Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Friendship and Raw Fish

Posted by Captain Eela Dasca (Lt. Governor) in Friendship and Raw Fish

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Friendship and Raw Fish
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

She smiled warmly. “Wise man,” Eela said before taking a sip. “And I agree. I think identity within a culture is very much about how you feel. I think that’s why Caridee felt so strongly about coming out for Batarael. Each day of the six has a theme, a call-to-action. The First Day is Gather. I think, for obvious reasons, that’s been hard to do the last several years, and honestly, even before that. I miss that.” Her smile became rueful. “I think I’m trying to find the places in my days and weeks here where I can share touches of Haliian life, even if it doesn’t look like what I’m used to. I mean, I don’t know how we’d possibly fit in all the parties Haliian have into our schedule!” she said, breaking into a laugh.

~Eela

“Traditions are not about the act.” Kenzo said and took a drink. “They are about the feelings of community and connectivity they produce within us. If the schedule does not allow for the tradition… change the tradition, keep the connection.” He shook his head and began working again. “Far too many believe that traditions and ceremony are immutable. Fixed and aset in stone.” His knife work was precise and controlled, yet seemed as if it was meaningful. “Here. Now. The motions of rhe knife have a purpose… but they mean something to me that I learned from a master. This kitchen is not a sushi restaurant. I am not a chef. But the art speaks for itself. It is the new interpretation of the art that connects us the old feelings they are supposed to enshrine. Many say the journey is more i.portant than the destination. I would argue that if the destination is reached, the journey should be up to the one doing the traveling.” He set a rose made of tuna and lemon on her plate. “The destination. And the journey was one I enjoyed and learned from. So… the art and tradition, even if not as originally intended, served its purpose.”

Kenzo

He was, as her former first officer was wont to say, preaching to the choir. There were things she had carried with her through her life that had been on hold these last years. True connection itself had been a tenuous thing. Rare. Though that had been changing, as evidenced by this lovely evening. it still was only a piece of what connection meant as a Haliian though, and that was hard to communicate to others who didn’t have the same need.

She smiled at the rose on her plate, even as she felt a sadness for the things she had lost. “I’m slowly starting new traditions. It’s just take some time to figure out what it might look like. It’s small things, like my near weekly visit to the Farmer’s Market, or starting to cook for people again.” Eela shrugged. “The rest will come, some as soon as the renovations are done on my office and I can unpack my books.”

~Eela

Kenzo ate a piece and then took a drink, thinking. “Is there something I can do to help? I do not know anymore about your people than what you have shown me; but I understand the importance of continuity within the framework of one’s culture. I am willing to help, if you need it.”

Kenzo

There wasn’t a concrete thought or emotion at first instead a swirl of amusement and gratitude and affection. “See, the not knowing a lot about a culture can get you into trouble, Kenzo. But careful what you offer,” she said with a smirk, sipping the last of the sake in her glass.

“But truthfully, there are many ways Haliians connect with each other. Our entire society is built upon the concept. Connection with the natural world, spiritual connection, physical connection, connection to those that have come before. Some of those have rituals and many I do observe quietly on my own. Which is fine, but can sometimes lack the… impact. Maybe I need to do those rituals in the presence of others, and maybe that might mean you. I don’t know yet. But I appreciate the offer and promise I will keep it mind and let you know if I think of something specific.”

~Eela

Kenzo nodded once and then set his hand on hers. “I am here to help. You are my friend, not just my partner in government. If we cannot support each other in both contexts, we would not be effective. So know that the offer is a standing one.” and he raised his cup to hers.

Kenzo

For a moment she just let his hand rest on hers and soaked up that sensation, a sense of relief flooding her. Maybe it was that simple. She was a touch telepath. It wasn’t about reading people’s thoughts so much as the intimacy that touch provided. It could be overwhelming and so with non-Haliians many of her people were cautious. She was too, especially in recent years. But really, who would she have had this sort of connection with outside of a few select people. Eela carefully turned her hand so their palms were touching. She couldn’t send him thoughts, nor did she try to read his. Instead, Eela sent feelings of trust and care.

Meanwhile, her free hand reached out for the sake bottle and she refilled her glass, touching hers to his before taking a deep sip.

~Eela