Rene observed the by play between the Syshin and the Kalderi with concealed interest. Intelligent aliens were rare in the portions of the galaxy that humans had explored and, as a general rule, they differed so dramatically in habitat, biology and outlook that interactions between them were rarer still. An academic part of his mind recognized that there might not be many humans that had ever witnessed a discussion between two other aliens.

“Some Kalderi weave,” Kel’shaiel responded with a flattening of her mouth parts which Rene took to be a smile.

“It is a meditative practice among our people, if you can provide us with a description of what would be appropriate, it can be procured for you,” the Kalderi said with a slight bow.  Fortunately for Rene his dress uniform was both appropriate and the attire dictated by Imperial custom.

“What can we expect at the ball,” Rene asked. The situation required he leave most of the talking to Solae as the trained diplomat, but it was possible to use his position and the stereotype of the bluff soldier to ask questions more directly and with more ignorant than was desired for an ambassador. Kel’shaiel’s mouth parts furrowed into what might have either been thoughtfulness or concern.

“Herios Lithyll has assumed the role of trediyal for the Duchess,” Kel’shaiel replied although neirther herios nor trediyal meant anything to Rene. Kel’shaiel obviously recognised this and backtracked.

“Herios means leader, or elder, in your tongue,” she explained, in her oddly accented galactic.

“A trediyal is one who … expresses your point of view before the other herios,” the alien went on, making subtle gestures with her hands and wings that might have conveyed a subtext if Rene had enough knowledge to decode them. He avoided glancing at Solae for more information, certain that she would fill him in later if necessary.

“So he will ...take our side?” Rene asked, puzzled as to why an alien who knew nearly nothing of them would choose to side with them with so little information. Kel’shaiel nodded expressively.

“It is the way of our people, a trediyal will speak for you, and one of the other herios will act as pendiyal, and speak against you. The other herios will make up their minds and eventually there will be concord,” Kel’shaiel expounded.

“It sounds like a trial,” Rene observed, a little apprehensive about being involved in so formal a proceeding, but the alien was shaking her head.

“Among the Kalderi there must always be concord, all decisions, even purchasing food or deciding on clothing are approached this way.”

“What if Lithyll cannont convince the other herios or they don’t come to an agreement?” Rene asked. Kel’shaiel cocked her head for a moment clearly confused by the idea.

“There must always be concord,” she said, and Rene had the impression she was stating something that was too obvious to need to be spoken aloud. Solae nodded slightly in his peripheral vison, perhaps understanding more than he did so he let the point drop.

“Is there anything else we should be aware of?” he asked the alien. She paused and looked him up and down.

“You will need to bring a sword,” Kel’shaiel said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. Ceremonial swords were not unknown within the Stellar Empire, there was even a version of the marine dress uniform that included one, though it usually reserved for those serving on a naval vessel.  Somehow though Rene got the impression that wasn’t exactly what the Kalderi meant.

“Uhhh… why will I need a sword?” he asked politely. Kel’shaiel brows furrowed slightly but she was diplomatic enough to smooth the expression out within a second or two.

“Dances, even political ones, are a part of courtship and mating ritual,” she said in an almost professorial tone. Rene shared a side long glance at Solae, and though her face was impassive, he sensed she was equally confused.

“And that requires swords because….” he prompted. Kel’shaiel turned her toothy smile toward Solae.

“Males may challenge you for the right to mate with the Duchess Solae, and projectile weapons are prohibited in such contests,” Kel’shiel explained politely.

“I see,” Rene responded dryly, so much for enjoying a simple dance.