RHOA: The High Council Meets

[Faith Organa]

The High Council of Alderaan not existed since the days of the Queen Kiyala Demont who had removed the Council, and the Nobility from Alderaan. She had taken all the power and centralized it. The throne of Alderaan became a dictatorship.

It had taken the Organa family a long time to come to power and to remove the changes made by the former Queen. When Arianna Organa became Queen it was a change and a restoration of the old ways, the old traditions. When the One Sith came and invaded Alderaan citizens left, escaped or remained on Alderaan.

Alderaan changed it was as if the removal of its traditions had resigned it to become something else, a home for the mutated. In time Alderaan was reclaimed the Sith left it and the work began to restore it.

Faith became Queen after her mother Arianna. When she assumed the mantle from Arianna continued the restoration of Alderaan.

The reinstatement of the High Council was one of those steps. Representatives from each of the regions were elected and called to serve.

Faith now sat in the building designed for the High Council meetings. A place where the old met the new, where ideas were to be born to make Alderaan secure, a room where the issues facing the Alderaani would be discussed and the future of Alderaan would be held dear. This Council would advise their Queen and give council to her.

Faith was glad to see it glad to know that she would not shoulder the issues facing Alderaan alone. She would set this precedent and show her daughter [member="Laira Darkhold"] that she would not be alone either.

[member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | @any alderaan noble who wishes to join.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

Mt Ceiril, Aiden Mountain range, Northern Alderaan


"Tell him I'll be ready in another minute..." She replied to her mother, who peered in for the 7th time urging her to hurry.

"We're not going to be late.... I'll fly....just a minute, mom!.."

But that minute turned to 20 and by the time she got out, her father had already taken off.

"Mom....I said we weren't going to be late. I can't believe he left without me. Sigh... " Marina couldn't believe she was left behind.
It wasn't that she had been requested or required to go to Aldera today, but she was one of the Queen's intern and she figured she's go anyway. There was a lot going on at the Royal palace and she could learn her way around the court more. besides, she loved visiting the Queen and helping Bekka when she was around.

Marina bid her mom good-by and headed out into the hangars. Her father had taken one of the speeder sedans..as a passenger, having one of his security personnel fly him to Aldera.
Marina hopped in the next one parked inside and fired up it's engines. She hovered it near the hangar doors then activated them to open.
The gust of wind and snow rushed in, peppering her window to then only turn to water, as her speeder was sealed and the glass heated.
Giving a perimeter sensor check for any other crafts about, she gunned it.
The sedan took off almost like her ship...like a rocket...immediately getting lost in the white out. It were snowing up in the mountains.

She speed just over the range of the mountain peaks, despite the near zero visibility. But she were keen on instrument flying and in no time, spotted her father's speeder up ahead. She gunned the engines diving just under his speeder before coming up right ahead of them. She then baked to the side and decelerated for the other speeder to come along side her.
She waved and blew her father a kiss, before she zooming ahead and out of sight...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~




Mid valley, Aldera City...Palace Organa

Marina had put down in the palace front courtyard. Her authorized parking area when she was at the palace.
Somehow or other, she had arrived early. Early enough to see if she could lend a hand in the upcoming Council meeting. There wasn't anything she needed to do, as Bekka had already arranged everything...and there was some time to relax and chit-chat before the queen made her presence to the new assigned Council chambers.

"Wow...it's...it's so traditional..." Marina was at an awe as to the furnishings, the decor..everything.
She were informed by Bekka that these very same furnishings and antiques were the original furnishings of the latter Council, before the dark times Alderaan had endured. her majesty, Queen Organa had her staff and craftsmen take them out of storage and polish everything up to original standards. Everything spoke of Alderaan's brighter days...days that once again were here.

"I seen holograms of the palace before the dark times and it's just as beautiful as our Queen has made it now.
"By the way...where is Queen Organa? Is she going to be here before my father arrives or after?" She asked Bekka, as she were running her hands on the ornate woodwork of antiquity. It was simply the best craftsmanship she had seen anywhere. the pride of Alderaan's craftsmen were unsurpassed.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

What the-... His pilot drew the Duke's attention to the crat that had just popped right up from below them.

