The Reception [Pygmy, Khiara][Completed]

[Vanator]

Timestamp: 80th Day of Spring, 510 AV Status: tag Pygmy, Khiara Vanator tugged at the bottom of tunic to smooth the fabric over his torso. The tan sleeveless garment boasted brown knotwork embroidered along the hem and neckline. It was cinched around his waist with a leather belt, from which hung a broad dagger. Brown breeches and cleaned riding boots completed his attire. Pygmy was kind enough to weave the small metal banded braids on either side if his clean-shaven face. The Drykas' light brown hair hung neatly combed, lightly brushing his shoulders. "Thanks for going to this with me. Are you sure you want to do this?" Vanator raised his voice so that the Kelvic could here him through the leather and canvas wall that separated the main chamber of his pavilion with the room he had given to Pygmy. He slept in a room on the other side of the large tent. Pygmy had agreed to accompany Vanator to a reception for his cousin, who had been married off to an Ankal of the Emerald Clan. His father, mother, and his father's second wife had come to Endrykas for the occasion. It was typical for his parents to take advantage of such a celebration to parade their son around to every Ankal's daughter in attempt to find him a wife. Vanator was pleased he would have Pygmy on his arm. Aside from the fact that her vibrant presence always lifted his spirits, it would also serve to discourage the matchmaking. The Kelvic girl's stay of a few days had turned into a semi-permanent arrangement. They had a sort of unspoken deal, he provided her a room and she cooked. The arrangement had worked out pretty well so far. Vanator liked having her around, enjoying her company, though with his duties during the day, and her evening work at the Trough, they did not have much time to socialize. Nevertheless, the unlikely pair had become friends. There had been some whispering, among his relatives in Endrykas. Apparently, there was concern over the comapny the Ankal's son kept. Aside from the non-Drykas Kelvic tavern singer that lived with him, there was the half-blooded Chaktawe healer and the Vantha woman with the white horse that visited frequently. None of his kin would dare say a word to Vanator, and he could care less. Since he had returned to Endrykas after the winter, he found that he was more content than he had been since Tamar died. He had traveled much, met new friends, and had discovered that both of his half sisters were alive and well. Upending a wooden mug of water and drinking down the remains of its contents, Vanator waited for Pygmy to appear from her room.

[Dhanya]

Pygmy was in a wonderful mood that seemed to start at the tips of her fingers and work its way through her arms, torso and all the way down to her toes, at which point it would turn around and go up again. She had been smiling and humming since Vanator had casually asked her to accompany him to a family reception. She hadn't bothered to analyse why it made her feel so good about herself and life in general (kelvic imperative-desire for acceptance-developing crushes-an underlying implication that she was worth going out with and perhaps desirable-she liked parties) because happiness was meant to be savoured, not dissected.

Why Vanator asked her if she minded coming, she had to resist the urge to say wild horses couldn't have dragged her away. She wanted to go so badly she hadn't yet considered the night might go badly or that some of Vanator's relatives had reservations about her. Instead she had focused on dressing as appropriately as she could, borrowing a rich brown tunic from Van's cousin. She knew Vanator liked earth tones, even if he was from Sapphire clan and blue might have been more appropriate. She was wearing her red leggings underneath, with her belt synching in the waist so the fabric fell nicely. She'd been growing her hair out so less people would assume she was a slave and had tied it back with a very simple braid, twisted up into a loose bun. Her fringe remained, framing her face.

"Of course I do." She replied, I'd do anything for you, "I love meeting new people."

She pulled up the curtain that separated her room from the rest of the tent, smiling and pleased. She was wearing her necklace around her neck as she always did but it seemed she'd polished the charm. It was shining in the light.

"Is this appropriate?" She asked, turning and trying to look at herself. "I don't entirely know what Drykas wear to weddings and all."

Pygmy found she quite dearly wanted to look nice.

