Lira was taken to Avengers Tower shortly after she'd allowed Earth's mightiest heroes to offer her sanctuary. The gleaming skyscraper pierced the New York skyline like a beacon, its modern architecture a stark contrast to the celestial halls she was accustomed to. As they settled into the tower's communal living space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of Manhattan, Lira began sharing tales of her home.

Her voice carried a hint of melancholy as she described her kingdom - a sprawling empire spanning three solar systems, with crystalline cities that seemed to float among the stars. She painted vivid pictures of her galaxy's twin purple suns and the rings of inhabited asteroids that served as trading posts between worlds. The politics of the Galactic Senate, she explained, were just as complex as Earth's - if not more so - with representatives from thousands of species gathering in a grand amphitheater that could hold millions.

Steve Rogers, still in his tactical suit but with his cowl pulled back, leaned forward in his seat, his blue eyes intense with curiosity. His question came carefully, diplomatically: "Do you know who we are?"

Lira's silver eyes flickered with recognition as she gazed at each of them in turn. "I do recognize you somewhat," she admitted, her accent giving her words an otherworldly lilt. "You're Earth's protectors, aren't you?"

Tony Stark, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until then, pushed himself off the wall he'd been leaning against. A smirk played across his face as he adjusted his designer suit jacket. "Sure are, sweetheart," he replied proudly, the arc reactor glowing subtly through his shirt.

Lira smiled, a knowing gleam in her silver eyes. "I remember Anakin telling me about you," she said, absently toying with one of the luminescent crystals woven into her long hair. Her posture shifted, taking on the regal bearing that betrayed her royal upbringing. "How you're great defenders and all that."

She leaned forward slightly, a playful smirk dancing across her face. The gesture made the cosmic markings on her skin shimmer in the tower's ambient lighting. "Sure you can beat a Jedi, though?" The challenge in her voice was unmistakable, and she arched one elegant eyebrow.

Tony laughed, the sound rich and confident as he spread his arms wide. The holographic displays around him flickered with his movement, casting blue light across his features. "Oh sure we can, sweetheart," he drawled, shooting a conspiratorial glance at his fellow Avengers. The billionaire's trademark sass was on full display, though there was genuine curiosity in his expression at the mention of the Jedi.

Lira grinned, her expression softening from its earlier challenge into something more genuine. The diplomatic training of her years in the Senate showed in how smoothly she shifted the playful confrontation into an offering of friendship. "Going to be good friends then, Tony," she said, her melodic accent wrapping around the words. "So someday we can spar, and you'll see if that theory of yours holds true."

The lights of New York's skyline twinkled behind her through the tower windows, creating an almost ethereal backdrop. Tony's eyes crinkled with amusement as he stepped forward, extending his hand in an exaggerated formal gesture. His custom-made watch caught the light as he moved, its face displaying miniature holographic readouts.

"That's a deal, Chancellor," he replied with theatrical gravity, though his trademark smirk remained. His use of her political title showed he'd been paying more attention to her earlier stories than he'd let on.

Lira took his offered hand, her grip firm and confident. The gesture sealed more than just a promise to spar - it marked the beginning of what promised to be an interesting friendship between Earth's greatest defender and the intergalactic visitor.

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ.  

Weeks later...

Lira was humming softly to herself in the luxurious shower of her Avengers Tower suite, letting the hot water cascade over her dark curls. Steam filled the spacious bathroom, fogging the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. She'd let her hair grow out since arriving at the tower weeks ago, the lengthy curls now reaching the middle of her back - quite a change from the formal, shorter style she'd maintained during her Senate days. A small smile played on her lips as she ran her fingers through the wet strands; having long hair had been a surprising joy, so different from the rigid protocols she'd followed back home.

The sudden, urgent beeping of her comlink cut through the peaceful moment. Stepping out of the shower stream, she wrapped herself in one of Stark's ridiculously plush towels (the man spared no expense, even on bath linens) and quickly dried her hair with another. The familiar weight of responsibility settled back on her shoulders as she activated the device.

"Yes?" she answered, her voice still carrying the relaxed tone from her shower.

"Oh my stars, Chancellor, you're- you're alive!" The holographic projection of Obi-Wan Kenobi flickered to life, his familiar accent carrying equal measures of relief and concern. His usually composed features showed signs of stress and worry.

Lira turned her head slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion as water dripped from her curls onto the marble floor. "Master Kenobi, what's wrong? Why wouldn't I be alive?" The casual atmosphere of moments ago evaporated as she registered the genuine distress in his voice.

"Well, we've been looking for you!" Obi-Wan's projection gestured anxiously, his robes swaying with the movement. "Due to your importance on a mission to another planet, when we headed to your chamber the other day and didn't find you... we've been searching for weeks!" His voice carried the weight of countless sleepless nights spent in this search.

Obi-Wan's gaze briefly flickered over Lira's towel-clad form, and he blushed profusely at the unexpected sight.

"Chancellor, pl-please put on some clothes," he stammered, his Jedi composure slipping for a rare moment.

Lira let out a light laugh, the sound melodic and full of mirth. With a snap of her fingers, her outfit materialized - a pair of dark wash jeans that hugged her curves and a bright red shirt from one of Nat's favorite garment shops.

"There, better?" she teased, arching one elegant eyebrow at the flustered Jedi Master.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat, pointedly keeping his eyes focused on Lira's face. "Yes, much better, Chancellor. I apologize for the intrusion, but we've been deeply concerned for your safety. When we couldn't locate you, the Council feared the worst."

Lira's expression softened with understanding. "I understand, Master Kenobi. I'm afraid I've been...preoccupied with matters here on Earth. But I assure you, I am quite safe." She glanced over her shoulder, as if making sure no one else was in the room. "Though I admit, I've been meaning to contact you. There are some things I believe the Jedi should know."

Obi-Wan leaned closer, his brow furrowed with concentration. "Of course, Chancellor. Whatever you need to share, the Jedi are at your service."

Lira smiled warmly at Obi-Wan's words, the tension easing from her shoulders. "I'll be sure to fill you in on all the details, Master. I know this must be concerning, but I believe it's information the Jedi should have."

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully, stroking his beard in the familiar gesture Lira knew so well. "Hmm, alright. I'll be sure to inform the Council, but I won't share the specifics just yet." He paused, then offered her a kind, almost romantic smile. "Come back to us soon, though, Chancellor. Anakin and I - hells, the whole Galactic Army - we've missed you."

Lira laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I'll be sure to do that." She gave him a playful wave as his holographic form flickered and disappeared.

Leaning against the sink, Lira studied her reflection in the mirror, a small smile playing on her lips. "For a man of the Jedi Order, he's certainly charming," she mused to herself, her fingers tracing the damp curls framing her face. The warmth of Obi-Wan's concern had touched her, a welcome respite from the whirlwind of activity she'd found herself immersed in on Earth.

With a contented sigh, Lira pushed herself off the sink and began to dress, already planning when she might be able to return to the familiar comforts of the Jedi Temple. There were important matters to discuss, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of peace, grateful for the caring individuals she'd found amidst the heroes of this planet.