Private Roots and Crowns

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Junko Ike

The shuttle cut through the clouds with silent grace, its polished hull catching sunlight as the sea below glittered like a bed of emeralds and sapphires. Islands dotted the vast blue, their jagged cliffs softened by ribbons of mist and swathes of green, each one a little world of its own. But there, nestled among them, was a true jewel.

Junko Ike’s island emerged like something out of legend. Pale beaches curled around the edges of the land like painted strokes, leading to a high bluff crowned by a palace that shimmered gold in the midday light. Pale stone, dark wood, sweeping roofs—the architecture was distinctly Atrisian, yet it radiated something personal, intimate, as if the very land breathed tradition and quiet reverence.

Inside the shuttle, Eve sat quietly beside Tigris, her silver eye wide with wonder. She leaned toward the window, letting her fingers gently brush the edge of the transparisteel, tracing the outline of the approaching island in the distance.

At her feet, Isari stretched out with an elegant yawn, silver eyes reflecting the shimmer of the sea far below. The fox had curled into a sleepy ball during the flight, but even now, her ears twitched faintly as if sensing Eve’s quiet awe.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else.

The light filtering through the viewport caught in her hair, and in her lap, her other hand instinctively reached for Tigris’ and gave it a gentle squeeze. She didn’t speak for a moment. Just sat there in stillness, letting the awe wash over her, but more than that, the pride.

She turned to look at Tigris then, her gaze soft.

Proud. That’s what she felt. Fiercely, quietly proud. For all the strength Tigris had shown… and for this. For finding home, and returning to it. Eve smiled.

"I’m so excited to see everything of your home," she said quietly, thumb brushing over Tigris’ knuckles. "And I'm so proud of you."

She meant it. All of it. This wasn’t just a visit—it was something sacred. Something woven between roots and love and rediscovery.

And she would be by Tigris' side through all of it.

Isari let out a small, content huff at her feet, as if in agreement as Eve looked back out the window.

"Looks like we're coming in."

 

[Junko Ike]

Everest Vale Tigris Aphra

The islands were something beautifully crafted. The first of them to be seen presenting what looked like the most beautiful. The architecture of the palace gleaming in the light as it left a hanger area opened. Dozens of attending ladies and biots were there lined up. The jade robed handmaiden remaining as her face was obscured with the pale skin of her jaw just showing a smile. Her hands coming out after the pair were able to depart their vessel. "Welcome." Her voice remaining there for a moment and she pulled the hood of the robe back as she spoke. "I am Qi Ling and welcome to well... my palace."

She said it with a smile on her face though as she came forward looking at the pair of them. "I know, I know you followed the direction well enough but for security princess Junko's palace is well hidden." She said it and walked to join them as she looked over motioning with her head. One finger coming up with her hand to adjust the glasses while she was walking towards the farside of the hanger and the jade crystal glass changed color to show the larger island. "From orbit it looks a lot smaller, a trick of the shielding and all of the islands around it." Her finger came up as she indicated spaced islands showing some palaces, some fortresses and wrapping around like a circle.

"The princess has made an island for all of us... and Xifang." She saaid it more jokingly but was serious enough... Tigris she knew had met the large tiger. "He sometimes comes out but largely it is droids taking care of him and his pride of females and children that are there. Still they protect one of the shield generators and cloaking devices like the rest of us." Saying it and leading the way as the wall went back to being a wall the Atrisian handmaiden started walking towards an exterior lift as the scent of salt air came.. the sounds of the waves and even more people were all around. The palaces design showing the far side of the island itself was much smaller then the cloaking device presented.

"We'll head over. The town is another layer of defensive measures for it as well as the waters themselves. There are hydrostatic shields about two kilometers off of the islands going down to the sea floor. To keep out the larger predators and make the water safer for fisheries which work to breed and clone as needed plenty of fish for food. It also keeps them away from the lower levels of the islands. The tunnels and pathways serve for the underground sections housing research, droids and support. It double sin case of attack to offer back up supplies as well as means to protect and house the surrounding region if needed."

