Private Pearl in the Oyster

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau

Waiting patiently for someone to give an update on his 'what's new' question, Makai was surprised when Ellie squeezed his hand and began to speak. On everyone getting along. His eyes went a little wide and he wanted to stop her. The last thing he wanted was a wedge between Danger and Ellie, in his eyes the subject wasn't worth it. He had tried to convey the necessity and fell short, but there wasn't much either one could do about it in his eyes.

It was up to the three elders in their lives.

Ellie outlined some of his feelings, thoughts he had conveyed to her as early as their time on Palahni. Innermost concerns he had kept close and revealed only to her on their journey of reconnection and further understanding. If anyone was to understand, it would be his wife due to the nature of their conversations. By now, she knew more than anyone regarding how he felt about his childhood and growing up and trying to figure out life once his mother had returned.

Hand squeezed hers in a gentle 'thank you'. He looked at her and gave a subtle nod. Makai wasn't sure how she managed to surprise him every day. If their daughter was half the woman his wife was then the galaxy was going to be in a heap of trouble.

"I think we're all going to be there for our little girl, the whole family."

Makai wasn't going to say any more than that. At this point, Ellie had eloquently said what he was trying to convey and adding to it might make anything worse. Like beating a dead bantha. He had no doubts his parents and Danger would be present, it was just everything else that went along with the close proximity.

"If our daughter is half as amazing as you Ellie I don't think there's anything to worry about."

The half-Galan was slowly steering the subject away. He didn't want Danger to feel ganged up on despite Ellie's softer words. Besides, it was exhausting and his wife was already hormonal and on the verge of tears again. He wanted to at least salvage the announcement and dinner to something resembling normalcy.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell

​

It was clear as day that Myra was trying her best to ease the tension, while Makai did his utmost to steer the conversation into calmer waters. Danger could read both of her children like a book, and the matron let out a soft, measured sigh. Lord knows, she should've held her tongue. Hearing the news, coupled with the insinuation that she ought to fix whatever issues she had regarding Makai's parents, had struck a nerve. The wound was fresh, especially after Judah's not-so-subtle reminder to keep her nose out of his personal life and let him handle his own affairs. It stung more than she'd care to admit, especially considering she prided herself on her grace, her manners, and the very reputation that made her the Trade Queen she was today.

But Danger wasn't one to let a slight fester, especially when it came to family. Her expression softened, genuine warmth replacing the earlier tension. She reached out, taking hold of both Myra and Makai's hands if they allowed it, giving each a comforting, motherly squeeze.

"I'm sorreh. Might've let my sensitivities get the better of me on a few points there. I'll do my best to smooth any feathers I might've ruffled and make sure we keep y'all and the grandbabies front and center."

With a gentle smile, she shifted gears, her voice lilting with that familiar charm. "Now then, considerin' this excitin' news, have y'all made any plans for the nursery? And how're you thinkin' of spendin' this precious time before that little bundle of joy joins us?"

She knew Makai had been busier than a bee in a bonnet lately, and she couldn't help but wonder what they had in mind for these next few months. After all, there's nothin' quite like preparing for a new arrival in the family.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau


Makai gave a small squeeze back to the Trade Queen's hand. A silent acceptance of her apology regarding the situation. The half-Galan was eager to move on to other subjects, and thankfully Danger seemed willing to head into an entirely different direction.

"Grandbabies." Makai emphasized the last bit of the word. "Last scan I saw there was only one floatin' in there.Don't put that into the atmosphere." He chuckled a little before looking at Ellie." Let's get through this one before we think about round two."

As for her questions.

"Plans for the nursery? Uh...no, on my front getting a name list together so we can stop calling her Mining Princess or MP all the time. Maybe give us a chance to roll the name around and see how we like it...also entirely self-serving on my main focus has been looking for a jogging stroller so we can have morning dad-daughter time."

Now spending time together, that was a big thing. There were plans slowly formulating on that as well. Ideas they thankfully had some time to bat back and forth between one another.

"Spending time together is a big sticking point for me. I got so used to being together on Centrality and now we're tossed back to a schedule like when we first got together. Before I campaigned for the two back-to-back days together. I...I'm just trying to get as much done before so I can spend uninterrupted time with the girls but I'm not sure how sustainable its going to be. I still have to get Dad up to speed and maybe someone else to assist with Thirty-Seven to stand in for me."

