The Empty World | The Empty World Sequence [complete | rewriting]

Eighteen

"Maya, this is Ganymede," Morpheus said

"How do you do?" Maya said with a bow.

"My sister follows the same custom as our mother," Morpheus said quietly.

"Honored to meet you. Please, forgive my earlier language," Ganymede said, bowing, "Miss Smith?"

Maya appeared to turn her head toward Morpheus.

"That would be correct," he told her, though she was just Maya in The Land.

         "Has she met your main man?"

Morpheus knew who he meant, of course. "Nor Shade, Ardor, Amadeo or Amber."

Ganymede stood still for a moment. "Shade's stepped out, but...."

"Who is that?" Maya asked, tipping her head toward a figure in traditional Indian dress. Maya was no more actually Indian than Morpheus was Greek, but she had been trained there, in the way that Morpheus had first been permitted to interact with Humans in Greece, and she was wearing the gagra choli combination of long, pleated skirt and small top.

"That's him," Morpheus groaned, uncertain his sister would approve. He noticed Ganymede reaching inside his jacket for his mobile. He may as well make the introduction.

He led Maya through the crowd that ringed the vacant dance floor, seeing that Julien was standing near one of the refreshment tables, with Steven and Amber. Steven was not quite in White-tie, but looked handsome as usual in Back-tie evening wear, including a black shirt. His right arm was in a soft cast, partially visible across the back of his hand.

Morpheus relaxed at their smiling faces. He waved to them. "Miss Jewel, I'd like to introduce my sister Maya."

"It's nice to meet to meet you," Amber said.

"How do you do?"

"It's a fantastic party. My brother is here somewhere." Amber raised her head to look.

"Maya," Morpheus said, "You may remember Mr. Steven Jewel; and this is Julien."

"Yes. Morpheus speaks highly of you both."

"Namaste." Julien made a slight bow, with palms pressed together.

"Namaste," Maya returned the gesture using her foremost set of hands, as her other two hands touched her skirt, performing a curtsey.

"It's been a long while, "Steven said, "Your family has been helpful to mine, and Morpheus makes himself a useful housemate. We are glad to have him, and to see you again."

"Thank you for taking such good care of my brother. You, especially, Julien. It is not as easy for me to travel, and Morpheus does not easily find peers in The Land, who are not family."

"No problem," Julien said quickly, "You are welcome to visit any time you are able. I don't know if you drink tea...."

"I enjoy the offering of tea very much," Maya said.

"I always had tea on hand in Karachi, or fruit and water. I might go back. It's not like here, with so many Vampyres. The Sandrunners and Lightfoots live there, and many Nisfmalakim, so you'd be welcome to visit."

"Laughter," Maya said, "Visit the home of a bachelor Vampyre? I'd have to bring my brother."

Morpheus shook himself. He had been listening, but focused on Julien's passing mention of returning to Karachi.

"I don't think he even likes tea, but I know he enjoys offerings of fruit."

"I wouldn't refuse a date."