[Vanator]

Vanator cracked a small smile as he waited for Pygmy to appear. Indeed she did like to meet new people. She had met quite a few people singing at the Trough. She also had a way of getting them to buy her drinks as well. He turned his head as he heard her pull aside the curtain.His smiled widened as Pygmy stepped into the room. The Drykas had never really seen his friend look so... womanly. Her smooth heart-shaped face seemed to glow, the well-fitting tunic complimenting her softly curved shape. Though she could never be mistaken for a Drykas, her attire looked the part. Vanator realized he was staring. "Uh, yes, you are very ... appropriate. I mean... lovely Pygmy." He grinned sheepishly, but recovered quickly, straightening his back. He held his arm out slightly, offering it to her to hold. "Shall we go?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The pavilion set up for the reception was huge, the sides rolled up to create an open aired venue. The sun was setting, and torches on poles were already being placed around the structure. Musicians played in one corner, an area cleared before them for dancing. Tables set with an appetizing array of food lined one side of the tent, the aroma of roasting game wafting through the party. Vanator, Pygmy on his arm, entered at the main entry, the Emerald Clan kin at the portal nodding to the Denusk man in recognition. He glanced down at his friend with a wink and a smile, and in a low voice uttered, "Here we go!"

[Dhanya]

Oh but Van looked very handsome. Pygmy couldn't help but feel proud she was attending as his companion. In a moment of concern for someone other than herself, she hoped that her presence wouldn't cause him trouble. She resolved to be polite as she was able.

The presence of a dance floor made that promise to herself more difficult.

It wasn't anything like Zeltiva but she was going to pretend so it would be easier to get through the evening without putting her foot in her mouth. Normally it didn't matter, a forward manner could be a good thing, just not at a Drykas reception. Pygmy kept her hand curled over Van's forearm, glad of the excuse to indulge her tactile nature.

"Van, are the bride and groom here yet?" Pygmy asked, looking around.

She'd never seen a wedding party before, not up close. She found she wanted to. It was a stage of life she didn't expect to get to experience herself. It seemed to her that most kelvics weren't married or considered marriagable.

Pygmy wished she could sing, she liked the song the musicians were playing. She resisted the urge.

[Vanator]

The crowd mingled around the pavilion, some sitting at low tables on cushions, others gathered in small groups within or just outside the large tent. The patrons were attired much like Van and Pygmy, in embroidered tunics and breeches and long skirts. Braids adorned most everyone's hair in some part, and jewelry was prevalent. Vanator looked down at the necklace laying against Pygmy's chest, she had polished, he now noted. A grin slipped across his face as he remembered the first time he saw it, dangling from a small goat's neck in the vast Sea of Grass. Several giggling children weaved their way through the crowd like rabbits, playing a game of tag. A small tow-headed boy stopped to stare at the Kelvic girl for a moment, then gave her a big grin before flitting off. Vanator had noted some curious glances at himself and his date. Many in Endrykas knew her from the tavern. But Pygmy was different, and she was bound to draw attention. He did not care, in fact, he enjoyed it. At her inquiry, Vanator craned his neck to search the crowd for his cousin and her groom. "I don't think they are here yet." He gave Pygmy another broad smile. "Would you like a drink?" He knew the answer, and dropping his arm, placed it against her back and lead her to the beverage tables. As Pygmy was served by a young girl, the man behind the tables motioned to Vanator. He was an acquaintance of Van's, a member of the Emerald Clan. As the older Drykas approached, the Emerald Clansman set a mug to a smaller keg behind the table, filling it with an amber liquid. "Mead," the man boasted with a smile, "I know it is your favorite...for special guests only." He winked, and Vanator accepted the drink with a smile and a clap on the shoulder. Turning back to Pygmy, Vanator raised his glass. "To you, my friend!" He lifted the mug to his lips and drank deeply of the sweet liquid. Stepping closer to the Kevlic again, his shoulder brushing hers, he surveyed the room. "Lets see if we can find the happy couple, and raid the buffet table." He knew too that his parents would be arriving soon, with more of the family.

