Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

After having her wounded tended and her chat with Riss, Aurilie made the trek back to the Grand Spring Palace for the evening. It had been a long day, to say the least. While she was disappointed the ball was cancelled, her body was glad that she didn't have to do any dancing after the stims wore off at least. She would take a slight detour from her walk back to her accommodations to get some fresh air around the gardens, skirting the edge of the maze walls.

Cynella, still dressed in her damaged ballgown, meandered through the night. With the swords wrapped up together in a temporary bundle, for she lacked in sheaths, she probably looked even more ridiculous. I really should change, shouldn't I? Not a good look, though I suppose there are people who look worse. Dead people especially. Such a shame.

"Prince!" she called out when Aurilie was in sight. She kept her distance, not wanting to startle her after such a fretful day. "I saw you at the clinic. I'm sorry I wasn't able to say hi. With all the wounded, I really had my hands full."

Aurilie had perhaps been in a slight reverie when Cynella happened upon the scene, drowning out the noise creating by the shifting of bundled swords. However, it was hard to miss her and that ruined red dress, a casualty of the small war today. She would turn and her eyes would light up. "Lady Cynella!"

She made her way over with an earnest smile. "No apologies needed at all. It was perhaps my fault for not approaching you directly. It was chaotic, to say the least...but I could feel your abundance of good spirits and I'm glad to see you safe."

Her gaze would lower and find themselves on the bundle before looking back up with a smile. "I didn't know that you were also a sword collector."

"Oh but even if you did approach me, I would've been quite occupied," Cynella said with an easy smile. It turned a bit more warm, pensive, a whole swirl of emotions. "You know, I'm glad to see that you're safe too. I heard you were wounded too in the fighting." She tilted her head, her eyes getting a little watery. "It would've been sad if you never got to call me Rhia, you know? I think it's about time you start, by the way."

She held up the swords and then shook her head. "Not a collector, no. Just need to defend myself and these were the only things at hand."

"Rhia..." she would say softly as she made her way closer to fully close the distance between the two. While she would wonder where the name had come from, she was more concerned for Cynella upon seeing her getting a bit teary. She stepped slightly behind Cynella and put her arms around her sides, all minding the swords she was carrying while doing so.

"Yes...but just a little wounded." She let out a tired chuckle, trying to downplay it. "Nothing so serious that Doctor Rist couldn't fix easily. I'm more worried about you. A dress like that just doesn't find itself damaged incidentally. Whoever did this committed more than a few crimes."

"I see..." She couldn't fault her, considering she collected a blaster that might have belonged to either side. "You might have to think about getting yourself a sword belt, much like the one I have for my cutlass. That said, I think you're very safe now and a fact that I'll reinforce myself if I have to."

Rhia, short for Rhiannon, perhaps temporarily lost to memory in the chaos of the day's battles. "Ah, yes, seems like our injuries were about the same then," she said, blinking a few times to regain her composure. "I'd rather not make a huge fuss over getting stabbed. I did in the moment but, in hindsight, I think that'd only cause greater problems for the stability of Alderaan." She laughed mirthlessly. "Believe it or not, my parents can be a little vindictive when it comes to my safety."

She held up the swords for Aurilie to inspect if she so desired. "They're not much. I figured we could put them up for display on Mount Joral as a sort of trophy. Or would that be too grim of a reminder of this dark day?" Hopefully the Prince of Joral would serve as a better reference than her manual, considering she'd grown up on the planet.

"Oh, yes. I suppose I still need to speak with my parents about the matter of marriage, as you may." She smiled warmly. "Maybe it's a little premature to make such declarations but I think we'd do well together. While it'd be nice to date for months on end to discover the suitability of such a match, noble politics don't allow for such things, yes?"

So blunt. So not romantic. But honest!

Aurilie looked rather concerned at the mention of Rhia getting stabbed. It was perhaps a contest that she was warning her to win but the mention of her parents meant that it was best that they steered away from that topic of conversation. She nodded once, a touch reluctantly, on that fact. "In that case, we're thankful that Lady Rhia has a very kind heart. Alderaan is pleased to have your understanding on the matter, especially if are to continue our diplomacy with the Kuati."

