Log:The Shadowport: The Hapan-ing: Jynell Returns Redux

Eriussa Jynell returns home

OOC Date: November 29, 2020
Location: Hapes
Participants: The Shadowport, Eriu Jynx as GM, Sajin, King, Swindor of Hale, Netep Muri, B'haav Adasta, Naia

[Eriu Jynx] To the north the noble district rises to stare down with a commanding gaze on the sprawling city proper. The group is brought in on two speeders in the rich emeralds and silvers of House Jynell. The drivers know the way and its a smooth ride with grand views of shops and thoroughfaires as they are brought in through the arches upwards into the ever climbing streets. More shops and restaurants dot the avenues that are filled with glorious personal homes. The elite of the planet live here and once an see with how the raised walks and careful flow of foot traffic is ordered. Plazes with fountains and various flowers dot and cascade with a myriad of colors.

They are going higher and higher until near the top of the noble mount they arrive at a white marbled estate with gilded edges. The gates open to allow entrance to the Jynell Estate with its fitted view over the left side of the noble district.

As they pull up, Eriu in her fitted green bodysuit is helped out, a swathe of silver fabric trails from her left shoulder and at its end where it clasps at a chain is the house symbol of a sword crossed over a moon. Her hair styled up and slicked back she looks to the group as the attendants step out to aid the arrival of everyone. This includes as well the closest family whom the Duchess has put her trust in to oversee the family holdings. They obviously have failed and as she approaches a woman in green like her own clothing, they embrace lightly and briefly touch their foreheads together before straightening up and into business.

"Ilaina, these are my associates. Here to aid us in repairing the damage that has been done. There are others, but you likely won't see them."

She turns to the others and motions to each. "Netep Muri, my cultural attache, Naia my persona phyiscian as well as overseeing any needs of this group in regards to their health, King, aid and bodyguard, B'haav Adasta advisor and aid, Lord Swindor of Hale, another noble like us, but male of course." That is somehow a factor here as Ilaina looks to each for a long moment, slowly nodding. "And King Sajin of Drik. Hapan and here as a reminder to the Queen Mother that House Jynell has assets beyond what is here on this planet."

The group is given long looks from the servants, some of the males staring before their items are being ushered and into the house. "You all will be given rooms, but I suggest if you have questions now you ask them." This last from Ilaina who does not look overly pleased by all the offworlders and aliens, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I did not think we were THIS desperate, cousin."

EJ just smiles at her cousin, its a mask and one that looks like it could be thrown right off. "Not desperate, Ilaina, resourceful."

[Sajin] There is nothing Sajin hated more than his homeworld of Hapes. Being Male in a SEVERE Matriarchy made him nothing more than a commodity. Breeding stock and a servant, that's what he would have become if he hadn't escaped. The knowledge he possessed of Hapan martial arts was a crime, taught to him by a sympathetic mentor. His mother, Commander of her Majesties Select Commands, killed her for it. HE ran away, but in that time the daughter of his teacher killed his mother and his entire family, leaving him the sole heir... a male. Unthinkable. This was very rare. It wasn't until they tried to kill him that he found his way back to Hapes, exposed the plot to the Queen mother, and left with his house name restored. Yan was there for that. Of course, since he was married the house fell into the hands of his wife, Oriana Queen of Drik.

So here he was, helping the only Hapan woman who hadn't tried to tie him down as some sort of sex slave or 'baby maker'. Perhaps that connection was a bit too much for him, the idea of a Hapan woman being tolerable... So an attachment was formed because simple minds often did as such and Sajin was very, very simple.

Dressed in what could only be described as a Military Uniform, Sajin moved quietly along with the retinue. Tight dark Grey breeches with many buttons, an equally dark Grey coat with yellow embroidering and buttons. Big Epaulets and a high collar. The Coat had two tails that swayed slightly with his moments. They were the colors of House Verrni, the Queens family and house... yet he also worse the traditional sash of House Kah, his house here on Hapes. There is a knife and a vibroblade as his side, something official and fancy but likely capable of use in a fight if need be.

