A Long-Awaited Reunion

[Oncaro]

Cartann City, Cartann, Adumar​

The palace of Cartann was the largest and most extravagant on the planet of Adumar. Made of the finest marble the planet provided, with many incredibly comfortable rooms, several menageries, a large courtyard and a grand banquet hall, it was the planets greatest example of the advantages of nobility. But the most important room was the audience chamber, wherein the head of Cartann-- and in this case, the entire planet-- received visitors and petitioners.

Flanked by palace guards and her two most trusted assistants on either side of her, Empress Helin Tyris of the Adumari sat upon a throne; a throne that was raised upon a dais with several steps leading down to the floor. Sunlight filtered into the large room through tempered glass windows, focusing soft rays of light upon the throne; a deliberate design choice by one of the old perators of Cartann.

The throne was one that had been given to her after nearly five years of bloodshed. A throne that she had not sought, but which she had been given anyway by the consent of the people she had helped-- or at least the victorious lords of those people, though it appeared few commoners were sad to see this change.

She wore a silken dress that was as black as midnight and possessed a glittering visage akin to stars, offering a stark contrast to her long locks of red hair and her sharp green eyes. It also was a contrast to the crown she wore upon her head: a simple circular band of gold, set with eight differently-colored gemstones-- gems representing the eight most powerful realms on the planet, including Cartann. Her face was impassive, but she was clearly awaiting something. That "something" happened to be a meeting she had been hoping for since first receiving the vision that led her and her people, the Mortisites, to Adumar: A meeting with the Jedi Order.

Long ago, thousands of years before the present, the entity which became the Church of Mortis had split from the Jedi Order due to differing religious views, and had eventually departed the known Galaxy for the Unknown Regions. In the millennia since, the Mortisites had heard very little of the wider Galaxy, and upon their return to Wild Space just five years ago, they still knew little-- the Adumari were rather insular and preferred to stay away from the wider Galaxy due to problems in the past with the Republic. But the Republic was apparently destroyed by a much greater foe. And once Helin had received word of the Jedi Order traversing the sector of space she now called home, and even landing on the planet she had united with the intention of incorporating it into their own territory, she had immediately worked to arrange a meeting. Thankfully, she learned that her adopted people had taken the initiative and directed the Jedi to her.

Despite the circumstances, Helin couldn't deny that she was rather excited, though she didn't show it on her face. She had hoped for a chance to meet and ally with the group that she and her Church considered kin, to stand with them against the darkness of the Sith. But she did not plan on making her people subordinate to them if it could be helped.

And so she waited, now, for her steward, Forlen ke Skarith, to present to her the representatives she would be speaking with today.

Spoiler: Note

Reposting due to the new changes to the rules.

@Chask274
@Elijah Brockway
@Zenya
@Relent

 

[Zenya]

Lanna had arrived at the palace, observing in awe. Different planets and sights set a spark of inspiration deep down inside of her, like few other things could. It was a reminder of freedom. If she could not merely sidestep the reality of war, she would enjoy her physical presence in a location, as enough freedom for the time being. At that time, she was not exactly a battle driven mind, on the edge of a large decent down a steep cliff, but the girl she used to be, wading in a moment of serenity induced by a gorgeous view.

Of course, such moments didn't last very long, and reality was always ready to tag you from around the corner. She abruptly broke away from her state of admiration, and turned back into a character of business and professionalism. At least, as professional as the General could get. She had a knack for eccentricity, and particularly dry humor. Yet, she was always ready to take a job seriously when it was necessary.

She would be talking with the empress of this settlement, and perhaps organize a negotiation with the assistance of one of her fellow council members.

A guard off to one of the side pillars, took her name, and let her walk inside. She kept a pair of gleaming amber eyes wide and perceiving, as she followed the guards directions to the chamber where she would meet the empress. Once she made it to the double doors, where more guards were standing alert doing their jobs, she simply stood in place. Waiting for her partner to arrive before she entered.

Crossing her arms, the woman tapped her fingers, glaring one of the guards who wore a blank expression.

"So..." She said, offering a bit of conversation to ease her impatience. Might as well entertain herself while she waited. "You just stand here for ever until something bad happens? I've always wondered how people like you get paid. I hope it's not by the hour, or they are going to need to start making some serious budget cuts, judging by just how many of you there are around here."

