[Day 1 - Late Morning] Lay of the Land

[Aurilie Alde]

"My House Alde lineage can be traced back to the first pioneers of Alderaan and we've carved ourselves a place in the Juran Mountains. Even to this day, it could be said that we're still trying to tame and pioneer the lands. This is especially true about Mount Joral. Early in my career as warden, I've done a number of hunts to trim the local predators but of course, that's not going to be enough and I might become complacent. I do seek challenges elsewhere while adding to the prestige and glory of my House with my continued achievements around the galaxy." She nodded sounded on that note, quite proud at what she had set out to do.

She eyed the tome curiously. Similar books were probably going to be commonplace but she supposed it should be considered more flattering that people were willing to do their research. "That's wonderful to hear. I imagine that our intention is to make clear that we're looking for allies, especially when we've found ourselves just coming out of a conflict and in the rebuilding process. Ultimately, we'd rather avoid similar incidents from happening again in any way we can. Admittedly and regretfully, I know little of Serenno and how you fared in your occupation."

[Count Serenno]

"I'd rather cherish a world like yours and mine than ecumenopoleis that have been so thoroughly transformed no original character of them remains. A world fully tamed is a world destroyed. So one could argue that the way your family has been exercising your rule over the mountainous parts of Alderaan is praiseworthy."

Another sip. "Would that pursuit for accomplishment be mostly about your hunting credentials? Or is there something more you'd rather be famous for, Prince Alde?" He left the question hang for a moment as he replied to her next query.

"There is of course much for me to tell about my planet. I suppose the most vital information is strategic and economic though. My world is located near the Hydian Way and its offshoots, in the D'Astan sector, it's a lush terrestrial one not unlike Alderaan, with varied topography and climate as well as great biodiversity, especially in the seas. We've been developing independently from the Republic as our ancestry reaches back to nobility of the Tion rather than to the Core, and so our ties to many planets in the Outer Rim are significant. The world is silver-rich, enough for us to control the output in our part of the galaxy. No wonder the Sith primed it for conquest whenever their Empire expanded, and four decades ago they again succeeded. It took time, sacrifice, leadership and a galactic war for us to win back our independence, and it shall take even more of that for us to now rebuild from occupation and exploitation in full. But it will be done."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Not to take away from a world as glorious as Coruscant, of course. But yes, I believe that the sort of balance that we've managed to achieve is rather admirable in some parts of the galaxy. Showing restraint when it comes to preserving our world while maintaining our way of life. Growing vertically, if you will." She said on the matter, perhaps all the more reasons she thought the House have been fair to the Killiks but she wasn't going let that topic burrow its way back up.

"No, I suppose not. It is a pursuit I take seriously but eventually, I am meant to be a prince at the end of the day. The kingdom of Mount Joral will be in my rule in the future and potentially, even take a role in politics. Perhaps even in the Senate." However, those things didn't seem like they would be pressing at this very moment.

"A long occupation in recent memory..." She said with some exasperation on the matter. It wasn't proper to ask nor guess a gentleman's age but she would assume that he lived through the entirety of that occupation that began 4 decades ago. "I could understand given after what your world had endured and managed on its own, there's a lot of pride found in what you've managed to achieve on your own. Although, independence is both admiration and difficult. I could only imagine the rebuilding process is another challenge, perhaps equal to the past occupation."

[Count Serenno]

"That can well be the case, given it's easier to maintain unity in time of war than in time of peace. But the Sith threat looms large still, so I think I have a fair chance to maintain the consensus on reconstruction at least in the generation that has experienced the realities of Sith oppression. Economically, we are affluent enough to make restoration happen as long as the commitment holds." He mused. "We wouldn't turn down honest cooperation toward that goal with other noble planets as long as the principles of equality and respect for our independence can govern it."

He paused to finish his tea. "If your pursuits ever bring you to Serenno, Prince Alde, you shall be a most welcome guest."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie gave a slow shake of her head. "I suppose that's where there is some difficulties on the matter might be found, especially with the large body of the Republic involved, that I'm sure you know already. The general opinion might be it is easier to help someone part of the congregation and reap the cooperative efforts than an outsider. Of course, I'm sure a few of us do recognize that the galaxy is more than just the Republic and the Empire, especially when those worlds could potentially outnumber both of those entities combined. At the very least, you can expect us to be respectful of your choices. What would you say would be the best approach to involve the Republic?"

"I'm sure there might be a diplomatic opportunity or two. I trust that Serenno has some untamed lands that might pique my interest too?"

[Count Serenno]

"I'd rather keep any such cooperation on house-to-house or planet-to-planet basis, without involving the political machinery of the Republic. I'd surmise that the noblesse is a foundation enough, as any true bond must be not only interest-based, but also ethical. Whether such a formula is plausible is something the times are ripe for exploring. The Republic may be in need to reinvent itself after the defeat, may it not?"

He made a pause before continuing. "There area many such lands, Prince Alde. My personal favourite, and also one probably the furthest from your experience would be the vibrant depths of the Belsallian Sea. My palace is located on its shores."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie found herself frowning softly but inclined her head once. "Well, if we are to avoid things repeating themselves, I do agree that change must come in the Republic to some degree. External changes might be more likely than internal ones but admittedly we might find ourselves repeating the same pattern. I'm not soo involved to know the particular but it is likely something that shapes our approaches and perhaps how we fall into some manner of complacency in times of lull."