Dreamy hazel eyes tare away from the moving sky as they come to a stop, lazily resting on EJ's kin in green. There is a nod from the man but nothing spoken as his plush lips remain shut. He reaches down to adjust the tight uniform, taking a deep breath.

[King] "Startin' to think I should just go by my name, again, seeing as I'm surrounded by royalty all the time," King remarks, his hand reaching to loop thumbs around his gunbelt. It's not there, of course, his solitary Enforcer tucked discreetly into a shoulder holster for this little excursion. He may be attempting 'well-behaved', but he's still a bodyguard, after all. His hands instead clench into fists for a time and relax down by his sides.

King, for once, doesn't look out of place; dressed in likely the finest outfit he has. He's been around for a while, and worn a lot of hats. One of them was being handsome bit of Morellian eye-candy for his noble merchant wife, so he's experienced his fair share of decorum and class, despite his usual rough and tumble way.

King's eyes land on Ilaina for a time, but her little barb seems to just bounce right off of him, the old gunfighter just flashing her a wink in return.

[Swindor of Hale] Swindor, as they step out of the car, stops for a brief moment to preen. He is most certainly wearing his finest dress uniform, tonight. It has been repaired, and refreshed after he made the mistake of wearing it bar crawling on Nar Shaddaa, of course. He's also got a bandage on the left side of his neck, and a bit of extra swagger in a step that is typically already brimming with the stuff.

He does far less gaping in amazement as they arrive at the estate than he did upon his arrival the Moon, as well. This is rather more what he is used to, after all. As the introductions are given, Swindor's puffed out chest unpuffs just a little. Did he just hear that introduction correctly? LORD SWINDOR OF HALE?!

He clears his throat and it is -very- unsubtle, and offers Ilaina a polite nod, but is rather less graceful than he might have been, moments before. He can't help but flash the stink eye at Eriu, as he does so, either. "His Royal Highness, Admiral of the Green, Duke twice over, and at the very worst, Crown Prince of Hale. So, I assure you...I'm not just another noble such as you. As your service, nonetheless." He clears his throat again, and lifts his head. "You're all very attractive, though." He finishes rather lamely.

[Netep Muri] Ho...ly.... By the Judges'....

Muri cannot settle on an adequate expression to express as their sleek and fancy ride ferries them to an overpoweringly sleek and fancy estate. Suffice to say, as per the halfbreed's expression out the window, she does not oft get invited to places of this caliber. When they've all filed out for introductions to the royal relative awaiting their arrival, Netep smooths a silken sleeve of finery over the bracelet it's snagged on and helps herself to a sweep of some o'that Hapan eye candy - the man servants over there, tending to their luggage. She permits her eye to linger a half beat too long than she'd meant to on one of them, but snaps her attention forward on the REAL gem of this welcoming committee - Ilaina - when her witty tongue slips EJ some sass. A forward stare that's broken only to shoot Swindor of Hale a LOOK.

"Sometimes a perception from the outside, looking in, can be of use, M'Lady. Or if not eyes looking in, ears listening out. Even if we..." another glance to Swinny "cannot compare. To your most noble house and, dare I say, exquisite lineage." Stop talking, Muri. She spreads a too-easy smile (but how can she NOT, looking at HER) that toes the line from earnest to overly-friendly. A slight dip of chin is offered to the fellow female, before she lifts her chin on high once more to survey the land. Lookin like a damn queen of the desert in those fluttery fabrics a'glow.

[B'haav Adasta] B'haav Adasta seems to be in over his head. He isn't, but that is generally the assumption of the native residents of Hapes. He is wearing one of the three outfits arranged for him by his patroness, the Duchess known colloquially as EJ on the moon back home, this one of black silk so dark as to pull nearby light into it. What light does escape his attire reflects at odd angles from his Tetan goggles, which he wears to hide his eyes as much as for the stores of information they provide. The black bowler atop his head is the only anomaly from local fashion, tucked down to hide the palps that would mark him Balosar. He avoids looking at the fumbling cousin, choosing instead to address her with eyes averted.