Qi went down with the lift itself as the small gate opened onto the courtyard. "There is a surprise though, Lady Miyoung Iwata is practicing for the competitions in the grand arena on Okuninushi Isle." She said it with a smile though while walking. "It is hosted every few years, participants from all over the Commonwealth come and some beyond even that. For a chance to show their skills in a number of events and there is of course the fights." She said it and looked up at a pillar at Miyoung who was balancing on her hands at the sides. Her feet hanging forward over her head while she held with one foot a Kyūdō class lightbow.

The dark honey skinned handmaiden remained there for a moment as she was looking up and the sun reflected off of her skin while she was moving her toes and gripping the bow as well as the firing mechanism of it. Her hands holding the sides of the pillar as they were able to remain steady. "Oh she loves doing this." She said it as the handmaiden remained there and her feet were moving aabove her head... staying steady for the moment and the barely heard sound was coming. The Kabaneri MK. V coming as Qi pointed to it coming at them. The handmaiden watching as it kicked in its engines with its speed accelerating.

Then the shot rang with a whistle and momentary click in the quiet courtyard. The shot slamming into the shield of the fighter and it pulled up as droids were putting views from different angles of the shot and impact as well as it being able to follow it. Qi was grinning though. "Might also be good for combat and target training aside from just looking showy." Miyoung remained there as some others were clapping and she moved... rotating herself without looking down and remaining steady as she fired several shots at different targets at different ranges and several were moving through the air to greater and greater cheers.

Qi motioned with her hands as Miyoung balanced for a moment and waved towards. "Lady Aphra." She didn't leave the platform just remained there and Qi looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Show off." She put her hands in front of herself and was walking as the large doors in the courtyard opened revealing an energy bridge over the water. The larger island coming more into view as the perspective changed allowing it to become larger as she walked down the center of the bridge. The sounds of animals, schools of fish below them and more while the sheer cliffs were carved into with an archway leading from the area of the bridge.

The archways showing they were put between the stone of the pathway and it was paved. The polished marble being cleaned by droids as looking back at the island she pointed towards the shimmering of the shield. "Designed to allow water and air to pass through with filters cleaning it. For protection each island for the handmaidens." She was walking and the sounds of the island changed little by little.. the animals were around and the lush jungle like area. The pathway of arches coming out into a town where the people were moving. Stone streets and sidewalks lined with stalls for food, clothing, crafts and other things.

Fruit trees growing with rings around them filled with water that circulated. Some pieces falling off into the water that took it down towards a collection basin. Qi grinned from ear to ear though while she was walking and the panoramic view was looking out on the ocean and two islands. Acting almost like lighthouses and guides to a harbor. "The Lady Barca controls the fortress citadel. Her mandalorian clan serves as guaards and have come to enjoy the benefits of having a permanent home within the Commonwealth. The citadel of the three is for the sisters and they serve as wards of Princess Junko."

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Echo Stone
Tag: Junko Ike Everest Vale

Tigris shifted to stand next to Everest, both enjoying the view from the shuttle viewport as they flew over the Atrisian landscape from the city to their destination. They could have taken an airship, which was an experience in itself, but the couple were travelling as special guests, to a place very secure.

The tattooed girl slipped her arm around her fiance's shoulder, pulling her closer, her gaze dropping to the faithful fox curled up by the Echani's feet. Tigris had been exited to show her true homeworld to Eve. They had explored the capitol, Tigris showing Everest all the placed Princess Ike had shown her on her first visit. It was there that her Atrisian heritage had been confirmed, and that she was of the blood of House Aphra.

Eve's encouraging words brought a soft smile to Tigris' lips, before they were pressed to the Echani's forehead affectionately.

The shuttle skimmed across the sea as they approached the islands, each appearing slightly different but all magnificent. They drew to the closest, upon which stood a beautiful palace. "Wait until you meet her." Tigris said with thinly veiled excitement, referring to Junko Ike.

The shuttle entered the open docking bay into the gleaming palace. To Tigris surprise, a myriad of women and Atrisian biots awaited to greet them. Before them all stood one of the princess' handmaidens. Tigirs was unsure if she knew the waiting handmaiden, the woman's face was hidden in the hood of her robe.

Tigris lead Eve from the shuttle, Isari at their heels, having assured the Echani that pets were welcomed. Junko had the largest pet around! The paused before the handmaiden. The woman welcomed them, then lowered her hood. Yes, Tigris remembered Qi. She bowed her head in greeting. "Hello again, Lady Ling. This is Everest Vale." Tigris introduced Eve, before Qi continued.

