“Then all the arrangements are in order?” Attor pressed his Captain of the Guard once again.
“They are Governor.” Ssith replied. “We have sufficient guards for our perimeter and interior. The shifts for the festival are decided. The catering and music are all attended to. All the preparations are in order.”
“Good. The Eventime Festival should go well then.” Attor placed a hand under his jaw, thinking for a moment before adding. “And no issues along the borders as well I take it?”
“It has been quiet there for some time. I believe we’ll be safe from attack for at least the next short while.”
“Excellent. Now, is there anything else to add?” Attor sought to be certain all areas of discussion were covered before moving on.
“Well, there is one thing.” Ssith began, a little unsure of how to say it to his Superior. “Permission to speak frankly?”
“Granted.”
“Thank you Governor. There is something I don’t understand. This Festival. And the Vernal Festival. What is, the purpose to them? Why is it, that we expend time, energy, and resources to them? When I see little to no purpose to them.” He had to pause a moment to collect himself before continuing. “And why are we stripped to just our scales for them? In fact, last Vernal Festival, you had the horses strip you in front of everyone. Again, why?”
This did make Attor think for a while, wondering how best to answer the actually-quite-valid points his Captain of the Guard had raised. Actually, he recalled that time rather well. When after being disrobed, a chestnut-brown, black maned mare (Lina?) had picked him up from behind, while another one pulled off his boots to render him naked.
He knew he was beginning to stall when a gesture from Jeena caught his eye. “Perhaps you could explain this better?” Attor signalled for her to explain it on his behalf.
“Yes. Captain Ssith, the purpose of the Eventime and Vernal Festivals is far more than just celebrating to Beginning and End of the Spring and Summer. More than just Toasting to our Good Times. It exists to remind us all that we are dependant on each other.” Jeena explained, her voice having the same slight rasp to it as the others, though notably softer in tone. “Without them, we starve and die. Without us, they can’t defend themselves. It serves to make sure we all remember out mutual reliance on one another. That is why on those two days, we all stand on the same level.”
Ssith didn’t look entirely convinced by it, but it appeared to be explanation enough for him as he didn’t raise an objection to Jeena’s points. Instead. “Very well then.”
“Then this matter is settled, you may return to you post now Ssith.” Attor closed their meeting. Ssith saluting his Governor and leaving him with Jeena. “What about you Jeena? Are you ready for it?” He queried, one hand over her swollen belly, their offspring nurtured within it.
“I’ll be fine. They say one more month before they come out.” Jeena referred to the physicians who last checked her, her own hand set over his. Turning to face him, flicking out her forked tongue to tickle his nose, wide and splayed over his upper snout, practically fused to it, eliciting a small laugh from him at the act.
“That tickles.” He chuckled at the affectionate display, before sighing softly and turning to the door Ssith had left through.
“You’re worried about him again, aren’t you?” Jeena already knew the answer though.
“He‘s the best at what he does, it’s why I selected him as my Captain of the Guard after all.” Attor confided to her. “But I wish he could see that there’s far more to life than just the cold hard practical side of it. That he could learn to appreciate the fun side of it as well.”
“Well, he does have a rather narrow focus.” Jeena acknowledged. “But he is loyal, so he will do what you asked of him.”
“That he will.” Attor admitted. “In any case, we had best get some rest now. It’s going to be a long fun day tomorrow.”