regency au } { of arrangements and family meetings

[hereditare]

Nik: [the carriage ride has been a long one, but they're getting close. It's been years since he's made the trip to Hale Manor, but the landmarks haven't changed much. His eyes glance over to his son, and he smirks.] It won't be that bad.

Gabe: Define bad. [he really wishes they had just ridden. Stupid carriage and trying to act proper]

Nik: All you have to do is meet the girl. Her family isn't expecting anything.

Gabe: You mean they say they aren't expecting anything, but are hoping for something.

Nik: Well, this would be the third time we attempted a marriage alliance with this pack. The first time, Nadia stabbed Peter in the thigh with a fork. Then when it was Laura and I, the Argents intervened. But, Lady Hale made it clear that it's your and Amelia's decision in the end, so there truly is no pressure.

Gabe: Third time's the charm. [and he's just going to stare out the carriage window, sulking]

Nik: [and he'll sigh, because he tried. But he can't expect that either child is going to be happy about this but he tried]

Anya: [smirks from her seat next to her brother] I've heard she's pretty.

Marissa: She is. And smart too.

Gabe: [nope, still pouting]

Anya: [shrugs. Sorry Dad, she tired]

Nik: [he knows and he appreciates it. but teenagers are teenagers]

Gabe: [finally] She's an alpha. She doesn't need a husband for power. All I'd end up doing is sitting around being bored. In the snow.

Nik: She's not going to be an alpha for a long time. Which means I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities to do lots of things. And there's more to being an alpha's mate then just sitting around. They're almost as important as their second.

Gabe: But mates aren't always seconds.

Nik: No, but that doesn't mean she won't rely on you. And as far as appearances are concerned, you will be the lord of the manor.

Gabe: Yeah, I get to look like I'm important, but I'm really not.

Nik: It's still a partnership.

Marissa: And there will be times she needs her husband over anyone. Someone she doesn't have to be strong around, especially when at court.

Nik: But that isn't the point of this meeting. Before any of this becomes relevant, you actually have to like each other.

Gabe: How can we, knowing that this is hanging over us? She can't be any happier about this than I am.

Nik: People manage it all the time. And if you truly despise each other then we're not going to force you.

Gabe: [sighs] Fine.

Nik: Good. [and as they come over the hill, the Hale Manor comes into view.]

Amelia: [isn't waiting outside, but she is staring out the window forlornly, like this is the end of the world and the worst thing that could have happened to her. her life is tragic. her world is collapsing. she has never faced such an indignity in her life. how dare they make her do this.]

Parrish: [and he will come up behind her, gently placing hands on her shoulders] Everything okay, Mellie? [because this is apparently Jordan's nickname for her]

Amelia: [sighs before looking up at him] Do you want the real answer?

Parrish: [kneeling down in front of her] I already can tell. You have the same look your mother had when she was with Lord Daniel Argent.

Amelia: I'm sure he's not as bad as all that. [she makes a face] But I didn't even know this family existed before.

Parrish: Honestly, neither did I. All the interaction between them and the Hales was before my time.

Amelia: [it doesn't help that she's nursing a crush on a nearby noble who does not feel the same way, but doesn't mind leading her on] I know Mother said I only had to meet him, but ... it doesn't feel like it.

Parrish: And it's also the one thing you already have in common with him. [smiles]

Amelia: [brow furrows] How do you mean?

Parrish: I'm pretty sure the young man in that carriage doesn't have the same choice in meeting you. Though I will say he is one lucky guy.

Amelia: [there's a small, fond look there] You're biased.

Parrish: Of course. But it is also the truth.

Amelia: [sighs as she hears her mother coming out to greet the guests] It can't hurt to make a friend, right?

Parrish: Nope. And perhaps you can learn some Russian to talk to people in a secret tongue. [he stands up, but pauses to kiss the top of her head before getting fully upright]

Amelia: [smiles] I thought I had Uncle Derek for that. [but she will get up to follow him out]

Laura: [And she will be approaching the carriage smiling at an old friend as they embrace briefly] It's been too long, Nik.

Nik: It certainly has. It's good to see you, Laura. [when the hug breaks, he steps back and offers his hand to his wife] May I introduce my wife, Marissa.

