Chapter 19😛lans for the Dance
It takes some time, since Melissa is not sure of many things, and his Highness has to be pleased when he sees them, and so have to be the diplomats. Aishizu has told Melissa they are coming from Assyria, country of tortures and war. Now, the question is, what kind of plants do Assyrians have in their region?
Melissa decides to place some palm trees in the middle. She will probably simulate an oasis and the desert, which is something both Egypt and Assyria have in common. In the desert she will make the slaves carry some sand and dirt below it.
In the oasis, green grass, and a pond, with lotus plants near the shore. Some papyrus here or there will do, too. The side gardens will probably have palm trees, and tropical plants. Flower bushes and colorful small trees, distributed evenly, will give the composition a touch of distinction.
This planning takes Melissa the whole day, and by sundown she is done with it.
~~10 Days Later (the dance will be in 3 days)~~
Melissa has finally finished planting and decorating the gardens. The priests have already checked her work, and to resume in few words their impression of her work; I'd have to say: superb, magnificent, and tactful.
Mixing Egyptian and Assyrian landscapes is a clever, not to say brilliant, idea. They have said that the Pharaoh will be charmed by the wonderful grandness of Melissa's work. In one word; they have worshipped her. Even priests Seth and Akunadin, who are usually though and almost emotionless, have shown some sort of approbation...!
(wow, that's bloody hard to believe....). On the other hand, Yami Marik has had no work all this time. Partly because nothing serious has happened, partly because the Pharaoh wants no dead people in the palace... (*cough* Assyrians love torture *cough*)...
Each time Melissa happens to come across Yami Marik, she rejects even glancing at him. And so does he. Aishizu has been really busy, she is very responsible, and she wants everything to be perfect.
Assyrians have a bad reputation about royal events. It is said that they are hard to please, and are very meticulous, always trying to find the mistakes in something which seems to be perfect.
~~The day before the Dance~~
Melissa has helped Aishizu with everything she could. This has made her relationship with her even better than what it used to be.... Right now, Melissa is very tired from moving boxes, bouquettes (sp?) of flowers, and random ornamentation around, but she has agreed with Aishizu that she'll show her some party dresses for tomorrow.
Melissa goes down the stairs, and meets Aishizu in the main hall. She leads her to a large room, where some women are sewing beautiful clothes, for the people who dwell in the palace. Aishizu shows Melissa some good-looking dresses, but she is not sure about anyone. Finally, she shows her a heavy, dark red one, with really long sleeves.
Melissa is completely satisfied with her choice, and she hopes she will not attract (too much) attention. Aishizu chooses one for herself. It's an old shade of green, and it looks great on her.
Yami Marik is not satisfied with any traditional shenti, for he does not want to walk around the dance with such an important piece of information. So he has chosen a long, sleeveless robe.
~~The next Day~~
All afternoon Melissa has been helping the priests make the last arrangements and preparations. She is now changing into her dress.
Melissa finishes putting it on, and she puts on some khol and jewelry (use your imagination....think for once in your life....). When she is done, she goes to the music room, she then needs some time alone. Melissa opens the doors, and goes into in a relaxed state.
A musician is playing what seems to be a harp-like instrument, similar to those Melissa saw in the market place, just that this one seems more... elegant. The arch is made of a golden metal (99% probable it's gold), and the cords are long, slim silver strings.
The instrument produces a soft, almost angelical sound, and it calms Melissa's soul, and frees her mind. She sits on the windowsill, and sighs. As Melissa stares through it, she thinks about what could have been if Yami Marik had not pulled away the other night.
Melissa has replayed the scene in her head thousands of times... the flower, the fall, the catch, the embrace... She knows it is better this way... and yet, Melissa would have wanted it to last.... But, she knew it is impossible. Yami Marik is... well... heh... sort of.... emotionless.... or something dangerously similar.... (second option!).
The sky is showing Melissa now its best shades of crimson and purple. Over the roofs of the houses, she can spot a weak, setting sun. Melissa would be so happy if she could be out there, in her gardens now...!She is peaceful now, but she wished she could be outdoors. And Melissa can't help feeling somewhat uneasy. The balls have never been her thing.
Melissa is not too clumsy, but when it comes to dancing. She let her thoughts wander, and she didn't even notice the music is not playing anymore, and that somebody has entered the room. Suddenly, Melissa feels a cold hand on her shoulder.