[Day 6 - Late Evening] Nightcap

[Zeno Thul]

"I'm not saying that houses lack professionals. I was theorizing a house built on training professionals, for themselves, other houses and in particular those not of any house to give them opportunity to be educated at a similar level that nobles usually get by default. I can't think of any child of a noble house that isn't granted entry into any prestigious school of their parent's choice. Giving that opportunity to those with less privilege seems like a net positive for a world to me."

[Aurilie Alde]

She nodded once. "Of course, Zeno. I'm not opposed to providing opportunities to those who might not have it, to begin with. My apologies, I suppose I was thinking more that what you sought after existed in some capacity in Alderaan already. Of course, we still have some ways to go. Yes, we might be generous during the Festival but there could be some systems in place to make this more of a common occurrence than a yearly observation of customs. The needs of the less privileged are not solved by the end of the festival, after all."

[Zeno Thul]

"All of the protesting and anger that has been displayed, even during the time when we are trying to celebrate love, points to a rising sense of dissatisfaction. We have means, and should use them to address concerns that the people have. But one concern that all have is opportunity to do something meaningful and build a better life."

[Aurilie Alde]

"I'm sure they are hoping to get the Queen's attention by drawing some of it to them. I confess I wasn't there to witness the protests first hand myself and what I little I heard about them was a call for a regime change, was it?"

[Zeno Thul]

"A call for a regime change and some human supremacist shouting," he clarifies. "At least at the one where they attacked Prince Joran and myself. Turned nasty quickly but the rioters were not exactly dangerous and were picked up by the police."

[Aurilie Alde]

She nodded slowly in realization. "That is even more relevant to the current conversation in more ways than one. My apologies for being a bit behind current events. I trust that you had the opportunity to speak with the leaders about their particular grievances? I'd imagine that they must find an advocate in you."

[Zeno Thul]

"Oh, no. They were shouting in favor of human supremacy. In my face. Though it didn't take much talking with them to get them to realize as a group how stupid it made them sound."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Oh." She said on that peculiar note as she narrowed her eyes, clearly, she thought they were shouting against when they were for. Perhaps it was a bit strange that people thought they were far too open, considering the talk earlier with Zeno. "That's a very peculiar sentiment, especially when they are local. I suppose some people might feel there's a feeling of intrusion regarding Alderaan's relationship with the Republic?"

[Zeno Thul]

"No, they were very clearly focused on an Ulgo leadership with a side of xenophobia. They just gave up the xenophobia argument pretty quickly. They seemed to have been put up to it, but it is still harmful all the same."

[Aurilie Alde]

"That is still unfortunate in many ways. I imagine that they thought they could gather a quick reaction for some foothold in their argument. Naturally, that does more than harm than good, easily making things worse for a few visitors and inhabitants of Alderaan. If that was the case, I hope that they've truly shot themselves in the foot for their antics." She gave a shake of her head before taking another sip of her brandy.

[Zeno Thul]

"Well, they got their feet stomped by others around. I didn't feel like being a poster boy for Thul hate more than I already am though, so I just kind of dodged them."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie sighed and shook her head at the whole affair. "Well, I don't think they'll be put away for too long if no violence came from it. I'm sure they'll rethink their strategy and just return with something just as audacious. Of course, I hope by then they are only considered the biggest local problem around the palace. As we know, there could be worse."

[Zeno Thul]

"There is definitely worse," he says, shaking his head. And Prince Joran was injured, so I suspect they are going to be serving a hefty sentence unless he doesn't press charges. I know I'm not going after the ones that attacked me."

[Aurilie Alde]

"I suppose that might be up in the air with how he feels, considering there are some benefits to leniency to his image to the people if the prince shows a kind heart. However, I'm going to imagine that people might take that as a sign of leniency and any such goodwill is going to be ultimately lost to these agitators. "

[Zeno Thul]

"It might be lost to the agitators, but it could also counter the efforts of such people to manipulate their unwitting pawns. But I would support whatever decision he makes. It is his decision."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Without speaking to the agitators and getting a full feel of where they are coming from, I'd imagine that just a few days in jail would get them to rethink their decision but ultimately service to the local community is bound to set the best example. Hopefully, turn some negative energy into something productive at the very least."

[Zeno Thul]

"I tend to think that if they didn't do any real lasting damage, it's ot worth worrying about too much. Otherwise, hit them with all you can. They didn't even bruise me so it was a pretty sad excuse for a mob."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Thankfully you've been able to endure through the mob unscathed." She gave a shake of her head and frowned. "Still, not a pleasant thing to endure out of the blue. I'm sure they might have cost you an afternoon at the very least."

She nudged the glass of brandy away, it wasn't empty but she had her fill of drinking for the evening. "That said, I think I'll be turning in tonight. I'm sure Miss Riss had made her leave a long time ago, the day has been absolutely exhausting to her. I'm sure you'll hear from her when she is able to start with a new day, perhaps with a few things taken into consideration. I hope for the best, for Alderaan."

[Zeno Thul]

"Indeed. I will not keep you any longer. I enjoyed our conversation Prince Aurilie, and hope that we can figure out what is going on to ensure peace and stability on Alderaan."

He nods to the Alde noble.

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie gave a grave nod at that, hoping that will be true. She rose from her seat and gave Zeno a parting bow. "Thank you for the conversation and enjoy the rest of your evening, Zeno."

She then made her way out, perhaps taking the same exit as Riss out of curiosity.

/exit