Pipeline: A Princess and a Plumber
chapter 6
Mario rapped his fingers lightly on the edge of the fine wooden chair he was sitting on. The cushion under him was plentiful but, it was cold. There hadn't been many dinner parties lately he supposed. Sir Toadsworth, Luigi, and himself were at seated at the long table in the large dining hall. Everything was lined with gold and silver, the wood varnished with a finish that left it smooth and soft. There were dozens of tables in the hall, yet the one they were sitting at was the largest fitting on the upwards of thirty or so guests. Mario glanced down at the red table liner, it had a silk lace outline and what looked to be a velvet material weaved on the inwards of it. He became intrigued with what exactly was being done to pay for all these lavishes. Family inheritance probably?
Taking in a deep breath, he silently rose up to his collar, loosening it a bit. Their attire was entirely different, compared to their overalls and long sleeve tunics. Mario was wearing a tethered overcoat, with strings that laced down the middle of his chest and sides under his arms. A cleaner, fancier tunic was underneath which tucked into his trousers and clean shoes. He wore a deep maroon color while his brother dawned a hunter green color. Mario took it upon himself to crease his hair to the side, making sure he didn't make habit of running his fingers through his usual slicked back hair. However, Luigi continued to recognize that he would always be slicking back his long jet black hair, where it slightly curled at the end of his nape. He took a forefinger and thumb to straighten out the left side of his mustache.
A small clink in the silverware to his left caused him to lose his train of thought. Sir Toadsworth was going on about the history of the estate.
"It's said that the queen herself had been here on multiple occasions! Back when the royal army needed shelter in the civil war, the baron of this estate was a generous fellow. Oh, but that was back when I was just a lad!"
The old man gave a hearty laugh, as Luigi sipped from his drink and chuckled along with him out of politeness.
"A very interesting history it seems. Too many parties and events to keep the plumbing upheld though, eh?"
Luigi gave a wiggle of his eyebrows keeping the old man chuckling and sipping on his drink.
"Ah yes, I'm sure back then they didn't even realize the damage not up keeping the estate would bring. Speaking of which? How are the upkeeps coming?"
Mario blinked out of his train of thought and piped up immediately,
"Very well, in fact."
His tone was flat but Luigi followed through as usual to spice up their work.
"Yes, yes, elaborating on that— We've just about finished the main pipe that runs through the kitchen. That was the main issue, but sadly there's still more to be done. It seems as though your plumbing in the basement might have been affected by the winter. I would guess they are thoroughly rusted by now."
"Oh goodness, I should have expected a hiccup in the road. And there is no way to examine without opening them up?
" Toadsworth calmly set his chalice down and shook his head dimly. The older gentleman took off his little glasses and wiped them down with a handkerchief readily available at his side.
Luigi leaned back and crossed his arms, relaxing. "Unfortunately, but— not to worry sir, believe me if we could dive into the pipes and see for ourselves we would! But, even without it's not a job we can't handle."
He grinned at Toadsworth as the old man laughed, his beard shaking,
"Ahah! Men jumping into pipes! What a fascinating tale that would be!"
Grinning the man let his eyes widen when he heard the large wooden doors at the end of the hall open with a small creak. Mario and Luigi turned there heads only to see what they had been expecting all night.
Two ladies gracefully slid into the dining hall, each holding each others arms with ease. The two men were starstruck as they gazed and watched the women approach. Sir Toadstool was already standing and made a noise to clear his throat. The men promptly stood at the noise, realizing they were being rude.
The taller woman had golden blonde hair, which twisted in loose ringlets and slightly jiggled with each click of her small heels. Her dress was exquisite with a shade of peony pink that was a material made of velvet. Her neckline was low, with a creme veil that gave her some modesty. Low neck lines were the fashion these days, but she insisted on having her seamstress fix what the designers worked so hard to accomplish. Mario could better make out her face when they came closer, her eyes were lined with a gold kohl, eyelashes swooped with a dark tint. The princess looked nearly exotic in this sense.
Luigi didn't realize he was holding his breath till the little damsel in yellow acknowledged him.
"Something wrong?" The girl hummed, unclasping her arm from Peach's. She was dressed in her usual dress, the neckline slightly plunged but more refined than her sisters. She was younger, anyways. Her hair was pinned half up, exposing her ears that sparkled with diamonds. The makeup on her face made her seem older to them, and even though she felt incredibly silly, she was glad her sister had prepared her as such. Her chest was tightened as they strolled through to the gentleman who were now raised out of their seats.
