A Joyous Occasion, or is it? Part 1

Posted on Sat Dec 16th, 2017 @ 7:21am by
Edited on on Sat Dec 16th, 2017 @ 7:22am

3,403 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Unknown Life, Unknown Dangers
Location: Planetside

The transport left at 0500 the next morning, and Annika looking sleepy trudged aboard with a single Satchel over her shoulder. Stowing the bag, she pulled a pad out of it too read on the way , tucking it into the seat pocket. She took the seat next to Ediras who was already there, nestled up against him and went back to sleep.

Sleep didn't come easily to him but he managed to get a little to keep him appearing somewhat normal. He was nervous however meeting people of import to Anika and knowing the mixed feelings his presence would no doubt get when they saw him, since he was tall and broad enough to make him hard to miss. On the transport few spoke, most slept, a few kids talk to parents, a baby cried gentle in a mothers arms but for the most part a pleasant trip planetside.

She slipped her hand into his and squeezed gently before disembarking. She could feel the nervousness as if it was her own and was a bit surprised by it. "Dont be nervous. Ill protect you."

"Its not that, I worry that my presence will cause more problems for you considering this is your family, I'm the outsider here." He spoke softly so to not wake anyone near them. He didn't want to cause her trouble, he was out to help after all but worried the former would occur when they realised he was not exactly...Human.

"Its not that, I worry that my presence will cause more problems for you considering this is your family, I'm the outsider here." He spoke softly so to not wake anyone near them. He didn't want to cause her trouble, he was out to help after all but worried the former would occur when they realised he was not exactly...Human.

Her thought was immediate and piercingly clear as if she had sent it just to him. I. Dont. Care. "Itll be an adventure."

"Yes it will." That was for sure. "Will there be a place we can freshen up before we go, I'd like to freshen up after been cooped up in this transport for a bit considering the occasion?"

"We will be staying in the hotel, not with any of my family. We can check in at any point, they should be rooms next to one another." She pointed down towards the riverfront.

At least it was not with the family. "Will we be sharing or separate rooms?" He asked, another snippet of information that no doubt might come in handy if asked especially if honesty was the policy in play.

"They should be separate" she said as she looped her bag over her chest between her breasts and settled it on her hip.

He nodded as he watched her loop her bag. The flight would not be long but it would give him time to prepare himself for what lay ahead. He wanted to make a good impression, he didn't want to embarrass Anika on an occasion that even if she wouldn't admit it, meant a lot to her. Seeing family was always a risky thing, in the one had it could be hugs, tears and welcome home while in the other it could awkward silence and bitter resentment at leaving home.

The walk down to the hotel didn't take long, but the weather was warm and humid and a faint hint of sweat touched her forehead. She would look forward to a shower once they reached the hotel. Soon they were arriving at a white marbled Arch, that held the doors to the Riverfront Hotel. Entering Annika walked to the reception desk and asked "Reservation for Yashui, Annika and guest.

Ediras followed, the sun was a little bright for him but tolerable. He followed her to the hotel beg in hand and suit carrier over the other, he didn't want it getting crumpled and waste time ironing it out again. As an architect he noticed the marbled arch, the surrounding decorations and without thinking about it drawing ideas and thoughts for the projects he had on the go. All in all the hotel was brilliantly decorated. He stood patiently behind Anika while she checked in remembering that separate rooms, what ever made her comfortable, he would go with.

"I am sorry ma'am, there is no entry for a guest for Annika Yashui."

"Of course there is, i notified them of the alteration."

"That may be ma'am but that information was not passed onto the concierge. We have no openings at this time."

"Booked in full?"

"Yes ma'am."

Now Anika was furious but her voice remained calm. The man behind the counter was quavering before the look of rage in her eyes. "What size is the bed in my room?"

"K-king ma'am."

"Very good. He will stay with me, please book him in."

Ediras couldn't help but be drawn to the rise in emotions within the room. He could only hear part of the conversation because he didn't want to appear intruding on arrangements made prior to his involvement. He could tell however that it held something to do the with the room and the lack of space. He stood patient and silent and while he knew he wouldn't incur the easily felt emotional wrath of Anika, he didn't want to be an accidental target too.

Annika was handed an old fashioned key on a string and then another for her guest. Taking them and inspecting them for the room number she offered one to Ediras. " looks like we're staying together."

Ediras didn't say anything when he took the key, at least not until they had left the lobby. "I can take the sofa." He offered trying to ease and sooth her troubled and rocked emotional state he could very easily feel.

"You could. But you won't, unless you have an objection to sharing a bed with me. If they are going to not believe me when I say I am bringing a guest then they can deal with the consequences." her voice was a little clipped, but she wasn't adverse to the idea of putting one in the eye of whoever ignored that on her invitation.

"As you wish then." He smiled, he didn't mind sharing a bed if it made things easier for her in the long run but when he did hope was that he didn't steal all the blankets or snore. That would made for a rough and uncomfortable night for her, and a bad impression of himself.