So, it seemed the beautiul island and palace didn't belong to the princess, but to Qi Li, as each of the others belonged to a handmaiden, and the giant Atrisian Tiger. When the glass across the docking bay turned from opaque to transparent, the truth about the islands was revealed. There was a larger island among the others. Junko's island.

Tigris squeezed Eve's hand with excitement.

They accompanied the handmaiden, who was like Princess Ike, in that she offered to share much information about the islands and their defenses. The Atrisians were proud of their acheivements, and rightly so. In between Qi's comments, Tigris leaned over to Eve. "Qi is Junko's padawan." She added, giving some info of her own to her fiance.

Down in the courtyard, they were greeted by a very interesting sight. Miyoung was standing on her hands, naked, a bow between her feet. Tigris didn't seem terribly shocked, but amused. Her grin widened as she watched the woman expertly fire the bow over and over. While Tigris had seen that form of archery in her Atrisian studies, she had never seen it in person.

When Miyoung greeted Tigris, the Aphra waved in reply. "Hi Lady Iwata!" Tigris turned and smirked at Eve, hoping it all wasn't too much for the Echani.

They continued to follow Qi, until the trio passed out of the courtyard to the energy bridge. Tigris had not let go of Everest's hand the entire time. Ahead, they could finally see the princess's island in full. It was gorgeous. Qi guded hem over the bridge. They strolled through the town. Like all of Atrisia, it was spotless and bountiful. They looked out over the sea to the two small islands Qi pointed out. Tigris was surprised to hear that a Mandalorian clan dwelt there as protectors.

"Lady Ling, does this town have a name?" She asked as they passed through.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Junko Ike

As Qi lowered her hood and spoke, Eve gave her a small, polite bow, fingers clasped in front of her.

"Hello, Lady Ling," she said softly, her voice edged with shyness but warm. "It’s an honour to meet you."

She fell into step beside Tigris as they followed Qi through the palace and out into the lift. Each new sight stole Eve’s breath a little more, the jade glass shifting to reveal the islands. The deep blue of the ocean far below. The shimmer of the shield like a living curtain of Light. She clutched Tigris’ hand a little tighter, silver eye wide.

Then they stepped into the courtyard, just in time to see Lady Iwata balanced upside down, completely unclothed, firing arrows with perfect control.

Eve froze.

Her spine went a little stiff, cheeks flooding with colour. She blinked, once, twice, unable to look away. It was so graceful. So skilled. And so... exposed.

"I—" She cleared her throat, voice catching in her chest. "She’s… She has great skill."

When Miyoung waved at Tigris, Eve managed a quick, respectful nod of greeting, though her gaze darted anywhere but directly at the handmaiden’s bare form.

As they continued into the town, Eve let out a soft, shaky laugh under her breath. The world around them was a riot of colour and sound. The tang of salt air, the rich scent of flowers, the glint of sunlight off marble streets and flowing water. Isari trotted at her heels, occasionally darting forward to sniff at fruit stalls or peer at the glimmering fish in the channels running along the walkways.

Eve tried to take everything in at once — the people, the vibrant stalls, the fruit trees shedding petals into the gentle currents — but it was almost too much. She felt breathless, like the world had blossomed open all around her. She leaned closer to Tigris, lowering her voice as they wove through the crowd.

"This is all so wonderful… and beautiful," she murmured, her eyes shining as she watched a pair of vendors hang bright lanterns over a stall. "I didn’t realise it would feel so... alive."

She gave Tigris a quick, self-conscious smile, still slightly flushed from Lady Iwata’s earlier performance.

"And I think… I'm not sure I'll look at a bow and arrow in quite the same way again."

 

[Junko Ike]

Everest Vale Tigris Aphra

She listened... leading the way through the streets as the streets wrapped around a little and were going up into another sections. The streets going up as the waterways opened up and water speeders went through them. Smaller drones following and keeping track as light indicated the course. "Some of our more recreational sports... jet racing." Qi said it as she pointed and the riders shifted... a second one turning as they had a water gun and was firing it at the other racer. Projected scores showing as they raised with each impact and Qi continued through the streets. THe circuit of waterways deeper with bridges as many were watching. Food stalls selling different meats on sticks and rice dishes.

