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[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Objective 3
The Hot Springs of Roon
Mandalorian Fortress Exterior
Acier Moonbound Talohn Atar

At first, Sibylla wasn't sure if she should take what Acier told her about learning he was Mandalorian about five minutes ago as hyperbole or fact. But as the seconds passed and he continued the conversation, the more apt the young Ambassador realized it was equally truth as playful banter.

"Well, then you are in the same boat as I am then," she replied with mild mirth, another small breeze gently lifting the dark maghongy strands of wavy hair off her shoulders and tickling her cheeks.

The corners of her lips twitched before curving into a small, amused smile that didn't quite meet her eyes that time.It wasn't the first time she'd heard she was hard to read. Most of her life has been spent learning how to be. Tutors, examinations, apprenticeships, and an exhausting number of etiquette lessons were all carefully arranged to sculpt her into someone appropriate for court and politics as a Daughter of Abrantes was expected to be.

Sibylla took a slow breath and spared a glance toward the horizon for a moment, letting her smile fade into something more thoughtful.

"But truthfully? I observe. I listen. I try to understand the people in the room before deciding how best to move forward. It's not as dramatic as a warrior's instinct, but it has its uses."

She turned back to him then, eyes curious and clear, just as another Mandalorian ( Talohn Atar )added some clarification regarding the matter. Sibylla gave an incline of her head in gratitude, adding, "Thank you for clarifying that for me."

There was certainly a lot to think about regarding the matter. And was it different for each clan? Thoughts to ponder.

"So what about you?" she asked gently to Acier Moonbound and Talohn Atar . "What does being a Mandalorian mean for you now, if you don't mind my asking?"

 

[Acier Moonbound]

Location: Roon - Eastern Mountains

Equipment:
Training Jumpsuit | Lightsaber | Modified DL-27

Ace blinked at the question. It was surprsingly straightforward. From the very short time he knew her, Sibylla had a way of asking things plainly, without making it feel like an interrogation. Still, it put a knot in his chest.

He glanced over at Talohn first, his Cathar uncle, maybe it was honorary, maybe it was by blood... the galaxy was an odd place. Talohn was now deep in some tangent involving conditioner and moral clarity. He smirked at the mature Mandalorian, the gist of what he was saying stuck: You decide what it means. You choose who family is.

Returning his gaze back to Sibylla, all composed insight and careful observation. Presented differently, but it was the same kind of clarity as Talohn's. The kind Ace didn't think people his age were supposed to have. He took another sip of his drink. Still nasty, but it bought himself a second to think.

"…Honestly?" he started, tone dry "Don't even know if I can really call myself a Mandalorian. I'm born of them, but never really experienced the culture. Do I deserve to call myself one?"

He looked straight ahead as he spoke, not quite meeting either of their eyes for a moment. Then he turned to Talohn, his expression was softer now, echoing understanding.

"But I hear you. Its all about choice, yeah? Well, at least I'm a step closer to figuring it out now, thanks to you." Ace said, nodding.

It was solid advice, but there was a lot to consider. He carried a Jedi lightsaber and wielded the Force, but wasn't one. He came from a Mandalorian line and his brother was Mand'alor, but he was a Mandalorian in blood only. Maybe he wanted to belong to one or the other, or maybe he just wanted to be Ace. It didn't mean he didn't want to be arround his family and his people, or help out when needed.

But would they want him if he chose to walk his own path? A sigh escaped him, and he looked up to Sibylla again.

"Was it your choice? Going into politics, and... is it something you plan to do forever?" he then turned to Talohn "What about you, Unc?"

Sibylla Abrantes Talohn Atar​

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova had always kept herself apart from others because she didn't trust any of them. They'd betray her eventually. She was a Sith -- that was enough of a reason for anyone with "morals" to claim the high ground. Flippancy and drink played well with her smile and dancing to keep people thinking she was doing well and not at all vulnerable. After all, who wanted to risk getting choked out? Then the Cat came along and despite her sour regard for the weak in the galaxy, he lingered. Even had a Catfish of a daughter. It'd been surprisingly pleasant.

So, it was only natural that something pleasant being taken would cause... instability. A few years later after ripping and tearing across the galaxy, Zlova had the Cathar back in her clutches. Why shouldn't she be possessive? Why shouldn't she crush anyone that thought to take him away again? Accidents didn't factor in to the burning desire to keep him to herself. Just because she'd weathered the rigors of the Dark Side so long didn't mean she was completely immune to its influence.

The tips of her fingers played with the short hairs of Talohn's fur as he spoke. It was soothing to hold him close and not being trying to rip peoples' limbs out. Everyone should be glad to leave her content like this.

"Not long," the Twi'lek purred. "I've half a mind to throw you in half way through a sentence." Zlova chuckled to herself. It wasn't to torment her ball of fluff, but the moment afterward would be adorable.

Talohn happened to get interested in a conversation nearby, however, which drew Zlova's golden gaze. "The only people with the luxury not to be adults by the time they can hold their liquor are the powerless masses," the red Twi'lek added after her Cat's boisterous laughter.

Then Sibylla Abrantes , Acier Moonbound , and Talohn Atar had a brief back and forth about being Mandalorian. "You're young, and the Mandalorians aren't the gatekeeping type. If you can pick up a weapon, wear the armor, and defend your Clan they'll accept you. I don't much care for the honor part, but duty and skill I respect." A smile graced her dark lips over Talohn's shoulder.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Objective 3
The Hot Springs of Roon
Mandalorian Fortress Exterior
Acier Moonbound

"Was it your choice? Going into politics, and... is it something you plan to do forever?"

At the question, Sibylla paused, her gaze drifting for a moment toward the distant horizon as if the right answer might be hidden there. A year ago, she would have replied without hesitation that this life was entirely her choice. That she had dreamed of becoming a politician since she was a little girl, of serving Naboo and the Royal Republic with all the conviction and purpose she could muster.


But in the months since, small doubts had begun to slip quietly into the corners of her mind. Not doubts of her devotion because she still cared deeply, still wished to make a difference, to protect her people and strengthen the Republic...but quiet, wondering thoughts about whether that ought to be the whole of her life.

"Mmm…" Sibylla began, her tone thoughtful, measured.

"I knew from a very young age that I wanted to help others, to improve the quality of life for as many as I could. I spent much of my childhood at my father's side during his ambassadorial work and his relief service duties. That was my first glimpse at service and how it can shape lives, perhaps even entire worlds. And when I admitted that desire, my father ensured I was given every opportunity, every tutor, every advantage, to walk the most direct path toward becoming the best politician possible, for the best outcome possible."

And that, for a Daughter of Abrantes, meant the singular seat all Houses held above all else -- the Sovereign Throne of Naboo.

She fell quiet again, lips pressing together for a heartbeat as she considered Acier's follow-up question. Did she want to do this forever? That, she found, was far harder to answer. Especially considering the dangers her position had placed her. Not just due to her public service role... but because she was the Daughter of a Royal House. Life at court and among nobility carried its own set of dangers.

Dangers she now bore the scars of on her back from that Noghri attack that had almost ended her. Choosing to lead meant that her choices and position could affect others on a very personal level as well. It was why family and public service didn't usually mix.

"I imagine that, in time, I should like to start a family," she admitted at last, her voice taking on a quieter, more reflective note. "Yet the idea of doing both, maintaining this pace of service while attempting to do that, doesn't seem feasible or fair for either. "