Makai found himself a little homesick more than often than not now. Granted, home was wherever Ellie was, but that was the trouble, being apart.

"Definitely a babymoon is in order."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

"Goodness, hopefully not plural right now. Your pa would have a conniption fit." Danger would murmur with avid amusement, the tension having left the conversation thankfully for now.

Danger would drink some more water, listening in to what Makai and Myra had to say regarding their plans. Those were good, but things were bound to change with a little one.

"I'd advise you to start lookin' into hirin' your own assistants much like you did for your pa with Salacia." Danger added, "Arceneau Trade has plenty of established leadership that could step in whichever capacity, and I know Myra hired a few of her own to assist her with Mara Tibx."

"However, I also know you are doin' lots of expanding with Aina Holding's, and I ain't so sure if your pa is lookin' to step back into his former role with Salacia so you can focus on Aina."

There were a lot of things going on, more than spending time together.

"Also need to wonder if you'll be traveling as much then once the babe is born. First few years are the most important, so they say."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Danger Arceneau | Myra Arceneau Dashiell

"I highly doubt Dad will be able to step in for Aina. I have one assistant but I will have to hire more, just more so to be my eyes on the ground. I can answer calls and get some things done in between wrangling the kid. I know not as much as I would like though."

The half-Galan paused, they were already on this vein of conversation anyways.

"I have considered one large umbrella corporation for Salacia, Aina and both of our subsidiaries. I already know I am amending my will to leave the companies to our children. I already know Dad has myself in the will for the company, no doubt he will add in MP here. I just feel things could be streamlined if we join forces, giving I assume one of our children will eventually go this route. Or one of my grandchildren even. It would make for succession easier."

It would just be a matter of co-owning with his father. Makai figured they both could stick to their strengths but also be involved with the other enough to oversee as needed. Information would flow easier. He would have to set up an appointment with his father.

"Me? No, I won't be traveling as much. We haven't discussed it but I think it also depends on how soon we decide to have the second child, if we try a year after MP comes along or five years after MP. A talk not to have in front of my mother in law."

Makai chuckled and nudged Ellie with his shoulder gently.

"If we do have to travel, I'd like to as a family. Keep our daughter behind the scenes but close enough by to spend time together. I reflect on my own childhood. If Mom hadn't left, I'd be at home constantly, clinging to her skirts. I'm not sure if that would have been wise. Yet the children will need stability so it won't be as if we travel like we do now, they wouldn't come for every trip."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Makai Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

All good plans from what Danger could tell. A glance to Myra made it appear as if the woman was begining to relax again. At least the red around her eyes was fading. She was always one prone to crying and with this sudden shift, Danger wasn't surprised she'll continue. It would be a feat to ensure she didn't fall into her panic attacks once more with the pregnancy.

"All sound like good plans; maybe you'll do something akin to what we did in the Centrality with getting temporary suites at a station. That way you'll remain close. No need to have home base be at the compound any time soon."

By then, the waiter returned to address their meals.

"How about we just enjoy dinner and leave the rest of the planning for later? I'm sure you are both hungry and rather not gab much further." Danger recommended. Honestly, she just might also need a drink. There were many things to consider and put into place on her end as well.

It would be curious to see how the consolidation of Salacia went if that was Makai's goal.

Well, reckon I'll hear about it one way or another, Danger mused. At the very least, the next few months will be busy with work but also assessing where the pair wanted Danger's assistance. She'll have to put into plans what she could do for the new granddaughter and see if Makai and Myra would be okay with it.

"Just keep Persie in mind with how you let her know. She's a sensitive child -- prone to assumptions."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Danger Arceneau | Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Persephone Dashiell

"Just keep Persie in mind with how you let her know. She's a sensitive child -- prone to assumptions."

"Of course, Ellie will be handling a good portion of that, given her background. Things should go fine."

GALLINORE

"Persie! Persie come on down. We need to talk to you."

