A New Day Dawns (all)

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Mandalore entered slowly, walking forwards just slightly ahead of the five other warriors. None of the Mandalorians seemed to be looking around the interior of the hall, though it must have appeared very strange to them after spending their lifetimes in exile in the Wilds. Once they stood before the dias they stopped.

No one bowed, or paid any respect to the Queen. There was a breathless hush in the room, as though everyone expected the savages to somehow kill the queen or at least attempt to. Then Mandalore inclined his head slightly towards the Queen, paying her such respect as might be found between equals. The warriors arrayed behind him stood still and straight.

[Adraudia Basillie]

As historic as this occasion was to all of the people of Onderon, the Queen could not help but notice one small detail that felt peculiar. Mandalore was quite ... shorter then what her father had spoken of, and there were an abundance of stories that King Kelrune Basillie had shared with his daughter. As there was one in particular when the two of them had faced one another in battle, which in turn came to a draw as the respective armies came to collect their leaders which eventually caused the armies to fall back. A very young Adraudia refused to leave her father's side, no matter how forceful her nanny was. Eventually her mother ordered the staff to leave Adraudia be and that was when her father described eventhing that happened that day in great detail ...

Mandalore should have been at least as tall as her father, who was a robust 2 meters tall. Again should have. That was almost a decade ago and she was a child. Mandalore could have easily modified his armor as it were with all of his people, scavenging and cannibalizing parts to keep their war machine going, until now when they came to her with wanting peace...

"Mandalore." Her eyes fell upon the deadly warriors below her. "Onderon welcomes you inside its heart for the first time since coming to our planet for you profess peace. But yet not even two weeks prior, you tried to claim my life and failed once again."

A slight curious tilt of her head was seen. "So your arrival is most curious to me on a great many counts."

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Mandalore stood stoically in front of the young monarch, and then cocked his head to the side, much like the Queen. "The attack on your life did not come from Mandalore, nor my second. We have much to discuss, Adraudia Basillie. But first..."

He turned to his men, and barked out an order in Mando'a. Slowly the Mandalorians reached up, helmets unfastening. One by one they removed them, revealing their faces. The three tallest were males, skin burnished dark from years in the Wilds. The other two were female, eyes as hard as the men's, their long hair braided and falling to their shoulders as they tucked their helmets under their arms.

Mandalore undid his own helmet, bending forward slightly to pull it off. Underneath was a mass of dark hair, and there was a slight intake of breath among the onlookers as Mandalore straightened up. Lilaena had painted black marks on her face - lines intersecting her eyes from her forehead down to where they fanned out over her cheekbones. Her green eyes flicked to where Salem Ave was standing before she returned her gaze to the Queen.

"We face you, unmasked."

[Razielle Alastor]

From her vantage point at the immediate side of the dais, Razielle was able to observe everything in great detail. She watched the exchange between the two rulers carefully, making her own assessments. When Mandalore revealed his, no.. her face, Razielle drew in a breath. Shock and memory colliding in her thoughts. She was barely paying attention to the proceedings now, her mind was at work looking for how the pieces fit together.

She had seen that woman, Mandalore, before. On at least one occaision. Her first attempt at stealing out of the palace had been a success. She had gotten out, and back inside with little difficulty. On her way back to the royal wing she had stumbled upon General DeSang and this woman speaking in hushed tones in the hall. Her mind slid back to the day and replayed the conversation, it had made no sense then. Now it made perfect sense.

..I thought you would have had important duties at the Queen's side, DeSang..

..She is returning to the fortress as we speak. I will have to punish the guards that you got past. Apparently my precautions to keep Legion out where not as thorough as I had hoped. Would you join me for some wine and we can discuss what I can do for you, My Master.

Although she betrayed no outward sign of her inward alarm bells, Razielle's gaze slid once more to Mandalore, just in time to see the woman's gaze shift away from the Queen to someone at her side. The Prime Minister. Mandalore made no such excuse for the attempt on Salem.

Unmasked or not, there was a great deal more to the situation now. Things were getting complicated. Razielle had always assumed that General DeSang's interest was to protect Adraudia, but he also appeared to call the woman responsible for making war on Adraudia "Master.." Mandalore claimed they had made no attack on Adraudia.. Razielle was not so sure what she believed.

She forced herself to be still and listen to what else might be revealed, her eyes briefly settled on Salem. She would just love to know what he thought about all of this.

[General Devious]

When the small Mandolore lifted his head piece the General was mildly suprised to find Lil behind the mask. What was Lil up to? How had she become part of the Mandolorians? Something clicked inside the wounded Generals mind. A story he had told to the troops when the ball was going on. A suprise party for him.

