This week, Maria and Josephina ran the kitchen in the mornings. Lila already had two cooks- slash-housekeepers Layla and Numa, so she alternated them. This morning was a good morning and time to broach the subject of the feast. She spoke to them in simple but effective Spanish, which surprised them. They didn't realize their master had been teaching her bits over the years - and she remembered it. Now, he taught her more. Lila began with the customary greeting and then announced that she and Altayr had decided to have their marriage feast in two nights. "What marriage?" Maria muttered, thinking their living situation scandalous. Jospehina's eyes went big. She couldn't believe Maria said this. Lila smiled as if nothing had been said. "We are here to speak of a feast - the feast of my marriage to the one I love - a time of relaxing and music and good food; a time to forget the cares of the world for little while; a time to reward those who serve us with some gaiety and good food." "Ohhhh! I love feasts!" Josephina said half raising her arm to volunteer. "What will we fix? You say this is for everyone?" She looked at Maria. "Even us?" "Si!" Lila said. "I want you both to think of the two things you cook the best. Laylah and Numa will do the same. I will also cook two things and hopefully we can have Katarina help us. It will take all of us. I do not expect you two to do this alone! No, no! Keep in mind, everything must be cooked in two days time and must be cooked in the right order." "But there are so many things we will need. Can we even get them?" Maria took the negative side. She just couldn't accept this relationship in it's current state. It went against her beliefs. What would don Luis think?! (It probably wouldn't phase him much, truth be told. Altayr was Altayr.) "Make a list of what you need and Farouk and Nazim will go to the souk and get everything we need. Anything else Maria? Josephina? Do you have some further concern dear Maria?" "How many people?" "Maybe forty - the household and guards - the servants. We should have fruits, meat, breads, some vegetables and couscous. I want the Arab and Moroccan foods and the Spanish foods. Master Altayr says you know what he would like, Maria. I will return in the hour with Farouk and Nazim, so be ready!" "Why do you act like this, Maria?" Josephina said after Lila had left. "She is trying to be nice with us - amigas. She is giving a feast for all of us. Very generous, si? She is not so bad. I like her. I think you should too. She doesn't have to even let us stay here - you know?" "Mmmmppphhh," was all Maria would say. "I know what I am cooking. What about you?" ***** Thanks loads for stopping by and have a great weekend dear friends! Rayvn PS: Maria and Josphina's dresses are from Vintorix - a freebie. Background is "1002 Nights" and the various props are from various sets.