"Ziane" by Karen Jean Baker

<Untitled>

suggestions are quite welcome. the title Ziane doesn't really appeal to me.

Chapter 1

Mannin burst into, his cousin, Ziane's small room and the noise he made awoke his charge.

"Cousin!" Ziane protested as she pulled the bed cover modestly up to her chin.

"Tsk, tsk, Ziane. I have taken care of you for 17 years now. I was there when you said your first words, and when you had your first bath. I've seen a fair share in my 52 years; you haven't anything I have not seen before."

Ziane colored and replied tartly, "I suppose you have a reason for barging into my room at such an hour?"

"Most assuredly, I do. You recall the banquet I attended this fortnight, don't you?"

"Of course, Cousin. You wouldn't speak of anything else but the seven-day banquet King Ran Hansoon was giving. Actually, I hadn't expected you back today. I thought you would stay in the palace a few more days."

Mannin shook his head, "I had to rush back and tell you all that happened!"

Ziane arranged herself into a comfortable sitting position on her sleeping mat.

"Now that you have me awake, you may tell all." Ziane had expected Mannin to want to tell her about that affair, but she hadn't expected such an immediate or enthusiastic recital. She did not think she would find it as engrossing as her Cousin Mannin did, but for his sake, she would at least feign attention.

"My dear, the banquet was held in the king's own garden! He had been entertaining nobles, officials, military leaders, and princes from all over Handa and Kushan for these past one hundred and eighty days. He had impressed them with his vast wealth, glory, influence, and generosity."

Ziane nodded her raven-haired head and smiled, as if this had not been the talk of the market place for many moons, and as if she was not already tired of it.

Mannin continued, "He concluded their visit with this seven day festival and invited all of the citadel Tusan. You should have seen what they had in the gardens! There were hangings of pure white and rich, deep blue linen, fastened to pure silver rings on marble pillars by cords of white linen and rich purple material. Couches of gold and silver were set on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother of pearl, and many such materials, both rare and beautiful. The wine goblets were all made of gold; each one’s design was different! And, yes, daughter, King Ran Hansoon's royal wine was abundant. He left orders with the stewards that each man could drink what he wished."

Ziane interrupted, "I'd say the king’s liberality must have been greatly abused!"

"Oh, yes, many were drunk," Mannin replied.

"Not you, Mannin! You promised you wouldn't overdo it! You, yourself, told me about the dangers of over drinking," Ziane broke in with.

"My dear Ziane, I am hurt! I gave you my word I would not touch more than two goblets a night. If nothing else I am a man of my word," Mannin said in a heated, slightly put out tone.

"I am sorry, Cousin, I was not trying to insinuate that you weren't. It was just an outburst."

Mannin nodded, mollified. "As I was saying, it was a grand celebration. Back inside the palace, Queen Hadashah was also having a banquet for the women. Now, yesterday King Ran Hansoon was--well--in rather high spirits from the wine, and he wished to have his Queen brought forth, to display her great beauty, you know."

Ziane nodded, for the Queen's beauty was common knowledge.

Mannin continued, "So, he sent seven eunuchs to fetch her. But, for whatever her reasons, Queen Hadashah refused to come."

Ziane thought she understood the Queen's reasons, but wisely kept silent.

Mannin went on, "The King was very angry. In fact, he burned so with wrath that he evoked the custom--not used in all of his three reigning years--in which the King consults with wise men who understand the times about law and justice. King Ran Hansoon gathered his closest seven nobles who have special access to our King. He explained what had happened to them and this was their counsel: One of them, Shinta, said that what the Queen had done was not only an insult against the King but all of his subjects. He pointed out that if the Queen was not dealt with, all of the women of Handa and Kushan would despise their husbands and rise up against them and their rule. The counselors concurred with these statements. Shinta suggested that Queen Hadashah not be allowed in the King's presence evermore and that she no longer be Queen. He said that then the wives would keep their place. The King then wrote an edict to be proclaimed in all the one hundred twenty-seven provinces that stated just that," Mannin concluded and looked at Ziane for her reaction. Ziane was silent for a moment.

Then she spoke, "King Ran Hansoon made Hadashah his Queen early in his reign. We have not been without a Queen for a long time. And even when we didn't have one, we had the Dowager Mother. How long will we be without one this time?"

