Ensign Lyra Voss: Saving Grace
Sarah Terry
((Evan Ross’s Quarters, Upper Habitat Section, Starbase 118))
There was an agonizing moment where she wasn’t sure if the gift was going to land on the “surprised and excited” side of the line or the “surprised and slightly freaked out” side of the line, in which case she would have… what? Turned on her heel and fled? The thought did briefly cross her mind. But then he looked back at her with a bright smile and a laugh and she finally felt the tension between her shoulder blades release.
Ross: That's... wow. Thank you so much. That's very thoughtful.
He did look a little flustered, and she didn’t want to overstay her welcome. Still, it was hard to just walk away.
Voss: Well anyway, that’s all I… I have to get back to packing, but I didn’t want to forget to actually give that to you before I head out. Are you doing anything fun for shore leave?
He looked at her blankly for a moment, before the question fully dawned on him.
Ross: Uh... - oh, Shore Leave? No, not really. I thought I might follow the invitation to Raskor II eventually. Is that what you're packing for?
Voss: ::with a smile and a sigh:: I wish. No, there’s a big holiday coming up back home, so I’m leaving for Betazed tomorrow.
He nodded, and she could feel that awkward little pull of someone who wasn’t sure if they should invite you in or let you go.
Ross: Oh, that's lovely! Are you excited to see your family?
The question brought out a small, dark laugh, and she crossed her arms as she shrugged.
Voss: Well… I mean, yes. I am. But it’s a whole… my presence was *not* optional. My grandmother insists I attend in my official capacity as a Daughter of the Sixteenth House, so it’s just… a lot. Fana’ro Vestus is a giant three-day affair with all these performances and parties and bonfires and… ::shaking her head with a grin:: I keep trying to complain about it and accidentally making it sound like a lot of fun. And it is fun! Actually, I ended up inviting the last people I complained to home with me to see it for themselves.
He smiled.
Ross: So who's lucky enough to get the private Betazed-tour?
Voss: I think whether or not they end up feeling lucky will be highly dependent on how well-behaved my family is, but Ryden and Sol are coming with me.
Ross: ?
She felt suddenly compelled to explain the situation further. After all, there had been that tiny moment during dinner where he’d made an oblique comment about her and Ryden going to the opera together and she didn’t want him to think… No, she was being silly. It was probably nothing.
Voss: Well, Sol said she’s never been to Betazed before, and I think Ryden’s still trying to figure out his Betazoid side. With the symbiont joining, I’m sure it’s all… I’m sure everything feels even more complicated than before. And Fana’ro Vestus is a great time to… to let go of things, you know? It’s an equinox festival - all about the world starting to reawaken and come back to life after the long winter. The whole event is named for Fana, the deity of nature. We hold bonfires on the first day to honor Tholta, the deity of truth and honesty. Then the second day is dedicated to Imza, the deity of love and compassion, and is full of street fairs and performances - everything new and blooming. And the last day belongs to Altha, the deity of peace and stability. She gets a giant party.
She counted off the Four Deities as she named them. Though they had names, the Four were less like true gods and more meant to be embodiments of the ideals Betazoids held highest.
Ross: ?
Voss: Yeah, it has kind of a fascinating history! It’s actually the oldest continually-celebrated holiday on Betazed. And I mean, I told Sol and Ryden - it’s an open invitation. My family has plenty of guest rooms, and Vestus isn’t Vestus without a full house. You’re welcome to come as well, if you’re interested!
That last bit slipped out almost unintentionally. Not that she didn’t want him to come - quite the opposite, really - but, “hey, here’s this really personal, borderline-maybe-too-much gift, and also why don’t you come to my home planet where you may have to meet my entire family” was a *crazy* thing to do to someone you hadn’t known all that long. There was the saving grace that he wasn’t the only person she had invited, but still. If she could have sunk into the floor, she might have.
Ross: ?
Right, of course. She immediately waved a hand, as if she could dismiss the entire idea.
Voss: No, no, of course. You already said you’re going down to Raskor, so that’s… ::with a laugh that hopefully didn’t sound forced:: You can listen to me drone on about Betazoid religion any old day, no reason to make a trip out of it. ::clearing her throat a little:: Anyway, I should go. I’m sure you’re busy. Congrats again on the promotion.
Ross: ?
She gave a small, little wave, and exercised every bit of her restraint to walk calmly out of the room and not make a run for it.