Savannah

Istared at the broad, shallow dish in front of me, trying to figure out how I was supposed to drink from it. The waiter had simply set it down and walked away, leaving me to puzzle over the strange receptacle.

My gaze shifted to Ryon, watching as he effortlessly lowered his beak into the liquid, the grooved indentation in the dish allowing him to drink comfortably. It was such a natural motion for him, a stark reminder that despite his humanoid form, he was still very much an alien.

As I furrowed my brow in concentration, Ryon must have noticed my struggle. With a few quick words to the waiter, he had a more traditional glass brought over for me, the kind I was accustomed to using back on Earth.

"I should have realized," he said, his voice a gentle thrum that did something deep in my belly. "Humans aren"t built for our dining customs."

I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my cheeks, but Ryon"s considerate gesture quickly put me at ease. "Thank you," I replied, offering him a quick smile. "It"s going to take me a bit to get used to the differences here."

As the waiter placed our dishes in front of us, the aroma of the food made my mouth water. My dish resembled a stir-fry, a colorful array of vegetables and what looked like some kind of protein. Ryon"s plate, however, held small, round rice balls, each one intricately stuffed with various vegetables.

"What are those?" I asked, nodding towards his dish. "They look delicious."

Ryon"s eyes brightened, and he picked up one of the rice balls with his chopsticks, holding it out to me. "These are called zara. Please, try one."

I reached out to take the offered morsel, but Ryon pulled his hand back slightly, a concerned look crossing his features. "Wait, let me check the spices first." He studied the rice ball closely, then selected a different one from his plate. "This one should be safe for your human physiology."

The care and consideration he showed for my well-being touched me deeply. So often, I found myself having to advocate for my own needs, reminding others of the differences between us. But Ryon seemed genuinely invested in ensuring my comfort and safety, even going so far as to research what a human could and couldn"t consume.

As I took the zara from him and popped it into my mouth, the flavors exploded on my tongue – savory, with a hint of sweetness, and just a touch of something else I couldn"t quite place. It was delicious, and I found myself reaching for another without hesitation.

"This is amazing," I said between bites. "Thank you for making sure it was something I could enjoy."

Ryon"s beak curved into what I could only interpret as a pleased expression, and he began explaining the various ingredients and cooking methods used in traditional zara preparation. As he spoke, I found myself captivated not only by the information he was sharing but by the way his eyes seemed to light up with genuine enthusiasm.

For a brief moment, I allowed myself to simply bask in the experience – the tantalizing flavors, the soothing cadence of Ryon"s voice, the warmth of his attentive presence. It was easy to forget, in that instant, the circumstances that had brought me here, the lingering doubts and uncertainties that had plagued me for so long.

But then dinner was over, and the job, complications and all, awaited.

After our meal,Ryon guided us in a floating pod through the winding streets towards the Zorax family estate. The buildings grew taller and more ornate as we went, their gleaming spires scraping the clouds above.

"This is the Glisi district," Ryon explained. "Where the oldest and most influential families reside."

As we approached the main building, I was struck by its imposing yet elegant architecture. Tall spires reached towards the sky, their surfaces reflecting the warm glow of the setting sun. Ryon ushered me through the grand entrance and into a formal reception room, where two figures stood waiting.

The first was a stately Draen male, his dark feathers gleaming and his posture exuding authority. This must be Alget, the patriarch of the Zorax family. Beside him stood a female Draen, her feathers a deep, jewel-toned shade of blue. Despite her regal bearing, there was a warmth in her eyes that immediately put me at ease.

"Savannah Mendell," Ryon began, his voice taking on a more formal tone. "May I introduce my parents, Alget and Varie Zorax."

Alget regarded me with an appraising gaze, his beak opening slightly as if to speak. Before he could utter a word, however, Varie stepped forward, extending a wing in a gesture of welcome.

"It is an honor to have you here, Ms. Mendell," she said, her tone rich and melodious. "We are most grateful for your assistance in this important matter."

Alget let out a low trill, and Varie turned her attention towards him, her feathers ruffling ever so slightly. There seemed to be an unspoken exchange between them, a silent communication that I could not decipher.

"Ryon," Alget said at last, his voice carrying a hint of impatience. "You have shown our guest the estate. Now, if you would be so kind as to allow us to discuss the details of the upcoming nuptials."

Ryon hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering towards me. There was a fleeting expression in his eyes, one that I couldn"t quite read, but it was gone in an instant.

