RP:Family Problems

Part of the Of Contracts and Families Arc

Location: Elioyahazer’s Gated Home

Synopsis: After Lanara receives a letter from Eli’s father Michael, she meets up at the manor. But instead discovers some daytime talk show nightmare. Will fists fly? Will just stinging words be yelled out? Will father and son duke it out? Well, everyone gets mouthy. Lana earns a new bestie and a nickname. Eli is given a home. And Michael announces his retirement… Things will never be the same.

The Letter

Lanara,

The butler you so lovingly refer to as Toothpick has informed me of your name, and your whereabouts. Now, my dear, I’m not sending this letter to get between you and Eli. In fact, I’m seeking your help. I sent him an urgent letter and told him it was imperative he meet me in Cenril. I can only imagine that he threw the last letter in a heaping pile of trash somewhere. Along with the dozens of others I’ve sent to him personally.

I know that things seem that I’ve done him wrong. It’s certainly played out that way. But honestly, I never intended to do that. I’m ashamed that it comes down to this, but could you perhaps meet he and I at the manor this afternoon? I will certainly need the help keeping him here just to try and talk to him. I don’t know what else I can do to try and reach him.

Please, Lanara. I would be forever in your debt.

-Michael Krawft, Old fool.

Family Problems

Upon first returning to the manor, one might notice the front door ajar, and the boisterous voices coming from within. Were they having some kind of an argument? Clearly those voices weren’t Eli’s and Michaels were they? Getting closer also gives sight to a man in the doorway, dressed like Toothpick, the butler. “Sire I beg you. Stay and listen to your father. He just wants to talk!” The beads of sweat running down his forehead are an indicator that he’s doing everything within his power to literally hold the desert born inside of the building. If Lanara arrived soon she might be able to calm her partner. “Look I came here cause you sent me an urgent letter. Obviously you lied. So, why else would I bother staying? You might be family but we aren’t on good terms. It’s as simple as that. I have work to do.” Michael pipes up just after Elioyahazers outburst. “Now you listen here. You’re acting like a snot nosed brat. All I’m trying to do is talk to you. You’re over there running away from an old man, his butler and a few choice words. Isn’t there anything I can say to make you stay?” At this point in time the ex-assassin stops panicking, and peels toothpicks hands from around his waist. “Yeah. I’ll stay. The moment you convince Lanara to come over.” He flicks his gaze to Michael sure that such an outcome would never happen. Though he only says so much because frankly, Lanara is the only one keeping Michael alive.

Lanara :: The letter had been read a few times, before it was tossed into the garbage, and the well paid courier knew better than to wait for a reply. He had the audacity to ogle the receiver of the parchment, as though she were a grade-a certified cut of filet mignon. Lanara wasn’t in the mood for having her whereabouts offered to mere strangers, nor was she in the mood for ‘fixing’ things regarding Eli and his father. Her assassin would come to terms with his emotions in time, and she didn’t want to force him into anything. If it didn’t come naturally, it wouldn’t be real. Plus, she had a whole slew of issues with her family over the years, and it all turned out for the best. Mother and Father were dead, the Coven disbanded, Kelvar destroyed, and she had wrestled Talyara in a pool of mud… On second thought… Maybe her assassin could use a little incentive to repair things before they got too out of hand! Lana slips into her boots and makes her way to Michael’s home in Cenril, and this time she brings company. A majestic reindeer strolls lazily at her side, barking insults at any that get too close during their venture, and he literally rolls his eyes as he hears Eli claim that he will –only- stay if Lanara shows up. “How romantic! Tell me, Lana… Where do you find these hoodlums?! The green one took the cake! Now we’re visiting the abusive father and his spoiled son?! Oh goody!” The witch socks Rude-Off in the side and slips through the ajar door, though she pauses as she sees Toothpick trying to manhandle Eli. “You rang? I’m here. What’s up?” Immediately, she locks eyes with the desert born, a million questions running through her mind. Lush lips part to ask if he’s alright, when the reindeer cuts in again, stealing the show. “You *BLEEPING* morons!!! I was getting my hooves shined! I was interrupted to come here and watch this *BLEEPING* coward fight his *BLEEPING* father?!” Clearing her throat, Lana shakes her head, “Um. This is Rude-Off. Who was –just- leaving… Right?!”

