Private Nature and Nurture

[Alicio Organa]

Royal Palace, Aldera
Alderaan
​

"Your Grace? The ambassador ship has just entered atmosphere. They're asking for clearance." A pale Alderaanian in an administrator's uniform scratched his head. "I... think. They were a little hard to understand."

"Thank you, Hugo." The dark form of Alicio stood from his chair in the meeting room, waving a hand behind him to straighten his cape. "Pass it along. And if you could make sure Bora meets me at the landing zone, I would appreciate it."

"As you say, Your Majesty." The assistant rushed away, single-minded in the tasks set before him.

Alicio let his mouth purse in thought. The man was dedicated... but entirely too zealous of tradition. He treated Alicio like a sovereign ruler, to be respected and feared, despite his wish for the opposite. Perhaps some people would've preferred, or even required, all the pomp and circumstance. That had never been Alicio's style.

Entertaining potential trade partners was also not usually his style. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.

The King of Alderaan stepped outside, to watch the sky over the palace's secluded landing pad. House Organa and the Wookiees of Kashyyyk were inexplicably linked, historically. When he'd heard they wanted to inquire about a trade partnership, he'd been excited. Finally, a chance to meet with a people renowned for their honor and honesty, and perhaps find an arrangement that helped both their planets prosper.

Now that the excitement had worn off, though... Alicio couldn't help but feel a small bead of nervousness lodge itself in his chest. He tucked his hands behind his back, obscured within the folds of his cape, and sighed, staring up into a crisp Alderaanian afternoon.

Here's to hoping I live up to their expectations.

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Onboard said vessel standing with both hands clasped behind her Minerva looked out into the cockpit's viewpoint while the two Wookiee pilots made the final approach. Through the helmet's visor stared into Alderaan's surface that was coming closer and closer. A mixture of curiosity, anxiety and anticipation came over the battle hardened warrior. Not for the duty she was to carry out but rather the fact she is about to be in Alderaan itself. In all her travels through the galaxy since childhood Minerva had never come here.

Soon standing next to her was a Wookie in faded brown fur and wearing a green and red sash over his right shoulder to the waist's left side. The elder smiled as they broke through into the atmosphere and the one of pilots' called the palace.

(Beautiful isn't it?) Rhust asked, still smiling and Minerva slowly but surely nodded.

"Yes it is."

(Minerva I am grateful you came along to help with security. It means a great deal to us.)

Finally the Mandalorian turned her view to the one she saw like that of an uncle, saying.

"You're welcome, Rhust. I had to come, we're Burc'ya after all."

Rhust titled his head with eyes of understanding. The old Wookiee then patted his young friend's left shoulder. He knew coming here brought complicated feelings to Minerva but it is good that she's taking this step. Gesturing to the mountains they now saw.

(Behold the land of your blood.)

Patting the shoulder some more, Rhust walked away to get ready. As for Minerva she indeed gazed at the colossal snow capped mountains. She was awestruck. It's one thing to view from the holonet but to actually see it in person. Not long after the capital came into view. She raised an eyebrow in examination and thought.

Fancy.

Forcing herself out of its view Minerva walked away from the cockpit. She had a responsibility to do.

Once the diplomatic vessel landed, steam hissed from the ramp while it came down. An honor guard of a dozen Wookiee warriors, armed with Bowcasters, stepped forth and behind them was Minerva in her Mandalorian armor but her blasters holstered. She looked around the area searching for any sign of trouble on the spires but saw none. Stepping onto the landing pad Minerva as she then noted King Alicio Organa with one of his staff waiting on the opposite side.

He looked more relaxed when helping with refugees in that camp than doing this.

With that thought in mind, Minerva backed away as the honor guard, separating forming two lines for the delegation of five elders led by Chief Rhust that followed. Minerva walked behind the delegation making sure to keep her eyes out for anything suspicious. Rhust and his fellow diplomats stopped in front of Alderaan's monarch.

Proudly and in a friendly manner the chief roared. (Well met King Organa! On behalf of Kashyyyk we thank you for receiving us into your home.)

Subsequently the old chieftain offered his right hand Alicio to shake.


Tag: Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

As the Wookiee ship touched down on the tarmac, Alicio was already stepping forward, followed close behind by Bora, a silver and black RA-7 droid. The bug-headed protocol droid trundled along on stiff limbs, practically jogging to keep up with Alicio's long steps. The king didn't speak Shyriiwook, or any of the various Kashyyyk dialects, so having a translator on hand would be a tremendous help.