Makai yelled up the stairs. He didn't hear any music blasting and was soon met with a faint 'ok'. No doubt the girl was in her closet or underneath a pile of fabric trying to organize things for when they stayed on planet. Muffled sounds of shuffling and he was content to drift back into the living room where Ellie was waiting on the couch.

He sat down next to her and slid his hand into hers. Ellie would do most of the talking, coming from someone who was adopted and now had a sister. There were a number of parallels and Makai knew his wife was able to make the news and explanation a little easier for a young teenage girl to digest and come to accept.

"Hopefully everything goes well. I think she'll be fine, does she even see us as her parents? Or just really cool older siblings? So long as we don't make her babysit I doubt she'll bat an eye."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Hands on her hips, Persephone looked around her overly large closet. Her guardians had built the home and generously customized her bedroom, giving her more space. More space to go shopping. So far she just had one pitiful rack of clothing in place. She hadn't brought much, some of her clothing got shipped to Joiol and some was still on Centrality waiting for a destination. Besides, Gallinore was cooler in nature, meaning she would need more lighter layers.

"Persie! Persie come on down. We need to talk to you."

Eyebrows furrowed. She looked at the time on her smart chronometer, almost time for lunch. Maybe they wanted to go out for their meal. That could be fun, it meant a potential to window shop in some of the most luxurious districts the galaxy had to offer.

"Okay!"

Hopefully they heard her. She pushed some boxes out of the way and bounded down the steps. She rounded the corner on the massive lakehouse and saw Makky and My-rah sitting on the couch together. She took a seat on a plush chair across from them. Persephone gave both a weird look. This wasn't a 'lets go out for lunch, what should we eat' type of conversation, that was clear.

"Yous two gettin' a divorce already or somethin'? I knew My-rah could do better..."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"Fine is relative. She's a teenager, it may go either direction." Myra added, taking a sip of water and then chewing on a ginger snap candy. It helped with the nausea. However, Myra did give a pointed glance at her husband, adding, "Just...be a little mindful on how you say things. "

After the meal with Mama and Makai's subsequent retelling of how things went with his mother and Judah, Myra realized that Makai may not have had the best forethought about conveying important, sensitive messages.

Either way, Persie made her way down as she always was wont to do, with this flourish that now had some inkling that the credits they were paying to help smooth out her rough edges were working. Well, save how her vernacular had a tendency to go back to that rough trade speak.

Myra blinked her eyes slowly at Persie's commentary, only to laugh. "Hahaha, no. That would be a cold day in the void." Myra stated plainly, reaching over to grab Makai's hand and intertwine her fingers with him in a show of solidarity.

Although she was now amused, arching a brow, "I could do better? With whom?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Legs crossed in front of her, looking between the pair. So no divorce. Brow furrowed as she thought what it could be. They wouldn't moving, they just moved. Another tutor perhaps? No, they hadn't sat her down like this for finishing school or her education tutor. Someone died? Maybe, both seemed relaxed but couldn't mean that someone ain't kicked the bucket. That or they found her no good rotten Daddy. Maybe the rolling stone she had for a Papa had coming calling for her.

Well she wasn't going.

Yet she was getting ahead of herself. Best not to get too far down any road.

"That pretty blonde at the weddin' for one. He could speak well, gots great posture, a handsome face. What's his name? Castile? Seems like he'd represent ya real good. I mean, I wouldn't say no." Persie continued on. "Prince Kalmorak of House Hervet. Also cute, plus royalty. I was readin' an article about him the other day."

Blue eyes turned to Makai.

"Sorry. I just don't see yous bringing much to the table. Rocks? Really? I still don't see hows My-rah was impressed."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Persephone Dashiell Makai Dashiell

Myra couldn't help but snicker and laugh at Persie's idea that she would have been better off with Casteel Mer'taal or Prince Kalmorak. Castie was just... her friend. Sure, he had escorted her for the better part of six years and been her proverbial venting partner, but she never saw him in that way.

Much to Micah's luck.

Myra shook her head, dismissing, "No, I couldn't see myself married to anyone else." Myra added with assureity. Persie shot her a disbelieving look, but then she shrugged.

"Anyways, had a few important things to discuss with you and wanted to get your feedback and thoughts." Myra began, trying to frame this as one of their normal conversations. It was a big life change and the girl had every right to be involved with their planning since they were her guardians now.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Crazy."