Elioyahazer says to Rudeoff without even skipping a beat. “Forgive us all for interrupting your christmas primping. But unlike the stories of the red nosed reindeer, a foul mouthed hoodlum will never get anywhere.” Happy *bleeping* Holidays to you. “You’d never make the roster for that fat man and his sleigh. Now run along.” His gaze moves to Lanara mystified that she was suddenly here. He rang? Michael had already summoned her? Wait. Elioyahazer visibly shakes his head, and then turns to his father. “Yeah. What’s up?” His nerves are still on fire, but if Lanara is here, so be it. He now must eat his words. Michael takes a moment to look the two over. Toothpick shuts, and locks the door behind everyone, effectively cutting rude off out of the conversation. Who knows if that mouthy deer would interrupt this whole ordeal. But Toothpick isn’t giving up and leans his body against the door. Like he could make prisoners of everyone. ‘Gods,’ toothpick thinks. ‘I’m going to need a few drinks after this.’ Finally Michael pulls a letter and hands it to Eli, and a copy to Lanara. “I finally got the Serpents of Dissidence to respond. It seems that the attacks on you, were out of spite and pride. They veered from the original contract, which was to simply capture you, and bring you home Eli. In that envelope stands your original contract. Closed by me. Their blood debt that they sought from you…” He gives another sigh and closes his eyes for a moment. “Has also been paid off.” Elioyahazer looks to Lanara for a moment and then back to Michael. “What do you mean?” Her desert born speaks up. “I mean that they will no longer seek you out. You’re free from their persistent chasing. They actually agreed rather quickly, as a matter of fact. Saying that you caused them too much damage.” They wished to put the whole ordeal behind them. “And I wanted to apologize. To you both.”

Lanara narrows her eyes as Eli dares to go off on her insult spewing reindeer, resting her hands firmly on her hips, her expression darkening. “First of all… It’s –Yule- that we celebrate, not Christmas. You’re girlfriend is a Witch, Eli. You should know better!” A hand lifts to motion to the deer that is being escorted from the room by Toothpick, “He’s an –animal- and doesn’t know any better. He’s hunted. Treated like cattle. And he lives in a frozen wasteland! How can you expect him to treat anyone with respect?” It’s rare for Lana to scold her assassin, especially in front of others, but he had struck a chord. He insulted one of her beloved familiars, as well as one of her high holidays, when she was here in support of him, no less! The anger ebbs off of her shoulders as Michael thrusts forth the letter and offers an explanation. The contract wasn’t fulfilled, but they were out of danger? She’s instantly suspicious, eyeing Michael as though he had spawned from hell, until she nears Eli and peers at the letter, firsthand. “The contract is closed… That’s their seal.” She recognizes the snakes, instantly, and shudders. Glancing at Toothpick, she tilts her head to the east, hoping that he would get the hint and head to the mini-bar in the corner. They could celebrate, and they all needed some liquid courage, if it meant making amends. “So… We won’t be pursued anymore. That’s wonderful news, Michael! Thanks for, uh, closing the contract.” And saving my boyfriend’s life. “Apology accepted.” Would Eli follow suit?