Parrish: Your uncle is too smart for his own good. You just can't speak behind HIS back. [and he takes her arm in his and they can walk together]

Marissa: [and she will curtsy properly. Mostly. She was a bar wench most of her life -- she's still working on being proper] Pleasure to meet you, Lady Hale.

Gabe: [and he's just taking in the landscape, feeling like an awkward goose]

Laura: A pleasure to meet you as well. I'm excited to get to know you.

Nik: [nods and reaches back to push the awkward goose forward, as Anya climbs out of the carriage behind him] And these are our children, Gabriel and Anya.

Laura: [smiles at Gabriel in particular and turns towards her approaching family] This is my husband, Jordan, and my daughter Amelia. Grayson is still attending to his studies for the day.

Amelia: [comes to a stop next to them, and drops into a brief curtsey out of propriety] Hello.

Gabe: [and he's disgruntled being pushed forward because he was getting there, Dad. He will sigh and bow] Good day.

Parrish: [and he will hold out his hand to Nik] Welcome to our home.

Nik: Thank you for having us. [firm hand shake] My wife was excited to get out of Russia for the winter.

Marissa: I was born in Bali, and gave up the warmth for love. Luckily he keeps me warm instead.

Gabe: [trying not to gag or roll his eyes]

Laura: Well, I can't promise our winters are much better than Russia, but we do our best. [and she steps back and gestures towards the door] Please, come in. We can get you settled.

Marissa: Thank you. [and she will snuggle up to her husband and let him lead, shooting a quick look back at the kids to follow]

Anya: [does, still looking around curiously as they go]

Amelia: [falls in step next to Gabriel and tries her best to be a good hostess] I hope your journey wasn't too arduous.

Gabe: [is he supposed to offer his arm? He doesn't know. She's technically escorting him, right?] It wasn't bad, just long. I'm not fond of having to stay still.

Amelia: I'm not sure any of us are. I think part of what we are involves a bit of restlessness.

Gabe: I believe you're right on that.

Amelia: [she nods] But there's plenty of space to run here. Our manor is the only one for acres.

Gabe: And it's okay to run and not hide who you are?

Amelia: As long as you're careful and don't go too far to one end of the property or the other. If you're too close to the road, you run the risk of being spotted by visitors.

Gabe: Understood. [but that finally puts a real hint of a smile on his face]

Amelia: [she smiles in return] We know that packs don't always do things the way we do. So long as you don't put us at risk, you can go as you please.

Gabe: It's Russia. things are very regulated, not just in the pack but in the country as well.

Amelia: Regulated to protect their people, or to control them?

Gabe: More the second than the first.

Amelia: That's unfortunate. People deserve better than that.

Gabe: My uncle tries, but the Tsar doesn't listen to many outside his inner circle.

Amelia: At least he's trying. Sometimes that's all you can do.

Gabe: What about your family? I'll admit I don't know much about Norway.

Amelia: We have some close relationships to local dukes, but we don't have much connections to the royals. We're given a lot of autonomy for the people in our portion of the country. [a pause] You would wind up dealing with a great deal of their concerns, were we to ... [you know]

Gabe: [he sighs and nods, then turns to face her] Okay, I get talked to for being blunt, but I've got to ask - how do you feel about all this?

Amelia: [she glances towards her parents who seem to be in intent conversation with his, though that doesn't mean she can't hear them] Mother, I'm going to take Gabriel on a tour of the gardens, if that's alright?

Laura: [glances back to her before nodding] Make sure you both are back in for dinner.

Amelia: [nods, and then turns to Gabriel, tipping her head to the side for him to follow her towards the back of the manor]

Gabe: [and he will eye the adults, then nod and they can slip away]

Amelia: [she doesn't say anything until they are safely in the winding garden paths, where they can speak freely without being overheard] I'm certainly not a fan.

Gabe: Oh thank God. [sighs in relief, smiling] Me neither. Not that I don't think anything bad about you - I just don't know you at all.

Amelia: Precisely. And ... well, I'm spoken for. [she thinks. she's not. the boy is an asshole and she will find that out later] Or at least I hope I will be. But ... my mother was insistent we at least try.

Gabe: Well, congratulations. My father and uncle also wanted me to try.

Amelia: I'm not opposed to friendship. Our packs have had a friendly relationship for years, and I do not wish for that to change.

Gabe: I can do friends. But if we're friends, you are required to call me Gabe.

