Cascade of Sparks by Su Mary

Author:Su, Mary
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

19

A Party and Politics

The evening’s event is in a meeting hall wrapped around the base of a large redwood tree. We walk across the bridgeways deeper into Forest Grove and then descend several levels. It’s much lower to the ground than our lodgings.

The hall is already buzzing with elves as soon as we step into the large open double doorway. Immediately, my eyes are bombarded with the diversity of elves from all around the empire. We see elves from the far northwest in their multicolored wrapped garments, tied tightly around their torsos and flowing down to the floor. I notice people with curly hair and straight hair and complex braided styles. Southern elves wear tunics made of intricately woven fabrics. I’ve read that each pattern is unique and indicates the town they hail from. Their tunics are cut short and don’t fall past their knees. I wonder if they are cold here in the foothills. The skin tones of the attendees range from deepest ebony to pale cream and every shade in between. It’s so different from life back home, and a thrill of excitement washes through me.

I muse on how easy it is to stick out in Valley Glen. I’m not sure what would stick out in a room like this. And Mom was worried about black shoes with a green dress.

As soon as we arrive at the hall, dignitaries step onto the stage to speak to the crowd, welcoming us and speaking of friendship and goodwill across the empire. Head Councilmember Vanderhelm’s address starts out the same way. He begins by welcoming everyone from all regions of the empire and other lands.

Not wearing the robes of the council, he instead wears a formal tunic with embellishments, like Jovan and the other male elves in our group. Pinned to his tunic, he wears the silver broach of bay myrtle leaves that marks his status as an Imperial Council member. He’s of medium height, probably shorter than most valley elves, and noticeably older than many elves in the room. His hair is mostly white. Among our kind, visible aging takes many, many years. His features, height, and light brown skin tone would lead me to guess he’s from the Forest Grove region originally. How long has he been a power player? I know little about the different council members. I should look them up.

His speech begins with the same old, same old about friendship and goodwill. While he’s speaking, I turn to survey the entire room. An enormous tree trunk protrudes in the center, dividing the room in half. Behind the tree, food and drinks are placed on buffet tables. Our side of the hall is more open for dancing or mingling. There’s a stage in front for entertainment or addressing the crowd.

I tune back in as his speech takes a distinctly different turn. He’s moved away from the peace and cooperation, and I listen more carefully to see if I can discern what he truly means between the lines of his speech.

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