A Winter Flame

[Adron Malvern]

In space over Serenno Adron's shuttle came out of hyperspace. The flight officer's waiting for their fighter escort to drop hyperspace as well before making their final approach to the planet. Within the shuttle Adron sat beside Anya in the passenger bay, having fallen asleep he leaned back against the bulkhead, his hair having fallen over his eyes.

Having decided to bring Anya with him to Serenno they had left the same evening the decision was made, leaving no time for sleep. It was not until the blast door leading to the cockpit slid open that Adron's eyes slowly came open.

"My lord. Our fighter escort has just dropped into real space and we'll be starting our descent. We should be at Blackgate in five minutes." Sleepily nodding to the man Adron brought a hand over his mouth, stifling a yawn that threatened to escape.

He turned his attention back to Anya, still somewhat drowsy from the long trip. "That wasn't too bad of a trip. Although If I had known ahead of time I'd have brought a ship with a cot or a bunk."

The shuttle gave a slight pull as it began it's descent towards the planet. Finally, back home. Adron mused.

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

Serenno....amya could hardly believe the events that had transpired, she almost believed it to be just a dream but instead she could feel it was real.

She hasn't slept the whole way, most because her sleep schedule was a odd one add with the fact she was excited about what was happening....well she could probably go for a week

She blinked an slookwd over as she gave a nod and small smile

that I can agree with, though he could you've of known you'd be picking up something extra on naboo?

She teased as she felt the pull of gravity and the ship rock as she looked up then back forward again

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron's shuttle broke through the atmosphere, giving him the notification they would be there soon. Standing up, Adron drew himself into a long stretch. He was still dressed in the T-shirt and jeans from Naboo, though there was a cloak hanging on a nearby hook. He took the cloak, handing it over to Anya as he felt the shuttle's speed slow. "Here, you'll need this."

A low hum could be heard as the ship set itself down on a landing pad. Still drawn into a stretch Adron had finally gotten himself awake, yet he was still a bit groggy. The pilots both stepped from the back, the co-pilot messing with a nearby access panel as the head pilot stepped forward. "My lord. We have arrived. I'll have all of the ladies things transferred to the main estate?"

"Thank you. That would be perfect." Adron said, turning back to Anya. "Ready to see Blackgate manor?" He asked, his tone rather playful.

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

She stood as she gave her kegs a few moves to work the soreness our from setting down so long, it didn't really bother her just was annoying as all could be, she tool the cloak and smiled as she wrapped it around herself

thank you adron

She heard the hum of the ship and just the small shake of the landing, she stood fully as she sighed fully stretched and ready as she listened to the head pilot and adron converse before she gave a smile and nodded and smirked

lead the way my count

She said in a playful tone

 

[Adron Malvern]

Blackgate Manor​

The ramp on the rear side of the shuttle lowered down onto the landing pad, immediately a bone chilling gust of cold air bled into the ship. A small smile came over Adron as he inhaled the freezing air. Immediately the Count focused on his center, drawing a barrier within him with the Force. This kept him plenty warm as he stepped onto the loading ramp.

At first view Blackgate manor was exactly as one would think from an estate called Blackgate. The frozen appearance on top of an almost Gothic decor made for a stunning sight.

Adron led Anya towards the main building, as he did he gestured towards a giant ebony gate, from which the lands were aptly named. "That is the gate my great great grandfather built." Each side of the gate was held up by a stone statue, hooded and seemingly holding lightsabers.

"That's the reason we call it Blackgate manor." He said, pride dripping from his voice.

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

When that cold air hit her she placed a hand in front if her face then used her pyrokinesis to warm her body up as she let a breath out...definitely that cloak had helped her out a bunch, mostly because she found it a sign of polite of him to give it

She blinked as she looked around at the estate in awe, the name really told the truth the gate was black and seemed to have two statues as if guarding the place eternally, she looked over as he explained how how great great grandfather built the place

truly a place with pride and honor...i truly do feel honored that you see me fit to live here with you as a body guard

[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron considered the woman's words but ultimately returned them with a smile. "A bit more than just a bodyguard, but I do think you'll do well here." He said, climbing the stairs to the estate. Normally there would be a welcoming committee, prepared for when the lord of the house returned. Adron had that ceremony removed for the day, not feeling like the hassle of a receiving line. Two of Adron's security Officers opened the main door to the manor, allowing them passage inside.

