“So, is there anything I should know before we go into this fancy tea party?”
Zuza Lottson queried, brown hair drawn back into a messy but elegant bun on the back of her head, with just enough left out to accentuate her face. For the usually messy and far from professional Human, Arcona’s Rollmaster was dressed up like a noblewoman. A simple but delicate dress of a pale blue had been rented out for the occasion.
Thanks to Corazon.
Kiast regularly ran various events, balls and hosted families from across the planet in the various cities. This was no different, except Ruka had been stressed out of his mind, and Zuza wanted to experience one of the few planets she’d never set foot on. Thus, the +1 was changed on this occasion. It had worked out rather perfectly.
“You’ll do just wonderfully, dear! Just be yourself.” Corazon beamed at her from her side, his arm bent in proper gentlemanly fashion under her hand. He was the picture of poise and beauty, and seemed completely part of all the immense finery around them. He hadn’t batted one perfectly curled pink eyelash at any of the carriages, ice sculpture gardens, soaring ceilings or gilted architecture, nor at the presence of other nobles and royals and entourages and serving staff.
“If you like, we can review some etiquette, but to be perfectly honest, it is rather a tad much to study at the door. Just, ah,” golden eyes flicked away and back, crinkling slightly at their highlighted edges with concern. “Let us not mention the goings on of the Clan we sometimes get up to overmuch, yes? Particularly in front of my mother. Battle is a rather unpleasant topic of conversation over tea besides.”
For every beat that Cora had been unaffected or maybe hadn’t even noticed, Zuza’s head would turn in fascination. Not staring, that’d be rude, but a blatant show of fascination at the cultures and people and how gorgeous everything was.
The Rollmaster nodded, “Of course. Best to keep things quiet anyway, even if it wasn’t a icky topic. I’d trust your family, but… Well. You know.”
It was hard not to feel paranoid after how easily the Children of Mortis had infiltrated the systems of every clan.
“Okay. I’m ready.” She straightened her back, copying Cora, and after a beat for him to start the pair walked into the elaborately decorated ballroom. It was set up for a tea party, delicate tables set up between various greenery and finery to make a cosier feeling for such a large room. Almost like a garden party but contained without the risk of any flying critters creating problems or ruining a dress.
Zuza looked around, and for what could have been the fortieth time murmured, “Woah”
The Pantoran smiled at her, a smaller one than he normally gave, expertly showing just the acceptable amount of teeth for their surroundings, which was, generally, none, unless one was aiming to flash their whiteness against a particularly bold lipstick. He wasn’t even all that mindful of doing it; it was just ingrained in him, much like the way he walked with a sedate but admiring step to display his own coziness as fit the theme today. Zuza’s excited steps, even timed with him, were a slight but notable constant tug just a tad faster. And no one in this room in the last one hundred and fifty years since its final brick was laid would have uttered the word, woah.
But that was alright. It all seemed to much sillier now. It often did. They weren’t thoughts he tended to dwell on, and he didn’t then. They were there to have a lovely time, and so it would be.
The pair before them progressed down the grand staircase, and then it was their turn. Of course, Corazon had sent their titularies ahead, and so was expecting it when the crier announced in loud, fluting tones of the Vatali accent to be heard to the rafters:
“Presenting Lord Jedi Corazon Tenbriss Ya-ir, Knight of the Lotus, Second Councillor of the Commonwealth of the Dajorran Confederacy, Third Son of House Ya-ir, Keepers of the Trident…” a few more of the family’s holdings droned in his ears, but he’d listed them all properly, since Mother would be here, “…and his escorted, Lady Zuza Lottson, Councilwoman of the Commonwealth of the Dajorran Confederacy.”
Eyed polite and sharp alike followed them down.
The practise with Cora kept Zuza’s arm looped with his as they made their way down the steps while their names were called.
She had not expected the sudden calling of names, and while she was aware of the title she bore it was… odd to hear aloud. An unabashed grin crossed her face, looking toward the crier and then back ahead, raising her chin pridefully. The Human was far from unaware of those looking on, kindly or not, however she couldn’t give a kriff. She waited until they were clear of the stairs, Cora sweeping down with the grace of the birds that awed her when planetside. It was incredible how he seemed to know where people were without even looking, or maybe he didn’t, just knowing the routine of polite nods that well. Either way it was impressive.