Mannin said, "Ziane, I don't really know. But I think after the King gets over his anger with Hadashah that he shall find a new one," Ziane nodded and then smiled affectionately upon her Cousin Mannin.

"Now Cousin, we have delayed the day long enough with all this chatter. We aren't so well off that we can afford to not work for our wages!" They depart together to begin their daily duties.

Chapter 2

King Ran Hansoon--sometimes called "The Illustrious"--awoke with a yawn. He blinked into the warm sunlight streaming into the room from where his personal attendants had uncovered the black velvet drapes from the large windows. As he got out of his bed and put on his soft, majestic, purple robe, he remembered his old Queen with more favor than he had for moons. With the aid of his personal attendants, he got dressed for the morning. He shared his musings to some of his counselors as they came to greet the day with him. He explained to them how he had begun to regret his hasty edict. But, alas, he also knew that not even he could change the law. He was quite irritated about the whole situation and rather remorseful. His counselors, eager to gain favor, but especially wanting for the King to regain his usual good-humored countenance, conferred and came up with a plan which they then presented to the King.

"Your Highness, we have conferred," said Yhandar.

Erik broke in with, "And we have found the answer to your problem!"

"Oh? And what, pray tell, is it?" was the irritated King's sarcastic reply.

"Our plan is, if it please Your Majesty, that we appoint officials in all the provinces of Handa and Kushan to search for beautiful young virgins for Your Excellency!" said Fandar, Yhandar's brother.

Ritoren then said, "Yes, and they shall all be sent here, to Tusan, to be added to your personal harem."

Tythan concluded with, "The maiden that most pleases Your Highness shall be made Queen in Hadashah's stead!"

The King thought this over, "Hmmm." He found that he liked this plan of theirs. Smiling, he said, "It shall be as you suggest." He handed them his Royal Signet ring and told then to make it so. They vanished to do his bidding as he departed, in a much better mood, to begin the Morning Audiences.

Chapter 3

Mannin slowly opened the door to their humble cottage. He walked in looking preoccupied. Ziane looked up and smiled at her cousin. "Greetings, Cousin," she cheerfully announced as she kissed his cheek and sat a warm bowl of stew before him. "The evening meal is ready."

"Of course, daughter," Mannin said absently. He started to spoon a bite from his bowl when Ziane stopped him and looked at him with a rather surprised and startled expression.

"Manin, you forgot to bless the food," Ziane told him rather worriedly.

"Oh, how silly of me. Please forgive me, I... had a busy day." He began, "Thank you, Yahweh, for this food you have provided for us. We, your humble servants, ask you to bless it and us."

They began to eat. During the meal Mannin sat, silent and preoccupied, while Ziane kept casting worried glances at him. Afterwards, Ziane began to clear the dishes and make preparations to tidy the cottage up. Mannin stared searchingly at her for a long time. He saw his niece in a totally different light than he had ever seen her before. He saw a tall, slender, willowy form, graceful and free moving. He saw her skin, which was firm and tanned with olive undertones. She had a long, oval shaped face containing full, perfectly formed lips and large, expressive black eyes. He saw a cascade of long, slightly unruly, silky, and dark as midnight hair. He stared at this dusky beauty in amazement and growing despair. The look on Mannin's face alarmed Ziane and she stopped what she was doing. She went over to Mannin, took a deep breath, and began to speak.

"Cousin, what is on your mind? Don't bother trying to hedge, I can tell something is wrong."

"My darling Ziane, you are right as always... I didn't wish to burden you or upset you. That's why I hadn't said anything..." Mannin said haltingly.

"Stuff and nonsense! I can handle it; after all, 'pain shared is pain halved', isn't that what you always say, Mannin?" Ziane looked challengingly at Mannin.

Mannin looked doubtful, but then he blurted out, "Ziane, you shall have to leave me!"

Ziane exclaimed "Never! I won’t leave you, Cousin! Are we in some kind of trouble?"

"No, my dear, its nothing like that," Mannin replied quickly.

"Then what is it? What has happened?" Ziane asked bewilderedly.

"Daughter, listen to me, the King has made a decree..." Mannin faltered.