	 "The texts of the philosopher Shu'ur'e of the Gree Empire suggested that wisdom comes from understanding the breadth of knowledge to be gained from different viewpoints. I hope you will consider us, as such, more eyes through which to see the surroundings with which you are so familiar." Being looked down on is nothing new for the Balosar. Being looked at, on the other hand, makes him a little uncomfortable in this environment.

[Naia] Dr. Naia Verliss may very well be impressed by the scenery, but unfortunately her eyes lack any sort of white or true iris and mostly appear as obsidian mirrors, reflecting her surroundings at best and doing little to convey any sort of expression. She views the wonder of Hapes with a sort of dreamy acceptance that is either quite genuine, or simply a function of the whole...situation she has going on with her face. It's quite hard to tell. She too is dressed in finery that has been tailored, and she moves in it likea person who is //comfortable// being dressed up despite the fact that she rarely bothers. After all, what's the //point// when you're liable to end up covered in blood and thicker things?

Her dress is fitted, tailored to accentuate an hour glass figure, and metallic silver in color. The fabric is a mystery---to Naia most of all, as she hadn't chosen it. She'd relied all but solely on EJ's advice for this little outing, and accepted her fate with grace. If the neck-line is a little too low for her taste, and there's a regrettable slit up the side (she will never understand why people pay more for //less// cloth), so be it. Her tentacles are decorated with...functionally little silver bracelets studded in pearl. She says nothing to the cousin as she steps out of the speeder. It pays to watch people, and Iliana clearly has some issues with their party---best not to engage at all.

[Eriu Jynx] Swindor's sudden correction and plume spreading earns him a strange stare for Ilaina. Eriu may have gotten stink eye for putting him at lowly lord title but the expression her cousin gives him is one of outright surprise and disgust. Who?! What?! Her quiet outrage simmers below the surface as the years of noble training keeps her composed enough. But already thrown off, King's wink just gets a slight double take amidst the fluster. She clears her throat and stops again as more of THEM seem to speak.

Eriu herself draws a very slow breath and keeps an easy smile on her features as her head slowly turn sto look at Swindor, "Forgive me, you shall have to advise me at length of all your titles. I am sure they will attract much attention and weight here on Hapes."

Ilaina lifts delicate manicured fingers to her neck as she straightens up and gives Muri a long once over and simply nods, a faint smile tickling at her lips at the other female. Creatures of a same mind perhaps?

"You may be right," she concedes to B'haav and thus Netep as well for their little blossoms of wisdom. "Either way, you are the Duchess' guests and so we will see to you. Come, follow me, your rooms are prepared and items being sent to each. We have refreshments in the front study where we might speak in private." She glances at the gates and around, perhaps even at some of the servants.

She turns about and half angled at them inclines her head and thus begins to proudly lead the way right up into the large arched glass doors in a tapestry of colors like stained glass.

Eriu glances among them, "Your Highnesses," Eriu says to include Swindor with Sajin as she will continue on with the group.

The front foyer is a grand affair with a double staircase that provides a look down from the second floor over the entire entrance. White and greens are intermingled with silvers and splashes of color as they enter and make their way to the right in one of the first rooms that though is small by the estate's standards is rather large sporting two illusionary fireplaces that take up central positions instead of hugging a wall.

Eriussa turns about. "Thank you all for coming. House Jynell has never once faltered and lots its way but it would seem that we are floundering now. We believe there to be a mole, likely put into place by one of our vassal houses." Ilaina nods and pulls up the middle holoprojector which shows the three houses.

"The political dance on Hapes is one of the most deadly, perhaps not at the loss of lives but in status. House Camden, House Terell, and House Valris all have long been supporters of Jynell. There power is not as great and that puts them in the best position to undermind and attempt to cause our fall. It would benefit them if they were also building favor with the Queen Mother. Everyone in this home is suspect save for Ilaina and myself."

Ilaina is still eyeing them all with great uncertainty. "That is why you are perfect for this. The goal is to find the information on the mole, find the family heirloom that was taken and secure Jynell's place in the hierarchy for decades to come."