Once inside it was much warmer, the main hall having an interior that match the architecture from Naboo. "Welcome to my home. Well, you're home too now." He said, a smile on his face as he said it. "Come on I'll show you where you'll be staying."

Taking her hand he guided her up a nearby stairwell, every so often a servant or security officer would pass by and give a quick greeting. Once they found themselves in a new hall Adron would glance at the portraits that lined it. In between every set of dark brown doors was a portrait of the many different members that had once lived in the house.

Not feeling a need to rush the explanation Adron stopped the two of them in front of a room in the center of the hall. He opened the door to show an exceptionally large suite. Inside there was a King sized bed, a walk-in closet, a personal desk, and a few other luxuries. "Here we are." Adron smiled at the decor that he had placed in the room ahead of time, filled with color and the room had been lined with floral arrangements, another thing he secretly arranged.

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

[member="Adron Malvern"]

She looked at him curious as to what he meant by that, bit left it alone as she walked up the stairs with him looking at the doors as they were let in

She felt that warmth hit her and immediately notice how the inside looked like some of naboo buildings, she looked to him with a smile as he welcomed her to her new home. She followed him and spoke

you were right about the architecture being similar, fits in perfectly to

She kept on following her eyes looking at the many portraits and all of the walls in such quite impressed with the place. She followed him to the door in the center of the hall, however when he opened the door and announced they were there she was behind in shock slowly walking in seeing the flowers that look fairly recent. She looked to him speechless

adron...did..ypu have those flowers set up...for me?

She said as she took the scent of one in and sighed with a bright smile

 

[Adron Malvern]

When Anya asked if it was Adron whom had the flowers prepared for her he simply offered her a silent nod, embraced by a smile.

He stepped into the room and made his way to the desk, opening the drawer to produce a datapad. "Here we are. You'll need this." He walked over to Anya, handing it over to her. "Tomorrow I'll explain how you can work for me....today just rest up and settle in ok? I'm going to go wash up and I'll meet you in my study whenever you're settled. It's down the next hall, the third door on the right."

Placing a soft hand on Anya's back Adron turned from the room, making his way out and down the hall. With a soft exhale he turned left, following the hall to it's end where a slightly larger bedroom door stood. The master bedroom, his bedroom, was only several feet from Anya's. In reality Anya was staying in a part of the house meant for family members, but Adron felt it wouldn't hurt, since the guest wing was often pretty quiet. The only other person to sleep on this hall was Kon, whose room was the very first on the left. He slept in the hall because Adron considered the Rodian family.

Opening the door to his room Adron took a look at the suite, outfitted with a bed that seemed it could easily fit four people. Adron made his way over to the bed and sat down for a moment, sighing as he laid back on the silk sheets.

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

[member="Adron Malvern"]

She didn't know exactly what to say, she was...well shocked say the least that he had done that for her. She simply smiled.

She watched him hand her a datapad and looked it over as she opened it and checked it out before looking back up at him. She was still wide awake but she needed to settle in her new stuff organized and settled

alright shouldn't take me long to get settled in im...quite rested already not even really feeling all to tired at all

She gave a smile as she felt his hand on her back and when he left she looked around then to her stuff before she sat down as she sighed and closed her eyes....so much had happened in less then a day, she was in a counts estate as a bodyguard doubling as a secretary and was also falling for him. She opened her eyes and tasked herself with moving around getting her stuff in the right places walking into that massive closet and putting her clothing up before she walked out and sat down again as she sighed out a hand rubbing those sheets before she stood and left the room

She walked only a few feet away to adrons room and knocked three times before saying

hey adron it's me

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron removed the rather plain civilian clothes he had donned for the trip to Naboo, no longer finding them appropriate for wear he returned to his standard garb. A black dress shirt and matching slacks hugged his body, a pair of ebony boots with silver clasps were fitted to match. Rather than allow his hair to be tied into a shifty bind he let it stay unbound, making it have a slightly larger appearance.

Hearing a knock at the door Adron slung his cloak over his shoulders, securing the silver clasps to his dress shirt before making his way towards the door. "Come in." He said, not adorned in the garb of the nobility.