"That looks like one of ours...." The Duke was saying when the craft decelerated and came up next to them.
"Of course...Marina, my love...." He sighed.
And why wouldn't it be?

He waved back with a slight gesture before he saw her speeder bolt forward and disappear into the clouds ahead.
"Sigh...
That girl...." He said under his breath. "...what am I going to do with her..."

If we only had more pilots like her, my lord. If I may say so... the pilot had a smirk on his face. Yes, he knew marina, the Duke's daughter. A feisty girl, but one hell of a pilot.

"Yes...sigh...if we only had more..."

* * * * * * *

The Duke arrived at the palace on time, but somehow his daughter who had left after him had seemingly beat him by a good half hour. The speeder sedan she had taken was already parked in her spot when the Duke's pilot put his down next to hers.
Getting out of the speeder he ran his hand over the other speeder's engine compartment. Ice cold.

Welcome to Aldera, Duke DeVoe. A palace representative came to greet him.

"Thank you. Is our queen in court yet?" He asked, accompanying the man leading him up the palace steps and into the queen's court.
The Duke was once more in formal dress with full insignia. He was after all attending his first Council meeting with her majesty.

I believe the queen will be, my lord.
Your daughter is already inside.

"Yes, yes she is..." he replied with a smile.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith looked up to the high ceilings the light came through filling the outer foyer where the members would gather first. It was to signify the enlightenment of the members their higher level of dedication to Alderaan.

They could look up to where the light shimmered through the dome. The colors representing Alderaan's rich green valleys, the jungles, the white the snow capped mountains and the blue of the oceans. She loved it. Walking inside the Council room itself had taken some thought.

She had considered a number of designs but twelve comfortable chairs to help the Council endure long periods of sitting a table at the front where holos could be displayed and communications shared. It was decorated in the style of old Alderaan at least what she could find of it.

On the walls she envisioned the banners of those who came to sit upon the Council. It was a room that would breath Alderaan. She smiled to herself. Who couldn't love this building?

Faith turned and saw [member="Marina DeVoe"] which meant [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] was not far behind.

"Well Marina what do you think?"

 

[Zark San Tekka]

It was not quite the Juran Mountains, but still to walk the streets of Aldera was to be home.

Ser Tycho's Circle had just returned from a ranging quest out to the very edges of Coalition space, not far from the borders of the Mandalorian Empire. His lightfoil had not crossed beskar with any enemies of Clan Vereen, but on Dxun he and his fellow knights had faced off against a rabid zakkeg. They had felled the beast after losing only a single man, a young squire, but it had been an honorable death. Capable of befalling any sworn Knight of Alderaan, although he now would never get the chance to take his oath, he would be lain to rest as one of their own.

Even at the center of Alderaanian high society, the sight of his battleworn mantle ascending the steps into Palace Organa drew looks from many a pedestrian, but as a son of House Alde he paid them no heed. Tycho had not been elected to the High Council, that honor would fall to his father Count Horis or a representative acting with his blessing. As a second son, he was heir to no titles, the one he bore he had earned like all the rest of his Order. Rather, as a warrior in service to Queen Organa he had volunteered himself for guard duty for the duration of his Circle's stay planetside.

It was an odd request, usually security like this was overseen by the Order of the Shield, but his record and family's history of loyalty to the Crown had earned Ser Tycho a post just outside the chamber doors. He arrived just in time to relieve the standard House Organa sentry, as newly elected council representatives were still filing into the domed foyer. He would be lying if he denied there hadn't been a sense of morbid curiosity at being within earshot of the 'room where it happens' when he had volunteered, but there had also been a sense of patriotism.

Like Organa, House Alde had always been one of the more democratically minded noble families. Any move towards more representation for the common people of Alderaan was one Tycho could support.

