“Alright, let me get a good look at each of you.”
Damien and I look at each other and grin as she makes her way around the room, assessing each of our outfits. Seeing as how Amaya was the one to pick out my navy, off-the-shoulder dress, I can’t imagine she’ll have any complaints. Can’t say the same for Zane, though. She’s already tossing a silk shirt for him to change into. Apparently his black, short-sleeve t-shirt wasn’t nice enough for the occasion.
As soon as we arrive at Grimstone, we’re each handed a glass of champagne before finding our way to the dining room.
Fancy.
Place cards sit around the table, telling us which seat is ours. I’m not sure where she got the gold runner or the rest of the decorations. I can only assume she harassed Ryder for them.
“Thank you all for joining me this evening,” she begins from the head of the table with her glass raised. “Each one of us has had a difficult road this year, but we’ve all managed to find our way back to each other. Of course, there will be more tough times to come, but it’s important that we don’t forget to celebrate the wins. Sooooo.” She leans against the table with her arm stretched to the middle. “With that being said, cheers to our family being whole again.”
“Cheers,” we all say in unison as we clink glasses.
“Solid speech,” Akari compliments.
“Thanks! I was totally winging it.”
“Can we dig in now?” Emeric whines impatiently at the end of the table.
“Go for it,” Amaya insists, uncovering one of the dishes closest to her.
Filets, salad, breadsticks, mashed potatoes, fish, and some kind of pasta with red sauce wait for us in the middle of the table. My mouth instantly salivates when the aroma fills my nose. I’m not sure who Amaya bribed to make all of this, but they have certainly outdone themselves.
Watching Elias pound down his plate of food makes me understand where Em got his appetite from. It’s been nice to see him in better spirits. I think helping the military units and training the civilians has given him purpose again. Even so, I wish we could find a mender for him.
“Alright, let me get this straight. I’m gone for less than eight months and two of you died and came back to life?” Zane’s eyes dart from Damien to me.
“We’ve been busy,” Damien quips.
“No shit!” Zane laughs. “What I really want to know though is if anyone has found a way to kick Akari’s ass in cards yet.”
“Oh, come on now,” Akari says, lifting up her glass of champagne. “They’re not made of miracles.”
“Hey!” Emeric finishes swallowing his bite. “I was close once!”
“Losing 3-9 doesn’t count as close, Em.” Elias shoots his brother a knowing look.
“Okay. Well, at least it was progress,” Emeric counters before stuffing his face with another bite of potatoes.
My heart feels full as I look around the table at my friends who have become family. Their smiles and laughter almost make me forget about everything else. It’s hard to imagine how much we have all been through since we met. It’s a miracle we’ve been able to find our way back together, and I don’t plan on taking it for granted. Right now, this is all that matters.
“How is everything tasting?” I instantly recognize the woman’s cheerful voice and turn around to see Tilly standing with an apron around her waist.
“I should’ve known it was your cooking.” I shoot up to give her a hug.
“It’s good to see you, dear!”
I knew she had come here with Ramus before the lockdowns, but I hadn’t seen her around until now. Maybe she can use her homemaker skills to warm this castle up a bit. Just the smell of her food makes the place feel slightly more welcoming.
“Tilly, your cooking is incredible!” Amaya praises.
“You give the food in Strellesia a run for its money!” Emeric adds, lifting his fork to her.
“Thank you! Now, don’t eat too much. You have to leave room for dessert!” Emeric immediately sets down his fork and pushes his plate away as if he has to restrain himself from taking another bite. “Finish up and I’ll be back in a bit!”
“Thank you!” we all add as she waltzes back towards the kitchen.
After dinner, Elias convinces us to end the evening at Hollows Tavern. Somehow, Em was able to drag Zane up with him for the open mic portion of the night. I was surprised to find out that Zane can actually hold a tune…Emeric, on the other hand, not so much. Once Emeric dove headfirst off the small stage, we decided it was time to head out. First Amaya with the flower bed and now Em with the stage.