"Sir!" The robotic voice of Bora was all too prim. "It is customary for guests of the king to meet him in the throne room. This is highly unorthodox." He said it as if unorthodoxy was one of the worst insults one could dream up. "It is not too late to turn around, and meet the delegation inside."

"Thank you for your input, Bora." He was, perhaps, a bit less genuine than he would usually like to be. "I'll take it under advisement. For now, though, could you translate for me?"

"Of course, sir. Are you aware that I am fluent in nearly four hundred thousand forms of communication?"

Alicio sighed. "Yes. I am aware of that, Bora. Thank you for the reminder." He appreciated the droid's help, especially on days like today... but he drained the monarch's patience more than he cared to say.

Soon enough, Alicio was face-to-face with the Kashyyyk delegation. Impressive rows of honor guard, and venerable elders. Alicio blinked, recalling his research before the meeting, and listening to Bora's translation, before responding. "Chieftain Rhust. Thank you for coming all this way. Your presence is a welcome one." He accepted the Wookiee's hand without a second thought, giving it a respectable shake, that unfortunately couldn't hope to match what a Wookiee was capable of.

"Would you prefer we speak inside? Otherwise, I'd be happy to give a tour of the neighborhood." He always offered the option to his guests. There was a lot to see in Aldera besides the palace. Of course, there was a lot to see inside the palace, too...

Alicio suddenly turned, catching a glimpse of a Mandalorian visor. He tilted his head a moment, some recognition flashing in the subtle greys of his eyes.

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

The Wookiee elders whispered among themselves before they nodded in final agreement. Rhust then declared. (Most of my colleagues need to rest but I would be honored to see your city and people.) They would follow the King away from the platform. Minerva was behind them, trying to keep her mind on the job. Of course it didn't escape the warrior's notice that the King recognized her.

Of course he would. Anyone who met me would because of this armor.

As they moved along into the palace, Rhust gestured for Minerva to join at his side while the rest of the delegation were shown to their quarters. She came alongside Rhust and Alico and said.

"Good to see you again, your Highness. How is your Queen and children doing?"

Within the helm she smirked, thinking how Amani Serys was still taking care of things in that dogged Jedi persistence of hers.

Tag: Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio nodded to the Wookiee, his eyes never leaving the tall man's, despite Bora being the one he understood. "Then how about we take a respite inside the palace, then we'll see about a walkaround."

The King of Alderaan walked side-by-side with Chief Rhust, as they both entered the Royal Palace of Alderaan. The interior was elegant, rounded corners and careful architecture hallmarks of Alderaanian style. Both artwork and potted plants tended by a careful hand hung on the walls, accompanied by gentle blue banners with House Organa's symbol proudly displayed upon them. Nothing of value was lower than chest-height, a precaution for little children running around the building.

"Good to see you again, your Highness. How is your Queen and children doing?"

"Minerva." The name came to him in a flash. They'd met only a few times, once harassing a padawan about love in a relief camp, and before that, on Eshan at a festival, but Alicio was excellent at putting names to faces- or in this case, faceplates. "I admit, I didn't expect to see a Mandalorian with the delegates, today."

"Amani has been busy with the war, as I'm sure you could guess." Alicio's easy smile creased. It had been too long since they'd taken time as a whole family. "But the children are around. And a bit more grown, since you last saw them."

"How do you know each other?" Alicio glanced between Rhust and Minerva, not sure if he was about to get a sentence, or an epic.

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

The palace's interior was beautiful as well. Minerva couldn't help but give the plotted plants an examination. Perhaps her view was colored by the fact that her birth parents' ties to Alderaan but she wasn't sure. Jorel never gave any hint that they had royal or noble blood. Just ordinary people that lived their lives on the move and helped where they could.

That's good enough for me.

As for the King's answers she nodded with the amused smirk hidden by said face-plate. Of course the warrior did feel sympathy for how the war was keeping the couple occupied from one another but glad Amani and their children were doing well. They had a strong foundation. At Organa's observation Chief Rhust chuckled. He knew that had been coming a mile away.

(In younger days I traveled the stars often. Her adopted father, Jorel and I were briefly enemies due to a misunderstanding before a common threat forced us to fight side by side. Afterwards we swore friendship and remained true to it for a lifetime till death finally took him. Minerva has continued that bond of her own free will.)

