The Formal DInner (part 6)
Posted on Thu Aug 11th, 2016 @ 1:43pm by Commodore Samantha York & Kalikana (Kali) & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate & Lieutenant Illise Hale & 1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia & Keelan
1,137 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission: Shadow Dance
[CONTINUED]
[OLD]
Illise toasted the couple along with the rest. Unlike the telepathic crew-members she had no way of knowing about the princess' internal distress. She did however, understand the political posturing involved in making such and announcement during what was most likely the most important diplomatic event to be held in centuries. The King had chosen his venue well. Illise couldn't help by wonder if there was more to it than it seemed.
[NEW]
The dessert was cleared away and a dark, thick, sweet liquor was passed around as the final course.
The Steward opened the curtains to show more of the gardens, which were now flooded with light. With dinner completed, the guests were being invited to stroll in the gardens and enjoy the night before returning to their ship.
Leroy had abstained from over half of the meal and all of the wine. He was gathering a couple of things and readings before he went back to the ship to finish packing. Sighing, he wasn't as startled as the young bride to be was. Something was going on, too bad he was going to miss the rest of the visit here.
Jennifer cleared her throat softly placing her hand over her mouth to further muffle the sound. "Your highness, Councilor Keelan I would first like to express my congratulations on the coming union. I was hoping I would be able to take a tour of the gardens. It has been a while since I have seen such natural beauty."
King Mrowen stood and held out a hand to Jennifer. "Our gardens are quite lovely by moonlight. Allow me to show you around."
"I accept your sentiments." Keelan said. "Perhaps the King would be able to show you the gardens, I am bound to be a type of host for the King and mist ... mingle. PLease enjoy and I hope they exceed your expectations of beauty Miss Tate?"
Mrowen looked down at Keelan with a raised eyebrow. He was beginning to overstep his authority. The King would have to have a word with him later.
Jennifer rose slowly bowing her head. "I am honored yet again your highness." She said accepting his hand. "If the garden are as magnificent a sight as the food to taste, then I await my breath to be taken away once again."
Mrowen led her out the large double doors and down the marble stairs to the garden below.
Sam watched the others stand and turned to Damon. "Shall we?" she asked, putting her napkin on her plate and standing.
"Sounds lovely." He responded. He stood and brushed a loose crumb away before offering his wife his arm.
Kali smiled. "Yes, please do. I think you'll like our gardens. The second King of Jenefra designed them."
Kali stood and followed the others into the garden.
His 'Bride to be' was going with the Commanding Officer of the Federation people; she seemed to express relief in the idea. Keelan kept his smile and realized he might have a rough road with her and the idea of the marriage; it was the King who announced it so it would be a decree even to his daughter. It was an honor to be sure; Keelan just had to keep things moving as the party to impress the Federation was more important than if his Bride to be were happy or not about the announcement.
Perhaps it was time to see what the Commanding Person York had to say about the wedding?" Keelan moved in that direction. "She would be among the honored guests of course.
Sam, with her hand firmly attached to Damon's arm, strolled out the doors and into the garden. On a very tight telepathic band she began to talk to Damon. "I can't read most of the Jenefrans. The Princess seems to be the exception. However, the man who was seated next to the King -- Keelon? -- disturbs me. There's something about him that makes me edgy."
He nodded. Damon had felt the same way. Just something about the way he watched everyone reminded him of a predator sizing up it's prey. Vocalizing it, however, would be a poor idea since they weren't really sure who was listening. Besides that, he might be wrong and it could be considered disrespectful had it ever gotten back to Keelon. "I agree." He said with a smile to Samantha. He knew she would understand his meaning.
Sam did indeed understand, smiling back. At least it wasn't just her.
Once the meal had concluded and some of the guests began to mingle again, Illise rose and joined them. She wanted to gauge their reactions to the King's announcement. She engaged in more small-talk, which mostly centered around how they envisioned the wedding details. The vast majority seemed pleased, while a few others were more difficult to judge, as all held their private thoughts rather carefully.
Kali kept away from all conversations about the wedding. She had no desire to talk about an event she had no intention of attending. She kept to the outer edges of the wall, hoping she would find an opportunity to talk with Samantha York.
When Sam and Damon were alone, Kali walked up to them. "I hope you enjoyed dinner, Samantha York and Damon Raine."
"Your peoples generosity is much appreciated. The meal was excellent, as is your hospitality." Damon noted.
"It was delicious. I have seldom eaten so fine a meal," Sam said.
Kali put the palms of her hands together and gave Sam and Damon a half-bow. "Thank you. You are most kind."
She touched a blossom from a nearby bush. "This is the kantara bush. It blooms in the moonlight."
Sam walked over to the bush to have a closer look. "It's beautiful."
"I will have one of my servants send you a small plant to take with you. A gift from a grateful Jenefran." Kali looked up at Sam. "The pot is made of a local product as well. I believe you will find it of interest."
Sam raised an eyebrow. Was the Princess telling her there was something about the pot she needed to see? "That is most kind of you." She decided to made a casual attempt at getting more information. "I hear you have another group of humanoids on yoru planet?"
"The Qunari, yes. We do not trade with them. Indeed, we rarely have any contact at all. They are a peaceful people who prefer to keep to themselves."
(To be continued...)
Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer
1st Lieutenant Leroy Mangalia
Flight Leader
Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate
Intelligence Officer
King Mrowen
King of Jenefra
Keelan
Mrowen's Vizier and Head of the Jenefran Council
Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations Officer
Princess Kalikana
Princess of Jenefra
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