Pregame - New Hunts and Old Acquaintances [Closed]

[Desilijic Keyhote]

"Huh"
Sando cranes his neck back before ultimately reclining the driver's seat of their rented speeder all the way back so he could stare up at the palace above them
"The Alde family certainly knows how to live, wonder how much this costs to keep running?"
Behind him the speeder rocks violently before the whir of Keyhote's repulsors kick in and the Hutt slides free of the vehicle before stretching himself out
"Such questions do not befit a noble, Pantha. So long as the family is committed to righteousness what care we for the size of their palace?"
"But it's probably bigger than your-"
"What.Care.We.For.The.Size.Of.Their.Palace?"

Shaking his head to settle the matter Keyhote floats off up the entryway and into the front courtyard with Sando hurrying behind him
"It feels like just yesterday I saw the Princess Alde. Ah, she scored that fine shot on the alpha Newoongall. Those creatures made excellent trophies and I was able to save that Rodian convoy."
Sando recalled the convoy being some miles away but chose not to comment as he scurried ahead of the hutt to tug on the impressive door knocker

[Aurilie Alde]

It might have not have been the Castle Alde actual but the estates of House Alde on Mount Jarol were still impressed with the castle taking much of the peak atop the elevation the overlooked the large stretches of land that made up its acres. Admittedly, it was likely considered a bit old-fashioned and rustic by modern Alderaanian standards but there was a great deal of serenity that could be found here. The estate's snowy grounds of the front yard were made up of cobblestone, patches of pine trees and various stone statues of predecessors that were frosted with snow.

Just as Sando made his way over to the door knocker, Aurilie might have saved the trouble of waiting as she was already outside waiting for them, like having taken the entrance. While they would still be outside, this at least saved the whole song and dance where the servant would have to pretend that she was busy to see guests and fetch her. She dressed in a hip-length navy blue peacoat atop some warm layers and a wool scarf.

"Keyhote," Aurilie greeted him simply with some mirth in her tone, "I could you hear you coming from kilometres away already. When you said you were dropping by, I didn't think that you would be actually dropping by...all the way here."

[Desilijic Keyhote]

It might have not have been the Castle Alde actual but the estates of House Alde on Mount Jarol were still impressed with the castle taking much of the peak atop the elevation the overlooked the large stretches of land that made up its acres. Admittedly, it was likely considered a bit old-fashioned and rustic by modern Alderaanian standards but there was a great deal of serenity that could be found here. The estate's snowy grounds of the front yard were made up of cobblestone, patches of pine trees and various stone statues of predecessors that were frosted with snow.

Just as Sando made his way over to the door knocker, Aurilie might have saved the trouble of waiting as she was already outside waiting for them, like having taken the entrance. While they would still be outside, this at least saved the whole song and dance where the servant would have to pretend that she was busy to see guests and fetch her. She dressed in a hip-length navy blue peacoat atop some warm layers and a wool scarf.

"Keyhote," Aurilie greeted him simply with some mirth in her tone, "I could you hear you coming from kilometres away already. When you said you were dropping by, I didn't think that you would be actually dropping by...all the way here."

"Princess Aurilie!"
A deeep bow with the Hutt's armour groaning audibly
"Distance never impedes a knight in his duties, not when he has a noble steed."
Sando jerks a thumb back at the rented speeder

"Once I I heard stories of the beauty of your estate my mind was made up. I simply had to journey to Mount Jarol and see it for myself. Ahh, the romantic energy is strong here! Now, how long has it been since Rodia? I confess, my memory can have trouble at times keeping up with the short lived species."

[Aurilie Alde]

Aurilie gave the Hutt a stoic raise of her brows before placing her left arm back with her right arm at her waist to present a bow in return. She turned to give the speeder in a question an appreciative nod. "It couldn't have been an easy journey, even if such a steed. A bit of a downgrade if I say so myself, not quite what you've managed to procure on Rodia with its own bar and lounge...Not that something like that could have made it across the bridge here. It couldn't have been too long ago. What, two years at most?"

