A New Day Dawns (all)

[Lilaena De'Ville]

It was like any other sunrise on Onderon. The slightly noxious atmosphere, transferred to the planet from the moon, Dxun, refracted the rays of the rising sun into a brilliant display of color.

The soldiers on the wall never watched the sunrise, however. They were too busy scanning the jungle that surrounded them, watching for movement. It had been a week since the near fatal attack on the Queen, and the Princess Razielle was out of her sickbed. The General was also recovering from his wounds, at a greater pace than the doctors had hoped.

Salem Ave thought about the jungle, and of the ever present Mandalorian threat. And he wondered...

One of the men on the wall shouted an alarm, and the thick barrier was soon bristling with activity. Beast riders were launched from the towers, and word was sent back to the kennels on the hill for more. The Prime Minister was woken up and alerted, as well as the General's second in command.

A small group of armored Mandalorians were approaching the wall, accompanied by an unarmored woman.

(ooc: The unarmored woman is no one you will recognize)

[Hawkins Grime]

Grime's eyes opened slowly and he sighed. He would have to get some kind of dampners that turned his new bedroom into a place where nothing, not even a supernova next door, would bother him. He hissed through his teeth as he heard the reason he had awoken. People. Large groups of them. They were making noise outside. Loud enough to pierce the walls and window of his fourth floor room. And they were screaming about the blasted savages. He stood from the new bare mattress he had been lying on.

She'd been gone for so long, five days; he'd grown incredibly impatient and annoyed with his new residence. The former owner, who's remains had been in the room he now occupied, had left the building in quite a disarray. It had taken him five days to clean out the entire building and he still hadn't made it to the clean all the junk collected on the roof. He had managed to work in practicing trying to levitate objects like she had taught him. All he did was keep trying until his anger and frustration became unadulterated hatred for whatever object he was attempting to move.

He grabbed the electronoculars and his hat and donned it as he stepped outside into the morning light. She had better make this worth his time. The city was making such a big deal, one would think the Mandalorians were a problem or something.

[Salem Ave]

Informed of the presence of an advancing party of Mandalorian's, the Prime Minister of Onderon remained calm. While the military rushed here and there, preparing themselves for battle, Salem made preparations to leave the palace. Although the decision was protested by the cities security forces, it was his intention to meet with the Mandalorian's face to face. He said that he wanted to look into the eyes of the one who had ordered so much destruction upon Iziz. Begrudgingly, it was agreed that he would be taken to the city walls.

It seemed that this was the wish of the Mandalorian leader, who had not yet spoken a word, in spite of the gathering crowd. Dressed in the traditional clothing of an Onderonian diplomat, with a pale scarf tossed over one shoulder, Ave stood confidently atop the towering city walls, flanked on both sides by armed guards. The murmuring of the crowds subsided and Salem fixed his eyes upon the leader, Mandalore.

“Why have you come here?”

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Mandalore, in the distinctive black and white armor, looked up at the speaker on the Wall. Surrounded by a group of only ten warriors, with the girl beside him, the Lord of the Mandalorians seemed... shorter.

"I come to talk to the Queen." The vox twisted the voice, but it was different than what many of the watchers on the Wall expected. "Mando'ad kandosii sa kyr'am ast... but today a new day dawns for Onderon." He took the girl's arm and repeated, "The Mandalorians are as ruthless as death itself! But the Queen is as a river of life. Death cannot overtake the river, and the river cannot wash away the children of Mandalore."

With a little push the girl, Hanna, was sent out of the protective circle and towards the massive gates that were hardly ever opened, as a gesture of good faith. Though, whether anyone believed it was not a trap remained to be seen.

[Razielle Alastor]

She had been preparing to visit the Queen when the guards began acting strangely. It would seem that something more pressing than standing around her room's watching for any sign of activity had drawn their collective attention. They shuffled about uncomfortably listening to their radios, tossing glances back and forth to each other. Unable to restrain her curiosity she just came right out and asked them.

"Well.. what is it?"

"A disturbance at the gates, Your Highness. Mandalorian's."