. "Man I remember when the Mandolorian tried to take the wall. Do you remember sir. There leader at the time Gregor was rallying the charge. He had that suped up red and black armor and was screaming the whole time. "Down with the royal family. Down with the Royal Family."

Dalamar had killed the leader back then. Something about the reaction of the Mandolore after that incident was tickling his mind. He just couldn't quite bring it forward but he knew somehow it was connected with Lileana current status. Well he didn't know what this if anything had to do with her former Master. He would wait and see how this played out. Maybe she meant to barter for peace in exchange for full access to the Moon and all records. I'm sure Araudia would not be adverse to the idea. If it came down to it the General would try to foster this new peace. It would help two people he cared about. Araudia and Lileana. The thought brought a little comfort to mingle in all the chaos going on around him. To often he had to choose between friends and loyalty life and death.

This time helping both of them would be mutually beneficial. He had broken his word to Lil on the issue of Salem. Something he would have to square with her. The viper in there midst Salem, he had tried to kill him. But now the facts didn't add up. Something was up with him but Dalamar was no longer sure that killing Araudia and taking the throne was his goal. Surely when I was incapacitated he would have taken advantage and done that very thing. What or who would have stopped him? He was sure no one was even close enough to the Queen to do anything to protect her. The Guards though many would have let him pass to do what he needed. So what was his goal?

His chest hurt and it brought him out of his thoughts and back to the present. He focused again on the conversation. He still did not stir nor show any weakness. It was only a matter of time now...

[Jecht Tar]

Jecht Tar, the ever vigilant guardsman, had seen to the defenses of the Palace the moment he returned to it with the Queen. He had escorted her to the wall, staying at her side the entire time in the chance that protection would be needed. In the end he had left the wall disappointed that no fighting had broken out. Despite his lofty position Jecht did love a good scrap. As he stepped into the palace he'd activated his comlink and started sending out orders to all reaches of the palace. Royal guardsmen where everywhere now, each strategically placed for optimum defense. The throne room alone was incredible protected, both inside and outside. Guards created a half circle behind the Queen, standing still with weapons held at the ready. Guardsmen with longer range weapons had been positioned in the corners of the room and in the back behind the Mandalorians. Outside the doors of the throne room a small army of Guardsmen stood, facing outwards for any sign of attacking Mandalorians. Jecht had taken even more caution then that, though, by placing guardsmen in the halls of the palace all around the throne room. He would know the moment anyone tried to invade the palace. Yet, sadly, he did not have enough royal guardsmen to cover the whole building. The military had been brought in and positioned with the Guardsmen throughout the palace and in the throne room.

Jecht, himself, stood beside the Queen- just off to her left. He wore his Guardsman armor and the dull browns of his station. Around his waste was wrapped a scarlet sash that caused him to stand out among his fellow guardsmen. Only a single sword hung from his back because the other was in his hand. The wicked curved blade rested in his right hand and hung at his side, pointing at the ground. He wouldn't be caught off guard, not this time.

He looked out at the gathered Mandalorians, his eyes falling on the General as he did so. His eyes narrowed. He didn't trust the General anymore, not after what had happened with the Princess. Since then he'd kept more an eye on the General, monitoring him in a sense. And right now he was paying more attention to the General then the Mandalorians.

[Salem Ave]

The people of Onderon had battled the Mandalorians long enough to gain some basic knowledge of their culture. Whilst they did not have extensive insight into the ways of the warrior people, they knew enough to know that a female Mandalore was a rarity, rarely heard of. The guards in particular seemed surprised at the sight of a woman bearing the silver armor of Mandalore, as if they did not believe a woman could not be capable of sufficient strength of will and force to shoulder such a rank. Salem knew better.

Although his outward appearance remained as indecipherable as ever, the Prime Minister found himself somewhat surprised. De'Ville had quite the ace up her sleeve, now. The weight of the Mandalorian army was a formidable bargaining chip. She had shown herself to possess far greater guile and acumen than he had credited her with – and the strange thing was that he found this pleasing. His eyes took in the court, their various expressions showing a myriad of shattered preconceptions, as he waited for the discourse to continue.

[Adraudia Basillie]

The face of the enemy before her did not shock the Queen, instead it just confirm suspicions that had been troublesome since seeing Mandalore. The face behind the mask allowed a smile of not just approval, but of gratitude, to take shape upon her lips.

"Your appearance afforded some answers but also creates new ones. You are not the original Mandalore, is that correct?"