She smirked faintly and moved to approach closer, her boots crunching the little bit of snow as she walked. "I don't think I've done any part to exaggerate on the stories and I certainly made no mention of romantic energy. If you're a local here, people seem to find snow anything but romantic...but if you say so yourself, of course. I don't know if they compare much to the flowery fields of the Silver Spires this season."

[Desilijic Keyhote]

Aurilie gave the Hutt a stoic raise of her brows before placing her left arm back with her right arm at her waist to present a bow in return. She turned to give the speeder in a question an appreciative nod. "It couldn't have been an easy journey, even if such a steed. A bit of a downgrade if I say so myself, not quite what you've managed to procure on Rodia with its own bar and lounge...Not that something like that could have made it across the bridge here. It couldn't have been too long ago. What, two years at most?"

She smirked faintly and moved to approach closer, her boots crunching the little bit of snow as she walked. "I don't think I've done any part to exaggerate on the stories and I certainly made no mention of romantic energy. If you're a local here, people seem to find snow anything but romantic...but if you say so yourself, of course. I don't know if they compare much to the flowery fields of the Silver Spires this season."

Keyhote looks to Sando who mouths '21 months'
"21 months I believe. Although a knight should be able to brave any hardship it certainly was easier to complete the hunt with a wetbar...hmmm. Pantha, take note, see what we can do about acquiring one while on the planet."
The Drall nods, he'd been told to do stranger

"The Silvery Spires....Mmmhm, it is on my list. Humans seem to find spires romantic, I will determine the reason in due time."
The Hutt's golden eyes take a few moments to observe the Alderaan noble
"You appear in good health, sometimes I find myself revisiting old friends only for their skin to have stretched and their hair to have changed colour. It happens distressingly often."
Keyhote's gaze goes distant for a moment before snapping back
"But this is what we live our lives to the fullest and savour every moment, is it not? As such, I must insist you join me on a hunt over the course of the festival."

[Aurilie Alde]

Keyhote looks to Sando who mouths '21 months'
"21 months I believe. Although a knight should be able to brave any hardship it certainly was easier to complete the hunt with a wetbar...hmmm. Pantha, take note, see what we can do about acquiring one while on the planet."
The Drall nods, he'd been told to do stranger

"The Silvery Spires....Mmmhm, it is on my list. Humans seem to find spires romantic, I will determine the reason in due time."
The Hutt's golden eyes take a few moments to observe the Alderaan noble
"You appear in good health, sometimes I find myself revisiting old friends only for their skin to have stretched and their hair to have changed colour. It happens distressingly often."
Keyhote's gaze goes distant for a moment before snapping back
"But this is what we live our lives to the fullest and savour every moment, is it not? As such, I must insist you join me on a hunt over the course of the festival."

Aurilie couldn't help but chortle a little as the Keyhote got the idea to acquire another vehicle with leisure amenities. She gave a bob of her head and gestured with a gloved hand in the direction where they came from, the lands at lower elevation. "Thankfully, most of the lands on Alderaanian should be easier for most skiffs with low flying clearance. There's a great lack of thick rainforests and quicksand pits when it comes to travelling hazards but I don't know if that exactly makes it exciting at all for a knight of your calibre, Ser Keyhote."

She paused to give a slight raise of her brows, wondering to herself if throwing the word knight around Alderaan was going to imply Jedi more than chivalrous folk. They could be one and the same, of course, although not always the case.

"I wouldn't say it's the Spires themselves but more circumstance. The festival and the impending marital arrangements due to extraordinary happenstance..." She trailed off for a bit before shaking her head. "Perhaps best I allow House Panteer represent themselves to make their best impression."

Aurilie gave a tilt of her head at what the Hutt said before giving a small shake of her head. "You make it seem like you've only known me for a minute by comparison. I am in good health, probably by necessity than choice. It's been a good month since I've done any hunting, actually, as much I would like to add another head to my wall...even if it means strolling into the festival in an unsightly cast to draw some attention with a conversation piece. This absolutely must be rectified when we get there."

[Desilijic Keyhote]

Aurilie couldn't help but chortle a little as the Keyhote got the idea to acquire another vehicle with leisure amenities. She gave a bob of her head and gestured with a gloved hand in the direction where they came from, the lands at lower elevation. "Thankfully, most of the lands on Alderaanian should be easier for most skiffs with low flying clearance. There's a great lack of thick rainforests and quicksand pits when it comes to travelling hazards but I don't know if that exactly makes it exciting at all for a knight of your calibre, Ser Keyhote."