@Oncaro @Relent @Elijah Brockway @Chask274

 

[Chask274]

Leonatas stood just to the right of and a couple steps below the throne, his back straight and shoulders squared as he stared unwaveringly at the doors at the opposite end of the room. His freshly polished armor shone in the sunlight filtering in through the windows. However, the scratches and dings, as well as the occasional dent, in the armor that he purposefully didn't repair gave the impression that he wasn't some flashy ceremonial guard, but a true battle-tested warrior. Leo knew how important first impressions were, and wanted to do his best to show that the Paladins meant business. He was perfectly willing, even happy, to negotiate and discuss a potential alliance with the Jedi, as they were where the Paladins had originally come from, but he wouldn't allow the Order to be pushed around. Leo didn't spend the last decade of his life fighting tooth and nail to get the Paladins to where they were today just to have some complete strangers waltz in at the last moment and take control of what they'd earned.

He hoped this sentiment was shared by Empress Tyris and Marshal Sar'andor, otherwise this negotiation may prove.... interesting, to say the least. But if all went well, it wouldn't come to that, as the Jedi did seem to be reasonable folk from what he'd heard. The Marshal was abruptly pulled from his thoughts by the approach of an unfamiliar Force signature on the other side of the throne room doors. Glancing over at Helin and Cotan, he curtly nodded. "It would appear that one of the delegates has finally arrived."

 

[Elijah Brockway]

"Indeed it does," came the elder Marshal's reply, having felt the approach himself. Much like Leonatas, he was armoured as well, the battle-damaged armour he had worn during the last war, and in the battles on Adumar. The news that had filtered in from the wider galaxy told of a large war, and what the Paladins soon found out about the Sith Empire gave great credence to such news as they had heard; the Jedi of this era were bound to be a much more warrior-centric group than those of ages past. It was his hope that the appearance of the armour would function less as an intimidation tactic and more to garner some inherent respect, warriors to warriors. "Hopefully the both of them are exemplars of Jedi diplomacy."

If these weren't, he knew that this meeting would likely prove just as messy - if not messier - than any of the correspondences between the old - and now, long dead - lords that used to be the leaders their culture and society. He'd dealt with that squabbling enough to know how pointless it could prove. But the Jedi and the Paladins of Mortis both shared a commitment to the Light Side of the Force, and an inherent wish for peace and compromise. "I wonder, how long shall it be before the other arrives?"

 

[Logan]

He was walking with lazy steps, boots thumping softly on the ground with each nonchalent swing of the leg. Logan was never really one to worry about time, especially about being on it, which had gotten him into trouble in the past to be sure. Glancing down at his chrono, Logan let out an audible moan of annoyance. As per usual he was almost late. Undoubtedly Lanna had already arrived, she always seemed much more professional and punctual than he could ever dream to be. He guessed, when it came to her and him, beauty always came before age. He chuckled a bit at his own joke.

Picking up his pace, Logan made it to the outer doors of the chamber where he was supposed to meet with Lanna. There were guards standing by, one of them with the goofiest dumbstruck look on his face. He'd recognize it anywhere; that look you got when you saw a really attractive woman and the best you got out of it was a memory for later. He chuckled again as he walked by them, showing them a small datapad with his name and information on it.

Crossing through the first set of doors, Logan instantly spotted Lanna chatting up one of the guards. He was somewhat relieved to see her still outside, he'd been dreading having to go in by himself and interrupt what was going on because he was late. The people they were meeting today already weren't particularly fond of Jedi, and he didn't really want to give the Paladins another reason to dislike them.

"Lanna," Logan said with a smile, walking up to his friend and stopping next to her. "It's good to see you again." eyeing the doors into the meeting chambers, Logan sighed. "Lets hope this goes as well as intended. The Jedi could use an ally in the Paladins, and we've already encroached on their territory quite extensively." Motioning towards the door, Logan cocked his head. "Lets get a move on then.

Heading towards the doors, Logan pushed them open politely and stepped through. He saw those that were gathered inside and nodded in respect to their positions, especially Empress Tyris. He would wait for them to begin speaking, as Logan believed the Paladins had the right of way to open negotiations.

