Enter The Cabaret (Day 5 - Solstice Evening)

“Good evening!” The waiter offered a formal greeting as they stepped through the doors. “Welcome to La Cabaret de Montagne! May I take your coats?”

“I’ve got these folk, Dominic.” Marisol had come through the crowded cabaret at sight of them. She wore the wait staff’s uniform of the night...black slacks and a matching black blouse, augmented by a silver bowtie. Her hair was loosely tied back, allowing some fullness before the rest fell into a tail. “These are friends of mine,” she explained, before giving the nun a warm hug. “I’m so glad you’re here tonight!” the diminutive woman exclaimed, before greeting Keller with an embrace of his own, “Captain Keller!” Marisol exclaimed. “What a nice surprise! Here, let me take your coats.”

“I wouldn’t miss it!” She exclaimed, being pulled into a hug. “I couldn’t miss another chance to hear you sing.” Lyen opened her coat and shrugged a shoulder from a sleeve.

As she took the nun’s coat and hat, Marisol’s mouth fell open. “Oh, Rúcǐ měilì! Lyen, your robe...that is so beautiful!”

Lyen smiled and adjusted her braid to her right side. “It’s Solstice and I had to dress up for the Cabaret!” She smoothed the thick material in the light of the foyer. “I’m glad you like it. I felt a little funny, but when I saw the color I couldn’t put it down.” A quick glance about the venue showed that space was filling up. “Where should we sit?”

Keller handed over his coat and tipped his hat at the short woman who looked familiar. They’d met in a bar, he decided. Yes, a bar on Valentine. He was doing his damndest to not look out of place.

With their garments tucked under one arm, Marisol led the pair toward their table. “Dorian reserved this the other day,” she said. “I’m glad we got you right down front...tonight’s show will be a good one. Yeva got here a few minutes ago. Is anyone else coming?”

“Oh good, Yeva’s here!” She said, arching her neck to catch sight of the woman. “I think this may be all; some are staying behind to keep tabs on the mischievous among us.”

At sight of the approaching trio, Yeva rose to her feet. “Seester,” she offered a cautiously neutral smile. “And...Captain? Is so good you came! Here, you sit by me!”

“I’d be happy to.” He replied, trying to place the face with a name. The night was taking an upturn. Pretty redhead, knew he was a captain, hadn’t yet slapped him or thrown a drink in his face. Long as she had no Adam’s apple, he might have plans for after the solstice.

The nun approached the risen Yeva and embraced her. “I’m sorry about before,” she said against her cheek, “I should not have jumped to conclusions.” She withdrew and added, “I apologize for my ignorance and I hope to make it right.” The widow had undergone her own transformation on New Kasmir. No longer the reclusive grieving widow, now she embodied the resplendent, fastitiduos medic she was training to be. Amidst such change, she hoped she could come to know who she was in this new light. Ly took a chair beside her.

Yeva returned the sister’s gesture with an open hand and the smile of a friend. As they took their chairs, she put an arm around Lyen’s shoulders. “You are kind always,” she whispered into the nun’s ear. “Even when I do not deserve. I try to do this, too.” She gave Lyen’s shoulder an affectionate squeeze. “If Doktor think we are cross,” she laughed, “he is afraid.”

“I’ll put these away,” Marisol smiled. “We’ve got a special drink tonight...a “Colorful Night.” A top shelf whiskey mixed with grenadine and brandy. It’s kinda sweet, very colorful, and potent! Can I get a round for you?”

“I’d be much obliged if you did.” Keller replied. “Especially if you brought a second but left out the grenadine and brandy and added a few extra fingers of the top shelf whiskey. In case that was as confusing as it sounded in my head, I’ll have a whiskey chaser. Neat.”

“Got it,” Marisol smiled as she dashed off. A few minutes passed before she returned, laden this time with a tray and three glasses. “One “Colorful Night,” she recounted the order, “one fresh water, and one ‘whiskey-whiskey-whiskey...but with colors..” Once the glasses were set upon the table, she took note of the band as they settled into their places. “Oh, wow,” she smiled at the group. ‘We’re about to start. I gotta change. I’ll see you after the show!”