This change in leadership had to have happened not that long ago. Perhaps several weeks at most. It was the only way to explain that this Mandalore did not approve of the recent attempt on her life and was wishing to negotiate a peace agreement.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

The woman raised one eyebrow at the Queen's question. "I am Mandalore. There is no previous, nor none to come after. Mandalore always leads her people." Lilaena paused, then added with a slight upward twist of her lips, "But no, Mandalore has changed in appearance and mindset since last your people encountered the Mandalorians."

If Mandalore accomplished great things, he or she could be given another name, to single him out as special. The previous Mandalore did not accomplish anything other than to continue the pointless war against the City, and was not afforded any special rememberance. Mandalore was standing before the Queen. There was always Mandalore, just as there was always the Mandalorians.

She continued, "I have information about the attack on your life that occurred two weeks ago." Her Basic was flawless, and flavored slightly with the metropolitian accent of someone from the Core. "In exchange for a legal claim on the land we possess, and access to offworld goods and supplies, I will tell you what I know. In private." Lilaena gave those assembled a piercing glare. There were much too many people around to reveal what she knew of Legion or the defection of some of her warriors. There was no doubt a spy among them.

[Razielle Alastor]

Despite her outward appearence, she was anything but calm. Mandalore expected to just be left alone with the Queen to talk? That was some audacity.. On the other hand, if this was truly about coming to peaceful terms, Adraudia might have to make some concessions.

Her inward worry did not show, and then evaporated completely when she looked once more to judge Salem's reaction to everything. He didn't seem particularly worried. But then he never did. Still, Razielle knew if there was any danger to the Queen that the Prime Minister would never let her take the chance. She would just have to wait and see just how far into this game the Queen would play.

Princess Razielle tilted her chin at a slightly mutinous angle, clearly stating that she found it a bad idea. This was the chance that Mandalore needed to wipe out both the Queen and the Prime Minister in one blow.

Not that it would be quite so simple. Razielle smiled and wisely kept silent.

[Jecht Tar]

Jecht did not like the words that issued from Mandalore's mouth. It was too pure and unvenomed to be real. Something had to be amiss. Stepping closer to the Queen Jecht stooped down and placed his lips close to the Queen's ear, but not close enough to be uncomfortably so, "I do not think this is a good idea, Your highness," He whispered, "A private confrontation would be far too dangerous and the chance of your death far too high," He pulled away and straightened his back; returning to his former position. His sword still as ready in his hand as before.

[Salem Ave]

First she had infiltrated the ranks of the Mandalorians, and now she was attempting to use her new foothold to gain legal control of territory on Onderon. It was a bold, perhaps arrogant move in the game that they were playing. It fell to the Queen to decide whether or not she would take Lilaena's offer, though to Salem it seemed like something of a steep bargain. If Adraudia was wise, she would agreed to one of Mandalore's terms, but not all of them. It was better to give them their 'freedom' in carefully divided portions, so that the Iziz government retained some means of leverage.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia could not acquiesce to Mandalore's demands. It would show her to be a weak Queen in which the Mandalorians could take advantage of. Her rule was of strength and resilience, but she knew when concessions had to be made in order for peace to prevail; and everyone wanted peace.

"Onderon does not care about legalities in regards to its land. If one can overcome her adversity, then the land will accept you. It was how Iziz City was born; through much blood and death and perseverance we have a home. Though unwelcomed by my family's rule, Mandalore still called Onderon home all through our wars. That needn't change under our time of peace, but we understand how difficult it is to live out in the jungles of Onderon and would be agreeable in allowing access to offworld goods and supplies ..."

She glanced at Tar, the Princess and then at the Prime Minister. Though her Royal Guardsman was vocal in his distrust, Razielle made it quite clear she did not like the idea of Adraudia being alone with Mandalore. One did not need the Force to know that the rest of those present were in agreement. With Salem, he was difficult to read. His expression showed nothing either way.

Her eyes rested upon Mandalore and opened herself up to the Force momentarily. She felt no danger from the woman but did feel trepidation about speaking any further around so many people. It was difficult to discern what Mandalore was worried about but the Queen was positive that killing her wasn't Mandalore's intent. Their goals were the same. She was certain of this.

"... But this is contingent on the information you have. And considering the situation we find ourselves in and what you ask of me, I require your word that no harm will befall me as we talk in private."

Mandalore's word was law. It was the foundation of their society and if she gave it, nothing would happen to her.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Lilaena, or Mandalore, kept her gaze steadily on Adraudia. "No harm will come to you from my hand while we are alone." Any further oath would have been insulting to have to give, and would have lessened Mandalore in the eyes of her new people. If one could not trust what she said, then all the oaths in the world would not cause them to trust her.

