Aliana shot a jet of brilliant white light across the hall, and shrunk the soldier to the size of a pea.
"You shut up right now
!" she demanded. "Kyle's been very brave to come here - and the last thing he needs is people throwing snide remarks at him. This is your final warning: show Kyle some respect, or you're leaving the hall - and not getting any dinner!"
The guard yelped. “Okay okay fine!” He squeaked.
Kyle shifted uncomfortably. “...it’s...fine, Aliana...” he said sighing.
"Good," Aliana groaned, as she returned the guard to his usual size.
About a minute later, several servants scurried into the room, and placed three bread baskets and butter dishes on each of the long tables. It wasn't particularly exciting; however, it would tide the people over until the main courses came. Finally, one of the servants placed a larger bread basket on the top table - alongside a dish containing not only butter, but also several fruit jams, marmalade and honey.
Aliana grabbed a crusty poppy seed roll, then offered the basket to Kyle. "Would you like anything?"
Kyle eyed it reluctantly. Finally he shook his head. “Ummm...n...no...”
Aliana winced, and continued to hold the basket in front of Kyle for a couple of seconds. "Are you sure
?"
However, she then pulled it away gently, and handed it over to Meriandra and Gloriana, who were sitting at the opposite side of the top table. "You can always change your mind later if you want..."
Kyle shook his head looking away from Aliana. “I...I’m fine...” he said looking rather nervous.
Sadly for Kyle, several of the other guests were staring at him, as they munched their own mouthfuls of bread. A few looked worried and sympathetic; however, the majority of stares seemed to be disapproving, or even mocking.
"Take no notice of them..." Aliana whispered, as Meriandra and Gloriana took a bread roll each. "I do hope they're not putting you off eating..."
Kyle shifted uncomfortably. "N...no. I just didn't want any bread..." he said shaking his head. He of course wasn't being completely honest. He hadn't taken any because he was scared to eat in front of everyone...
Aliana could tell that Kyle was a bit scared - but, she decided it would be best not to raise the subject directly, for the time being.
"That's fine... there's more food coming soon," she reminded him. "I picked the smoked salmon as my appetiser... what did you choose?"
"Um..." Kyle shook his head. "I...I picked that too..." he said sighing avoiding looking at Aliana or anyone else for that matter.