"Admittedly, I perhaps have fewer experiences with the seas themself. Often a passenger than an explorer or hunter of the depths. There's something about the waters that seem to make any visitors without gills completely out of their element." She chuckled. "But I take it the shores perhaps just as interesting?"

[Count Serenno]

"Of course. Something big crawls out from the sea now and then." He joined the chuckle, accepting the change of tone of the conversation. "How about deserts then? Serenno has got an impressive one, the Aparian Wastes."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie took another sip from her thermos and nodded on that note. "It feels like a while since I've ventured into a legitimate desert. As of late, most of my ventures have been either humid and wet or rocky and cold. I do wonder impressive in what way? I can't say that Serenno strikes me as a sort of death world by your description. unless your people are made of very hearty stuff."

[Count Serenno]

"We have certainly been hardened more than a bit because of Sith occupation." He admitted. "Their most infamous prison facility was located in the Wastes. But now it's gone, and we can admire the desert for its sunsets, serenity and unique rock formations, except for all the predatory fauna the Sith brought from Korriban to make escape from their prison even less likely."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie gave a big blink at that revelation. "I see, that presents a pretty unique problem to your world then. Invasive species that managed to overstay their welcome. That's pretty common in the galaxy but still unfortunate when it is likely a huge problem for the surrounding fauna. I'm doubting that it's a symbiotic relationship either."

[Count Serenno]

"We are culling them, and if you decide to make any of them the target of your hunt when visiting I'll applaud you. And yet, I am not convinced we should strive toward eradicating them. Safe communities grow soft, and my planet needs a reminder of its astropolitical perils. As long as this Sith blemish on the face of our planet lingers in some form, my subjects shall know to be prepared."

[Aurilie Alde]

"I suppose it really depends on the sort of threat the present as your new and future neighbours. Depending on how they populate and entrance themselves with the habitat, the damage might be already done and ultimately hard to remove even if that is your wish. I would hope that it doesn't change the landscape of your lands at the very least, not many innocent people merely trying to live their lives are hurt with this new change." She frowned at that thought.

[Count Serenno]

The Count sighed. "A frontier world like mine needs to retain a semi-militarised society, with men and women ready to take up arms. We can't hope for space or even air superiority in case of a renewed conflict, so anti-access/surface denial is our best strategy. I'd rather retain that preparedness among my people by making them stave off tuk'ata than to turn on each other or condone aggression outside our system. The ecosystem is too vibrant to succumb to the inserts, especially that, originating from a desert world, they are vulnerable to many other climates."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie closed her thermos and seeing that the Count was finished with his tea, offered to take the cup back from him.

"I see..." she said as tried to mull over the decision. "I suppose I have a limited grasp on how independent worlds operate but I suppose I could see why an edge must be maintained. You've gone through some hard lessons that are likely best retained than forgotten. A few rampant creatures are likely more harmless than say, allowing pirates and warlords to run rampant on your world...surely it won't come to something like that if all the creatures find themselves ousted out either by your efforts or nature."

[Count Serenno]

He offered the cup back.

"Located between the Hydian Way and the Celanon Spur, just rimward of the Mandalorian Space, we can have all kinds of trouble, especially if we are seen as weak. For now, however, most of the regional stakeholders look up to what Serenno has accomplished. If more nearby worlds, especially those with deep commercial ties to us, eventually succeed in seceding from the Empire, I intend to step up with an initiative to confederate them, and form a bulwark against our enemies. I believe in a third way of interstellar governance, beyond the Imperial and the Republic models, which respects the autonomy of individual planets."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie replaced the cup back on the thermos and twisted it back on. "Thank you, I hope the tea was delightful enough to your liking. It certainly has more of an effect with a brisk morning but I don't think it loses any of its charms when beholding with a sight like this one."

"And it is very admirable what you and your people have done collectively on Serenno, honoured Count," she said with a deep nod of her head. "My apologies if I didn't make that obvious. I suppose you do have some interesting neighbours in the area, although Serenno seems to have some equal opportunities to make up for it at least. I do hope that your world grows in accordance with your vision while maintaining its independence, of course."

[Count Serenno]

"The view is magnificent, the tea was delightful, but they both pale in comparison to the quality of the company you have offered, honoured Prince." The Count rose to offer a bow. "It is heartening to know you both wish my planet well and appreciate its efforts. It bodes well for a wider comity between the noble houses of Alderaan and Serenno I hope shall come to pass. My more immediate hope is that it isn't our last conversation during this festival. But I can't leave it unsaid that I also cheer your aspirations and look forward to your ascedance as the ruler of your family and lands."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie chuckled a little as she placed her hand on her chest in a humbling gesture, returning the bow in kind.

"Thank you for your good wishes, great Count. It likely won't be for a few years but your confidence does serve to help me look forward to that day, especially when it comes from someone of your standing. There will be other days at the Festival, of course. On that note, it's perhaps time that I return to the Festival proper. Thank you again for your honoured company."

[Count Serenno]

"It is indeed the time. I look forward to our next meeting." With those words, the man collected his cape and began to depart.

/exit