She was almost looking forward to getting the Queen in a private room. What sort of woman was she without her courtiers and Prime Minister around to hold her hand? Simply gaining access to offworld trade and supplies would not satiate the Mandalorians for long - with no war to fight the warriors would yearn for more combat. If not here, then elsewhere. But for now it was enough. They would fortify their position (against the wildlife of the planet, of course) and in time Lilaena would provide them with ships and the ability to leave the planet.

The Empire would tremble.

Her face smooth, she turned to the five with her and ordered them to stay put in Mando'a. The Mandalorians hit their chestplates with their closed fists in agreement.

[Razielle Alastor]

Protocol be damned. As Mandalore followed the Queen, Razielle left her spot in the sidelines. She crossed cautiously before the remaining Mandalorians, not showing a bit of fear. She had better things to do than grovel before the warriors from the Wilds. She ascended onto the dais and moved closer to the Prime Minister and the Royal Guardsmen known as Tar. She remembered him from the day of the attack and he seemed just as ill at ease with the proceedings as she was.

She did not fidget, or betray any other outward sign of her displeasure. Linking her fingers together, Razielle assumed a serene posture, not taking her eyes off the retreating back of the Queen. She knew Adraudia well enough to have faith that the Queen knew what she was doing. She was not entirely helpless after all.

[Salem Ave]

As Adraudia and Mandalore departed, to take private consul with one another, the remaining members of either faction stood in silence. To an outsider they would have appeared as statues, or some grand historical painting. There was nothing to be said. The Onderonians would not concede to offer the Mandalorian's any comforts such as food or drink. They would only wait in their stoic quiet, under the watchful eyes of the Prime Minister and Royal Princess. Though Salem's gaze commanded no movement, and seemed in control of the court, his mind was elsewhere, following his Queen and the usurper in their midst.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

The Queen and Mandalore passed out of sight, and the five helmetless Mandalorians took their ease, crouching down and sitting on their heels. The two females sat crosslegged on the floor. They neither looked at the Onderonians, nor did they take their eyes off them. Even sitting in the midst of the standing court of Iziz City, the Mandalorians seemed perfectly poised and battle ready.

[Hawkins Grime]

Unsuccessful at finding any easier way in, Grime stood behind the corner of a building near a service access where four guards relaxed just inside the entrance. So much time had passed, Grime was almost fed up with the whole thing. Irrational questions continued to crawl to the surface of his racing mind as to what was occuring inside the palace and De'Ville's welfare. Not that he necessarily cared, as others might say they care about something. She was a necessity now, as he was only barely trained in his... abilities. He couldn't go on as he was, half baked in this contradicting void of broiling anger and frustration; without proper control and understanding, he'd go crazy in no time.

But getting past these guards...

Option a) Kill all of them.
Option b) Destroy them with his adept abilities.
Option c) Talk his way in.
Option d) Walk back, get some sleep, and worry about it all later.

Option d would leave Hawkins in such a mood, sleep was hard enough to come by, it'd be impossible by now. Option b was even more frustrating as the option was impossible due to the whole point of this mess, leading to more frustration in the circular logic. He wouldn't mind a mix though between Option a and Option c. He wasn't about to set everything off, not just yet. He started out of the alley and towards the guards...

[Adraudia Basillie]

The Queen led Mandalore into her personal chambers nearest the throne room. Lira, Razielle's maid, was hastily throwing together a last minute ensemble and curtsied upon seeing Adraudia.

"Your, Majesty. Is your meeting over with the Mandalorians?" The Queen could not miss the curiosity and fear in Lira's voice. She hadn't yet spotted Mandalore. She canted her head over her shoulder and subtly waved her hand to pause her entrance.

"Not quite. I will need you to vacate this room now in order for the proceedings to conclude."

"As you wish, your Majesty." Lira started to perk her head up to look past the Queen's shoulder, but Adraudia's disapproving gaze snapped Lira's head down as she quickly exited the room.

"She is gone now." She made certain the door was closed before taking a seat across from the vanity, offering the chair across from her to Mandalore. "We can talk privately."

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Lilaena took in her surroundings with a stony glance, and hesitated before sitting. She hadn't pictured talking to the Queen in her personal chambers next to a vanity covered with makeup and perfumes, but it seemed that little would go according to plan in her life.

Forcing herself to ignore the room, Mandalore looked directly at the Queen's brown eyes. "The attack that was launched against you two weeks ago was not planned by my... predecessor. There is another in the jungles of Onderon, one who calls himself Legion." There was the slightest flicker in the Queen's eyes, and Lilaena knew that she had heard the name before.

"He has gathered to himself malcontents - those unfit to bear the name Mandalorian any longer. They have no pride in their ancestry, and no honor. He wishes your death, and that of all of your people. Mandalore has no such wish."