[Sajin] Despite being pretty to almost every humanoid outside of the Transitory Mists, Sajin was far more average looking when compared to other Hapans. He was still attractive, naturally beautiful, all the genes except his brains were in order. Yet... Q, Force rest his soul, used to say Sajin was the ugliest Hapan he'd ever seen... because of the stubble, the five o'clock shadow he took to keeping as a grizzled and experienced Mercenary.

Thankfully his Wife insisted he shave before making the trip out.

A hand runs along his smooth angular chin, making that freshly shaved scraping noise with what stubble he couldn't get to. There is a turn of his head as he catches the sight of Lavender out of his peripherals. Hazel eyes fall on Naia, looking her over briefly. There is recognition for Mon Calamari... yet he was in armor then. He files away the need for introductions later, including others here, making sure his gaze doesn't linger too long on the Nautolan as to be rude.

He starts forward, following EJ quietly, a nod to her as she speaks to both him and Swindor a quick side glance given to the heir apparent of Hale.

Brows raise with impressment at the size of the estate and it's grander, finally his gaze resting on EJ as she explains. His lips set in a firm disappointing line, "Sounds about right..." The first words he's spoken in a deep and quiet masculine tone. "Familiar even."

He knew the treachery of hapes, having experienced it himself. He nods to Ilaina, "We shall prevail, Ma'am..." A bow of his head.

He studies Ilaina like he did Naia and notices something out of her body language. Stepping aside, the King of Drik moves her away from the group. "Hey..." He asks... "What's going on... you look distressed."

[King] Content to just stick close to EJ, King does just that, the Morellian bodyguard keeping quiet and watching out for super secret assassin types. It's a hard row to hoe, on account of how super secret they are. "Nice place, Miss EJ," the man comments quietly to the woman. "Didn't know how much you were slummin' it," he adds, eyes beginning to tick around the area.

"Don't know too much about political dancin', but I'm here for you," King offers, watching Ilaina for a moment or two. He knows he'd be a more formidable ally if he had his nice white felt hat, but EJ said 'no'. Several times.

[Swindor of Hale] Crease lines appear in Swindor's forehead as he listens, and contemplates what he's defintely figured out accurately so far. He is giving this a deep bit of thinking, and those gears are grinding in that tall noble forehead of his. "That's why mother outlawed the higher nobility, you know. Killed the bloody lot of them when they raised protest." A shake of his head of his head as he sternly opines. "Nothing but troublemakers, truly." A beat. "Present company excluded, I'm sure." He really is excellently suited to this diplomacy business. Tugging on the bottom of his jacket, his eyes wander around the room. They do probably have an excellent alcohol selection.

[Netep Muri] Netep Muri is an expert people watcher. Sometimes it's idle curiosity. Sometimes it's work. Sometimes it's more lecherous in nature. Today's study of faces is driven by a combination of the latter two motivating factors. Standing on the front lawn of the Jynell Estate, she's already achieved quite the eyefull by the time they follow their hostess(es) inside and her first few steps see her gold-dusted face turned aside, tracking the path of Ilaina's paranoid glance. Faces are noted, body languages read from afar. Whispers unheard, but blabbing of lips bespied. And then there's that guy. Ditching the rest of the drudgery to skedaddle out of their sight. Maybe lunch hadn't sat right with him. Or....

Netep mulls over the possibly inoccuous behavior quirk witnessed in yard while she studies the illuminating holopresentation. "Mm. A family heirloom..." There's a fleeting glance with raised brow sent Eriussa's way and coy little curl of lip as Netep murmurs "Best not leave any shelf unscoured." Kneading a hand through her curly mane - it feels so weird and naked without all the trinkets tangled within - Cultural Attache Muri takes a slow turn of the room and admires the decor. "Three vassal houses, but also bodies within /this/ home." To be sure she heard correctly. "Do..." a pause as she hovers her hand in front of an illusory flame and dares to pass the tips of her fingers through it. "Any bodies outside Jynell's bloodline dwell within this sprawling structure? Or have any of the servants, perchance, been shared or share familial ties with Camden, Terell, of Valris? Forgive my ignorance, my mother was a Queen of knowledge and science, but we did not have the luxury of owning retainers beyond the mechanical sort, see. I could not help but notice some of the lovelies on the lawn appearing a bit....nervous." A final pass of her hand and she tucks it neatly into her other against belly lest it go wandering and leave fingerprints on more tangible objects.

