Chapter 12
Meeting the Family
"You'll be fine." Annora said as she led Tana to the dinning hall.
"I-I can't!" Tana stammered in fear.
"Tana it's alright, calm down, nice deep breaths in and out, that's it." Annora said putting her hands on Tana's shoulders to steady her. "Come on now we need to go in now, don't worry if you get nervous, we'll be there to help you along."
"Ok, I'm ready." Tana said as Annora led her into the dinning hall.
Tana had never seen so many Bothans in one place, she felt very plain amongst all of the finery that some were wearing, she wore a simple wine colored gown, with a fitted bodice and sleeves. Cream colored lace trimmed the hem of the dress and she wore wine colored slippers on her feet.
"My goodness Dallin, is that her?" a bothan woman asked.
"She must be, Tahja" Dallin said.
"She's such a little thing, even for a human." Tahja commented
"Just stand up straight, smile, make eye contact and be confident." Annora said quietly as they entered. Tana noticed several people stopping, and gawking at her.
"I don't fit in here.", she said quietly, looking down slightly.
"You're new and they don't know who you are. Just relax and smile." Annora said as they walked together. People watched Tana with curious expressions. She could hear the snickers, and some pondering why Tyan had chosen her.
"Tana this is Lord Skylar and his wife Lady Amelia." Annora introduced to Tana.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Tana greeted dipping a slight curtsy.
"Auntie! Is this her?" an excited voice asked.
"Yes Lyra, this is Tana. Tana this is my niece." Annora said, Tana smiled politely at the bothan girl who was about eight or nine years old.
"Hi, Tana. Come on I'll introduce you." Lyra said as she took Tana's hand and led her away.
A few hours later Tana began feeling sick.
"Annora, I'm not feeling very well, would it be alright if I left a little early?" Tana asked.
"Of course Tana, would you like me to help you to your room?" Annora asked.
"No that's alright, thank you for the offer though." Tana said, then left.
Tana got only a few feet from the door when she blacked out.