Dev Shadows of Atrisia

[Junko Ike]

Junko was looking at more of it as stopping in some of the storage rooms she was able to find a preservation area.. the meat was long since gone.. dissicated and at one point salted... you could see the powder below it but there was also the barrels and casks within the room. The scans from the droid working to make sure the casks were still sealed as she looked with Barca. "Several hundred thousand year old wines... They could be good... or they could be the ultimate poison... so might have went so far around they are just vapor." She was not certain.. they would have to see but the casks and barrels were flagged for the exploration teams as Ahri was still going.

Miyoung was looking at it and the meats as she spoke. "The air down here is good enough, if there was a vacuum seal to it the preservation might be better but... it does bode well for us. Exploring means that there could be scrolls or fabrics still preserved if only barely." She said it while tapping her chin as she walked looking around at more of the hallway and rooms. "This is a nice setup though and if it was a fortress protecting trade it would have been beneficial this far out.. likely one of the bigger ones or maybe it at one point supplied a town. That would explain the massive amounts of water needed and that it would be able to collect."

 

[Junko Ike]

"Fortresses were needed or at least something large and imposing to protect.... it might have just been for a town or village but keeping them in with the potential invasion or predators. Based on the dating for the artifacts and if they were first civilizations right after what happened.... it would have been less about looking dangerous then keeping the population secured and hidden away in the jungles and forests themselves. We have seen a number of other places with similar styles and designs." Junko said it and they had seen several places like it... more even had been restored and preserved for various reasons.

Miyoung was looking at things with Ahri and she gave a nod of her head. "I concur... this may be an impressive structure but there is more to it. This far out back then would have been either for protection of their smaller routes... maybe even a marker for the edge of the known world on the planet... exile potentially. A clan being hidden away or on the run from one or several of the warlords would want to be protected and hidden far from them. The Jade Empress is credited with revitalizing and restoring much but she didn't unite everyone just the territories and from there smaller groups fell in line properly."

 

[Junko Ike]

It wasn't always popular but it was true. The Jade Empress did a lot for Atrisia becoming a united front against potential invaders... she can't be discounted but she also went for the ones who would give her the largest armies and swaths of territory.. the smaller clans that controlled areas usually just for themselves were smothered with the empire created as opposed to just dealt with. Through starvation, taxes, sometimes fighting or beating them down and out. She knew there were a few other places that while they held out for years still eventually had to join when the families might have been exiled and ignored so the population of the clan was critical.

"DOn't say that in public, many love empress Ga-In to this day... even with so many more popular ones in the history books." Junko said it and was looking at everythign they had going for themselves. A small smile on her face though as the corridor ended and with all of the rooms they had managed to find two stars leading up and down on either side so they had an idea how much larger it was. Miyoung laughed o herself. "She was impressive and did a lot... but she wasn't perfect and compares less to some that came afterwards. The darker empresses and emperors usually did the worst things but they also have the most recorded about them."

 

[Junko Ike]

"There is a reason for that." Ahri said it to Miyoung as she had moved and gotten a door opened. "The more normal an emperor or empress the less impressive they might be... the less needs to be written about them. We have so many things and have had so many leaders... more then that most of them did their duties with no need for fanfare. They are beloved for their service, for their skills at managing the people but they didn't manipulate and kill millions, they didn't expand the empire or become so loved many believed they were the daughter of the gods of love and beauty." She said it as the doors opened into bedchambers for the barracks.

"Well that is certainly true in a way." Miyoung said it as she was going inside of the barracks and her glow rod illuminated the bunks... four to a rack and stretched in rows several across... and a dozen or so down. Junko could make out the other end of the room and there were connecting chambers from what the drones were showing. "Based on these scans I am leaning more towards military base... the larders for the food and water are a good guess but these would be perfect for an army... unless we are getting into the eras when personal armies were done by the various warlords but I don't remember many being this sophisticated."