Apparently passing up a Prince and a gentleman for Makky was perfectly fine with My-rah. Certainly one of the mysteries in life.

So not divorce, right.

"Alright then, I'm listenin'"

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Persephone Dashiell Makai Dashiell

"Alright then, I'm listenin'"

Right, so it was time to bridge the gap and explain what this whole meeting was for. Myra turned to Makai, expecting him to take the lead with a questioning expression on her face. Only to have the younger Dashiell lift his brows and give a small upward nod of his head as if saying, hey you got this.

Maybe he took her whole, be mindful of how you say things a bit too seriously.

"Well...," Myra began, clasping her hands together in an attempt of a lighthearted and casual manner. She gave a light joyful smile over at Persie and began.

"We wanted to talk to you because you are very much a part of our family now, and we wanted you to be involved with the very important and exciting changes for all three of us." She elaborated, trying her best to set a comfortable scene and emphasize that Persie was very much an important member of the family.

"Makai and I are married now, and with that would come natural additions to our family, like children. You are our first that we are doing our best to take care of, and we hope that you can help us as our family expands." okay hopefully so far so good.

"Much to our surprise, while we thought expanding our family would take a bit, it seems that life has different plans, and we are very excited to learn that Makai and I are expecting a little one of our own. We hope that you would be able to join us in celebrating and helping all three of us adapt to the changes before they are born and after as well. "

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Sitting opposite on an armchair, Persephone was waiting patiently for the story to reach some type of conclusion. A lot of talk about family. About making all sorts of decisions together. Eyebrow arced, wondering where this was going. So far it was none of her ideas that had been percolating in her mind.

Then the words finally came.

Much to our surprise, while we thought expanding our family would take a bit, it seems that life has different plans, and we are very excited to learn that Makai and I are expecting a little one of our own.

If anything else was said after that she didn't hear anything. It was just the sound of blood rushing in her ears, she could see My-rahs lips moving but nothing was registering. Lower lip was starting to quiver. Nope, she wasn't going to cry. Persie clamped down right, pursing her lips, thinking that might help. Then she felt wetness on her cheeks. Yep, she was crying now. Hand came up to try to wipe her face, smearing her mascara. Not a crier, Persephone didn't invest in waterproof makeup like My-rah.

Now she was all out bawling. Big, racking sobs with tears streaming down her cheeks. Hand came up to wipe some snot, the tears still falling and breath still hitching. Persephone was trying to calm down but couldn't, things were just getting worse.

"Its"..sob, hiccup..."not..." another sob..."fair."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Persephone Dashiell

Makai was keeping his mouth shut, letting his wife take the lead. As she wove a tale to tell the news to him it was the right choice. His way of telling Persephone would have been more along the lines of 'we love you, you're going to be a big sister but nothing is going to change' and go from there. He wasn't sure if it was good as what his wife said, but the sentiment would still have been there.

Ellie had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when Persephone seemed to blank out and start crying. Not tears of joy crying, but soul crushing, deeply upset type of crying. While used to crying women in the family, this was different. It was going to be difficult to understand but they would do their best to try.

"I know its hard news to take." Makai looked at his wife, as if to say, I'm doing alright,right? "Of course somethings will change but we still love you like our first born. You're just going to be a big sister."

"...yeah right." More sobbing from Persephone. "Yous both going to send me away to boardin' school and have a real family now!"

Cue more hysterical crying, face buried in her hands.

"I don't wanna go."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Persephone Dashiell Makai Dashiell

Oh. This -- this wasn't the reaction Myra had been expecting. She had been certain that with Persie's personality, there would be self doubts -- but not outright sobs.

Granted, considering Myra also had a tendency to turn into a watering pot, she should have recalled her own teenage years and how emotions and hormones made things swing from one extreme to the next.

Even Makai peered at her for confirmation that he was saying things well -- and with Myra's own hormonal swings, it wasn't hard to emphasize with Persie's cries and fears. Even Myra began to feel her own ears start to prick and a pang in her chest.

"Yes! Just like a big sister!" Myra would nod emphatically, only to be suddenly confused at the mention of boarding school.

"Boarding school? Who mentioned anything about boarding school?"

