No Strings, Good Times, Just Chums [Invite Only]

[Natasi Fortan]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vui_2yuthPU​

"And you've placed the plumerias in Aunt Hyacinth's room?" asked Natasi as she came down the staircase towards the main level of Breakriver. The house was an open floor plan -- Natasi had never considered having such a thing before, but for a country home it would do. It made things less formal -- which, while making her skin crawl with anxiety, would hopefully make her guests feel quite relaxed which was, after all, the point of a country home. The space was open, offering commanding views in whatever direction one looked -- some up the river, some downstream over the falls, but with views of the forests and mountains in all directions in the background, but with the woods so close in most directions, it gave the house a rather warm, cozy kind of feel, although it was rather large and almost painfully modern.

Please just pretend the furniture isn't all Hippy Handicrafts​

It was hers, and she loved it, but she was beginning to think it would be poorly suited to entertaining officially. It wasn't formal enough. But it could be -- possibly -- relaxing. If Natasi could unclench her grip. Meanwhile, Hendersmith, quickly jotting notes as he walked behind his mistress, declared: "Yes, milady. And the maids will replace them every morning."

"And do recall that I've moved Aunt Hyacinth to the guest house. She'll be in the Caronia Room and Colonel von Brinkerhoff will be in the Duke of Sterandel suite, as we discussed. Aunt Hyacinth will have to do without breakfast on a tray, and I don't think the Colonel was ever one for it, if I had to wager." Twisting a sapphire and diamond ring around her finger as she paced forward with Hendersmith in tow, she said: "And those orchids -- white, dendrobium orchids -- are on cold storage in the kitchens? They'll need to be placed in the Queen Caroline bedroom every morning as well."

"Not the Chiltenham Room, Your Excellency?"

Natasi stopped next to a built-in bookshelf, eyes scanning the titles. Something was out of place. "No," she mused thoughtfully. "You must not be in possession of the latest white paper -- have a copy of mine. I've changed my mind -- I am sorry, but I decided I didn't know enough about this Ms. Sedarri to determine whether she and Captain Pierce are anything more than friends, and can you think of the embarrassment if they weren't and I put them in the same bedroom?" She was about to turn away from the bookshelf when she spotted the problem, tugging the misplaced book out and shifting the others down before setting it back in. "I don't mind that the staff borrow the books, Hendersmith, but I don't think it is asking a lot that they be placed back where they belong."

"No, Your Excellency, I will have a quiet word." He sighed and made notes on his list, clearly somewhat irritated at having to remake the bedroom list again. "I trust Your Excellency will be remaining in the Countess of Herevan room."

"Of course," Natasi said, choosing to overlook her servant's surly tone. He was nervous; all the staff were, and so was she. It was their first house party. Balance only knew what could go wrong. She glanced at her watch. Friday afternoon; they would be arriving soon. "The kitchens are ready with tea?" A melodic chime announced the imminent arrival of the first droid rickshaw from the landing pad. The rickshaws offered a commanding view of the mountains and valley, the forest and river, and a breathtaking view of Breakriver itself on its approach, before She glanced at her watch a second time. "That will probably be the Colonel," she told Hendersmith, going to a nearby mirror to peer critically at her reflection. "Have Banks meet me upstairs. I want a quick refresh of my hair after I change. If somehow I'm not done by the time Colonel von Brinkerhoff arrives, show him to the..." She looked around; there wasn't a 'drawing room' to show him to, nor really a library, although there was an alcove of books and a few chairs for reading."Well. Make him comfortable, and do see to it that you provide him with whatever he requires. I don't think he drinks, but if he'd like one, by all means. Oh, and let him know he can smoke if he wants."

Little did Natasi know that some distance away, [member="Hyacinth Fortan"] and [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] were about to collide. She had hoped to make introductions herself -- to hold Hyacinth's hand to the radiator in expectation of good behavior, if nothing else. Now, things were out of her control. And [member="Pierce Fortan III"] and [member="Lilith Sedarri"] were slated to arrive at their leisure, after the shuttles bearing the first two guests had cleared off to make space. Besides, Pierce was an invalid now, and one could hardly rush one of those.