"Of course, Father," he replied, inclining his head respectfully. With one last glance in my direction, he turned and exited the room, leaving me alone with his parents.

I couldn"t deny the pang of disappointment I felt at Ryon"s departure. His company had been a welcome comfort in this strange, new world, and I found myself already missing his easy charm and playful demeanor.

Varie must have sensed my unease, for she gestured towards a set of ornately carved chairs. "Please, make yourself comfortable, Ms. Mendell. We have much to discuss."

As I settled into one of the chairs, Alget and Varie took their seats across from me. Alget"s posture was rigid, his gaze unwavering, while Varie seemed more at ease, her feathers rustling softly as she adjusted her position.

"Now, then," Alget began, his voice clipped and businesslike. "I trust you understand the importance of this union between our family and the Lukroks."

Before I could respond, the door to the room opened, and three more Draen entered. I recognized Helko immediately, his green feathers and regal bearing marking him as the groom. Beside him stood a golden-feathered female, her bright blue eyes regarding me with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. This must be Sharlar, the bride.

The third figure, an older female with grey feathers and a stern expression, could only be Bhelenia Lukrok, Sharlar"s mother. Her gaze was sharp, almost accusatory, as she took her place beside her daughter.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the room, broken only by the occasional rustle of feathers or the soft noises of creatures outside. I shifted in my seat, suddenly aware of the weight of the task before me.

Varie cleared her throat, drawing everyone"s attention. "Allow me to introduce our esteemed guest, Savannah Mendell," she said, gesturing towards me. "She has been brought here to assist in the planning of the upcoming ceremony."

Sharlar inclined her head in greeting, her beak parting slightly. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Mendell," she said, her voice carrying a hint of warmth that belied her mother"s cool demeanor.

Bhelenia, however, remained silent, her eyes narrowing as she studied me intently.

"Ms. Mendell," Sharlar continued, her feathers ruffling slightly. "If I am to be joined to someone I do not love, then I shall at least have the ceremony I desire."

At these words, I noticed Helko flinch ever so slightly, his feathers rustling in what I could only assume was discomfort. For a fleeting moment, I wondered if perhaps his feelings towards Sharlar were not as indifferent as he had led us to believe.

Bhelenia waved a dismissive hand. "Yes, yes, there will be ample time to discuss the finer ceremonial points later. For now, I wish to understand your...qualifications for coordinating such an important event, Miss Mendell."

Gulp. I felt like I was on trial, Bhelenia words hanging over me like a guillotine blade. One wrong move and this fragile truce would shatter.

Sharlar's feathers flared out in frustration as she turned on her mother. "You know full well it was my idea to bring in an outsider, Mother. If I'm to be traded off like currency, at least allow me the dignity of having my wishes heard."

Bhelenia's eyes narrowed into icy slits. "Mind your tone, daughter. You may chafe at fulfilling your obligations, but you will do so with the grace and obedience befitting a Lukrok."

"Obedience?" Sharlar's voice took on a dangerous edge, like a knife wrapped in silk. "Is that all I am to you? A mindless pawn to be married off for the family's gain?"

"Enough!" Alget's booming voice cut through their argument like a sledgehammer. "This is precisely why our union is necessary. The constant infighting, the lack of control over your own kin." He shook his head, feathers rustling with disdain. "If you cannot even present a unified front during these simple discussions, how can we hope to stand strong against the Kenii?"

Bhelenia opened her beak to retort, but Helko beat her to it with a soft yet firm tone. "If Sharlar wishes for certain... adjustments to be made regarding our impending nuptials, I believe we should at least hear her perspective."

Stunned silence. All eyes were suddenly on me as Helko's sharp gaze met mine, revealing a weariness that seemed to age him beyond his years.

"You are the professional in such matters, Miss Mendell. What accommodations would you suggest to... honor Sharlar's desires while still preserving the spirit of our peoples' traditions?"

Great, now I was on the spot. My throat tightened as I scrambled for a diplomatic response amidst the simmering hostilities. Tradition versus individual desires, power plays lurking in every glance and word.

Could I really navigate these choppy waters and pull off a ceremony that made everyone happy? A flutter of nerves stirred in my chest, but I wasn't about to back down now.

I was Savannah Mendell, wedding planner extraordinaire.

"I think it's time to get back to the basics. Let's go on a date."