 

[Junko Ike]

Ahri looked at it and spoke. "They weren't... or at least they were not supposed to be. We have an idea of what the personal armies were like and it was whoever wanted gold and jewels... and however many armies the warlords could afford to field at the time... but the bigger it was the more they had to conquer... making a fort like this they would have had to have something that would let them pay for the loyal soldiers over the longer periods of time... maybe one or two would stay but an entire army I could not see sticking around for a long period of time." She said it but had a look on her face as clearing the barracks they got out into armories.

Junko could see some of the weapons and they would be able to help them date parts. The swords were gone... rusted and in particles on the ground below as they took them from the sheaths to check. The preservation of it was nice but she could that the weapons wouldn't be able to be used or really checked easily. Barca was looking at it as the bows gave her some ideas with the wood there preserved for the moment. "Strong and simple enough... they would be able to last a long while and the strings could be replaced." Barca was looking at more of it as the armor was leather and falling apart now that the air touched it.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko could see some other parts of it, Ahri was leading the way through as the armories gave way to a larger chamber and then smaller hallways. Galleries that looked out onto the different courts. Her attention was on a few parts of it before the jedi princess stopped and spoke when she looked up. "Why does this.... why does this seem familiar?" She said it partially to herself and partially to the others who were coming with her as they went out and into one of the galleries. Ahri looking at her and around as she tapped her chin with the drones and the glow rods scanning around the area. "Cause it looks like any other ruin?"

Junko took a moment. "Yes but also.... from a story maybe... it is the way the galleries are setup. Each chamber looks like a court." She said it as she was thinking about it and wanted to really see it but she was mentally mapping it for herself as the interface was checking on a few things as well. Ahri was looking at her and she gave it a thought while she looked at the map and spoke. "Hmm." She brought up the display that they had and were mapping it out still but spoke. "Day, dawn, night, summer, autumn, spring, winter, dreams and nightmares." She said it while tapping them. "The nine courts of the empress of starlight and ash."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko looked at it as the display was coming up.. she could check on some of it before a nod caame from her. "It is a legend... or at least a story but also something that n one was able to prove real of story." Junko's eyes were checking the shadows for any signs when she looked over at it. "It does sound fantastical." Miyoung said it. "An empress building the nine courts for her children to see who would rule best in the end and letting them switch off at different times of the year. Amusing in a way but hard to imagine really how some of it worked out logistically when you got to seasons and the idea of dreams and nightmares."

Junko looked at her and gave a small nod. "It does seem with the benefit of hindsight and logistics... fantastical. Nine courts, nine rulers to see who preformed the task best instead of giving it to the eldest. The people deciding could be dangerous at a time like that." She said it while she was walking and looking through more of it. Barca had found areas that were higher up and scanning them. "These look like shutters that would have been good for getting air or light into the chambers. If the old planters are anything to fo by they had to have some plants down here for display or different purposes."

 

[Junko Ike]

JUnko looked up at Barca who was checking them. "Can they still open?" SHe was curious... if there was sand they wouldn't open them fully, if they were clear then they had an idea of the engineering and possibly a way to map the distance that felt strang when you couldn't measure it by something visual. The mandalorian was looking at her and gave a nod of her head as she started to open one of the shutters. The small pause to check for sand... to make sure there wasn't a desert above them waiting to come in and endanger them... and then it was open... then it was filtering in moonlight that cast the chamber they were in.

"Oh it is beautiful." Miyoung said it asa she was looking up at the moonlight filtering in. Barca released two drones... one to measure and one to scan the sides. "There has to be crystals or mirrors involved... it channels the moonlight down to make it so intense and then it refracts on the floor to cast itself around the room itself." She said it while bringing the attention to the beam breaking up once it hit the floor and going all around them. Junko could see the court area itself being illuminated with a smile on her face as she checked it all over. The moonlight glittered on the walls that continued to illuminate and go all around them.

 

[Junko Ike]

Miyoung had a nod of her head going... a smile on her lips when the walls of the chamber were bright even in the moonlight. Larger gaps showing more crystal that refracted the light and illuminated the other courts... the other chambers as a second set f shutters were opened. These ones allowing them to look out and at the central chamber which was a massive city. Under the courts and Junko was inputting the information. "Barca, Miyoung have the drones check and open the shutters on the roof... we are going to need more light it look like and with all of them we might be able to illuminate the entire place."

