"All rise and due reverence..." And so it began with the herald's decree.
Heard by all in attendance, the envoy would go on to announce the long-awaited arrival of Serenno's most noble of families. Many had gathered in the floating basilica in order to celebrate; after a decade of occupation, the planet had finally been restored to its rightful independence. In honour of the momentous event, a gala was promptly ordained to showcase and solidify the return to freedom and self-governance. Down below, on Serenno's surface, the people made merry, toasting and jesting all whilst songs were sung and music was made. In the skies above them, the gentry mingled and frolicked with visiting governors, closely flanked by their planetary patricians.
The first to be announced was Lady Kathrynne, of House Palerma, followed then by Lord Matthias, of House Teramo. Lord Tarquin, of House Vemec, a rather elderly gentleman, was still chivalrous enough to escort in his daughter (now married and known as) Lady Arabella, of House Borgin. Lord Augustus, of House Malvern soon followed.
A hush descended over the crowd when the last to arrive was finally named. "...Lady Sybella, of House Demici."
Whispers arose, as did the salacious murmurs. It was understandable, given the circumstances; her decade-long absence from high society was rather unprecedented. Though the Demici family had done their best to mitigate the rumours, many had come to know the truth; Sybella had joined the Order and, as a Jedi, she had been knighted. And yet, many within Serenno's upper echelon seemingly chose to remain willfully blind; they might not have supported it outright but (out of principle) they did not vilify the family either. It was to be expected, given how many of these families had been so intertwined over the centuries. It spoke of the planet's true orientation; when there was a threat, its people closed ranks and protected their own.
It didn't, however, stop them from gawking.
In all honesty, the dress was ludicrous in its luxury. Vibrant in colour, the teal satin certainly made a bold statement, as did the intricate embroidery. Forgoing her family's ancestral headdress, Sybella instead opted for wearing some of the silver in the style of earrings. Anything else, in comparison to the dress, just seemed gaudy. Ironically, the purpose of such audaciousness wasn't entirely lost. She knew this was a deliberate machination, at her mother's behest. Now that she wasn't a complete pariah, she could begin her reascension into high society, with the gala itself acting as her (unofficial) homecoming.
And truly, the jollity felt was immeasurable. Even now, as the crowd beheld her, Sybella cast her eyes beyond their scope. She chose instead to focus on Serenno itself, currently in view thanks to the grand observation deck. The planet was like a pristine marble made of the purest jade; amongst the blackness of space, it was radiant in its simplistic existence. The visage alone was enough to give the Jedi a sense of comfort. Also within view was the planet's moon, Mantero, with generations of families buried on its hallowed ground; though at rest, many believed the spirits remained ever vigilant on behalf of their surviving descendants.
With that thought in mind, the memory of Sybella's father resurfaced. For the briefest of moments, she imagined he was there with her, present amongst the masses. Long he had awaited the return of his only daughter; he could finally be at peace, knowing she had finally come home.
Feeling nostalgic, if not somewhat sentimental, Sybella descended the steps of the stairs. As expected, she was steadfast and entirely resolute. Truly, the perfect picture of a courtly lady.
@LadyRen
@Raydo