Qi continued as the streets opened up into two areas. A forest as it was dotted with stalks towering up into a canopy of greens and shadow... and a secondary path going off towards secluded walls and soldiers who were on the wall. "The detached palace. For guests. There is everything you could want or need for it as well as even more protection from the barrier forest." She said it and walked towards the trees only stopping as she moved her hand to the ground as she pointed to a stone that shimmered a little as she touched it and another glowed in the woods. The palace on the other side but Qi was walking a different way.

"Stay close." She said it holding a hand out as she focused on the white current and opened it up... allowing blue white energy to shimmer and alter the forest. "The forest is altered... without the white current one can't navigate through it easily or find the palace itself." She walked through as the walls of the palace could be seen... ebony stone with a blue-white gleam to them. The trees of the forest adjusting themselves and returning as she walked through. She said it with a small grin on her face as following the trail of stones was more like walking randomly in circles but eventually coming out on the other side. The palace stretching out The gates opening as two large jedi statues were visible on either side.

The massive courtyard was there... secured in the canyon there was even more on the walls as above the sunlight came through with the shimmering of a shield above them. The exterior where the mountain was as it would be obscured. "This is the main courtyard." She said it while walking and areas were set up for soldiers and others who stand at attention as they walked past. Qi spoke while letting Tigris and Everest come. "TO the east is industry court where shops and merchants are located, to the west is the city court. Where officials families and homes are located. Above those on the east is military court where the soldiers, their families and the main barracks are located."

She continued to walk. "To the west above is the night and paper houses. For many of the single women of the court. The eastern corner is the ghost court which houses shrines and temples dedicated to those passed. The western gardens serve to host the floating palace over its small lake." She was still walking and the main courtyard opened to another gate. "In the center we have the central courtyard where the training facilities are located. From here you can walk to any other court but it is the only way to access the royal court district." She walked through it as buildings were set out and circled the central depression which looked more like an arena for training.

"The royal court district is where most of the princesses soldiers and guards live. It has two sections, the upper and lower and within it is the river of eternity." She said it as the doors were opening to show more buildings, lavish streets and displays. A large river with boats on it that sailed under the bridges. The central bridge lined with various people who stopped and bowed as Qi walked with the small group. First to the central area that was carved stone steps going down into a pool with a second area. The pool in the bottom of the ebony stone having small steps that allowed one to walk across the surface to a throne. A bridge at each cardinal point allowing everyone to come here and see Junko if she chose.

"This is one of the meeting areas, when not in the palace it is for anyone to publicly come and have a voice." She continued offering a smile and imagined this would be a lot. "It is alright as well.. this can be a lot and most would find a culture shock... just wait until you explore on your own." She said it while walking and the northern bridge led towards more buildings but there behind a second set of walls was a white citadel. Ivory compared to the ebony stone walls and streets. With large stain glassed windows, another garden filled with statues of various posed females each on their own stand. A dozen different fruit trees being attended to carefully.

"And this is the palace of the Hidden." She said it with a larger smile on her face as she held her arms open to show the palace. The walls unassuming and looking like polished stone. WIndows of stained glass that reflected the light and around it a pathway that wrapped around. "The princesses private hanger, her own smaller forest and hidden hot springs and beach. Further beyond that is more pathways leading to the northern sections of the islands central region. Filled with its own village of high court officials. The jugles beyond that are slowly being worked on to be safer and secured with the rest of the island but hold the animals."

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Echo Stone
Tag: Junko Ike Everest Vale

Tigris had thought to warn Everest about some of the cultural differences when it came to Atrisia. Perhaps she should have at least mentioned the different way they view modesty. The sight of the nude archer Miyoung certainly proved that. Maybe that explained Tigris' own comfort with immodesty.

"It's alright to look." She smirked at Eve after her cheeky bow and arrow comment. She had no fear of one of the attractive Atrisians luring Everest away. "They are as beautiful as the architecture and the landscape." The recently-confirmed Atrisian added. "But it all pales compared to you." Tigris added with a kiss to the Echani's pale cheek.

They continued, following Lady Ling. Tigris paused a moment to watch the jet racers, a sport she had not witnessed in person.

Moving on, they came to the edge of a forest, more remote walls seen down a separate path. The woods appeared so heavy that one could barely fit between the trunks, if at all.