Instead of usual party Zuza had experienced, this one was different. Instead of a buffet at one side, there were spread out tables all across the room barring a space in the centre for dancing. There was space between the tables, where people who had clearly gotten here very early had already begun to group together in. There was room enough to sweep past them, and to find a table that was affable enough. The tables themselves were draped with silken cloth that was hemmed up at intervals to create varying patterns. Placemats sat in front of each chair which the back of was only visible under the cloth. Upon the tables were plates, and an excessive number of the same cutlery over and over for the same placement. Tiny spoons with long handles, a wide deep spoon with a handle that thinned out but left plenty of room to grip. The forks were seemingly endless. As was the cups of tea, circular trays of sandwiches stacked in the centre, snack items, hors d'oeuvres, mini cheesecakes and delicate fruit arrangements in cups with sauces in tiny jugs interspersed among them. All of it lavish, excessive and jaw dropping for a Human who grew up eating under her father’s knees while they travelled to the next planet.
Zuza did her best to follow Cora’s instruction. Don’t stare being the main issue in this moment and she tried to drink it all in immediately.
Once they were clear of the stairs and the initial trove of head nods, she leaned her head toward the Jedi, “Is the name caller normal? Cause, that was pretty awesome.”
Corazon gave a chuckle at the question, a light, soft thing that had more air in it than his laugh might normally. He murmured down the inch or two to her without his head turning nor his placid, genteel expression slipping the slightest, “The heraldre? Yes, that is typical. The completeness to which they announce titular and holdings and such depends upon the type of event and setting, of course, but usually one is announced, at the least. I’m pleased you like it.”
They approached a table, guided by a butler – who Cora had known who to follow Zuza didn’t know either. The Pantoran stepped forward and twisted in just such a move that freed his arm from under hers gracefully but left her own settled on the chair back that he pulled out for her.
“My Lady Lottson,” he said, smiling, and bowed to her while the butler retreated slightly.
The only times the Human could recall being announced was if she entered a bar she’d been into before; Though that was less being announced and more being called to party again.
Zuza couldn’t help but giggle at the smooth as kriff motions Cora pulled off, looking down at the chair briefly and, after the moment it took her to remember, curtesying back to him, “My Lord Ya-Ir,” and sitting carefully in the seat. She shuffled the seat in, having to angle slightly to get a good grip on the ground, before smoothing her skirt out and gazing hungrily upon the table.
And then back to Cora.
“I almost can’t believe this is normal here. I thought we threw big parties but this is insane.”
“Excess wealth and an excess of free time upon many doors,” the Pantoran murmured very softly, finishing making certain her chair was well in and she situated before he allowed himself to be seated by their waiter. There were two other seats empty at their table, but no one would claim one without an invitation; not unless they were aiming for something. He smiled at her gaze and gestured. “Have whatever you like. You do not need to wait for the staff to serve you or portion your meals if you do not want to. This affair is considered, hum, gauche. In the acceptable fashion, of course.”
Zuza had not a clue what a Gauche meant, but it sounded like she was fine to serve herself so long as it wasn’t greedy. Not that she ever ate that much anyways.
The Human sat up in her seat, leaning and taking some various plates. Sandwiches, sweet snacks, and a very neatly swirled pastry that she wasn’t really sure what the contents of were.
As time passed, difficult to tell in such a well light environment, many came by the table to give small greetings to Cora. Polite conversation with little regard beyond the niceities to the “Lady” beside him.
Zuza was content, engaging when prompted but otherwise just enjoying the food for the moment. The way they all talked was a bit.. difficult for her. Cora had explained that there was much implication behind the words of nobles, rather than spoken intent but that was confusing to her. So observation worked well enough.
Until one in particular joined the fray.
The woman bowed her head as she appraoched, “Lord Ya'ir, it’s a pleasure to share your company. And that of your Lady Lottson.”
Lady Silvette, a tall woman with drawn back blonde hair held herself tall. A smile lit up her face, although there was little joy behind the eyes. She glanced over the pair, lingering on Zuza, before following up the greeting.
“Would you mind another at your table for a few moments?”
“Lady Silvette,” Corazon returned pleasantly, smiling and inclining his head back at the woman; he did not stand to bow, and his nod wasn’t as low as hers was, as was proper for their difference of status. Minor though his family was, they had generations of wealth among the Vatali dating back a couple of centuries. Lady Silvette was quite new money, ambitious but unmoored, with her family’s trading guild turned titled house mostly being funded on the efforts of her father. It would be up to her ambition to keep that flame or lose the spark, and generally, she seemed to be carrying the torch on. He remembered seeing her speak on multiple occasions growing up, after a sabbatical of sorts. “We would be pleased to have your company for a short time, of course. Please,” he gestured at the seat opposite Zuza, beside him. The waiter pulled it out for the ladyship exactingly, and her own attending turned over the cup on her place mat and poured the tea the pair were having in.