[Dhanya]

Pygmy found herself relaxing, lulled by the music and the friendliness of the Drykas. She had noticed the looks she was drawing but found them to be largely out of curiousity, rather than spite. Pygmy happily let herself be led to the drinks table, turning behind to look at the child that had smiled at her before.

She was growing to quite like Endrykas and not merely for the beer, which was exceptional. Pygmy ordered some from the girl serving at the drinks table, her attention focused more upon Vanator than her diminutive bar tender. The girl giggled as she handed Pygmy her ale, served in a wooden cup. Pygmy grinned and laughed once, somewhat pleased that an almost-woman Drykas could appreciate the joys of being interested in someone. Thus far everyone had seemed to value subtlety over gushing about boys. Only Khiara had been willing to accomodate her need to discuss men at depth.

Pygmy smiled and sighed happily to herself when Van's shoulder touched hers.

"That would be delightful, I've never seen a bride before." She admitted, taking a sip of her drink. "And no one has ever been foolish enough to let me near a buffet either."

It was true, she was looking forward to experiencing all the joy and variety that came with the concept. She tucked her hand through Van's elbow again, heartily pleased that she was his date and not some other tall, willowy woman. The room seemed to be full of them, although the men were quite tall as well. An attractive bunch in general, it seemed.

She liked the one she had better. Pygmy was not normally quite so deluded as to what her feelings were, she hadn't realised how attached she was. She had avoided attachment for quite a long time, it seemed her brain was finding ways around her resolve.

"Are there any blessings you should give the bride and groom?" She asked, "I'm not sure of what the etiquette is, here."

[Vanator]

Vanator nodded his head in greeting to some relatives across the room. At Pygmy's comment about the buffet, he looked down at her and laughed. Van felt comfortable with his friend, even in this unfamiliar situation. She made him laugh, and showed a real interest in learning the ways of his people. Perhaps more than with anyone else, Van could be himself around Pygmy. He was not deceived, Vanator could see how Pygmy felt about him. He had carefully kept her at arms length at first, not wanting to hurt her feelings. But as the season progress, he had found a genuine fondness for the Kelvic girl. He saw hints of a deeper soul, a more complex woman that she seemed to hide. He was coming to grips with her Kelvic nature, accepting her for who she was. The Drykas realized there were some feelings he had to sort out when it came to Pygmy. The sudden sound of a deep, familiar voice almost startled Van as hewas beginning to answer Pygmy's questions. "There you are son!" Vanator looked up to see his father, the Ankal, and his mother standing in front of them. Eachann, a man in his mid fifties, was several inches taller than his son and just as broad across the shoulders. The resemblance was apparent, though the older Denusk's face was lined with creases. His brown hair was streaked liberally with gray, and held in place by an etched gold circlet. He wore an embroidered blue tunic, true to the Sapphire clan, and a gold torc around his neck. Nadra, Van's mother, was tall and slender, attractive despite her years. Her son obviously inherited her deep brown eyes, bearing the same golden flecks, though Nadra's were more subtle. Her honey-colored hair was braided and coiled at the back of her head, a thin gold cord entwined about it. She wore a long tunic that reached below her knees, matching her husband's in hue. An embossed leather belt cinched it at her waist, adorned with a gold buckle etched with a rearing Strider. A torc that matched Eachann's encircled her neck. "Father!" Van replied, gently pulling his arm from Pygmy's hand and giving Eachann a one-armed hug. "Mother!" Turning to Nadra, Van leaned in to kiss his mother on the cheek. "I am pleased to see you." Both parents gave a darting glance to Pygmy, each bearing a polite smile. "We are please to see you too Van, it has been more than a season since you have traveled with the pavilion." Eachann commented, the Ankal 's cordial tone only hinting at his consternation at his son's absence. Nadra shot her husband a subtle glare. "Oh", Van stepped back next to Pygmy. Without thought his arm encircled her waist. "This is my friend, Pygmy."

[Dhanya]

Pygmy had never quite experienced total, soul-deep abject fear before. It was quite enlightening. She now knew what everyone else had been talking about. This was no near-death experience, she'd had those before. This was a glaring opportunity to be judged and found wanting, at the one moment where she actually cared to be worthy.