She paused to give a slight raise of her brows, wondering to herself if throwing the word knight around Alderaan was going to imply Jedi more than chivalrous folk. They could be one and the same, of course, although not always the case.

"I wouldn't say it's the Spires themselves but more circumstance. The festival and the impending marital arrangements due to extraordinary happenstance..." She trailed off for a bit before shaking her head. "Perhaps best I allow House Panteer represent themselves to make their best impression."

Aurilie gave a tilt of her head at what the Hutt said before giving a small shake of her head. "You make it seem like you've only known me for a minute by comparison. I am in good health, probably by necessity than choice. It's been a good month since I've done any hunting, actually, as much I would like to add another head to my wall...even if it means strolling into the festival in an unsightly cast to draw some attention with a conversation piece. This absolutely must be rectified when we get there."

No Hutt was immune to flattery and Keyhote visible preens while Sando does his best to look non-expressive.
"Even without rainforests and quick sands to test my might having Pantha drive me is always an experience."
The Drall looks over, not sure if Keyhote had just delivered a backhanded insult and further unsure whether to be proud of it or not.

"House Panteer sounds quite impressive...but I have had no dealings with their house! I prefer to judge those I meet face to face, or better yet, blade to blade!....Those I invariably judge as critically injured! Ha!"
Keyhote's laughter booms

"Yes, yes! We shall hunt together once more! Although I would be aghast to cause you to dress any less than sightly princess, you may be looking for love too and I understand how the display or concealment of certain areas is important to your species."
Keyhote loses himself in reminiscing for a moment while Sando quietly hops closer to Aurilie and leans up to whisper to her through a cupped hand
"His lordship did really missa ya. But uh, Hutts....their lives are longer than ours, much longer. For him a couple years really is like a month to us."

[Aurilie Alde]

No Hutt was immune to flattery and Keyhote visible preens while Sando does his best to look non-expressive.
"Even without rainforests and quick sands to test my might having Pantha drive me is always an experience."
The Drall looks over, not sure if Keyhote had just delivered a backhanded insult and further unsure whether to be proud of it or not.

"House Panteer sounds quite impressive...but I have had no dealings with their house! I prefer to judge those I meet face to face, or better yet, blade to blade!....Those I invariably judge as critically injured! Ha!"
Keyhote's laughter booms

"Yes, yes! We shall hunt together once more! Although I would be aghast to cause you to dress any less than sightly princess, you may be looking for love too and I understand how the display or concealment of certain areas is important to your species."
Keyhote loses himself in reminiscing for a moment while Sando quietly hops closer to Aurilie and leans up to whisper to her through a cupped hand
"His lordship did really missa ya. But uh, Hutts....their lives are longer than ours, much longer. For him a couple years really is like a month to us."

"I get the feeling that you'll be able to make an impression with or without duels. However, you won't find yourself lacking in blades if that's what you're looking for...but I wouldn't recommend challenging a Jedi knight," she said with a quirk of a brow, wondering if she was going to see that peculiar sight in the near future.

"I didn't know that you were so concerned about me, Ser Keyhote..." she gave him a sidelong look. "Any more of that and I could swear that you were an agent of my parents..."

Her good mood did return somewhat and she nodded a few times. "But your concern is appreciated. I'm not so sure that love is something that would land so easily on anyone's lap, even my own. Besides, I'd like to think of myself as more a prince than a princess, anyway. I don't think I will lose so much if I venture off into the wild and return smelling of animal carcasses later on. I feel I wouldn't be very honest to people otherwise."

Aurilie gave a few knowing nods at Sando. She had an inkling regarding Hutts but she supposed she got her reminder.

"I hope you're fine with the cold?" She asked as she gestured forward, leading the way forward as she began to stroll around the exterior of her sizeable estate.

[Desilijic Keyhote]

"I get the feeling that you'll be able to make an impression with or without duels. However, you won't find yourself lacking in blades if that's what you're looking for...but I wouldn't recommend challenging a Jedi knight," she said with a quirk of a brow, wondering if she was going to see that peculiar sight in the near future.