She went quiet for a moment at her words, perhaps allow them to sink it slowly. After a moment, she would break out from her moment and drop one hand from her hug behind her, moving to stand close beside her as she took the offered swords. She would hold them under her arms and smile triumphantly "...I see...Admittedly, I've perhaps had worst things on my display, admittedly. I think I'd be more than happy to have a few swords from your heroic battle put up among them. I do agree that it is grim but I think that this is a day that we should remember, as Alderaanians."

"No, I suppose not..." she admitted with a rueful smirk. "But, I do like you a lot, Rhia, and I do very much care for you. While our time together is slipping away...I don't think noble affairs would allow for an immediate wedding either, so we just have to be creative with that time. I think we could easily find those months together and I'd be happy to spend those with you."

At the mention of her favored nickname, she smiled. "Ah, it just wouldn't do to say, 'Good job stopping a coup. Now then, may my planet invade yours as retaliation!' " Cynella shook her head. "That wouldn't do at all."

Those swords, one of which had definitely taken a life. A reminder, though, that she'd do anything she needed to do to ensure justice prevailed. And while she still wasn't certain what that meant, everything thus far had pointed towards her intuition being on the right track. "I see. Well, perhaps it will serve as a reminder of something we should never repeat."

As far as confessions went, this wasn't so bad. "I've enjoyed your company the most so far, though let's not exaggerate the margin. Your planet is full of wonderful people... ah, I'm tripping over my own tongue." A deep breath. "I just hope I can be an excellent wife, despite my faults. You'll come to know them more in those months that you mentioned."

Aurilie narrowed her eyes momentarily at Cynella, wondering if the Kuati could actually invade Alderaan in any capacity. However, she knew not to challenge that considering that wars have started over far less than underestimating someone. "No, I suppose not. Let's keep things pleasant between our people, mm? And the day is meant to be a lesson in many ways, I'd imagine on both sides...the ones who are able to walk away freely, that is. We've perhaps let some things slip past us and the others, perhaps they've aimed toward the wrong reasons."

She cleared her throat a little, speaking with some humour. "Besides, I think Lady Rhia would do far well with a sword of her own...and perhaps even a bow."

"Is that so?" She chuckled and took the words in stride. "Well, I admit I could perhaps always improve and I hope to at least make you realize that I am in another league at the very least. Out of all of the wonderful people in Alderaan, of course. These months will be pleasant, I'm sure. If it was up to me, they will remain that way for years and decades after these formalities are formalized."

Aurilie gently took her hand and kissed it, looking at Cynella with a soft smile after. "That will be my pledge to you."

Cynella's idea of a Kuati invasion probably involved a lot of bombardment rather than occupation. Whoever had the gall to do such a thing though, well, she was sure she wouldn't see such a person in her lifetime. "Yes, I hope that people on the wrong side of history, so to speak, can be properly rehabilitated. That is one thing I admire about Alderaan... my planet is a bit less forgiving with its penal system."

She smirked. "Honestly, I think the bow would suit me better than the sword at this point. Come to think of it, in my teenage years, I never really did well in softball or tennis. Just doesn't work well for me."

When it came to promises, she finally started to blush. "Ah, well, I see that I've had that effect on you. I shouldn't be so surprised, given how flirtatious I've been, but it's something new every time. Not to try to make you jealous or anything." A soft sigh. "I'm not very good at this."

"Alderaaan is a world that is built on hope and perhaps something we've contributed to the building of the Republic today. Without hope or second chances, I'd say we would be dealing in absolutes, wouldn't we?" She said with a frown as she shook her head. "Such a thing might be more befitting elsewhere but not Alderaan."

"A competitive sports might do different compared to something that you could practice on your own at your own pace. However, I am in full support of what activities you wish to pursue." She smirked with a hand at her waist to point out the sword she wore. "I have to admit that the recent events might have informed me that I've neglected my fencing skills for far too long."

