Mother Knows Best

[Yula Perl]

​

Lapis Lazuli Hotel, Zeltros

Yula and Vik had been in no hurry to leave Midvinter. So much had happened on the world of ice and snow, from the revelation at the Howlin’ Wolf Inn to the revelation on the shores of the Frostvatn. It had brought them closer together, and now they were testing the waters of their newfound relationship. Physically, there wasn’t much to test beyond the obvious—they’d spent more than a few nights falling asleep side by side before their feelings came to a head.

Now they were back on Zeltros, the planet where they’d first met. Their mission—because Yula knew in the pit of her stomach how this would go—was to introduce Vik to Yula’s mother. Yula’s mother who’d consistently warned her growing daughter about the dangers of men (and women). Anyone predatory and anyone looking to get into her pants, really. They often overlapped.

But Yula was confident that her mother would like Vik, even if it took some convincing first.

The pair stepped into the lobby of the Lapis Lazuli, a luxury hotel in downtown Pleasure City that had recently been acquired by Heartbeat House. As a part of overseeing the takeover, Joza had been spending a good portion of her time in the hotel. Yula had contacted her mother beforehand to let her know that she’d be coming home for a visit, so at least her appearance wouldn’t be too much of a surprise.

“You ready?” Yula asked Vik as they stepped in the elevator, giving him an encouraging smile. She’d given him the rundown on how particular her mother could be…several times, in fact. Just to be sure.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

It would never cease to amaze him the vast differences between anywhere and Midvinter. The tall towers of buildings were not unlike the tall forests of Midvinter, they were just different. But still the overwhelming sense of scale would dwarf him and make one feel so small in the grand scheme of things but it was nothing by comparison to what they were about to do. For Yula, she had come home and seeking her mother but for Vik is was all he could do to keep his stomach.

On Midvinter, the suggestion of meeting her mother seemed like a good idea at the time and certainly nothing to worry about but now as they stepped into the elevator he was nervous and fidgety, "Do I look alright?", he asked her as she smiled at him.

Was he ready? no, but when would anyone ever be. He tried a smile which he hoped was a smile and not a grimace of pain and to cover his nerves he leaned close and kisses her cheek. Vik took stock in the fact he loved her, and would do this and more for her if she desired it but deep down he wanted this to go smoothly at least that Yula's mother would come to accept him.

The trip in the elevator was simply not long enough, before he knew it, the doors opened and he pulled in a long breath. But regardless of the situation a cheeky grin crossed his lips, "She is not going to try and eat me is she?", a twinkle in his eyes as all of a sudden all he wanted to do was be alone with his Yula.

Must be the air of Zeltros.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

She could understand his nerves. Yula had been anxious about meeting Vik’s mother, but Eva was far more…gentle compared to Joza.

“You look handsome as always.” She assured him with a kiss to the cheek. The elevator ride was shorter than she had remembered. “Eat you? No, but she can smell fear.” It was a wry joke almost mumbled under her breath, but there was some truth to it. Zeltrons had inherent empath capabilities which could be fine-tuned by Force training.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a hallway, though there were no guest rooms on this floor. Instead, they’d been taken to the corporate floor—the doors on either side of the walls would lead to various offices. As they headed to the door at the very end of the hall, a young man emerged from one of the rooms, caught sight of them and stopped.

“Yula?” His brow furrowed as he turned to face the pair.

“Ugh.” Yula groaned in turn as the man approach them, brows now arched in a mix of confusion and amusement. “Alan, what are you doing here?”

“I work here.” Came the response with just as much bite. “Someone has to keep the family dynasty running. Not like you’ve stepped in to help.”

The pair exchanged a scowl before Alan’s eyes traveled down to see that Yula and Vik were holding hands. “Oh, what?” Now he seemed more amused. “This is why you came home then, right? Getting married and wanted to get mom’s blessing?”

Yula’s response with a string of explicates and a scowl, of course. After a huff, she calmed down a bit. “Alan, this is Vik, my boyfriend. Vik, this is Alan. My aggravating brother.”