​

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

The final landing approach provided Roderik von Brinkerhoff with a tremendous view of the landscape surrounding Breakriver House as he flew a small, nondescript long distance air-speeder with a pressurized cabin for high altitude flight - it was a personal vessel rather than an official First Order Starfighter Corps speeder transport, one that Roderik had over the years refurbished and reconstructed personally.

Colonel Brinkerhoff brought the air-speeder in slower than necessary, taking the time to appreciate the scenery from the inside canopy of the high visibility cockpit, before settling in gently to the heavy-plated landing pad. His was not the first vessel to touch down recently, as well. Roderik took note that another transport next to his was still showing diminishing energy signatures - denoting a still on-going power down sequence. Whoever occupied the shuttle must have landed only moments before from some other approach trajectory. Without giving it much additional thought, Roderik began the power down sequence for his own speeder before unbuckling the harness keeping him fit snugly in the acceleration seat. When this concluded, he activated the canopy release and retraction, allowing him to stand up tall, and slide out of the cockpit and down to the solid ground below, with a thud.

Roderik stretched out momentarily before unlocking and opening a small miscellaneous storage hatch on the speeder's fuselage undercarriage, in order to retrieve a small pack. He then turned his attention momentarily back to the ship adjacent to his, giving it an inquisitive glance - it did not belong to anyone he knew, though he could not discount it belonging to Pierce's new companion. He brushed away the internal question, unaware that it would be answered only a second later, as he turned to head towards the droid-managed rickshaw which would take him to Breakriver House proper. Immediately he found the apparent occupant of the mystery vessel, already at the droid was [member="Hyacinth Fortan"], whom Roderik instantly recognized from various family holo-images belonging to Pierce over the years.

The Colonel found himself suddenly self-conscious, as if caught unprepared for a pop quiz, or worse, on exam day. He addressed the older woman as he approached, accompanied with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, ma'am."

 

[Progflaw99]

The trip was to be a short one, or at least by most standards. Lilith had yet to fully recognize that she'd put down roots, even if just below the surface. Only a short way into her lease of the small flat located in Avalonia, it was strange to think that mere months ago she had been traveling all across the galaxy. She'd met all manner of people during her prolonged travel, some savory, others not quite as so. The thought brought a smile to her face as she turned to look at the man seated beside her, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

"Look out there!" she said, pointing through the viewport of the small shuttle.

Across the rolling landscape they were flying past small specks could be seen through the large viewport. As the shuttle quickly closed the distance what had been specks before were now easily visible. Parts of Dosuun were heavily populated, like Avalonia, Prosperia, but where they were headed was for the most part, off the grid. Out here there still roamed herds of wild creatures, these happened to be horses. Pressing closer to the TIE ace Lilith watched with excitement as the shuttle passed low enough to see the horses' features, their unique colors and elegant manes.

"Can you imagine, in a galaxy full of ships and planet-wide cities that places like this still exist?"

Sitting back in her seat again she glanced out of the viewport casually. It was truly a wonder how she'd ended up here. Resting her eyes on the man beside her she breathed in deeply. He had been quite the gentleman, that had been made evident during their first true 'date' when the man had invited her to a dinner in memorandum of the Omega War or Omega Conflict. It hadn't been a war so much as it had been a limited engagement but... Liltih digressed. It had been a tumultuous few months, rogue Sith nearly managing to make a resurgence onto the galactic scene. Thankfully the First Order along with a plethora of other major players, the Galactic Alliance, even some of the Mandalorian Clans. She let out a short laugh, realizing she'd been lost in thought as she stared at [member="Pierce Fortan III"]. Lilith was quite educated, despite her humble upbringing. It's part of what let her fit in among the more elite of the social ladder, thought if pressed she was able to handle herself in tight situations much better than one might have expected.

"So, is there anything I should take note of before we arrive?"

She cocked her head to the right as she asked, eyes twinkling. She had briefly met a few of the others who had been invited to Breakriver, the countryside home they were quickly travelling towards. She couldn't imagine living out here, away from all the bustle of the city, it would be a much simpler life, she mused. It almost felt strange, travelling out here towards nature and away from civilization but yet surrounded by opulence. The shuttle they had chartered for their travel was extravagant, leather seats, soft carpet flooring, it even had a small cooler console and an automated mixing machine for drinks. It was above her, or at least she felt that way but she was able to mask her slight discomfort well, choosing instead to focus on the things she did feel comfortable with.

