“Well, I guess I was jes anxious for yah tah see little surprise. I jes have dah house get little update so dat yah would have nice surprise when yah come home….Maybe yah jes nap wit meh little bit. We have counsel meeting tahnight."
Calysta looked around their bedroom and found herself without words for a moment. It was. Bright…bordering lurid. Illya had someone change their bed, frame and all, entirely. It was a big monstrosity of a thing piled with pillows in a variety of patterns and colors themed in gold. The blankets, like all the changes down stairs, were red and gold. A beaded curtain had been used to unsuccessfully hide the deep purple wall behind the bed itself and the smell of Chip incense and oil was stronger in the bedroom.
She raised her brow at Illya. “I’m definitely surprised.”
That was a true statement even if she didn’t quite mean it in the way he meant to. She wondered what had prompted the sudden make over and she almost asked why he had decided to have someone remake the entire house while they were gone without telling her. Bed was calling her name though and she wasn’t up to having a debate over the decor of their house at the moment.
He started making room for her on the enormous bed by pushing aside the gaudy, multitudinous pillows, and she smirked a little. “I think I will have a little nap with you, just make sure there’s a enough space for me,” she chuckled, as she attempted to mount the large bed, “Some of those pillows are as big as I am and I might get a little lost in the herd. .”
She grinned despite her fatigue and settled next to Illya, snuggling down in the mound of ridiculous pillows. With a sweet kiss to his cheek, she closed her eyes and it didn’t take long for her to drift off.
***************
Calysta left Helen and Edgar’s house feeling both better and strangely resolute. She felt better having gotten some of her concerns off her chest and for Edgar’s word that he would speak to the council so Illya could get some much needed rest. She felt resolute because, some of what they told her made sense and she wanted to help her husband. The best way to do that would be to suck up her own insecurities and talk with him. Not just once either, but consistently. She would have to talk with him about this belief on dying just to full-fill his duty. It wouldn’t be easy but she would do it.
She reported to the pre-council meeting dressed as an empress. Though she was sure it had not escaped the notice of the women helping her into her very heavy gold threaded dress that she was a little plumper than the last time she’d worn it. All the same, she looked fine in it for now and had her make-up done and the golden feathers put neatly into her hair which was partly braided in the Chippeqouti fashion.
Illya always looked good dressed as the Emperor. Especially with his diamond earrings in. She wished he could get rid of the turban so his handsome black curls could show, but the turban was traditional and therefore, they were stuck with it. He still looked very dashing in the outfit anyways and she couldn’t help stealing glances at him as they all assembled for the pre-meeting.
It was harder not to speak during the pre-council meeting. They had a hot debate on what to do with Moryn. Some of the council members were very angry and wanted to make her wait till the very end. She could tell some of these members, who she did know at least by name, were probably some of the ones causing Illya so much grief in the council. Others were more moderate and understood they were to be offended, but not so much so that they would snub an ally to an even greater degree. She wasn’t meant to speak, but she found herself biting her tongue at times when the more hot-blooded ones showed their anger. Rather than making a scene though, she took careful note of who was saying what until finally it was decided Moryn would be made to wait and watch for an hour before she was heard.
With that settled, among other issues, Calysta took Illya’s ring laden hand as he offered it, and walked out to face the crowds and council members waiting for them to make their appearance.
***************
Moryn nodded to Tiel's words of advice. She didn't want to make matters worse than they already were. It was highly important to get this right. Showing a respectful acknowledgment without bowing was very against her own tradition and when it was her turn to speak, she felt her stomach clench to start a careful bow. Fighting the urge, she looked up to the Emperor-General and the Councilwoman who was no longer the councilwoman, but a pale, but no less be-decked Empress by his side. They looked at her expectantly.
"To the honorable and bold Emperor and the kind and wise Empress of the Chippeqouti, I present myself with all do respect and candor to your court," she made a small, but deliberate sweeping motion, causing her flowing sleeve to trail gracefully at her wrist, "You have my gratitude for allowing me to speak on such short notice. I am a believer in short, meaningful words and I understand that my time here is limited. To that effect, I do not want to assume you and your council are unaware of the events on Ewen, however, before I speak further, I would recount them if you wish, Emperor. If not, I will move forward with what I will say."
The woman's presence caused a bit of a stir. Some of the people were angry she had come and others thought it was only fitting she arrived in person to apologize. Her greeting was a strange attempt, but it qualified as respectful anyway. At her offer to recount the event a young hot headed council member stepped forward and made his offer. "I would offer evidence to recount the events. There is hologram footage of this."
Illya clenched his jaw and he stared at the young council member before speaking. "I believe everyone here has seen this hologram you speak of. It is only fair to allow the delegate from Ewen to present evidence. She may possess information that is not to be found in the hologram." The rebuke sent the young council member back to his place shamed and red faced. It was certainly not Illya's intention for the young man to be shamed, but he was operating outside of the agreement the majority of the Council agreed to. "The delegate from Ewen will recount the events now."
Though the small spat was hardly uncommon in the Chip Court the importance of it needed to be relayed to Moryn. Tiel faithfully translated what was said and then stood back to make room for Moryn to gesture freely as she spoke.
Moryn did not realize she was on trial. She had offered to recount the facts because it was courtesy to people in the room who may not know them. The fellow who stepped up and spoke in harsher tones which were relayed through Tiel made her realize that perhaps some of the Chippeqouti felt it should have been a trial. The hot-blooded one would have to control himself. His own actions were considered borderline rude in her own culture as he had interrupted a question not even meant for him. She didn't look in his direction as the Emperor admonished him some. Instead, he gave her leave to recount the events on Ewen.
She did so with detail, but she didn't start directly at the flour incident or the incident. She started at their welcome ceremony and recounted the days and events on each with accurate times. If she was to be judged, she would be judged for all the actions on the trip not just the ones that caused offense but of the good. At the time the flour incident occurred, she recounted it in detail.
"The bridge is flanked on either side by water," she noted, "The roof was damaged the day before in a storm and the weather had prevented a proper repair on a small section of the roof before your arrival, despite several attempts during the night. The councilwoman was aware of the repairs and was not dettered from seeing the lake. It is the largest lake on Kaereal and something she had not seen before. Approximately. 25 miles from the end of the path loop, two children waited on the side and damaged roof top. When we passed, all of us were doused in water and flour, including myself and the attendees. The children were aware of who I was and who I was accompanying at the time. However, they are not old enough to fully understand the implications of what they had done besides play a rude prank at, what I know was the urging of their parents in the Heritage party. They parents were well aware that the Emperor and Empress would not likely ask for the traditional punishment for a crime of that sort, which is public shaming and flogging. Those same parents are also now in confinement for those actions among later actions."
