<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">With the prince comfortably seated upon the throne beside her own, the Nei turned to regard the guests, and then whispered to a slave to bring the honorary meal.  The slave obeyed, scurrying off and giving the command to the chefs.  Soon, long tables were brought out and covered with fine silks, before an amazing array of cooked meats and specially prepared treats were placed upon them.  Everything looked wonderful, yet they had to wait.  The Nei stood and offered her hand to the prince, to join her, before saying to the crowd, "<strong>We welcome our brothers from the stars and their powerful champion, Prince Vakarius.  May our two peoples share a common destiny together.  In celebration of your arrival, we share a meal of the finest quality, and hope you enjoy.</strong>"  With that, she gestured to the food and for all to begin enjoying.<br/><br/>The food was an amazing spread, some of it even the rare and expensive Sun Melons, which were sweet and juicy, growing only in a small valley and only just recently being grown elsewhere.  Their strange, purple meat was delicious, and the very slight poison inside sent a tingle through the mouth and tongue all the way down.  One would have to consume their own weight in the stuff to die, however.  The warm and tender meat of the Lilishi Spinedragon was also good, a large lizard that roamed the mountains and pounced on anything it could eat, which was a lot considering it could grow up to four feet long.  And there was even some Parmana Sweet Bread, a favorite on Takrin because it was light and fluffy and was especially good with meats.<br/><br/>The Nei did not eat in public, so she returned to her throne, content to let the others gorge on her behalf.  She ate in private as part of the illusion that she was above mortal concerns, though there were times she wanted to break her own rules, especially with such a wonderful showing.  She pulled Vela close and whispered to her, "<strong>Bring the prince to my quarters later.  You two will be joining me tonight.</strong>"  For Vela, that meant anything from a meal with the Nei to a night of hot, passionate sex.  Regardless, it meant Vela had better be there and had better bring the prince.</span>