Lilith had avoided talking about her childhood, not because it was particularly ominous or that she was aiming to be deceptive but it was somewhat lackluster. As well, she had yet to reveal her force sensitivity to anyone, least of all Pierce. In truth, she was still discovering the depths of her abilities herself and felt no need to complicate matters. Force users had a complicated path to walk, constantly pushed around and tugged one way or the next; that was not a life she had wanted. Lilith had traveled far and wide, picking up knowledge, teaching herself as she was able how to control and work on her abilities but she preferred to play with her cards close to her chest, doing her best to conceal these abilities, life was so much less complicated that way. Reaching out in front of her she retrieved a small bottle of water from the cooler. Turning back before closing it, she raised an eyebrow.

"Can I get you something?"

[member="Hyacinth Fortan"] | [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"]​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Hyacinth was standing on the landing pad, the late-autumn breeze ruffling the warm blue-and-white heavy cotton of her dress, and the silver curls under her blue hat. She was trying to talk the droid who would drag the rickshaw into loading her luggage into the luggage rack on the back of the conveyance, with limited success. "Lift-o the bags-o, into the luggage-o rack-o," she was saying loudly to the droid when [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] walked over. "Oh, hello," she said breezily. "I don't think this droid understands Basic," she complained to Roderik and then went over and picked up her overnight bag and hauled it into the back of the luggage rack, then hauled herself into the rickshaw.

"Do take the other seat, dear, I won't bite," said Hyacinth politely, crossing her ankles demurely. "From the mustache, I gather you must be my son's commanding officer. It's von Brinkerhoff, isn't it? I'm Hyacinth Fortan, the Dowager Baroness Chiltenham, and Pierce's mother. I'm delighted to finally meet you and put a face to the name. And the stories," she added diplomatically as the rickshaw set off towards Breakriver.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Pierce had an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips as he studied the latest edition of the Dosuun Review, trying and largely failing to keep his attention on the words on the page. He had already had to restart the paragraph he was reading about five times. It wasn't that he was ignoring [member="Lilith Sedarri"] -- perish the thought -- but he had recently found that he hated flying.

No, that wasn't quite accurate. He hated being flown.

Ever since he had been grounded following his injuries at Omega, he had been itching to get back behind the stick. He would have flown Lilith to Breakriver himself if there had been any possibility. There was something vaguely emasculating about being told that he was unable to practice his chosen profession. He had been an Ace, for crissakes, an Ace and now he was nothing. He hated being in the back of the shuttle, looking out the window, instead of in the cockpit looking out the viewport. He set the magazine down with perhaps a little more force than was necessary, but immediately favored Lilith with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry," he murmured and leaned over to look out the window. "It's astonishing -- I never would have thought to look for horses on Dosuun -- at least, outside the estates where the wealthy have their stables. Speaking of -- Tasi has some stables and trails, if you fancy a ride. I'm not sure I'd be able to get in the saddle myself with this damned leg, but I'm sure she'd be happy to show you around."

He continued to look across the expansive vista extending below him and then, on an impulse, laid his head on Lilith's shoulder. "Your enthusiasm is extremely charming," he murmured pleasantly. "As far as what you need to know -- well, nothing I can think of. My cousin likes to see things done properly, but she won't bite. Mother, on the other hand -- well." He smirked. "Well, don't worry about her, either. It's meant to be an entertaining and relaxing weekend for all of us."

The presence of his mother was a sticky wicket. Pierce had not planned for a 'meet the parents' scenario so soon, but Natasi couldn't very well not invite Hyacinth. But how to explain that to Lilith, exactly? Pierce chewed the inside of his cheek and frowned thoughtfully, straightening in his seat as Lilith stood. He watched her form absentmindedly, his grey eyes looking without really seeing until she spoke. "Huh -- ohh, a water, if it's no trouble? Thank you very kindly."