She looked at the Emperor and nodded her head. "I would continue to the end, Emperor." Moyrn kept her eyes on the big, very over dressed Emperor and his Empress as she recounted the rest of the events, including the water dancing fiasco.
"Ewen takes matters of impropriety and dishonor seriously," she concluded, "There has been discord over what is considered improper, splitting our council. That is no longer the case and, ultimately, it is not your worry. It is no excuse for some of the events on Ewen, which is why I have come to ask that we treat as Alliance and as allies so that there is no ill will between us. That we may trade and live in peace."
The room remained quiet while Moryn gave a very long and detailed recounting of the events. Illya did his best to appear attentive and it was only accomplished through a fierce gaze. He was in fact bored out of his mind. This was an exceedingly boring thing to do.
While one Chip woman was waiting for her turn to speak, her child that stood at her side began to complain loudly that he was tired and his legs hurt with growing pains. The boy was barely older than 4 and perhaps still shy of strangers, but there weren't really any strangers among the Chippequoti and children knew that. It was the way they were raised.
lllya waived to Edgar and then had the man pass the news down until a council member spoke with the woman and got a little cushion and some toys for the child to be seated on. Even after the small distraction of having arrangements made for the boy, Illya found himself bored again. He was also getting hungry. Thankfully, the story was finished before the end of her hour.
Once more the hot-headed young man came forward and offered to show the hologram. This time Edgar stood and spoke. "I believe the council has seen the evidence offered. The delegate has presented her evidence well and if the Emperor and Empress can confirm the events as they are presented it will be the decision of the Emperor."
"Yes, these events are as the delegate states. As the Emperor I accept the apology on behalf of the Chippequoti. It appears that there were bad actors present and of which the delegate could not have known of their devious acts. The matter is settled and the Chippequoti will be satisfied to accept what the delegate proposes. We will treat Ewenians as fellow members of the alliance and trade freely and live in peace." With that part of the business done he signaled for a continuation of the meeting, but not before ordering Moryn to wait.
Moryn was starting to dislike the member of the Chippeqouti Council that kept interrupting her and the Emperor was well. He seemed bound and determined to show holograms that had already been seen and only served to inflame the situation. Luckily, a much older man on the council moved things right along, putting the decision to the Emperor who, to her relief, had no trouble clearing the matter. She tried not to show her relief on her face, but rather gave a dignified nod. "Ewen hears you, Emperor of the Chippeqouti and we are allies with no harm between us once more."
He replied, moving forward, but asking her to wait to the side. Tiel translated for her and she shifted to the side to allow for whatever proceedings would occur next.
The remainder of the time for the council meeting was absorbed with multiple matters . Most of the matters Illya assigned to the council as they were more than able to assist with the issues. A the end, Illya rose, still holding Kalizda's hand and walked out. Everyone cleared the room except Tiel, who advised Moryn to remain waiting. If the Emperor told her to wait it was because he intended her to be here when the meeting was done.
Moryn watched as the Emperor did his work. She noted that the Empress was silent except for an occasion or two when she would put a hand on the Emperor's and murmur something. She did this when several of the Pyrtan's had appeared to the meeting to facilitate some trade or other issue with the Chips whom they lived beside. She watched carefully and when everything was done, the Emperor stood with the Empress. Moryn took the moment to admire how much better the Chip attire looked on her rather than the Ewenian. It was an odd thought considering, she thought the outfits themselves were over-done and fairly gawdy.
The room emptied, leaving her oddly singled out next to her translator who advised her to stay seated. She nodded and waited in silence for a moment until she spoke to Tiel. "If I may, Honorable Tiel of the Chippeqouti Council, what were the names of the men who were speaking. The delegate near the Emperor? And the one behind me who insisted on showing the hologram?"
Tiel stood near Moryn though, she noticed the woman took opportunity to seat herself. "I am only Tiel, or if you choose to use proper title, Elder in training." A slight smile came to her face and she listened to Moryn's questions. "The young one is called by his proper title, Elder Gibur. The older is Elder Edgar. I am training under Elder Edgar."
Moryn nodded, remembering the names carefully. It was always good to remember who was helpful and who was not in the situations. "Tiel, then," she replied, "In return, it is appropriate to call me simply Moryn." She stole a glance at the door, but it didn't appear anyone else was coming in or out. "Elder Gibur was very out spoken. He reminded me of one of our own Councilmembers."
It seemed that the woman had noted the very poor manners of Gibur and Tiel nodded. "He is young and very ambitious." What was worse was that somehow he reminded Moryn of one of her own council members and Tiel could only hope that was not a bad thing. "Every council has members that are more ambitious." They had been waiting almost ten minutes more when Tiel heard the doors behind the council room opening and closing. "We stand now. The Emperor will be here soon."
Moryn couldn't help but think Tiel was well chosen for Elder when she used the term 'ambitious' to describe her colleague. They waited in silence for a few more minutes until the woman bid her to stand. She did so, smoothing out the front of her silken dress carefully. Outside, she could hear the rain pouring with renewed strength. The rainy season hear reminded her of home, though Pyrta smelled of sweet grass when it rained rather than lake water. She waited patiently for the Emperor to enter, hands folded to her front, as was proper.
Illya coughed loudly as he reached the door and waited to finish his coughing fit before going back into the council room. He had changed back to his usual clothing and took off the eyeliner. Theonly thing left was the earrings. Kalizda seemed to like them and he was planning on leaving them for her. Turning the knob Illya opened the door and then stepped into the council room with Kalizda close behind him. "Moryn, yah ready tah go see dah good stuff? I'm tired of dis meeting stuff. Food, pleasure house and tea. Dat's what sounds good eh?"
Unlike the very formal meeting, Illya came in with a cough and a very informal announcement that he was tired of all the meetings and ready to see the 'good stuff. He looked more like himself in casual attire and she noted the council woman behind him, bringing a finger to her lips to hide a bit of a smile aimed solely at her husband as she looked at him with a fond gaze.
Moryn couldn't help but smile and she nodded. "I think I'm ready for that as well. Food in particular. Though, if I remember from my studies the pleasure houses is very nice too." She glanced at Tiel and nodded. "Would you be joining us, Tiel?" It would have been rude.not to consider her guide and translator.
Tiel could see that Illya was back to his less formal self and she smiled at the offer. "I will nut. Meh family waits for meh for dinner." Quietly excusing herself she stepped out and held her extra scarf over her head as she dashed home. Illya couldn't help the slight disappointment at the fact that Moryn seemed to know what a pleasure house was. "Yes, dey are very nice. What yah know about dem?"
