Private The path we walk

[Adron Malvern]

Location: Illyria ~ Azurine Capitol ~ Pendragon Palace
Time: Early Morning
Wearing: Royal Court Suit

"Presenting his royal highness!" A voice echoed through out the halls of Pendragon's assembly chambers. Though the Royal Palace's primary function was the housing and safeguarding of the royal family, it also served as the central hub for the government that controlled the planet Illyria. The assembly chambers were the most accessible part of the palace, as it was used for matters concerning the state, therefore it was a simple matter to be invited to the chambers by the royal family or their representatives.

The room was extremely large, big enough that it could host around five hundred people. Today there were maybe forty or fifty people gathered in the hall, not counting the thirty or so men belonging to the royal family's personal guard. Each of these men left an impression of their own, standing proudly in their armored suits. The members of Les Garde Des Rois were handpicked by Adron and his wife Alessandra to be the defenders of their lives and more importantly, the life of their young child. The Force fell off them in even waves, yet they were practiced in its influence and promptly kept their abilities in check.

The hall went silent for a time until all that could be heard were the fain echoes of steps impacting the marbled floors below. The King of Illyria entered the chambers with a certain expression on his face. He was youthful and confident, yet the air around him was like a creature bred from the deepest pits of a hellish abyss. The taint of the dark side did not affect him in any visible manner such as advanced aging or the steady decline of his physical being, but the scarring was yet there upon his mark in the Force. Standing a step behind and on either side of him were two members of his guard, Knight-Captains who were above all others in the realm of combat. They held their Vibropikes dutifully as they escorted their liege to his throne.

There was a pride that filled Adron when he sensed the envy, wonder, and often jealousy that fled from those surrounded by him. A pride that pulled at his lips until they were in a superior smile upon his face. As he settled into the amethyst throne that worked as the center of the room he allowed his eyes to befall those who had been waiting on him.

Not long after he sat down and his guards took their place behind him, the speaker walked over to the King and spoke softly. "A light day, your highness. Though there is one meeting of some import that I believe you will want to place first."

Adron glanced at the man, but his words were understood from the moment he spoke them. Adron's piercing amethyst eyes burned through the crowd to find a single guest, one that had been summoned to the planet by his own voice.

Her dark hair and chocolate eyes were noticeably impeccable and this alone caused the King to nod at the speaker in understanding. Though he did not give the man a chance to speak before he stood from his throne and gestured out towards the beautiful woman who had graced his halls. "The Viceroy of Felacat. Though it has been some time, your figure is one my eyes would never miss. Though I have placed myself away from my title and position of Exarch, I welcome you to Illyria as her King and Viceroy." He inclined his head, ever so softly as if to show respect to the woman who was visiting his halls.

Raven Thystle

 

[Raven Thystle]

VICEROY RAVEN THYSTLE​

Tags: Adron Malvern
Outfit: Current Outfit, Taozin Amulet​

Raven had been once more invited to visit the lands of some other Viceroy and as she walked along the path that would take her to yet another palace; she couldn’t help but surmise that in her short period of time of being in office, she had been called upon twice and this was the third time happening. Albeit, the other times were simply a matter of the Confederacy of Independent systems, but important nonetheless. This invitation was more… intriguing to say in the least and warranted a curious eye to see where this Viceroy stood. If anything it would stand as a simple amusement of humouring the once former Exarch, even though she was constantly reminded of the fact that she herself had duties that she should be attending to. Well, she could spare the morning at least, was her thoughts upon the matter as brown eyes appraised the datapad before her as she walked.

There were still documents to be looked over. More precisely, a 300 page document courtesy of the IGBC. It was one such document that she had been putting off for a time where she could properly sit down and review it. 300 pages was excessive, obscene even so whatever they were hiding in amongst the numbers, the woman hoped to find it and hopefully truly see what their true intentions were. Either way… A sigh parted her lips as she swiped over to view the profile that Nadia and Nala had sourced about the former Exarch. Married with a child and his wife’s name was Alessandra Creed. There was a Mrs Malvern... The woman is definitely eye catching, She thought to herself as she made her way into the palace.

Pausing for a brief moment, she glanced over the profile of Adron, at least what was known of him from public knowledge and she paused only long enough to swipe over to the next scheduled point of order for the Viceroy of Felacat. It seemed like meetings were going to be the theme of the day and so Raven mentally prepared herself as she handed the datapad over to Nadia. Remind me to reschedule any meetings today if this one takes longer than expected, She said to the two that walked behind her through telepathy. It was a handy skill to have when in the company of others and she was indeed surrounded by other people as she approached the male upon his throne.

