Alburet got out of the way, noting as he did Erin’s slight frown. He stopped next to her, leaning down to whisper. “I have someone lined up for you, Erin, but he has not made it here yet. Please bear with me and I will do my best to get you a chaperon that suits you.”
Erin glanced at him, her face showing her sudden chagrin, “Sorry, it be just that ya got them all people so quickly that I was feelin’ a bit left out. Iffin ya can match me as well as ya have them, then I be willin’ to wait.”
Alburet thanked her, returning to his seat and getting yet another kiss from Stacia, “It be good to see ya workin’ hard to make me sisters happy.”
“I will do the best I can, but the last one might be a touch tricky. We shall see if the person I want to seat next to her shows up soon. The sun is about to set, so he should show up in the next hour.”
“Ah, tha’ mean it be a guard tha’ works the daylight shift. I think ya are lookin’ at the wrong type of guy iffin tha’ be ya intent.”
“Have faith, Kitten,” he replied as he patted her leg under the table.
“Attention, please,” Alistern called out as he stood up and raised his glass. “It is time for me to give a message to the new couple.” The crowd settled down enough to hear him speak, “Today me eldest wed a two-souled. This be the first event of its kind, as far as we know. With tha’ comes a whole slew o’ questions about what differences there may be between them and us. The only thing tha’ I worry about, though, is tha’ he might run back to tha other world and leave me daughter behind.”
Alistern turned to Alburet, “He does nay strike me as the kind to do tha’. He already had the chance when the two-souled left us for two weeks, but he came back and the first thin’ he did was run to her, to reassure her tha’ he still loved her and to apologize for bein’ away so long. He has proven tha’ he does love her in me eyes. As such, it be me great joy to welcome him into our family while he takes her into his. So, a toast to the first two-souled with enough heart to know his soul should reside here all the time.”
Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the toast. Once everyone had drunk the toast, Alistern went on, “It be time now to show them how much we care by givin’ them gifts to ease their way into their new life. Me and me closest friends be goin’ first with this one. Grim, Stew and Almira, come on up. It be time to show Alburet what it means to be part of our family.”
The trio came forward from their table to join Alistern and Lilith. “A dwellin’ of ya own be our gift to ya. It would be a little odd iffin ya kept stayin’ at the inn while bein’ married to me daughter.” As Alistern spoke Grimgar placed a key on the table. “The place be more than ample enough for ya both. It be big enough ya can use part of it for ya guild, as well. May the Dark Lord bless ya for years to come.” The quintet bowed to the couple when Alistern finished.
Stacia gently tapped Alburet’s foot with her own as a pause was evident. Alburet took the hint and replied to them, “This is a most generous gift from my new in-laws and their friends. We are honored to accept this. Our deepest thanks to you.” He formally bowed in his seat. A murmur went through the throng as others started to come forward to form a line.
The group shifted aside and Ioaniss was next to step forward. “Today has been a day that I am sure will be remembered for years to come. A two-souled and one of our own Alpha Worlders wed in bliss, something unique indeed. I do not bring material items with me to bestow upon you, instead I will bestow the gift of knowledge. If, at any time, you need aid with history of this world you may call upon me to help you acquire such knowledge to my utmost ability.”
Stacia bowed her head as she replied before Alburet, “Tha’ be a mighty boon, as ya time be a precious thin’, Sir Jones. We accept your generous gift in tha spirit it is given. Thank ya.”
Ioaniss stepped aside with a broad smile, to be replaced by Vladimir. “A truly unique couple at this time. As a man who loves the truly unique and special, I will give you something in kind. I hereby declare as Head of the Royal Auction House that you will be granted a full year to attend any auctions in said house, even though you are not of the nobility.”
The crowd seemed to explode with whispers at Vladimir’s announcement. Alburet, unsure of how to respond to this, gave Stacia a quick glance. Stacia smiled gently to Alburet before turning to Vladimir to accept his gift. “Tha’ be somethin’ very rare indeed, Sir Dracon. The gesture by itself is a gift tha’ will be remembered unto our late years. Iffin we ever do find ourselves with the ability to attend one of the auctions, we will be sure to do so.” Stacia bowed in her seat to him.
Vladimir bowed back and stepped aside for the next person to come forward. The line went on for some time, each person giving the couple an item or the promise of an item to be delivered to them. Very quickly, the house they had acquired was to be filled with the needed things.
Once the giving of gifts was done, an hour after the sun had set, the dancing would begin. As a group of people set up off to the side with instruments, Alburet noticed Wilbur Gilden in the group gathered around waiting to see the first dance. Excusing himself, Alburet headed for the guard, who was out of uniform. He had to step around people who were hanging extra magic lights to illuminate the graveyard even more, as well as another group setting out smooth interlocking wooden squares to make a dance floor.
“Wilbur, I’m glad you could make it,” Alburet greeted the guard.
Turning, Wilbur nodded, “I was interested to see what the event was like.”
“I wonder if I can impose upon you for the evening?” Alburet asked after a moment of silence.
“What is it you want?”
“There is a maiden who has no escort for the party. As the dancing is about to start, she’s getting slightly depressed that no one is with her. Would you be willing to be her escort for the rest of the evening?”
“My father always told me that every maiden should have a companion during an event. I will accept. Where can I find this maiden?”
Smile broadening, Alburet lead Wilbur over to Erin. “Wilbur Gilden, of House Gilden, this is Erin Crowley. Erin this is Wilbur Gilden, son of Gilden House but also a proud guard of the city. He has agreed to be your escort for the evening, if that is acceptable to you.”
Erin had looked uncertain until Alburet introduced them, then her smile had blossomed. “It be an honor sir, iffin ya would care to sit with me.”
Wilbur had slowed as they had approached the table and seemed very uncertain of being at the main table. When Erin smiled at him though, his face softened. When she offered him the seat beside her he bowed deeply. “It is my pleasure and honor to be your escort tonight, Miss Crowley.”
“Call me Erin please, sir, we be an informal family,” she replied as he sat, their gazes locked on each other.
Alburet moved back over to Stacia, who was watching her sister with a smile of her own. “Tha’ looks like it worked out well, asthore. Ya have done well for me sisters.” She paused as the musicians played a few notes. “It be time.” She stood gracefully, taking his hand as they walked to the dancing floor, which was surrounded by the crowd.
They walked to the center of the dance floor with all eyes on them. Alburet leaned in slightly to whisper to Stacia, “Is this supposed to be a certain dance?”
“Nay, any dance will do,” Stacia whispered back as they reached the center of the floor.
Feeling slightly relieved, Alburet smiled as he brought her in close, one hand up with the other on her hip. “Well then, my lady wife, let us begin shall we?”
The band started to play a slow, elegant piece. His eyes locked with Stacia, Alburet led her in a simple flowing box in time with the simple rhythm. Eyes sparkling with happiness Stacia followed him flawlessly. About a minute into the dance Alburet began to change the steps just slightly to make the dance more intricate. Stacia flowed along with him as if she was gliding above the floor, never missing a beat. As the song came to an end he dipped her gracefully, kissing her gently as the last few notes hovered in the still air.