She waited a moment, then took it delicately, sniffing the steam.
“Oh,that is… interesting. I can’t say I recognize the profile?”
“It is a Mirialan blend,” the Pantoran explained with no small hint of pride in his voice, saffron eyes shining. “From my husband’s homeworld. He makes it himself, and I put it forward as our selection. It’s delicious. You may find yourself surprised by the warmth though, so he careful. I suggest one of the cheesecakes; dairy helps the burn, and the cream pairs delightfully with the cinnamons. I’m afraid my sensibilities are quite delicate myself, so this one doesn’t have the chiles it aught, but it’s still lovely.”
“Hmm,” Lady Silvette sipped, coughed once. Took a bite of frosted scone. “That’s interesting indeed.”
“Isn’t it? But please, don’t let me talk overmuch, I will only go on for ages about my family. How fare yours?”
Harmony set down the cup on it’s saucer smiling, and though it didn’t quite reach the eyes it was serviceable enough. Spice was something her family traded in, although there were limitations with it and her own palette.
“Well, we may not be plentiful but it does feel busy enough. My young cousins are doing well in their studies under my father’s tuition and I just last week completed negotiations for a new trade route around the outer rims. A bit.. safer. Less efficient but with recent events in the galaxy it’s a necessary expense.” She paused, taking another delicate nibble of her scone.
Her eyes glanced over Zuza, who to this point had partially zoned out despite her attempts to not. She smiled, realising that the noblewoman was observing, and straightened her posture slightly, doing her best to recall the topic and commenting generally, “Yeah, uh, it’s been pretty rough out there. I’m sure it’s hard to properly protect ya stuff.”
Harmony nodded, slowly, gaze lingering a moment too long before returning to passively glancing between them. “I suppose in personal lines, they have been going well too. Hobbies abound and as hard as it may be to negotiate with the noise, the younger ones are a delight to have around. I may incorrect, but you and your husband have two? I’m sure you understand. Although, Lady Lottson.” Her voice caught slightly, but was corrected as quickly as happened. Maybe a bit of scone catching in her throat, “You seem a little young for all that yourself?”
Zuza smiled, although somewhat confused. There were odd signals coming off of this lady. She side glanced Cora, but responded otherwise normally, “Yeah, a little. I suppose I could if I really wanted to but..” She trailed off, shrugging.
Harmony nodded, before returning attention to Cora with a mildly humoured look, “Well, they can be quite a challenge. However worthy of one it may be.”
Something of Corazon’s demeanor changed, though it was hard to tell what. He was still smiling all smiley and perfect, posture upright yet at ease, airy, and he hadn’t even returned Zuza’s off look. Nevertheless, something about the Pantoran just suddenly seemed to Zuza, empathetic as she could be, so icy. Sharp and reflective, like a glass wall coming up.
It was just a blink, but it was there, between Corazon finishing his sip of tea and gently resting the cuppa back on the tiny platter he held in his other hand, daintily smiling and nodding to Harmony.
“Indeed, Ruka and I do have two children, though I must say I have rare chance found their presence or noise any negotiation. Rather welcome, on the contrary. My family’s manor could be ever so quiet, at times; all that space, I am sure you understand. Just room for the generations of ghosts, to be perfectly frank. I am so the much wholer, happier, and better a man for the delights of my son and daughter… why, we have even been considering more.” His smile remained as he said the last, almost overwhelmed by emotion, and carefully set his tea set down, almost in front of Zuza, his hand staying there to rest on it a supple branch. He…winked at the ladyship. “But, ah ah, you shan’t tell, will you? A matter of privacy, and all… and safer, as you so adroitly point out. As in venture, so in the home life. What of you, my Lady? You must be inundated with suitor seeking contract.”
If Harmony noticed the change, she gave no indication. Her humoured smile remained firmly in place, only changing in that it softened to a more neutral version over the course of Cora’s response.
“Quiet I do understand. Though I can’t say I’d begrudge a few generations of legacy to haunt my halls, alas, that is for me to provide.”
Her eyebrow raised for a moment at his wink, but the woman didn’t respond verbally otherwise. She simply nodded her head, gently conceding to his request. “Of course my Lord. Although if its only a consideration it’s not as if there would be much to tell. Either way, you have my silence on the matter.”
