that only sisters could share, should know.

 

[The Spark]

She noted the brief hesitation, but paid it no mind as she continued her rush to greet Faith head on. Of course, she ignored the suitor of her sister who lingered behind her as well – this was about Faith and Alyesa. “Faith!” She exclaimed as she came up to her and embraced her tightly but ever so cautiously, uncertain of any conditions or perhaps ailments her sister might be under. “It’s so good to see you! It’s been a long time; I do apologize for that!” It hadn’t been too long but long enough to where Alyesa knew very little about the details of her and Draco’s relationship outside of what she was informed by gossip. She would let go of the embrace and place her hands upon the shoulders of Faith, leaning back and looking over. “Let me have a look at you, are you well?” She smiled brightly as she examined her sister closely.

Of course, the shirtless [member="Draco Vereen"] caught her attention, but only for a moment. She offered him a smile and let go of Faith’s shoulders, gesturing to one of her closest guards. The man hustled over next to Alyesa and leaned in. “Could you be so kind as to fetch him a robe, perhaps a sheet?” The guard bowed quickly at the waist and moved out as Alyesa turned her attention back to Draco and gave him quite the smartass smile she was well known for. “Draco, please know this isn’t a bathhouse on some backwater planet – atleast walk around with something covering yourself up.” She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to Faith, an arm enveloping her sister’s shoulder.

It wasn’t that she didn’t like Draco, he was who he was – but Alyesa was who she was. She had to ensure he followed the standards – even if it meant she came off the cuff with snarky comments to him.

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco crossed his arms behind Faith and waited, the touching reunion would be over soon, and Faith would need comfort again. With her sister returning it would mean Faith was expected to shuffle things around. But this time, things were different.

Alderaan was sovereign, under the protection of the Mandalorian Clans, specifically, Clan Vereen. Alderaan was home to a Kindred of Clan Vereen, and the soldiers of Alderaan were supplemented by Mandalorian warriors. The fleet and orbital defenses were Clan Vereen, and the Alderaanians lived in prosperity because they were allowed to ship and sell their products to all but the One Sith and the Galactic Republic or their constituents.

"I like to be comfortable in my home, and so far, no one important has complained." Draco smiled back at her, waiting for Faith to turn her attention back to him so he could show off for her and impress her with his progress. He enjoyed seeing Faith's little smile, the way her eye's gleamed when she poked at him, just like she enjoyed getting to render him speechless. And Alyesa was just another member of her family that hated him. Only Rianna sort of liked him around, Arianna and Alyesa didn't even know Faith was pregnant yet, which would likely cause a serious argument Faith didn't deserve or need right now.

When one of the guards brought him a robe, he waved the man off who stood behind him holding it out awkwardly trying to get him to take it. This behavior wasn't exactly uncommon, the throne room wasn't a place he visited often if at all, but he considered the Palace one of his homes, when Faith was here, he was here and wanted to be comfortable and at peace.

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Alyesa Organa"]