Razielle's eyebrows went up a notch. Surely they wouldn't just waltz up to the gates? Iziz was under heavy guard, it would be their casualty.

At her questioning glance, another guard replied. "A small force, they do not seem to be bent on hostility at the moment."

"Well, I wouldn't want you boy's to miss out on my behalf. Let's go."

[Salem Ave]

The woman, released, rushed towards the bars, feeling her freedom only a few feet away. Salem held up a hand, to let the guards know that they were not to open the gates. Yet.

“You wish to propose a cease fire, a treaty of some kind?”

[General Devious]

Dalamar could barely move when he heard that the Mandolorians where at the front gate. He had two guards help him dress in his battle armor and help him out of the room. Salems voice could be heard echoing down the hall as he aproached.

“You wish to propose a cease fire, a treaty of some kind?”

The guards where still helping him walk. "Lead me to the side. I want them to know that I'm here." Propped up against the stone pillar. He looked down on the Mandolorians.

He said nothing, his late arrival made this Salem's show and spider or not they had to show a united front to there enemies. He looked strong and sure but little did they know that he could barely stand.

[Adraudia Basillie]

Adraudia, garbed in full regal attire, marched down the hallway to where Salem was addressing Mandalore. After all these years, he wanted to negotiate peacefully. Her father had tried similar methods in the past but failed. The Mandalorians were too driven by their desire to claim Onderon as their own. Even when she was crowned, Adraudia tried to offer peace and for her troubles, one of her soldier’s decapitated head was left at the front gates as promise that more blood would be shed.

What changed Mandalore's mind?

The Queen stayed away from the balcony incase of an attack. She could hear the Prime Minister fine from this distance and waited to hear more.

[Hawkins Grime]

The scope of his vision zoomed in on the group of Mandolorians at the gate with his electronoculars. Eleven Mandos and that same chick that he had seen earlier paired with her. Hawkins blinked a few times, zooming in on the one in silver and black. He sneered with impatience at the whole thing.

The moment, the crowd, the fancy looking people, with ring side seats to Hawkins noted with annoyance, and the Mandolorians were lost on Grime who was more or less oblivious to Onderon's political theme. All he knew was that the City of Iziz and the Mandolorians had been at it for a while regardless of how insignificant either one of them were in the grand scheme of things. De'Ville had pretty much left Hawkins in the dark so far, all things coming to light 'eventually.' So were the Mandolorians hiding in the shadows, ready to ambush the innocent bystanders of the city? Maybe they already had people on the inside and they were just going to throw down right there, coup the government and watch the leader's of Iziz hang from the gates. He spent a few moments complicating different ways that De'Ville might have them executed before he refocused on the event once more.

Maybe he'd get lucky and the helpless woman's own people would gun her down and just flat refuse the Mandalorian's, scorching them with mines or some other hidden weaponry he was sure they had somewhere he was unaware of. But that would mean the end of De'Ville, as she surely stood right there, not the most imposing figure of Mandalore he'd ever imagined. And it was another one of those scenes where he wasn't close enough to hear anything really so he had to wait for the murmurs through the crowd of people on the walls to get back to him. And by then he couldn't even tell if it was true or not. For all of this, Hawkins wished his electonoculars were simply the scope attached to a high power sniper rifle.

He lowered the electronoculars from his eyes, and pushed through the crowd to the walk way, hoping to get closer to the scene and maybe be able to hear something for once.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

The figure nodded, "A temporary truce. Until I am allowed to meet with the Queen and discuss a mutually... beneficial arrangement."

Seemingly impatient with the way things were happening at the gate, Mandalore reached out his hand towards the girl. "I give you my word that your people will suffer no harm as long as we are within your city."

He added, "Unless we are not allowed entrance, in which case this girl's life is forfeit, as are everyone's inside."

[Salem Ave]

Again, the civilians began to murmur. The thought of Mandalorian's entering the city proper ws horrifying. Let loose, they would surely pillage every house and rape every woman they could find. Such was the propaganda in Onderon against them, that they had become completely demonized – and not without reason. Yet, in spite of this, it seemed that the Prime Minister was willing to enter the prospect of a treaty.