"I love the old fashioned key" she said softly as she gazed up at him, for a long moment as they waited for the elevator to take them to their room. It was a balcony room on the riverside- which was about halfway up the great building on the 32nd floor. It was an incredible view, and it had a balcony with a bench.

Having entered behind her he put his things on the table and walked to the balcony to admire the view. It was spectacular and something that the both of them could enjoy even from a drawers perspective. "Did you bring your drawing kit?" He asked as he looked around, left and right then peered down over the ledge towards the ground.

"I did it's in my bag." she answered with a slow exhalation. "Did you bring yours?"

"No, I wanted to but I didn't want you to feel I was taking time away from what was important to you to pursue my own wants." He explained, though it was a view worth of being drawn.

"You can use mine" she said softly "we'll have time to sight see after the wedding. "

"That would be nice." He smiled as he walked back inside. "Can I get you something to drink?" A replicator in the corner of the room next to the small kitchen stood ready to serve.

"I'm going to grab a shower, you can get me a drink when I am done."

"Alright." Perhaps a shower would help take the edge off her emotions, he didn't want to say anything but it was no doubt a hassle or stress that she could have done without. "Take your time, we have plenty before it starts."

"I know. But I also know that you need to get ready to."

She had a point, but didn't mind rushing himself to allow her more time. He nodded a reply then unpacked his suit and made sure it was not wrinkled too badly. Thankfully it wasnt'

She laughed softly from the bathroom and slipped into the decadent tub and shower setup. It was more than big enough for two, a thought that caught her off guard and made her blush furiously. She would have to have a proper soak later when there was time. She stepped under the hot water, and sighed in utter bliss.

Ediras kept the door to the balcony open but closed the netting since it viewed the bathroom door. He hung up his suit in the storage unit for when he needed it, put his shoes at the base of the bed and unpacked a few personals while Anika was in the shower. He could sense it was helping, the water must have been doing its wondrous magic as she soaked in it.

Anika loved water and for a moment she just allowed herself to luxuriate in the sound of the rushing water and the soft feel of it on her skin.

Ediras gave his attire a careful once over. He didnt want anything out of place for the wedding and it was important that his first impression was a positive in. He didnt mind if Anika took her time as long as we was later ready himself.

Anika didnt linger in the shower but was certain that she would after the fact to decompress from her family. Cleaning herself didnt take long and she shut off the water once all the suds were rinced from body and hair. A fragrant moisturiser she rubbed into her skin before she wrapped herself in the towel and exited the bathroom.

"Enjoy it?" He asked as she exited though didnt look nor stare at her as she did. He had made sure that nothing needed to be ironed but a brush down with a lint brush would probably help.

"Mmmhmm." She answered as she walked to the closet where her dress was hanging.

Ediras entered to shower next but failed to fully close the door. To Betaziods there was little embarrassment when it came to physical appearance especially since women married nude. When the water turned on and he'd stripped he stepped in and began it wash.

She ran her comb through her hair and shook out the wet curls. It would dry soon enough. Makeup was next, as she didnt often wear it. Moisturizer gave her skin a glow, as she contemplated what color to paint on her eyes, nails and lips.

He never took long showering, he didn see the need to linger in the shower longer than necessary. Moments after he emerging from the bathroom in a towel. It perhaps showed his true muscular toned form in a bare and open to the eye way.

She happened to catch a glimpse of him nude but for the towel and stared. His physique made her catch her breath and she was sure he knew how attractive he was. It took her a few moments to finish the deep purply red undercoat on her eyes before dusting them with gold powder.

Gradually he got dressed slowly so to not crinkle his outsite. Its had been a long time since he had to wear attire like this. He glanced over to Anika clad only in a towel but looked away soom after as most women didn't like to be watched as make up was applied.

Once she was finished and her lips were painted that same red violet and dusted with gold, she dropped her towel and slipped into a scarlet lace pair of hip hugger panties, and a push-up bra with red and gold lace. Smoothing it down, she stepped into her dress, but struggled to reach the zip.

It couldn't be helped that perhaps Ediras saw her choice in underwear. He approved of course but wasnt so rude to say anything lest he embarrass her for Anika held true beauty in her form. One by one the items of clothing were donned.

Her cheeks colored and she quietly asked "Ediras, can you zip me up?"

"Of course." He took up standing behind her, hands on waist to turn her slightly and then protecting her skin with a finger he took the zipper in his free hand and making sure not to catch her he zipped the dress up.

The subtle caress brought goose bumps up on her skin but she turned a smile upon him. "Thank you"

Once her dress was done up he finished dressing himself. That didnt take long but fixing his hair took longer. "Not too tight l hope?" He asked looking at the dress.

"No its perfect." She said softly as she hung diamond drops from her ears and clasped about her neck, a gold chain with a single glittering pendant that settled into the hollow of her throat.

Secretly Ediras worried over the fallout his presence, his being an alien would cause to a family function such as this if what she said her family was like. However he played it off and slipped on his shoes and jacket. His hair tamed for now at least and he hoped it woulf stay that way.