[B'haav Adasta] B'haav watches the sprawling richness of the mansion and he would normally be suitably impressed by the grandeur, but something seems slightly off. Everywhere he looks, he's reminded, oddly enough, of the knockoffs he used to see in the warehouse stores of the Hutt Cartel during his many years with them. The trim is gorgeous, but only because of a veneer of thick polish hiding cracks in need of repair, worn stitching indicating cheap upkeep rather than the opulence of thorough and proper maintenance. Any proper duchy SHOULD have no trouble in its comforts, let alone something so small as simple and proper upkeep. He follows several long steps behind EJ, keeping close enough to be at her beck and call while deferentially far enough away.

	 In the study, the Balosar listens closely to Ilaina's presentation and studies the holo before he steps closer and leans over to whisper in his Hapan patroness' ear.

B'haav Adasta whispers "Duchess, the list of moles is, at minimal, likely to include the entirety of the roster of your house's servants. I invite you to look closely at the disrepair of the furnishings, and the worn livery. It would take only a simple overture and a promise of basic necessities to loosen some lips. Not to mention others of higher station who may be dissatisfied with the notion of going without."

[Eriu Jynx] The Duchess allows everything to settle in and as the those of her assembled squad as it were process the info and perhaps have made their own observations there is a slow smile that presses to her lips. "I knew this was a good idea," approval. But she leans into B'haav when he whispers and she furrows her brows, giving him a look. Its obvious whatever he observed she had missed and there is a slow nod of her head. "I see, we will look into it. In fact if you want to see to that with Naia and a few others once we are done here, the action would not go amiss."

She glances then to King, giving him a nod and seemingly grateful for him sticking near to her, assessing his own expression that is as close to unreadable as she is likely going to get. "Slummin it in a sense, I suppose. But a life is meant to be lived and sometimes not caught up in a gilded cage."

Ilaina is eyeing Swindor a moment, as if he was some sort of interesting figure as the rest are mulling over information. That is until Sajin pulls her aside and that alone causes her to tense up and brush his hand aside, looking rather indignant. "The fact you are all here to /help/ us is distressing enough. What ever will be said when its found out. How can it not be found out. You are staying here." Distressed and stressed as she smooths her dress and lifts her chin to look down at the King of Drik even if he is taller.

Netep's words however give the two Jynells pause as Eriu squints in thought and Ilaina murmurs something. "Likely not, not unless they were previously employed by one of the other houses. Most have high references so they could have been. I have started sorting through their files if you wish the job." She makes a motion to one of the elegant terminals that is nearly lost in the sculpted room.

Naia gets a very long look from Ilaina but it is Eriu that cuts her off and answers. "Yes. I think that would be a great idea. In fact we need to shore up the loyalty around here so if you find out information during your attending of any injured or ill, that would be perfect." Eriu glances around them. "The job starts here, we have our fellows in the field working to get their hands dirty. We need to uncover what we can here."

[Sajin] Sajin glances towards B'haav and EJ, ear raising at the whisper. He doesn't seem offended by Ilaina's snubbing or her indignant responce, he likely expected it. "Listen... I have a missive..." He points out reaching into his coat and pulling out a letter rolled up, official ceal of drik on it. "This says I have the right to speak for my house on behalf of my Wife. Understand?" He puts it back. "I'm not some offworlder. I'm Hapan. I'm of house Kah. Have a little faith, okay?" He puts his hands on her shoulders. "We can't stop everthing. This is Hapes, this kinda things happens... a lot." He keeps his focus on her.

[King] "True enough. Sometimes I miss getting older and fatter in my cage, though," King says, eyes brightening for a moment before they turn forlorn, staring out of a nearby window. "But I think you've got the long and short of it, kid. Wherever you end up, it's important to be present," he says, eyes returning to the task at hand; scanning for any potential threats.