Tigris watched, fascinated as Qi employed the Force, or White Current as she had heard them call it, to open a path in the forest. The tattooed padawan squeezed Eve's hand as they followed in.

After following a winding trail, revealed as they walked by shifting trees, only to disappear as they closed behind them, until the could finally see dark stone walls beyond the forest edge. Emerging, they were greeted by large gates and impressive statuary.

They entered into what Qi called a courtyard. Tigris would have called it several city blocks. Much like Qi's own palace, the princess' was surrounded by a city that unfolded as Lady Ling pointed out the main areas. It was all so large, and even more exquisite than what they had witnessed so far.

It would take days to explore it fully.

And still they continued forward. Through another great wall, and they stood before a gleaming white citadel that contrasted with the ebony stone of the surrounding areas. It was breathtaking, as was the garden surrounding it.

The Palace of the Hidden, Qi had called it. Tigris eyes lit up as her gaze lifted to take in the great, noble structure. An almost giddy smile stretched across her face as she looked to Eve, so proud and happy to share Atrisia with her fiance, and to introduce her to Junko Ike.

"Its so beautiful." Tigris commented. Looking again to Eve. "I told you it was overwhelming..." She quipped with a smirk.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Junko Ike

Eve felt the brush of Tigris’ lips against her cheek, and her breath caught softly in her throat. A gentle blush warmed her pale skin, blooming like dawn on snow. She ducked her head, shy smile lingering as they moved on.

It struck her, as they wound deeper through Atrisia’s streets, how different this all was from what she’d known. The music of distant water speeder engines blended with laughter and the scent of grilled meats from street vendors. The elegance, the poised grace of the people, even the openness with which beauty was celebrated, felt foreign and dazzling.

It was so different… so open, so… alive.

When they reached the forest’s edge, Eve’s eye widened. As trunks shifted and pathways emerged from the undergrowth, she watched in silent awe.

"It’s like… being in a fairytale," she whispered, silver gaze dancing over the swirling lights and shifting branches. She lingered close to Tigris, fingers brushing hers, drawn forward by wonder as the world rearranged itself around them.

Then, as they stepped from the forest into the blazing sunlight of the courtyard, Eve stopped short. The sight of the Palace of the Hidden, ivory walls aglow under Atrisia’s sky, stole the breath from her lungs.

"Oh…"

She stared, speechless for a heartbeat, before squeezing Tigris’ hand firmly back. Her voice emerged soft but touched with a teasing note.

"If I lived here, I’d need a map. And a guide. And probably breadcrumbs."

She turned to Tigris fully then, and though she didn’t speak the words aloud, her silver eye shimmered with quiet pride and love. All that she felt radiated through the bond between them. How honoured she was to be here, how proud she was of Tigris for reclaiming a piece of herself.

 

[Junko Ike]

Everest Vale Tigris Aphra

She looked back at them and smiled. "Oh my sweet ladies. This is merely the prelude. There are so many more things." She said it with a grin though that was wide while leading the way towards the palace doors as they opened up. More of the handmaidens were there as they stood and various serving girls. The darker jade outfits swaying as they moved with Qi walking. One of the maids coming up as following her was a smaller child who stood there. "Kuvari." Qi said it with a smile as she put a hand in the hair of the little girl that beamed. "We have guests, where is the princess?" She said it and she was aware but testing and practice was important.

The little girl seemed to think about it as she snapped. "She was in the bath chambers overseeing the construction." She said it and Qi gave a nod of her head. "Good awareness of your charges location at all times is an important aspect and the second is knowing who is around you. Just because I brought them here Kuvari doesn't mean you should have ignored them." She said it and turned to look at Tigris and Everest for a moment. "She is training to be a handmaiden and Otachi, bodyguards, doubles and protector to the nobles, royal families and senators of the Commonwealth." There was a beaming smile from the girl as Qi patted her shoulder and was walking.

She followed a few of the maids who were there as they went through the halls. Lined with art, murals, alcoves filled with statues and trimmings of aurodium. Polished marble floors offering reflections when Qi looked at the one person ahead. White outfit gleaming and she towered over the others who were there.. the vaulted ceilings working well for her as the woman turned. "Ah Qi, you have returned and with our guests." The woman spoke as she stood there and coming into full frame the handmaiden came to her sternum while she stood there and the white outfit was revealed to be... attached.