Despite the snippy words with his sister, Alan quickly assumed a more professional demeanor, though there still was a measure of surprise in his expression. “Good to meet you, Vik. Alan Perl, Heartbeat House.” The older of the siblings, Alan was a natural redhead like his mother—though currently his hair was dyed black, coiffed stylishly and sharply dressed. Like his father he was fairly tall and well built, not that he’d have been able to make the comparison.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She made him smile commenting on the way he looked, but that soon fell away, smell fear? He supposed he was scared in a sense, but not because of his live but he just wanted Yula's mother to give him a chance. To accept that he is now part of her daughter's life, and in turn .. the rest of her family. They did not get far along the corridor before another interrupted their progress. Vik could see the resemblance on his face, the young man before them with an attitude that was almost dismissive of Yula, even for a brother or maybe it was simply that Vik did not have siblings of his own that this was how they interacted with one another. Or there was a history that he did not know, either way he stood watching and listening.

"It is a pleasure to meet you too Alan, Vik Velkarson is my name", he extended his hand to shake that of her brothers. He cast a quick glance to Yula, not certain on how she wanted to proceed but already his stomach lurched, if this was the reaction of the brother, how? in Odiir's beard, would her mother react. He pulled in a long breath, steeling himself for the moments to come, but in it he pulled strength and set his body firm to face whatever was to come. Standing tall above her brother, he gazed down into his face and there was an imperious look about Vik.

"Yula's destiny is her own, and only she will choose it", he responded to the cutting comment of her not helping. Aggravating her brother might be, but Vik did not like his tone with Yula and grew defensive. In fact, there was a kindling of something, a part of Vik that wanted to hurt this Alan .. something hidden deep and written on his soul from places only the Gods know. Vik did not like it, but it was there .. and in the corridor the temperature dropped to the point where small crystals of ice formed on the walls. It was only fleeting, they soon melted but the magic stirred within him.

Vik shook his head clearing his thoughts, before the return of his warm smile appeared. "Shall we find your mother?", he returned to Yula now, dismissing the reaction of the brother.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Alan’s brows lifted at Vik’s comment, looking towards his sister. What happened next he didn’t not expect—tremors in the force caused his expression to crease and he instinctively went on alert, taking half a step back from Vik as the temperature dropped dramatically. He could have sworn that some of the pictures on the wall looked as if they were icing over.

And then it was over, a rapid thawing as Vik looked towards Yula and suggested heading on to their final destination. Alan grumbled something about being late for a meeting and stepped out of their path, making his way towards the elevator while fixing his hair. Not that there was anything wrong with it, just habit.

For her part, Yula had never seen this side of Vik before. She liked it. “Thank you.” She squeezed his hand and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. “But don’t take the things he says too seriously. Alan just likes to get a rise out of me.” Which, ironically, worked much of the time.

With that obstacle over, they moved onto the door at the end of the hall. As Yula went to knock, the door opened from the other side.

“Yula! I’m so glad you’re home.” Immediately she was pulled into a tight hug by her mother. Yula grimaced at the painful squeezing. “Oof, ouch ma. I swear I just heard one of my bones crack.” This did not seem to deter her mother, but the older woman did pull away to cup her daughter’s cheek. The pair looked strikingly similar, though Yula’s mother was crimson of hair and had a more vibrant skin tone. “Oh hush. You’ll always be my baby, you know that right?” Unlike the more reserved Aelvar, Zeltrons had no qualms about public affection or declarations of love. Or, at least Joza didn’t. Yula on the other hand looked a tad embarrassed.

“That’s enough lingering in the doorway. Come in, the both of you.” Joza ushered them in, now just acknowledging Vik. She didn’t hide the fact that she was sizing him up as he walked through the threshold, acutely aware of their feelings for eachother from reading both their emotions and body language. A well-manicured brow rose as she extended her hand towards him. “Welcome to the Lapis Lazuli. I’m Joza Perl; Yula’s mother. And you are?”

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

He brushed down the side of his suit, not that he needed to, Vik just needed something to do with his hands to settle the nerves. Before Yula could knock the door opened and there stood her mother. It was obvious who she was as a strong resemblance to her daughter was strong and her mother was no less beautiful than the daughter. There were differences of course, the striking red hair for one which would draw the attention of anyone to her. Vik stood back as mother and daughter greeted each other which was probably their first meeting in a long time. After all Yula had been on Midvinter before this, and weeks had passed.