A polite laugh escaped her at the question of suitors, “Well, if you could perhaps keep my privacy as well, I must admit that I have plenty of suitors. Attractive, intelligent. Ideal to many I’m sure. Yet, many of them have little care for my side of the contract. Most assume that my business would be absorbed into their own. It just won’t do. So, I believe the colloquial term for my situation with suitors would be searching for a needle in a haystack.”
“Your plight shall indeed stay between us, my Lady,” the Pantoran assured, delicately taking a cookie for dipping. “One sympathizes. Often smaller houses do tend to be assumed to be the consumed party, regardless of the relative qualifications of each. I imagine the whole endeavor has felt rather disrespectful, and for that, you have my sincerest apologies. I learned quite well, through my husband and I, the questions of validity and competency and worth under the gaze of our society here, bless the Empress and Her reign though we may.”
Taking a petite bite, he dabbed at his lips without disrupting his cosmetics in the slightest before going on.
“If you would pardon my asking, is it entrepreneurship that drives your review of a marriage contract? Or a desire for a legacy, children? Not to overstep, but as you may imagine, my family is quite untraditional as far as these things are concerned, but I love my Noga and Leda no less for having adopted them. And there are many other options if you wished for ones of your own, biologically speaking…my sister, Angelica, has taken an interest in driving the field here, somewhat on our behalf, really, as she offered to surrogate for Ruka and I in the first place…I’m afraid the gap of reproductive care and family options is quite desperate between the classes still, and rather shoehorned at that even among our peers…poor attitudes abound towards alternative methods, but it’s something we’re trying to change.”
She nibbled her own scone as he spoke, looking intrigued toward the end.
“Untraditional is one word for it.” Her words held no distaste, unwavering in the factual comment. “Though in my situation, a bit of both are pushing me into my search for a suitor. Legacy is certainly a priority-” Her gaze slipped from Cora, and over to Zuza for a moment. It was brief. “-but I am far from finished.”
Zuza had been sitting, doing her best to remain engaged and listen while simultaneously feeling rather uncomfortable. The notion of Cora and Ruka having kids though, of their own, was incredible. She smiled at the mention of it.
“I may speak with your sister, Lord Corazon. If nothing else, maybe I could offer my support. I may be new to the table, but having someone who does still follow tradition backing such a project would give you a sturdier platform to work from.”
Quiet fell for another few moments before Harmony properly turned her attention to Zuza. “Miss Lottson, if I may, what is your father’s name?”
Zuza straightened a little, confused, glancing to Cora. But he couldn’t answer a question for her, nor could he answer why in the galaxy this was being asked of her. Still, she responded, “Gwaine, Lady Silvette.”
Harmony looked over Zuza, in a long drawn out few seconds, before commenting, “You look just like him.”
“You.. know my dad?”
“We have met, yes.”
Zuza smiled a little, though the confusion was still clear in her features, someone knowing her dad was rarely a bad thing for the Arconan. “How did you meet? He’s never mentioned you, he usually talks about all sorts of people he’s met.”
Harmony’s smile.. turned. It wasn’t unkind but there was something off about it. It was interrupted by her finishing off her scone.
“I’d recommend you ask him why I.. quite strongly remember him.”
Zuza frowned again, before putting a smile back on and nodding, the awkwardness building once more. Annoyingly, when only moments before Zuza thought they could be free of it.
Corazon seemed also surprised at the abrupt direction to Zuza, particularly something so personal and, apropos of nothing, specific. The ensuing back and forth didn’t help the atmosphere, or provide any clarity. The Pantoran’s golden eyes narrowed every so slightly over his perfect, white smile again, unhappy that his dearest friend was frowning and putting on her own face now.
Perhaps…
“May I inquire, my Lady, is that why you sought out our table, perhaps? Interest in Sir Lottson, whose surname sparked some recognition whence Lady Zuza was announced?”
“It was part of my reasoning, my Lord. Though I’d call it a catalyst.” Harmony let her gaze return to the Pantoran, “Its always a surprise to hear an old name from long ago, and it served to give reason to visit a little earlier than I may have otherwise. Though I do hope curiosity hasn’t killed the cat in this instance. Certainly, I meant nothing malicious.”
She wiped her fingers on a napkin.
“Nor does it take away from the conversation before. Mingling is an important part of our repertoire at parties after all.” Her gaze returned to Zuza for a moment, “I do apologise if I’ve caused upset.”
