Alderaan - Love and Intrigue

Blai had last been here over an year ago, and even then for just a few days. Looking at the furniture and the decorations from the outside, smelling the trees and shrubs in the garden, it was all a bit surreal. Whenever he came back these days, it felt a bit like a dream. Memories came rushing back, both good and bad - although that was true for Alderaan as a whole as well.

And at the same time, the memory of a strange sort of loneliness came back. Which was particularly weird given most of his time was spent pretty much with only Elur as a companion. But then, he expected to be alone, or at least mostly alone, while exploring dense forests, deserts or frozen lands in backwater worlds. There was a comfort in that loneliness, even. Now here... There was this strange loneliness. One shouldn't feel that while home, is what he felt.

But then, was that really home?

The thought kept nagging in his mind as he kept looking at the front door of the estate.

After a while he rang the bell to make his presence known. Maybe to Dariana? Maybe to his brother? He wasn't even sure of that.

It was a busy place, House Frayus was holding their own smaller festival for the locals, nothing as extravagant as at the Spring Palace, but still a costly affair. The servants showed him inside and it was as he remembered it, some things had changed but a large painting of the current family still was set above what was nicknamed the throne room.

There seated in her normal chair was Countess Dariana Frayus, she was receiving guests and handling House business with a droid assistant running her small court.

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 18, 2021 12:47 am

Dariana Frayus.jpg
It was a busy place, House Frayus was holding their own smaller festival for the locals, nothing as extravagant as at the Spring Palace, but still a costly affair. The servants showed him inside and it was as he remembered it, some things had changed but a large painting of the current family still was set above what was nicknamed the throne room.

There seated in her normal chair was Countess Dariana Frayus, she was receiving guests and handling House business with a droid assistant running her small court.

Blai took some time taking all of the sights, smells and sounds in. He came inside followed by the large she-wolf, who seemed similarly focused on taking in the scents and sounds of the busy estate. Still somewhat unsure, Blai took a deep breath, trying to relax and put a smile on his face - hopefully Elur would have something like it on her face when approaching as well.

He walks slowly towards Dariana, greeting the other visitors with nods or somewhat more formal addresses as appropriate, then waited to have the Matriarch's attention.

"Your Grace, Aunt Dariana", he said kneeling down a bit with a smile. "I'm home, as you asked."

She leaned forward and resting her chin on her hand and said, "That you are, welcome home. I presume you realize the honor you have been given to represent our House at the Queen's Spring Festival?"

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:27 pm

She leaned forward and resting her chin on her hand and said, "That you are, welcome home. I presume you realize the honor you have been given to represent our House at the Queen's Spring Festival?"

Hearing her voice and tone, he kneels down in earnest. "I... I do, aunt Dariana. I... just didn't expect it, is all. But I hope to do my best to represent our house!"

He keeps his eyes down. "Ah... I... wanted to see you, and see home, Aunt. But also... I thought I should probably ask. Do you... have any particular expectations of me during the festival?"

She leaned back and said, "I had no other options at the moment."

"Simply do not bring shame to us, if you find success all the better," she said to her nephew.

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:36 pm

She leaned back and said, "I had no other options at the moment."

"Simply do not bring shame to us, if you find success all the better," she said to her nephew.

Blai keeps silent and blinking for a while. He knew that was true, of course. But... how should he react?

After a while, he pops out of his blank state, shaking his head slightly and giving her another smile. "Of course, aunt, I would never want to shame our honoured family", he says. His words are honest, but he still seems a bit unsure for a while. Another moment passes, Elur seems restless for a moment, he runs his hand through her coat and that calms him down and reassures him.

"Any other matters to take care of, aunt?", he finally asks. "I... I'm sorry to ask, but... Have things with Claw have come to something? Would you maybe... want me to seek him out? Or do something about it?"

He really hoped to hear some good news about Dariana's wayward son... even if he somehow doubted it. He still had some hope that he could be brought back to his senses, and to his rightful place...

"Do not worry about that, it is superfluous to our situation at present. You will have enough to consider at the Spring Palace. Your mind must be focused on your task and not divided," she responded sternly.

Dapper Dog wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 19, 2021 10:47 am

"Do not worry about that, it is superfluous to our situation at present. You will have enough to consider at the Spring Palace. Your mind must be focused on your task and not divided," she responded sternly.

He nods to Dariana, head still down. "As you say then, aunt. I'll keep my mind focused on the festival."

Or do the best to keep it there, at least..., he thought even as he said it.

"Thanks again for receiving me, aunt, and for your trust. I'll do my best!"

(/scene?)