"I didn't know that you were so concerned about me, Ser Keyhote..." she gave him a sidelong look. "Any more of that and I could swear that you were an agent of my parents..."

Her good mood did return somewhat and she nodded a few times. "But your concern is appreciated. I'm not so sure that love is something that would land so easily on anyone's lap, even my own. Besides, I'd like to think of myself as more a prince than a princess, anyway. I don't think I will lose so much if I venture off into the wild and return smelling of animal carcasses later on. I feel I wouldn't be very honest to people otherwise."

Aurilie gave a few knowing nods at Sando. She had an inkling regarding Hutts but she supposed she got her reminder.

"I hope you're fine with the cold?" She asked as she gestured forward, leading the way forward as she began to stroll around the exterior of her sizeable estate.

"A Jedi? I have never fought one before. They are generally on the side of the weak and unfortunate like myself, so there has never been a need. Of course, if necessary I would gladly face on in honourable combat! But I do not predict anything like that."

Keyhote hovers along beside her as they continue along through the winter wonderland.
"I have not had the pleasure of your parents company, I speak only of matters of love, a force so powerful it can sometimes transcend even parents. Although my own sire has had issue with that statement. So perhaps parents truly are inescapable!"
He chuckles again as Sando does his best to plod behind them through the snow.

"Just know that if you set your heart on someone at the festival than I shall do everything in my power to assist! We're no strangers to love,
you know the rules and so do I. A full commitment is what I'm thinking of, but only if you find the right guy."
His squire face palms.
"I confess the cold would be more bothersome were I not suitably clothed as befitting my station. Although even then we are a hardy people thanks to all the mucus."

[Aurilie Alde]

"A Jedi? I have never fought one before. They are generally on the side of the weak and unfortunate like myself, so there has never been a need. Of course, if necessary I would gladly face on in honourable combat! But I do not predict anything like that."

Keyhote hovers along beside her as they continue along through the winter wonderland.
"I have not had the pleasure of your parents company, I speak only of matters of love, a force so powerful it can sometimes transcend even parents. Although my own sire has had issue with that statement. So perhaps parents truly are inescapable!"
He chuckles again as Sando does his best to plod behind them through the snow.

"Just know that if you set your heart on someone at the festival than I shall do everything in my power to assist! We're no strangers to love,
you know the rules and so do I. A full commitment is what I'm thinking of, but only if you find the right guy."
His squire face palms.
"I confess the cold would be more bothersome were I not suitably clothed as befitting my station. Although even then we are a hardy people thanks to all the mucus."

"I confess that I don't have a full grasp of how Jedi operate but I would never imagine you facing against one on the terms of bad blood, not with your chivalrous nature. However, I'm sure there must be a Jedi out there who will humour you with a match. Perhaps not quite with a lightsabre but Jedi Knights were supposedly proficient in other types of arms before they ever weird fantastical weapons."

Aurilie gave a glance at her estate, perhaps managing to see through several rooms, halls and wings to find where her parents were situated on the otherwise of the estates. Or perhaps it was really just the power of assumption. "Well, perhaps not quiet their doing. I guess what they really seek isn't so much in what is found in love but in a lawful arrangement. Love is as you say, supposed to be transcended in intent and far likely to exist outside of mortal barriers. Maybe even something akin to the Force. I don't know if it has struck me so soon. I've made sure to keep a low profile during my hunts to not find myself the hunted, even by love."

She began to circle around the estate, crossing over the cobbled steps and walking on the snowy ground. It wasn't quite Winter here, thankfully, perhaps just the last resistance of the cold weather before it ceded to spring, even at this altitude. "It's something worth considering eventually...but it wouldn't be right to accidentally upstage the prince and princess when their tale hasn't been written out just yet. There will be likely much attention set on them. Maybe some people will get into the spirit of things and even divert their attention elsewhere. I would like to be sure it's more earnest than a simple fad. As I'm sure you know, a fad doesn't do love proper justice."

