Talia's heart was pounding uncomfortably for the second time that day as she prepared for her dinner with Kavar. Pacing restlessly in her enormous closet, she tried to decide what to wear.
After several moments of laying outfits across her bed and debating with herself as to the merits of each, she finally selected a full-skirted green silk dress with the most delicate of ruffles cascading on the bodice, a gift from an Alderaanian diplomat. Not sure what to do with her uncovered long black hair, she wound it into a simple bun, pinning it down with a delicate emerald hairpin.
Admiring herself in the mirror, she was happy to find that she looked strikingly pretty, especially in the non-traditional garb.
I was young when we first met, she thought wryly. I wonder what he will think of me now?
Breathing in, she opened the door of her room. The train of her dress slithered quietly on the marbled floors of the palace, echoing crisply in the enormous expanse of the ceilings. She thought endlessly about what they would talk about. Should she be political and dignified? Charming? Ask him personal questions? She had been taken aback by the shift in his countenance. He seemed to have acquired a heavy burden that had not been there seven years before.
Talia remembered the day she first met Kavar with perfect clarity. She had been only eighteen when the already famed Jedi Master arrived on Onderon. He had come to meet with her father and act as an impartial third party in the negotiations for her planet to become a part of the Republic. Curious to see what the Jedi looked like, she eagerly watched from the balcony of her suite, scanning the Palace ramp leading from the city of Iziz.
Then, like a vision, the Jedi Master arrived. He was instantly identifiable from his robes; unique to the Jedi Order, but the man himself was nothing like Talia had anticipated. She had pictured a wizened old sage with a cane, and a peaceful manner. But this… this was a young god, intense and strong. His golden hair caught like a shattered sun in the warm summer light, and even from the balcony she could tell that his chiseled features were extraordinarily handsome. His stance, his walk- all betrayed the confidence of sinewed strength and comfortable masculinity. Yet there was a softness about him, a natural good humor that shone through his serious expression.
She was in love.
Over the next few weeks that Kavar stayed in the palace, Talia watched from afar. She caught him alone once while walking in the gardens, and after that first encounter they had shared many a conversation together. He was always interested to hear her opinions, and the then-princess was delighted to find that they shared a common mind about many things. His warm, practical nature provided the perfect complement to her cool façade and fiery stubbornness. Not to mention that his manners were as charming as his good looks. Her feelings for the Jedi (who was ten years her senior) increased with every passing day, with every glance.
Talia dreamed about him long after he left Iziz. She spent many nights crying with girlish frustration, not knowing if he returned her ardent affections. And knowing that even if he did, it was an impossible match. The Jedi, she learned, weren't allowed to love anything but the Force. When her father died suddenly a year later, she ascended the throne to become Onderon's youngest queen, at nineteen. Many in the court hoped that she would make a political marriage. But still she rejected suitor after suitor, knowing in her heart that there was only one man she could ever love.
Six years passed. She defended her planet fiercely against the Mandalorians, and won Onderon's affections in the process; she solved disputes and trade negotiations, gave speeches and rallies. She worked tirelessly for the good of her people. But she never forgot. So when the rumors floating throughout Iziz reported that Master Kavar had been killed, Talia was stricken to her core. She mourned the fact that she would never see his perfect face again, hear his forthright wisdom. She mourned, all while moving through her duties with a cool exterior.
After a year, she had forced herself to accept it, to try and move on. But just as she had begun to put her golden idol aside, he reappeared. Warm, breathing, strong. Alive.
Talia moved through the palace so lost in her thoughts that she scarcely noticed where she was walking. After length, she saw that she had arrived in the lavish private dining hall. The crystal chandelier hung low and dim, and several candles had been lit.
Now looking up from her reveries, Talia was embarrassed to note that Kavar was standing by his chair, staring at her with a curious expression. Blushing faintly, she smiled as he bowed deeply. She approached the head of the table. As she did so, Kavar pulled out her chair from the table with a flourish, gesturing for her to sit. Her heart skipped a beat again.
Stop it, she told herself sternly; you've had far too much experience with the public to be acting like a nervous schoolgirl because of one man.
Another voice in the back of her head whispered,
Not just any man.
Hush, she shooed the inner voice away.
"Thank you," she said graciously, seating herself.
"Again, my pleasure, your majesty," he said smoothly, pulling out his own chair with a clattering noise.
A servant entered bearing the best Onderonian merlot and two crystal glasses. The two watched as he poured the rich red wine halfway to the brim of each glass.
Raising their glasses in silence, they each took a small sip.
"I had forgotten the excellent quality of the wine here," Kavar said, "It's a distinct joy."
"One of the few you can find in Iziz at the moment, I'm ashamed to say," Talia said darkly. "My people are tearing each other apart, as you might have guessed. The situation here is not a happy one."
Kavar sighed.
"I figured as much. Vaklu seems to have gotten quite a hold in the Council of Lords. Can you tell me what, exactly, he has been preaching recently to the people of Onderon?"
Talia's angled brows cinched with anger.
