Status: Discontinued [2018]

Dust of a Star

Chapter Seven: The Gala

I was exhausted. My head felt like it would implode. And then explode. How could Madam Wavo'i be so strict? I had just learned these things over the past two weeks. What more did she want from me? To be perfect apparently. I was to be just like an Eltherâk that had learned this since they were young.

And now everything would be put to the test. I was to go to this charity dinner, to be presented to everyone there. Like a few others. Leatho said there were a few other ol'ams there, but only a few. Most were just presenting what they would do to help the world. All I could hope for was to not die. I did not want to embarrass myself either.

Oh, what have I gotten myself into!

It wasn't long before I was in my dress and having my hair done along with some “war paint” put upon my face. Two females were working together. They worked quickly as well. I wanted them to take forever, so I would not have to go, but they didn't. I was done in a manner of twenty minutes or so. It was amazing.

I looked at myself in the full length mirror, surprised at how different I looked. I was not the same person I came here as. I stood taller in the heels and the dress fit me perfectly. It was made for me, so I expected it to. But this was different! It complimented my curves—the sad ones I had. It made them look better, not great, but better. My hair was pulled half up and curled. It was curled towards my face as if framing it. The other half was pulled into a spiraling bun with two long clips holding it together.

The “war paint” or more commonly known as make-up was light against my skin. They used no blush, but lined the top lids with black and farther out at the corner of my eye. They were also dusted with a dark brown and a silver blended together. They used a darker lip color on my lips. It was a reddish brown.

I had to say, I was pretty. For once in my life, I liked how I looked. I wasn't covered with dirt and whatever else I picked up. I was clean and beautiful. At least I thought so. Some others probably thought I looked ugly, but for now, I wouldn't listen to those people nor those degrading thoughts of mine. This was my night. It was my time to shine.

I hope.

Hol'ræ brought me to the doors. She was my escort to and from the gala tonight. Inside, it was Leatho. I thanked her with a nod, not trusting my voice. “Ol'am,” She stopped me before opening the doors. “Be confident. You are beautiful and deserve this.” Did she not know? Did Leatho not tell her I wasn't here just because I was Leatho's charity case? It would make sense. Fewer people to know, fewer people to let it slip out. Taking a deep breath, I smiled tightly at her. I was nervous. Beyond nervous. She nodded, figuring it was best to just get in there and get over the nerves and fear I was experiencing.

I stepped up to the doors and they opened without me touching them. The frosted glass disappeared to the sides. I didn't glance back, knowing this once I needed to be confident. I had to be strong.

For my father. All of this was for him.

Strolling, almost strutting, I moved inside. People turned. All eyes seemed to be upon me as I glanced around the large room. There were tables set up at the edges. All of them held some form of food or drink. I didn't want to touch those at the moment. There were a few tables that had seats at them for people to sit and converse over the small bits of food. But at that moment, all eyes were on me. Conversation paused. The music still played.

It was then I realized they were staring because I did not have anyone by my side. I had, officially, come alone. I gave all of them a small, sheepish smile as I bowed my head in respect. Whispers erupted after that. And more came as Leatho held out his hand for me to take. They all knew the meaning of that. He was my escort at the gala. I gently laid my hand in his. His warmth traveled swiftly through my hand. Leatho grasped it softly and led me around.

“I am glad you have made it in time.”

“I was being tortured with hair and make-up before being allowed to come.” His lips twitched at that joke. “But I am glad I made it as well.” He led me to an older looking male sipping a golden colored drink. He was as tall as Leatho, but he had turquoise skin with black markings. His eyes were a blue. And his hair, short, was a gray color.

Leatho smiled pleasantly, something I hadn't seen much of. He had a whole other side that he showed when working with others besides me. He smiled and was polite, more so than with me. He wasn't as blunt and most of all, he bit his cheek when he wanted to be blunt, but held back. I had observed him long enough to notice these things. But I didn't blame him. I was just wondering which was his real side or were they two different parts of a whole? I did not know.

“Ah! Tüvo Huvól, it is a pleasure. And this must be...your ol'am?”

“Ol'am, meet Tüvo Bàgahal. This is Isis Ëaro, my ol'am.” I bowed my head with my hand to my shoulder.

“She is very well cultured. I am surprised she knows so much of our culture. Was this part of your regiment with her?” Was I nothing more than a pet to them? Is that was an “ol'am” really was? Even though they said it meant a “charity case.”

I quickly pushed those thoughts back, knowing my face would contort and show what I was thinking. “I wanted her to be prepared when attending this feast.”

“At least you thought of that. The others are not so pleasant. Most are loud. One isn't, but he is...different.” Leatho nodded, seemingly understanding what Tüvo Bàgahal was talking about. I sure didn't. This was something I didn't learn while learning Eltherôn. I stood there patiently waiting as the two of them talked. They spoke as if I couldn't hear them. Actually, Leatho mentioned that.

“Yes. I had noticed.”

“On to a different matter, have you looked at the new act that Hunsal wants to pass into the Law of Ivà?” I was curious now. I hadn't gotten a lot of information on the laws of the Eltherâks. I would have to remember that law and look it up later.

Leatho took a sip of his drink, a bluish liquid. “No, I have not. What is it?”

“I understand. It is where the council may over rule the law if they unanimously agree to do so.” Leatho nodded. “That is the basics of it. But I shall let you continue on. I see Tüvo Ga'li staring me down. It appears she may want to meet your ol'am.” Ga'li? I didn't know if I wanted to meet her. Especially since it was a female.