"Go on, Mannin. What sort of decree?" Ziane encouraged softly.

"He has decreed that all young, beautiful virgins from all over Handa and Kushan must be brought to his harem," Mannin said slowly.

"What!? Why?" Ziane cried.

"He is searching for a new Queen."

"Why does this mean I must go?" Ziane asked.

"Ziane, you must know you are most lovely," Mannin said.

Ziane looked down and nodded slowly. "But what if I don't want to be? What if I would rather be homely and stay with you?" she asked rebelliously, desperately.

"Your beauty is a gift from Yahweh, to despise His gift is to despise Him. And you have no choice, the King has appointed officials to carry out his will," Mannin said in a slightly reproving tone.

"Is--can--maybe we could escape?" Ziane said haltingly, looking toward Mannin for reassurance.

"Dear, this decree is in effect all over Handa and Kushan. Where would we go?" Mannin replied gently.

"You are right, Cousin, I... just don't wish to be parted from you..." Ziane said and slumped down into a seat.

"I know, Ziane, I know." Mannin went to her and gave her a hug.

"You shall have to leave in a few days. But don't despair, even though you won’t be able to speak to me, I shall get information on how you are faring from people in the courtyard outside the palace harem."

"At least you will know how I am, and perhaps, I shall be able to see you from a window," Ziane said, trying to make the best of it.

"That's my girl! Thank you, Ziane. I know you will try to make the best of this situation. But, there is something I must ask of you."

"Of course. Anything you wish, Cousin," Ziane replied promptly.

"Do not tell them you are a Nalan. Tell them whatever you wish, but do not reveal your nationality."

"But, Cousin Mannin! I am proud of our heritage! Why must I hide it?"

"Ziane, please do as I ask."

Ziane subsided and replied, "Yes, Mannin. I will do what you ask." She wondered for a moment if being out of her Cousin's home and authority would make her cease to promptly obey him, as she had been raised to.

The two went on with their regular schedule for the next week, the only difference being they were both slightly more subdued and showed more affection to one another. After that week was through Ziane packed a loaf of bread and a flask of water. Ziane put on her favorite dress and a necklace Mannin had given her. She placed the food and water in a small carry-sac along with a few small possessions she had acquired in her short lifetime. She hugged and kissed Mannin wordlessly. He slipped her a map printed on a somewhat crude piece of vellum and she studied it. After a long look upon her home, she turned her back on it, and started on her journey without a backward glance.

Chapter 4

Once she was in the middle of the sprawling, bustling city--for she had lived on the outskirts--the noises and smells were overpowering on senses not used to them. She began to develop a headache. She tried to ignore it by concentrating on the map Mannin had given her. As Ziane neared the palace the noise got all the greater. She wanted to cover her ears, but didn't dare to draw such attention to herself. Glancing down at the map she now knew by heart, Ziane set her teeth and continued on. After passing the palace gates and walking farther in, the noise lessened considerably. The farther towards the heart of the palace grounds she traveled, the fewer people she saw.

She came to the palace gardens. They were, at first, just paths with carefully pruned, overpoweringly sweet-smelling, and grossly bright-colored flowers and small fruit trees with little or no wild creatures. It looked very unnatural and artificial; they didn't impress Ziane--but then the gardens gave way to forest. She slowed her steps and gazed up in wonder at the tall trees and smiled as a rabbit hopped by. Ziane took a deep breath of the cool, calm, fragrant air. She continued on toward the harem, but at a slower pace.

After walking about a hin or so, she came upon a shady glen. She realized she must be very near the harem--even though she felt leagues away from any form of 'civilization;' since she didn't wish to inflict the strange surroundings on an empty stomach, she sat to make use of the provisions she had brought.

As she ate, she admired the lovely scenery and listened to the singing birds. After polishing off her loaf and drinking her water, she lay back on the soft grass to stare into the forest canopy. She had closed her eyes to better appreciate the wonder of the songbirds' singing when a new voice joined the chorus.