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"]​

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"I think Bekka did a wonderful job at making your vision and design all come together like this." She replied, stepping forward.
When the queen desired your opinion, one best have one. That of course was not a problem with Marina. One asked for her opinion...one got quite an opinion.

"It's marvelous...like I could feel being in the Council Chambers among our ancestors, your majesty." Marina walked under the stained glass dome, who's light gave the room much life and vibrancy.

Marina was actually quite a few minutes early. She had in fact left Mt Citril later than her father [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"], but had quickly overtaken his pilot. Her father was actually to arrive on time so it now seemed. Marina took notice of the servants just now placing fresh drinks and tableware. It were not a dinner party, but there were refreshments as it were always hospitable for the Royal House or any Great Houses on Alderaan to make invited guests comfortable, no matter the occasion. This round, were the first Council meeting.
Marina hoped that @Andulf NicholasTeraan would make his presence here. But her persuasion to the Count were only too recent and he had many prior duties to attend to, since he became head of House Teraan. Still, his presence would be much welcomed by the queen.

"What can I do to serve you better today, your majesty?" Marina asked, given that she were here to assist her queen. Marina wasn't part of the Council, her father was. But being intern to Queen [member="Faith Organa"], she had privilege to be present in an otherwise private meeting.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

There was one person outside of the court, that he took notice of, and that were the knight which bore the family crest of House Alde.

He couldn't be too certain if the knight was indeed a son of Duke Horis, [member="Tycho Alde"] or just one of the House Alde's high ranking knights.
Duke DeVoe had not met with Duke Horis personally, since his own inauguration to take on the formal title of Duke of House DeVoe. He himself, like his father before him hadn't spent any time in courts, for they were pre-occupied in maintaining the Norther Defenses of Alderaan. His own position took too much of his time keeping the defenses at prime. House DeVoe which overlooked Aiden Providence was one of the Great Houses which had not been taken, nor felled during the Sith occupation. The North held strong and it's lines did not break. This was due to their conviction and strategic base locations throughout the mountain regions of the North. Not to mention a little known fact that the males of House DeVoe had been part of the Order of Shor for over 800 centuries. His son and heir, Jerrid had just returned not a week ago from the Order to take his place alongside his father as Duke Kyle had done alongside his.
But that family history would slowly unfold, now that House DeVoe were once again down in the midlands representing their Providence and taking part reforming the Council.

"Greetings, your majesty." The Duke entered the Council chambers, addressing his queen before looking over to his daughter.

To Marina, he just gave her a smile and acknowledged her presence there before him.
He should have waited, he thought. He knew his daughter would make it on time despite seemingly taking too long in preparing herself. But he had opted of not taking a chance and had speed ahead of her only to arrive a good time after Marina. He had known better than to think she couldn't beat time...for she did.

He took the queens hand upon his greeting and lightly kissed it. He was a formal Duke, high in both court and family traditions.
Duke Kyle DeVoe had succeeded his father as Head of House and was now the first in a few generations to once more hold position in the High Council. Of course, this was just the start, as it were hopped that the other Houses would take cue to have their Head of Household or whom were deemed by proxy to represent the House join the Council. It would only strengthen Alderaan as a whole, if all the Houses stood together.
So was the idea.

"Have we heard from Count @Andulf Nickolas Teraan ? ...Any word if he can make this primary meeting?" He asked Queen [member="Faith Organa"] , as he knew she had last spoken to the young Count.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Tycho Alde"] | [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] |

Faith looked over toward Tycho Alde. House Organa and House Alde had history together their support of one another in darker times was well documented. She smiled at the young man very dashing, and a willing soul to serve Alderaan. He looked calm and confident there as a Knight of Alderaan.

For a moment she nodded to him making a note of what she wanted to do in regards to this young man. Then as if on cue Marina chimed in about how lovely the decor was and how reminiscent it was of the traditions of Alderaan. "It is I wanted us to feel like Alderaani here if no where else here."