Vik lifted his head a little to sure himself as Joza's eyes looked him over, making no attempt to hide the fact, which he supposed was warranted given the situation. She seemed cordial in her stance and there was nothing of great concern around her at his presence, at least for the moment. Vik did not take her hand immediately but instead proceeded to give Joza the greeting of the Aelvar. Lowered head, hand to gently touching his chest over his heart which proceeded to his forehead before sweeping to offer the gesture to her. It was after this that he reached for her hand to shake as is the custom of the great galaxy.

"Thank you for the welcome Lady Perl". He smiled, yet his heart still raced as her brow indicated her concern for this new found relationship. "I am Vik Velkarson of Midvinter and it is a pleasure to meet you". He hoped over the cause of the visit that he would waylay her concerns.


[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Joza watched the young man’s gestures with a mild curiosity before he reached out to grasp her hand. “Midvinter?” She seemed a little surprised at that. “So you’re one of the Valkyri, then?” The elder Perl had visited the world of ice and snow several times and found its residents to be burlier in nature, but she supposed there could be some variance to that. None of them had pointed ears though—she’d pegged him for a Sephi when he’d walked through the door.

“He’s not,” Yula interjected before Vik could. Knowing what her mother was like, the young Zeltron was on high alert. “He’s Aelvar. A different race that’s native to Midvinter.” The explanation was accompanied by Yula closing her own hand around Vik’s.

Joza raised a brow, looking vaguely amused not at her daughter’s words but at her physical response. “I see. Come on then, let’s sit down and have a little chat.” She rounded the corner of her desk, seating herself behind it. Miss Perl’s office was spacious with large windows and a grand view of the city below. Following in suit, Yula led Vik to the pair of chairs on the opposite side of the desk to face her mother.

While normally gentler in nature, Joza had…an unruly history of romantic relationships. That, along with her race made her wary of anyone pursuing her daughter.

“You make it sound so serious.” Yula commented as they sat, levity in her voice.

Joza nearly snorted. “You were the one who brought him home for a visit, dear. You seem to like him so much, I want to get to know him.” She turned her focus onto Vik, polite but there was a certain intensity to her gaze. “Now then, what is your relationship to my daughter?”

Yula’s face flushed, normally knowing her mother to mince words when it came to getting what she wanted.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Although the interaction between mother and daughter seemed mostly to be normal, at least to them, there was a thickness in the air when it come to Vik. He supposed it was to be expected, after all Yula had shown up with a man her mother had no knowledge of, not only directly but as a race. Joza did not seem surprised by Midvinter's existence, she knew it which did surprise Vik considering how far away from anything it is, and so isolated still. The move toward the desk was most formal as if they were about to discuss a fact of business and because of this Joza was straight to the point.

Understandable, Yula is her daughter and from what little Vik knew of the galaxy at large a large portion of people having only their vested interests for themselves in which ever form that may take. "And I wish to get to know you more as well", he started, as he looked between the two of them.

Without too much thought, he looked Joza directly in the eyes, "My relationship to Yula is whatever she wants it to be", he knew his own heart and no matter what that would not change, not even if Joza did not like him or accept him. And besides, it was early in their relationship and what direction it would take was in the hands of the Gods and whatever life would throw at them in the process. But he hoped that whatever that was, they would face it together.

"For my part, I love Yula and care for her very deeply and that will never change. And I hope that will be a good enough answer for you, but to talk about anything further about our relationship, I would rather do so with her and her alone". Vik reached for Yula's hand and took it gently for support and clarity on his part, he would not mince his words either.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Yula couldn’t help but smile as she closed her hand around Vik’s own, finding comfort in his strength. Even her mother’s sharp demeanor did not cause him to waver. “Vik and I are together. We met here on Zeltros and have spent quite some time getting to know each other since then. And, well…” She squeezed his hand, unable to keep herself from smiling over at him. “…somewhere along the way, we fell for each other. He’s been good to me mother, I swear it. Vik is patient and gentle; he would never harm me.”