Sighing, Leatho nodded and led me away. He steered me gracefully, even though I swore I was going to fall several times. He led me to a female. She was tall and skinny. Her figure was perfect. At least I thought so. She had gorgeous lavender skin with white markings swirling around and around. Her hair was an auburn color. “Tüvo Ga'li.” He was curt with her. I wasn't expecting that. But then, maybe he was curt with all females except that one at Elthe son Wulán. I never did get a name. Ah, maybe it was better to not know.

“Tüvo Huvól. This must be your ol'am. I am Tüvo Ga'li.” I hadn't been addressed while with Tüvo Bàgahal. This was different. She was addressing me. Quickly I bowed, knowing to show respect to a council member. “And you are, child?” Child? Was I considered a child here? That I didn't know.

“Isis Ëaro, Tüvo.”

“You seem to be well versed in our customs. But I thought you only arrived in Tüvo Huvól's hands two weeks ago.” Leatho almost stepped in to answer, but Ga'li raised her hand to stop him.

“Yes, Tüvo. Within those two weeks, I was taught many things about this world, to help me navigate this society.” Ga'li smiled. I was starting to like her. She may be a bit strong coming off, but she appreciated talking with me it seemed. Leatho was on edge. I could tell by his occasional squeeze of my hand and the sips of his drink. I just didn't know why he was on edge.

She glanced at Leatho, smirking. It was almost like she caught him at something. Something he was not suppose to do. No. It wasn't that. Rather it was something he didn't usually do.

“I see you do care for your ol'am even though you expressed before you would not.” Oh. He did?

“I said that to divert the attention I was gaining and move onto another subject.” I felt this was something for privacy rather than a gala, but I could be wrong. I bit my lip to keep quiet. I did not want to butt in and ask what they were talking about. Leatho warned me many times about that sort of thing. Do not do it, he said over and over. He clearly did not want me to embarrass him. Which if I embarrassed myself, I would embarrass him in the end.

So that's why he wanted me to know so much and be dressed so nicely. He did not want to be embarrassed. For one reason or another, that sent my heart sinking. I knew he didn't want to help me just because; but to do all of this, so he wouldn't lose face was heartbreaking.

I locked that thought away in the back of my mind behind the wall that held all sorts of things like that. I stood beside Leatho, not paying much attention to the conversation the two were having. They seemed to be going back and forth. I felt like an accessory for Leatho. A bracelet or ring upon his hand.

“Ol'am,” a new voice. All in our little group turned. There stood a tall, very tall male. His eyes, aphotic, looked down at me. I felt my spine shiver under his hard, cold gaze. His markings were a bright red against his very dark purple—royal purple—skin. I stared at him, slowly realizing there was someone talking to me.

I quickly bowed, realizing who this person was. This was the Hunsal. He was talking with me. “I am making sure to meet all of the ol'ams before the end.” He was at least nice. Well, maybe. I don't know! It was the Hunsal! He ruled basically everything from Era to Dolhin. How was I suppose to talk with him?

“This is Isis Ëaro, Hunsal.” Even Leatho bowed. That made me even more nervous. This really was the top-dog as they said long ago. My father said it a few times, describing the Eltherâks.

“Isis Ëaro.” It was different hearing my name from him. He didn't have the same accent as Leatho. It was more harsh sounding. I nearly cringed at the sound. I didn't like how he said my name. It wasn't right.

“Is there something you wish to know, Hunsal?” Ga'li asked. I was so thankful she said something. The silence was pounding on my ears. Hunsal looked up slightly as if thinking. Did he not know what he wanted? That didn't make sense to me. How could someone not know what they wanted?

“Yes. I wanted to know where she was from. Isis...” He expected me to answer?

Taking a soft inhale, I answered. “I am from Era, Hunsal. Wodeal district of Væjü'lo.”

“I have yet to be on Era physically. Is it pleasant?” he asked. He looked down at me curiously. I couldn't form the right words for a moment. He clearly did not know anything about Era and the state it was in.

“It is an experience that only being there can explain. It has a lot of people.” Hunsal nodded. But a male by his side, one I didn't notice before, whispered in his ear. Hunsal nodded once again.

“It was a pleasure. But I am afraid I have to go meet the other ol'ams.” I bowed as he left. Leatho grasped my hand, leading me away. I bowed to Ga'li as I left with Leatho to the far corner. He grabbed another drink, taking a sip of the blue liquid—whatever it was. I stood by his side, silent. My heart pounding. My blood rushing. I was nearly shaking and all Leatho did was stand there for a moment.

“Please, do not talk with the Hunsal alone. If you see him, excuse yourself to somewhere else.” I looked at him curiously. “Please.” He looked solemn. I was stunned. He never looked like this before nor asked with such politeness. I nodded.

“Alright.” He looked relieved. But I didn't know why he wanted me to stay away from the Hunsal. “So...shall we enjoy this while we can?” I smiled, picking up a glass of wine. Or what was Eltherâk wine. I sloshed the liquid a bit in the crystal glass.

The look from before disappeared and I felt happy, but at the same time I felt slightly apprehensive and curious. But those were questions for another time. Right now was to enjoy the party and the free food.
♠ ♠ ♠
And there is another chapter posted. =)

I don't think there is anything I have to translate. Most of the words are explained in the story. If you want me to, I can post them down here as well.

If you see any grammar mistakes, please do tell me. I can not spot them all.

I do hope this chapter was enjoyable. Please do comment, recommend, subscribe, or if you want to, suggest something.

A question to my readers, do you want me to post how to say the words in Eltheron (the Eltherak language)? Like a blog or something in the Author's Note. Let me know.