Amanda knew that she shouldn't be showing any signs of excitement, but she couldn't help it. The dress that T'Rea had sent over was gorgeous, and Amanda gasped when T'Iva laid it out for her. It was a muted midnight blue color, made out of semi-diaphanous fabric that settled on her body like a mist. There was also, to Amanda's surprise, jewelry: a fine but rather thick necklace and amber earrings. There was even a little clip to go in her hair.

When T'Iva had finished with her, Amanda went to look in the mirror. She was at once enchanted and embarrassed by what she saw. She looked like a proper Vulcan lady, for all that her skin was peachy pink instead of slightly greenish, and her ears weren't pointed. And, of course, her face was full of wonder and excitement. When she noticed this, Amanda immediately smoothed out her features and put on a calm mask. There, done. T'Iva herself seemed pleased by the result.

"You look very pretty, t'sai." She said, her hands folded in front of her apron.

"Thank you." Amanda said, trying to banish away a blush. It was odd, though, how the elegant outfit gave her confidence. She felt finally as if she had taken a step closer to belonging in Shi'Kahr, instead of bumbling around blindly, an ignorant Human. It was as though the fine clothing had become armor.

When the hovercar arrived, Amanda had to fight hard to keep her hands from trembling. Act like a Vulcan princess, she told herself as she walked out to the vehicle. You are calm and serene and completely invulnerable. This thought soothed her somewhat, and she climbed into the black vehicle, her shaking stopped. She was unhappy to see, however, that there were already two people inside the car – Everard and Prais. Everard was wearing an elegant but simple tunic in the Vulcan style, but Prais was sporting an almost obnoxiously decorated Starfleet Captain's uniform. Amanda thought wryly that it made his appearance match his voice – loud and a little uncouth.

"Well don't you look beautiful," He said as Amanda arranged her skirts around her. "I've never been one for the Vulcan fashions, but it isn't a bad look, don't you think, Hollis?"

Everard nodded, giving Amanda a brief smile. "You do look lovely, Miss Grayson." He didn't meet Prais' eyes.

"Oh, thank you." Amanda said, after a pause. She had to keep herself from saying "lesek". It was difficult to keep switching in and out of the Vulcan language. It had been unsettling enough when bits of her dreams were spoken in Vulcan instead of Common. Prais chattered at her and Everard throughout the entire drive, which was longer than Amanda had expected. As it happened, Councilman Skon's estate was a little ways out of the city. Everard, who had apparently done some research on the plan on Shi'Kahr, told Amanda that all of the best houses were outside the city limits, on a large overlook that had a lovely view of the rest of the city. It reminded Amanda of the Palatine Hill of Ancient Rome, when he pointed it out to her out the window. The houses were indeed very grand, and only became more so as they approached. Amanda was impressed further when they went towards one of the largest and most heavily decorated buildings. They had to pause at a set of intricate gates and be allowed through by a posted guard. There were many other vehicles already waiting outside the grand façade of the manor. Amanda knew her eyes were the size of dinner plates as they stepped out of the car. She carefully avoided taking Prais' hand as he offered to help her out. That was one of the merits of Vulcan fashion – they didn't believe in high heels for their ladies, at least not in all situations.

Before Amanda had advanced even a few feet on the grand staircase leading to the entrance, T'Rea was at her side. "Good evening, Miss Grayson." She said, and her voice had a slightly pleasant lilt to it. "I am pleased to see you well."

"Oh, good evening, T'Rea." Amanda said, carefully without a smile. Her guide was wearing robes of a beautiful olive green, which complimented her skin perfectly. The woman's dark hair was similarly styled to Amanda's, although T'Rea sported many more glittering pins in her hair.

"Let us go inside. It is much cooler in the manor." T'Rea said, indicating the door with one pale hand. The evening was indeed very warm. The sun didn't set over Shi'Kahr until the late evening at least. At first, Amanda had found it disorienting, but she was quickly becoming accustomed to the planet's different light. She nodded to T'Rea, and together they ascended the stairs. T'Rea nodded to several important looking people as they made their way up, all of whom turned to each other and spoke in quiet voices when Amanda met their eyes. She felt a little exposed – as far as she could see, she, Everard and Prais were the only Humans at the affair, and the two of them had melted into the crowd almost immediately.

Amanda had little time to worry about this, however. They had just entered the great atrium of the manor, and she could care less about anything else upon seeing it. The Academy and Principle Building had been impressive in size and styling, but they had been fashioned in a public style. This building was gorgeously ornamented, although it was much simpler than any fancy houses Amanda had seen on Earth. There was a regular, delicate symmetry that gave the whole room a sense of reverberation and echo. The high, gold colored ceiling was steeply vaulted, and reflected the light of a large central chandelier, which sparkled like a giant, gem studded crown. Amanda's eyes roved over the entire space. She couldn't seem to focus on any one thing – there was so much strange beauty around her. Her marveling was interrupted, however, when Councilman Skon's voice came to her across the polished floor.

"T'Rea, welcome; and welcome to our honored guest Miss Grayson." He said, extending the ta'al. Of course, there was nothing in his bearing that outwardly suggested pleasure, but his tone seemed lighter than usual. Amanda bowed to him, at first feeling a little sheepish. But she remembered the dress and jewelry, and felt strengthened again.

"Thank you, Councilman." T'Rea said evenly. "Thank you for welcoming us into your home."

