Weaving Duty and Friendship

[Ashar Nerofi]

Ashar had expected her new position as Senator to impose even greater demands on her time; but it was even busier than expected. She didn't regret her choice to accept Ave's offer though. She thrived in challenges and she loved pushing herself to new levels. She was still in the midst of building her cabinet with various aides and advisors, some of them had worked for her predecessor, others had been working with her in previous years, and there were also several new hires. It was a process in which she might be more involved than needed; but Ashar believed in giving her best to her Queen and the people of her home world.

Regardless of how many tasks and events were on her agenda, she always made sure to spend time with her daughter every single day, when she was on Onderon. Her beloved eight-year old was her gem, and nothing would take her away from her child and the loving relationship they had. Alrya's health had been improving again, and she was immensely grateful for it.

After a morning spent with her daughter, it was time to return to work, for she was to receive a special guest, one she had seen a few times in the past years, and got to especially interact with in the past few months as she started her actual appointment as Senator.

She had arranged for Senator Ardsul to be brought to her estate. Not only did it help her personal schedule; but it would also provide a less formal atmosphere for them to talk. She knew that the Queen would require her presence a few days from now because of the guests from the Tainar System, both their King and the new Commander of the Royal Guard; but she wasn't needed at the palace just yet.

Descending the large staircases leading outside her estate, the Marquess smiled as she saw the speeder driving her fellow Senator.

Once the vehicle stopped, Ashar (https://pixelz.cc/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/nina-dobrev-photoshoot-wqhd-1440p-wallpaper.jpg)took a few steps closer, smiling warmly as she saw the blonde.

"Welcome to Onderon, Senator," she said, still erring on the side of formality out of habit.

[Naome Ardsul]

Naomi was shocked, to put it mildly, when an aide of the newly minted Senator of Onderon contacted her to arrange a meeting. Despite Bortras being aligned with the Alliance since the days of the Rebellion, quite longer than Onderon's presence, the small system went unnoticed by many. It was a self sustaining, bountiful, system full of immense trade for food supplies. They were a planet of farmers and botanists which still didn't produce nearly as much as Chandrila, so it's existence was insignificant to the greater scheme of galactic powers. It allowed the people to thrive without threat.

Serving as Senator for Bortras was coordinating trade efforts with neighboring systems and used as ancillary resources during times of crisis - most recently sending food aid to Cona. An Inner Rim planet requesting an in person audience on their homeworld never happened. Naomi was curious, but also cautious of something dubious in mind. Her homeworld was small but special to her and she refused to have her people being taken advantage of by an aspiring Senator. Hopefully Nerofi's request was innocent.

As the speeder approached the estate, Naomi let out a whistle and muttered about this making the largest farm house on Bortras look like a hand made hut. When they stopped, the driver opened the door for her and offered a hand to help the Senator out, which Naomi politely took and thanked him.

Then her attention turned to Nerofi and smiled politely. "Thank you for extending the invitation, Senator Nerofi," said Naomi (http://As the speeder approached the estate, Naomi let out a whistle and muttered about this making the largest farm house on Bortras look like a hand made hut.) as her eyes then drifted to the lands and home around her. "You have a beautiful home here."

[Ashar Nerofi]

While Onderon had been a powerful world, despite tendencies to remain away from galactic dealings that ebbed and flew depending on its rulers, Ashar did not consider her home world as better than others. She was proud of her roots and of her work, dedicated to her Queen; but she valued individuals based on their ethics as well. And all she had ever witnessed of Naome Ardsul had made her eager to get to know the other senator better, and hopefully forge a friendship beyond their political interaction.

By all means, Ashar was not afraid or repulsed at the idea of manipulation when need be; but her invitation to Naome was genuine. She was still immensely proud of her new position after Ave's handpicking her, winning the election, and receiving the Queen's support. Yet she longed to form new bonds, both professional and personal.

Her thoughts had quieted by the time Naome exited the vehicle. She grinned, making her look more youthful than usual, for life had ensured she learned a few difficult lessons in her three decades.

"Thank you," she replied with a fond look at their surroundings. It was away from the city, and while it was quite large, it wasn't ostentatious in displays. She liked quality but also simplicity.

"I hope you had a peaceful trip to Onderon," she said, gesturing for them to walk towards a pathway into the gardens. It was the scenic route towards the guest aisle, and she knew that after space travel, stretching one's legs could do wonders.

"Please call me Ashar. I understand too well how formalities matter; but I didn't invite you just for diplomacy's sake. I have been very grateful for your help in the last months, and have learned a lot from witnessing your work. I am glad for this opportunity to speak without two meetings awaiting us already."