borntorebel | [IC] Appointments

[No, it has everything to do with breeding and upbringing. Anakin, Luke and Han didn't exactly have political savvy backgrounds before they were thrown in the thick of things. The fact that Luke picked it up, even late as it is, is proof of his patience and abilities. There's nothing to be done for Han and Anakin though.

As far as stubborn and strong-willed... Well, both of their children are those in spades, but in different ways.

Padmé may or may not like the fact that Leia still has issues with Anakin Skywalker and when she finds out who raised her, she might understand it more.]

Honestly, the wings are perhaps the easiest to ignore out of things that happen here. They eventually become a part of you. [Unless you injury them.] I suppose once you experience a Shift that...strikes closer to home, you will see that.

[She hesitates for a second before pressing forward in conversation.]

Would you...would you like to come in and have some coffee? Han is better at making it, but I'm sure I can make something passable to drink.

[They were already hurting less than they had been, although they are still awkward. She hasn't slept well the last few nights, finding the transition to be disturbing.]

I've no doubt, although I've only heard, so far, of the events that can transpire.

[There is her own pause, delicate in nature, although the expression on her face is genuine as she gives a nod.]

Thank you. I would like that.

[Leia remembers the first few nights of each of her stays in Luceti. They weren't easy. Although, this time it had been more...interesting with Han here.]

From what I've seen myself, the Shifts can change gender, age, add body parts, make other body parts go out of control, speed up or slow down time on certain objects. [She frowns a bit.] And go back in time. Though this latest Shift is manufactured by the man calling himself Romaeus to stop the war that nearly rips this world apart.

[Which was successful but costly in its own right.]

I won't claim to be an excellent chef, but coffee I can handle.

[She can't say that any of those sound particularly like something she wishes to experience. Although when such things are beyond ones control, it matters little. Still, if such does happen, Padmé will deal with it when it does. What use is there in worrying about things that might not pass?]

It feels like I've walked in to a senate session near the end.

[Grasping to make sense of things, and having little control or say in anything. Although, even if she is brought up to speed, it appears that the work is already done.]

I'm certain it will be lovely. [And she would drink it, even if it isn't.]

[Leia laughs brightly at her mother's comment, totally understanding it.]

Yes, I have to admit that it was like that for me too. There had been a...draft of the people here. Many had died. It certainly felt like being asked to vote on a movement with no information right away.

[There's always something to do, even if you have to look for it. And Leia has had to do much searching.]

Well, it'll be drinkable at least.

[She opens the door to the apartment and leaves it, heading to the small kitchenette area and heating water the way she watched Han do it so many times before.]

I'm sorry that things aren't exactly what you're used to, but all of the apartments here are rudimentary, at best.

[And at least it's not some tent out in the wild again. Leia likes the comfortable bed in the bedroom.]

[Going in not knowing would have bothered Padmé. It is something that she likes, to make an educated guess, not just go for who ever flashed the brightest. She has learned quite early that not all that glitters truly is gold.

still, that she even says such brings a wistful smile to her lips. It is clear that she does know what she is talking about. Politics, indeed.

She enters, tentatively, glancing around the area, as if doing so will tell her something about the woman who is her daughter.]

They aren't, no, but they serve their purpose, and for that I am grateful. [And one could say it is better than nothing.

And no sand. Anakin was out of sorts already. Sand would only have made matters worse.]

[If Padmé is hoping for some overtly feminine touch to the living quarters, she'll be sadly disappointed. Leia has been too busy trying to discover more about Luceti than prettying up a space she is sharing with the two most important people in her life.

No, instead, a few books and mechanical odds and ends are spread on the tables and a few chairs point to face to scene outside the windows. The kitchen area is clean and organized, however. It's mostly Han's doing, since he cooks the most, but he's good about cleaning up after himself.

If anything, the apartment says that she has no qualms about her roommates ir their habits and projects.

After letting the coffee brew and watching her mother as she looks around, Leia places the pot, sugar, milk and two mugs on the clear table.]