Zuza smiled, a little more genuinely now, “No. Well, maybe a little but I’m just a bit confused is all.” She rubbed the back of her neck, aware it wasn’t the most lady like but allowing herself the nervous tic.
“Well, in wake of your apology, the house shan’t hold it against you overly much for a…unmalicious curiosity,” Corazon allowed, his smile crystalline, perfectly sparkling and cold compared to Zuza’s sincere, if awkward and nervous, acceptance. He made the daintiest of waves with his fingers, a fluttering motion that instantly summoned their waiter to dispense of Harmony’s tiny plate, now emptied of scone. “I do believe we are both a tad confused, but as our Lady has suggested asking your father for the tale, Zuza, we can only assume our Ladyship has not the time for such fancies as to tell it herself, not when there is mingling and business to be done. We simply with have to await having our curiosities ameliorated. We shan’t delay your rounds any longer, my Lady Silvette. Thank you ever so much for coming to see us, and do say farewell before we depart later, wouldn’t you? I must give you the contact of my sister’s herald myself, that we can compare the day’s gossips.”
For this flourish he added a wink, a rather rakish move in their shared circles, and certainly a display picked up on from his husband’s ilk.
“Of course.” Harmony clearly recognised the meaning behind his words. The mild threat behind it. Her thoughts on it did not show in her expression as she moved to stand, offering a full curtsey. “It was a pleasure to meet you both formally.”
“And you.” Zuza repeated back. The cogs were turning in her head. The response was less one of someone in the moment. Harmony left once Cora had responded as well, graceful as she swept back into the push and pull of the crowd.
Zuza sipped her drink for something to do. They’d never visited Kiast. It had always been the one planet Gwaine had never taken work to or from. He’d abandoned a job once due to them changing the locales last minute for a delivery. Zuza couldn’t have been around when they last met, but her father wasn’t very old when he had her. Kriff, she was older now than he was then. Hed talked about all his friends when they teens. Stories and stories. When you spent so much time travelling, stories were the fuel to keep you going.
Zuza sighed slightly looking to Cora with some concern, “You aren’t going to do anything to her for that, are you?”
Even if Zuza was right on the slowly forming theory, she didn’t want Harmony to be punished for asking a question.
The Pantoran’s pristine, icy demeanor thawed as he turned back to his best friend, pastel brows furrowing and looking aghast.
“Goodness, no,” he whispered, hurt flashing in his golden eyes. It subdued seconds later, as he grew more solemn again, regaining composure. The Pantoran reached for his teacup, while their waiter moved to replace Harmony’s spent place settings. Cora held up a hand, and seamlessly, the butler paused and turned the other cup over and down, crossing the napkin over the plate differently than it had been before. He retreated with a bow, and Cora sipped. “There now, we won’t have any more intrusions until we allow them. No, Zuzzy, I will not do anything to her…at least, so long as she has not done anything to you. That was…she was so blatantly starting something! Hmph. I don’t know what she means to imply about Sir Gwaine, or how she’s toying with you by just tossing the information out there and then sending you after it, but I do not appreciate it at all.”
His next sip could be described as amgy.
“I didn’t think you would but… well. Things are different here.” Zuza had responded, glad that it wasn’t the case. It didn’t suit Cora, the empty threat was.. uncomfortable but she could understand the point.
“I.. have a theory.” She spoke slowly, unsure. “If I’m right, I kinda get why she didn’t just say it. Though kri-”
Was swearing okay?
“Uh- jeez, even, uhm.” Train of thought, lost it. Zuza blinked blankly for a moment before it came back to her, “Yeah, uhm, I hope I’m not right. Id rather not say it here, either, really. Its weird. Its not bad.”
It would just explain a lot of little things.
The Pantoran blinked in visible confusion.
“Um?” he voiced eloquently, but merely smiled at her, kindly if a little bewildered. “Of course, dear. Later then, if you want to. I won’t pry, but I’m here for you, I hope you know? Sisters,” he chimed, somewhat fretfully, sticking out the pinkie finger on which he wore a tiny friendship ring, a plain band with a little silver firefly shape.
“I do.” Zuza assured, smiling gratefully, “I’ll say later.”
She took the pinkie with her own, face brightening from the moments. It didn’t all matter for now, it could wait till later.
“Sisters.” Pinkie promise sealed. Her ring was on her other hand, the same size as Cora’s though on her index finger rather than a pinkie. Her hands were quite a bit smaller than his.