Joza reclined in her chair, looking the pair of young lovers over in silence. Yula was precious to her—her daughter, her baby, someone she would do anything to protect. At the same time, she wanted to afford Yula the freedom to go her own way and develop as a person without feeling suffocated. Alan had taken an interest in Heartbeat at a young age and Joza was proud to nurture his interest in the family business, but she was equally proud of Yula’s free spirit and creative nature (even if it did make her worry).

“I don’t wish to know the details. It seems like you two are still figuring out just what you want to be.” She smiled a little, though labels were a tricky thing and some would advocate for not using them to define a relationship—but it was important to make sure that you were on the same page. Heartbreak and perceived betrayal were never fun.

A soft chime drew her attention from the couple as a small projection emitted from the embedded holoprojector on her desk. It was something of a calendar, displaying today’s date, time and a few lines of text. “Ah, it looks like I have a meeting.”

“Maybe we can continue this later?” Yula tried, a hopeful note in her voice. A little break would be good right about now, but Joza seemed to be intently thinking about something. “No, no. We can continue here. In fact...” She turned to Yula. “I think that your brother can handle his first solo meeting. Why don’t you go and help Alan prep?”

Yula sucked in a breath. “Yeah, of course.” The words were light but sounded almost forced. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle Alan, but how would Vik fare alone with her mother? It was obvious that she wanted to speak with him alo—

“I’d like to have a chat with Vik. Alone.”

There it was.

“Just don’t chase him away, alright?” There were equal parts humor and worry in her voice as she stood, pausing before leaning over to brush her lips against Vik’s cheek quickly. She gave his hand one last apologetic squeeze before making her way out the door, softly shutting it behind her. Already the regret was pounding through her veins. What would her mother say to him?

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

There was a loose kind of tension in the room, through the small smiles and attentive nature between all of them as each spoke, but hidden was more he could feel it and one did not need the force to do so. Vik felt like he was in the midst of a business proposal, it had that feel to it but there was more at stake then a large amount of credits, there was the life and well being of Joza's daughter and that was understandable from her part but Vik had barely sat in the chair long enough to warm the seat before she wanted to speak with him alone, he had not even spoke many words for her to get a sense of the man nor he of her.

And as Yula stood to prepare to leave them kissing his cheek to show her love and support, Vik pinned back his shoulders in a small act of defiance and defense to prepare for what was to come. He did not know in what form that would take, if she wanted to get to know him better a more cordial setting would be most preferable where they all could be open and relaxed, but this seemed like something more, something else. Behind her desk was her position of strength high up in a tower of strength overlooking the city below.

This was new ground for Vik, his first meeting with the family of someone he loved and the nerves where real and gut wrenching the same as what Yula would have felt when she met his mother. For the sake of the one you love, you wish to impress as best you can or find a way in which you can fit in to the family dynamic. It was going to be difficult considering their differing cultural positions and he would face whatever was to come with his own strength .. for Yula.

Once Yula had closed the door behind her, "What is it you would like to know", he started leading the round of talks as he pushed his back against the chair.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

A heavy silence settled over the two after Yula had left the room. The siblings could be heard bickering about something at the end of the hall, words muffled by distance but it would be hard to miss their snide tones. Vik’s hearing would likely be able to pick up their conversation which was largely meaningless. Nothing more than siblings using every chance they could to get jabs in at one another, moreso with Yula’s added stress of essentially abandoning Vik to the wolves. Er, mother wolf?

The elevator door closed and carried their verbal jousts to another floor.

Joza had taken this time to examine Vik. He was young, but there was something in his eyes that spoke of age. Handsome, tall, sharp tipped ears—interesting. Shifting back, a brief rummage through one of her desk drawers produced a bottle of Corellian whiskey and a pair of glasses. Though pink of skin and raised on Zeltros, Joza’s father had been a Corellian human. Moreso, they made a good malt whiskey.

“Do you drink, Vik?” Oddly enough, her demeanor seemed less tense as she poured herself a glass, and him too if he wished. Regardless of whether or not he accepted or declined, Joza would continue after a cursory sip. “She’s smitten with you.” The revelation came out as very matter-of-fact, but it had been clear as day from where Joza was sitting. Yula had never brought anyone to meet the family before.