[Desilijic Keyhote]

"I confess that I don't have a full grasp of how Jedi operate but I would never imagine you facing against one on the terms of bad blood, not with your chivalrous nature. However, I'm sure there must be a Jedi out there who will humour you with a match. Perhaps not quite with a lightsabre but Jedi Knights were supposedly proficient in other types of arms before they ever weird fantastical weapons."

Aurilie gave a glance at her estate, perhaps managing to see through several rooms, halls and wings to find where her parents were situated on the otherwise of the estates. Or perhaps it was really just the power of assumption. "Well, perhaps not quiet their doing. I guess what they really seek isn't so much in what is found in love but in a lawful arrangement. Love is as you say, supposed to be transcended in intent and far likely to exist outside of mortal barriers. Maybe even something akin to the Force. I don't know if it has struck me so soon. I've made sure to keep a low profile during my hunts to not find myself the hunted, even by love."

She began to circle around the estate, crossing over the cobbled steps and walking on the snowy ground. It wasn't quite Winter here, thankfully, perhaps just the last resistance of the cold weather before it ceded to spring, even at this altitude. "It's something worth considering eventually...but it wouldn't be right to accidentally upstage the prince and princess when their tale hasn't been written out just yet. There will be likely much attention set on them. Maybe some people will get into the spirit of things and even divert their attention elsewhere. I would like to be sure it's more earnest than a simple fad. As I'm sure you know, a fad doesn't do love proper justice."

With a rumbling confidence"Oh no, a lightsabre would do well. It is their weapon of choice after all. I am confident nobody would be harmed."

Keyhote follows her glance, seeing only a window and assuming the human was staring intently at a candlestick on the table within
"Ah! But your chance at true fabled romance only increases if your parents seek a political match while you seek a matter of the heart. Few of the great tales arrive at 'then they married happily with the blessing and general acceptable of their family and community'. At least, not in my experience. But I have been told about one with giant bugs that might."

Sando was still chasing it up.

"As for the prince and princess, well, your position is honourable so I cannot gainsay it. And perhaps it is better to wait and see who truly means it rather than getting caught up in all the mating that I am told happens around the festival."

[Aurilie Alde]

With a rumbling confidence"Oh no, a lightsabre would do well. It is their weapon of choice after all. I am confident nobody would be harmed."

Keyhote follows her glance, seeing only a window and assuming the human was staring intently at a candlestick on the table within
"Ah! But your chance at true fabled romance only increases if your parents seek a political match while you seek a matter of the heart. Few of the great tales arrive at 'then they married happily with the blessing and general acceptable of their family and community'. At least, not in my experience. But I have been told about one with giant bugs that might."

Sando was still chasing it up.

"As for the prince and princess, well, your position is honourable so I cannot gainsay it. And perhaps it is better to wait and see who truly means it rather than getting caught up in all the mating that I am told happens around the festival."

Aurilie couldn't help but narrow her eyes on Keyhote, looking a bit wary about his idea of standing up with someone with a lightsabre. The Jedi were skilled with their weapon but it wasn't like Keyhote had a shortage of parts that could be hit. That was just a fact due to a Hutt's size. "Of course, Ser Keyhote. I'll do my best to plant the idea in any Jedi I might have the honour of meeting in the next few days. It's likely they'll be able to pluck the idea from the ether however and maybe one will find their way to you. That is if you haven't made your impression yet."

"Wait and see," she said with a single nod of agreement, which was exactly what she had in her thoughts on the matter. "Worst comes to worst, I could just stand by and take notes on how to conduct my affairs if I were to ever hold such a similar festival. Of course, something like that would truly be held by the reigning king and queen. It makes me wonder if circumventing it all would be the best solution than to be dangled like a sort of prize. I don't think that's a fate I'm too keen on. In fables, don't the proverbial villains seem to make the heart grow fonder?"

"Giant bugs...do you mean killiks?" She brought up curiously.

They cross a field just off the road where there is an elevated stone statue found in the middle. Most of the parts have been frosted with snow but it appears to be a young human male, kneeing with a rifle and looking forward. There was a hunting hound laying down by his feet, looking saddened or wounded. The figure looks clearly like a hunter but the embellishment would suggest that he was more a soldier. Aurilie would walk over to it with a clear frown on her features, perhaps unpleased with its maintenance.

