O B S C U R I T Y
Ukio
Dustcairn Plantation
As much as she had desired to be left alone, it seemed that the Galaxy was intent on crashing her own personal pity party as it were by ensuring that a multitude of individuals found their way into her presence, with a great many of them being somewhat unexpected. The last time she had personally seen the Vicelord was during the round of interviews on Naboo, a task that she still felt had ultimately been a waste of time - though it was not something she would bring up nor feel a need to ultimately address unless done so by the other parties. As she looked down at the two droids that had just as quickly once again clasped their hands together, she nodded softly while watching their little dance before the two began to shimmer slightly and were soon apparently invisible - though it was more than likely not the case.
With a soft sigh, she once more leaned down, this time though her focus was not on the droids nor any other individual that was still gathered in the garden. Carefully, she lightly cupped the small duckling that had once again magically found itself where it needed to be in the Galaxy, the woman slowly lifting up the brightly yellow plummed creature before cradling the duckling against her bosom. One hand carefully held the creature, the other came down and lightly began to stroke the feathers atop its head as she smiled.
"Such a brave little creature, and what a ferocious battle cry."
Amelia praised the small duckling - showing a somewhat softer side of her personality than many in present company had likely never seen before her face once more returned to its normal stony demeanor. Golden-yellow hues shifted their attention towards the Vicelord, and she regarded his presence with a simple nod before turning towards the large doors that remained somewhat obscured by the foliage. Perhaps there might have been a time when she would have saluted or even given a proper bow to the individual, though that time had long since gone. She was a private citizen now and felt no need to kowtow to the individual no matter his station within the Confederacy.
Without another word - having felt that the original invitation for refreshments was enough - she had continued towards the doors that would lead into the home that lay beyond. When there were fewer unexpected guests, a simple meeting room would have sufficed, however, with the multitude that was now present, the larger gathering hall would make a finer and more suitable location. Stopping just short of the doors, her golden-yellow hues turned towards the droid that waited quietly, patiently, for its mistress - its six arms carefully folded and head bowed.
"Kassara, we've a few unexpected guests, please prepare some refreshments and bring them to the gathering hall - it would be unkind of me to merely turn them away without showing some form of hospitality."
Looking over her shoulder, still cradling the duckling in her arms, her fingers absentmindedly, slowly stroked its head as a soft smirk tugged at the edges of her lips to reveal a hint of her fang. Her attention once more returned to Kassara before speaking again, a soft hushed tone as she leaned forward.
"And have the chef prepare a meal fit for such a mighty warrior as this little duckling. After all, we can't allow my valiant protector to go unfed."
Amelia smirked softly before stepping forward, the two large doors hissing softly as they slipped open, welcoming the individuals into the large hall that lay beyond. The hall itself wasn't anything too special, the items however that lay within were what made it special. A myriad of chairs, benches, and seats sprawled across the hall, interspersed between them were a number of glass casings resting atop pedestals - while glass display cases and shelves lined the walls. Each item showed a part of Amelia's past, and they were all on display - perhaps as a means to keep the memories alive or for some other purpose that was not clear.
In one case that took up the bulk of the western wall, were a series of lightsaber hilts - each unique in their own design - though clearly, they were more trophies than anything else. Each taken at a different time in her past before she had come to the Confederacy, long before them. Amelia carefully moved towards a more ornate chair before taking a seat, leaning back ever so slightly to ensure more comfort and keep the Duckling from tumbling to the floor. On each side of the seat, offset on the right and left were two sets of armor that seemed to keep a vigil over the collection of unique items that she had collected from her years since she had once again woken.
They seemed to act as a timeline of sorts - each showing the different phases that ultimately brought her into the service of the Confederacy. Alderaan had been her first home, and though she had taken action which she still felt strongly about, it had ultimately left her without a home and seen as an enemy by the very people that she now hosted in her home. All she had left of those times were small trinkets, an older firearm, and a special Dagger from the Order of the Wolfcat - though likely she was no longer welcomed by that particular order.
"Please, take a seat, or if it so strikes your curiosity, peruse the collection of my life. Kassara should return shortly with refreshments, though I've a feeling that a number of you have arrived for different reasons and motivations that caused you to seek myself out in my apparent solitude of obscurity."
Amelia spoke softly, a nearly hushed tone of measured composure and silent judgment as she was more intent upon listening than speaking. Her attention shifted for a moment, perhaps her own mind returning to the memories that the items in the room brought her, or perhaps she was thinking of some other subject beyond the glasses cases and displays. Each item had its own story behind it, and each was in its own way just as destructive or creative as those around it - though the crowning focus of the collection was an ancient Crown that sat in the center of the room, flanked on either side by a Great Helm and a smaller, albeit, just as beautifully crafted Circlet. A number of other interesting items still remained - older weapons, a crystal star, and perhaps more intriguing yet, a blood-red crystal formation that sat quietly in its own case.
Clearly, it was a treasure trove of items that would tempt the little rabbit droids - wherever they may be - with the multitude of uses that each item had to potentially assist them in fleeing. As Amelia remained seated, her golden-yellow hues once more turned towards the Vicelord, deciding that now was as good a time as any to respond to the question that had been poised towards herself and the former Deputy Minister of War.
"I have been fine, enjoying my retirement as it were. Though I doubt you're arrival was merely for such a simple question - just as it is likely that everyone else that has arrived has their own motives for doing so. I look forward to hearing each story and reason behind their arrival with bated breath."