She paused, enough time to give the drink a gentle swirl and contemplate the time she—they’d—brought Yula home from the hospital for the first time. Her daughter had grown so much, both of her children had. They were remarkably similar in some aspects, daring and passionate. As they grew older, they began to diverge; Alan was more interested in building up his reputation in the family business and Yula wanted to travel and test her mettle in the galaxy. No matter what path they took, Joza would not love them any less—she would always be there to love and protect her children. That was why she couldn’t afford to display any warmth to this stranger, this man who declared to love her daughter without knowing the first thing about him. Not with what she’d been through and what she’d come to understand.

“She’s very pretty, is she not? She gets that from me.” A wry grin tilted her lips as she raised the glass for another drink. Aside from her dark hair and lighter skin, Yula was a carbon copy of her mother. Theo had recognized their similarities from their first meeting on Midvinter. “Zeltrons are renown for their beauty and sensual nature. So much that they’re often sought after for certain professions. It’s not entirely uncommon for women to go missing on Zeltros, kidnapped and sold into slavery. The greater galaxy can be very cruel and unforgiving.”

It had happened to her. Not on Zeltros, but Joza had worn shackles and been branded. She’d been beaten, abused and tortured by Sith, but it hadn’t smothered her fire or caused her heart to darken. Still, it had changed her in ways she never wanted her children to experience. It was a worry that kept her up at night with Yula off to Force knows where, hopping around the galaxy. While she wanted to allow her daughter the freedom to grow, the urge to protect her was strong. Who knew if this man was particularly crafty at luring young women in?

“You really do care for her. That, or you’re particularly skilled with hiding your intentions.” Her tone was not accusatory, but observational. In truth, Joza wanted to like Vik. She did not dislike him, but at this point she couldn’t work out a definitive judgment of his character. “I love my daughter dearly and I value her judgment, but I don’t want her here for this lest she influence you. I want to get to know Vik without Yula first.”

She leaned back and opened up the floor to him.

“Love is a big step, especially so early on. Tell me about yourself, and what sort of future you’d like to have with Yula. Not what you think she wants, what you want."

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

In his lap his hands threaded together, fingers restless as he picked at a nail. An outward sign of nerves which had manifested in the pit of his stomach, not that he was scared of Yula's mother, but he knew she would ask questions he was not sure he was able to answer, not yet anyway. Sitting across from him was a woman of great status, she had to be of this ilk because one does not simply get to a position like this without it, or a strong demeanour of determination. Children are another thing entirely, especially with a parent that would do anything for them, even tear down all this before them if it was to protect them. Vik was nothing to her, and tearing him down if it meant the greater good for her daughter, would be easy.

"Thank you", he said with an attempt at a smile as he took a glass of drink offered to him. Aelvar were used to drink, nectar from the vine was their most desired drink and this was rather strong and potent by comparison.

An awkward grin followed the words she spoke, not wishing to appear forward he remained silent for the most part, but at the mention of Zeltron women vanishing and into a life completely foreign to him, this was disturbing indeed. He knew of the pleasure houses here, and the apparent need for them but now he realised that maybe some of the women and men are not there at their own choosing. Or placed in a position in which they have no choice. This was knowledge he had little, and he hoped he was wrong. But taken off planet? This was intolerable.

"My experience of the wider galaxy is limited I will admit this, Yula is aware of it and I know I have much to learn. But from my first journey away from Midvinter I learned the hard way that the galaxy is all consuming and there is next to no forgiveness in it. Yet, I also found that because of it, there are friends to be met as well". But the trick is to learn which is which.

"I did not lie when I said I love her. But it is not complete love, that will grow as time passes .. she has not declared her love for me and but I know she cares for me, I know this through her eyes and her actions. My intentions are not hidden, they are honourable as is the way of my people, it simply is not inherent in us to be anything other. Whether you believe me or not". He shifted in his seat, unlocking his hands to take up a more set stance in attitude, nothing defensive but self assured.