She remained there as her white and silvery hair was impossibly long... massive in ways few others coluld match and it was divided into three things... two bangs coming down as they interweaved themselves to wrap around her body like straps of an outfit... going down to her ankles and wrists.... as the hair covered important parts but gave an exotic look to her pale skin with golden hue. Then it was used like normal hair as it cascaded down her back and over her shoulders.... with a more normal look and two horns protruded from her head adorned with crystals and was heavily heaved hair. Qi looked at her and Kuvari spoke as she looked up.

"She is an Umashi, their hair is used for everything to denote rank." The small girl looked up as the woman turned her gaze to look down at her. Her eyebrow raising but she spoke as another person came out of the doors. "Lady Kenzo." Qi said it as the cathar was looking between them some annoyance on her face but not directed at them. "Ah you have returned good, you can talk with her and explain we just want her to not fly off without some protection." Qi was suppressing a smile and laugh though as the Cathar walked past with a small look and the small maid went with her. Junko following after a moment and she stood there in her Princess Robes with a smile.

"Come back soon Kenzo, I just got a whole new book about zeltron cat jokes." She said it and noticed Qi, Everest and Tigris. Qi was trying to suppress another laugh as Junko moved and her robes shifted.. the trail behind it expanding and contracting more like the waves of an ocean.. the shimmering colors. She stopped and clasped her hands in front of herself as she came almost to the Umashi's stomach but offered a voice. "Lady Aphra welcome back. I see you have met Administrator Sitharia." She said it indicating the large woman... "ANd her abs that can possibly cut quantum crystalline armor."

That got a small laugh though from the woman who stood there. "I only do what is needed and work to make sure your palace is in order princess." The woman said it but motioned as she was leading the way into an adjoining chamber. The doors opening to reveal a larger sunken chamber... the wrap around ramp encircling the throne room so there could be an audience chamber to Junko's throne. The center fo the chamber showing a hologram of the island and surrounding shield islands with palaces for the different handmaidens. Junko walked though while she spoke. "I do hope that we meet any expectations for your second visit with...?"

She looked back with a smile at the two but would let them come and introduce each other.

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Echo Stone
Tag: Junko Ike Everest Vale

The Jedi couple followed Lady Qi into the palace. It was something like Tigris expected, grand, beautiful, regal. But it was far more. It was the epitome of Atrsian art and architecture, elegant and exotic. And it wasn't only the place itself. It was the people. More handmaidens greeted them, each lovely, even the child.

Eve had said Atrisia was like a fairy tale, and the palace was no different. Tigris had met many races and species in the galaxy, but not like she had on Atrisia. To her point, they were greeted by a very tall, remarkable woman. Her elaborate hair plaited and bound around her as if it were a garment. Tigris' head tilted up to see the woman's face. The woman, an Umashi they were told, accompanied Lady Qi and the visitors.

They were momentarily stopped by what Tigris assumed was a Cathar, but one unlike any she had seen, with exotic facial striping. She commented on something to their guides, then moved on. Everest and Tigris were lead into the chamber.

There, in all her radiance, was Princess Junko Ike. Tigris' smile beamed, her hand reaching to squeeze Eve's. The princess' sardonic jest at the retreating Cathar betrayed her true nature, one that belied the elegant, regal appearance she always held. Tigris laughed with the others, When greeted, Tigris bowed. "Princess." She replied with a grin.

Lady Aphra. Tigris was still getting used to being called that. Of course, the only place she heard it was in the Atrisian System.

The princess lead them into the throne chamber, Tigris and Everest following. Tigris' gaze fell to the hologram, finally getting a full three dimensional perspective of the islands.

"I do hope that we meet any expectations for your second visit with...?"

"I 've stopped having expectations, your Highness. I know they would always be exceeded." She replied with a lop-sided grin. "But one of the many reasons I returned, was to show my birthplace to my fiance, and to introduce her to you."

Keeping hold of Eve's hand, Tigris took a step away, as if to allow the princess a full view of her future wife. "Princess Ike, I would like to introduce Everest Vale of Eshan." The Atrisian padawan grinned widely at having the pleasure of introducing her generous host to her beloved.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Junko Ike

As they followed Lady Qi deeper into the palace, Eve felt as though she were drifting further into a dream. The grandeur of the halls was a little overwhelming to the quiet country girl — all marble light and golden trim, handmaidens like painted figures from a storybook moving in graceful rhythms. Even the smallest among them, Kuvari, held herself with such quiet intent that Eve found herself smiling faintly. A child, and already part of something greater. A mirror of how young so many of them had been when their paths had begun.

