Off-Grid
The Lilac Cottage
“I hope you don’t mind being out in the fresh air,” Aunt Asta was saying to Chair gorminAstir. “I’ve come to find that the pavilion is more private than my parlor—and it’s such a fine day.”
gorminAstir smiled and inclined her head slightly.
“Truthfully, it’s been far too long since I sat outdoors,” she said, and with a small bow presented the tin she carried.
“I brought cake,” she said simply.
Asta received the tin with a laugh.
“How thoughtful! Come, let me make you known to Arbour poginGeist, our village administrator. Arbour, here is Zeni gorminAstir, who chairs the Council of the Civilized. I believe you know Bentamin chastaMeir, my nephew, and Warden of Civilization.”
Bows were exchanged. Arbour poginGeist professed herself pleased to meet Chair gorminAstir, and to renew her acquaintance with Warden chastaMeir.
“Let me just put the tin with the tea things,” Asta said, turning toward the pavilion. “Shall I pour? I know you must be very busy, and as soon as Tekelia arrives—”
“But I’m here, Aunt Asta,” a familiar voice said, sounding faintly amused. Bentamin turned his head to see Tekelia strolling toward them from the house, dressed in city business attire, hair neat in one long braid, tied off with a lavender ribbon.
Arriving at the pavilion, Tekelia bowed.
“Chair gorminAstir,” said Aunt Asta, bestowing a fond smile upon Tekelia, “here is Tekelia vesterGranz, Speaker for the Haosa. Tekelia, my love, here is Zeni gorminAstir, who chairs the Council of the Civilized. Of course you know Bentamin.”
Tekelia bowed.
“Chair gorminAstir, I’m honored.”
Straightening, Tekelia flicked a glance and a grin to one side.
“Good day, Bentamin.”
“Good day, Tekelia,” Bentamin said, matching the tone of light amusement.
“I am pleased to make the acquaintance of the Speaker for the Haosa,” gorminAstir said, moving slightly closer to Tekelia. “I wonder if you and I might make time to speak together on the topic of collaboration.”
Tekelia’s eyebrows rose.
“Collaboration, ma’am?”
“Indeed. The Civilized, the Deaf, and the Haosa share a planet. Why shouldn’t we collaborate? While there is a Deaf Councilor seated at our table who speaks for and represents the concerns and goals of that community, there is no like member of the Haosa.” She moved a hand suddenly.
“That’s for later. My business now is with Oracle vesterGranz. But, let us not forget, Speaker vesterGranz. We should and ought to speak.”
“I won’t forget,” Tekelia promised, with another sidewise glance at Bentamin, who was pleased to be able to show empty palms in answer.
“Excellent!” Aunt Asta said. “All of you, come to the table. I’ll pour the tea.”