Moryn nodded to Tiel as the woman took her leave, and made a mental note to remember her name.
Illya seemed a bit strange when he asked what she knew about them. Tilting her head, she looked to him and smiled. "Only a little. I've never been in one, obviously, but my research suggests they are like relaxation parlors on Ewen, or perhaps the Terran equivalent of a spa. Despite what the name translates to."
"Yeah, you'd be right." Illya sighed and he shook his head. "I was hoping yah didn't know and found dah translation a bit offensive."
Moryn laughed good naturedly and walked forward. "I did research as was proper. I admit the direct translation was...surprising at first." Clearly he was hoping to pull a little joke of his own. That was fair given the circumstances. She raised a brow at him though and chuckled. "However, my husband is very much unaware of the terms meaning. I wouldn't take offense if you decided to surprise him a little with a trip."
At the offer to get Hale Illya laughed and then started coughing again. "Oh, I will surprise him. Where es he anyway?"
Moryn nodded to the door. "He came to listen to the proceedings but left because only I was asked to stay behind. He is probably waiting in the lobby area."
Calysta slid a hand into Illya's, and spoke something in Qouti to her husband in gentle whispers it sounded like a suggestion, maybe. Then the woman looked at her with cheery eyes the likes of which she hadn't seen ever before on her face. "I asked if maybe we'd like to eat at the new little Chippeqouti style spot in the village, then go to the pleasure house."
The timing for dinner couldn't have come too soon. Illya's stomach was starting to twist with hunger again and he hated that feeling. At least it wasn't any true discomfort of real hunger, just a want for food was all. Still, he liked to satisfy that kind of want as soon as he could.
Kalizda leaned in and she brushed her little fingers on the inside of his palm affectionately and whispered to him in Quoti about the new food house. With a hum and a nod of his head he agreed with her and then started to think of what they might get to do at home in their new bed. They would both be smelling good with all those oils, relaxed and the bed was big and full of pillows and soft sheets with beads in the room. It looked much nicer.
Almost immediately he was drawn back to the present and Illya still had the grin on his face when he saw Hale. "Hale, yah come experience good Chippequoti food wit us and den we all go to dah pleasure house eh?"
"Oh that sounds quite nice," Moryn said, "Why don't we go collect Hale, hm?"
She started walking with Calysta and Illya, though the latter seemed to be floating by as if on a cloud. He was smiling vaguely too. She wondered if this was another episode like what she had observed in the council meeting or if he was simply pleased to be going to dinner. When they came into the waiting area, she found Hale waiting as she thought. He must have heard her first steps because he smiled at her and rose to his feet. Before he could greet her Illya asked if he wanted to go to the pleasure house. Hale's smile went from from genuine to twitched with confusion. He furrowed his brow. "You're taking my wife and yours to a pleasure house?"
"Oh, aye, Kalizda likes et. I like et too. Yah definitely gonna want a man when yah go en. Dey're much better ef yah need a deeper massage tah work a few tings out."Illya found it a bonus that Hale was blind. He wouldn't be able to see the fact that Illya was clearly enjoying himself in this moment.
Hale's brows quirked upward in a show of clear surprise and his chin titled in the direction of his wife. "I may not be a genius, but I'd like to think I was smart enough not to open my mouth about pleasure houses in front of my wife."
Illya had to hold back his laughter and instead ended up coughing some more. "Eh, I dun worry about et. Kalizda likes et too. She dun tink she would like et so much at first, but now she's big fan. I tink Moryn might find et nice too."
Moryn bit her lip, trying not to laugh while Illya coughed and Calysta played right along. She'd always known the woman to be a more serious person, but here Calysta had playfulness in abundance. She wasn't nearly so shy as Moryn though either. "Aye, its very nice, but I prefer a woman instead. They tend to be more patient, hm?"
Hale choked out a surprised sound and his mouth opened and shut before he looked to his wife. "And you really want to go to this pleasure house?"
"Aye," Moryn nodded, "Its a Chippeqouti treat, I'm told."
Hale swept his glasses off, revealing white eyes with no iris o pupil, and wiped at his brow before nodded. "If you really want to, my dear. I'll go with you." He slide his glasses back on and let out a breath. "This isn't one of your girly tricks to get me to admit I want to go to a pleasure house is it?" He said to Moryn wryly.
It was obvious by Hale's reaction that he was nervous. "Yah know, et's probably easier on dah stomach tah get massage at pleasure house first." Illya offered because it was in fact easier on the stomach, and dinner would be more enjoyable if they got Hale's stress out of the way first. "I tink dat dah Chippequoti food house will serve on balcony on top so dat we can recline while we eat eh?" Illya loved reclining on a cushion while he ate. It was far more comfortable. "Yah say eat first or pleasure first?"
Hale offered his hand out to Moryn who took it, looping her arm around his gently. "Show first, I suppose? Then dinner. Though I admit shows like this are a bit wasted on me." He tapped his temple with a hesitant smile.
He wasn't sure he would have much of an appetite after that, but if Moryn really wanted to go, he wouldn't refuse her.
This was getting even better and Illya smirked. "Show? What yah talking about? Dis es hands on experience." This time Illya glanced at Kalizda to see if she was smiling as big as he was.
Hale swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing some as he did. "Ah," he said, "I don't know how hands on you're talking about, yeah? But we'll go so long as Moryn wants to." That was the safest he was going to get with his wife and two dignitaries with him.
Calysta slide her hand up Illya's arm and had her nose slightly hidden there to stifle a laugh as she grinned from their little joke.
"Don't worry," she said, "It will be something you never forget. You should try the tradition at least once, yeah?"
Moryn nodded. "Indeed. Will you lead the way, General?" (edited)
"Yeah, jes follow." Illya knew it wasn't far and he somewhat looked forward to it, but also had a sense of dread. His back needed work and his bullet wounds were bound to be sore, but they might feel better after this. "Dun worry Hale. Even a blind man can't miss wit dis. Yah jes get stripped down when we get inside and wrap towel around yah and select bed where yah gonna lay down. Dey are very experienced wit dere massage skills."
When they got to the pleasure house Illya grabbed Hale's forearm gently and pulled him over to the men's side. "Yah strip here. I put yah clotes next tah mine and I help yah find dem when we're done." As soon as they were both stripped, Illya grabbed a towel and helped Hale wrap it around his waist. "Yah also want glasses off. Dey will give yah head massage too."