Elioyahazer isn’t amused in the slightest. “You might be a witch that’s true, but that devil disguised as a reindeer is not. He can celebrate falling off a cliff for all I care. That foul mouthed creature of nature knows exactly what he’s saying. He does know better. And yes, he might be your familiar but I will not -tolerate- such nonsense from something I cook and call Kalahari Venison Medallions with Plum Sauce.” Now that’s a meal that the renown Chef might not even know how to cook. “I meant no harm to you, but you surely heard that deer. You know exactly who started it, and I’m at fault.” Elioyahazer waved it off dramatically. Great, he realizes that when he’s angry, he doesn’t know how to keep his mouth closed. And none of this is her fault. With another breath Eli gives another exasperated sigh. “I’m sorry Lanara.” He shakes his head, but is unable to make eye contact with her. This whole situation sucked. Big time. The seal on the letter itself is authentic. Yay. Another debt to the old man. The Sandman rolls his eyes, and before he can even respond to Michael, toothpick scurries off to grab drinks. “Also,” Michael clears his throat, “I suppose that you might need a place to live.” He’s grown more relaxed with Lanara’s presence. And verbally mouths the word ‘Thank You’ to her. “I’ve also had this prepared for you in particular Eli.” Another letter is handed to him. “That’s the deed to this estate. It’s yours now. I never meant to harm you, I only wished to love you.” He clears his throat once more and finds Toothpicks arrival to be perfect timing. He snatches a glass of brandy and drowns himself in a shot. “The home will officially be yours after the upcoming holidays.” He extends a hand to Lanara, “The one she’s referred to as Yule. I actually rather hoped that we could celebrate here. With a large party.” Eli looks to Lanara, knowing she probably has something to say to him, but he’s still in disbelief. This would be his home? “Look. I can try.” Eli clenches his teeth. “I can try to look past all of that. I just.. I need you to be a little more patient with me. I won’t throw your papers in the fireplace anymore. I promise.”

Lanara is grateful that Toothpick hadn’t made it to the mini bar in a mad dash, for her assassin would be doused in the liquor and set aflame. Exactly who did he think he was talking to!? She clenches her jaw, infuriated, though she doesn’t do him the honor of a rebuttal. He was being a child. Taking his anger out on Rude-Off, and his witch, when it should have been directed towards Jez, and his biological father. Hell, even Toothpick would have made a better target, as he had locked them inside! Her eyes are a dangerous combination of vengeance and seduction, her body stiffens, and her plump pout is set in a thin line. Eli had gone too far with that statement. Tucking her hair behind her tapered ears, she snatches a bottle of brandy from the butler and takes a long pull, straight from the lip. She could care less if she was standing beside her boyfriend, with his father, and Toothpick, all looking at her as though she had sprouted three heads. She could only handle so much, sober. “Yule party… That sounds great. My sister and her boyfriend, my adopted brother and his lizard-thing, a few of my companions… And…” Only now does she cast an icy glare at Eli, as though their relationship was an afterthought, his apology entirely dismissed. “Sandman and I.” Of course, Toothpick, Michael, and any of their close friends and family would be invited, as well. She feigns a smile to Michael, nodding as he mouths a thank you, and she storms over to the sofa. Lana stares into the hearth for a few moments, before Toothpick flops down beside her, offering a clean glass. “No thanks…” He shakes his head, lower lip trembling, as though he feared the wrath of a magical maiden, “May I have some, Miss Lanara?” Only now does the brunette’s expression soften, and she pours him a drink, as Rude-Off angrily butts his head against the door, demanding to be let back inside. Lana overhears the matter of the estate and she quirks a brow, but she knows enough to remain silent. Would Eli be moving out of her cottage?

There’s far too much going on with all this bad talk show drama. Eli had told a stupid deer off. Michael was offering apologies, and a house. The alcoholic toothpick, was sharing a drink with Lanara - the desert borns iritatted witch. And right now, he’s supposed to be working on his relations with his father. He’s visibly cringing every time rude-off headbutts the door. Thinking to himself ‘Lana, I don’t care care how pissed you are, but if you don’t get that creature to stop, I will mount it on the wall of this great room if it’s the last thing I do in this life.’ Obviously he says nothing more. That was a touchy subject right now. And he’s already treading dangerous water. Michael is the first to break the silence. “I’ll be moving in just a few hours to the inn. And then in a few days time, my belongings will be moved to Rynvale, where I’ve purchased a spot to retire at. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough adventures and troubles to last a hundred lifetimes. I just don’t want to lose any chance I have at rekindling a life stolen. Who knows how long I have? I’m just happy to see that you’re alive. And that you have a strong willed partner. You should probably listen to her a little more. She might keep you out of all this trouble you’re currently in.” The sandman doesn’t even know what to say, and just walks over to the cabinet where he found booze here last time. Sure enough, there’s more brandy. Like Lanara, he just pulls the cork with his teeth, and spits it into his empty hand. A few long pulls are tugged from his newfound bottle. Here he was thinking that he could do this sober. How wrong he was. He’s half a mind to scream at Michael, ‘Do you ever know when to shut-up?’ But he doesn’t. Nothing was going right. And yes, with her being so angry with him, it looks like Eli might be moving. But such things are never worded. “I don’t really know what to say Michael.” The desert born moves to the couch where Lanara is sitting, and he offers her a frown. “I shouldn’t have said that.” She’s right, his anger should have been directed to someone else. But it was easy to fly off the handle at an ill-mannered pet, because everyone else was being so polite. “I can only imagine what this yule party will be like after today.” His eyes move to toothpick and he raises the bottle in cheers. “I guess here’s to new beginnings.” He drinks once more, and steps away from the couch, setting the bottle in his father's hands. “You’re really leaving this house?” Michael just nods his head in response. “I don’t know If I can handle such an empty space.” Definitely not right now.