She tilted her head curiously at first, taking both of Rhia's hands into her own as a hopeful gesture. "I meant no exaggeration when I mentioned that you have me enchanted but that might have made my words too candid as a result. I apologize for my boldness if I have shocked you, my lady. I'm more than willing to walk at your pace. Much like how I shan't leave you in this maze alone, so to speak."

She gave her a wink after those words.

"I've heard that dealing in absolutes is more of a Sith thing," Cynella said with a nod. "From what I saw at the makeshift clinic, this planet will recover from this. The expediency is to be determined but I have no doubt that people can band together."

She smirked. "I suppose, though I wonder when I'd fit that into my schedule. I already have my job to attend to, familial duties, keeping up with friends, hobbies, and at the very least my other exercise routines." She shook her head. "Life really is too busy, hm? But ah, is fencing something you had to do earlier today?"

Hand-in-hand, Cynella bit her lip and then nodded. "The maze is more like a perfect analogy. Inside, I had absolutely no skill in navigating it. We're different in that matter and I hope you'll be as understanding when it comes to my, well, feelings." Her eyes lowered, the usual joy fading ever so slightly. "I really wish I could say I feel the same. I like you, as I said, I really do. And it's by no means personal. I've never felt that infatuation so many people have spoken of.

"But I have known love," she continued, looking up with a faint smile. "I hope you trust that I'm capable of that despite my faults."

"The strength of Alderaan is found in our people and spirit, the Alderaanian indomitable will. It's not a coincidence that someone like Captain Alderaan would be from Alderaan, upholding the banner of hope for the Republic." She chuckled.

"...Yes. Something to that effect," she said on a slightly coy note as she shifted the bundle under her arm to readjust. The smirk on her lips might have implied there was more to the story but they weren't exactly supposed to compare battle scars were they? "I don't you'll have plenty of things that will likely keep you busy."

Aurilie would give a few understanding nods at Cynella's words. While her smile dampened, that good mirth and optimism in the future still remained in her. She held Cynella's hands and gave with a small squeeze. "Well, it seems only fair in that regard. Something as affection doesn't come so easily and I would be perhaps a touch wary if that was the case. I would be more than happy to have you by my side, where I will work hard to see our relationship blossom in time and earn those feelings from you. All things worthy are earned rather than given. So yes, I do trust together then we can make something of a relationship as a couple, my dear lady."

She gave her a small hopeful smile once more, giving the back of Cynella's hand another kiss.

"I suppose Captain Alderaan, even when he wasn't among fellow Alderaanians, still brought that inspiration with him," Cynella said with a bright smile. "It's better than being known for only making ships, you know. Good as they are but still." She shrugged lightly, not too sure if her jest landed.

Cynella frowned slightly as she regarded Aurilie's expression. "I really hope you mean that. It's true that I think I can be a devoted wife once given enough time. I suppose you'll need to tell me if I flirt with anybody else too much." She giggled nervously over that. "Is it weird that I do that even though I'm not, say, 'interested' or whatever?"

As the Prince of Joral lifted her hand for another kiss, she tilted her head. "I think we're beyond that, at least when we're in relative privacy." Given that Aurilie allowed her, Cynella leaned in for a proper kiss on the lips. It wasn't one of those sloppy ones that she'd seen at the bars or even the deeply passionate ones in the Holovids. Instead, hers was more of a muted grazing of their lips.

Aurilie found herself raising a brow at the mention of making ships, wondering if that was some sort of political side commentary. The business of manufacturing ships that could be used for war was probably something that came with both good and bad publicity.

"Not weird, I suppose," she said as she turned thoughtful. "Especially, when it's something you do so naturally and admittedly very much part of your charms. Is that something the Kuati practice naturally? And, it might be unfair to ask you to not be your normal self. Of course, I'm sure it helps to know the little subtleties behind it too."

She would have been more than willing to allow Cynella to approach her closer, although something that perhaps came unexpectedly from the other woman. While she was careful in returning the same gesture as a good gentlewoman, Aurilie was an Alderaanian and a kiss wasn't something she gave away so easily without some good intent to it. Perhaps, it was customary for good fortune. Her kiss would linger for only a moment longer before they would part from the touch and a smile found its way to her lips afterwards.