@Oncaro @Zenya @Chask274 @Elijah Brockway

 

[Oncaro]

As Logan opened the door, he was almost immediately stopped by one of the guards.

"Apologies, m'lord, but you can't enter yet." The guard was polite, if a bit firm in tone, and Logan was quickly ushered back outside before he could get a good look at those inside. The door shut again, and the two Jedi were forced to wait for less than a minute as the old, slightly stooped form of the Empress' steward, Forlen ke Skarith, hobbled toward them, looking rather aghast at what Logan had done.

"Agh! Please my lord, my lady-- I wish you would wait for me before doing such things!" the old man said, stroking his long beard nervously. "Walking into the Empress' audience chambers unannounced! A bad first impression, yes, certainly bad..."

He straightened himself as much as he could, and motioned for the guards to open the doors. They did so, and Forlen pointedly walked in first, bowing several times to the woman on the throne.

"Your Grace, I am-- honored to present to you two representatives of the Jedi Order who wish an audience with you. May I present to you, ehh, Jedi Masters Logan Ferrox, a-and Lanna Singh. Ah-- Please forgive the intrusion a moment ago, Your Grace, our guests... they got ahead of myself and I was unable to stop their breach of decorum--"

"This breach of decorum is forgiven, Lord ke Skarith; I do not blame you, nor their likely ignorance of such protocol. They may enter," Helin replied, and Forlen nodded graciously.

"Of course, Your Grace." Forlen said, and he beckoned the two Jedi to enter, saying: "Masters Ferrox and Singh, you stand before Helin of the House Tyris, by the Grace of the Maker, Empress of Katorrs, Peratrix of Cartann, Lady of Duskmote, Grand Master of the Holy Order of the Paladins of Mortis, and Defender of the Faith."

Helin allowed herself a small smile and gestured toward the two newcomers, inclining her head graciously.

"Thank you, Lord ke Skarith. I'll take things from here. This meeting is one that should not be bogged down by too much formality, it is too important. But I would suggest you stay behind. We could benefit from an Adumari's opinion."

The steward nodded, bowing several times again, and he shuffled further away as Helin looked to the other two and smiled beautifully, though she did not yet stand from her throne.

"I must say that you honor us with your presence, Master Jedi," she said to the two. "Though I do regret the context of this meeting. The last time that a Jedi and a Paladin met, our stories say, it was something of a bittersweet occurrence. But that was millennia ago, so long ago that the story seems more legend than fact. Regardless, I had always hoped that reestablishing contact with your Order would be a... happier moment, as you are our kin in a way. As my steward so helpfully said, I am the Grand Master of the Paladins of Mortis, and the two at the foot of the dais are my Marshals: Leonatas Belisarion and Cotan Sar'andor. There are none I trust more to assist me with matters like this than them. Now, before we begin, would either of you like something to eat or drink? The hospitality of Cartann City is yours."

Spoiler: NOTE

Posting order: Me, Logan/Zeebus, then Chask and Eli.

@Zenya
@Logan
@Chask274
@Elijah Brockway

 

[Zenya]

"Logan!" the woman exclaimed, twirling around at the sound of his boots on the slick floor. "Glad to see you've finally arrived. This guy doesn't talk much," she said jutting a thumb over her shoulder.

She followed him with her eyes as he invited himself in, and stood close behind him. To her surprise, they were reluctantly shooed out of the doorway, back into the hall. With a raised eyebrow and a semi-confused wide eyed glance, she turned to see another figure standing before her. A small, old man.
Curious.

A few short moments later they were eventually, officially let inside the woman's thrown room. Lanna looked up and around the decorative scene, taking in the ornate beauty.

"Hello, Madam Helin Tyris. I'm Lanna Singh. It's a pleasure to meet you." With a small ankle crossed curtsy, she gave a slight bow. "I'm sure this reunion will be most effective for our cause.... but we shall see. First, I'm up for some icy, cold beverage."
@Oncaro @Relent @Chask274 @Elijah Brockway

 

[Logan]

Being stopped in his tracks by frivolous formalities was something Logan was used to. He never really did have the time to deal with such things; he always found them to be an immense waste of time and effort that could be better utilized elsewhere. In this case, he figured the time spent waiting for the High Queen of Throne Sitting to allow them inside could have been used to you know, actually have the discussion they were here for in the first place. Oh well, a younger Logan may have voiced his displeasure. The 45 year old Jedi Master Logan that stood in this place today knew better though, and all the small old man would receive from him was a roll of the eyes and patient waiting.