She brushed her now dry hair until it was a shiny mass of curls. She pored a bit of gel into her hands a raked it through. She then sat with her tongue out a bit, and braided her hair intricately, and secured it with a gold band.

Ready as he would ever be he made sure his tie was set in the mirror . In the reflection he saw her expression. "If the wind changes your face will stick like that." Hoping he heard the Human expression right.

She giggled and stuck her tongue out at him intentionally. A few hidden pins to keep her hair in place and a dab of perfume and she was ready to go. The perfume was one that accented and adjusted itselt to best fit the natural pheremones of a person. "Ready?"

He walked to the door and held his hand out to her, the arm probably would have been more suited but betazoid comfort kicked in. "You will have to lead the way."

She gripped his hand and gently entwined their fingers. Her smile was gentle as she tucked the key into her purse and led the way to the wedding venue.

When they arrived the emotions Ediras was sensing were pleasant, joy, happiness. As they walked the final pathway to the venue it came as no surprise people saw them, he was the tallest present and by far the largest in stature but he was not the only one they saw, Anika earned her own share of stares.

The gardens were decorated with Chinese orb lanterns as befitting what would turn into an all night celebration. In the center of the garden, there was a canopy of ivory and turquoise cloth, tied with golden bows at each post. It was under here that the actual wedding ceremony would be held. Each bow also held a cascade of ivy.

As Ediras drew closer the numbers of people started to dawn upon him as decorations and the like yielded to his view. "There are many here, is this normal?" He asked as he held her hand a little tighter as the minds of all those around him bombarded him with a wide range of emotions.

"No. If these are all the attendees then this is an extremely small celebration. " she smiled when she saw the small golden bowl filled with oil and fragrant wood at the center of the canopy. "Where would you like to sit?"

"This is your family, I will differ to you." Ediras replied as he looked around at the gathered mass of individuals and the decorations of the occasion. "I suppose it would be prudent to meet your parents before the rumours do." Playing damage control was harder if the damage was already done, far easier to held fend it off.

Anika squeezed his hand and then led him to a set of soft pillows towards the back. "As soon as we are settled my parents will come to us. But first we have to be seated. " Leading by example Anika settled down on the pillow with an ease of longtime practice, to show him how to seat himself.

It took a little doing but Ediras and his larger less flexible build managed at least to some extent manage sitting. He could feel it, the wonder, doubts, hesitations others had. He'd known that feeling before so it was simple to recognise. Already he was wondering what troubles his presence would cause for Anika, what he was sensing however confirmed there would be some.

She gazed at him and then smiled gently "shift your weight towards me a little and you will be more comfortable. "

Taking her advice he shifted, it was a little more comfortable but only a little, he was more focused on what he was picking up than anything, even Anika's presence only did so much to fend off what he felt but her parents would be the biggest hurdle

She reached back and laid her hand on his knee, briefly focusing her thoughts on just how handsome she thought he looked. A short, balding Indian man with a tanned complexion, came to them, on the arm of a Brightly clad dark skinned woman with the same eyes as Anika. He greeted them in the tongue of the people here and Anika reciprocated the greeting and then carried on smoothly "Father, it is rude to speak in a language Ediras does not understand. I will continue in Standard. "

So this was the Father, an interesting start. Ediras was not sure on the protacol here. Did he stand? Stay seated, did he attempt a reply even though he was not sure what was said.

The gentleman cast a dark eye over Ediras and then nodded slowly. "I was unaware you were actually bringing a guest."

"Why father when have I ever lied to you about my intentions?"

"Not yet"

Anika smiled at them both, and then gestured with her hand open, palm up to Ediras. "This is Ediras, a friend from my Ship, and Ediras, these are my parents."

He calmly and politely greeted both, though could feel the unease from both.it put him in a difficult situation especially if and when they discover what he truly was.

Her mother beamed at him and prodded her husband in the ribs with a sharp elbow. "It is so nice to meet you Ediras. Its so nice to see our baby girl with a man by her side. Ediras, Ive never heard that name before, what is its etyology?" She gushed over his name, glancing at Anka who was outwardly calm as a cucumber, but inwardly biting her lip to not react to the blatant innuendo in the words.

"Its Betazoid." He replied waiting for expected reaction when they realize it was not a human name. He could feel the unease, could almost cut it with a knife.

He hoped his would not be the start of the days troubles but had a suspicion it was about to be.

"How very clever. Oh look dear, your brother has arrived. " she glanced over at her brother who had a bleach blonde girl on his arm. Her mother muttered something darkly and fairly dragged her husband away. Once they were out of earshot Anika began to laugh. "That was wondrous."

Ediras didn't see what was to laugh about. Was this some kind of Earth, Human cultural aspect that eluded him? When out of earshot he turned to Anika and said. "I don't see what is so amusing." Now wondering if he had done something wong.

"Were going to be the talk of the wedding. Mother is the biggest gossip." She smiled at him, incredibly amused.

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