Culture Shock: A Diplomatic Solution [OurLadyMuffin and Inara]
Princess Inara sat in her bedchamber, preparing for the warlord’s arrival. At a desk that overlooked a large window, she combed her hair, and tied it in a simple elegant bun. She wore a moderately formal traditional gown in honor of the occasion. Apparently, a great warlord had sent a messenger forward to announce his arrival. There were rumors as to what his wishes might be, but Inara did not particularly approve of the direction they led. Surely, they could not be true? A great feast was being hastily prepared downstairs, to welcome such an important guest, and a young nysfian, or a page as he might be called, had sent word that he was within a few cvisids, a unit slightly smaller than a kilometer, of the palace. A few minutes later, after Riviana had finished her hair, another servant strode through the door.*
“Your majesty, your father has summoned you to the banquet, milady. He asks that you sit at his left hand, opposite your mother.” The servant requested, bowing as he relayed the message
”Thank you, Ishtan, I am coming, the young princess replied, strolling towards the door, smiling. Quickly bowing in return, she smirked and walked purposefully to the great hall.
Ignoring the herald as he announced her arrival with her full title, Princess Inara Serrana Minuet Valos Menir, heir to the throne of the Arathian Empire... the young woman impatiently waited for him to finish, her hand twitching as she half-desired to mock the process with a few gestures. She refrained for the sake of duty and dignity among the nobles, always playing the part. Even though it had always been difficult, Inara walked slowly, each step graceful and with purpose, until she reached her seat at her father’s left.