Hale couldn't quite imagine what was running through his wife's mind when she agreed to do something like this. Perhaps it was part of making nice with the Chips after such a disastrous meeting on Ewen. His plan had been to stick close to her Moryn for the pleasure house but that life line cut off when she went off with the councilwoman.
The next step was, apparently, to strip down, glasses and all. He had the strange impression he was a kid at summer camp getting ready to be pranked by having his clothes stolen.
He hesitated and then slowly did as instructed. He wondered if he could convince the worker just to give him a regular massage. Tilted his head in Illya's direction he started to whisper. "I don't suppose I could just get a normal massage or something? Moryn is the only one I really want running around a few of those areas. Call it a blind man's trust issues, if you will."
By now it was clear Hale was nervous. Illya could sense it. Even if his eyes were only white he could see how the eyelids were slanted with worry and his eyebrows were pulled in tight. Feigning offense he let out a huff, "What dah hell are yah accusing meh of Hale? Yah telling meh yah tought dis was whorehouse?"
Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say, or at least offensive and incorrect. Hale's brow knitted together until he let out a whuffing breath of relief. "You mean its not?"
Illya started laughing and he clapped a big hand on Hale's shoulder, "No, et's nut. Et translates pleasure house, but ets only massage."
The heavy clap to his shoulder caught him off guard and he lurched a little but couldn't help but grin as Illya laughed. "Damnit, you had me sweating bullets in front of my wife and I bet she enjoyed the joke as much as you did." He laughed, though his cheeks turned a bit pink. "I'll get you both back for that one."
"I'm sure yah will. Yah gotta make et good. Yah dun have advantage of sight. I will see funny looks on yah face." Illya went over to the bench and sat down with Hale to wait for their turn to be called. Hale got called first and the worker led him to the table and made sure he got on safely before they started with gently massaging Hale's scalp. Then it was Illya's turn and he went to lay on the table. He almost regretted it immediately. The oils were clearing his airway, but his back was burning and they were barely rubbing in the first few oils to help loosen him up.
Hale smirked, "Oh. Don't you worry. It will be good. A joke like this deserves a good return, my friend."
Hale found himself called first and he took his cane in one hand and held his towel securely in place with the other until the fellow giving him the massage helped him up to the table. The scalp massage felt more than nice and he found himself dozing off until they worked their way down to his hands which were always tense from use. He kept his ear out for his wife but all he heard was the occasional grunt of pain from Illya.
Hale had his shoulders and back attended to as well as his feet. He had several crooked toes from multiple breaks brought on by tripping or stubbing them. Those tended to ache at times too.
The worker got to Hale's feet and he slowed down and rubbed some soothing oils into the soles of Hale's feet. "Yah hard on yah feet eh? I can get dem straight ef yah come back every day for mont."
Hale grunted a bit as the fellow hit a particularly tender spot. "Occupational hazard of being me," he said as he let out a breath, "I believe you could, but I dont think I will be here so long as that. I'm only a guest of the General and Councilwoman."
"Well, yah plan longer holiday and I fex yah feet." The man stated as a matter of fact and continued working until he figured Hale's feet had enough work for the day and then he rubbed in a soothing oil. "Now we jes rub out all dah tender spots and I put oil on tah make et smoot feeling. Yah go tah food house next and den tea house eh?"
Hale nodded and let out a an "Aye," as the man continued to work on his feet. When he mentioned where they were going next, Hale nodded again. "I believe so. I've heard good things about Chippeqouti food. I'm open to suggestions on what to try."
The man finished his work and helped him sit up. Hale smiled, looking much more relaxed and offered his hand out to the fellow to shake. "I feel much better, thank you," he said earnestly.
The worker smiled some as Hale seemed to be an amiable outsider. Even if he was related to the Ewenian, he was a good fellow. "Meh favorite es tree day meat. Very spicy, flavorful and filling. I ask meh agreed tah make some, but she tell meh she needs tree days notice and I forget tah ask her till I want some. So, I will have some en tree days." With a chuckle he shook Hale's hand. "Yah will enjoy dah food and tea. Chippequoti have best life."
Hale assumed 'tree' was meant to be three, given the man's accent and smiled with a chuckle. "Three day meat it is, then. I'll ask for it." They shook hands and Hale waited for Illya to be done. When they met back up with the women and went to dinner, he would be sure to ask for the three day meat as suggested.
The Chippeqouti version of a restaurant was interesting. Moryn described the room to Hale in low whispers as they walked arm and arm into a room that was lit by soft, multi colored lanterns. Tapestries and silks hung in graceful swaths from the ceiling and a long, low table stretched across the room. Smaller lanterns were stationed every so often down the length of the table and so were large, plush cushions.
Moryn helped Hale find a cushion and plop to his rear while Calysta and Illya lowered themselves to soft cushions across from them.
Hale hardly expected a menu that he could read either with his fingers or translated from a scanned image provided by his pad, as Qouti had not been universally translated and put into the software that allowed him to do that with other languages. “Not to worry,” he said, “It was suggested to me by the fellow at the pleasure house to order the three day meat. I’m always of the opinion that the locals know best. So, I’ll have the three day meet.”
Moryn smiled at him. It was a soft smile and she sat closer to him than was proper. In fact, she held his hand at times too. Here on Pyrta, she could dispense with some of the protocol she found too stifling and show Hale some public affection.
Some how the conversation turned to how they had met each other.
“I read all about you two met in the holo-zines,” Moryn admitted, sipping her tea, “I can’t believe you shot him. That’s an exciting way to meet someone.”
Hale titled his head and smirked. “Oi, I thought the way we met was plenty exciting.”
“Bumping into me with your cane?” Moryn laughed.
Her husband laughed and shook his head. “I think it was a bit more than that, don’t you?”
Moryn nudged him and snorted. “There I was, sitting on a bench at the University on Kinte, mind my own business, good and proper. “
“She was reading a holo-zine,” Hale interjected, “One of those scandalous ones.”
“How would you even know….oh….you….well, then something bumps into my foot and slides up my ankle,” Moryn continued, “I look up and it’s this man right here and he said to me. ‘Pardon me, I didn’t see you there. Nice leg though.’ I didn’t really look up at him at first and started to tell him to get whatever it was, off of me, then saw….that he couldn’t see….I felt a bit sheepish and my first reaction was to say ‘Uh thank you?’ And then this man has the audacity to look at me and say ‘I was talking about the bench leg.’”
Hale grinned and Moryn shot him a falsely offended and laughed. “Then he just grinned at me, and told me if he was going to compliment me, he’d start out telling me I had a beautiful voice instead. I still wonder if he did it all by accident or not.”