Before long the other birds had dropped out, and the swelling notes of the superior songbird sang out clear and sweet. Ziane sat up and opened her eyes. She looked around for the owner of the beautiful voice. Her eyes fell upon a small, brown form flitting from tree to tree. She stood up as he came to a halt upon a tree branch just above her head, and backed up for a better view. Bowing slightly to the small, resonating form, she whistled to him with a soft smile on her face. He stopped singing and cocked his head to the side as his bright, alert eyes surveyed her. She whistled again and continued as he picked up the tune. Ziane prolonged the duet joyfully. Thinking she was alone in an secluded place, Ziane whistled with all her might.

Nearby, behind the curtain of flora, was a small group of noble courtiers being amused by one of the many jokers, jesters, and entertainers who vied for favor at court. A female courtier was getting restless when she became aware of the ongoing duet. She hid in some bushes to watch and listen.

Presently, the bird stopped singing; Ziane, not aware of it, sang a few heartbeats more before stopping. She looked askance at her partner and he seemed to smile reassuringly at her. He then sang the simple tune she had been whistling before, but he elaborated on it. He then stopped and looked challengingly at her. She smiled, nodded eagerly, and her eyes shone. By this time all the courtiers were covertly watching the contest. She whistled a new tune, slightly more intricate than the first. He echoed her and again added more to it. This went on for quite some time before Ziane lifted her hand and breathlessly gasped out "You win." She then plopped down upon the sweet, fragrant grass to catch her breath.

At that the flora around her seemed to erupt in hooting laughter and mocking clapping. The courtiers emerged as Ziane leapt up in surprise. Her eyes widened with startlement and no little alarm. She stared at them in amazement. When they stopped cackling, one female among them looked hard at Ziane. She noticed how the taller girl still looked so beautiful and fresh even though they were all laughing at her; she also had seen the look of pure, unmixed joy that had been on Ziane's face while they had watched the contest. She hadn't ever felt such joy, though she was rich and spent all her time living riotously. It infuriated her that this peasant--this animal--had something she did not; she was filled with jealousy towards the beautiful girl and wanted to hurt her--anything to wipe away the memory of her lovely face filled with joy and love of life. She turned slightly, to face her friends, as she pointed at Ziane.

"What is this country bumpkin doing here, in the heart of the palace?" she asked accusingly, but pointedly not directing this query at Ziane.

One of the other girls piped in, "Maybe she is another cheap entertainer practicing her act."

"Or a 'lady of the evening!'" suggested another.

One of the young men gave Ziane an appraising look as she colored from the abuse. "I'll bet she is here to join the King’s harem," he drawled slowly.

She nodded ever so slightly. The young women all sniffed disdainfully, though were secretly envious. The young men all looked upon Ziane appreciatively. Ziane said nothing and continued to look at her feet, humiliated yet silently dignified.

They soon tired of this tame sport and wandered off in a search of a new diversion. After a few moments, Ziane took a deep breath and looked up. She saw that her avian partner had flown away. She sighed and gathered herself to finish her journey to Gish--the eunuch in charge of the women--and the King's harem.

When she reached the harem, she stopped and looked around her with increasing happiness. Somehow, the gardeners used the same type of flowers, plants, and paths as the Court gardens, yet the affect was neither over-powering nor unpleasant. It was quite beautiful and peaceful. And, although not as many as were in the forest--there were animals living in the grounds. Ziane smiled and stopped to smell--not pick--a fresh looking, deep violet rose. She whirled around as she sensed another presence behind her. Gish, the eunuch, smiled at her and introduced himself. "Greetings, fair child, I am called Gish. Are you seeking me?"

"Yes, m`lord. I am called Ziane. I lived in the province of Methlin and the citadel Tusan. I have come in answer to the edict," Ziane replied.

Gish nodded and with the single word "Come," gestured for her to follow him. He led her along a winding path all around the gardens. Ziane looked about her eagerly and took in the beauty. After a time, she cast a longing glance over her shoulder.

"Oh, Gish, the women in the harem are not allowed in the forest yonder, are they?" She said sadly and with such deep regret that Gish found himself rushing to reassure her.

"Oh, not to worry, child. The forest is as much a part of the harem as this garden is!"

"Truly?" asked Ziane. Her eyes and face lit up with such surprise and joy that Gish found himself grinning like a schoolboy. He chuckled to himself and thought This one is surely a prize, why she has already charmed me! So, the normally aloof and indifferent eunuch led Ziane to her new quarters, incidentally the choicest of the harem.