Then Persie sobbed harder, and Myra's eyes began to blur.

"No one is sending you anywhere!"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

By now, Persephone looked a mess. Red blotchy face. Make-up smeared looking like a racyn that got caught in a gutter. Snot. Wet tears on her face and on her shirt. There was a ton of hiccups and hitched breaths, trying to calm herself down and at least answer the question being presented to her. Both Makky and My-rah looked distorted as tears continued to well in her eyes but she did her best, seeing two dark-haired blurs sitting next to one another.

"No ones...Just that..."

Persephone took a deep breath, trying to get it all out. She was still hiccuping and wiping her eyes, creating more of a mess with her carefully applied makeup that morning. Far cry from the put together look she normally tried to create and of course, she was snotty and teary and of course she hated being dirty. Once she came to her senses no doubt she would be horrified.

"...yous might not me around not being your kid an' all. That's why yous two have been givin' me all these tutors. So I won't be kicked out and be an embarrassment. Then yous would really hafta take care of me."

More tears, mostly silent this time. For the most part the dramatic sobs had stopped. Wasn't stopping the waterworks, but for now it was falling tears and hiccups while she awaited an answer.

Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Makai Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Persephone Dashiell

Makai looked over a second time for more clarity and assistance, only to see his wife tearing up now too. It wasn't a surprise - she had always been a crier. The half-Galan was certain there was no hope for their daughter, he expected to be surrounded by weeping women of all ages for the foreseeable future. Persephone, apparently, wasn't far behind.

Time to jump in while his wife tried to compose herself. Hand squeezed hers once again.

"First off, you're not an embarrassment." Was he this dramatic as a teenager?...Probably, he did run off to Chiss space after all. "Secondly, you're getting many different tutors now because you can handle it. In two years you'll be sixteen, which is important because you'll be expected to start stepping into the role of an heiress.Gradually, of course. Ellie and I are doing all we can to ensure you'll be ready. All of your tutors are ones Ellie and I know will assist you in getting up to speed."

Makai, naturally, was relying heavily on his wife's experiences as a teenager to pick and mold Persephone's education. Neither of them were sure what Persephone wanted to do outside of fashion, but even in that world it was cut-throat and the foundation the laid now was important.

"Thirdly, why would we go to all this trouble of giving you a bigger room and custom closet just to send you away, huh? Don't say for the baby, she won't need a custom cabinet for her shoes just quite yet."

"While you're here sitting in front of us...things are getting a little dangerous, Persie. In the 'verse. Its another reason why we brought you to Gallinore, the mists here make it difficult to navigate. Its safer by nature. We don't want you wandering too far - mainly trips with us or Danger and Rue for now, okay?"

Makai saw a small nod. A sniffle. He looked to Ellie.

"Not sure where Ellie will decide where we want to settle down closer to the birth, but don't worry, you'll be there with us."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

Myra was grateful that Makai was able to talk some more sense - in an empathetic way too! - and get Persie to calm down. By the time she was all sniffles, Myra had taken the liberty to go grab a box of tissues and offer the teenager some; after grabbing a few from herself.

"Exactly. We want you to stay with us! Besides, all those tutors are to help you figure out what you might be interested in, but also to get a handle on what responsibilities you may take on in the future. It might be in fashion, or something else. It just depends on what you want to do."

Another nod.

"Makai is right, we made sure that the new place has plenty of room for you and all your boots. We wouldn't ship you off to a boarding school if it were anything different."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone had grabbed the tissue with a murmured 'thank you' as she tried to clean the snot and tears off her face. There was make-up runs too and she quickly realized washing her face and re-applying was going to be the only solution.Tears had stopped and she had been left with hiccups and shaky breaths as she listened to Myra Arceneau Dashiell speak.

"O-okay..." Not one hundred percent convinced, but My-rah had an excellent point about the boots and her oversized room any young teenager would be envious of. "...can we go out for lunch? After I fix my face up?"

Maybe that would cheer her up a bit. Persephone wasn't going anywhere but soon she wouldn't be the only one in the house. She had always been an only child. She was her Mama's only. My-rah and Makky too....well, up until now apparently. Supposed it was only a matter of time with those to but sheesh.