The Importance of Eating Earnestly (IC)

[Avaerilon]

“I would be delighted, Representative! I’ve always had a passion for the Firmament, myself, and my own collection is sorely lacking.” Aubrey then turned to the Feebish Chancellor. “She is magnificent, isn’t she? Oh, this one’s an old one, to be sure; I believe it was ’58 she was built. Of course, most of the Vulcans today are all under 25 years old, and those that are older usually have all the refits and upgrades to bring them up-to-date, but VRA87B is totally original. She’ll have also given the neighbours a scare…” Aubrey chucked with Alex as the plane disappeared into the horizon.

By this time, many of the guests had finished examining their gifts, and were awaiting the next event eagerly. The air was fresh and cool, making it very pleasant in the garden, with the sun now hanging fairly low in the sky, casting a warm, pink blush in the sky, its deep-golden rays caressing the lush green lawn. Aubrey talked for a brief few moments with his guests, before having his attendants put the precious ivory-laid box in his study, and then standing under the ancient oak tree in front of his guests.

“And now, my honoured guests, it is time for the dance!” At his word, a small company of musicians entered the garden, and set themselves up in the large bandstand by an ancient oak tree. There were violins and violas, oboes and clarinets, a pair of large lutes and some Dunmeri drums covered in Guar skin. As the musicians tuned their instruments, Lord Vetinari stepped forward. “My Patrician Lord Vetinari will be doing us the honour of conducting this evening,” said Aubrey. Indeed, the man took a large, silver-tipped wand from a pocket, and tapped it on the lectern set-down in front of him by a pair of attendants.

Some of the guests moved hastily to avoid having to dance, making for the tables and chairs laid-out around the lawn, while some finished their drinks and stood ready. Aubrey removed his cloak and crown, handing them to his bodyguard, who put the latter in a large chest, covered in runes of glowing lyrium. "Honoured guests; you are most welcome to dance!"

The band struck up a tune.

[Avaerilon]

Dr. Gladstyn twirled Ms. Pearson expertly, tapping his feet in-time to the rhythm of the song.

"Madam, you're quite the dancer! May I ask where you learned those moves?" "Only if you tell me where you learned yours, Prime Minister!" She laughed throatily. "Well," he said, taking he hand again "I was an actor in my youth- and the first half of my middle age, in fact- and one learns a lot on the stages of Avaerilon, I can tell you truthfully. There was this one show where I was required, and I am not making this up, to perform a typical Spanish dance alongside a man in a bear costume. It's safe to say the audience got their money's worth that night!" "How... unbearable that must have been for you!"

The pair began to snigger, drawing strange looks from those around them.

***

Ridcully feasted on the smoked salmon and cream cheese water biscuits, which were quite excellent. His new friend of sorts, Dyson, was suspiciously sniffing some shalk cheese on top of a cream cracker; it smelled all right, and looked all right, too, but he'd heard a rumour if wasn't cow's milk, or even sheep's. "Ah, Mustrum? What kind of milk is in this stuff?" "Oh, shalk? Well, it's the favourite creature of the Ashlander tribes of Morrowind... it's also a rather odd thing." "Do go on." "Fact is, it's not a mammal. By any stretch of the imagination?" "Reptile is it?" "Erm... no... it's..."

***

"Your Highness," Aubrey said, offering his hand to Ārohi. "Would you honour me with a dance?"

[Chameliya]

Ārohi looked up at the glowing face of Aubrey. "Of course your Majesty, it would be my pleasure". She placed down her drink on the small garden table by her seat and gracefully rose up, smiling as she did,"I was beginning to think you'd never ask!". A look of worry flashed across the King's face but seeing the mischievous grin on Ārohi's face, he was reassured that she had in fact been joking.

Aubrey led Ārohi to the centre, the crowd moving like the Red Sea to make a path for them. He turned to face his partner. Quite tall, he thought, for a woman...

The band started playing. With Ārohi in his arms he lead the dance, as the swayed and circled. The tune was slow and gentle, playful but relaxing. Ārohi's dress twinkled in the light of the evening sun as it floated effortlessy in the cool summer air.

"You dance very well Your Majesty. Truly king-like."

"It's a tine-honoured Avaerilonian tradition - we have always danced. You are an excellent dancer yourself!"

"You are most kind. It's not exactly a native style but it's popular overseas so we Royals become well rehearsed in the art."

"Ahh, Jasminia. I have heard so much about it."

"You must visit one day. See for yourself the beauty..."

[Avaerilon]

The sun had just about sunk to the line of the horizon, like a great sanguinello orange between the thick oak woods and lazy mountains, when the music slowly faded to silence, leaving only the soft rustling of the wind amongst the trees and the evening birdsong. It was then that Lerelys stepped into the garden, ringing a small bell and bowing to the guests. 

"With His Majesty's permission?"

Aubrey smiled and inclined his head.

"Honoured and noble guests, I have the pleasure of inviting you to dine. Please, follow my humble self and once your excellencies are all seated, orders shall be taken and the first courses served shortly after. Drinks from the list shall of course be made available instantly."