Amelia: Gabe. Sometimes my friends call me Mia.

Gabe: Do you like being called Mia?

Amelia: [she shrugs] I know Amelia is a mouthful. It's a nickname, there's no harm in it.

Gabe: But if you'd rather be called Amelia, then I'll call you that.

Amelia: I can't say I have strong feelings on it one way or another.

Gabe: [tilts his head, thinking] Well, If you feel differently, you let me know.

Amelia: [she nods] I will. [she takes a breath] Well. That certainly takes the pressure off, doesn't it.

Gabe: It does. Though we should probably keep this a secret from our parents for now. Let them believe we're trying still.

Amelia: Oh, of course. My parents don't know about my intended.

Gabe: Oh, a secret love. If you need help visiting him, we can always go off together to do something and I'll be an alibi to your liaisons.

Amelia: [smiles slightly at that] Really? As it stands now, I only really get to see him at feasts and balls.

Gabe: How far is he from here?

Amelia: He's currently being fostered by the Duke of Oslo. So not too far, but it's still at least a day's ride.

Gabe: Perhaps he could meet you halfway?

Amelia: Perhaps. I'll discuss it with him at the autumn ball. [a beat] You'll have a couple weeks, if you wish to prepare.

Gabe: I'm not sure how long we're staying. My father was not forthcoming on details to me.

Amelia: [she nods] Then I will see if I can write him.

Gabe: Glad to be of service.

Amelia: What about you? Do you have anyone back in Russia?

Gabe: No. I'm not really good with... girls. [shrugs]

Amelia: What's that supposed to mean?

Gabe: Remember how I said that I tend to be blunt?

Amelia: Bluntness isn't a poor quality. It's depends on how you wield it.

Gabe: Well, the way I do is not looked upon well. At least that's what I assume. I just stopped trying to flirt because I was bad at it.

Amelia: Do you want to be better?

Gabe: Yes. I mean, I should try and get married eventually.

Amelia: Then how about since you're helping me with my paramour, I help you be charming.

Gabe: [grins] Sounds like a good exchange to me.

Amelia: [smiles in return] Good.

Gabe: So, we should probably go back.

Amelia: [nods] Yes, probably. [but she's glad that they seem to be on the same page]

Gabe: [and he will offer his arm this time. He might be a bit feral, but he has some manners]

Amelia: [and she smiles as she takes it, leading him back into the house and towards the guest wing]

Gabe: [and he will take things in, asking questions about things he sees as they go]

Amelia: [which she can answer, because she knows the history of the house well]

Gabe: [and he's not really all that good with using fancy words]

Amelia: [she is taking notes for later. though it's not so much the words you use but how you use them]

Gabe: [whoops]

Amelia: [they'll figure it out. Amelia likes to think she's a very good teacher]

Gabe: [she's got a lot on her hands. And wait until Liam realizes Gabe is there since they know each other from Liam's squiring travels]

Amelia: [it will definitely be an adventure, for sure. And hopefully the Kirsanovs will get to stick around for the ball]

Gabe: [knowing his mother's love for balls, she will want to]

Anya: [as would his sister. Which she will swing by and check on Gabe after going and making friends with the other Hale teenage girls] So. Are sparks flying?

Gabe: We've come to an understanding.

Anya: How romantic.

Gabe: I thought so. [smirks]

Anya: What kind of understanding is this?

Gabe: The one I promised Father. I will get to know her. Spend time with her.

Anya: But nothing more than that?

Gabe: We'll see what happens. [shrugs, but still smirking]

Anya: [eyes him curiously] You like her.

Gabe: She's straightforward and honest. I can respect those qualities.

Anya: And she's pretty.

Gabe: I hadn't noticed. [rolls his eyes]

Anya: I'm just saying. Be careful, if that is not the nature of your arrangement.

Gabe: I always am.

Anya: Good. [tugs his arm] Now come with me to town. Father said I can get a new gown for the ball, but I can't go alone.

Gabe: When is this ball?

Anya: Week after next.

Gabe: So we can go tomorrow.

Anya: What are you doing that is so important?

Gabe: I was going to take a nap.

Anya: [squints at him like seriously?!]

Gabe: It was a long ride

Anya: Fine. But I'm holding you to it.

Gabe: Of course you will.

Anya: [smirks, and off she flounces to find something else to do]