Ch. 44: The Zantark Banquet

-Ezran-

"Why is he even here?" I mumbled as I rushed back into the tent. My hands were shaking but I was still holding the 'dress'. Saying that Prince Baymun's arrival surprised me was a gross understatement. If I hadn't been standing like a freaking statue I might've knocked that nonchalant look off his smug face.

"Ez, you've got to chill. So what if the demon prince showed his face? It's his army after all . . . He can bloody do whatever he feels like." Richie cooed behind me while looking over my shoulder, "I can't believe you threw that pervert out the tent. Do you want to start a war? He's the royal messenger you know. Though I can't say as I blame you - that dress should have been called a ribbon."

"You better believe I threw him out - I'm so pissed right now Rich!" I flung the material onto the cot as I walked over to the wash basin. Reaching down to gather water in my hands, I splashed it all over my face attempting to lower my rising blood pressure. I was so tense that the cold water felt refreshing.

It was too bad that I sent Rodair off on an errand today - If I'd kept him here, I wouldn't have had to deal with that pervert. Rodair would have seen him coming a mile away and checked the box before he even entered my tent . . Regretfully I sent him off because I was afraid he would cause an uproar at the banquet. I was trying to do this stuff diplomatically rather than rashly, and I wasn't sure what this banquet would entail but I had a funny feeling about it . . .

Shaking my head, I tried to forget my lack of foresight. Not even bothering to look in the direction of the dress I growled at Richie, "Do something with that will you? Work your magic and make it somewhat presentable." Then with a sigh and a softer voice, "You're the only person I know who can make that look beautiful . . and decent."

Richie laughed at my complex mood, "Just try and calm down. I will get this looking presentable, don't you worry," with that he settled down to make quick work of my banquet attire.

I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. This day was not going very well; I was still mentally and physically drained from the constant killing in our last battle and now my emotions were all over the place. Why did that demon prince have to come now of all times? I had been badgered by the Zantarkans until finally agreeing to come see them; Did the prince set this all up just to make a fool of me? Perhaps, but more likely I was being paranoid. Ever since I was young I had learned very quickly to always second guess the actions of others- that's the only way you can survive in this world. But I also knew not to make grand assumptions; the world didn't revolve around me. The prince had much better things to do than to make up an elaborate scheme just to humiliate me . . . That means that there's something I'm missing - something probably very important about this banquet or Zantark. Did he think that they were going to declare war or plan an assasination attempt?

The only slight comfort was the sly idea that entered my mind when Baymun had asked if Richie and I could handle the simple task of this dress. I'm sure that Baymun probably meant to insult us, but I had a trick up my sleeve. I was going to make sure that those vile perverts would regret giving me their 'most sacred attire'.

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Richie and I were the last to arrive at the banquet hall due to it taking longer than expected to modify the apparel. We were led into a greatly adorned room with grand tapestries draping the ceiling beams and roses encompassing the entire expanse. There was a huge table with the Zantark leader at the head and Prince Baymun directly to his right along with Kovin. Other decrepit old men dressed in red robes chatted quietly. Rich and I stood on a podium at the end of the table where dancers waved red fabric as they intricately moved.

A Zantarkan herald announced our presence which caused the dancers to make a clearing for me and a few gasps could be heard. I couldn't help but smirk when what I assumed was the Elders at the head table looked at their precious dress. I'm not sure how he did it, but Rich amazingly made a flowing black dress embroidered in gold that covered everything. The red ribbon was used as an embellishment highlighting my most prominent body features therefore allowing the mind to stray to what it could have been.

I made my way through the path before me toward the end of the table and gave a slight curtsey. I could be lady-like when I chose. My body still wanted to react violently since the demon prince was here, however I had sufficiently gained control over my emotions as I waited for Richie to finish my dress earlier. I couldn't very well kill the prince of Bodach at a banquet, could I?

The man at the head of the table stood and bowed. With a deep raspy voice he introduced himself, "Greetings Lady Ezran. I am Grand-Elder Horace. We are so pleased to have you with us today!" Then with a look of confusion the man said, "I thought we had sent a messenger to offer one of our sacred ensambles for your honor?"

I smiled appreciatively, "Yes you did indeed! My excellent manservant was able to integrate your traditional wear with the Bodach empire's wear. Is this not a wonderful expression of unity?" I know I was laying it on thick, but just for good measure I twirled around to show off the full gown. My shoulder length hair whirled with me in cascading ripplets since Richie pulled the locks out of the braid I had it in. He even had twirled some of the red fabric in causing a pleasing effect.

As the Elders nodded in appreciation, and I had to admit Richie was right - flattery is underrated. I never thought I'd get away with distorting their prized dress but here I was rocking it. I couldn't help but notice a faint smile pop up on Kovin's face as he slightly shook his head in amusement.

I was offered a seat beside Grand-Elder Horace with Richie remaining ever vigilant diagonally behind me as the festivities continued. It was rather distracting to have the stoic demon sitting directly in front of me, however I bared it as best as I could and tried ignoring him. Everyone else had begun to sample their plates, so I decided to dig in as well.

Grand-Elder Horace kept a steady gaze on all of my movements, then once he figured I was comfortably content he began, "We're so glad for you to have taken time out of your busy schedule to come and grace us with your presence. We've long awaited your arrival and I know that I myself am immensely pleased for you to be here."

I bit into a slice of meat and nodded graciously. After dabbing my mouth I asked, "So what was so urgent that you needed our assistance for?"