The mathematician shrugged lightly, still grinning. “I’ll never tell.”
****************************
Calysta looked around their bedroom and found herself without words for a moment. It was. Bright…bordering lurid. Illya had someone change their bed, frame and all, entirely. It was a big monstrosity of a thing piled with pillows in a variety of patterns and colors themed in gold. The blankets, like all the changes down stairs, were red and gold. A beaded curtain had been used to unsuccessfully hide the deep purple wall behind the bed itself and the smell of Chip incense and oil was stronger in the bedroom.
She raised her brow at Illya. “I’m definitely surprised.”
That was a true statement even if she didn’t quite mean it in the way he meant to. She wondered what had prompted the sudden make over and she almost asked why he had decided to have someone remake the entire house while they were gone without telling her. Bed was calling her name though and she wasn’t up to having a debate over the decor of their house at the moment.
He started making room for her on the enormous bed by pushing aside the gaudy, multitudinous pillows, and she smirked a little. “I think I will have a little nap with you, just make sure there’s a enough space for me,” she chuckled, as she attempted to mount the large bed, “Some of those pillows are as big as I am and I might get a little lost in the herd. .”
She grinned despite her fatigue and settled next to Illya, snuggling down in the mound of ridiculous pillows. With a sweet kiss to his cheek, she closed her eyes and it didn’t take long for her to drift off.
***************
Calysta left Helen and Edgar’s house feeling both better and strangely resolute. She felt better having gotten some of her concerns off her chest and for Edgar’s word that he would speak to the council so Illya could get some much needed rest. She felt resolute because, some of what they told her made sense and she wanted to help her husband. The best way to do that would be to suck up her own insecurities and talk with him. Not just once either, but consistently. She would have to talk with him about this belief on dying just to full-fill his duty. It wouldn’t be easy but she would do it.
She reported to the pre-council meeting dressed as an empress. Though she was sure it had not escaped the notice of the women helping her into her very heavy gold threaded dress that she was a little plumper than the last time she’d worn it. All the same, she looked fine in it for now and had her make-up done and the golden feathers put neatly into her hair which was partly braided in the Chippeqouti fashion.
Illya always looked good dressed as the Emperor. Especially with his diamond earrings in. She wished he could get rid of the turban so his handsome black curls could show, but the turban was traditional and therefore, they were stuck with it. He still looked very dashing in the outfit anyways and she couldn’t help stealing glances at him as they all assembled for the pre-meeting.
It was harder not to speak during the pre-council meeting. They had a hot debate on what to do with Moryn. Some of the council members were very angry and wanted to make her wait till the very end. She could tell some of these members, who she did know at least by name, were probably some of the ones causing Illya so much grief in the council. Others were more moderate and understood they were to be offended, but not so much so that they would snub an ally to an even greater degree. She wasn’t meant to speak, but she found herself biting her tongue at times when the more hot-blooded ones showed their anger. Rather than making a scene though, she took careful note of who was saying what until finally it was decided Moryn would be made to wait and watch for an hour before she was heard.
With that settled, among other issues, Calysta took Illya’s ring laden hand as he offered it, and walked out to face the crowds and council members waiting for them to make their appearance.
***************
Moryn nodded to Tiel's words of advice. She didn't want to make matters worse than they already were. It was highly important to get this right. Showing a respectful acknowledgment without bowing was very against her own tradition and when it was her turn to speak, she felt her stomach clench to start a careful bow. Fighting the urge, she looked up to the Emperor-General and the Councilwoman who was no longer the councilwoman, but a pale, but no less be-decked Empress by his side. They looked at her expectantly.
"To the honorable and bold Emperor and the kind and wise Empress of the Chippeqouti, I present myself with all do respect and candor to your court," she made a small, but deliberate sweeping motion, causing her flowing sleeve to trail gracefully at her wrist, "You have my gratitude for allowing me to speak on such short notice. I am a believer in short, meaningful words and I understand that my time here is limited. To that effect, I do not want to assume you and your council are unaware of the events on Ewen, however, before I speak further, I would recount them if you wish, Emperor. If not, I will move forward with what I will say."
The woman's presence caused a bit of a stir. Some of the people were angry she had come and others thought it was only fitting she arrived in person to apologize. Her greeting was a strange attempt, but it qualified as respectful anyway. At her offer to recount the event a young hot headed council member stepped forward and made his offer. "I would offer evidence to recount the events. There is hologram footage of this."
Illya clenched his jaw and he stared at the young council member before speaking. "I believe everyone here has seen this hologram you speak of. It is only fair to allow the delegate from Ewen to present evidence. She may possess information that is not to be found in the hologram." The rebuke sent the young council member back to his place shamed and red faced. It was certainly not Illya's intention for the young man to be shamed, but he was operating outside of the agreement the majority of the Council agreed to. "The delegate from Ewen will recount the events now."
Though the small spat was hardly uncommon in the Chip Court the importance of it needed to be relayed to Moryn. Tiel faithfully translated what was said and then stood back to make room for Moryn to gesture freely as she spoke.
Moryn did not realize she was on trial. She had offered to recount the facts because it was courtesy to people in the room who may not know them. The fellow who stepped up and spoke in harsher tones which were relayed through Tiel made her realize that perhaps some of the Chippeqouti felt it should have been a trial. The hot-blooded one would have to control himself. His own actions were considered borderline rude in her own culture as he had interrupted a question not even meant for him. She didn't look in his direction as the Emperor admonished him some. Instead, he gave her leave to recount the events on Ewen.
She did so with detail, but she didn't start directly at the flour incident or the incident. She started at their welcome ceremony and recounted the days and events on each with accurate times. If she was to be judged, she would be judged for all the actions on the trip not just the ones that caused offense but of the good. At the time the flour incident occurred, she recounted it in detail.
"The bridge is flanked on either side by water," she noted, "The roof was damaged the day before in a storm and the weather had prevented a proper repair on a small section of the roof before your arrival, despite several attempts during the night. The councilwoman was aware of the repairs and was not dettered from seeing the lake. It is the largest lake on Kaereal and something she had not seen before. Approximately. 25 miles from the end of the path loop, two children waited on the side and damaged roof top. When we passed, all of us were doused in water and flour, including myself and the attendees. The children were aware of who I was and who I was accompanying at the time. However, they are not old enough to fully understand the implications of what they had done besides play a rude prank at, what I know was the urging of their parents in the Heritage party. They parents were well aware that the Emperor and Empress would not likely ask for the traditional punishment for a crime of that sort, which is public shaming and flogging. Those same parents are also now in confinement for those actions among later actions."