Brown eyes focused upon him as she stopped and waited to be acknowledged, but all the while she noticed the speaker quietly talking to the man they called a king. Her face, blank as always, angled slightly to the right as the male stood in a grandiose fashion. Nala and Nadia stood still upon their spots while Raven took a couple of steps forward and her own head bowed to the male before her. Slowly, a smile would play upon her lips as she lifted her gaze to view the man once more, ”Thank you for the welcome and I do like to make an impression, some people tend to overlook the power of appearances; however I must say that you have some impeccable tastes yourself, Your Highness.” Some might say that the entire room was a little overboard, but some people really liked that sort of thing. From a tactical standpoint it was to amaze and to get people to let down their guards. To feel the pressure of the person seated upon the throne and to make them feel, well, inadequate.

”I must admit, receiving your summons was rather intriguing to say in the least. Perhaps you’d like to catch up about the CIS Mandate and Executive Order? For I don’t remember seeing you there at the meeting that was held on Geonosis.” Her hands lifted, only to clasp them behind her back as the simple smile remained upon her lips. Her chocolate brown eyes appraised the male before her and noted the blue eyes that almost reminded her of pools of blue water. Deceptive they could very well be and she was sure that many a woman had fallen into the male's traps through the usage of his charming good looks. Lucky for her, she had a few years upon him and one might say that she could have maybe once known his great grandfather. Not that she was claiming such a thing.
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[Adron Malvern]

As Raven approached, Adron descended the stairs while keeping his eyes set upon the woman before him. His Knights moved to escort him but he glanced back at them, causing them to remain at the side of the throne. When he approached the Viceroy he extended a hand to take her own. Upon taking her hand he would bow his head ever so slightly in the fashion of the Courts. "The Executive Order?" He repeated, before chuckling at her words for a moment. "No, I did not need an update on the State of Affairs for The Confederacy. Though I set down the mantle of Exarch I am still well informed of the movements of the government, even before most others are." It was the benefit of enjoying a close relationship with Srina Talon , who was his closest partner as an Exarch.

"No, I merely brought you here to ascertain just what kind of Viceroy you are." He spoke plainly, not allowing the appearance of mixing words or misleading intent. "In the halls of the Viceroyalty I've made my share of friends and enemies. Lets say you're here to decide which one you will be." He said, offering her a genuine smile. He held his arm out to the woman, intending to lead her from the throne room.

"Would you care to join me?" He asked her, a free hand gestured out towards the path to the main hall.

"Felacat was a planet I followed closely in my early days in the Confederacy. It was one of the first planets we liberated when I worked in the Ministry of War. As a man interested in the growth of the Confederacy I'm a bit curious as to what you intend to do to improve the planets position? It's economy is not in decline to my knowledge, however it is a far sight from a world such as Geonosis or Ryloth."

Raven Thystle

 

[Raven Thystle]

VICEROY THYSTLE​

Tags: Adron Malvern​

Raven saw the movement of his extended hand, so she placed a hand within the male’s light grasp if only for the moment as niceties were exchanged. While he continued to talk, a brow was perked up when he mentioned the reasoning behind his summons and she faked a smile, but he wasn’t wrong at all. Many Viceroys had made enemies of other Viceroyalty members, especially when it came to being on the floor and dealing with split politics. The recent Viceroyalty meeting was definitely a very good reason. She was sure that her support towards the Mandate and Executive Order had made her some enemies, but then again, it might not have. Raven would be remiss in not thinking that she hadn’t, but when in combat; all was fair in love and war. Politics was not an exception.

When Adron held out an arm, Raven took it while her free hand waved at her bodyguards to stay where they were. She was sure that if she was in any kind of trouble, she would be able to call upon them. After all, they were never truly too far away from her should she need the backup. Besides, as far as she was concerned, it was just another meeting, which meant just simply a lot of chatter. ”Of course I’ll join you, otherwise there would be no reason for my visit.” Although to ascertain what kind of Viceroy she was, was an odd notion, but it also made sense. Most people in a crowd tended to hide a lot more, especially in a room full of agendas. One on one was a different story entirely. Even she knew that some people would let their guards down in a more relaxed setting.

Quietly she listened to the male as he spoke of Felacat and how he had been working in the Ministry of War when it had been liberated. Raven had heard the stories of its liberation. She had heard of the civil war and of the slavers guild that had taken control of the capital city. The woman also knew of the Confederacy involvement in liberating them from the slavers guild. Knowing all of this, she pursed her lips together in quiet contemplation. How much should she tell him? Perhaps a thinly veiled example of what she wished for Felacat would suffice the man? ”Felacat has never been a planet where it holds a great deal of value to some. For me however, it is the people that are of great value. The ones that strive to live and grow within, to foster a life even when up against some difficult odds.”