Chapter 5

As Ziane was getting settled into her apartments, a group of beautifully--if immodestly--dressed girls entered and stared rudely at her. Ziane pursed her lips and wondered if everyone at Court were such as she had met. The most flamboyantly and scantily clad of the bunch stepped forward arrogantly. "Just who are you?" she asked, sounding as if she wanted to say what. The speaker was short, thin, dimpled, and blonde. Her blue eyes flashed nastily. She would have been truly alluring, if it wasn't for the perpetual pinched, disdainful expression on her face.

Ziane replied simply, "I am Ziane." The speaker shot Ziane a disgusted glance as someone behind her tittered.

"What province are you from? And what holding?"

Ziane replied evenly, "I am from the province of Methlin; and the citadel Tusan." The girl's eyes widened and there was a hoot of laughter from behind her.

"She has got you there, Sashu! Methlin beats your Tacha, especially since she is from the capital of Tusan." Ziane looked at the husky, red-haired girl who had spoken. She was striking, but there was a certain gloating expression lurking behind her violet eyes. She enjoyed seeing her 'friend,' Sashu, taken down a notch.

"Well!" uttered the startled and upset Sashu and she flounced out the door, taking the whole group with her.

Ziane flopped down on the low, soft, cushioned pad and groaned softly to herself. As a yawn caught up with her and she prepared to sleep, a thought crossed her mind. Whenever a child shows signs of growing up spoiled, snobbish, and rude do the parents immediately cart them off to Court or wait a few years to be sure? She chastened herself sternly for the unkind thought and reminded herself of the fatherly Gish. With those thoughts she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 6

Ziane awoke to find a young, wide-eyed girl-child in the entranceway looking around nervously. Ziane sat up slowly, so as not to alarm the child. "Oh, Mistress! You are awake," the girl uttered, surprised. At Ziane's nod, concealed yawn, and covert stretch, she went on. "Gish sent me. I am called Xania. I am a message-girl for Gish. If ever you need my services, Gish told me to tell you that you may use them. I am quartered next to the common eating room. It is not hard to find and if I am away just leave a note, all right?" Ziane nodded and got up. She looked around for the dress she had worn the day before, on her way to the harem. Xania stood in the doorway and stared with wide, excited eyes.

"Is there anything else, Miss Xania? Ziane asked gently. The child's eyes widened further at the title of respect she had never before been accorded.

She answered, "Why, yes. You see, Gish wanted to let you know that you can go and get everything you need from the Storage Room. He says, this room has many things to go with it. You need to simply tell the eunuch, Shonar, that you occupy the Window Room and the accompanying wing and he shall see to everything," Xania said in a rush, as she was apt to do with long messages. Ziane picked up the dress and smiled at Xania encouragingly, suspecting there was more the servant wished to tell her.

Xania swallowed and opened her mouth again. "I could take you now, Mistress, if you like. For I know you will need some things soon, especially clothing and the supplies for your private washroom." Ziane looked puzzled as she put on her dress.

She looked around the room briefly and told Xania "I do not see a washroom or even a chamber pot. And, really, I don't see why this room needs furnishings or supplies. It is good sized and very lovely--I didn't expect so much--but I don't really understand."

Xania said, "No, Mistress. You see, you are to live in the Window Room. That's the servants’ term for this small wing of the harem. It may be the smallest wing, but its larger than any other room--even two or three regular rooms--in the harem! Not only are the rooms larger and more numerous, but it has its own washroom and a smaller version of the common eating room. Begging your pardon, Mistress, but haven't you toured it yet?"

"No, Xania. When I first arrived at this room it was late. Some of the previously arrived additions to the harem--greeted me. After their departure I went to sleep." Xania tried to hide her grimace of distaste--and did not succeed. Ziane didn't bother to make an effort to conceal her expression of disgust.

"Well, Mistress, if you wish, I could show it all to you. It would help you know where to direct the servants to place everything."

"Would you, Miss Xania? That really would be lovely. But, only, please stop calling me Mistress. I am called Ziane by my friends, though my birth-name is Vonassah."

Xania gulped and stammered "You--want me--to call you--by your given-name?"

"Yes, Miss Xania. Please call me Ziane," Ziane said calmingly.