"I can not speak of the future, that is most uncertain but I would like to be able to have the chance to grow old with Yula", he smiled as his ears pricked up on the noise down the corridor, twitching slightly in that direction. "How that will unfold .. I have no idea". Of course he would like to be able to provide for her in the best way he could, provide for each other in life as it moves along with them.

"You have been to Midvinter, you know of what kind of people live there. Like most peoples of the galaxy there is good and there is bad. The Aelvar have been on my planet longer than most and we have been hidden for many centuries away from the Valkyri due to... differences. A lack of acceptance from both parts. This has change recently yet there is still suspicion on both sides which will take time to remove. My people are .. can be .. hard and lacking in tolerance, have a certain air about them that would be perceived as haughty. But when a friendship, a relationship is developed .. on any level, we are loyal and that bond is never broken". If it is, that pain of betrayal is like a dagger to their heart.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Throughout their conversation, one thing Joza appreciated was the fact that Vik did not wither under her discerning gaze. Though he seemed on guard, the young man did not stutter or struggle to come up with words when it came to how much he cared for her daughter. His people’s customs were different than that of her own, that much was sure.

The whiskey glass found its way into her hand once more as her eyes focused on the door behind Vik for a few moments. Wasn’t it just yesterday that the kids were small, running around her office and causing a ruckus? They never really stopped with the ruckus as they got older. Always so energetic and lively. “You’ll make enemies. We have enemies just for existing.” She nearly snorted at the hopelessness of the statement but it was true—some people hated the galaxy and saw everyone else as an enemy. “I’ve made some of my best friends in the wider galaxy. You’ll meet all types, I’m sure. After all, isn’t that what brought you and Yula together?”

She took a sip from her whiskey, leaning back into the chair. Vik’s people sounded about right to her, as far as she knew. Smaller populations couldn’t afford to be routinely sneaky and untrustworthy, and those who were, were often cast out. It was much different on words like Coruscant, Zeltros and even Shaddaa. There you were just another face; you could die on the streets and it wouldn’t make a lick of difference. It was good if you were trying to be inconspicuous, but honor ran dry.

“Quite a bit different from the Valkyri, then. Except for the loyalty bit, I’d imagine.” She commented, knowing the larger race to be more approachable and jovial in nature. At least from what she’d seen, which admittedly hadn’t been much, and mainly during a time of strife as well. He spoke with conviction and honesty, looked her in the eyes and didn’t shy away from telling her how he felt. Which was good, because Joza certainly wasn’t shying away from anything.

“You seem like you’d do anything for her.” A pause, then she continued. “What would you do if she left you?” The question was not meant to taunt Vik, but she was curious about his response.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The woman was matter of fact, direct and armed with a thrust to find out exactly what was what between her daughter and himself. And that was fair enough. What he did like about this cause in the conversation was that there was no hidden meaning behind her words, no hint of entrapment, she simply wanted to know. Although Vik was prepared to answer any question, he had to admit that he was on edge mostly because he could not fathom what would come next.

He did not have to wait long.

As he thought about her last question, he spoke of the Valkyri. "The Valkyri are similar to us in many respects when it comes to virtues, loyalty is something akin to us all on Midvinter and I believe it is because of the harshness of the planet. At any given time she could demand of you something you are not prepared to give .. your life. It is this that binds us all together, Valkyri, Beorni and Aelvar. Not one of us are exempt from her harsh hand if she deems to deal it out". Loyalty is important within the races, it is a way to survive in a time of great need.

He leaned forward and took up his glass of whiskey, sipping it and letting the burn warm his throat. Vik let out a sign, hoping he had found the right words for the next part of his answer. "For me .. to love someone is not only care for them and cherish them and all that goes with that emotion but to also want for nothing but their happiness. If Yula was to grow tired of me, or no longer care for me and wish to not be with me anymore", he paused not really liking the possibility of this, "Then I would let her go".

Vik placed the glass back on the desk a little firmly than he had intended. "Because if her happiness means that it was without me than that is what would be granted. Of course I would be heart broken, but it is not about me .. everything is about her", to Vik that is precisely what he would do to make sure Yula was happy. If their relationship was to develop into something more permanent than things would be different for Vik, as Aelvar pair up for life and if she was to leave him, he would not find another.