The vampiress paused for a moment as her chocolate brown eyes took in her surroundings, ”While our wealth isn’t up to par like the far more developed planets, it is my goal to get there. However, for us, we need to address our defense systems. Many times has the threat of slavers invading loomed over the Felacatians and even though it is now within Confederacy air space, the future is always uncertain. Uncertain futures tend to bring about a level of fear and I wish to quell that fear amongst my people and bring about a day where they no longer fear but look towards the future with hope. Build with the assurance that they will always see a day free of the threat of slavers and to live their lives however they wish. To no longer feel afraid of travel, but welcome the different sights to see.”

She paused for a moment and softly chuckled, ”As you can see, I want nothing more than for the Felacatians to prosper. All of that will take time and patience on my behalf, but I indeed have quite a lot of time upon my hands and with many many more years still left within me."​

 

[Adron Malvern]

As the two spoke, they moved down the halls of Pendragon palace and soon even found themselves in a courtyard of some intricate design. As the Viceroy spoke, Adron quickly noticed she was a woman of considerate speech. She gave as much was asked and not excessively more. He could understand that, especially in politics where knowledge was wealth and power. He nodded at her words, understanding the intricacies behind her planet's development enough to see they would not be something easily accomplished.

The Viceroy considered Felacats location as well as other unique systems around it and found that there were many ways to see the planet flourish. While the Viceroy had her work cut out for her, it was not an entirely difficult venture. "If I may?" He interjected.

"Have you considered a Customs station?" He asked.

"As you are aware, The Confederacy hosts hundreds of Customs stations to in-process refugees and civil dispatchers from other factions across the galaxy. Speaking strictly, the government is in dire need to expand these customs stations, so much so that they have taken to giving financial grants to planets that will assume such a patriotic responsibility."

"These grants are exceptionally generous and could be beneficial to your economy." The viceroy said simply. "Now for a planet like Felacat which has a myriad of barrens that could house these refugees, it shouldn't be too taxing on your planet's ecosystem and economy."

"The only problem is that these stations are exceptionally costly and even if you do create one then it would take a whole fiscal year for you to receive a grant."

"At least, that would be the problem if you had to go through the standard application process. Which I have the ability to waive, quite easily." He explained to the woman, now showing a rather fond gleam in his eyes. "Would you be interested in something like that?"

Raven Thystle

 

[Raven Thystle]

VICEROY THYSTLE​

Tags: Adron Malvern​

Raven’s head gave a slight bow of the head when the male asked to interject and all she said in response was, ”Please do.” With that she quietly listened to the male with an attentive ear while her chocolate gaze took in the intricate designs that decorated the courtyard. From time to time a slight nod was given in response to his words, but she would be lying if she didn’t find it to be a fascinating concept. As a gleam shone within his eyes, her own turned to view the male and a smile graced her lips. ”I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t interested, however Felacat is a little like the designs you see out here. Intricate. Which can be stunningly beautiful and dangerous all at once. One false move when creating this intricate design, could throw out the beauty and make a disastrous beast.”

There was a point to her words, but being that she was a politician, she also knew that sometimes it was best to first paint a clear picture of what she wanted to depict for whomever she was speaking to. ”Sometimes, in our rush to improve our wealth, we often overlook those that are in our care. While we are not wealthy and I do wish to increase profits, I do not know whether a Customs station would be in my people’s best interest at this time.” The vampiress paused as she smiled gently at her male companion, ”I will, however, take the time to consider it though. If, the matter isn’t time sensitive that is. For you see while I may not technically be a Felacatian in species, I do sometimes consider myself to be an honorary one. Especially considering that I wouldn’t be in this position if it were not for my people of Felacat.”

”You have to understand. The Felacatians are weary of strangers and history has many bountiful lessons to show people why they are that they are. I have to look at the first fact; that being that when the first Confederacy first came to Felacat, it was not as liberators, but as conquerors. Laying a month-long siege to the planet. Although this Confederacy is completely different to the first one, I have many hurdles to overcome. To show my people that we are not what people seem to believe. That is one of many things that I have to consider.” History was like a tapestry; it was paved with an overall picture clearly hanging before one’s own eyes. If someone ignored even a thread, it’d unravel. If she ignored even one thread of Felacat’s history in her venture to create a better future, it could prove her undoing.

”One of the many other factors that I have to consider within the history of my planet, is the Gulag Plague. Although we were not as affected as others and it was followed up by a baby boom, many theories that have been speculated, is that it came from an off world trading freighter. To set up a Customs station so early within my time in office may be a good idea when it comes to wealth, but it might also backfire when it comes to the people’s fears. I would also have to think about the idea of housing refugees; as while we do have barrens, our population is rather.” Raven paused as she nodded her head, ”Overcrowded, as some might say. So determining where and when to do things is rather important.”