[Desilijic Keyhote]

Aurilie couldn't help but narrow her eyes on Keyhote, looking a bit wary about his idea of standing up with someone with a lightsabre. The Jedi were skilled with their weapon but it wasn't like Keyhote had a shortage of parts that could be hit. That was just a fact due to a Hutt's size. "Of course, Ser Keyhote. I'll do my best to plant the idea in any Jedi I might have the honour of meeting in the next few days. It's likely they'll be able to pluck the idea from the ether however and maybe one will find their way to you. That is if you haven't made your impression yet."

"Wait and see," she said with a single nod of agreement, which was exactly what she had in her thoughts on the matter. "Worst comes to worst, I could just stand by and take notes on how to conduct my affairs if I were to ever hold such a similar festival. Of course, something like that would truly be held by the reigning king and queen. It makes me wonder if circumventing it all would be the best solution than to be dangled like a sort of prize. I don't think that's a fate I'm too keen on. In fables, don't the proverbial villains seem to make the heart grow fonder?"

"Giant bugs...do you mean killiks?" She brought up curiously.

They cross a field just off the road where there is an elevated stone statue found in the middle. Most of the parts have been frosted with snow but it appears to be a young human male, kneeing with a rifle and looking forward. There was a hunting hound laying down by his feet, looking saddened or wounded. The figure looks clearly like a hunter but the embellishment would suggest that he was more a soldier. Aurilie would walk over to it with a clear frown on her features, perhaps unpleased with its maintenance.

"Killiks! Yes, that was the name. Apparently some kind of giant bugs that interfere with romance and the people of Alderaan slay them to feel better. Rather eccentric proverbial villains but the galaxy is a large place and giant bugs are generally disliked."

Keyhote hovers over next to Aurilie, looking up at the statue curiously
"An ancestor? Their stance is similar to yours, although you take better care of your animal companions."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Killiks! Yes, that was the name. Apparently some kind of giant bugs that interfere with romance and the people of Alderaan slay them to feel better. Rather eccentric proverbial villains but the galaxy is a large place and giant bugs are generally disliked."

Keyhote hovers over next to Aurilie, looking up at the statue curiously
"An ancestor? Their stance is similar to yours, although you take better care of your animal companions."

Aurilie narrowed her eyes on the mention of the kiliks. "I don't know if they are infamous for interfering with romances...not enough to make them worthy of romantic works outside of pulpy literature that likes to sensationalize the outlandish. There are plenty enough of them to consider hunting them for sport but I think my time would be more worthwhile hunting more noble beasts than annoying pests. However, funny that you should bring up the kiliks...we may come across them during our hunt. I'm sure of it."

At the question of the statue, her stoic features soften a little. Upon closer inspection of the statue, while the base might pre-date even her, it seems clear the statue that it hosts is perhaps more recent by hutt years. "Not quite. Someone from the past, the family's promised prince."

After a beat, she continued on her way down the field and meet up with a cobblestone path nearby once more. This one seemed to lead toward an orchard. Seeing the current season, many of the trees were leafless at the moment and some of them were buddled for warmth to survive the colder months. The arrangement of trees made the grounds look more haunted in appearance. "...Did you have something in mind when you brought up hunting...or were you hoping to just wander around and find out?"

[Desilijic Keyhote]

Aurilie narrowed her eyes on the mention of the kiliks. "I don't know if they are infamous for interfering with romances...not enough to make them worthy of romantic works outside of pulpy literature that likes to sensationalize the outlandish. There are plenty enough of them to consider hunting them for sport but I think my time would be more worthwhile hunting more noble beasts than annoying pests. However, funny that you should bring up the kiliks...we may come across them during our hunt. I'm sure of it."

At the question of the statue, her stoic features soften a little. Upon closer inspection of the statue, while the base might pre-date even her, it seems clear the statue that it hosts is perhaps more recent by hutt years. "Not quite. Someone from the past, the family's promised prince."