She felt the gentle touch of the Duke as he lifted her hand to his lips the traditionalist, and elder statesmen among the nobles. "Duke Devoe you are quite the charmer I believe." Her fingers curled around his, "Let me introduce to you one of the Knights of Alderaan Tycho Alde, of House Alde." She gently pulled the Duke towards the young knight.

"Marina this is Tycho Alde. Tycho this is Lady Devoe, and Duke Devoe. They ensure the safety of the northern borders." Safety for the loyalists, and from the raiders that sometimes found their way to the surface.

She wanted to be sure that they were all aware of one another for they would all be working together.

She had hoped House Teraan would come. She had tasked Andulf with many things over the last few years...she had hoped.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

He were lead toward the armored knight he had previously wondered about. But first things came first, his greeting of Queen [member="Faith Organa"] . His smile had extended to his daughter also, before he were presented to the knight.
As it may be, it were indeed the younger son of House Alde, [member="Tycho Alde"] .

The Duke extended his hand to the young man, as his queen stood by.
"My pleasure to meet a son of Duke Horis." He said, taking strong the young knight's hand.

"With the history of our two houses holding strong against the former storms, seems Alderaan has remained standing on much firmer grounds." He were pertaining to the Houses which stood up against the sith overlords who had taken portions of the system, except a few of the strongest Houses. It were in reality this defiance and the inability for the sith to completely overtake the whole which eventually helped drive them out.
As such, the great Houses standing proved what many systems had once thought impossible; the defiance and defense of Alderaan by Alderaani. But this was their home now and they had bonded to this Alderaan as they had once to their ancestral world which had been taken from them.
To the galaxy, Alderaan now stood strong with it's cry, 'Never Again'....
Never again would it fall as their ancestral world had once fallen.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

She gave a sweeping eye over the entrance way when her father inquired about [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] .
She hadn't seen the young Count for quite some time and their talk had indeed indicated that his House was interested in the reformation of the Council.
Perhaps he could still make this first meeting.

For now, she took to pacing her queen as she lead her father to the armored knight she had eyed before. She hadn't caught the family crest on the knight before, but now she did, recognizing it as a representation of House Alde. She wondered who the knight was...maybe one of the Duke's sons, maybe?

And indeed it were.
"Hello, pleasure to meet you, young Duke [member="Tycho Alde"] ." She said, not being aware that he may not have the title yet. Still, it wouldn't be too horrid an err, as she were simply following court protocol in assuming his title, being a son of Duke Horis of House Alde.
And it were not out of place either to assume that the young man was here in representation of his Great House, as one of the Council members.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Tycho was a practiced socialite in his own right, and like any son of Alderaan enjoyed a good drink and some stimulating conversation. That said, he was a Knight first and an Alde second, so he ignored the curious glances directed briefly his way by the DeVoe representatives upon their arrival. It was not until Queen [member="Faith Organa"] herself called attention to his presence by escorting the Duke over to his post and beginning introductions. He stiffened at this well intentioned intrusion upon his duties, before turning to give an abbreviated courtly bow, his full range of motion restricted by his ornate power armor.

He knew [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] and the Lady Marina by reputation, although this was to be their first meeting in person. Charged with safeguarding the northernmost providences, it was a duty their family took most seriously, having served as one of the fiercest hubs of resistance fighting during the Sith occupation. As a consequence, this had left their House little time for more courtly obligations, and until recently most business conducted between DeVoe and the other noble houses had been accomplished through emissaries translating the will of their Duke.

"Your grace," he said, hesitantly grasping a hand offered in friendship, careful to manipulate his armor's gauntlets with great finesse, "For so long as our houses stay true to each other, and the oaths we have pledged to our Queen, Alderaan's foundation is unbreakable."

"My lady," bowing stiffly once more at [member="Marina DeVoe"], "The Count is my father, and my elder brother Cay after him. You may address me as Ser Tycho, if it pleases you."