She looked at the Emperor and nodded her head. "I would continue to the end, Emperor." Moyrn kept her eyes on the big, very over dressed Emperor and his Empress as she recounted the rest of the events, including the water dancing fiasco.
"Ewen takes matters of impropriety and dishonor seriously," she concluded, "There has been discord over what is considered improper, splitting our council. That is no longer the case and, ultimately, it is not your worry. It is no excuse for some of the events on Ewen, which is why I have come to ask that we treat as Alliance and as allies so that there is no ill will between us. That we may trade and live in peace."
The room remained quiet while Moryn gave a very long and detailed recounting of the events. Illya did his best to appear attentive and it was only accomplished through a fierce gaze. He was in fact bored out of his mind. This was an exceedingly boring thing to do.
While one Chip woman was waiting for her turn to speak, her child that stood at her side began to complain loudly that he was tired and his legs hurt with growing pains. The boy was barely older than 4 and perhaps still shy of strangers, but there weren't really any strangers among the Chippequoti and children knew that. It was the way they were raised.
lllya waived to Edgar and then had the man pass the news down until a council member spoke with the woman and got a little cushion and some toys for the child to be seated on. Even after the small distraction of having arrangements made for the boy, Illya found himself bored again. He was also getting hungry. Thankfully, the story was finished before the end of her hour.
Once more the hot-headed young man came forward and offered to show the hologram. This time Edgar stood and spoke. "I believe the council has seen the evidence offered. The delegate has presented her evidence well and if the Emperor and Empress can confirm the events as they are presented it will be the decision of the Emperor."
"Yes, these events are as the delegate states. As the Emperor I accept the apology on behalf of the Chippequoti. It appears that there were bad actors present and of which the delegate could not have known of their devious acts. The matter is settled and the Chippequoti will be satisfied to accept what the delegate proposes. We will treat Ewenians as fellow members of the alliance and trade freely and live in peace." With that part of the business done he signaled for a continuation of the meeting, but not before ordering Moryn to wait.
Moryn was starting to dislike the member of the Chippeqouti Council that kept interrupting her and the Emperor was well. He seemed bound and determined to show holograms that had already been seen and only served to inflame the situation. Luckily, a much older man on the council moved things right along, putting the decision to the Emperor who, to her relief, had no trouble clearing the matter. She tried not to show her relief on her face, but rather gave a dignified nod. "Ewen hears you, Emperor of the Chippeqouti and we are allies with no harm between us once more."
He replied, moving forward, but asking her to wait to the side. Tiel translated for her and she shifted to the side to allow for whatever proceedings would occur next.
The remainder of the time for the council meeting was absorbed with multiple matters . Most of the matters Illya assigned to the council as they were more than able to assist with the issues. A the end, Illya rose, still holding Kalizda's hand and walked out. Everyone cleared the room except Tiel, who advised Moryn to remain waiting. If the Emperor told her to wait it was because he intended her to be here when the meeting was done.
Moryn watched as the Emperor did his work. She noted that the Empress was silent except for an occasion or two when she would put a hand on the Emperor's and murmur something. She did this when several of the Pyrtan's had appeared to the meeting to facilitate some trade or other issue with the Chips whom they lived beside. She watched carefully and when everything was done, the Emperor stood with the Empress. Moryn took the moment to admire how much better the Chip attire looked on her rather than the Ewenian. It was an odd thought considering, she thought the outfits themselves were over-done and fairly gawdy.
The room emptied, leaving her oddly singled out next to her translator who advised her to stay seated. She nodded and waited in silence for a moment until she spoke to Tiel. "If I may, Honorable Tiel of the Chippeqouti Council, what were the names of the men who were speaking. The delegate near the Emperor? And the one behind me who insisted on showing the hologram?"
Tiel stood near Moryn though, she noticed the woman took opportunity to seat herself. "I am only Tiel, or if you choose to use proper title, Elder in training." A slight smile came to her face and she listened to Moryn's questions. "The young one is called by his proper title, Elder Gibur. The older is Elder Edgar. I am training under Elder Edgar."
Moryn nodded, remembering the names carefully. It was always good to remember who was helpful and who was not in the situations. "Tiel, then," she replied, "In return, it is appropriate to call me simply Moryn." She stole a glance at the door, but it didn't appear anyone else was coming in or out. "Elder Gibur was very out spoken. He reminded me of one of our own Councilmembers."
It seemed that the woman had noted the very poor manners of Gibur and Tiel nodded. "He is young and very ambitious." What was worse was that somehow he reminded Moryn of one of her own council members and Tiel could only hope that was not a bad thing. "Every council has members that are more ambitious." They had been waiting almost ten minutes more when Tiel heard the doors behind the council room opening and closing. "We stand now. The Emperor will be here soon."
Moryn couldn't help but think Tiel was well chosen for Elder when she used the term 'ambitious' to describe her colleague. They waited in silence for a few more minutes until the woman bid her to stand. She did so, smoothing out the front of her silken dress carefully. Outside, she could hear the rain pouring with renewed strength. The rainy season hear reminded her of home, though Pyrta smelled of sweet grass when it rained rather than lake water. She waited patiently for the Emperor to enter, hands folded to her front, as was proper.
Illya coughed loudly as he reached the door and waited to finish his coughing fit before going back into the council room. He had changed back to his usual clothing and took off the eyeliner. Theonly thing left was the earrings. Kalizda seemed to like them and he was planning on leaving them for her. Turning the knob Illya opened the door and then stepped into the council room with Kalizda close behind him. "Moryn, yah ready tah go see dah good stuff? I'm tired of dis meeting stuff. Food, pleasure house and tea. Dat's what sounds good eh?"
Unlike the very formal meeting, Illya came in with a cough and a very informal announcement that he was tired of all the meetings and ready to see the 'good stuff. He looked more like himself in casual attire and she noted the council woman behind him, bringing a finger to her lips to hide a bit of a smile aimed solely at her husband as she looked at him with a fond gaze.
Moryn couldn't help but smile and she nodded. "I think I'm ready for that as well. Food in particular. Though, if I remember from my studies the pleasure houses is very nice too." She glanced at Tiel and nodded. "Would you be joining us, Tiel?" It would have been rude.not to consider her guide and translator.
Tiel could see that Illya was back to his less formal self and she smiled at the offer. "I will nut. Meh family waits for meh for dinner." Quietly excusing herself she stepped out and held her extra scarf over her head as she dashed home. Illya couldn't help the slight disappointment at the fact that Moryn seemed to know what a pleasure house was. "Yes, dey are very nice. What yah know about dem?"