"You might believe these are foolish notions but that is the way I think of love, and it is my way".

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

He faced her questions head on—that was good. Normally Joza would handle things in a more courteous manner, but her questions were not without purpose. Everything she did, no matter how aggressive, was to protect her children. Yula would never forgive her if she ran this young man off, but Vik did not waver.

“You’re not going to budge where my daughter is concerned, are you?” There was a solid note of humor in her tone as she knocked back the last of the whiskey. “That’s good. Your commitment to her is strong.” A moment of silence passed over them as she leaned back in her chair. Overall, she liked Vik, but she could not come to trust him. Joza was slow to place her trust in anyone, a connection that could only be earned in time. She smiled, genuine but lacking warmth. “If you hurt her I will castrate you.”

The comment was thrown in casually as if they were discussing the weather, coinciding with Yula’s faint footsteps at the end of the hall. With his fine hearing, Vik likely would have heard the mechanical hum of the lift before that.

Yula entered the room with bated breath, both relieved to see Vik there but worried all the same. She couldn’t exactly pinpoint why, but her mother was known to be particularly harsh in manners that concerned her or Alan. Something about her mother’s continued wariness and pessimism of the galaxy.

“How did it go?” Joza seemed interested in how Alan’s meeting had gone. “What did you two fight about?”

Yula had made her way back over to Vik, squeezing his hand and kissing his cheek in both greeting and apology. “Oh…nothing important. He did well enough from what I can tell. He takes after you, ma.” Seating herself next to Vik, Yula shuffled the chair a little closer to her mother’s desk.

“Are you…done interrogating my boyfriend yet?” There was an edge of irritation in her voice to which Joza looked amused.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

He was pleased enough that Yula's mother had not condemned him outright, however her last comment had caused him to flash his eyes directly to hers. He had little doubt she was joking but Vik had no intentions of hurting Yula so he deemed himself safe from castration. There was little more that Vik could tell Joza, so he was pleased that the talks had come to an end and he rescued by his beloved. He smiled with a sense of relief as she entered the room once more and sat beside him taking his hand which he squeezed gently to give her the sign all was well.

The other hand reached for his drink and he downed what remained of it, settling his mind and spirit a little more. He could not help but smile at Yula's protective nature toward him and he loved her more for it. "We have finished yes", he added before Joza could. But he was uncertain what was to come next, would there be more talks with the two of them together now? or could they find a means to 'escape'.

He would leave this up to Yula, after all she had not seen her mother in some time he gathered.

"Shall we get something to eat?", he asked the both of them, hoping to prolong their visit and all this talking had given him an appetite and the stress was over for the most part. A more relaxed setting might reveal more about mother and daughter and the life they both had, and which goes two fold, Joza might learn more of Vik without the four walls of her office caving in on him.

He stood not waiting for a reply, indicating his intent to take the situation in control, "And I would very much like to see more of this establishment". The reason was to find out more about Yula's upbringing, a way in which to learn more about his girl. There was so much at stake here, the family business which she was born into, that Joza had built up over years of hard work, he gathered that this protective nature was not only for her child, children but for their future as well.

[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

Yula seemed relieved to find Vik safe and unharmed, though she was still on the defensive. Not that she figured her mother would do anything, but…well, one could never be too sure. “I’m glad that she hasn’t scared you off.” Some of her worry dissolved into a smile. She had a hunch that Vik wouldn’t leave her over an overbearing mother, but things had gone easier when meeting Eva.

“Don’t worry about that.” Joza seemed vaguely amused as she watched the couple interact from behind her desk. “This boy doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.” Still, there was a note of warmth in her gaze. Her daughter was happy, and this young man seemed to treat her well.

“The hotel?” A crimson brow raised, then lowered. Aside from her family, the Zeltron was very proud of her business and certainly couldn’t refuse showing off her latest building. “Of course.” Rising from her seat, she gestured for the pair to follow her, guiding them on a tour of the penthouses, suites, and various amenities that the hotel offered. It was a luxury establishment, but as Joza would explain, she owned buildings that catered to different classes of wealth.