He struggled against the impulse to say more, despite the obvious attempts by his queen to include him in their dialogue. As an honor guard, it was not his place, he was simply here to stand vigil. It was not for lack of curiosity, Alde had many questions about life in Aiden Providence. Those with his training sworn to defend Alderaan pledged themselves to the Order of the Shield, and while Tycho was a Knight of the Lance, he always welcomed news of his brothers and sisters. He knew of several Circles who regularly operated in Aiden, supporting House DeVoe forces with the Duke's blessing.

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

He could feel this man's father's strength the moment their hands clasped.

It wasn't solely based on the fact that this man was a Knight from the Order of the Shield, no.
Not all of the young ma's strength and conviction stemmed from that, the Duke was feeling. It was in the young man's bloodline. True Alderaani. The backbone to a people that had once been deemed to pass on.
But they didn't. Despite the attempt of a reigning sith emperor to wipe out their people, they endured what no spirit could endure when millions of kinfolk and the world itself were literally wiped off the face of the galactic map.

Only the strong could endure genocide and live to tell. Only the pure of heart could endure the loss and still live on. Only Alderaani could overcome these odds and still thrive strong.
Duke Kyle DeVoe, like this young Knight's father Duke Horis Alde, had endured as much and here now he stood with the son of Horis proving the fact that Alderaani a people still seeking peace and democracy for the galaxy would always stand.

The Duke didn't need to say anymore than the young knight had said. He nodded, proudly acknowledging the young man's conviction, for these words were even in Duke DeVoe's heart... coursing in his blood, as it did through his own bloodline.
"Yes....Unbreakable." were all he said, nodding proudly to the son of Horis. It were enough. No other words were needed, as it were understood between the Houses, that even if they were separated by battle...by land mass, sea orthe expanse of the galaxy, each house would do their part; stand and fight their ground, knowing the other houses were doing the same. And in that manner, however separated they were, they were in many ways always united. This was unbreakable.

Unlike other factions, who could boast more than they could walk the line, Alderaan's Great bloodlines held their reserve. Boasting your strength was for fools. Never let your enemies know your full strength. This was so with the great Houses and why they did not fall during the sith occupation. The great Houses had been gravely underestimated.

He and the knight unclasped and the Duke took a step back. he knew his daughter could not stay silent too long. An all too familiar smile graced his face, as his daughter took the opportunity of the open window to speak. The Duke looked over to his queen with a smile.
"Would your grace allow her Duke to bring her a refreshment?" He then asked.







[member="Tycho Alde"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

And there she slipped in through the open window of opportunity...

"It would please me if you should just call me Marina, Ser Tycho..." She smiled, nodding slightly.

His armor up close were of a metal she wasn't familiar with. Then again, she didn't study metallurgy.
Marina in her travels had seen many knights in various armor. Some were armor breast plates over resilient, but strong spider silk. While some were covered completely by clothing or cloak. But she had to admit, knights in shiny armor were quite a sight.

"I believe we're in the same boat so to speak. I'm my father's second and youngest daughter. My elder sister Katie is the Duchess following my mother, Duchess Sansa DeVoe. " She then said, noting her father was currently occupied with their queen.
Marina didn't wish to take up the young knight's time or ear for the duration of the meeting, as she picked up that he had duties he wished to attend to. But being the first time they were introduced, she felt it were proper to complete their introductions in a proper fashion in the manner of a little of their family tree shared.

"And of my brother Jerrid, he is to succeed our father when his time is called upon. As for me, I am currently under our queen's internship. Her majesty has wished for me to see if I can devote some time and assistance to the Coalition, by way of humanitarian aid. " Marina finished, giving the young lord enough info for perhaps another day they should meet again. It then couldn't be said they were complete strangers and do away with the current intro and perhaps converse in other matters.

 

[Faith Organa]

As Queen she was allowed to break rules for some innocent amusement or satisfaction. This was satisfaction. She knew young Alde to be dedicated but she also felt that he needed to meet the others that supported their military, and the Knights.

She could have easily hosted a tea but even that wore her out. Perhaps they needed thranta races, or something. She smiled knowing that none of them were privy to her thoughts, they might be a bit surprised but it all. Maybe. But then maybe not.