[Swindor of Hale] Swindor straightens his shoulders, when he notes Ilaina eyeing him. And says rather obviously..."I get the sense that men are rather disdained here." There appears to be no judgment in this thought, but rather simple observation, as if he just came to realize this entirely subtle fact. "It does seem as if a man would make the perfect mole. We're just pretty scenery after all." Yes, Swindor. You're pretty as a Hapan with those speeder door ears, and don't you forget it. Seeming rather pleased with himself, he adds..."I should really get cleaned up from all of the travel, and make myself presentable again."

[Netep Muri] Netep's gaze sweeps left over shoulder to that elegant terminal, hiding in plain sight. She wordlessly expresses an enlightened 'ah' sort of emote and floats that way to lay her hands lightly upon it. Those nubby nails of hers have not only been scrubbed clean, but POLISHED to a rich, crimson sheen. She hasn't got much, but works with what she's got. Her eyes do wander while stationed at the terminal, embarking on a discreet followup of the whispering she'd heard pass from B'haav to Duchess EJ.

The extra layers of varnish and patchwork finery had been enough to fool her! Well done, limp-along House Jynell. Well done. It's still hands-down nicer than the furnishings aboard the Hermi, and that's a fact!

"Disdained?" She casts a sly peek around at Prince Obvious with a gentle tsk. "No, min larel. You have your value, to be sure." A wicked show of teeth and impish gleam in her eye it focused back onto the terminal screen. She's still 'petting' the guilded housing its framed within. So pretty. And thinking of pretty....there's that squirrely fellow from the lawn. She'll be nosing around for him later. For reasons.

[B'haav Adasta] B'haav Adasta nods, stepping towards their doctor. "If you wouldn't mind, Naia, I'd like to ply my own trade for those who may be afflicted. It may serve us well to keep the same company for the time being. Although, Duchess," he adds, whirring Tetan goggles turning in EJ's direction as he seems to think of something. "Might I be able to trouble you for the access to documentation I will likely require to further pursue the documented portions of my inquiry." Behind those lenses, steely grey eyes steal a glance at Ilaina - it is unlikely she'll much like the yield when he has fully dug into this particular vein. His focus is singular - this is the B'haav Adasta you get when his attention is utterly undivided.

[Naia] Ilaina's look is returned with a sort of mildly blank curiosity. As if Naia is looking out of a window at the scenery. She turns her attention back to Eriu eventually (as if she's grown bored of the scenery, perhaps) and then to the other Doctor in the immediate vicinity---a different sort of doctor but still a doctor. "Doctor Adasta---" But he beats her to it, and the smile she offers is brigt like moonlight breaking through clouds. A genuine show of surprised appreciation that permeates her features like steeping tea and does not so much light up the room as it lights up the woman herself. Netep gets a look that probably passes for amused on a face like Naia's---the smile has died down slightly, bubt the quirk of her mouth suggests this without allowing her features to really deliver on it---more the pity.

[Eriu Jynx] The assembled may not be the most perfectly fitted puzzle of varying pieces but it works and Eriu looks like her faith in them has been bolstered by their showing this day. "You can get fat when you are old and the galaxy begins to pass you buy. YOu are still young..enough." She teases King with a grin and sighs, realizing the work begins now as her shoulder straighten and the silver near capelet is given a sweep about as she turns to regard Ilaina and Sajin curiously.

"Your highness," she begins as she gazes upon Swindor. "For certain you have your purposes here. We should speak," she suggests to him. She glances to Netep and smiles for her own aid in that endeavor. "I think we all need time to take our time. The estate is freely open to you and you shall be shown to your rooms. Please, by all means. Get comfortable. Refresh and we will have dinner later. Thank you, Doctor for your offer of aid. And consider it done Doctor Adasta," she says. She moves to the terminal as Ilaina watches as all information is opened up to the group as a whole, a quick flick of securities and she types in the access with a graceful placement of her hand. THe palm reader goes green and Eriu straightens up as she glances to Ilaina who is now studying Sajin. "Understood. Perhaps you WILL be of some help. But as my cousin says, for no you should rest and refresh. The game begins tomorrow."

Giving Sajin a quick look, Ilaina excuses herself and exits the room as servants step in after her to begin escorting those who want to reach their rooms.