After a beat, she continued on her way down the field and meet up with a cobblestone path nearby once more. This one seemed to lead toward an orchard. Seeing the current season, many of the trees were leafless at the moment and some of them were buddled for warmth to survive the colder months. The arrangement of trees made the grounds look more haunted in appearance. "...Did you have something in mind when you brought up hunting...or were you hoping to just wander around and find out?"

"Oh? Well, you have keen instincts. Should they cross our paths then they will quickly become more trophies for my wall! Pantha, ensure we book some refrigerated transport for the hunt."
His squire nods, he had several options already on speed-dial

Keyhote reaches up and carefully removes some leaves that had become trapped in a nook of the statue.
"A fine piece. I hope the prince did arrive, if only for his hound's sake."
And then he follows on, seemingly content
"Something in mind? Well...Pantha, what was it we heard?"
"The Black Tooth?"
"The Black Tooth! Yes! I have heard stories of a most fearsome Kath Hound and its pack that have been terrorising people on the border of Killick territory. For now this foul creature is my quarry."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Oh? Well, you have keen instincts. Should they cross our paths then they will quickly become more trophies for my wall! Pantha, ensure we book some refrigerated transport for the hunt."
His squire nods, he had several options already on speed-dial

Keyhote reaches up and carefully removes some leaves that had become trapped in a nook of the statue.
"A fine piece. I hope the prince did arrive, if only for his hound's sake."
And then he follows on, seemingly content
"Something in mind? Well...Pantha, what was it we heard?"
"The Black Tooth?"
"The Black Tooth! Yes! I have heard stories of a most fearsome Kath Hound and its pack that have been terrorising people on the border of Killick territory. For now this foul creature is my quarry."

There might have been a slight turn of her head when Keyhote hoped the best for the prince but she seemed to stop herself and continued to make her way to the road, expecting the hutt to follow with her direction.

"Trophies...there are just some things that aren't even deserving of holding such a high prestige," she said as she did her best to withhold a frown. Having to face a pest every day would do more to tarnish a collection than elevate it. It's not like she would hosts the heads of rodents that there found on the fields during harvest time and even their presence is less bothersome. "However, I do understand the novelty you might find with one. After the tenth or hundredth, you might find them too bothersome to even consider. Beneath a knight such as yourself, I should say. Let's hope we find a memorable one? Perhaps one of great cunning or one of their hive guard? Something you can fashion a story around."

"The Black Tooth?" She said with a sly smile forming her lips as she chose a path in the fork in the road, one of many between the rows and rows of trees. One could imagine the bounty that could be found in these fields with it comes to sweet fruit or perhaps ones reserved for wine. "It seems the word of great predators has found its way to great hunters easily enough. You'd almost think the hound has its own courtiers to spread the word. I, too, was hoping that we'd eventually get around to hunting the Black Tooth."

[Desilijic Keyhote]

There might have been a slight turn of her head when Keyhote hoped the best for the prince but she seemed to stop herself and continued to make her way to the road, expecting the hutt to follow with her direction.

"Trophies...there are just some things that aren't even deserving of holding such a high prestige," she said as she did her best to withhold a frown. Having to face a pest every day would do more to tarnish a collection than elevate it. It's not like she would hosts the heads of rodents that there found on the fields during harvest time and even their presence is less bothersome. "However, I do understand the novelty you might find with one. After the tenth or hundredth, you might find them too bothersome to even consider. Beneath a knight such as yourself, I should say. Let's hope we find a memorable one? Perhaps one of great cunning or one of their hive guard? Something you can fashion a story around."

"The Black Tooth?" She said with a sly smile forming her lips as she chose a path in the fork in the road, one of many between the rows and rows of trees. One could imagine the bounty that could be found in these fields with it comes to sweet fruit or perhaps ones reserved for wine. "It seems the word of great predators has found its way to great hunters easily enough. You'd almost think the hound has its own courtiers to spread the word. I, too, was hoping that we'd eventually get around to hunting the Black Tooth."

"Hive guard? So....they have knights of their own. Fascinating. I appreciate your dedication to ensuring it makes a good tale. It speaks well of your taste."
Keyhote has to float slightly lower to avoid low hanging branches.

"You mean you have also heard of this Black Tooth? Why then it is fate! Across Alderaan the call has gone out and together we shall answer!...Of course the trophy will go to the hunter who lands the killing strike."

