Mynbak, Albaryn.

It was a rarity for an important diplomatic delegation to visit the system when King Starfallen was himself traveling. A twist of fate had it that such was the case when another King was set to visit Albaryn. It was only a matter of a couple of days before Starfallen would return from his own travels to Onderon, to deliver Commander Di Scarra to Queen Basillie.

Regardless, someone had to welcome their guest of honor. The responsibility had befallen to Captain Seraphine Tankreyd, the acting Countess overseeing Bellataine, Albaryn's largest moon. Countesses Tel'kharn and Rayner would also visit for the extensive festivities celebrating their guest, for hospitality was a well-honed quality of the system.

Yet, Captain Tankreyd had spent the last week on Albaryn to ensure that everything would be ready. She still felt more at ease with military affairs than with politics and hospitality frills. Everything was up to par with what the King would have ordered though. After all, generations of Tankreyds had now supported the Starfallens even in dire times, so a peaceful diplomatic visit was a simple task in comparison.

Seraphine nevertheless hated being addressed as countess, for she considered that her aging and sick mother was to retain the title for as many years as she had left to enjoy, even though the scars of the past still ran deep in her mother's soul.

At last the day of King Tao had arrived, and everything was ready. Seraphine had been up since right before dawn, enjoying the sunrise during her morning workout from the terrace of the royal palace in the political capital. It was always a treat to witness the sun rise anew, regardless of where in the system she was.

She had checked with her advisors on Bellataine just to ensure that everyday matters went fine, and she had let both countesses know that their guest residences were ready at their convenience in the city.

Truth be told, she longed to wear her military uniform, the Tainarian blue and grey dear to her heart and also fine compliments to her fair skin and pale silky hair. Indeed, she did what was expected from a woman in her position, even as acting Countess, and opted for a form-fitting black dress, adorned with buckles that added some military flair. Since she didn't wear the colors of her planet upon her body, she altered her hair, letting it cascade with its new blue and grey highlights grace her naked shoulders.

It was the late morning when she stood at the edge of the pathway assigned for the space craft bringing the King of Adumar to visit them. She was flanked by royal guard, as well as a platoon from Bellataine, and selected guards from both Hural Prime and Hural II, each of these special addition bearing the family crests of the moon's overseers.

Hands clasped before her, her piercing eyes followed the descending ship, then fixating the boarding ramp that would eventually reveal their visitor.