“I started out in the slums. My first business was a dance studio, after that, a night club.” Which was perhaps her most well-known venture. The tour had ended on the rooftop gardens, filled with various plants both native to Zeltros and rarer, exotic species that thrived in the climate. Of course, it was well manicured and very aesthetically pleasing. “Many people make a mistake in thinking that only high-class establishments make money. But while the wealthy have more credits to spend, they make up only a very small percentage of the galaxy. Spacers looking for a few beers a night far outnumber the rich.”

Unsurprisingly, Joza loved to talk about her business. “Okay ma,” There was a note of good humor in Yula’s voice. “I don’t think Vik wants to hear all that business talk.”

Joza just waved it off. “Hey, perhaps someday Vik would like to run a business of his own. I certainly wasn’t thinking about it when I was your age, but things happen.” She smiled, this time with less of an edge.

“Well, we should probably head to our room now. The flight here was long.” Accordingly, Joza had blocked off two penthouses permanently for each of her children.

“Hm, it always does seem to be a long flight. Alright, I won’t keep the two of you any longer.” She turned to face them both, looking them over and taking the sight of them as a couple in. “Just remember to be good to each other, alright?”

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Although the meeting with Joza was tense and pressing in her questioning and Vik had managed to hold up his part of it, he was pleased to have had the time to get to know Yula's mother too. She was rightly protective of her child and in this Vik admired her greatly. He was however, pleased it was over and not only the flight had him tired but the sudden release of tension relaxed his mind and body added to it. "I am still here", he gave Yula a smile as he took her hand for the remainder of the tour.

The hotel was impressive, regardless of the lack of experience with such places, Vik could see this was a fine establishment certainly the best place he had had the pleasure in stay in. It was obvious that Joza had come from a harder life, even though Vik had no knowledge of her past, the woman had to be admired for that as well. "Maybe one day I shall", and Joza would be the best person to ask for advice if that day ever come. But ambition of this nature was not something inherent in the Aelvar, or the Valkyri for that matter. It simply was not something they thought of, or even aspired to, the concept of gathering wealth, currency was foreign to him. Yet, if Vik is to live in the wider galaxy he would have to do something to earn a credit.

He was pleased when Yula suggested they retire for the night, "Good night Ms Perl, it has truly been a pleasure to meet you", Vik offered his bow once more before looking to Yula to end the meeting. All he wanted now was to be alone with his love. "I am tired".



[member="Yula Perl"]

 

[Yula Perl]

As Joza retreated to give the two some much needed alone time, Yula turned towards Vik with a smile.

“I bet you are.” She took him in her arms and pressed her lips to his. “You did excellent. Thank you for coming here with me.” All in all, Yula was proud of Vik. While not exactly sure of what happened during his exchange with her mother, it seemed to have positive results. Joza didn’t start a fight with him and Vik was still here, so it must have gone well in the end.

“She likes you.” There was a measure of genuine happiness in her words as they spent a few lingering moments on the rooftop gardens. The sun was dipping beyond the horizon, setting off a brilliant blaze of colors across the sky. “I think it’s about time we got some rest.” Tugging on Vik’s hand, Yula would lead them to their room for the evening.

[member="Vik Velkarson"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

He couldn't help but grin as they entered their room, and soon that grin formed into a laugh as he closed the door behind them. It was good to be here with her, alone at last and even in this moment, his fatigue washed away. "Of course I would come here, I would go anywhere with you". He meant it too. "She likes me huh?", he walked over to Yula and placed his arms around her waist pulling her close to him. "I am pleased to hear that. But .. ", he took her hands in his and lead her over to the bed.

"What I want to know is just how much do you like me", there is a twinkle of wickedness in his green eyes as he bit his bottom lip with an equally wicked grin. Fatigue was replaced with another feeling entering his body. Whether it was the need to release tension or something in the water, or the atmosphere of Zeltros, Vik's lips pressed to her's with a fullness that spoke clearly of his wanting.

He pulled back just enough to give him space to unbutton his shirt, but his green eyes never leaving hers, "I think it is time for bed", he whispered before his eyes lingered down her body.

But no matter what happened next, Vik was truly happy to just be with the girl he loves.

[member="Yula Perl"]