“Very well. You and a small number of your men may enter. You must, however, surrender your weapons to our guards, while you are within the walls of Iziz.”

A large number of the guards stepped forwards, creating a semi-circle around the gates. They were poised for battle, with snipers too at the ready, as one guard flipped the switch that would allow the Mandalorian's access inside.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Mandalore nodded in agreement, and after a series of hand gestures five of the Mandalorians, including one in blue and silver armor, stepped backwards. They turned and walked the distance to the treeline. There they stopped, and there they would wait.

The other five arranged themselves around Mandalore in a loose circle. The gates opened and the girl threw herself inside, sobbing and calling for her family. She was quickly taken from the walls and to a safe house, so that officials could find out her story and who she was.

The Mandalorians walked forward with the easy gait of warriors, three of them taller than Mandalore. Just inside the gates they stopped, and there was a pause before they began stripping off the weapons they wee carrying. Antique shell guns and retrofitted blasters were turned over, as well as a few interesting panels from the suits of armor. None of them had been wearing the standard jetpacks, perhaps because they had anticipated such a request from the City.

[Razielle Alastor]

Simply watching the ongoings from the battlements, as her guards had suggested, was not what Razielle had in mind. It didn't take much on her part to get them to escort her to the Queen's side. Completely surrounded by armed men, she emerged onto the wall and walked quickly to Adraudia's side, saying nothing. Her complete attention was drawn to the Prime Minister and his negotiations with Mandalore.

She eyed them up as they rid themselves of their weapons. Her mistrustful nature wondered what else they were carrying that wasn't so obvious. However, the thought in the back of her mind was that with Mandalore here, if they truly wanted Salem Ave assassinated, now would be a grand time. Her eyes slid to the General, recently risen from his sick bed. She wisely looked away. The truth would be known soon.

[General Devious]

His strength was to slow in returning. Behind the face plate of his armor his face grimaced. One of the Guards had handed him a cane to lean on. Not wanting to seem weak but also not wanting to be held up by the guards he took it. His eyes followed the the Queen as she moved to get a better vantage point. Razelle was with her, Salems puppet. He had heard later that she had taken the hit for Salem and that she was moderately wounded. He was sorry for that. He had no interest in hurting her. He found her quite charming but she had a weakness for Salem he could not admire.

He wished to apologize to her but then that would reveal his duplicity. But most of all Salem had suprised him most of all. He thought that surely he would strike at him when he was weakest. But according to Sting he filled the gap and took care of extra security ran extra sweeps and increased army surplus supplies for his men. He verged on thinking that Salem wasn't the Spider that he thought when Sting informed him that he also named himself Prime Minister. Granted more power no doubt by this new ambitious title.

Salem was slick Dalamar would give him that. Young women flocked to him. Razelle and Araudia and how many others had he beguiled and tricked? Dalamar did not know. Another sharp pain shot up his leg and his breathing grew more shallow. He was pushing himself to hard to soon. The armored warriors approached. Devious's guards stood near him and he signalled them to silence so he could hear. His Mandolorian was extremely rusty and he needed quiet. The small one seemed to be the Leader. He waited to hear what would be played out.

[Salem Ave]

“Guards – escort these men to the royal palace.”

The soldiers fell in line around the Mandalorian's, leading the way towards the Queen's residence. Excitement and anxiety buzzed in the air, as the citizens of Iziz watched the procession go by. Two distinct parties were visible – the Onderonians and the Mandalorian's; the first lead by Salem, the second by Mandalore. It was not long before they had entered the palace grounds and were joined by more guards, who trooped towards one of the palace's historic halls.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

The Mandalorians might have been walking alone, or escorting the Onderonian guards, for all it showed in their demeanor. Even though there were only six of them, and they had disarmed, they exuded a quiet confidence that unnerved many of those who watched them walk by.

