Exton

Eite brings a bowl to the table, placing it near Star. She sets a small jar of dressing next to it. Blushing, the half Drow tugs at her oversized T-shirt, trying to pull it lower over her unaccustomed jeans. Clear membranes over her eyes flick once, twice, before she speaks.

"Keon told me you do not eat meat." She licks her lips nervously. "I find it hard to eat it also. My mother made this for us when we did not have to... when we could... eat as we pleased." She takes the cover off the bowl. Different colored strands of julienned seaweed glisten, mixed with carrot and celery shreds, apples, and mushrooms. She explains the sauce has an Asian flavor, or so Keon says, sweet and tangy. "I hope you like it." Taking some on her plate, Eite watches silently as the other women try the salad. Some push it around, picking out bits and pieces to try. She is just about to put some in her own mouth when a little hand tugs at her shirt. Mera's big eyes smile up at her. "Da says I can try too."

Eite gives her a taste from her own plate and Mera's eyes light up. She asks for more and Eite puts a small amount on her plate. When she comes back to the table the woman are smiling, some adding more dressing to the marinated salad. From the children's table comes an exaggerated sound of gagging. Both boys are holding their hands to their throats, Tomas pretending he is choking. Gracie is standing up, hands on her hips. "Tomi, you don't gots to eat it! It's Mera's. Sides..." She notices her mother watching and slowly sits down. Tomas realizes his sister is no longer scolding him and looks around. He taps Ryan and both boys climb back onto the bench seat. The women can just hear Gracie as she lowers her voice to scold Tomas. "Sides, Eite made this and you just hurted her feelings."

Eite's hand covers her mouth as she tries hard to hide a smile at the little girl's words. Alise leans over and murrmurrs softly. "*Je suis désolé... Boys can be... boys. This is very good. I don't think I have ever had anything quite like this."

There is a touch on her arm and Eite looks down into two very shamed faces. Tomas and Ryan stand side by side, waiting for her attention. Ryan's hands fly and he finally pokes Tomas. The Gargoyle shuffles his feet. "We are sorry Miss Eite. We was just foolin'. My sisters and Mer said we was... stupid heads. We really are sorry."

Eite smiles gently. "It is okay boys, not everyone likes everything." She pats their cheeks and the boys run back to their table. Tears well in her eyes and she blinks them quickly away, banishing them before anyone can see them.