Meeting Thrass

[thrawnsaide]

Eli was surprised to see a message from Thrass himself. He had never meet the Chiss, but knew of him and how he was Thrawn's only brother. He had been wanting to meet him out of curiosity sake, but was unsure of how to even approach the subject.

Thrass was an important man and dealt with various manners of politics and knew how to deal with what ever crises that cropped up between the various houses with ease. Well, it looked easy. Eli knew enough that it was more complex then it appeared. He often had to explain the politics among the Empire to Thrawn and that itself was often a chore.

He had some shore time and after reaching upon an agreed time and place, Eli found himself waiting for the politician at the spaceport. He still wore his Ascendancy uniform, believing that mere civilian clothes didn't fit well for this particular meeting.

Eli easily spotted the Chiss dressed in his maroon robes. With a quick bow, he approached the other.

Comments

[eighthfamily]

Thrass had been wanting to meet Eli Vanto for a while. Not long after the human arrived, Admiral Ar'alani had given the syndic a note from his brother, sent over with some files Vanto had come with. The note detailed who Eli was, why Thrawn had sent him to the Ascendancy, since Thrawn had felt it was only fair that his brother know about the human who had been worthy enough to serve their people.

It was a while before Thrass could send Eli a message asking to meet, for he'd been busy negotiating between the Mitth and Chaf families. When Eli agreed to a meeting, Thrass actually felt excited. He wanted to see this human Thrawn thought so highly of.

Thrass bowed back, "It is a pleasure to meet you at last, Eli Vanto."

[thrawnsaide]

Eli allowed a smile to show, finding it hard to keep it neutral. He offered his hand out to shake, wondering if Thrass would understand the nature behind it. The other Chiss was slowly learning the gesture and some of the navigators had adapted to it. Mainly those that have befriended him.

"It's an honor to finally meet you. I've appreciated the support as well that you have given. I'm aware of how much my presence has shaken up your people." Eli stated.

[eighthfamily]

"The honor is mine, Eli Vanto," Rather than shake Eli's hand, he grasped the human's forearm, in what was a very Chiss gesture. "My fellow Chiss just need time to get used to you."

Many Chiss wondered what Thrawn was thinking in sending over an alien, especially Thrawn's enemies or just those who didn't like him.

"Come, there is a car waiting to take us to my home."

Waving Eli along, Thrass led him outside, onto the artificially warmed streets, where a vehicle was indeed waiting for the two of them. The Chiss driver nodded at Thrass.

[thrawnsaide]

He supposed in time he would eventually get Thrass to shake his hand...but for now he was content with the Chiss version. "Well, I have learned quickly that Thrawn wasn't the image of his people and have often been compared to him. I think they were trying to insult me, but much to their dismay I took it as a compliment."

He wasn't too upset that the Chiss society still hasn't adapted to him. There was more amusement in his eyes then concern. Eli followed the other along and into the car. He hadn't been on Csilla much, and this was a chance to properly study his surroundings some more.

[eighthfamily]

"Yes, many regard my brother as more trouble than he's worth, when he skirts tradition and protocol. Yet, one cannot argue with his results. It is good that you take pride in being compared to him."

Much as Thrass wished his brother were safe at home and hadn't actually joined the Empire, he trusted Thrawn to know what he was doing. He just wished that he knew for sure that Thrawn hadn't bitten off more than he could chew, given that he was only meant to go spy on the Empire.

"Thrawn had many good things to say about you in his note to me."

[thrawnsaide]

"Well the Empire thought so as well. But it never stopped him. He always managed to explain things to gain favor and come out on top. You can't deny the results his unorthodox ways brings. He shook up my people and now I an do the favor in return."


The last comment meant to be a gest in good nature, not an insult. Eli figured Thrass would pick up on that. He believed that Thrass was more savvy on things then Thrawn had been. One had to be if they were a politician.

His expression became more somber at the last statement. "I can only hope to live up to the expectations he says I'm capable of doing."

[eighthfamily]

"Oh, I have no doubts that you will."

It wasn't long before they pulled up to the mansion. Thrass thanked his driver and led Eli inside the estate. It was warm, like the streets, but still slightly cooler than what a human might have been used to. There were various pieces of art lining the walls, from paintings to sculptures. Some of them had been chosen by Thrass, while others were ones Thrawn himself had chosen.

The front room had several hallways leading to the rest of the mansion's rooms, as well as an upstairs area. Thrass guided Eli to the sitting room, "Please, make yourself at home and I'll go get us some tea."

[thrawnsaide]

Eli gave a nod and used the time to study the house and it's artwork it cased. He could easily tell which ones Thrawn and picked over the ones Thrass had chosen. He was curious about the various stories the pieces held. Maybe he'll ask about them later.

He noted how cool the house was, much like the ship had been. He was glad he hadn't chosen to wear civilian clothing as they wouldn't have been warm enough. His uniform was just enough. He knew that his own apartment had to have heat and he was probably the only one that requested it. But even then he didn't have it up high like he would have back home. He tried to conserve it by using layers.

Yet, the house itself was beautiful and he couldn't help but marvel at the architecture design along with the interior design. His little apartment paled in comparison.

[eighthfamily]

Thrass came back shortly with a silver tray, upon which was a teapot, two cups and saucers, a jar of what looked like very dark honey, and a plate of thin biscuits. He put the tray down and poured them both cups of tea before sitting down.

"I see you like the artwork." He dipped a small spoon into the jar and added a dollop of the sweet substance to his tea, stirring it up.

[thrawnsaide]

Eli gave a smile as he went about preparing his own tea as he added the sweet substance in as well. It wasn't the sugar he was used to, bu this would do.

"Well hanging around Thrawn you learn to respect it. I can't read everything he sees in a piece of art, but I can get the basic idea. Was he always into art?"

[eighthfamily]

"Indeed. His talent for reading art seems unique to him, and I suspect it's not something that can be taught." Even if it could, Thrass suspected that Thrawn wouldn't anyway, so that talent could still be his and his alone.

He took a sip of his tea, before answering Eli. "He was, yes. Ever since he was very young, he's been interested in art. I was always taking him to museums or art galleries when we were children, at his request, and he would spent hours pouring over artwork in books."

[thrawnsaide]

"I had thought as much. I know when we had shore leave I would arrange to take him to various museums or art exhibits. It was always fun watching him get excited over seeing the new pieces and listening to hear what he has to say on them. It's rare to get any kind of reaction for it. So that was always my treat seeing it."

Eli said with an amused expression on his face. He missed seeing his old friend and hoped that things were going okay for him.

[eighthfamily]

Thrass smiled softly. "I imagine it was, yes."

A whole other part of the galaxy, with new forms of art to discover and examine, by species Thrawn had never seen before, Thrass can just imagine how exciting that was for his brother.

"I can also see that you are about him. It's not easy for him to make friends, and I was worried that he would get lonely when he left."