"Ah—nope, nothing. Glad you ladies could join us." Luigi slightly coughed into his fist bowing his head in acknowledgment.
"Yes dearies, nearly thirty minutes ago we were expecting you! I was getting worried."
Sir Toadstool came around and shoo'd off the servants who started to pull their chairs out for them. The old man helped the ladies into the seat as Peach glanced up and gave Mario a sly look, glancing up at the small bandage on his head from earlier.
"Yes, well I was just teaching Daisy the wonders of being fashionably late. It's how you gain the hearts of the audience these days, right?"
Mario stared at her for not a moment longer, kicking himself in the rear mentally thinking how right she was. He was just wondering when they were going to be here… It made his interest only peak when they did show up.
"Oh nonsense— but she is just a babe. Don't be filling her head with courting gibberish just yet."
Peach gave a casual shrug and waited for her chair to be pushed back in as she took a calm seat. Daisy followed suit as she noticed Luigi's eyes narrow down at his cup when her father reminded the group of how young she was. But, instead of overreacting, the young princess was too busy noticing how cleaned up the men in front of them looked. Luigi, who sat across of her, looked just as handsome in a clean cut coat. However, she had to admit the slicked back hair added a bit of edge to him more than Mario.
"Now, shall we bring in the courses?" Toadstool went back to his seat after seating the girls and waved a hand at the servants, ready with their food.
Luigi perked up at the thought of food, and even Mario gave a slight smile nodding once as the girls eagerly awaited their meals.
"Veal with creme'd potatoes. Oh! And a side of soup?" The older man took a finger to the bowl of warm soup and stuck it in his mouth with a small pop.
"Ah! Tomato. Lucky us, they're not in season, are they?" The servant beside him shook his head, confirming that this was a treat for them.
Mario gazed upon the food, which looked lavish, yet he couldn't help but to glance every now and then at Peach discreetly. Surprisingly, she had already been looking at him. The man in red glanced away quickly and nodded,
"This is extravagant, even for our tastes. Thank you for inviting us, Sir, truly."
Mario raised his glass to Sir Toadsworth in appreciation. Luigi, who was already chowing down, nodded and gave a playful thumbs up in which Mario glared at him briefly.
"Please, please, pleasantries later! Eat my children, eat!"
And with that, the guests began to enjoy their meal. Peach had a big appetite, despite her slim looks. However, out of respect she drew her knife and fork and slowly and carefully cut away. Daisy was chewing on a piece of veal with the fork still by her mouth when she saw Peach acting elegantly.
While her father went on and on about random events throughout the city, she glanced back to Luigi and straightened her back a bit shoulders drawing back as well. Was she being too brash? Her eyes watched as few too many of the maids came by to give Luigi extra refreshments, clearly being too sweet in asking him if he needed anything else. Of course they did this under the acknowledgment of everyone else, as both Mario and Peach seemed too intrigued with a tale that her father was unrolling at the time. Her eyes narrowed in on a busty maid that leaned over to give her opposite dining companion more drink. He merely nodded and thanked the woman, not even looking up to see her face.
The female seemed perturbed but, strut off not pushing it any further. Daisy wondered why he didn't take advantage to even gaze upon one of the bodies that were presented before him. And with that thought came her answer. Luigi reached for his drink, his eyes landing on her and he took a sip. Looking up at him, she could see his features nicely in this light, but she was too caught up to look away. He smiled mischievously mid drink and gave her a playful wink.
Daisy felt her heart thump and she glanced away quickly, a small flush of pink crossing her nose. She brought up her handkerchief to wipe her nose, trying to hide it.
"Isn't that right, Daisy dear?"
"Huh?" She spun around clumsily to see everyone at the table now looking at her.
Toadstool chuckled and rolled his eyes, "Daydreaming again, I see? I was just telling the brothers about your various activities. I know dressage isn't your favorite, but you did win 2nd in the league last season."
"Oh yeah…It was nothing."
"Ah-ah, that was a great tournament!" Peach piped in and began to go on about Daisy's love for the equestrian arts. Mario forked a piece of veal, but stopped when he looked up. The woman seemed to glow, her skin was perfectly fair, her hair bounced with each small exclamation of boasting about her sister. Her blue eyes seemed genuinely in love with her family… Mario sensed she wasn't quite as brutish and bratty as she might have led on a first. He smiled softly at her, catching eyes with her once before she looked back to Daisy lovingly.
All seemed to be going well for the time being. Until a servant briskly strode up to Sir Toadstool and leaned in to whisper in his ear.