They were stopped just outside the hall, presumably waiting for the Queen to attend. She would have to be seated and all would need to be secure inside before the Mandalorians would be allowed anywhere near her. The armored men stood silently, while the guards around them shifted just enough to betray their nervousness... or excitement. Some of the guards noticed that in the six Mandalorians in attendance, the three shorter ones (including Mandalore) were wearing armor of a slightly different fit. It wasn't something that they had ever noticed before, but in the heat of battle there was little time to critique the fashion sense of your enemy.

[Hawkins Grime]

"Who says the public aren't allowed in?"

The guard pushed the civilian back away from the door, the other guards regripping their weapons. Grime twitched, he could feel his skin crawling in an sneer. He wasn't close enough to the door or the inquiring civilian to see the guard's face but he hoped the guard was ugly enough to make up for keeping him from what was going on now.

"Only authorized personnel are allowed onto palace grounds now, royal security is currently on a lock down."

Hawkins would give them something to lock down on. A city wide massacre would take their minds away from the Mandalorians for a moment. Maybe only a moment with the way they were so captivated with them. He grimaced, pushing his way through the crowd to the sides. Once he had made it to the fringes, he moved farther out.

He debated what he was actually striving for at this point. Was it worth it to make his own way in? But he knew she had just gone in there with the rest of those savages. That he wouldn't be able to know what was going on edged him in such a way, it was giving him a headache. Did she do this to him on purpose?

Regardless of his irritation in the amount of effort this might take, Hawkins began to examine the immediate area as he walked farther along the wall.

[Adraudia Basillie]

The Queen was led by heavy armed escort to the throne room with purpose. Even her guards were hard pressed in keeping up with her speed. It had been a long time since they've seen her Majesty burning with such tangible resolution. But weren't they all? Mandalore's appearance and proposal for a peaceful settlement had taken everyone off guard, and Adraudia could sense their hope, their doubts. The general mood surrounding her entourage was mostly of fear for the Queen's well being. The attempt on her life was still fresh in everyone's minds and no one was too naive to presume that this might not be a trap.

As she entered the throne room, the guards in attendance presented arms. Upon taking her seat, they grew at ease. Giljir, the Queen's attendant, moved into position to present her and Mandalore as was proper. He had long served the Basillie line faithfully but even today the possibilities of what could happen had the old man spooked.

"Be calm, old friend." The Queen's voice held much strength that those near her needed. "A new day dawns for Onderon, one way or another. We'll find peace or Mandalore shall not leave this room alive."

She looked down at the Guard at the edge of the dais. “Everyone is in place?”

The Guard bowed. “Yes, your Majesty. No one shall lay a hand on you.” Tar had taken great care in positioning his men in key positions so that anyone could intercept an attack.

“Very well.” Her eyes drifted to the thirty men that outlined the carpeted floor leading to the large double wooden doors, in which Mandalore waited on the other side. “Send them in.”

[Razielle Alastor]

Still partially surrounded by her own guards, Razielle had been led into the throne room, declining any sort of annoucement. The last thing she wanted right now was to draw attention to herself. The Mandalorians would have heard of the scandalous events occuring after their foiled attack on the Queen. Razielle was sure that they had taken no part in the assassination attempt on Salem, but she felt certain that Adraudia had been a target.

Razielle had no need to add her own diplomatic skills to this encounter. Adraudia could handle the likes of Mandalore, she was certain. Instead, she stepped into an alcove to the side of the dais and contented herself with observing. It occured to her that she was witnessing a historical event that would be recalled for generations of both Mandalorians and the citizens of Iziz. She met the eyes of the Queen briefly, not smiling for once. The event was far too serious. She simply nodded her head, silently telling her Queen that she was with her.

[Salem Ave]

The doors swung open. The high throne room walls, hung with vast mirrors, reflected the entering group so that it appeared as if they numbered three times as many. Salem walked ahead of the Mandalorians and bowed before the Queen before taking his place upon the dais, arms folded behind his back. He looked down onto Mandalore and his brood from the raised platform, and waited for the Queen to address her 'guests'.

[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."