Chocolate eyes returned to the male as she offered yet another smile, ”So, when taking some of these factors on board, one must carve this intricate pattern carefully; lest one creates a beast in their haste. Raven paused before saying. "Wouldn’t you say so?”​

 

[Adron Malvern]

When Raven spoke contemplatively of Adron's offer, the man could not help but nod at her words in understanding. There would always be the delicate details of a planet that only the Viceroy would be privy to. For Adron, his senses told him there could be something more underlying this Viceroy's hesitance but it was not something worth contemplation. Even if they were to begin immediately it would still take months to secure the necessary contracts and begin planning. He did not show a hint of disappointment when she proposed her wish to consider the deal.

"I wouldn't expect you to immediately agree to such a commitment on a whim." He said reassuringly. He walked through the garden, his eyes turning from one form of floral to another before turning back to Raven. "In fact, your consideration is even more reassuring than you'd imagine, shows some manner of caution."

"I'll have one of my people draw up a general proposal for what you'd be looking at. From there you can make a more informed decision, it shouldn't take longer than a few days for the proposal to reach your desk."

"As it is, I have an important meeting with the Vicelord next month. If you are interested, then I will also be able to place the idea in his mind. His support could lead to an even faster project, but as you requested I will give you ample time to consider things."

The Viceroy glanced up to a black clock in the center of the gardens before turning back to the Viceroy. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have a myriad of droll meetings to attend. Is there anything you'd ask of me before I return to matters of my state?"

Raven Thystle

 

[Raven Thystle]

VICEROY THYSTLE​

Tags: Adron Malvern​

Raven reached out to the force and connected to her bodyguards through telepathy and spoke only one word, Come. Quietly she listened to the male speak and another nod of her head was given. ”I’ll appreciate it, the earlier the better. So then it gives me more time to deliberate upon the proposal on hand within a more extended time frame.” Being that he used to be an Exarch and considered himself a King, she wasn’t at all surprised that he was able to freely communicate with certain people and have some weight to pull around. In fact, she had pondered herself before arriving, if it was worth a trip to visit the male or to shrug off the summons. In the end, it was never wise to piss off someone with strong ties. This meeting however, may have been a rather fortunate one. One that was for her, rather than against and she was pleased that she had attended.

Especially when Felacat was still just a babe; still warmly wrapped up in its mother’s caring arms.

Although caring wasn’t a word that would usually be used to describe her; as she often appeared cold and uncaring while in the face of adversity. Even when Ryloth burned, she had remained unphased and as a politician, she couldn’t let her feelings get in the way of any matter. Which was why when Adron mentioned other meetings, the woman simply smiled, because his agenda simply ran adjacent to her own schedule. The ear to a Vicelord might work in her favor and especially one that was efficient and didn’t want idle gossip. It was a perfect meeting all round and she did not mind it. Chocolate eyes took in the garden spread out before her and paused as she considered her next words carefully.

”I don’t have anything to ask of you at this time." At least, not until she had vetted him herself and seen him in action. Words were just that, words and while a reputation could be built, it was sometimes built on lies. She would rather see for herself what kind of man Adron was with her own two eyes. "Maybe further down in the line, in the future, I may request to speak with you again.” In the meantime, patience was a necessary evil to lean upon. ”I must say however, it's refreshing to know that I myself am not the only one that has a day full of meetings to attend to.” She said as Nadia and Nala, her two Felacatian bodyguards finally arrived and Nadia handed Raven her datapad back.

The vampiress paused for a moment as she extracted her hand from Adron’s and turned to leave but had one final thing to say. ”I read somewhere that... ‘Loyalty cannot be blueprinted. It cannot be produced on an assembly line. In fact, it cannot be manufactured at all, for its origin is the sentient heart - the center of self-respect and sentient dignity. It is a force which leaps into being only when the conditions are exactly right for it - and it is a force very sensitive to betrayal.’” Her head angled slightly towards Nala while her pale hand gently lifted to rest upon the Felacatian woman’s right shoulder.

There was no menace within her words, nothing that wished ill will, but a simple pearl of wisdom that she often reminded herself of when it came to her people. Much like the Vicelord, she wanted to help those of her people that were hit with misfortune and to learn from the mistakes of the past to create a better future. ”I hope you and I can continue to work upon this project together; or any other project in the future.” Raven said as she looked to Adron and bowed her head to him once more. ”Your highness. I shall take my leave now.”
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