Inara's shuttle arrival, pre-ceremony.

[badinlatin]

It certainly was a pretty set-up, Mal had to say. As Inara flew Shuttle One after splitting off from Serenity, it wasn't more than ten minutes or so until the House Madrassa Temple came into view.

According to Inara, temples are all pretty much the same, according to what house they are affiliated with. House Madrassa seems particularly addicted to scrollwork and lotus motifs, red and gold everywhere. Even the docking bay had a white and red lotus design painted into the floor.

Once the shuttle was locked, Mal pulls the hatch door back, immediately catching sight of an older woman waiting some distance off from the door.

Mal bows shortly to her, feeling immediately out of his depth and looking awkwardly to Inara or Zoe for help.

Comments

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara smiles at him reassuringly, then nods to him and Zoe to follow her. She whispers to them as they walk, "Follow my actions and bow to her when we reach her. I'll introduce you and greet her politely." They reach Aluthra, who is waiting patiently. Inara stops in front of her, bows deeply, feeling Zoe and Mal doing the same behind her, then rises and moves to hug Aluthra. "Nĭ hăo, Aluthra. It's so good to see you again." She steps back and gestures to Mal and Zoe. "This is my intended, Thomas and his hosue mistress, Miyako."

[badinlatin]

Mal stuttersteps a moment before bowing again at being introduced.

"Ni hao, mistress. Thank you for gracing us with your presence at this ceremony."

Every so often, Mal surprises even himself. Though he's not holding out too much hope for when he's led to...wherever folk around here dress.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Aluthra returns Inara's hug, then bows back to Mal and Zoe. "Ni hao, Thomas and Miyako. It is my pleasure to welcome you to this house and my honor to preside at this ceremony." Her voice softens slightly at her next statement, "Inara is very special to us and it is truly an honor for me to meet someone she holds in such high regard."

She smiles again and gestures towards the temple. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you where you can refresh yourselves and dress for the ceremony."

[badinlatin]

Mal nods, letting Aluthra turn and lead them southward down the closest corridor to the docking bay.

Leaning to Inara, "So far so good...mistress."

Wink.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara breaks her formal pose to stick her tongue out at Mal, surrepticiously of course.

"Yes, you're doing beautifully. Just keep it up, mù jī."

Wink back.

[badinlatin]

Aluthra makes a very strong showing of pretending not to see Inara's face to Mal, but Mal catches the outline of a smirk across Aluthra's face.

Wordlessly, she opens a gold-wrought screen door into a draped room, one outfit laid out on the bed, and one rack of clothing behind it.

"Your clothes are on the bed, Thomas, and Miyako may choose something from those in the corner if she so desires. Inara, your robes you sent ahead are in the adjoining room."

At this, a young Companion novice - red robes and all - bows deeply to Aluthra for the interruption, whispering something to her.

"Your ship has touched down; I will now go show them into the anteroom to await your arrival." A short smile, yet seemingly caring enough that Mal feels himself smiling back. "We will see you three shortly."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara takes her hands and squeezes them gently. "Thank you, Aluthra. And thank you for everything."

She watches Aluthra leave, then turns to Mal, shaking a bit. "Well, here we are. How are you feeling?"

[badinlatin]

"Surprisingly calmer, now that we're here and there ain't anyone comin' to get us or some such."

Mal steps closer to Inara, vaguely wishing Zoe wasn't there. But there'll be time for anything else later. For now, Mal kisses the top of Inara's forehead.

"Soon enough. First I gotta get dressed." Mal eyes the blue robes on the bed. "Which I 'magine'll be it's own experience."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara's thinking basically the same thing. She brushes her hand against his back as turns to his robes.

"The seamstresses did a wonderful job. I think that color will suit you very well, it will bring out your eyes beautifully." She gives him a playful wink, then steps towards the adjoining room to get her dress on.

[badinlatin]

Mal looks to Zoe with a bright grin, looking a fair bit younger than he has in a good long while.

"Let's do this."