She listened to the conversation interested in these middle children. She half smiled then she looked at the Duke, "I would enjoy something anything that is there would be pleasing, thank you"

"Yes Marina is very devoted to the cause a credit to all of Alderaan and her house. Perhaps in the future a joint effort of all our houses should be undertaken to help build relationships, and promote communication." She smiled.

She turned back to [member="Marina DeVoe"] and [member="Tycho Alde"] having spoken , "I wasn't supposed to be Queen, did you know that?" She looked down at the floor gathering her words, "My brother Theo was to be king. It had been all planned he was the Senator, the diplomat, the calm in the storms of Alderaan." She frowned then, "But he disappeared on a mission. No one knew what happen. I still don't quite know what happen. Suddenly though I was the Senator, the Diplomat....and everything else that followed."

It always made her sad but she wasn't trying to make anyone sad now. She was just trying to say sometimes what you think is your lot in life is not what happens.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] | [member="Tycho Alde"]​

​

It was then if anything a quiet as much it was a somber moment as Andulf stood just outside the doors to the west wing of their family estate. As he then pauses to lift a hand and brush it pass the massive doors when from behind a voice spoke. It was his captain of house guards Ja'rrod who seem with a concern as much respectful tone spoke to ask why if anything. He was doing up on his feet and not resting as the private doctor that came last night instructed him to do so. Given the state of which he came back a few nights ago, it was if nothing less than a matter of sheer will that he stood at all.To which he then turn thought fight back the course pain from his barely healed wound on his shoulder spoke.

"...No time though I never thought would say it as well. But as father said there is no rest for the weary and as far anyone concern I've been away far too long. Besides, you don't have to pretend as I know about the meeting .... which I cannot disappoint not only my fellow Alderaanian nor Queen by not attending. SO its best that you ready the speeder while I prepare and grab a few things from my father things then we depart."

With that said given no other choice Capt. Ja'rrod gave a respectful nod before head off. While on the sideline Andulf slowly opens the door to his father study where he started to prepare for their departure. Which as far he was concern it been one the few rooms he had put entering till now...

Sometime later on...

With very little fanfare he was able to arrive just as he then spots Marina standing beside whom he figures be her father and the Queen.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"No, your majesty.... I were not privi of that fact...no." She were somehow caught off guard, by her queens confidence in her.
No, marina had not been informed as to how Faith had taken her duty up as queen. It weren't something that marina had to know. House DeVoe had been loyal to the Royal House of Organa even before the reign of Palpatine and the destruction of their ancestral Alderaan. So the succession of how the Royal House put on the throne, was not questioned. And this also meant that at least House DeVoe wasn't talking or gossiping about the Royal House.

This kind of put Marina off balance, as her father had just taken leave to get his queen some refreshments and he wasn't present to take this awkward moment and make it right. Marina for a rare few, was actually lost for words. Literally, she didn't know what to say or if she should say something.

But the gods must have taken mercy on her, as her heart found the means of staying in tune, when she spotted the young Count [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] . entering the Council chambers. A smile graced her features as her eyes gave way for Queen [member="Faith Organa"] to also notice where Marina had momentarily been distracted.

"Your majesty, if I may so point out; Count Teraan has arrived." She beamed a smile.
She had not thought the Count would make the first meeting, but she had hoped he would. Now besides her father, and not officially the son of Horis, the head of House Teraan had come to be present at the first Council in generations.
Hopefully, House Alde would soon see about representing their House in the Council also.

As the Count made his way over to first greet his queen, Marina eyed her father [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] returning with not just the queen's refreshment in hand, but a small tray of refreshment, seemingly for all.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"] | [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] | [member="Tycho Alde"]​

​

It was then once he'd enter the halls with Capt. Ja'rrod trailing behind him as for a better word for it. He sort was still miffed by some their conversation earlier that he kinda felt and had ditched his security detail yet again. Believing that seeing he was to be in the company and presence of her highness the Queen that security was at best tight enough. That he didn't need to be babysat or watched over by quite a few overseer or guard.