When they finally breached the threshold of the meeting chamber, Logan took the sight in with keen eyes. Royalty always made him uneasy, the airs of superiority and grandeur. A far cry from what he was used to in life; old leather jackets, cigars and busted out apartments. Regardless, Logan listened to Helin intently, bowing his head slightly in greeting as she introduced herself. When she finished up and asked them if they’d like anything, Logan found himself nodding in agreement with Lannah. ”Something cold would be great; liquor if you have it. The darker the better.” He said with a wink and a sly smile. Hopefully Helin of a Thousand Titles had a better sense of humor than her steward.

”We’re happy you chose to meet with us,” Logan said honestly. The Jedi could use any allies they could gain, that was for sure. ”Where would you like negotiations to begin?” Straight to the point as always was Logan, not wanting to dawdle too long in a mix of liquor and small talk. That’s not why they were here. They had more important things to discuss before the day was done.

@Oncaro @Zenya @Chask274 @Elijah Brockway

 

[Chask274]

Watching and waiting patiently, Leo had to suppress a snort as the Jedi entered the room unannounced. In the past, such a transgression might've been mocked by the Marshal, but that had been before the Paladins settled into the galaxy proper. Now, Leo knew that the customs and ideologies of the Mortisites weren't known by many, and were practiced even less so. Electing to merely roll his eyes, he stood ready as the Jedi were announced and they approached the dais. When Helen introduced him, he gave a slight bow.

As the Jedi voiced their requests, Leo gestured to a nearby servant. "You there, ensure that our guests' requests are seen to at once." As the man scurried off to do so, Leo returned his attention to the proceedings. These negotiations would mark just how well the Paladins would be able to settle into their new home, and he intended to ensure it went well.

 

[Oncaro]

Helin stood from her throne and descended from the dais with deliberate steps, her heels clacking vibrantly along the stone. She strode closer to the two, her footwear allowing her to look down a bit even on Master Logan, and she spread her arms and gave a bow of welcome. On her hip, the two would notice a lightsaber made with what looked to be phrik, decorated with ornate golden designs upon it. It looked both polished and new, and yet oddly ancient in a way. Certainly older than most any lightsaber in the Jedi Order currently.

"You will be pleased to know that my servants are incredibly quick and professional, especially on these occasions," she said, smiling. "Something I am quite grateful for, in truth. But then, their last overlord was not... Was not the type to leave them with high morale, I will put it that way. Now, Master Ferrox, there is a room a hall or two down from here that was used as a War Room in the past. It has the amenities we need in order to discuss these matters appropriately."

The servant soon arrived with several glasses of cold liquor, and Helin took one. She rarely drank as she feared her senses being dulled, but this was a special occasion and she was in no danger.

"Shall we go?" Helin asked, and Lord ke Skarith bobbed his head and shuffled to the throne room entrance, leading the group down a long hall and then another, into a large, darkened room with a large cylindrical holoprojector in the center of it, with stone around it to form a sort of circular table with the projector in the middle. It lit up, and showed an image of Adumar, before zooming out to show the local sector and the planets within.

"When I first became aware that the Jedi Order had entered our space, much less landed on Adumar itself, I am sure you can imagine my shock," Helin said. "Our knowledge of the events of the wider Galaxy is woefully inadequate I am afraid. The last we had heard, from one of our Knights who came to us from the wider Galaxy, your Sith had formed a Brotherhood and were taking the fight to the Republic and Jedi. How goes this war? Not well I would imagine... The Force has become terribly clouded by the Bogan in the past... I want to say twelve years or so, almost. It is incredibly difficult to commune with the Holy Force in a clear, concise manner, and it has been this way since before we left our homes in what you still call the Unknown Regions."

The map zoomed out again, showing the Galaxy in a diagram that allowed it to be colorized in order to represent factions.

"If either of you would be so kind, I would appreciate it if you could give us a clearer picture on the map of the state of the Galaxy."

@Relent
@Zenya
@Chask274
@Elijah Brockway