"That traitor has tried to undercut my authority at every possible turn. First, he instigated this ridiculous military blockade, insisting that his soldiers check all incoming ships for 'Republic treachery'. It's been a nightmare, trying to negotiate with the Republic diplomats who are increasingly irritated with Onderon's behavior. And he is beginning to round up several so-called 'spies'; in other words, journalists who speak the truth about Vaklu's actions. He is out of control, but I have no real credence with the higher ranks of the military. I cannot stop him."
She paused for a moment, frowning.
"He claims that the Republic has brought nothing but misery to Onderon, with the advent of the Mandalorian Wars and then the restoration process after the Jedi Civil War. We have had to give much seed wildlife and animal species to aid war-torn planets, such as Telos. Not to mention the soldiers that we had to send during the Jedi Civil War. I personally think it's our duty to help where we can, and that doing so will eventually be for Onderon's benefit, but Vaklu disagrees. He has been very… persuasive with the common people," she said in a disdainful tone. "He is a master politician, and many believe his lies about the Republic. And they still see him as a beloved war hero, the savior of Onderon. Which, to be fair, he was, once. He single-handedly helped to defend against the incoming Mandalorians, and we were all grateful."
Kavar smiled bitterly.
"Ah. Heroes are dangerous. Take Revan, for instance. Savior of the Republic from the Mandalorian Wars… "
"Destroyer afterwards," finished Talia. "Vaklu mentions that frequently, as a matter of fact. He believes the Jedi have caused irreparable damage to the galaxy, and to our way of life."
Kavar looked thoughtful, taking a sip from his wine. His forehead creased again, causing his strong face to fall into shadow.
"It's true. We're to blame for much of the destruction. All this… a new Sith threat… it would not have happened were there no Jedi Order."
Talia leaned forward in her seat, concerned.
"You are too hard on the Jedi," she said, "I believe it is simply the nature of all sentient beings, even non-Force users, to give in to the dark at times. It is difficult, to choose the light."
"Wise words, your majesty. But we have so much responsibility. The Force touches all life, and if we are careless…but enough of my brooding," Kavar said, cutting himself off mid-way. "It does no good to dwell."
"So, is there truly another Sith Empire? If so, that is most disturbing news." Talia said, shifting the subject.
Kavar laughed harshly.
"To call them 'Sith' is technically incorrect, but yes, in a sense," he said. "I have reason to believe that there are quite a few factions, driven by dark, ancient philosophies that re-emerged after the recent wars. It's almost as if they drain the Force from those they destroy, thereby satisfying some uncontrollable hunger. I have a notion that they were drawn to the meeting on Katarr for exactly that reason: to feed on the strength of the gathered Jedi."
The same sad tone passed through Kavar's voice as he mentioned the massacre. His eyes held a world of pain. Talia felt a rush of empathy for what he must have endured in the last months. To be thought dead and return again, only to find that everyone you knew had vanished… she could not imagine it.
Without thinking, the Queen placed her smooth white hand on his, which was lying on the table. He looked up, slightly startled, but did not move away.
After a few seconds Talia felt her face beginning to redden. She placed her hands firmly back in her lap.
"I'm sorry, Master Kavar."
"For what?" he inquired, one eyebrow cocked in curiosity.
"Your losses. You've been through so much. And..." she breathed out, "for my imprudence. I didn't think."
A faint smile played around the edges of his full mouth.
"Thank you, your majesty. And as for the second thing, I can assure you that I didn't mind."
His pale blue eyes met hers. She turned away from his steady gaze, sipping her wine.
The rest of the meal passed in what seemed like moments to Talia. After she had overcome the initial shock of his arrival, it was so easy, so natural to talk with him, whatever the subject happened to be. As they finished dining, Kavar offered to walk her to her chambers. They reminisced about their weeks together seven years before, their voices echoing through the enormous and empty corridors.
"And I remember you walked in preciselyas he was going through his speech about 'building blocks' and 'resources' for the hundredth time. Do you remember what you said?"
Talia laughed richly.
"Something horrible, I'm sure."
"You said, 'If we're going to help build the Republic, Lord Talbot, I know what kind of building blocks we won't need- the ones made of your hot air."
They both chuckled heartily for several moments, then fell silent again, contented. Looking around, Talia saw that they had reached the doors of her rooms. The two guards that were always stationed outside her room nodded in acknowledgement of their queen, stepping far to the side. She touched the security panel, opening the doors as she said,
"I'm surprised you remembered, after so long."
"I remember much from that time," he said thoughtfully, looking amused. "You had such a temper."
"It was awful of me," she said, shaking her head and turning to face him from her doorframe. "I'm sorry to say I haven't much changed since then."
At this, the Jedi Master surveyed her with interest.
"I would have to agree. Your tenacious strength has only shown itself for what it always was."
Talia giggled slightly, and then quickly reproached herself for being so ridiculous.
"I'm sure I do not deserve such a compliment, Master Kavar."
"And I'm sure that you do."
Talia wasn't quite sure what to say. She was relieved when he continued,
"And please, call me Kavar."
A shy smile broke across her face. As she turned to walk into her apartments, she looked over her shoulder.
"Goodnight then, Kavar. I'll see you in the morning, then."
"Rest well, your majesty."
Talia closed the door.