To think she had mocked old friends for fearing that first meeting with the dreaded Parents. Had she been capable of writing, she would have resolved to pen them all letters of apology.

Luckily her eyes hid her worries. She had never been so thankful for them. They also hid her longing. She could see Van in his parents and their affection was plain. Even the Ankal's momentary rebuke was a reflection of his care. Pygmy longed for that, though she normally wouldn't have given it much thought. Seeing it in front of her made it difficult to pretend she didn't want the same for herself.

She was lucky, she had Khiara and now Van but it wasn't the same. Her mind drew a blank and she tried not to look too stiff as Van moved away from her and ambraced his parents. When he returned to her side, she was relieved beyond words. She momentarily pondered just how Drykas greeted each other and realised she did not know how to introduce herself formally. She reverted to what she knew, hoping that they would understand that she was Foreign (Not From Round Here) and forgive any inconsistencies.

"It is a pleasure to meet you." Pygmy said, bowing her head, "Vanator has spoken of you very warmly in the past."

Was that good? Was it bad? How did you make responsible people like you? She resolved not to make any jokes, down that path lay only tragedy.

He had his arm around her. She was going to be fine, hopefully.

[Vanator]

Vanator glanced down at Pygmy as she greeted his parents. He was a bit surprised at her grace, though he hoped she did not see it, not wanting to insult his friend. But her words were well spoken. Her tone was confident, the subtle bow acknowledging the authority of the Ankal and his first wife. Both were important in impressing a Drykas. The grin he flashed Pygmy was warm, the slight squeeze of her waist reassuring. He had no qualms about the fact that his parents would question why Pygmy was accompanying their son. They had exerted great effort to provide opportunities for him to meet fine, eligible Drykas women. But Eachaan and Nadra were diplomats, and loving parents, and would not desire to make Pygmy feel uncomfortable. It was obvious, however, that both of them found the woman's eyes most curious, at one moment staring at them, the next avoiding their gaze. Eachaan smiled slightly and returned Pygmy's nod. "Indeed, it is a pleasure to meet you young lady." Nadra took a step forward, giving the Kelvic girl a sincere smile. "Your necklace is lovely dear." Eachaan spoke up, clapping his hand on his son's shoulder. "Van, I will need you to accompany me to a small informal meeting, within the next day or two." Vantor nodded, "Fine, just let me know when father." Nadra leaned in again to kiss her son's cheek. "You two enjoy yourselves, and make sure to see your cousin, and make nice with her new husband!" She laughed lightly. The older couple took leave of Pygmy and Vanator, moving on to socialize with the other guests. Vanator sighed in relief. He was glad the conversation ended when it did. He felt no shame in the living arrangements between he and Pygmy, nor of their friendship. At his age, he did not have to explain himself to anyone. But explaining their relationship was not a conversation that he wanted to take place in front of Pygmy. It would crush him if her feelings were ever hurt because of him. Smiling, Van looked down again at Pygmy. "you did very well Mi. I think they like you." He was probably right. Pygmy had come off downright charming. They may not have approved of her, but how could they not like her? "Now, I promised you a buffet." With a wink and a sly grin, his hand slipped from her waist to seize her hand, using it to lead Pygmy through the growing crowd and tables to the long line of Drykas delicacies.

[Dhanya]

"Thank you, ma'am." Pygmy said to Nadra, bowing again as the Ankal left with his wife.

Her fingers were digging into Van's hand like claws.

"I do hope I made a pleasant first impression." Pygmy said, smiling in a sweet and slightly subservient manner that Van had never seen before. "I find it quite difficult to maintain decorum during formal events. I have to be careful with my words, I am sure you know what I mean."

He did. He'd known her for almost a season, after all.

"Food would be delightful." Pygmy said, feeling a lot like a trained dog that wanted to chase a ball but wasn't quite sure if the signal had been given yet. "I can't seem to stop speaking like this."

She cursed her stupid childhood.