42. FAMILY MATTERS

Olimpia came up with the idea that they would go to Batuu! She had always wanted to see that mystical place her dad had told her so much about. The one where he’d had so many adventures. Of course, Bas was thrilled. But Ollie had one condition.

Ollie: We’re joining the Scoundrels, okay Dad?

Bas: The Scoundrels? I’ve never done any missions for them…

Ollie: There’s always a first time!

They both easily won a game of sabacc against Hondo Ohnaka - Bas thanks to strategy, and Ollie… thanks to cheating.

They managed to complete several missions. Olimpia distracted the Stormtroopers by telling them an urban legend. Somehow, no one died because of it, even though there were several attemps. 

Together, they managed to complete a collection of Batuu records.

Ollie was shocked when she discovered how well her dad could fight with a lightsaber.

Olimpia: Dad, where did you learn that?! That was actually insane!

Bas: What do you think?

Olimpia: You could at least let me win once!

Bas: No way! You’ve got to try harder!

Time flew by quickly, and soon they had to return home. Harvestfest was approaching, and the entire Drozd family was going to gather at Maja and Jace’s place.

At the same time, in a completely different location, three friends were planning to celebrate their birthday, far away from family and friends.

Hotel owner: Welcome to Tomarang. The pool and spa are available to you 24/7. If you need anything, just let me know!

In the evening, Maja, Izi, and Enue went to the night market. Even there, a fan recognized them.

Enue: This trip was a really great idea.

Maja: I can’t believe we’ll be old ladies tomorrow.

Izi: Oh come on, age is just a number.

Maja: I’m not ready for that number.

Enue: Nonsense, we’ll always be young and beautiful! Cheers!

Maja: I’ve had enough of these bubbles. You stay, I’ll take a walk by the sea.

The next day, they all slept in until noon.

Enue: Come on, girls. It’s time to blow out the candles.

Friends for almost a lifetime.

Gray hair suits them ;)

Finally, the whole family gathered for Harvestfest in San Sequoia. At first, everyone felt a bit awkward, as if they hadn’t seen each other in ages, or were meeting for the first time. Some strange family tensions came to light. Only the youngest group was having fun. 

Olimpia: Wow, you’ve grown, Nessy-Messy. I haven’t seen you in ages. Do you still have diaper accidents?

Nettie: Ollie!!! Plaaaaay wif me? Pweeease…

Olimpia: Not today. Today you’ve got your cousins to play with. I’ll sit with the adults.

Izi: I don’t understand what happened to our family fortune. We had so much money in the safe, still from Grandma Klara!

Filip: Simflation ate it all up.

Izi: More like save sim-corruption…

Maja: We really shouldn’t eat this. At our age, everything goes straight to the hips.

Enue: Oh well. I’m old enough now to finally do what I want without any guilt.

Vaea: Unfortunately, I had to close the business. Because of the recent changes, I lost all my clients and my reputation. We’ll see, maybe someday Bernard will try opening his own tattoo studio.

Olimpia was clearly fed up with listening to these boring adult conversations.

Unfortunately, she had to choose between adults or kids. If only there was someone her age in the family…

Nettie: Why you no wanna play? I be good. Pweeease, Ollie…

Ollie really didn’t feel up to entertaining toddlers today, so she went back to the adults’ table.

Bas: And this is where we found the last missing Batuu record.

Filip: Sounds like you had a great time together, right Ollie?

Olimpia: Yeah, Dad slayed with the lightsaber. That trip was lowkey amazing.

Filip: I always liked adventures too. Though Batuu wasn’t really my thing. I preferred outdoor activities. I liked swimming, searching for treasures in the depths. You know, I didn’t go to college because I wanted to become a diver in Sulani!

Olimpia: A diver?? For real? Did you find treasures? 

Filip: I found the entire lost treasure of Sulani! The whole collection is now in the local museum.

Olimpia: Grandpa! You were the GOAT! That must have been such an awesome life!

Filip: Oh yes! Though my mom wasn’t too happy about it at first.

Maja: But you did go to college eventually.

Bas: Mom...

Filip: Yes, but only later, when I got to know myself better and understood what I wanted from life.

Maja: Still, don’t say education isn’t important. Without it, you wouldn’t have become an ecologist and saved Sulani.

Filip: My dear daughter, let me remind you that all through high school you only had clothes and boys on your mind. You barely graduated. You had no idea what to do with your life. And your mother and I never held it against you. In the end, you figured it out, and turned a hobby into your dream job.

Olimpia: Really, Grandma? You weren’t a good student?

Maja: I definitely wasn’t top of the class. But I improved my grades at the end of high school, to get into my dream university in San Sequoia.

Bas: You never told me that!

Maja: There was nothing to tell…

Bas: And those boys you used to chase?

Maja: Don’t push it.

The family stories went on for a long time. Ollie couldn’t stop laughing. Filip took a more nostalgic tone. The dog was eating scraps under the table, and Nettie somehow still couldn’t find anyone to play with. Eventually, the kids were so tired that everyone started heading home.

Maja: I guess I really am getting old. These family gatherings exhaust me more and more.

Filip: Oh really? You’ll always be my little Maja.

Maja: Dad, seriously now. Don’t make me the heir. I’m not suited for being a head of the family.

Filip: Why would you say that?

Maja: Isn’t it obvious? Everyone in this family has better traits for that role. Besides… I just don’t want it.

Maja: Couldn’t you make Bastian the heir instead? With his traits and job, he’d be perfect head of the family. And there’s also his royal heritage from the Laurent side. Besides, eventually it would be his turn anyway, since he inherits after me. So why wait? Just skip me.

Filip: You really don’t want this, do you? I’ll think about your request, Maja.

Maja: Thanks, Dad.

Filip: But know this, you’re just as suited for it as any other Drozd. And I’m sure you’d make a great head of the family. And definitely the best-dressed one, too.

Maja: Well, if you put it that way… maybe I’ll think about it again!

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