[Adraudia Basillie]

The news that Legion had taken the discontented Mandalorians under his wing afforded the Queen little surprise, as did his usual ravings of wishing her death and showering Iziz City in a sea of blood. What worried her was how numerous and reckless his attacks had become recently. However, it meant that the change in leadership amongst the Mandalorians was still very fragile seeing at it was at least two weeks old. What sparked the challenge, she wondered.

"And our City appreciates the civility that you show us this day and we hope that this continues to endure in the up coming days ahead of us. But as for Legion," she spoke the name with a crisp disdain. Oh yes, she was quite intimate with that name, "How many have defected? The General will require numbers and armament in order to avoid what occurred two weeks ago."

[Hawkins Grime]

"Halt, turn away, citizen."

"I've got an urgent message concerning the Mandalorians, I mean, not THE Mandalorians."

"Eh? What are you talking about, chum?"

Hawkins attempted to conceal the spark of irritation he knew they had to seeing. Forcing a shark like grin, he continued with as much sincereity as he could muster as he blathered a complete lie to make his way in.

"I need to speak with the Queen or Mandalore. Either one would suffice. It is of utmost importance and it concerns Legion! You've heard of this one?!"

One of the four guards stumbled backwards into a console, and lifted a comm to speak into. The other, seemingly in charge and with some annoying dirivative of basic responded.

"Then tell me, citizen, tell me and I'll take it to Her Highness."

[Lilaena De'Ville]

"The General will require numbers and armament in order to avoid what occurred two weeks ago."

Mandalore shook her head slowly, "Would you like me to pull their exact location out of my sleeve for you as well, Queen? Their numbers are in the hundreds, less than three." Her numbers were less than four-thousand men and women, with another thousand or so non-combatants. The Queen did not need to know that, however.

"As to armament, they took what they could carry. None of our war machines are missing, and they are well guarded." A wry smile, "For a price, of course, I can remove this threat from your planet. For too long have the Mandalorians been second-class inhabitants of Onderon. We should be companions, not enemies."

[Adraudia Basillie]

Her dislike of Mandalore's tone was quite clearly written in her eyes. "And did I ask you to produce their location? No. I did not."

Mandalore's attitude did nothing to further her gain. She wanted peace but it seemed that the young new leader was quite arrogant and a fool in her negotiations. Or, she was merely testing the Queen. Adraudia wasn't sure.

"What I believe is that if we are to have amicable arrangements between us, that such remarks should be avoided if we are to be companions. Agreed?"

Until the pettiness dissolved between them, it would be impossible to negotiate fairly for either party. Adraudia wanted a settlement between them, not a dissection of her words thrown back at her.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

"Agreed," she replied mildly. She was too quick with her tongue, and would have to guard herself. Still, the Queen showed she had a bit of a backbone, especially considering that Lilaena could snap her neck before anyone else heard anything was amiss.

Salem Ave was waiting outside, however, and that had to be taken into consideration. The private negotiations had progressed smoothly enough from that point on. The Mandalorians would recieve goods and supplies, and some limited access to the starport. Tenative relations were beginning, and Lilaena was determined to show that the Mandalorians could be trusted. As such, she was staying overnight in the City with her entourage.

The Queen offered to put them up in a nice hotel, not too close to the palace, and Mandalore had accepted.

They emerged, Mandalore a step or two before the Queen as they re-entered the throne room.

[Adraudia Basillie]

With the return of the Queen, a veil of apprehension was lifted. There were even a few small sighs of relief from the guards. Otherwise, the throne room waited in silent anticipation for Adraudia to speak.

She climbed the stairs to her throne, but did not sit, to address the assembled. "Mandalore and I have reached an accordance with one another. And as a sign of good faith, she has offered to remain inside Iziz City as a treaty is worked out. Our relationship as Onderons and Mandalorians have started on shaky ground, but I am certain after my talks with Mandalore today, peace will be had as trust is built between us.

Captain Androff?"

One of the guards step forward, who stood out from the rest with his crimson sash and plum adoring his helmet, and bowed. "Yes, your Majesty?"

"I've called ahead personally to The Yadran. They are in the midst of preparing rooms for Mandalore and her entourage. Please escort them to their destination."