She got nods and the pair of them were heading off.... rushing and moving with the drones as they rreleased several but were also going themselves in the ring. Ahri and Junko looked at it as the woman spoke looking through the shutter at the city and whistling. "Wow that is not what I expected." She said it but she could feel the air as she went over it... "There is a lot here and the air is super cold almost like." She looked up at the darkened roof and spoke. "If I remember some of the stories the ancient city of the courts was built under a glacier itself for protection.It had fallen through in a battle at one point."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko nodded as she was looking at Ahri. "I remember it but I thought the ending was the glacier fell on the city... not." She looked up as more light was filtering in and could see it... it was beautiful indeed for pretty much everything here. "I mean don't get me wrong.. I love the look but if there is a danger here of the glacier ceiling falling?" She was looking as the ice could be seen and even in the desert she was guessing it was packed enough and there had to be something.... Ahri was looking up and making notes on her interface as Junko could sense Miyoung more then see her and Barca going through the courts into the city area.

"You are not wrong... there might be a danger but you told me we got to take risks sometimes." Ahri said it and Junko looked at her while she stood and opened the doors leading into the city. "I did didn't I.... hmmm so want to make out while we wait for some more scans?" SHe said it with a grin on her face and Ahrri turned to look at her. "Sure." She said it and Junko wrapped her arms around Ahri as her comlink buzzed and she heard Miyoungs voice on the other end. "Princess you know we can see and hear you right?" She said it and JUnko nodded holding one hand out as her thumb came up with a wider grin internally.

 

[Junko Ike]

JUnko was occupied as Miyoung was moving... getting joined by Barca while she was going around the outer ring of the city towards Junko and Ahri... it was larger then she liked and the interior of the courts had been annoying at times... since it was difficult to tell the different in the interior. They had managed to meet up and were now moving quickly enough but debating about the running portion as she could see the city and it was a very different design... the ring was a lip over the rest of it.. with several buildings below as it spread out more and more which made it look like it was small but the drones were showing them large structures to hold the cavern up below them.

SHe and Barca were moving as the Mandalorian looked at her. "Sure you want to bother them?" She said it with a grin on her face... the large Mandalorian was without a doubt... well she didn't really act coy she was more then happy to well she was always ready to carry off a handmaiden for a fun rromp... more then that Miyoung partook which was fun. That the princess was welcomed to the idea had just made it fairly fun. "We don't have to but we should all be together... and the princess shouldn't get distracted while we are exploring... that being said. We could slow fown a little... give her a little time."

 

[Junko Ike]

Barca seemed to be laughing with that as she had some interest and some thoughts but kept them to herself... Miyoung knew that she wasn't as dumb as she presented herself to most of the others... she was actually fairly smart which is how she had managed to survive... that was a benefit and what made her such a skilled bodyguard.. she wasn't a handmaiden... she wasn't a servant to the princess. She was there to protect her and that she held the title because the princess wasn't supposed to have a need of bodyguards she wasn't called that... same with not being called a mercenary. "Very well."

Miyoung slowed down as she and Barca were moving and she allowed the force to guide them as they went forward... she could feel it and the large mandalorian wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Taking a moment to speak to her when she was walking further.. the armored glove was there. "Hey don't worry about it sweetie... think of it like this. WHen the princess is happy... we are happy and she'll be nice and limber for later when she is looking to celebrate this discovery with all of you. I know you might be skilled with the whole flexible thing and your archery but she is a jedi and they know how to move around as well."

 

[Junko Ike]

Miyoung grinned to that as she had to admit... she loved the compliments... she shouldn't as it was just Barca doing it to The pair of them were not well there was no exclusive among the handmaidens... they served the princess and she only asked that they be loyal which could mean a lot of things to a lot of people but all of them loved the princess or liked being with her. SHe knew Junko loved each of them as well and was smarter in most cases as cultivating relations with all of the regions, schools and even offworlders benefitted her greater plans in the end... they were tools but the political aspects only mattered to titles not the people.