"Of course," The tall Vulcan said. "Please, follow me to the main hall." He turned and gestured towards a grand archway leading off to the left. Through it Amanda could see more glowing chandeliers, illuminating a grand room full of Vulcans speaking with each other. The scene was very different from any Human gathering Amanda had been to. The guests weren't laughing and drinking, and there was certainly no dancing. But they seemed to be enjoying themselves none the less. The quiet was strange to Amanda as well – parties had always been rather loud in her experience. But none of the Vulcans needed to raise their voices to be heard. They simply spoke in normal tones. There was a group of musicians in one corner, playing strange instruments that Amanda did not recognize. They made a lovely, dark sound that made Amanda think of the scent of spices and resin. Their melody could only just be heard above the quiet conversations of the party goers.

Councilman Skon proceeded to introduce Amanda to several groups of dignitaries – listing their names in rapid succession. Amanda found that she could barely hold onto one name from group to group, but they were all polite and tranquil with her. She found herself enjoying the party, especially after she had tried the spicy, almost sour drink that was being served at the bar. T'Rea told her it was the juice of a desert fruit mixed with k'vass. Amanda almost spat it out when she heard that: k'vass was rumored to be incredibly strong, with more intoxicating power than any Human liquor. T'Rea almost smiled at her reaction and shook her head. "It is heavily watered down, do not worry, ko-kan."

Soon Amanda was quite at her ease. She watched as the Vulcan women drift across the ball room, their beautiful robes catching the light with an iridescent quality; the men greeting them in their dark, neatly cut tunics, embellished with accents of color and gold. It was enchanting, and Amanda felt it harder and harder to conceal her wonderment, especially after she had tasted more of the exotic drink. It would have been a night to fold up and tuck away in her pocket, to keep as a brilliant memory, if it hadn't been for an interaction she had near the end of the night.

Amanda had drifted towards a group of younger Vulcans, all around her own age. They were speaking quietly, exchanging dry witticisms that Amanda greatly enjoyed, although she did not let it show. She wasn't thinking of anything in particular, only listening to the conversation, when a comment was directed towards her.

"Are you enjoying your stay on Vulcan, Miss Grayson?" The question came from a young woman, taller than Amanda, and very aquiline in her features. After a moment's concentration, Amanda remembered her as T'Nia.

"Very much," She replied, polite and still.

"We have all been following the progress of Starfleet's project with interest," Commented the lady beside T'Nia, whose name Amanda couldn't recall. She was considerably shorter and rounder of face. She reminded Amanda of a less-raucous Georgia.

"I am glad to hear it." Amanda said, taking another sip of her drink. "I have to admit that I was nervous at the outset, but I feel more comfortable now." She realized she was openly discussing feelings with Vulcans, but for some reason that didn't seem to bother her. Not, that is, until she heard a slightly derisive noise from another member of the group.

She turned, and met the cold, dark gaze of the Councilman's son. Sarek stood almost a head taller than her, although Amanda thought herself tall for a woman. She resisted frowning at him, but calmed herself, thinking of the peaceful lake. Unbidden, however, a word rose to her lips.
"Yes?"

The other young Vulcans stilled. Sarek glanced at them, his posture becoming a little more defensive. It seemed to Amanda that he was squaring up, like the young cadets and lieutenants of Starfleet did when they wanted to start a bar fight. "Perhaps," He began, "You are becoming too comfortable. Your Human tendencies are not as…acceptable here as they are among your own kind." (Dammit Awkward!Sarek WHY)

Amanda could feel a flush building in her cheeks. She knew that she was doing well – T'Rea and T'Sana had complimented her on her control, and Ataur had commended her on her strength. How dare he insult her like this? "I beg your pardon," She said, her voice growing icier than she intended, "I don't believe there is anything in my behavior that has been inappropriate."

"Your ignorance of your own actions would not be so lamentable were you an ordinary member of your race. However, in Starfleet's chosen candidate, I find a lack of propriety disappointing."

"And what of your rudeness?" She snapped. "I wouldn't expect it from a High Council member's son." She knew her face was red now, and her tone was far too charged with emotion, but it was difficult to keep a lid on her anger when there was so much contempt in Sarek's eyes. He should be scolded for showing so much of it. Amanda was not at fault.

Sarek drew himself up haughtily. "How easy it is to make you lose your composure…" He said, as though he were talking to himself. "Your sharp tongue, however, is not an indicator of a sharp mind."

Amanda clenched her jaw. "And your tongue is sharper, oluhk." A small part of her shrieked in protest, get out! You've just called Councilman Skon's son a snake! The larger, more stubborn part of her was already gearing up for the fight, however.

Sarek tilted his proud jaw and regarded her with cold eyes. That really does make him look like a snake. "I refuse to enter into a contest of wits with you, ko-kan. I would not take advantage of your natural handicap." With that, he inclined his head in a mockery of respect and strode off, his severely black tunic a dark silhouette against the light of the ballroom. Amanda gaped after him, her eyes stinging with gathering tears. T'Rea's diminutive sounded acerbic in Sarek's words – his use of it made Amanda's insides burn with shame. The other Vulcans stood rigidly, remaining silent. Amanda licked her lips and tried to force the tears not to fall, thinking that for all their composure, Vulcans could look just as awkward as wet cats.

She set down her glass and turned away without a word. That was enough for her – time to find T'Rea and bolt. Fortunately the Vulcan woman was already waiting for her by the door to the main hall. Her face looked even more grim than usual, her dark eyes flat and blank.

"I wish to return home." Amanda said, resisting the urge to thrust her chin out defiantly.

"Yes. There is a vehicle waiting for you." T'Rea said, her voice as flat as her eyes. She escorted Amanda outside, where there was indeed a hovercar waiting. Amanda was immensely relieved to see that it was waiting only for her. Prais and Everard were not inside, or in immediate sight. With a quick look at T'Rea, Amanda slipped inside the car and shut the door firmly behind her. As they pulled away from the mansion, Amanda was glad of the dark windows. They allowed her to keep her tears hidden.