Lanara sulks on the sofa, spending her time taking pulls from the bottle and pouring some more into Toothpick’s glass, as if the alcoholic butler needed a refill. He’s slow to drink, savoring every sip, and only when the liquor drips onto his fingers does he shake his head and ask Lana to ‘please’ stop feeding his addiction. Even Toothpick knows when to quit, but not her desert born! Instead of communicating with his father, he’s now approaching her little time out zone, and he’d notice that she’s gripping the bottle tighter, her knuckles turning white. He was skating on some very thin ice after his little outburst, and the last thing Lana felt in the mood to do was plan a party, or celebrate Yule with these dramatic contestants. The witch feels that the beasts at the sanctuary are better behaved than her assassin and her reindeer. Both of them needed some taming, it seemed, herself included, as she often struggled with reigning in her emotions. She sighs, dramatically, and rests the bottle on a coffee table, a slight buzz already settling into her lightweight frame. “I’m totally tipsy, TP!” She elbows the butler, who sloshes some more brandy onto his vest, and he hiccups in response, as they both eye Eli. A slow nod is given, “Yup. Should be some party.” He apologizes again, and this time she chooses to believe him, as she couldn’t hold a grudge for too long. Lana was head over heels for this man, and her defenses had all but come down in his presence. Still, she’d pretend the fury lingered, so he’d know better than to hurt her again. The anger diffuses as the night carries on, and as Eli approaches Michael and they talk about his retirement and move to Rynvale, the witch finds herself suddenly upset. Even more than when Eli had insulted both her and Rude-Off. “Toothpick… Are you going to move with Michael, too?” She had grown fond of the man, in the few instances where they’d crossed paths. Visiting Eli and not seeing the butler wouldn’t feel right.

Toothpick quirks his head to the side, and places his rather thin hand against his own chest. “T… P..?” He takes a sip from that glass. “I think I rather like that name Madam. Tp.” The boney old fellow gives her a ribbing of her own with his elbow. “And no madam uh….” He still doesn’t know her last name and can’t refer to her in the same way he can to everyone else. “Well, I ‘spose it’s okay that I call you…” His index finger taps his own lip while he thinks up a nickname for Lanara. “I know!” His broad smile covers his wrinkled features. “Lioness!” He starts to laugh. “Because of how you just roared at poor Elioyahazer!” He slaps his knee once really loudly. “But no, Lioness. My services are actually being transferred with the house. I’ll be here until the day I die, serving Mr. Krawft Jr. So cheer up. I’ll be around.” Elioyahazer rolls his eyes. Just what he needs. An alcoholic butler who probably would cause more trouble than he’s worth. “Don’t you worry Lioness. If he’s being moody.” He puts his hand up to block the sound from the others, “I’ll always let you in. It’s a fact that a good woman changes a man for the better. Don’t you worry about that.” Eli squints and turns to his father. “Perhaps we should have another set of keys made.” Michael is already on it, “Oh Eli, don’t you worry about that. I rather like Lanara. I’ve made her a copy of the keys to the gate and the house already. Just forgot to tell our drunk butler about it.”