[Aurilie Alde]

"Hive guard? So....they have knights of their own. Fascinating. I appreciate your dedication to ensuring it makes a good tale. It speaks well of your taste."
Keyhote has to float slightly lower to avoid low hanging branches.

"You mean you have also heard of this Black Tooth? Why then it is fate! Across Alderaan the call has gone out and together we shall answer!...Of course the trophy will go to the hunter who lands the killing strike."

Aurilie tossed a hand with a slight look of annoyance that briefly made herself apparent in her gaze. "I admit I haven't brushed up on my kilik xenology but comparing them to the bugs that belong to a cousin kingdom, I imagine they do indeed of serfs, knights and indeed royalty as well. Perhaps a queen and many possible kings to court her every year. Her courtship is vital to the colony, considering she probably eats the kings after consummating their marriage. I don't know if we need to dwell deep enough on their turf to see any of their royalty...but if we snag a knight, that will make the endeavour worthy of some notice."

"Of course," she said with a faint smile as she turned to look at Keyhote during the walk, also making note of the branches he had to dodge with some amusement. "I think it's perhaps for the best that I'm more after slaying the beast any procuring its head as a trophy, to be honest. While the slight loss in competition might make the hunt a bit less intense, I assure you that my focus will be fully there to see it through. Nothing will cloud my thoughts. Of course, if its end is an absolute certainty...maybe I will change my mind and be the one to claim its head."

She flashed a sly smirk at him before it easily subsided as she walked on.

[Desilijic Keyhote]

Aurilie tossed a hand with a slight look of annoyance that briefly made herself apparent in her gaze. "I admit I haven't brushed up on my kilik xenology but comparing them to the bugs that belong to a cousin kingdom, I imagine they do indeed of serfs, knights and indeed royalty as well. Perhaps a queen and many possible kings to court her every year. Her courtship is vital to the colony, considering she probably eats the kings after consummating their marriage. I don't know if we need to dwell deep enough on their turf to see any of their royalty...but if we snag a knight, that will make the endeavour worthy of some notice."

"Of course," she said with a faint smile as she turned to look at Keyhote during the walk, also making note of the branches he had to dodge with some amusement. "I think it's perhaps for the best that I'm more after slaying the beast any procuring its head as a trophy, to be honest. While the slight loss in competition might make the hunt a bit less intense, I assure you that my focus will be fully there to see it through. Nothing will cloud my thoughts. Of course, if its end is an absolute certainty...maybe I will change my mind and be the one to claim its head."

She flashed a sly smirk at him before it easily subsided as she walked on.

"Ha! I will anticipate some good spirited competition then, of course you have the advantage of range but I..."
Keyhote smacks his chest plate
"Have uncommon speed! May the best hunter claim the trophy!"
Keyhote chuckles and is happy to float in silence for a few moments before he starts slightly
"Ah, that reminds me Prince Aurilie. I have heard talk their may be more war if the festival is not successful, do you believe it?"

[Aurilie Alde]

"Ha! I will anticipate some good spirited competition then, of course you have the advantage of range but I..."
Keyhote smacks his chest plate
"Have uncommon speed! May the best hunter claim the trophy!"
Keyhote chuckles and is happy to float in silence for a few moments before he starts slightly
"Ah, that reminds me Prince Aurilie. I have heard talk their may be more war if the festival is not successful, do you believe it?"

"Glory does favour the bold. I'd say that you might have more of an advantage over me, Ser Keyhote," she said with a small titter before she would present her hand up to seal their hunter's accord. "Of course, may the best hunter claim the trophy. May we all find victory, one way or another."

"Yes..." She nodded once at the question with a more thoughtful expression now. Her hands went behind her as she walked on the orchard trail. "Well, I suppose if that's what most people think will happen if they leave things as they are. That's unlikely the case and I don't know if anyone would be so foolish to push Alderaan into another conflict so soon. Of course, that isn't to say that we could be complacent and expect good sense to fix everything on its own. The water has been muddied and true success will likely be less clear to the public, perhaps won't make itself apparent for many years if the potential fissures aren't addressed immediately."