THey arrived and JUnko had finished with Ahri, a look on her face of amusement while she leaned there. "Well, this has been fun so far... Kanna is going to be sad that she missed it." She said it and the comlink cracked on their interface. "The drones arre acting as relays... I am hearing everything." The chiss was above and handling the finer details of keeping sand from overtaking the dif site or gunking up all of their equipment. JUnko looked at Ahri and Barca and then Miyoung as Kanna spoke. "I heard everything... not exactly great my princess." She said it with a smile though in her voice as JUnko was looking towards the city itself.

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko flashed an innocent look, her amusement barely contained as she considered Kanna's words. The playful smirk on Miyoung's face, trying and failing to suppress her laughter. Junko spoke into the comms, her voice a low purr. "Okay, sweetie, when I get back to the surface, I promise to make you feel nice and special," she smiled to herself. "Whatever you want, my dear." Kanna's voice, thick with suspicion was there but she was likely debating the options. The chiss was skilled in many areas but with Junko she was able to be read in most cases like a book.. she would and could always be counted on with Miyoung afterall.

"Well, only if I can get some one on one time with my princess, I suppose I can be persuaded. Though it will be really special if you wear that little sky blue kimono while we do it?" The mention of the kimono made Miyoung's barely contained laughter finally spill out, and Junko couldn't help but grin to herself. She could hear the faint, excited voices of Barca and Ahri, who had stumbled upon something intriguing on a nearby rock... conveniently avoiding the conversation. Junko spoke looking back at them. "SOmething we should all see?" She said it and Ahri spoke quickly and clipped. "No no, we thought there might be but no just a rock."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko stared at the pair as they investigated their rock, rolling her eyes while she took in the sight of the city below her. "Well if it has anything, get it, 'cause we're going in... or down, or however this is going to work. The drones made the city look really interesting." Her whipped whipped in the wind that came up, a stark contrast to the motionless pair. The city's sprawling crystal glow pulsed with a strangeness all its own, a vibrant tapestry of light and shadow. A strange feeling, a mix of apprehension and exhilaration, tightened its grip on her stomach. The drone footage was nothing compared to the real thing, she realized, a thrill coursing through her as she took a deep breath of the cold, crisp air.

The group trudged onward, their footsteps echoing through the canyon like avenues of stone. Above them, the massive glacier loomed like a jagged ceiling, its icy expanse a stark contrast to the city below. Light filtered down from the mirrors of the courts around them, casting an ethereal glow on the walkways. Crystal moons, embedded in the stone, pulsed with a soft luminescence, mingling with the pale light of the night sky to illuminate their path into the city's deeper sections. They were drawn onward, a small caravan moving deeper into the heart of the frozen metropolis. Junko had a smile on her face though... this was something she missed.

 

[Junko Ike]

Ahri looked at her as the open designed of the streets was bringing interest for all of them. "You look happy." Junko turned to look as she walked and nodded. "Well.. I did just make out with one of the top minds on Atrisia... and got to rest my head on two of the most comfortable pillows in the universe." She said it and Ahri rolled her eyes while Miyoung looked at the princess and Junko looked at her as she wrapped an arm around her. "It is okay sweetie you are a beautiful mind and maybe one day." Miyoung faked crying at that joke as the three of them started to laugh and Junko felt the same she had when she used to explore Atrisia.

Miyoung looked at her and nodded. "I missed it too, I love all of the others but there is something nice about this quiet... when we are all together it is so loud." She said it but wasn't complaining with harmful intent... she was just stating a fact and Junko understood in that situation. "Mean to say but it is why I like having just a small group of you... aside from the danger of us all being out at the same time... there is to many logistical things to worry about." She said it with a smile on her face and she knew that Kanna and the others were listening. "It isn't a bad thing just true... we need to make rotating team assignments for outings.