Please, sit. [She takes a seat herself and busies her hand with the near ritual of making the cup while her brain is strangely calm.] You must have a million or two questions. Ask them if you like. I'll answer the best I can.

[No sand is probably the one thing outside of family that Leia and Anakin can agree on.]

[In truth, she is trying to figure out what sort of a person her daughter is. It is only a rudimentary understanding that she has, and there is a slight awkwardness there. By Leia's knowing, no doubt Padmé knows her daughter, but as it stands, she is her daughter in name alone.

As Leia finished, Padmé comes, taking a seat delicately on one of the spaces available. Her eyes settle on her, smiling slightly, because that is about right. There are plenty of questions she could ask, but there is no rhyme or reason to it, no clear beginning.

Taking the cup of coffee, Padmé holds it, frowning slightly in thought.]

I'm not entirely certain where to even start. You're all grown.

[Leia can only imagine what it must be like.Perhaps if she'd been confronted with her own future children without the benefit of both Han and Luke's talks, she'd be just as confused.

In fact, she's sure she'd be livid, but for other reasons.

However, she also has the benefit of knowing her mother already and how to ease her into this a little.]

I'll tell you about myself first. That way you have a starting point.

I was born with the name Leia Amidala Skywalker. Luke is my older brother by a few minutes, though Luceti has altered that greatly. He and I are sadly the only children Anakin will have.

I was elected senator of my home world at eighteen and have had the benefit of being Mon Mothma's protege since that time.

[There are so many big things and little things... Her favourite food, her favourite colour, her favourite memories growing up... The little things are easy. The bigger things? Every moment ever missed, although they will only be missed so long as she is here.

She nods, adding a bit of sugar and cream to her coffee.] Thank you. I- I would enjoy that.

[She listens, quiet and still, although clearly focused and interested. Although, she does not that turn of phrase. Only children Anakin will have... Not that they would have. Is she thinking too much about that though? Is it simply how Leia wishes to phrase things?

But Luke is the older than, something she hadn't asked of Luke, although she did learn he is older than she is. There is a spark of interest there, a smile on her lips, and she doesn't have a reason to think of where Leia would be senator of...] Mon Mothma. She is a good choice.

[But, turning back to that random thought.]

You said- I don't have more children then, do I?

No, you don't. Luke and I are your only children, but your legacy is greater than us.

[Leia shakes her head in apology.] Forgive me for my phrasing. I didn't mean to imply something sordid between you and my...father. [The word is harder to come out in regards to the man who she understands better but has trouble communicating with.]

And I greatly admire Mon Mothma. I have learned much at her side and she has been a very great friend and mentor to me.

[A part of her is curious about that, about knowing just what that legacy is. She does try her hardest, working for the betterment of the Republic and its people. Ever since she was a child, it is something she has aimed for.

Yet, somehow, knowing that answer seems to diminish what will be...

She gives a smile, accepting her words for the truth that they were. It is noticed though. Father. Not dad. Is it their ages that make it awkward, or something more? But it does give her pause again.

It is a bit odd, as Padmé could say she hadn't even thought about having children yet, but here sits her daughter. Politics though is an easier topic for her. It is like breathing for her, something that comes so easily.]

I'm glad to hear that. The Republic can always use more Senators like her. I've no doubt you can go far... [Offering a soft smile.]

[The fact that she can even call Anakin her father is a step up from the time she'd told him he was a monster to his face. No, her dad is Bail Organa, as much as she wishes to have a better relationship with Anakin.

She's come to terms with things. How can she not with both Han and Luke there to show her that the future turns out alright.]

The Republic...yes, she is an asset to our galaxy. Between her and Senator Organa, I have had a great example set for me. I hope that I can live up to their expectations.

[How do you avoid telling your mother that you really do consider a man not her husband your father?]

[Her face does brighten at the mention of Bail. He has always been someone that Padmé herself has admired, and it is good to hear that he is still active. Not that she would expect otherwise, lest something happened to him.]

Both of them are to be greatly admired, and I have a feeling you will.