"...Yes, I suppose we are," she said with a sheepish smile. "Perhaps my delay comes from my old-fashioned senses as an Alde. Of course, much like our dance, I am always more than happy to adapt."

War, at least from Cynella's perspective, was an unfortunate phenomena throughout the galaxy. While she wasn't opposed to any for the sake of it, the very concept still rattled her sensibilities.

"A little of myself and a little of Kuat," she admitted with a faint smile. "It may be an attempt to blend in with the more romantic elements. Besides, I do find it fun, to be honest, and perhaps there's a bit of cruelty in me after all... since I do enjoy seeing people get flustered."

It seemed that karma struck back at her for that comment. The Prince of Joral's reaction to it wasn't entirely what she'd expected. "That was nice," she said, smiling until Aurilie's words really dawned on her.

Then she turned redder than her ballgown.

"What?! I thought you wanted me to! You keep kissing my hand and such and I basically just proposed to you! I thought that's what people did!"

"It almost seems like you have a bit of a politician in your, perhaps." She teased. "But I think that's perhaps a better quality in a social butterfly and charmer. You just have a way of keeping people's attention. I would be far too much to ask you to change that about you."

Aurilie couldn't stop herself from laughing when she noticed the red on her face. Certainly not laughing at her, if asked. She would take a moment lay the bundle of swords against the hedge wall. It has been awkward holding them as long as she had when they weren't going anywhere yet. She did place a hand atop of Cynella's in a sign of reassurance, giving her a few pats. "My dear, you did absolutely nothing wrong. I admit that I was showing both courtesy and admiration...but I suppose I wasn't so sure if I was worthy of a kiss from you, taking this slowly in some aspects. However, I'm very delighted by your gesture and something I'll treasure. The reaffirmation of the Queen's rule on the throne today is just one of the many pleasant things to come from this rather eventful...and unforgettable day."

"Oh by all means, I'd say politics is quite similar to business. Both require communicating with others and convincing them to manage money in a way you desire." Cynella tilted her head. "Should be more about inspiration and helping people, shouldn't it?"

The redness of her cheeks certainly didn't calm down with Aurilie's laughter. "Of course you're worthy! Don't be like that, please! You're going to make this so hard, agh!" She threw her arms into the air. "There'll be many more kisses, so you just you wait, okay?! It'll be so ordinary, you hear me?" She leaned in for another kiss, definitely a more awkward one.

"Of course, of course. Alderaan very much stands for the Republic and I'd say that our politics are more about helping people than anything else." It was perhaps hard to imagine that being the case with the attempted coup today and the share of Rist assassins that popped out of the woodwork. "Should the opportunity present itself that we are tasked with representing the goodwill of Alderaan, I'm sure those ideas will need to be reinforced."

Okay, now Aurilie was a bit more than amused when the redness persisted in Rhia and she continued to chuckle but was immediately made quiet by the awkward kiss. That was more than enough to put her on her back foot as it caught her off guard, at first. Her hands went to Rhia's shoulders and she would break from the kiss but went for a reset in another kiss. This was a proper and tender kiss from Aurilie, admittedly one that she was going to let linger longer than their first kiss together.

After she parted from the kiss, she would smile softly as she gently massaged her arms, hoping to dissuade her from tossing them up again. "My apologies, Lady Rhia. I think you have me convinced, again, I concede to your wisdom."

"I think I've planted the seeds of solid, diplomatic relationships among the various houses of Alderaan. And once they see the two of us together, well, they certainly won't be able to resist!" she said with her signature wink.

But when it came to their kiss, she really was out of her element. "I still think you're making fun of me," Cynella said, biting her lip. At least her cheeks were turning a bit more pink instead of sheer red. "I do wonder how you'll get along with my family though. Like I said before, I think my mother will take well to you. My father... ah, well, he's always so serious. And my siblings..."