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

Roderik gave it his most valiant effort to avoid breaking his pleasant smile into a grin, or worse yet, to chuckle at the troubles possessing [member="Hyacinth Fortan"] as she attempted to communicate with the droid-rickshaw and convince it to store her luggage in the rickshaw's storage compartment. Malfunctioning, or dim-witted droids were a problem that could strike anyone - unfortunately for Hyacinth, there was no malfunction occurring. The droid was constrained to it's role to carry the rickshaw. It simply could not physically fulfill her request. Even so, Roderik did not care very much for droids, with the exception of bartoo, who had fast become an integral presence at any festivity.

"Thank you for the warning," He said, smiling more as he bypassed any attempt to communicate with the droid and instead went about placing his own luggage into the compartment provided by the rickshaw, before joining the elder Fortan in the empty passenger seat.

"You are correct, ma'am - Dowager Baroness. Roderik von Brinkerhoff," He introduced himself and extended a hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you. Your son is quite fond of telling stories, I think." He chuckled this time as he sat into the seat, waiting for the droid to begin moving, which it did in short order.

He had heard many stories of Hyacinth over the years, and though [member="Pierce Fortan III"] did not always agree with her antics, Roderik always sensed a deep respect and admiration represented through in those tales. Roderik was sure most of the tales Hyacinth had heard were favorable towards the Colonel - or grumblings that had turned out to be quite unfounded later, such as when Roderik forced Pierce's hand at accepting his role as Executive Officer of [member="Natasi Fortan"]'s 'personal' TIE fighter squadron. A role that had catapulted Pierce into eventual command of the squadron, and a stellar record as one of the Starfighter Corps' shining beacons of excellence.

"Quite the lovely view." Roderik remarked politely to Hyacinth as he took in the shifting scenery, while the droid worked its way to Breakriver House.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"There is no need to stand on ceremony," said Hyacinth genially as she settled in for the ride. The rickshaw lurched into motion and Hyacinth went on: "Please, call me Lady Fortan. There's no need for the whole big thing." She fumbled with her handbag for a few moments before drawing out a small cigarette case and cigarette holder. "Can I tempt you, Colonel?" She offered the case, which sprung open in a moment when her thumb pressed the clasp, exposing a neat little row of cigarettes on one side and a lighter on the other. When [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] had decided whether he wanted one, Hyacinth helped herself, placing the cigarette in its holder, then lit it and took a drag.

"So," said Hyacinth, her voice low. "You are the reason my son is flying all over hell's half-acre and not home, settled down with a nice, pretty girl and giving me grandchildren? Not securing the future of Chiltenham for the Fortan clan?" She exhaled through her nose, silvery smoke billowing like a dragon's flame, lending something predatory to her look, but then she broke into a smile. "I'm only teasing, dear." She paused, took another drag from her cigarette, and blew out. "Mind, he will need to start sooner rather than later."

A cool breeze rustled the leaves and Hyacinth pulled her cloak tighter around her frame. The rickshaw continued along the ravine; the river gurgled beneath them. "It is rather lovely, isn't it? And so kind of Natasi to invite us, of course." She sighed contentedly. "Now, what's your story? Married? Children? Come along now, I must know everything there is to know before we reach the house." She elbowed Roderik in the side playfully, looking over at the Colonel with a cheeky smirk.

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

One of the few elements of the Life Day celebrations that the Colonel took to heart was the notion of making a resolution to oneself in order to establish the will to achieve a particular goal or outcome. Roderik found himself consistently choosing wholly unrealistic goals for himself -- such as this upcoming year, post-Life Day, to refrain from smoking so many cigarras - they were an ever present social commodity within the squadrons of the Starfighter Corps and First Order's more aristocratic elements, inescapable to Roderik, whom himself had no real desire to stop.

As such, he allowed himself to gently reach into the offered case to pluck out a cigarette and light it while he listened to [member="Hyacinth Fortan"]'s teasing words in regards to her son's personal commitments. He let himself grin in return, playfully yet still somewhat cautiously. It wasn't the first time the responsibilities to which [member="Pierce Fortan III"] was subject to were reminded to him, Roderik thought - causing a further grin.

