"Just because I can't cook does not mean that I am completely devoid of useful skills," replied the Lioness tartly. Daine smiled at her retort and allowed Alanna to braid her long, smoky brown hair. "So, Daine, what was it with you and that young Master Erik?" inquired Alanna.
"I really don't know," said Daine. "He looked at me like he knew something I didn't and well… he just… feels… wrong."
"So, what are you saying?" asked Alanna, furrowing her eyebrows.
"No, I don't mean evil-wrong. I mean he doesn't… oh I can't explain it!" said Daine. "That hair is attached to my scalp you know!" The Lioness smiled and eased her grip on Daine's hair.
"There. You see? Even the Lioness can manage a braid," said Alanna triumphantly. "I think we're ready now, unless you have something else you need to do?"
"No, we're ready. I'll go get Numair," said Daine, heading towards Numair's workroom door. "Numair! Me an' Alanna are waiting for you!" she called to Numair.
"I'm coming! I'll be right out, just give me a minute so I can look as beautiful as the ladies I'm escorting!" said Numair.
Daine smiled at Alanna and Alanna called back, "That'll take much longer than a minute, but we'll take you as you are so hurry up!" Numair came rushing out of his room with his boot half way on and Alanna and Daine broke out in giggles. Smiling and blushing at the same time, Numair shoved his foot into his boot and they were off to the Great Hall for the banquet.
~*~
The Great Hall looked absolutely spectacular thanks to Varice, whom after many trust agreements from the king and strict warnings from Daine, was allowed to work for the royal court of Tortall. The Gallans were equally impressed with the setting in the Hall. The Hall hummed with wonder and amazement as all the guests were seated.
"I would like to extend a most warm welcome to our guests from the royal court of Galla this fine evening," said Jonathan. "Once everyone has been seated, I will begin the introductions."
Much to Daine's dismay, she observed that there were name tags on each place setting. The prospect that she would most likely be sitting next to someone from the Gallan party made her lose her appetite, to say the least. She walked around two of the tables and found that Numair's name was next to Master Ahern's, and Alanna was seated next to the representatives of the Gallan National Guard. Walking around the third huge table, she saw Erik waving at her. Oh no, she thought, why me?