Everything happened quickly then. Servants were rushing around with new dishes, cleaning up the old rubble, sweeping and dusting the floors furiously. Peach looked around than back at her father,
"What is—" She started before the dining hall doors opened swiftly. A draft let in from the outside hall, and all was silent then. The servants clinked to their positions and stood, their heads bowed down. At once, Sir Toadstool stood up, as swift as his old bones would let him. Mario raised and eyebrow, looking once at Toadstool then over to Peach, her expression looking pained. She closed her eyes softly exhaling before pushing off the table and standing alongside her sister who was already standing.
"Stand…stand!" She hissed under her breath, happy the newcomer entering was out of earshot. The brothers glanced at each other before standing to the command of the little girl. Both of them finally got a clear view of who was approaching.
Striding forward was a very tall man, on the upwards of six foot four. He was wearing all black, his shoulders were the broadest part of his body. He had strikingly orange hair, his skin just as fair as the princess Peach's. He wore a purposely beaten coat with silver studs that crossed the chest and ran alongside his shoulders. The studs traveled to his back and across the waist once again at his belt. The man looked sturdy, his large slim frame had little on his clear cut features in his face. He had a defined jawline that was clean cut shaven, so defined his teeth were probably impeccable. His nose was pointed but not sharply, just enough to deserve respect. His orange eyebrows dipped low and sharp, giving him a permanent devious look.
"Ah—uh—Master Bowser! What—what a pleasant surprise!" Sir Toadsworth wrung his hands together nervously, but still pushed his own chair out to step out and greet the master of the estate. Mario and Luigi seemed interested, watching the newcomer slide off his black leather gloves and stuff them into his back pocket. The red haired man towered over the little old man, as if all he had to do was breathe on the man and that would knock him over.
"Is it now? I had hoped to reach the estate by last week. We had some…distractions."
The man spoke up, his voice deep yet well trained and precise. There was a tint of grizzle in his tone as if he had just smoked a hearty cigar. Toadsworth went on and on about questions for the master, only to be silenced by the booming voice again.
"Ah, don't be rude Sir, introduce me to your company." He nodded to Mario and Luigi who were simply observing. Sir Toadsworth cleared his throat and nodded,
"O-oh dear, yes of course. My apologies. This is Mario and his brother Luigi. They are the specialists I hired to fix the plumbing. Boys… this is Master Bowser."
At this the large man gave a grand smile, his teeth perfectly white and straight. His canines were more pronounced which gave off an erie aura.
"The leaky kitchen pipes! That's right. We'll its glad we have some… foreign craftsmanship." His voice seemed slightly patronizing as took to his own seat. On the way he stopped and looked down at Peach, who was still quiet and looking down at her plate before acknowledging that Bowser was staring at her.
"It's been awhile my dear… too long."
His voice was slightly hushed, yet sharp demanding respect, took her delicate hand without question. His hands doubled in hers and he gave a soft kiss to it. The princess held in her disgust and gave a simple smile unable to speak. Daisy simply held her hands in front of her and looked down, not willing to acknowledge the owner of the estate. The tall gentleman took his seat before offering the rest,
"Please, don't wait on my behalf. Seem's you all are already halfway finished!"
And with that grizzly tone, the man had the dishes in front of him removed, only to be replaced with new drink and food.
Calmly, everyone takes their seat. However, the brothers could notice a tension in the air obviously from the new arrival. Bowser has zero regard to the servants, grumbling at them and shooing them away if they displease him. He even raised his voice to one, causing her to scuttle off frightened. He was bombarded by questions from Sir Toadsworth to keep the conversation flowing. Poor Sir Toadsworth was always cut off, the master of the estate going on about their adventures to the other lands. It was clear who liked to talk about themselves.
"You see we would have been here a day earlier, but one of our horses fell sick. The mare was still fresh, but had a bad case of colic— nobody seemed to catch before. Of course, we couldn't just leave her to die there. So we hunted her! Such a fancy, how a horse can be so easily frightened by some domesticated half wolves. Little mare ran as fast as she could— but not fast enough!"
The master chuckled as Peach looked sick and even Sir Toadstool gave an unpleasant chuckle. Luigi took notice of Daisy's immediate response, her hand clutching her fork until her knuckles turned white. At that moment, it looked like Peach did something under the table to sooth Daisy, probably pat and rub her knee lovingly.
Bowser went on to boast about the cities he sailed to and traveled on horseback. Mario sat back and ignored his food, suddenly having a bad taste in his mouth. He glanced at Peach who could see the dissatisfied expression on his face, she opened her mouth to speak but Mario interrupted,
"Pardon me, but what exactly do you do?" His voice emphasizing the 'do' as if he wondered what Master Bowsers profession was.
