Imagination, Faith And Magic (Part Eleven)

Part One Here
Part Two Here
Part Three Here
Part Four Here
Part Five Here
Part Six Here
Part Seven Here
Part Eight Here
Part Nine Here
Part Ten Here

Rose and white colored silk danced on a fragrent breeze. After a dreamy moment or two, Andi became aware of voices - voices calling to one another, laughing. Another sound kept time beneath the voices. It was a sound Andi recognized with a sudden start. It was the sound of waves breaking against a boat.

Andi sat straight up. The air around her hit with full force, crackling energy and excitement. Throwing off her covers, she stepped to the window - and gasped.

Aways from the shore, in the middle of the dark blue inlet was the largest, most breathtaking sailing ship she had ever seen. Three golden masts stretched skyward, yet the distance bow to stern stretched even longer, giving the ship a streamlined look despite the towering masts. Its sides were low and long, navy blue with a honey colored trim. Two smaller boats were loading cargo on to her, while on the shore three more boats were being loaded.

"Ooh, she's lovely ain't she?"

One of the housemaids bustled through the door carrying Andi's freshly washed clothing in a pile, along with an odd assortment of other things.

"Now before you get dressed, we'll just get some measurements."

And then, almost as if by magic, seven or eight chattering women were measuring her waist, her head, her feet; holding up swaths of cloth up to her face and arms; jewelry to her ears and neck and the whole time laughing and talking as loud as jaybirds. Andi wasn't sure if they were laughing at each other or just themselves, as by all appearances no one was doing any listening.

And then they were gone, almost as suddenly as they appeared. The last one out the door turned to Andi and said, "Now get dressed dear" before the door shut.

She stood for a moment, and then snatched her clothing up and got dressed, wrapping her sweatshirt around her waist. There was a knock at the door. Andi crossed the room and opened it. A distinquished elderly gentleman, carrying a silver tray with tea bowed slightly and said,

"His Majesty, Prince Vianarson, sends you his compliments, and requests the honor of your presence tonight on board the Joanna dela Silva Mico."

He sat the tea on the bedside table and motioned to a guilded invitation.

"The Lady Bede will be arriving shortly."

He bowed and left.

She sat down on the bed and picked up the invitation, staring. uddenly it hit her. The Joanna dela Silva Mico! She ran to the window, stubbing her toe on the way, pulled back the silks and stared open-mouthed at the manmoth barque on the water.

"Andi? Ah, yes. I see you are properly awed."

Bede pulled back the other set of silks, looking out on the bay with a smile.

"Tonight we will eat, drink and be merry aboard the Joanna. And tomorrow, we will put down at Portaportega and sort everything out for you. You are not afraid?"

"No."

"Good, there is no need to be. The ladies are preparing a gown for you for tonight's gala - I have seen it. It is lovely. Of course..." she added with a twinkle in her eyes "I have been sworn to secrecy as well, so must not say anymore."

"Do you consider that you have an active imagination, Andi?"

"Um. I suppose...somewhat active..."

"May I make a request?"

"Of course."

"Live in the moment - at least for now. Take all this in and do not miss a smell or a sound or a color or feeling."

"That shouldn't be too hard."

Bede smiled. "I hope not. Now, do you still have your pastry bag from the cafe?"

Andi looked around to the little back sitting on the floor near her tennis shoes. Bede's eyes followed.

"Ah, good. Bring it with you when you board tonight, please."

Andi nodded.

"Now, the ladies should be back any minute for you. I hope you enjoy their hard work. I will see you tonight, until then - have fun!" and she left.

Andi crossed the room behind her and shut the door. As she did, she looked down at the pastry bag on the floor. Frowning, she reached for the bag. She opened it, and with a wonderful wave of odor, the smell of hot butter croissants and sausage filled the air.

"Oh!"

And for the second time that day, she thought she might drool.

posted by Headless-in-GR @ 11/02/2006 04:20:00 PM