Moryn nodded to Tiel as the woman took her leave, and made a mental note to remember her name.
Illya seemed a bit strange when he asked what she knew about them. Tilting her head, she looked to him and smiled. "Only a little. I've never been in one, obviously, but my research suggests they are like relaxation parlors on Ewen, or perhaps the Terran equivalent of a spa. Despite what the name translates to."
"Yeah, you'd be right." Illya sighed and he shook his head. "I was hoping yah didn't know and found dah translation a bit offensive."
Moryn laughed good naturedly and walked forward. "I did research as was proper. I admit the direct translation was...surprising at first." Clearly he was hoping to pull a little joke of his own. That was fair given the circumstances. She raised a brow at him though and chuckled. "However, my husband is very much unaware of the terms meaning. I wouldn't take offense if you decided to surprise him a little with a trip."
At the offer to get Hale Illya laughed and then started coughing again. "Oh, I will surprise him. Where es he anyway?"
Moryn nodded to the door. "He came to listen to the proceedings but left because only I was asked to stay behind. He is probably waiting in the lobby area."
Calysta slid a hand into Illya's, and spoke something in Qouti to her husband in gentle whispers it sounded like a suggestion, maybe. Then the woman looked at her with cheery eyes the likes of which she hadn't seen ever before on her face. "I asked if maybe we'd like to eat at the new little Chippeqouti style spot in the village, then go to the pleasure house."
The timing for dinner couldn't have come too soon. Illya's stomach was starting to twist with hunger again and he hated that feeling. At least it wasn't any true discomfort of real hunger, just a want for food was all. Still, he liked to satisfy that kind of want as soon as he could.
Kalizda leaned in and she brushed her little fingers on the inside of his palm affectionately and whispered to him in Quoti about the new food house. With a hum and a nod of his head he agreed with her and then started to think of what they might get to do at home in their new bed. They would both be smelling good with all those oils, relaxed and the bed was big and full of pillows and soft sheets with beads in the room. It looked much nicer.
Almost immediately he was drawn back to the present and Illya still had the grin on his face when he saw Hale. "Hale, yah come experience good Chippequoti food wit us and den we all go to dah pleasure house eh?"
"Oh that sounds quite nice," Moryn said, "Why don't we go collect Hale, hm?"
She started walking with Calysta and Illya, though the latter seemed to be floating by as if on a cloud. He was smiling vaguely too. She wondered if this was another episode like what she had observed in the council meeting or if he was simply pleased to be going to dinner. When they came into the waiting area, she found Hale waiting as she thought. He must have heard her first steps because he smiled at her and rose to his feet. Before he could greet her Illya asked if he wanted to go to the pleasure house. Hale's smile went from from genuine to twitched with confusion. He furrowed his brow. "You're taking my wife and yours to a pleasure house?"
"Oh, aye, Kalizda likes et. I like et too. Yah definitely gonna want a man when yah go en. Dey're much better ef yah need a deeper massage tah work a few tings out."Illya found it a bonus that Hale was blind. He wouldn't be able to see the fact that Illya was clearly enjoying himself in this moment.
Hale's brows quirked upward in a show of clear surprise and his chin titled in the direction of his wife. "I may not be a genius, but I'd like to think I was smart enough not to open my mouth about pleasure houses in front of my wife."
Illya had to hold back his laughter and instead ended up coughing some more. "Eh, I dun worry about et. Kalizda likes et too. She dun tink she would like et so much at first, but now she's big fan. I tink Moryn might find et nice too."
Moryn bit her lip, trying not to laugh while Illya coughed and Calysta played right along. She'd always known the woman to be a more serious person, but here Calysta had playfulness in abundance. She wasn't nearly so shy as Moryn though either. "Aye, its very nice, but I prefer a woman instead. They tend to be more patient, hm?"
Hale choked out a surprised sound and his mouth opened and shut before he looked to his wife. "And you really want to go to this pleasure house?"
"Aye," Moryn nodded, "Its a Chippeqouti treat, I'm told."
Hale swept his glasses off, revealing white eyes with no iris o pupil, and wiped at his brow before nodded. "If you really want to, my dear. I'll go with you." He slide his glasses back on and let out a breath. "This isn't one of your girly tricks to get me to admit I want to go to a pleasure house is it?" He said to Moryn wryly.
It was obvious by Hale's reaction that he was nervous. "Yah know, et's probably easier on dah stomach tah get massage at pleasure house first." Illya offered because it was in fact easier on the stomach, and dinner would be more enjoyable if they got Hale's stress out of the way first. "I tink dat dah Chippequoti food house will serve on balcony on top so dat we can recline while we eat eh?" Illya loved reclining on a cushion while he ate. It was far more comfortable. "Yah say eat first or pleasure first?"
Hale offered his hand out to Moryn who took it, looping her arm around his gently. "Show first, I suppose? Then dinner. Though I admit shows like this are a bit wasted on me." He tapped his temple with a hesitant smile.
He wasn't sure he would have much of an appetite after that, but if Moryn really wanted to go, he wouldn't refuse her.
This was getting even better and Illya smirked. "Show? What yah talking about? Dis es hands on experience." This time Illya glanced at Kalizda to see if she was smiling as big as he was.
Hale swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing some as he did. "Ah," he said, "I don't know how hands on you're talking about, yeah? But we'll go so long as Moryn wants to." That was the safest he was going to get with his wife and two dignitaries with him.
Calysta slide her hand up Illya's arm and had her nose slightly hidden there to stifle a laugh as she grinned from their little joke.
"Don't worry," she said, "It will be something you never forget. You should try the tradition at least once, yeah?"
Moryn nodded. "Indeed. Will you lead the way, General?" (edited)
"Yeah, jes follow." Illya knew it wasn't far and he somewhat looked forward to it, but also had a sense of dread. His back needed work and his bullet wounds were bound to be sore, but they might feel better after this. "Dun worry Hale. Even a blind man can't miss wit dis. Yah jes get stripped down when we get inside and wrap towel around yah and select bed where yah gonna lay down. Dey are very experienced wit dere massage skills."
When they got to the pleasure house Illya grabbed Hale's forearm gently and pulled him over to the men's side. "Yah strip here. I put yah clotes next tah mine and I help yah find dem when we're done." As soon as they were both stripped, Illya grabbed a towel and helped Hale wrap it around his waist. "Yah also want glasses off. Dey will give yah head massage too."
Hale couldn't quite imagine what was running through his wife's mind when she agreed to do something like this. Perhaps it was part of making nice with the Chips after such a disastrous meeting on Ewen. His plan had been to stick close to her Moryn for the pleasure house but that life line cut off when she went off with the councilwoman.