Tigris’s hand in hers kept her grounded, fingers threaded tight, as her eye darted in every direction, trying to drink in every sight. The palace continued to unfold, endless magnificent sights. The elegance of the place and its people were the furthest thing she had been used to growing up. She couldn't even imagine what it would be like to grow up here.

And then, she saw the princess, in all of her glory. The very air seemed to adjust itself to her presence. Regal robes gleamed, edges dancing like water. Yet the elegance was offset, perfectly, strangely, by her irreverent humour — a book of Zeltron cat jokes, of all things — and the quirk of her smile. Eve almost laughed, startled by the warm, odd charm of it. This was the woman Tigris admired so deeply. It was easy to see why.

She didn’t speak at first when the princess greeted them. Her heart was full and her breath somewhat shallow. Tigris's words, and the proud step she took aside, made Eve flush softly. Introduced like that — as her fiancé — in a place this grand, it settled on her. She felt suddenly small, standing amid history and courts and light. But she didn't shrink from it. Instead, Eve stepped forward, one pace beside Tigris. She gave a respectful, slow bow of her head, her silver eye steady as it lifted to meet Junko’s gaze.

"Your Highness," she said softly, voice clear. "It’s an honour. I’ve heard so much, and… none of it does this place — or you — justice."

Her fingers brushed gently against Tigris’s.

"And thank you. For welcoming me here. I’m very grateful."

There was nothing performative in her tone, only sincerity, reverence and wonder. Everything about this place shimmered like a fairy tale. But it was real. And somehow, by grace or love or fate, she had been invited into it.

 

[Junko Ike]

Everest Vale Tigris Aphra

She listened to them and nodded as stepping through the chamber and circling around as it came out into the throne room. Junko walked for a few moments and went past the throne. The chamber doors behind it opening up as she approached to lead into a larger gallery. The domed ceiling holding several stained glass windows with the dun coming through them. The sides of the room lined with statues and the floor sunken in as it was covered with a thin layer of water. The princess moving her feet as she slipped off the shoes with her kimono's train rising up to her knees. She continued walking as the water gardens went into an area outside.

"Well we do try to impress, you should see what I do when the beautiful women want to see me naked." She said it and moving through the water for a moment she came out into a courtyard lined on the sides with more trees. The fruits were there and the princess went towards the center as a lounge came out. She laid on it with a smile while more seats were brought into the gardens with the handmaidens. appearing quickly enough. "COme relax, the water garden is made for relaxing and better yet... lined with fruit trees. They just fall off when ripe to be enjoyed." She remained there as she looked with interest. "I look forward to hearing more but I know you likely have many more questions."

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Echo Stone
Tag: Junko Ike Everest Vale

Tigris was filled with joy to see Everest and Princess Ike meet. How could the Royal Atrisian Jedi Master not adore the beautiful, genuine Echani girl.

Following Princess Ike through the throne room to the entry gallery to the water gardens, Tigris shared Eve's feelings, even though she had been on Atrisia before. Nowhere else has she seen such elegant and majestic architecture or landscaping. It was like a paradise, or something divine. Or it would have seemed divine if not for the Princess' colorful comment about being seen naked. Tigris smirked again, glancing at Eve to see how she react to yet another example of Atrisian humor and immodesty.

Following the princess' lead, Tigris slipped off her boots and waded into the shallow water. Outside, the beauty continued along the tree lined water garden. Tigris, accustomed to taking the princess at her word, and her offers, plucked three ripe fruit from one of the trees. Waiting for the princess to settle into her lounge, Tigris gestured for Eve to take a seat, and then took one herself. Tigris offered one of the fruit to Everest, then one to Princess Ike. She wasn't sure if that was appropriate, but the princess had always been informal around Tigris.

Looking to Eve, Tigris smiled widely. "If you have questions, Angel, don't be afraid to ask. The Princess doesn't bite... at least that I know of." She dared to tease, glancing back at Princess Ike with a grin.