"Of--course, Mistress--err--I mean, Ziane," the child managed.

Ziane smiled kindly and nodded encouragingly. She waited for the child to recover and begin the promised tour. After a few heartbeats Xania cast Ziane an unreadable look, then her expression cleared, and she led into an adjoining room.

Xania explained "This is the sleeping room. It is used also for storing personal items and can be used to dress."

Ziane had thought the room she had slept in to be her only room. She later found out it was the receiving room and the piece of furniture she had supposed to be a sleeping mat was indeed a lounging couch. The actual sleeping room had a real wooden bed with a mattress; soft, cotton coverings; and feather pillows. Ziane was relieved Xania hadn't spoken of her rather embarrassing mistake.

Xania next led the way into a smaller room and explained it was one of the two closets for clothes and other such accessories Ziane thought back to the chests she saw in the sleeping room that were also for clothes and fabrics. She wondered what she would keep in them, for she surely didn't have that many clothes!

She followed Xania into a large, round room. Xania told her this was the washroom. She showed Ziane the running water facilities with something akin to pride. Ziane was amazed at the size of the large bath, marveled at the polished mirror over the washing basin and the miniature water pumps. Xania next explained how, if Ziane was tired and wanted a bath, she could just turn a knob in the wall and hot water would fill the bath. She also showed Ziane how the lavatory worked.

Then they walked back through the sleeping room to the room Ziane had slept in. Xania made no mention of the mistake and explained how this room was the receiving room. The door led into the hallway and to the rest of the harem. The room's purpose was obviously for greeting and entertaining guests.

It was a large, triangular room, which had a heavy drape that could be lowered to form two such rooms. The room had two huge rugs that covered all the floor space; on one side of the drape to that wall the rug was a deep auburn color and from the other side of the drape to the other wall the rug was a rich, buttery gold in color. In the center of the room was a large, circular table complete with chairs. in a corner of the room there were comfortable mats and pillows scattered about [which Ziane had thought to be the sleeping mats] for reading and other pursuits, such as storytelling. The room also contained a few artistically scattered lounging couches.

Xania told Ziane that in the Storage Room there were tapestries and paintings waiting to be put on the empty walls. She explained they were only put up when the inhabitants arrived so that they could choose which they liked best, so that dust would not form, and so they could be easily taken care of. Some candles, placed strategically around the room light the room, and a circular chandelier hung from the ceiling. It was a room created to impress visitors, and it showed! The room awed Ziane and Xania enjoyed showing her around.

The thing that charmed Ziane the most in the room was the large, cushioned window seat that would hold 2 or 3 people. The view was absolutely stunning. The windows opened onto a private corner of the garden, which was so near the forest that the animals of the forest came into the garden regularly. Ziane sat looking out at the beautiful private garden, thinking the tour was over. Then Xania cleared her throat uncertainly.

"Yes, Miss Xania? What is it?" Ziane asked.

Xania then asked, "Do you wish to continue the tour?"

A surprised Ziane replied, "Oh, yes, of course. There is more?"

Xania grinned and nodded, "Yes, there is more, Mistress Ziane."

At Ziane's chuckle Xania blushed and hurried back to the sleeping room with Ziane following her. She silently opened a door into a storage closet and gestured toward it. Ziane nodded, showing she knew what the room was for. Xania then opened a door, which led into a passageway and into a relatively small room. It was equipped with a fire and cooking equipment, a small circular table, and three chairs. It also held a smaller version of the washing basin Ziane had seen in the wash room. The overall effect was homey and the rather plainness of it was pleasing to the eye.

"Xania, I don't see any food or seasonings. Yet there is a fire and cooking utensils. How am I to cook without food?" Ziane asked.

Xania replied, "Well... Ziane," Ziane smiled at the use of her given name, "you can talk to the cook--or send me to him--and ask him about it. He would know what to do. Some things can be kept here, though I think the more perishable items must be obtained from the kitchen whenever you need them."

Ziane nodded and looked around again. "I must say I am quite awed, even a little humbled, by all of this. Even just the receiving room alone is more than I expected."

