On Social Customs, and a Song

Astra responded, "I am sorry if I offended anybody. I would never ask to do this publicly, and in the light of day, but I thought, amongst mature company, and in such a private setting, that it might be permissible. It is odd. The wardrobes of the men and women at Corona Beach were much more revealing that I would expect, but in Polabi, it appears that your standards are much more conservative."

Bella commented, "The Gouvernor of Corona is not typical of Hespan. He is still young in comparison to the more seasoned rulers of the interior provinces, and has wild ideas. His family is a favourite of the King's, so he is given a great deal of leeway."

Fari added, "Corona is also our major port, and is subject to all kinds of influences from outside Hespan. They are sometimes so open- minded about everything that their brains sometimes fall out."

The assembled group laughed at Fari's observation.

Bakhtar then commented, "I have heard, from a traveler to the Ice Kingdoms, that in Boreal, the natives have an odd after-dinner ritual. They have special huts, and they build fires to heat rocks. You do not get your feet burned, but you do sweat. Then, when you are as hot as you can stand, you run out of the hut and plunge yourself into an ice-cold pond. Then you run back into the hut to get warmed up again."

Nanva then spoke, "That seems to be unlikely. Are you sure he was not pulling your leg?"

Bakhtar answered, "I do not think so. He claimed to have actually participated in the ritual himself, and he assured me that it was not as dangerous as it looked. It was mostly men that did this, although the old men would participate the same as the young."

Astra said, "Bakhtar, that sounds like a lot of fun. I do not think it unlikely at all, if you had enough ice and snow. We really would not have a place to do anything like that in Aqualaria. I am not sure that I could imagine the Prince Consort doing anything like that. But I think it would be funny!"

Bakhtar responded, "Now, Nanva and Astra, I can confirm, from first- hand experience, a custom that you will find interesting. In the County of Wark, in the Trans-Hespanic States, I have, several times, been served dinner while half-submerged in a warm spring."

Bella replied, "No! You never told us about this!"

"Nobody asked. It just never came up. But the springs are famous. And the Wark white pork is every bit as good as its reputation. Combine the two and you have a little bit of heaven in this world. And dining and taking the cure is their way of doing business. So I did this a number of times."

Shirini looked somewhat shocked. "So did you have mixed bathing while you were negotiating deals? Was that part of the way of doing business?"

Bakhtar smiled, and replied, a bit nervously, "No. Or at least, I was never offered those enticements. I am sure that it has happened, amongst the less reputable class of trader. However, that sort of thing would be more trouble that it would be worth. It reflects badly on your reputation, and word gets out. It is also very much illegal in Wark."

"Well, I should think so," said Shirini. "Although, to be honest, when I try to imagine what you are talking about, I do not see anything titillating about a bunch of crotchety old traders splashing around in the water. It just came as a surprise to me, that is all."

"Oh, I understand," said Bakhtar, glad to change the subject. Some of his stories about Wark and the other Trans-Hespanic states were best told privately to more worldly people than Shirini.

Astra had noticed that Granny had quietly joined the gathering sometime during this conversation, and was whispering something to Mary. Granny now nodded, and wandered off to do something else.

Mary then spoke. "Well, Astra, as the guest of honour, we would like it very much if you would take some of the bounty of the table back home with you. There are some little trinkets here. I do have one question. Those rings, where did you get them?"

"I received them from Zari the Seamstress at Polabi Courthouse."

"May I see one of them?"

"Certainly."

The other guests crowded around, and passed the ring around. The two that showed the most interest, as if they were looking for something, were Bakhtar and Bella.

Mary then said, "Astra, I would like to make another request, if you do not mind. Could I keep the ring overnight? Granny had to dash off on another errand, but I would like to show her. It is rare that we have this type of jewelry show up here."

"Zari assured me that it was costume jewelry, and not very valuable, but you can have the set, if you wish."

"That is very kind of you. I will return them to you tomorrow morning. My other request is that you sing another song."

"I would be glad to. Bella, do you know The Far Camp?

"No. Could you sing without the nistle?"

"I will try." And Astra started singing.

Sung to the tune of Down in the Valley

Down in the valley
Valley so far.
Hear the wind blowing.
Under cold stars.

Carry my voice, wind
Carry it, please.
So that my love hears it
And his heart is eased.

Astra continued on in this vein for a few minutes. She noticed that Bakhtar and Bella had walked off to a point on the pond that was away from the crowd, but that Fari, Nanva, Shirini, and Darkub were listening appreciatively. Astra became a bit sadder while singing it. The song dealt with the separation of a cadet from her loved ones in a strange and hostile land, which was what was happening to her. As she sang the final verse, her eyes glistened as the audience applauded.

Mary then took charge. "That was very nice, Astra. I do not know what happened to Bella; she needs to add this to what she knows. It is getting late, though. Shirini will walk with you back to your room, and Darkub will escort you both."

1. Astra, Shirini, and Darkub started back toward Shirini's home.

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