Page 17 of Ahelno
“I’m Andie,” I said to the guard. “I’m sorry that I didn’t introduce myself to you the last time we met.”
The guard’s crest, which had raised at the sight of M’Pak, slowly deflated. “I am Andokar. Do not worry. If I may be so bold, you look much better today than the last time I saw you. Village life appears to agree with you.”
“It does!” I replied. “I am grateful to the villagers for their kindness. And to the King, of course.”
“Of course. We should arrive at the Palace in a quarter centine.”
Andokar and I chitchatted a bit as the vehicle drove itself to the city and then through the winding streets to the Palace. I was much more aware of my surroundings this time and asked the guard a million questions about the buildings and landmarks we passed. The palace came into view, a massive structure that was covered in thousands of tiny mosaic tiles in various shades of blue. The overall effect against the landscape of red stone was that of a desert oasis. It was breathtaking. As we drove through the gates onto the groundsI admired the cultivated gardens, with much taller plants than I had seen anywhere else. The village had short grasses and vegetable bushes that ranged from knee- to waist-high as well as the ever-present purple and green moss that served as groundcover. Here there were many plants taller than the Ptexari. They didn’t resemble trees in shape, though. They appeared more like giant masses of vines or simply large, round bushes. They varied in color, and I wondered if they generated their own food through photosynthesis like plants on Earth. If so, it didn’t appear they produced green chlorophyll. I had a sudden urge to ask my communications panel all about plant growth on Ptekennan. Maybe when I got home.
Home. When had I started thinking of my village cottage as home?
“Ourhome,” said M’Pak. I sensed both his confusion and overall disinterest regarding my wandering plant thoughts. He didn’t have the advantage of tenth grade biology to help him understand my train of thought, but he understood home. I felt a rush of affection for him. “Yes,” I thought to him as I scratched him behind the ear. “Our home.”
His nose twitched as we exited the vehicle and I could sense he needed to pee. “Is there an area where M’Pak can relieve himself?” I asked Andokar.
“Relieve himself?” Andokar asked.
“Um… urinate?” I said. The translator worked pretty well, but it often got stuck on euphemisms or slang.
Andokar didn’t seem pleased, but led me toward the side of the palace and pointed out a spot. M’Pak did his business, but did not wish to return to the satchel. “Too long sit,” he complained. “Walk now.”
“Ok,” I thought to him. “But stay close to me.”
“Yes, Mother Andie.”
Not surprisingly, M’Pak wanted to stop and sniff everything along the path. This suited me as well, as it gave me an excuse to stop and gawk at every plant, statue, and even window that we passed. The mosaic tiles on the wall of the place were mesmerizing, reflecting the sunlight so the whole palace appeared to twinkle.
Andokar grew impatient and reminded me that the King and Princess were not to be kept waiting. I sighed and urged M’Pak to hurry along. We made our way to the Palace entrance, with several guards and servants exclaiming over the Granthor cub with alarm, and of me (the supposed Lumanela) with less fear but no less surprise. I supposed we made an unlikely pair.
Andokar led us to the second floor of the palace to a sumptuously decorated receiving room with thick carpets and plush velvety cushions. Standing within were the King and a female who I presumed was the Princess.
“Greetings, honored daughter,” the King said. “Welcome to our dwelling. Allow me to introduce you to your sister-in-law, the Princess Kashtinela. May we offer you some Oonag?”
“A blessing upon your house and all who dwell within,” I supplied the traditional response while bobbing a curtsy. Camavel hadn’t said anything about a curtsy, and they probably didn’t have the gesture on this planet, but it felt appropriate nonetheless. “Oonag and a bit of conversation would be welcome.”
“Then let us sit and enjoy Oonag, conversation, and then lunch,” the King replied.
A low table was surrounded by three cushions instead of the traditional pair, and I appreciated the thoughtfulness. Iwasn’t sure what I would have done if they were sharing a paired table and I was at a different one.
M’Pak crawled into my lap and stuck his head inside the satchel looking for food. The Princess startled. “Is that a baby Granthor?’” she asked.
“It is,” I replied. “He’s called M’Pak, and his mother was killed, so I’m raising him until he can return to the wild.”
“Is that wise?” she asked. “Surely he is dangerous.”
“He’s only dangerous to ovinas right now,” I smiled.
She chortled. “I suppose he would be. Ovinas are a good meal. He has excellent taste.”
“He’s been good company for me.” I said.
The King observed, seemingly content as Kashtinela and I exchanged pleasantries over Oonag, until lunch was served. “If I may say, daughter, you are looking well. I am very pleased.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate the cottage in the village. Everyone there has been very kind and welcoming. I’m still adjusting, but I am much happier there.”
“This warms my hearts,” he replied. “I am curious about your choice of garment. Is this an Earth creation?”
“It’s similar to something I would wear on Earth, but created by a tailor in the village named Robnar. He’s very talented.”