 

[Junko Ike]

"That is fine." It was phaidors voice on the comlink who was offering her the confirmation. "I see nothing wrong with that.... as long as I am always the first choice which is my right as the first handmaiden that you chose." She said it over the coms as the others all groaned as Junko gave a grin on her face. "Maybe... I'll take it under advisement in any case." She had a small look on her face though as they were head down more and more into the city streets and she could see the stairs wrapping around where they were.. it was massive and came out into a massive lip concealing the real sections of the city. Miyoung nodded her approval with it.

"I am fine with you deciding... I rather enjoy it when it is a special time since you rely on me SOOO MUUUUCH MORE THEN THE REST." SHe said it loud enough and drawn out to get more groans as they were walking and Barca looked a Junko. "I ain't asking... you know I am here cause I want to get stronger and beat you in the next grand arena fight." Junko looked at her and brought a hand up as she patted her shoulder only gripping it lightly. "Well and you like coming because I am here... you aren't getting real afffection for me at you?" Her eyebrows went up and Junko was checking things out as she spoke. "Cause well after everything."

 

[Junko Ike]

She said it teasingly and mentally paused as she was watching Barca who seemed to think about it and she spoke lower. "What if I..." She seemed to think about it and Junko didn't tease as she moved her hand along her back and shoulder. Tracing the aarmor until it got to her bicep which she wrapped an arm around. "Well if you were then how could I turn down something so good." She said it and looked up at her while grinning. "Plus, you are much sweeter then you let on... even when you are not drunk and declaring how much you desire me... or Miyoung... or just about any of the females in the palace."

That got a half laugh. "They are... they are fun." Junko raised an eyebrow. "Oh I bet they are though a few looked like they might be talkers... like really distracting talkers." She was saying it as a joke but it was also true. "You mean like Miyoung?" Barca said it with a laugh in her voice whenshe seemed to be thinking about it and Junko laughed. "Yes... she talks a mile a minute and it is all I can do kissing her to get her to be quiet and distracted to sleep." That seemed to get snickers over the comlink but also from Barca who was cheering up... better she was opening up. "THis would be easier if we were in the clans."

 

[Junko Ike]

Junko's teasing voice cut through the stillness of the ruined city, her words light but carrying that familiar spark of mischief. "Oh." She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smile as she glanced at Barca. "And if we were with your clan, what would happen?" She knew Mandalorians had seen their weddings, quick and unceremonious, forged in the heat of battle or the simplicity of a vow. By their measure, she and Barca, alone in these crumbling streets, hands brushing as they walked, had already spent enough time together to bind themselves a dozen times over. "I've seen a Mandalorian wedding or seven," she continued, her tone playful.

"No wasting time on courtship. Just a battlecircle, a battlefield, or maybe a few words, right?" Her fingers tightened around Barca's larger hand, guiding them through the cracked stone paths of the long-forgotten city. Vines snaked over shattered columns, and the faint hum of distant wind echoed through hollowed-out structures, their skeletal remains glowing faintly under the pale moonlight. Barca's steps faltered, her armored boots scuffing against the broken cobblestones. She was quiet for a moment, longer than usual, her helmet tilting slightly as if wrestling with something unspoken.

 

[Junko Ike]

When she finally spoke, her voice was lower, softer, almost hesitant a stark contrast to the Mandalorian's usual unshakable confidence. "Junko…" She stopped walking, her hand still clasped in Junko's smaller one, her grip tightening nervously. "It's not just… the physical stuff. Not with you." Junko turned, her sharp eyes catching the faint tremor in Barca's posture, the way her free hand fidgeted at her side. She tilted her head, curiosity piqued, but didn't interrupt, letting Barca find her words. "I…" Barca's voice cracked slightly, and she cleared her throat, the sound muffled by her helmet.

"I like you. More than I thought I could. Not just the fights, or the way you keep up with me, or… or the way you make me feel when we're close." Her words stumbled, raw and unpolished, as if she were laying down her armor piece by piece. "It's more. It's… you. The way you take charge, the way you don't back down, even though I'm…" She gestured vaguely at her towering, beskar-clad frame, then let her hand drop. "I like that you're smaller, but you… you make me want to follow. To let you lead." Junko's smile softened, her usual teasing edge giving way to something warmer as she stepped closer, her hand still holding Barca's.