Post by Kaya on Aug 26, 2013 13:45:01 GMT -8
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
― J.R.R. Tolkien
Still nothing, Rilora thought as she walked along the wide tables set forth for the feast. A great crowd milled around the dining tables across the room, awaiting head cook's proclamation that the feast was to begin. Of course some had not waited, and the missing rolls and slices of meat and other foodstuffs had holes in the presentation here and there. Rilora didn't blame her people, it all looked delicious. If she hadn't had her station, and had her nerves allowed her to be hungry, he had little doubt that she'd be with the youths who crouched in the corner and enjoyed the finely prepared food. Sliced meats and sugary fruits, a great salad bowl next to a large wedge of cheese, bowls of steaming tubers and a gravy dish next to them, not to mention piles of fresh fruit above the baked desserts that were still being brought out of the kitchen by dutiful cooks. "Well done," Rilora mentioned in passing to one pair who carried out a particularly large pie.
A creak of wheels brought her attention as the head cook walked ahead of a large porcine bake, confident in his work and that of his personnel. If only Rilora shared that attitude. Ser Ralt and Hara were still unaccounted for, and it left her walking delicately over the proverbial poultry eggs, trying to keep a straight face. H'torl was in voluntary isolation, he was confused about it but he was a loyal Blue Rider on the surface if nothing else. If it was the wish of his Weyrwoman that he wait with one of the Wher Guard and report all that he knew, he was happy to comply. It left Rilora feeling even more uneasy. Two of the Guard stood at the Bowl entrance and at the major exit on the other side of the dining hall that lead to the watch heights. More than two a door would make the whole situation worse, she feared. In somewhat better news, Lord Famoran and his officials from Stormy Plains had arrived without incident. Lord Ubrocker of Melisong had sent his adviser in his stead, Lady Rellie of Dragon Ridge was present but not her husband, who was involved with matters of serious weather, she had said. The Lord and Lady from Golden Flight had come to watch the Hatching and had been sent home with food at their insistence, as the spring preparations were still overwhelmingly many. There was a guard amongst the Lords and Ladies as well.
"Lords and Ladies," the head cook called, voice so booming over the crowd's noise that it gave Rilora a start, "Holders and Weyrfolk, honored guests. I present to you, the Hatching Feast." He gestured broadly and allowed himself a proud smile. People moved towards the food in great excitement, and the head cook moved aside and lead the little cart that held the food he had hand selected for the Lords and their guests.
Rilora stood back and watched happy people pile plates high with savory food and delicious treats. She still wasn't hungry. If only all peoples of the world could simply sit together and eat. A good meal made allies of all, no matter their differences, no matter their past.