While his clothing seemed to be slightly plain it was obviously made from the finest of fabrics, hand crafted purely for the Count of House Malvern. "Are you hungry?" He questioned, feeling a rumbling emerge from his own stomach. Adron knew a snack would probably be fairly nice around now. "If you are we can have something prepared. If not I'd like to give you the tour."

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

[member="Adron Malvern"]

Happened the door then stopped seeing how he looked, not in a bad way but one that just...made her stop and look for a few minutes before she blinked and gave a smile as she could see though plain it was still made from very fine materials

At his question she felt her stomach rumble lightly, she put a hand in her belly then chuckled as she looked back to him with a sweet smile and nodded

I could go for something light actually

 

[Adron Malvern]

As Anya spoke Adron took another moment to admire her scarlet hair, it taking his breath every time he saw it, it was easily her most identifiable quality and only helped to accent her beauty. Parting his cloak to the side he took her hand in his own, offering a kind smile as he opened the door behind her, leading her out towards the main hall. "Maybe just some fruit? Actually, I could have the kitchen make us some fruit smoothies, they're very good but they're pretty sweet." He suggested, his voice nearly echoing down the long empty hall.

Once they made it back into the main hall Adron crossed it with Anya, leading her to a smaller side door. The door led to a smaller dining room, easily capable of seating twenty people. "This isn't the main dining hall but it's enough. Honestly the main dining room is a bit big for anything less than ten people." The Count stated, though that hall was meant to seat nearly seventy in it's totality.

He pulled back a chair, gesturing for Anya to take a seat as he glanced around a bit. "I'm sure one of the cooks will be in soon, they're usually cleaning up from the staff's lunch about now."

Only moments later a Bith, adorned in a black chef's coat, emerged from a nearby door with a pad held in his hands. "Good evening my lord, will you be using our humble dining yet again? As you know, the Lord's kitchen is held to higher esteem and is more fitting." Adron met the man's words with an uncaring look, chucking as he responded. "It'll be enough Marix. This is my friend, Anya. We'd like a little something this evening, any recommendations?" The Bith nodded before gesturing back to the kitchen. "Allow me to see what's fresh, we just got a new shipment in this morning."

Adron nodded the Bith out, watching the alien turn back to the kitchen. "For a man who doesn't eat human food Marix is an amazing chef."

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

[member="Adron Malvern"]

She watched him as he spoke, she knew his eyes were on her hair and couldn't help but smile at that as she moved one out of the way. She gave his hand a squeeze as his touch was...calmimg to her

i...haven't has a fruit smoothie in awhile, in fact...years...

Her eyes looked down, she realized she had missed a lot of things. She walked beside him down the hall as she watched where they went so she could remember later, she looked around the place and listened, she was amazed this wasn't even the main one yet it held a lot. When he held the chair out she sat down and

I am patient, I rather have good food then rushed food

She felt the bith approach and looked when he entered as she listened to the two converse. When she was mentioned she simply bowed her head in respect. She watched the bith leave and listened to adron as she smiled...then A thought popped in her head

he seems so...you know I bet people think we're a couple already

She had said the rest thinking out loud mumbling to herself before shaking her head and smiling as she looked to him

I still can't believe I'm here in make me very happy to know...things are looking up

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron took his own seat next to Anya, stretching his arm before setting his eyes on her. When she suggested the people here most likely believed the two were a couple he simply offered a snort in response. "I'm sure of it. The Staff here make a habit of talking about how I need a "Good" woman to court. Most of the people working here helped raise me in some way or another. My Father's responsibilities were endless so he didn't have time for much more than our Jedi training."

"My mother was a Senator." He expanded, tapping his knee as he spoke. "So her time on planet was limited. Didn't make for the most comforting environment to grow up in...but our parents loved their children all the same."

The Count gestured back towards the kitchen as he spoke. "Men like Marix and Nuana, my head of security, often taught me a lot when my father was away. I suppose it's why I like to socialize with them over some of the newer staff." Adron reclined in his seat a bit before gesturing to the manor. "Anyway. Welcome home, how do you like it so far?"