The grey-haired Dunmer indicated with his hand towards the manor and slowly led the guests back towards it. some of them handing empty glasses to serving men and women patiently standing on the approach to the manor. The candles in the chandeliers, and the lights on the walls had all been lit, and cast a warm glow throughout the halls of the manor, the shadows of the flames playing-off the surfaces of the ancient wood beams.

Then they came to a pair of well-polished doors of old oak, carved with symbols of trees, leaves, and acorns, which duly swung inwards to admit the guests. The dining room was exquisite; a long hall of polished wooden panels, often carved in places, with a legion of shields bearing various crests and devices along the walls, often accompanied by swords. The ceiling was high and vaulted, and lined with old stone that was as clean and bright as the day it was on the mason's block. The parquet floor was cherry wood, with deep, rich tones of reddish brown, and it shone clearly without being slippery. A great table of walnut burr glistened, with high-backed, stuffed-leather cushioned chairs set around it, one in the middle higher and older than the rest, carved with a pair of dragons behind it, throne-like. Places were set with the finest silver cutlery, and pots of mustards, sauces and other condiments stood ready along with the cruet of salt and pepper. Each chair had a waiter or waitress to it, ready to help their charges into their places if needs be. A great fireplace some ten feet high lay at the far end of the room, lined with ancient stones and accompanied by enough weapons to frighten even the most dedicated invader. Several suits of armour stood around in old Avalonian armour, the helmets which must have inspired the Greeks burnished from care, their swords still sharp.

"If I may, Your Highness? Your Grace?" Said Aubrey to the Princess and the Patriarch, indicating their places next to his. Aubrey first pulled the chair out for Ārohi , and saw her seated, and then Garrett, who found the old leather pleasingly comfy. He then had his own cloak taken by a waiter, who bowed low, and sat down in the great old wooden chair only when all his guests were seated.

As the waiting staff began to take orders, Aubrey made his to the young Elvish woman sent to attend to him.

"May I have the brascodomad to start, please? And for my main course, the duck crown?"

"Your will is my desire, my king. And wouldst your majesty deign to select a beverage?"

"I think I'll have a glass of the  2012 Acaron Elondel Elrondil with my starter, and then perhaps the Acaron D’Ablonne Indarīnel with the duck?"

"If your majesty permits me to say so, I think that is an exquisite choice."

[Chameliya]

An Elvish waiter presented the menu to the Crown Princess. It was bound in red leather and had a large Avaerilonian coat of arms in gilt on the front. Ārohi opened the menu and the aromatic scent of fresh pages teased her nose.

"What would Her Majesty like?" asked the waiter.

"Yes, I think I'll have the Feebish seafood medley and the Royal lobster please."

"Would Her Majesty be interested in a desert as well?"

"Ahh, yes. How could I forget?" Ārohi chuckled. "I think I will go for a summer fruits crumble, with Avaerilonian cream."

"May I go so far as to suggest a beverage with Her Majesty's meal?"

"Well I suppose I should; I've heard that Avaerilonian vineyards are some of the best in the region. Let's see, I'll think I'll have a glass of Acaron Elondel Elrondil, the 2012 one. Is that alright?"

"Certainly your majesty." The waiter quietly stepped away from the table. Ārohi looked up and down the table, a task made easy thanks to her central position next to the King. She looked to her left and saw Aubrey having a conversation with Garrett in Dutch. Nothing wrong with his Dutch after all she mused, how modest. She began to look at the panels on the sides of the hall, engrossed in their intricate detail. The King certainly had exquisite taste.

[Anaaxes]

Secretary Pearson headed toward her seat and exchanged handshakes with Patriarch Garrett and Mr. Penderyn, whom sat on either side of her. An amiable waiter approached and handed her a menu. She took a few moments to briefly look over all of the options.

"I believe I'm ready. Sorry to keep you waiting," she said.

"No worries! What will you be having to start off madam?," he asked.

"I'll have the Cyrodiilic cream of asparagus soup please"

He smiled and said, "A personal favorite of mine. What would you like as your entrée?"

"I'll have some of your fresh salmon"

"And for dessert ma'am?"

"I'll take the Mournhould coffee cake. Sounds heavenly!"

"I've heard many good things about it. And how about something to drink?"

"Hmm. I'll have a glass of some 1997 Acaron Stenllaern red wine," she said as she hand the waiter back the menu. They exchanged thank-yous.


Around the same time, President Blatchford made his way to his seat next and received a menu from an attentive waiter.

"I have some Toscalian brascodomad to start off, and some stuffed peppers as my main meal," said the President.

"What would you like for dessert Mr. President?," said the waiter.

"I'll take some chocolate-truffle marble cake with vanilla ice cream. I've heard it's the best in the entire Social Liberal Union!"

"I can assure you sir, you won't be disappointed one bit! And what would you like as a beverage?

"I'll have a pint of some Cerodhaesol golden ale please."

"Alright. Thank you sir. Your food will be out soon; please excuse me in the meantime."

The President began to talk with several nearby dignitaries about each of their nation's healthcare system, as they waited for more people be seated and have their orders taken.