[They aren’t someone to just take on her daughter by name alone. No, she must be quite apt with politics. And, if that is the case, then she has no doubt that she will meet those expectations, and likely more.]

[If there is a topic that Leia could wax poetic on, it is on her adopted father. With Han and Luke being very close seconds and freedom a dear third. There is no one like him and she's sure there won't be again.]

I am lucky to have known both of them.

[Something she freely admits every day.]

However, I don't think you wanted to talk about mutual acquaintances. Is there anything you'd like to ask that I haven't already told you about?

Ah, but this is where I want to say everything and anything.

[But she offers a smile, because she knows not only is that vague, but that it accompanies a great number of things. Shared memories aren't shared right now. Padmé knows nothing about her other than her name and age and that she is her daughter.]

I suppose... [But so much. So very much. Her favorite colour, food, drink, place to be, book, song... The list could go on and on. Her eyes flicker as she draws in a soft breath.] The beginning. How was your childhood? What kind of a child were you like? It's- it probably seems mundane and silly... [Although she does want to know her daughter better.]

[It takes everything she has not to walk away from the table right then and there. She's shared some of her memories with Padmé before, but it was a Padmé who understood that her children were raised by other people. While Leia understands her mother's awkwardness adjusting to the idea of children she hasn't planned for, she cannot foist upon her the news of her future.

It's bleak and horrible. And not Leia's place.

After a few heavy, silent moments of intense thought, she resigns herself to having to skirt even more of the truth than she has been before now. She might have to outright lie, but she'd like to avoid that if she can.]

I was...wild. I ran around as much as I could, getting into trouble and scaring the adults around me a lot. At the time, I thought they were just trying to keep me in a cage because of who I was, but I see that there was a legitimate reason for their worry now that I am older and understand things more.

[She tries to smile, but it's so strained and falls flat.]

I once staged a protest at my school over being served vile, nasty juice. I believe I was seven at the time. And when that didn't work, I broke into the Headmistress's office and blasted forbidden music through the school's system and programmed some videos to say bad things when it focused on propaganda.

[There. No mention of the Empire or her adopted family outright. And the truth.]

Needless to say, I was expelled.

[She is a politician, one who has been said to be quite good. While she won't claim to know everything and understands that there is still much to learn, there are some things that Padmé has picked up. She likes to believe she is good at reading people, even if it is just based on her understanding and nothing beyond that. The pause is pregnant, enough to have something start to nibble at Padmé's mind, wondering if she somehow stepped in to something.

She listens though, the slightest hint of a smile at that first statement. Luke has left an interesting impression on her already, and somehow she can imagine that. No child of theirs would be meek or silent, at least she wouldn't think so. Then again, Padmé had been vocal without being disruptive. It seemed... more an Anakin trait than her own, to tell the truth. They both had strong personalities, just in different ways.

Still, there is something there again, and she notes that the smile isn't genuine. She doesn't know why though, as her eyes shift across her daughter's face, wondering if this was a mistake. Yet, how could it be? It was her daughter, and even if she didn't know her yet, she wanted to know her, to be more fully at ease.

Padmé hesitates though, picking up on that undercurrent, but not understanding the reasoning for it.]

It sounds, if that is only a sample, like you had quite an active childhood. Although that is, no doubt, an understatement.

[Her own tentative smile, although something is still working over her own face, trying to put together a puzzle for which she has no pieces to.]

It...wasn't easy, no. I got lectured—a lot—about proper decorum and how I shouldn't run around.

[She's not sure what to think right now. How to avoid telling Padmé the awful truth.]

I was much too much like Anakin, I think. Luke and I have joked that I got your looks but our father's attitude and disdain for things.

[It doesn't even hurt, now that she understands the man who sired her more. Anakin was human, and she'd been unable to see it before coming to Luceti and giving him a chance.]

Sabé used to tell me that I could have what I wanted if I didn't yell. That great people and rulers earned respect through compassion and good works and not letting evil win. I think she helped to shape me as much as anyone else growing up.