[Razielle Alastor]

Razielle's face didn't change expression at all when the Queen and Mandalore emerged. She wouldn't give the Mandalorians the satisfaction of a reaction of any kind. Her chin held high, she waited patiently for the assembly to be dismissed. She would speak with the Queen, but at a more appropriate time. For now she remained as she was, serenely placed between the Prime Minister and the Royal Guards, her watchful eyes taking note of anything of importance.

There was much to be discussed. Mandalore, Legion, Dalamar.. Prettily worded peace treatise or not, Razielle didn't trust the lot of them. Then again, she didn't trust anyone, with the exception of the Adraudia and Salem, so it really didn't signify that she would just be adding a few more names to the list.

[Jecht Tar]

Jecht remained where he stood, standing still and unmoving like a statue, as the Queen returned to the room with Mandalore in tow and announced her decision on the matter. Jecht felt more then a little betrayed, feeling that the Queen should have discussed things with the General and himself before making such decision that could ultimately put Onderon in the biggest danger it has ever faced. Mandalorians inside the city, it was the unthinkable. Jecht did not hate the Mandalorians as much as the other's present. He had not grown up inheriting the hate from his parents, he was not native to this planet. His origins were a mystery to everyone here on Onderon. His birth on Ord Mantell, his days as a thief and later a space pirate. All those dark and dirty things he'd done in the past that had led to him crash landing on this planet. No one had asked. He finally moved in the form of shifting his weight from one foot to the other, but the movement was small and then once again he was a statue again, his blue eyes looking out at the Mandalorians, unblinking.

[Salem Ave]

The announcement was met not with applause, but silence. A treaty between Onderon and the Mandalorian's was something unlikely to ever be celebrated, but rather tolerated – at least by the public at large. Salem was pleased with the manner in which things were progressing. Lilaena had held good to her bargain, thus far, though it remained to be seen whether or not she could keep the Mandalorian's reigned in the long run...

[Hawkins Grime]

"Bugger off bloke!"

All four guards stood armed with their rifles aimed at Grime who had been tossed a good meter away and was currently standing back up. Grime had grabbed the speaker in impatience, attempting to intimidate his way through and had found that even the sloppiest looking guards of Onderon had sufficient training. They were meant to keep things like Mandalorians out. Four had obviously had been enough to grapple Grime to the ground and toss him out. His impatience had quickly turned to frustration and anger, somewhat at the stab to his dignity that he was now recovering from, but the four rifles spoke plenty by themselves of future consequences.

While the sweat on the mens' faces might have been the sudden adrenaline rush, it had suddenly become hotter, and the heat seemed to dissipate as the pale faced man walked away.

Grime turned the corner and spat some blood that had been gathering in the back of his throat while he had tried to wriggle his way into the palace. People stepped out of his way and passed by feeling the worse for wear as his discomfort and irritation hung in the air about him like the humidity of a swamp. De'Ville was wasting his time. Always leaving and accomplishing so much in the way of her revenge. What of his? And his training? What about him? Wallowing in his self pity, Grime stepped into his acquired residence and let the door slam behind him. Whatever she'd do, because he had no doubt that in the most pessimistic sense, Lilaena would get what she wanted, she had better have plans to share the wealth.

Sliding against a wall until he was sitting on the floor, he needed to sleep for an hour or two before he found something to occupy his time. There was no food in this place. But he needed it, whatever his pathetically fragile body could manage...

[Dalamar DeSang]

So it was done then. Lilaena would make a good ally for Araudia. Dalamar still did not trust the Mandolore they where to prone to violence. He did not imagine any kind of peace would last to long. There warlike tendencies always came to the surface given time. Also he didn't think Lil would keep her position among them. She had her own goals and leading the Mandolore was only a means by which she could acheive them.

But still who knows? Maybe peace could be reached. But history has a way of repeating itself and Dalamar has lived to long he hoped his cynical outlook was wrong this one time for the sake of Onderon.

He was proud of Araudia. She had handled things very well. His pain was fading and with it his concern of a little girl that had meant so much to him. She was growing up and she was doing WELL.