The next step was, apparently, to strip down, glasses and all. He had the strange impression he was a kid at summer camp getting ready to be pranked by having his clothes stolen.
He hesitated and then slowly did as instructed. He wondered if he could convince the worker just to give him a regular massage. Tilted his head in Illya's direction he started to whisper. "I don't suppose I could just get a normal massage or something? Moryn is the only one I really want running around a few of those areas. Call it a blind man's trust issues, if you will."
By now it was clear Hale was nervous. Illya could sense it. Even if his eyes were only white he could see how the eyelids were slanted with worry and his eyebrows were pulled in tight. Feigning offense he let out a huff, "What dah hell are yah accusing meh of Hale? Yah telling meh yah tought dis was whorehouse?"
Apparently, this was the wrong thing to say, or at least offensive and incorrect. Hale's brow knitted together until he let out a whuffing breath of relief. "You mean its not?"
Illya started laughing and he clapped a big hand on Hale's shoulder, "No, et's nut. Et translates pleasure house, but ets only massage."
The heavy clap to his shoulder caught him off guard and he lurched a little but couldn't help but grin as Illya laughed. "Damnit, you had me sweating bullets in front of my wife and I bet she enjoyed the joke as much as you did." He laughed, though his cheeks turned a bit pink. "I'll get you both back for that one."
"I'm sure yah will. Yah gotta make et good. Yah dun have advantage of sight. I will see funny looks on yah face." Illya went over to the bench and sat down with Hale to wait for their turn to be called. Hale got called first and the worker led him to the table and made sure he got on safely before they started with gently massaging Hale's scalp. Then it was Illya's turn and he went to lay on the table. He almost regretted it immediately. The oils were clearing his airway, but his back was burning and they were barely rubbing in the first few oils to help loosen him up.
Hale smirked, "Oh. Don't you worry. It will be good. A joke like this deserves a good return, my friend."
Hale found himself called first and he took his cane in one hand and held his towel securely in place with the other until the fellow giving him the massage helped him up to the table. The scalp massage felt more than nice and he found himself dozing off until they worked their way down to his hands which were always tense from use. He kept his ear out for his wife but all he heard was the occasional grunt of pain from Illya.
Hale had his shoulders and back attended to as well as his feet. He had several crooked toes from multiple breaks brought on by tripping or stubbing them. Those tended to ache at times too.
The worker got to Hale's feet and he slowed down and rubbed some soothing oils into the soles of Hale's feet. "Yah hard on yah feet eh? I can get dem straight ef yah come back every day for mont."
Hale grunted a bit as the fellow hit a particularly tender spot. "Occupational hazard of being me," he said as he let out a breath, "I believe you could, but I dont think I will be here so long as that. I'm only a guest of the General and Councilwoman."
"Well, yah plan longer holiday and I fex yah feet." The man stated as a matter of fact and continued working until he figured Hale's feet had enough work for the day and then he rubbed in a soothing oil. "Now we jes rub out all dah tender spots and I put oil on tah make et smoot feeling. Yah go tah food house next and den tea house eh?"
Hale nodded and let out a an "Aye," as the man continued to work on his feet. When he mentioned where they were going next, Hale nodded again. "I believe so. I've heard good things about Chippeqouti food. I'm open to suggestions on what to try."
The man finished his work and helped him sit up. Hale smiled, looking much more relaxed and offered his hand out to the fellow to shake. "I feel much better, thank you," he said earnestly.
The worker smiled some as Hale seemed to be an amiable outsider. Even if he was related to the Ewenian, he was a good fellow. "Meh favorite es tree day meat. Very spicy, flavorful and filling. I ask meh agreed tah make some, but she tell meh she needs tree days notice and I forget tah ask her till I want some. So, I will have some en tree days." With a chuckle he shook Hale's hand. "Yah will enjoy dah food and tea. Chippequoti have best life."
Hale assumed 'tree' was meant to be three, given the man's accent and smiled with a chuckle. "Three day meat it is, then. I'll ask for it." They shook hands and Hale waited for Illya to be done. When they met back up with the women and went to dinner, he would be sure to ask for the three day meat as suggested.
The Chippeqouti version of a restaurant was interesting. Moryn described the room to Hale in low whispers as they walked arm and arm into a room that was lit by soft, multi colored lanterns. Tapestries and silks hung in graceful swaths from the ceiling and a long, low table stretched across the room. Smaller lanterns were stationed every so often down the length of the table and so were large, plush cushions.
Moryn helped Hale find a cushion and plop to his rear while Calysta and Illya lowered themselves to soft cushions across from them.
Hale hardly expected a menu that he could read either with his fingers or translated from a scanned image provided by his pad, as Qouti had not been universally translated and put into the software that allowed him to do that with other languages. “Not to worry,” he said, “It was suggested to me by the fellow at the pleasure house to order the three day meat. I’m always of the opinion that the locals know best. So, I’ll have the three day meet.”
Moryn smiled at him. It was a soft smile and she sat closer to him than was proper. In fact, she held his hand at times too. Here on Pyrta, she could dispense with some of the protocol she found too stifling and show Hale some public affection.
Some how the conversation turned to how they had met each other.
“I read all about you two met in the holo-zines,” Moryn admitted, sipping her tea, “I can’t believe you shot him. That’s an exciting way to meet someone.”
Hale titled his head and smirked. “Oi, I thought the way we met was plenty exciting.”
“Bumping into me with your cane?” Moryn laughed.
Her husband laughed and shook his head. “I think it was a bit more than that, don’t you?”
Moryn nudged him and snorted. “There I was, sitting on a bench at the University on Kinte, mind my own business, good and proper. “
“She was reading a holo-zine,” Hale interjected, “One of those scandalous ones.”
“How would you even know….oh….you….well, then something bumps into my foot and slides up my ankle,” Moryn continued, “I look up and it’s this man right here and he said to me. ‘Pardon me, I didn’t see you there. Nice leg though.’ I didn’t really look up at him at first and started to tell him to get whatever it was, off of me, then saw….that he couldn’t see….I felt a bit sheepish and my first reaction was to say ‘Uh thank you?’ And then this man has the audacity to look at me and say ‘I was talking about the bench leg.’”
Hale grinned and Moryn shot him a falsely offended and laughed. “Then he just grinned at me, and told me if he was going to compliment me, he’d start out telling me I had a beautiful voice instead. I still wonder if he did it all by accident or not.”
The mathematician shrugged lightly, still grinning. “I’ll never tell.”
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