[That really did sound more like an Anakin trait, as much as it was anyone’s. Padmé had been a fairly well behaved child, kept busy and occupied by her parents. It didn’t mean she didn’t have fun and enjoy herself, as summer was a prime example of that, but she had never really received a real lecture.

Anakin though... Even if he was a Jedi, he always seemed to have boundless energy that seemed to buzz around him. Padmé found her features softening at that, a smile creeping up.]

No, that certainly wasn’t from me. We are both strong willed people in our own regards. We just show it and act on it in different means.

[Sabé... It was good to hear that she was still around. She had been a close friend, dearly loved by Padmé, a good influence to have. A fact driven home by what Leia said.]

Sabé was always quick- sharp and calculating. I think I learned as much from her as she did from me.

[Bail and Breha and their sisters had tried to raise Leia to the best of their ability to be more like her birth mother and not like her birth father, but she'd been precocious and active fore as long as she could remember. She'd run around the royal palace for as long as anyone would let her, playing with Winter and Neena or breezing through all of her studies that everyone set before her. She was the best and worst mixture of Padmé and Anakin as a child—but then, so was Luke from his own stories. She can see that now, with the benefit of being older and knowing both of them better.]

I'm sure that my tutors would have preferred if I'd behaved more like you. But I bored easily once all my studies were taken care of. And...well, I hated to see the mistreatment of others for merely being different. I was in a position to do something about, or so I thought at he time, so I did.

[Hearing Padmé talk about Sabé so kindly makes her feel at ease. She'd loved the Naboo woman almost as another aunt, though she tolerated a lot more of Leia's wilder behaviors than Bail's sisters.]

Well, she used to tell me stories about her former mistress and how headstrong she was. I'm guessing she meant you.

Perhaps, but you aren't me and are your own person.

[Which would have been something Padmé understood. She would have let her children take whatever path they wanted to take, to be whatever they wanted to be. She would have tried to teach them right and wrong, and to always help others, but she knew that they were there own individuals and wouldn't have held them by her standards.

She did pause though, before giving a laugh, shaking her head.]

I would deny that, but there is little point. [Offering a smile.] People underestimated me in the beginning, although they learned soon enough that I wasn't someone to be pushed or led around.

Well, yes, I am now, but as a child, I was sure that I had to be a clone of my elders to be a good girl. Or at least that was the feeling I got a lot growing up. Until I turned thirteen.

[Until Bail took her and began grooming her to take his place in politics and the fledgling rebellion he and Mon Mothma had started.]

It wasn't all bad. I had a very good friend who was my foster sister as well, Winter Rentac. We were inseparable.

I was mocked by those in the capital after I was elected, but my detractors quickly changed their minds when they saw that I wasn't afraid of them or their archaic ways of thinking.

[A soft noise at that, as that was something that Padmé could understand. Her path had always seemed to clear to her, although like any growing child, she had had her moments of self doubt. It was all a part of growing up, although she hoped that she wasn't one who put such pressures on to her.]

And what was it in particular about thirteen?

[Some event, no doubt, although what... Every one grew and learned at their own pace. She had said at eighteen she was elected senator, so it couldn't have been that.

She nodded though, thinking about her own handmaidens and how they had helped her.]

It is helpful to have those you can trust and rely on, who can give you aid when it is required, and vice versa. It isn't always the easiest profession on the world to take on. [Although she no doubt knew that, given the words she spoke next. The way her lips formed in to a light smile seemed to say Padmé could understand that as well.] No doubt they learned quick enough, or so I would hope.

[And there it was, the rancor in the room. What happened at the age of thirteen was hard to explain without mentioning who she'd actually been raised by.

She couldn't change the subject. It was something Padmé deserved to have answered, no matter how painful for Leia it was. Approaching the topic, however, would have to be handled delicately.]

Before I answer your question, Mother, I have to ask you a few things. If you don't mind answering them.

[She took a deep breath and plunged forward.]

When you arrived and spoke with my father, what exactly did he tell you about Luke and myself?

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Sorry, that was really supposed to include Padme too, but phone tags, man.

<3!

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