The scent of real food wafted towards her. Her mouth watered, and her eyes dropped to the source. It was not the chewy ship food. It looked like real food packed on the low tables with meat, gravies, and tons of dishes of what might have been casseroles of varying colors. Pillows passed as chairs, and bowls as cups.
She leaned to see past Romas and saw that the tent before her was only the head tent. Tables and pillows stretched as far as she could see to create a massive circle she assumed was large enough to seat the crowd. Her eyes caught movement at the edge of the crowd. Three massive warriors escorted a fourth whose hands were bound. They moved out of sight at her blink, and she wondered how criminals were treated on such a planet.
Evelyn turned, motioning her forward. Kiera went.
"My friend, Kiera." Evelyn's voice was quiet and respectful.
Kiera felt she should have curtseyed or saluted or something. Uncertainly, she remained where she was and gazed at the man and woman before her. They looked her over curiously. The woman appeared bright-eyed and pleasant, the warrior-husband unreadable.
"Kiera, this is Romas's mother, Lishana, and his father, Mison," Evelyn said.
A slight smile drew up one side of Lishana's mouth, and Kiera felt the urge to smile as well. There was a gentle air around the woman, and her large brown eyes lacked the rigid stoniness of her husband's. At first glance, Lishana did not seem the kind of mother-in-law that might cause Evelyn problems.
"You are welcome, Kiera." Lishana's voice was as soft as her features. "May the suns long grace you."
"Thank you," Kiera responded.
"Will you join us?" The invitation was addressed to all three of them. As if on cue, the crowd began to break up, with cheerful groups moving to various positions around the circle. Kiera watched them, somewhat relieved not to be the center of attention any longer. She trailed the two couples up shallow stairs and took the seat beside Evelyn not occupied by Romas. Her gaze dropped to the feast before them.
Did any of the animals on the table look like spiders while alive?
She stared at a tray of meat for a long moment. Several giants with Romas's shade of blond hair and similar blue eyes seated themselves across from them. She knew by their similar facial features they were brothers, and Romas's threat of hooking her up with one made her more self-conscious.
Mison motioned for those at his table to eat, and she reached for the plate of meat before her before Romas or any of his brothers could assist her. She tapped the ear piece as the conversation around picked up but the words faded in and out of translation. Even an elite, advanced society as Romas's had technical difficulties. She removed the ear piece and replaced it. The translator hummed once more.