#Mortis is getting old...like ooold

[sithhoplite]

Birthday Gift

It was her fathers 70th birthday and for once she was actually on Dromund Kaas for the celebration. She had gotten him two presents, one she knew he would enjoy, the other....well let’s just say he might not take it in the spirit it was intended. 

Erland opened the door and inclined his head at Lak, Andriy and their children then blended into the house once again. Putting Peytor Lak made her way up the stairs and into the upper living room. Dimitri and Peytor followed quickly behind and then ahead of her. 

“Grandpa!” the toddlers yelled running towards him for a hug. Bending down Mortis took his two grandson’s into his arms and hugged it. It was rare for anyone to see this side of him, in fact Lak was sure her children garnered more affection from Mortis than she did. 

“Happy birthday dad, you’re getting old.” Lak greeted him with a smile and her tone upbeat and teasing

“It took you less then 5 minutes from your arrival to make an age joke at my expense, you have outdone yourself Lak.”

“Thank you.”

Mortis shook Andriy’s hand then looked at the wrapped gifts. The rather long box he scrutinized trying to figure out what it could be then looked up at Lak. 

“Is this what I think it is Lak?”

“Seeing as I don’t read minds I don’t know dad. What do you think it is?”

“Come now dear, don’t get grumpy. It’s your birthday and the first time in 4 years Lak has been home to celebrate it. Even if it is what you think it is, take the gift as it was intended.” Indran chided him “Come sit down and open the gifts.”

Sitting down on the couch Andriy put his arm around Lak as she watched her father inspect the gifts. Taking the smaller one he slowly unwrapped it then smiled. She knew he would like the ancient tome she got him. 

“Thank you, this is wonderful. May I ask where you found this Lak?”

“Kean’s parents shop. I told him what I had in mind and he was able to procure this for me.”

Mortis felt a tapping on his leg and looking down his grandson stood there with a very serious look, as serious as one can get for a five year old.“Grandpa, you are supposed to tear the paper not be all nice to it. Do you need me to show you how to do it?” 

“No Dimitri, I know how to open gifts but thank you. I simply prefer to take my time in doing so.”

“Why?”

“Dimitri come here and sit with me while we watch Grandpa open his other gift. You too Peytor if you want.” Indran told the boys then made room as they hopped up and sat on her lap and next to her

Picking up the long box once again Mortis slowly unwrapped it then set it down on the floor. Opening the box a cane sat in it. It was made of solid oak, engraved with the family crest, Imperial and Sith symbols as well as a few choice Sith runes. The top of the cane was covered in a Silver top with a blood diamond in the middle. Stopping himself from snapping at her Mortis realized that Lak had put in a great deal of thought into it’s creation. He wasn’t native to think that it wasn’t also a shot at his age either.

“Are you trying to tell me that I might need this for every day use my child?”

“Yes and no. While yes it is a crack at your ancient years you can also use it when you have to really dress up and go out, like to the opera. I mean if you want to take it to the Citadel Vowrawn may crack endless age jokes when he sees it.”

“Dear...”

“Thank you Lak and Andriy. It is exquisite craftsmanship. I will be sure to use it when your mother and I go to the opening show of opera season.”

Soon the rest of the family joined them presenting Mortis with gifts for his birthday. No one had to ask who he had received the cane from.