Arvium

8: Unexpected

Aella ran her fingers over the scarlet felt of the chair arm as she stared out of the gilded window of the train car and through the glass panes of the train tube to the dark sea below. She blinked as the early sun moved higher above the horizon, the frozen expanse glittering like diamonds. To the north, barely rising above the horizon and ocean, the icy tundra of the Capitol Complex could be seen glittering in the distance.

She moved her legs under the small marble-topped table so they rested on the seats opposite her and slouched in the chair, the silk fabric of her dress swishing with her movement. She covered her chest with her bare arms, her hand feeling where her Diplomatic Corps patch should have been. She leaned her head back against the chair and sighed.

"May I offer milady something to refresh her, some cocoa, perhaps?" a tenor voice called to her.

She turned her head to the man and shook it. "No, but thank you, Jerry."

He nodded and turned back to wiping the already gleaming marble countertop, humming a soft tune to himself. "It's going to be a beautiful day today, milady. And if I may say so, one of the most amazing sights you will ever see in the Consortium is when the biodome comes into view. It is like nothing else in the Quadrants." He looked up at her and waved his wag. "And I've seen all of the Quadrants."

The car smelled like freshly-baked pastries and fruits, making her stomach rumble and her mouth water. Aella smiled as she looked out of the window. The black, icy waves were beautiful in all of their deadly, raging glory. She jerked upright, her feet falling to the floor as the train began to move, and the glass panes of the tube began to blur.

She stiffened and looked ahead as the door behind her slid open. She watched in her peripheral vision as Jerry bowed, and remained into position until a deeper voice released him.

"Founder," he said.

Aella started to stand as the Founder came to her table, but slowly sat back down as he waved his hand.

"Have you eaten?"

Aella shook her head, her arm moving to her chest as she bowed forward over the table. "No, Founder."

He sat down across from her, motioning for her to sit down. She straightened and sat in her chair, her back straight against the plush cushions. He was dressed in a rich scarlet brocade tunic, a white silk shirt peeking out of the v-shaped cut. His embroidered scarlet silk pants rustled as he sat down on the chair.

Jerry moved over to them with a tray, setting down two drinks and a plate of intricately carved fruit. "What would you like this morning, my lord?"

Aella watched as the Founder barely blinked as he turned back to the barista. "Has the 24 Quadrant sent their shipment to the Complex yet?"

The man nodded and gave a slight bow. "Yes, sir, and we restocked before we left. The freezer is full."

"Then I shall have the usual," he said, smiling up at the man.

Aella took a deep breath as the barista turned to her. "My Lady?" She looked from the barista to the table, her eyes searching nothing.

The Founder chuckled. "I keep my personal train stocked with almost anything one could ever want, Aella. But if you would allow me, I could order something for you?"

Aella smiled, exhaling. "I think that would be wise. I will know more about the options next time."

The Founder nodded and turned back to the barista. "Have the chef prepare something light but savory and filling, fit for someone recovering. Have him add one of his apple tarts with cream, and some of the olive salad he made last night as well."