The warrior bowed her head to the Wookiee Elder. "Chieftain Rhust asked me to help with the security detail as a favor. I couldn’t refuse."

Tag: Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

"Some of the best allies are made in the fire, I've found. I'm glad to host both of you today." It made the meeting far easier to have a familiar face among the retinue. And so far, Chief Rhust seemed amiable. Alicio seemed far more relaxed than when he'd first stood outside. This, he could do.

"You've mentioned your father to me before, Minerva." He strained his mind, trying to remember the context, his memory seeming to come up short. "Was Jorel Mandalorian as well?"

Somewhere around the corner ahead, the sounds of excited little voices whispering could be heard. "Mmm. That would be Liana and August now. I mentioned we might have guests today, and they were very... enthusiastic about saying hello."

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Minerva paused before remembering that conversation.

"Yes, Jorel was a son of Mandalore. We're not related by blood but he adopted me from my birth parents whom he knew after they passed on. Garven and Lena Fhiaridad, they were the ones I mentioned to you."

While the King wouldn't know those two specifically he would likely be able to recognize their given names as Alderaanian in origin. The warrior considered her next words. This was not something she often brought up but a look from Chieftain Rhust encouraged her to take the leap.

"They were independent aid workers from Alderaan."

At the mention of the Organa children and hearing their whisper both Rhust and Minerva smiled. The latter took her helmet and latched to the left hip so they could see her face once they showed themselves. As for Rhust he laughed in pleasure.

(Good, good. I love to meet them as well.)

Tag: Alicio Organa
(OOC: My apologies for the delay.)

 

[Alicio Organa]

"They were independent aid workers from Alderaan."

Alicio found a subtle frown of thought. There was obviously some hesitation from the woman to bring it up, and Alicio wasn't entirely sure why. Did she feel ashamed? "I didn't realize you were Alderaanian. Is it... a secret?"

"I understand that there are some biases towards Alderaan that other soldiers might have, but they couldn't be that bad." He found a light smile.

As the group marched around the corner, they came face to face with two little children, roughly the same height. The girl had dark curls, rainy grey eyes that matched her father's, and was bobbing excitedly on her heels. The boy had shorter hair, sky blue eyes, and a wide smile. Both had mostly green skin, showcasing their half-Mirialan parentage, but were splotched by Alicio's fairer skin tone on their faces, and in the case of August, across his entire body.

"Hello~!" Liana Organa continued to rock on her heels, obviously wracking her brain, trying to remember her manners. "Welcome to our home! I'm Liana."

"I'm August!" August waved, abandoning decorum entirely, as he stared up at the Wookiee. "You're reeeally tall!"

Alicio was smiling wide, all his attention taken up by his kids. Despite their different ways of greeting them, both Lia and Aug were fearless. He looked to Minerva and Rhust, to gauge their reaction.

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

"It's not really a secret and no I'm not afraid of folks knowing my blood is from Alderaan. I just haven't really dive into that aspect and in fact this is my first time coming to this world." Minerva answered, shaking her head at the king's attempt at humor.

Of course the warrior admitted to herself she had conflicted feelings about this combination of heritages she inherited. Unlike many foundlings, her adopted father often spoke highly of her birth parents. They truly sounded like wonderful people who loved her but she never got the chance to know them, to truly know them. Upon seeing August and Lianna, the mercenary paused before snorting in amusement. They're absolutely adorable.

To think it's been a few years since she last saw them. Of course it's hard to imagine them recognizing her, since at the time she wore an alliance military uniform on that night and being so young they would be hard pressed to recognize her face since it was only one time. Still Minerva couldn't help but remember their mother Amani Serys being pregnant with the twins.

She was so excited and anxious to have a child. To have them.

It would be a lie to state that Minerva didn't feel somewhat envious of the Organas being such a wonderful family. Actually it was inspiring in a galaxy constantly in turmoil. It was at that moment she removed her helmet to let the children see her friendly smile. As for Rhust he chuckled at August's observation. He walked over and knelt down ruffled the prince's hair like he did so many times with his own children before speaking and Minerva translated.

"Chief Rhust says hello and that you should see wroshyr trees of his home someday. Many are as tall and strong as mountains."

Deciding to introduce herself the Mandalorian cleared her throat and said to Lianna and August.

"My name is Minerva, I know your mother, we helped some people together before you two were born. She is a brave and kind person who loves you both and your father."

She meant every word, knowing it is true.