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

She blushed as she realized he heard her, she looked embarssed a bit as she listened to him, even though she was blushing she syill.managed to smile but soon frowned hearing his story, seemed even though he has it all his childhood was a bit...rough just like hers

After listening she decided the full truth should be let put to him, after all he was giving her a home job...and made her feel extremely happy, plus if he was courting her she felt it was better for him to know

I'm enjoying it, beyond words...listen adron, what I said by my parents wasn't true...expecr for the dying part...

She took a breath in as she looked forward, as if remembering it all just kinda...shocked her her again

I was born on the outer rim in some war torn planet, my parents and I moved around in different places. One day a airstrip hit my house and killed my parents, I was twelve at the time, after that I sorta lost it and found passion and hope in fire i...did things I wasn't proud of committed many crimes...then I bounce around after I got picked up and well...now I'm here

She didn't know how he would react but she sat up confidently
[member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron listened to Anya's story, not surprised in her need to tell false stories to cover the truth. When she said she gained passion in fire it left him with an oddly arched brow before he finally spoke. "I'm not going to judge you on your past Anya. You never have to be afraid to tell me anything you know? I will never judge you." Adron said, a stern conviction in his voice to reinforce his point.

A few moments passed and the chef produced himself from the back room, carrying a bowl of fruit as well as a plate holding a tea set on it. Of course Marix knew of Adron's love of fruit and tea so it was no surprise the man brought some out. "Here we are my lord. Now, we have many fresh fruits so I'm thinking maybe a fruit cocktail?"

Adron shook his head at the Bith, gesturing towards the fruit bowl the man already brought out. "How about some smoothies instead?" The alien nodded with an amused look coming over his bulbous head. "Indeed, my lord." With that the chef returned to the back room. Adron picked up a small slice of apple and held it to Anya's lips. "Feel better now that I know?" He asked, curious if any guild came over her from hiding the secret from Adron.

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

She looked over at him quite surprised she them nodded at her as she teared up a bit and had to bow her head to keep herself from looking in his eyes and crying, she wiped her eyes and smiled at him

She watched the bith come back in and listened to the two of them converse, as she worked to calm herself down as she then looked to adron as he held a apple slice up and nodded as she took a bite blushing a little but looking him in the eye now

yes I do...i feel a lot better now that I don't have to hide anything

 

[Adron Malvern]

Adron leaned over, placing a soft kiss on Anya's forehead before smiling at her once again. "You don't." He reiterated, his lips drawing into a thin line as he heard a commotion growing outside in the hall.

"Where is he?!" A voice echoed through out the halls, a mixture of rage and urgency coming from the source. Adron planted his forehead on his desk, exhaling loudly as the commotion and mixture of voices only seemed to grow. "I wanted one day...just one d-." Before his sentence came to completion the door to the dining room was swung open, a teal Rodian leading a group of security officers into the room.

"My lord?!" The Rodian called, his hands filled with a pile of datapads. "My lord, you need to inspect the-."

"Anya..." Adron stated in a raised voice, bringing the entire group to a dead silence. "....will be joining us from now on Captain Nuana. A good friend of mine who will be serving as my personal assistant and bodyguard on short trips." The Rodian paused, his star-filled eyes scanning over the woman before he recovered himself, his composure returning. "Well....it is good to meet you Ms. Anya. Excuse my interruption."

The Rodian set the datapads on the table in an ordered pile, placing a hand on Adron's shouler as he spoke. "Please look those over my lord. There is...much to be done." He stated, before turning out of the room, the security staff following him out.

A long, drawn out, sigh escaped the man as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Looks like we may have to do a bit of work today, I'm sorry."

[member="Anya Loma"]

 

[Anya Malvern]

[member="Adron Malvern"]

She closed Her eyes feeling his kiss on her forehead, when he moved back she felt the are he kissed and gave a smile at him, however she teamed up hearing the commotion her hand standing to grip her blaster in instinct

She looked over to adron as she looked confused, her hand nearly drew her blaster as the door swung open, it was visible to those that would enter the room. She relaxes as she straightened herself up and stood to bow respectfully

your interruption is forgiven captain it is a pleasure to meet you finally

She looked at all of the data pads as she sighed, she then looked to adron as she frowned and put a hand on his shoulder smilimg then leaned to peck his cheek

hey we can do this, two against...a lot...better odds then before right?

She took a pad as she started scanning it her eyes moving rapidly