Bowser was mid drink as he seemed to grin and put the chalice down. The large man swallowed what was in his mouth and grinned wide with a booming laugh as if someone had told him a funny joke.
"Oh, my manners! Dear guest… wait, Mario, correct? Yes. My profession. I own a family business well known for its profits in the fair trade. Clearly, you can tell by my estate we're well profound in England already."
Looking smug with himself Bowser took another gulp of mead. Mario simply nodding while Luigi muttered,
"Hm, nope, couldn't tell a bit."
Peach cocks her head and glares as if she mentally asking him if he wants to lose his life. The brother simply leans back and takes a sip as well. Master Bowser chuckles and nods,
"Ah, I love a good sense of humor."
The redhead hummed happily as he sipped his drink, his eyes slit as they glared over at Luigi for a moment. Smiling he looked over to Sir Toadsworth who wrung his hands and begun on another subject. Daisy, who had just about had enough, smiled admiringly over at Luigi, impressed with his nonchalant attitude. She gave a tiny yawn and stretched her arms out, causing her father to pause.
"Yes, well, this was a lovely dinner food and drink and all. No mead for me though, ha, ha, too young! But honestly, it's about time we turn in, no?"
Trying to fool the others with her light disposition she glanced around faking a dainty smile. Daisy looked down at her father who nodded and of course she grudgingly turned to the master of the estate. He looked over at her bemused and she softly spoke,
"I'm…glad about your safe return, Master Bowser."
The redhead acknowledged her with an amused smile and tilted his head to the side,
"Little Daisy, please, how many times shall I tell you, it's Cooper. If we're going to be family you ought to remember." He ended on a chuckle which caused Daisy to curtly nod and watch Peach stand up as well.
"I shall turn in with her… it was lovely."
Her voice seemed hollow of genuine emotion yet eyes lingered on Mario before glancing around the room and smiling before giving a swift curtsy. Intertwining her sisters arm with hers she announced,
"Goodnight."
The ladies turned and swiftly paced in the opposite direction. As soon as Peach turned her expression became grim, and she seemed to be the one to lead Daisy out quickly.
As the men were now alone, Toadsworth went over the events and happenings of what was going on when Master Bowser had been gone. Mario half listened in, his eyes still glancing back to the door the ladies had gone through. Was this Bowser as bad as the picture in the gallery set him up to be. Luigi beckoned more drink to be filled, only to have Master Bowser snap his fingers and sigh,
"This is mundane. Put it in a report, Toadsworth. I'll attend to it later."
And at once the servants scattered to the table, removing the plates, dishes, and silverware from in front of them. The empty chalice from Luigi's hand was taken, without permission. The man in green let his mustache twitch in disbelief, his eyes going cross with the master of the estate who ignored them. Mario cut in before Luigi could make a fool of them,
"It is about that time, at this rate dawn will nearly break."
Toadsworth looked exhausted from trying to keep Bowser entertained and pleasant. He nodded at the master's request and straightened his neck clip the looseness providing that it was time to turn in for the night. Mario noticed that Bowser was the only one left with a chalice, holding it out for it to be filled. A servant girl rushed over and started to fill his cup shakily.
"Justly so. Men of their craft need rest to perform properly, right?"
Bowsers coy question was met with a small hum from the older brother, both of them stepping from their seats away from the table. They pushed their chairs in, as of course Luigi only pushed his in halfway as to annoy Master Bowser. Sir Toadsworth broke the short silence with his own trying but bubbly attitude,
"Very well, very well! We will be expecting you lads tomorrow, work as usual!"
Mario and Luigi glanced at him, then each other before being ushered off by the man with the cane. Luigi stepped off with Sir Toadstool talking about exact duties for tomorrow as Mario took a half step behind them. Unable to resist the urge, the older brother looked over his shoulder, catching eyes with Master Cooper Bowser. His green eyes were slit and looking malicious, as if they had been there all along yet only revealed now. The master of the estate lazily swirled the mead in his cup, raising it in time with Mario's look back to acknowledge him. Without another moment Mario turned his head forward his brows slightly furrowed with displeasure.
OOC: ooooooooh- Bowser in the house! Hope ya'll enjoyed that. Lil, introduction to my new favorite character/villan Bowser. Cooper Bowser. Hope yall caught that (koopa… hehe) Until next time! Reviews? love it? hate it? Tell me whats up!