Tag: Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

"I see." Alicio's posture relaxed, ever so slightly. "Well... That's something else we share in common. I didn't grow up on Alderaan either. I first came here when I was finishing up university." Forever had passed since those days. "I'd always been told about thrantas growing up, so being able to ride one for the first time was a life-changing experience. So, if you're looking for new experiences... I highly recommend it."

The Organa twins' welcoming ambush was met with high spirits. Liana was beaming her polite smile, which turned jealous as Chief Rhust patted August's head. Her brother, ever ignorant, just giggled, with stars in his eyes. "Woah. I wanna climb a mountain tree!" He turned to his father. "Dad-?"

"No."

"Aw..."

"C'mon," Lia walked over, and stole Rhust's hand from Aug's head, holding his big paw in both of her tiny palms, and pulling gently. "I want to show you things." With a confident nod, the little girl immediately took charge of their tour. Her brother trailed behind her, waiting patiently until he got the chance to steal Rhust away to talk about tall trees again. "It's nice to meet you... Chief Rhust. There's a lot of stuff to see here. That's some, uh, painty paper, and those are Mommy's plants..."

Alicio let himself trail behind, walking in stride with Minerva. "August and Liana are certainly... something else. Lia loves collecting plushes, and Aug is... well, whatever the opposite of being afraid of heights is, so you can imagine their excitement when they found out a Wookiee delegation was going to be in the palace."

"If they get to be... too much, let me know. But they won't be here long. They'll just be... escorting us to the meeting room."

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Rhust laughed all the more. The old chieftain was enjoying himself. This was certainly better than many diplomatic functions he had to do over the centuries. Minerva looked on with amusement. In battle he was fierce as a Wookiee can be but with children, native or outsider he was gentle and playful.

She had known the latter side of him as a child then learned the other side upon growing up.

At the king's explanation Minerva smiled, admiring the plants they were passing by. Subsequently she remarked.

"I take it this is the first time they met a Wookiee in person."

Pausing while still marching the warrior observed Rhust being guided by the prince and princess. Longing glinted in her eyes as Minerva then asked Organa in a half whispered tone while still watching the trio up ahead.

"What is it like? I-I mean being a parent."

Tag: Alicio Organa

 

[Alicio Organa]

"I think so," Alicio said, on this likely being the first time the twins had met a Wookiee. "Maybe they've seen them in passing, they spend a lot of time at the Vonnuvi Jedi Enclave, but this is certainly the first time one has stopped to give them the time of day."

Alicio was never brave enough to speak with people at their age. He was always quiet, reserved, and would rather read a book than play with the neighborhood kids. While the twins weren't exactly of reading age yet... they were leagues more extroverted than he'd ever be.

"What is it like? I-I mean being a parent."

Alicio quirked a grin. "Well, I'm sure it's different for every parent. But, for me..."

"It's as if my greatest accomplishments in life, what I was most proud of, suddenly came to life. They grew legs, and started walking around, and laughing and crying and calling me dad." He sighed happily. "I didn't understand before I became a father, but the second I laid eyes on them... Well, it felt as if nothing else I'd ever done mattered. They're my world."

"And sure, I have less time alone, but I find myself not caring so much, these days." He'd been lonely for too long in his life. He wouldn't mourn the feeling. Then, his smile became sharper, perhaps a bit sheepish. "I do miss having more time with just Amani... but we all make sacrifices."

"Are you thinking of becoming a parent, Minerva?"

- Minerva Fhirdiad -

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Minerva listened to every word closely. It sounded challenging yet wonderful wrapped all together. Could she really become a mother? Fighting was all she had known. Looking down at her gloved hands Minerva examined them.

These hands had held weapons and enemies to end them. Yet within her mind she imagined holding a child, her child. At the self made vision Minerva's lips trembled, aching for that dream. Would it ever become reality? Getting a hold of herself the warrior nonetheless confessed to the monarch.

"If death doesn't take me first, my desire is to embrace parenthood. Of course I equally want to find a ture partner to share the blessing with. So we can be a family in our own way."

Finally looking up to the king she smiled and nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you for telling me your majesty. Please give Amani Serys my regards next time when you see her."

Watching Rhust and the children enter the meeting room Minerva sighed happily before following them in. It was good to come here, she finally concluded.

Tag: Alicio Organa

Spoiler

OOC: Sorry it took so long to reply. Feel free to end this thread with your next post. This was a nice heart warming story to roleplay. Many thanks.