"Oh, Ziane, these quarters are the best. You were placed here specially. Gish assigns each girl her quarters when she arrives. You were not put here by accident." Ziane looked down with a considering look on her face. Xania interrupted her musings by saying, "There is still more, Mistress. And, though it not be my place to say so, I think this will be your favorite."

Ziane looked up and smiled inquisitively. "You have aroused my curiosity!" She chuckled and gestured toward the door. "Please, lead on!"

Xania nodded and with an impulsive giggle and a rather out of place, satisfied smirk on her face, she led the way into the sunroom or porch of the suite. Ziane's eyes grew round with a disbelieving, glazed look in them, as she half collapsed into one of the black, cushioned lounging couches. It was nigh noon and the sun was near its zenith. The warm, golden sunlight was streaming into the room, in; all of the walls were made of a clear, glassy substance. Ziane almost wept at the beautiful scene.

Directly outside the door was a small clearing, but the forest was right beyond that. The effect of the streaming sunlight that bathed all the trees in an almost magical glow was breathtaking and, indeed, Ziane found herself having to gasp for the air she had forgotten to breathe in. She could vaguely see--and hear for Xania had opened all of the windows and the room was filled with the sounds and smells that waited outside--a laughing, bubbling brook that was located near the edge of the wooded area.

Xania was grinning with real joy at the effect the room had on Ziane. Xania had grown quite fond of Ziane and had begun to think of 'her Ziane' and 'her Mistress' in a protective and almost possessive way. She was delighted at the happiness and pleasure Ziane unselfconsciously displayed. Indeed, Ziane almost glowed with this inner joy; it made her looked ethereal, as though she belonged to another world.

Ziane then turned to Xania, as if to say something. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. Ziane closed her mouth and spontaneously rushed to Xania and embraced her, as if physical contact could transfer some of the unbearable ecstasy and bliss that had flooded her very being. Xania wept with Ziane and the unlikely bond between them was strengthened by something fiercer than even fire: a shared love, communion, and companionship that is so rare in this earth realm. When the tears ceased the two friends parted unselfconsciously and grinned like fools at each other.

Xania spoke first, Ziane, "I have one more thing to show you." Xania led Ziane to a well-concealed glass door in the back of the room. It led to a hallway completely made of glass. This passageway led to the sleeping room. Ziane found it very charming. It was not often used and most residents of the palace did not even know it existed. They returned in companionable silence to the sleeping room. "Ziane, I don't want to rush you, but we should go to the storage room now."

"Oh, yes, of course, Xania. Lead on," Ziane replied as she ran a hand through her hair. They walked through the sleeping room, to the receiving room, and into the hallway beyond. They walked through so many hallways that Ziane was soon lost. When she ruefully mentioned this to Xania, the young servant laughed. She replied that everyone was lost at first, but before the year was up, Ziane would surely know the palace inside and out. Ziane admitted some doubt concerning that and they joked easily about it.

Chapter 7

Upon arriving at the storage room, Xania took over. She sat Ziane down and buzzed about arranging everything while Ziane watched, bemused. After it was all organized and Ziane was about to embark on the journey back to her quarters, Gish arrived and asked her how her first morning had been going.

Ziane replied simply, "It has been well. I know my way around my own quarters--though I fear I dare not venture out of them for I will become hopelessly lost!"

Gish chuckled and nodded his understanding. "This will pass. It is all very overwhelming at first. In fact, I was meaning to ask you about something. My child, have you met any of the servants? There are many that would love to wait on you. Pick two or three if you like. Have you any in mind?"

Ziane's delicate eyebrows rose. "A servant? Two or three? Oh no, if I must then I would prefer only one. And actually, I do have one in mind. I would like little Xania, the page you sent this morning."

Gish smiled and his kind eyes crinkled up fondly, "Yes, Xania is a bright child. She is one of my most promising personal aides. As much as it would pain me to loose her, though, she may be your servant--if she is willing."

Ziane smiled happily, "I hope she is, she is the only one I would want. Though, I must mention, she wouldn't be treated as a servant, but as a friend."

Gish smiled indulgently. "As you will. Have you had the noon meal yet?"

Ziane shook her head though she didn't confess how hungry she truly was, for she had not even had the morning meal that day. Gish invited her to dine with him and led her to a small eating room behind the kitchens. They got to know each other better over the simple, filling servants' fare.