At which end glance about and not quite recognize most the face thus far he did his best to blend in. Till eventually catching sight of her highness and Marina he then figured to well approach her just as Capt. Ja'rrod he spotted. As having just made good to make it by the doorway where he seems pause keep watch from. As he then came closer to Marina and her highness just as Duke Devoe, Marina father arrived right behind him.

"Your Highness...Countess Marina.....i do apologize for my lateness and hope have not missed much. For I had just returned and was held up with some dealing off world."

 

[Duke Kyle DeVoe]

"Greetings... Count [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] ", the Duke found his way over to the ladies just as the Count had made his way over too.

"Your majesty..." He took one of the prepared cups of teas from the tray he was holding and presented Faith with it. "...please be careful, it is quite hot."

He was about to do the same with his daughter, until Marina took it upon herself to take hold of one of the other cups. The Duke smiled at her. he was acting like a servant. It was not intentional, but it did show he was not a noble who thought of his person as privileged. Duke Kyle DeVoe would get down and dirty with even some of his technicians on the defense bases, often helping with the maintenance and other matters. he was one that didn't expect his people to do what he wouldn't do. he always tried leading by example.

He then turned his attention back to the Count, once his daughter took her refreshment from the tray.
"I spotted your presence while I was getting our ladies their refreshments. Thought it best to perhaps chance getting you a stimcaf like myself, Count Teraan." The Duke still holding the tray with two cups of stimcaf, offered the Count his pic.

"My son had spoken highly of you, if I may so point out. It's been quite overdue that we meet in person. Although that was inevitable.." he then said, putting the tray down on the side table and taking his up his stimcaf.

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith tried not to laugh she could spy discomfort from a mile off. There wasn't a need to say anything it was just her trying to impart on those around her that life may not be what was planned.

She however did look towards the door to see [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] as he approached. "Andulf are you being fashionably late?" She smiled broadly at him knowing that he would understand her teasing him. She had dealings with him the past. While he was not widely known in the noble circles of Alderaan he was known to the Queen.

"You are fine Andulf. I was just introducing one of the Alderaan Knights - Faith gestured to [member="Tycho Alde"] , "This is Tycho Alde of House Alde. Your Captain might want to work with him in regards to security." She nodded again for some unknown reason.

She turned to take the tea from [member="Duke Kyle DeVoe"] ,"You were most kind to get this for me thank you." She didn't always like someone waiting on her it was a sign of laziness in her mind. Though she was Queen and afforded many things she felt the least thing she could do was pour her own tea.

Faith looked around there were other representives there, this was a good start. She would wait for the pleasantries to finish before they moved to have their meeting.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

It was certainly a pleasure to see Count [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] , as last they spoke was actually on the subject matter of him possibility stepping up to take a position on the Council.
This would only strengthen Alderaan, as the Houses had fought oppression occupation singularly. Even during the sith occupation some of the Houses that remained endured the hardship on their own. And if those dark whispers of the sith returning were abound, then most likely they were true. For only the sith worked with dark rumors.
So was the never ending circle of conflicts that had plagued this galaxy for countless Millenia. And in the end, Alderaan would always endure.

But rumors were meant to weaken the hearts of those who stood for peace and prosperity. The storm would come, as its dark clouds of despair were slowly creeping through many of the Coalition's systems. They may give in to the darkness, but Alderaan would not. As long as there was a House of Alderaani bloodline, then Alderaan would exist.
But until the storm would hit the front steps of the palace, everything else had to continue on.

After her queen took her tea, marina followed suit, giving her father a thankful smile.
She waited till the upper echelons of a hierarchical intros made their play, before she herself bowed to the Count, greeting him by proper title. "A pleasure to see you again Count Teraan." She smiled.
Marina and Andulf had agreed to use their common names when outside the courts and when not in the presence of the queen. But here they were in court and in the Council chambers with their queen, as thus they followed proper etiquette.