EA Samhain

or

Trick-or-treater

by The Mule

Bindanda had been delighted to offer his services both culinary and as a master of blades. At first there had been the usual confusions as Bren had tried to explain the tradition, but then the little Ateva's brow had cleared and he had scurried into the pantry where, after much clattering and banging, he had emerged with a bunch of yellow-brown gourds which Bren allowed would serve. They were at least in season and would not offend kabiu. Real pumpkins were out of the question and out of season even in Mospheira.

The cook bobbed an excited bow "naturally one would not make a pie, Were the Paidhi to eat of this fruit then the Aiji would be quickly needing a replacement Paidhi! but there could be a cake, a handsome cake, iced in orange and black. Now if Bren-ji would just explain again the nature of the cutting and hollowing?

The first attempt was a little too weird even for Bren and was consigned to the trash but this first setback was only momentary and in no time there was a row of faces grinning and scary enough for the most hardened connoisseur. for fear of fire Bren had found a handful of small glowlights such as were used to illumine murals in darkened corners and these proved admirable.

The results were slipped into a large basket along with some bolts of appropriate coloured cloths and Bren sauntered back down the hall and into his room politely dismissing offers of help from Tano who emerged from the security station as he passed. It was diffiult to attach things to the walls and some degree of struggling ensued but at last he had it all to his satisfaction. He checked the message cylinder and confirmed the time that The Aiji had consented to arrive. There was time for a leisurely bath before he had to don court dress and play host.

At the appointed hour He was waiting in his lobby bathed, braided and with the formal collar digging its stud into the back of his neck. To almost no-ones surprise Tabini was acompanied by the Dowager who immediately leaned on Bren's gallantly offered arm and engaged him in conversation "An ancient Human ceremony" she enquired "One will be most interested to see..." At this point Banichi who had been leading the way opened the door to Bren's room. The effect was remarkable. There was a cry and a shot. bells rang and Bren and his guests were suddenly surrounded by a press of black leather as security came running from all directions. It was Bindanda arriving with a sweet trolley on which resided the promised cake who brought the debacle back into some kind of order. Bren broke out from the circle of protection to join Banichi who was crouched behind the closed leaf of the door with pistol drawn. "'Nichi-ji, its all right, there is no-one in there" Bren gently pushed the door aside and turned on the lights...

The cake was a tremendous sucess and many complimentary remarks were made regarding how well Bren had both tricked and treated them all. Nevertheless for several days afterwards Banichi was somewhat distant and the carved head with the neat bullet hole between the eyes was prominently displayed at the entrance to the security station.