Blood of Mandalore

Chapter Six: The Celebration

The gap between day and night was nonexistent as the minds of the celebrants of all worlds and classes as they came together, their victory over the Empire and the warlords ever fresh in their psyche. As the blue skies fade revealing a void with trillions of twinkling lights, so came a rainbow of lights filling the streets. Paper lanterns, neon lights, fireworks, the city of Theed was a moving art piece. Effigies of Imperial officers draped in black cloth were burned with citizens dancing around the site, bright orange highlighting the bare flesh of many who participated.

The Palace of Theed practiced restraint in the activities within. Grace, calmness, and a cool demeanor found itself in the personas that presented themselves before the Queen and her court. Yet it was not an indication of less zeal and lowered feelings of patriotism. Courtiers, senators, ambassadors, and invited guests of no status would join their brethren on the streets with their raw emotion if decorum did not dictate them.

Many large rooms were opened up for the plethora of guests. Queen Jaissinia resided in her throne room, a physical and literal seat of her power while most of the furniture had been reappropriated for the event. Her throne was raised with a constructed platform so that she may see over the crowds with a few seats of honor situated below her. The Queen lounged comfortably, thankful her dress was made large and loose though still fashionable. With her left hand she fed herself a snack. The right rested protectively over her growing bump. She bowed her head every time a dignitary or official was presented to her court, thus marking their official appearance according to the establishment's customs.

The left corner of her lips upturned, hearing Marshall Carasynthia Dune be announced. She can only imagine the scowl on poor Cara with her full name being thrown out into the open, something she despises. Much to the Queen's surprise, Cara wore a dress. It was a time of new changes and progress; but she certainly did not expect that. The two women lock eyes, Jaissinia silently inviting her to climb the steps to her throne.

"Marshal Dune." Jaissinia greeted her.

"Your Majesty." Cara offered a small courtesy.

Lifting her hand from her belly, the Queen gestured to Cara to take one of the comfortable seats of high honor. The Marshal does so, slowly taking a seat being mindful of her dress.

"You look very beautiful. I don't think I've seen you in anything but trousers and boots." Jaissinia lightly jokes.

"Really? I guess I never wore them after Alderaan was gone. I used to wear them all the time before the war."

The two women laugh and engage in conversation, noting they also chose the color blue which excited them. Jaissinia was covered in a royal blue with gold elements. On the other end, Cara used a light blue for flair but chose the comfort of black for the bulk of her look. Their talks progress quickly and Cara scoots closer to the Queen.

"Do you really think something will happen tonight?" The Marshal lowers her voice.

"I wouldn't be surprised either way. For three years, nothing has happened. Yet this year is different. A Moff was taken down."

The Remnant, whether they're all independent sects or fleets belonging to the same post-Empire state, is stirred up. Violently so. As Queen, Jaissinia is privy to information kept from the general public of the Republic worlds. Those still loyal to the Empire have not ceased their attacks on worlds in the Outer Rim. Rumor has it they call a system in the uncharted part of the galaxy their home. She can only imagine how many are in their ranks now.

"Whatever happens, I'll take down as many as I can." Cara flashed a large grin, prompting the Queen to reach over and tenderly grab her hand.

"Oh how I love you, Cara. I wish you would visit me more."