Chapter 11
The group enter a lavish medieval looking ballroom. It is decorated with fancy banners with weird symbols and figures all in the colors of Briccxon. In attendance in the ballroom are all sorts of beings gathering around talking. Some look like humans while others do not and appear more bizarre and exotic. There is food and drink and music. Some people are dancing, each doing it a little bit unique. It all seems so familiar, John thinks, but different as well.
“Very swanky”, says Sal.
Queen Frallinaso spots them and walks over. Accompanying her is a very tall green glowing masculine figure with an inverted triangular head also with them is a feminine looking being with red fur and long golden whiskers. “There you are! I would like to introduce you to Magistrate Immond one of the members of the high court and his betroth the esteemed lady Jehul.”
“It is nice to finally meet in person the strangers from another world that I have been hearing so much talk about”, says lady Jehul as she eyes the foursome up and down. “Why you look positively normal. You could be related to the queen herself.”
“I can assure you we are not”, Michael coldly replies.
John knows Michael isn’t usually one for small talk and is reserved around strangers. Plus he is always uncomfortable without his bow and arrows. John also detects a passive insinuation from lady Jehul that they are lying about being from another world. John sees this conversation taking a wrong turn and decides to try and smooth it over before it does. “I’ll admit it is a bizarre coincidence we look like the star people but there are differences. For instance we don’t have the magical abilities they do. But funny how similar planets so far apart can be. I suppose what works, works.” He senses they aren’t buying it and still have doubts. At least the Queen seems to still be comfortable with them. As long as she is on their side they should be safe.
“So why have you come to our little spot of the universe”, asks Magistrate Immond.
“We just dropped in a hole and wham here we are. Go figure”, says Sal.
Karen shakes her head and Milenas smiles at this but Lady Jehul and Magistrate Immond do not seem amused by this answer. In fact they seem to grow more suspicious. John sees the perplexing look on their faces and tries to smooth things over once again. “Just one of those weird twists and turns of life. We were in need of a miracle and we got one in the form of the portal that took us here to you fine people and your beautiful kingdom.”
“Way to lay it on”, says Michael. Karen gives Michael a nudge with her elbow.
“Shut up”, John quickly snaps.
“Whatever I am hitting the buffet. Peace!”, says Sal as he starts to walk over to the food. The other earthlings follow him along with Milenas.
“If you will excuse us we are going to check out your fine cuisine”, says John trying to save face.
The others watch them the whole time as Zoeborh walks up to join them. Magistrate Immond says, “They speak oddly but it seems too coincidental to me.”
“I can assure you, magistrate, all precautions are being taken”, says Zoeborh deducing what Immond is referring to.
“I don’t know princess Milenas seems to be awfully friendly with them”, says lady Jehul. Queen Frallinaso gives a sly quick smile at this remark that the others do not see.
Meanwhile having gotten their food and drink the earthlings and Milenas huddle together on the far wall to observe the going ons of the room. Milenas puts fire on her cup so she can drink. “I can’t get over how cool that is”, says John.
“It’s fire. What is cool about it?”, asks a confused Milenas.
“It means he is really impressed by it. It’s an expression from where we come from”, explains Karen.
“Really everyone thinks this is a curse that I have.”
“Nonsense it makes you special”, says John.
Sal is shoveling food in his mouth, “This food is amazing.”
“Well at least that is something because the rest of this shindig seems to be a bust. No one is talking to us they are just looking at us suspiciously. We can’t be advocates for peace if no one trusts us”, says Michael.
“Give them time”, says Milenas.
“Patience has never been one of my virtues I am sorry to say.”
“Milenas and I are going to get some air”, says John.
Sal winks, “Sure you are.”
“Come on I am not going to let their suspicions about us ruin our first time together at a formal. Sal come dance with me.”
“I’m eating here.”
“Ugh fine, Michael will you please dance with me.”
“It would be an honor.” Karen joyfully grabs onto Michael’s extended elbow as they walk out onto the dance floor together. They awkwardly try to follow along with the others but it isn’t working. They laugh at their missteps and decide to just dance cheek to cheek Earth style. Michael feels Karen’s arms draped across his shoulders and listens to the oddly relaxing music.
“Do you think we finally found peace?”, whispers Karen.
“I don’t know. But we can take each moment for what it is.”
Karen closes her eyes and sighs softly, “That sounds like a good plan to me.” Karen and Michael let the music and each other’s gentle embrace sooth them in a way they have not felt in a long time.
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