Lanara :: The room falls silent for a moment, after the giggling drunkard gives the witch a nickname, and everyone seems to freeze, as they await her reaction. It’s the most suitable name she’s ever been called, truth be told. A breathtaking smile lights up Lana’s face, as she claps her hands in an excited gesture. “Lioness?! I like it!” The butler and the witch erupt into contagious laughter, speaking in loud whispers, as they give some serious side eye to the assassin and his father. “TP! It’s like… Your old employer and your new employer! Which is the cat, and which is the mouse? And hells yes! You better sneak me into this house!” Inhaling sharply, she lifts a hand to her chest, eyes wide, “Oh my Goddess! I just rhymed! Mouse… And… House?!” Toothpick slaps his knee as they continue their bout of giggles, “Lioness! That was a good one! I hope we spend many years together. You are the finest feline in the realm, and I think I love you…. Like a best friend, of course. Wouldn’t want your grumpy seagull over there to get his panties in a twist!” Naturally, this sends Lana into a fit of hysterics, and the buzzed best friend’s continue whispering and pointing at random objects in the room. Michael is claiming that Lana is well liked, though he’s silently thanking the stars that he didn’t give her a key to the wine cellar. That could end badly. The elder Krawft beams with pride as his son as he accepts the deed to the home, the responsibilities that go along with it, and the fact that they could potentially have a relationship. “It means the world to me that you will be living here. And I look forward to celebrating Yule with you and Lanara, and those guests she’s inviting.” He pauses, warily eyeing the raucous brunette, “Does your Lioness plan on bringing that reindeer? I don’t want him wrecking the place, Eli. You may have to replace the door before morning.” Lana rises at this, and unsteadily approaches Eli and Michael, giving them both a toothy grin, her vision somewhat unfocused. “I’m going to head home. Rude-Off will –not- quit bashing his brains into the wood.” She had her doubts that they’d let the deer indoors again.

Elioyahazer gives toothpick a look that says if you utter one more word, you’ll be homeless. “Lana, I’m not letting you go anywhere. You’re much too drunk to wander off. Let’s get you upstairs, to a spot where you can rest for a bit and sober up. I’m sure TP over there, would love to play some games with you while I discuss a few things with Michael. Once thats over..” His attention moves to the door and then back to her, “you’re welcome to stay here, or I can escort you home. But I can’t let you leave right now.” He wouldn’t accept any argument from her about it either. “And Michael I’m not worried about the door. If I have to replace it I will.” Truth is, he just wants this entire ordeal over. He waits for a moment for Lanara to acknowledge what he’s said, and leave TP to entertaining Lanara. While he and Michael finish their business. It wouldn’t be long before Michael comes back out, and bids them all farewell with a wink. “Thank you again Lana.” He’d offer her a hug, but he’s not really going to cross that barrier. He’s sure that he would get to know her with time. Without any other word, he exits the building. Finally Eli exits the office and seeks her out, where he would keep his promise. Escort her home or keep her here for the night.

Lanara doesn’t understand why she’s not allowed to leave, and those big brown eyes fill with moisture at the thought of Rude-Off continuously injuring his antlers on the other side of the door. Why was Elioyahazer holding her captive? She honestly can’t wrap her mind around his reasoning, as she can’t fathom how much she had to drink and the effect it was having on her senses. Michael and Eli head into the office, and she cants her head to the side, eyeing Toothpick in a new light. “Do you know how to braid hair? I also saw some paint in the powder room the last time I was here… We can do our nails and hair!” Without waiting for a reply, she fumbles to catch her footing and darts upstairs into the master bedroom. Lana kicks off her shoes, leaps onto the bed, and jumps up and down a good dozen or so times, giddy from the bottle of brandy she’d nearly finished on her own. The butler would keep her entertained for the next hour, and by the time Eli finds them, she’s tucked beneath the covers with her hair plaited, nails colored in a bright pink gloss, and with a faint bruise above her left eye. She slumbers peacefully, and one wouldn’t have guessed that moments before she was doing cartwheels around the room. Toothpick explains, “We had a pillow fight, and I accidentally bopped her and she bumped her head. Your Lioness is a tough cookie. That would have knocked out most men! Instead, she got right back up, sucker punched me, and continued the pillow fight.” He smiles at Eli, and rises to leave, as his watch over the witch had come to an end. “I think she’ll be spending the evening here, Sir.”