"I'm afraid I am rather married to my job," He responded in regards to himself, adding, "No children, save for a few choice pilots I'd wager feel as though I've adopted them." He always was one to mentor the younger, inexperienced pilots.

"There is not much to tell, I'm afraid." The Colonel took a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling carefully before continuing. "Unless you find flying as fascinating as your son." He flashed another grin, "My circumstance is not so dissimilar to his, to yours-" His family was worth less than that of the Fortan's, in both material and social wealth, but had enough to provide Roderik with the resources to pursue his interests in flying.

"It helped me establish a fairly successful speeder and lightweight-class starship racing and stunt demonstration team. Roderik's Flying Circus, we were called!" The Colonel let out a little bit of a laugh, half-reminiscing. "That was years and years ago, though. Right before I joined the Starfighter Corps as a, well, pilot obviously."

Roderik paused to take another extended drag from his cigarette, and to marvel at the scenic vista as the droid rickshaw continued its path to Breakriver.

"A career in the service of the Supreme Leader is as admirable an achievement as any other, I say." It was a cop-out, Roderik knew -- as did Hyacinth, surely. The excuse of every military-affiliated workaholic that ever existed within the First Order. But there was a certain undeniable truth to it, as well. The First Order relied on those that truly believed, in order to maintain good order and discipline. People like Roderik, willing to sacrifice their personal lives for the good of all denizens of First Order territory.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"I suspect," said Hyacinth dryly, "that some people still call it that. If the antics Pierce talk about are true, that is," she amended carefully as the rickshaw rounded a curve and gave them their first view of Breakriver. The house jutted madly off of the opposite bank, with broad stucco patios soaring perplexingly over the river. It was decidedly different from what Hyacinth had in mind for Natasi; it was ... modern. Not altogether unattractive -- not ugly, by any means, but very different from what she would have expected. "It's... something else, isn't it?" she asked [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] as the rickshaw was pulled across the concrete bridge over the river.

The droid slowed to a halt in a small arrival grotto, and Hendersmith appeared from the entryway, flanked by two footmen. "Your Ladyship," he said, bowing to Hyacinth, then turned to Roderik with a slightly more shallow bow. "Colonel. Her Excellency is expecting you. Would you come in please?"

Hyacinth gave the droid another look of distaste before allowing a footman to help her out of the rickshaw. He then went to work pulling the bags off the rack. She walked over to Hendersmith and smiled genially; she knew him from countless visits to Herevan, where he had been employed before its destruction. "You're looking well, Hendersmith. My niece isn't running you too ragged, I hope." Hendersmith smirked at the idea that anyone could run him ragged, even his overwrought and neurotic employer. "Has Captain Fortan arrived?"

"Not yet, Your Ladyship. They'll be laying out tea in the -- ahh -- inside," said Hendersmith. He turned to [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]. "Lady Natasi asked me to inform you you can smoke inside if you like."

 

[Roderik von Brinkerhoff]

Roderik stifled a grin as [member="Hyacinth Fortan"] joked about the Flying Circus still being in operation, as per Pierce's stories. Most of the flying side of the stories were true, the Colonel was sure.

"Truly it is." He said with a tone of growing interest and excitement. As the droid soon drew to a halt, Roderik took stock of the approaching men. Hendersmith and his footmen, none of which Roderik thought he recognized.

"Greetings," Roderik spoke politely to Hendersmith in response to his acknowledgement of the Colonel's arrival with the elder Fortan.

He watched Hyacinth engage with the man, and ask after the location of Pierce - Captain Fortan. When Hendersmith once more looked over to him and spoke, Roderik responded by taking another drag from his nearly-finished cigarette.

"Thank you, Hendersmith." Roderik walked slowly, almost cautiously, behind Hyacinth and Hendersmith - two who seemed better acquainted with each other, as the two rickshaw passengers disembarked. He was positive now that the habit would not be kicked, as per his Life Day goal. Pierce would undoubtedly supply him with all the cigarettes he could desire, upon his arrival - as he was not here yet. Hyacinth would surely supply him until then, it appeared. It seemed the apple did not fall far from the cigarra tree, in their case.