Torches had been placed on either side of the cobblestone road that sloped up to Peredhil?s manor. A row of carriages waited at the base of the hill to escort guests who were without transportation. The large stone home sat on a grassy knoll on the outskirts of the city. The structure was built in a classical style, although the design retained a certain functionality that ensured that the columns and decor did not appear excessive.

Peredhil wandered through the house, checking to make sure the book for guests to write messages to Johnny and Sianna was placed prominently by the front door and that each room was orderly and welcoming to visitors. His final stop was the kitchen, where he encountered a flood of activity and a maze of smells as cooks prepared a variety of dishes to suit every palate. Peredhil gave a satisfied nod as he admired the beautiful presentation of each dish. It almost made one reluctant to eat it. But another whiff of the savory aromas pushed that thought out of his head.

?Everything is on schedule?? he asked the head cook, a scrawny man with droopy eyes and slow movements who nevertheless was a magician when it came to food. Peredhil already knew the answer, so he had moved on and did not notice the cook?s nod a few moments later. He veered right and walked down the hallway until he reached the back door. Opening it, he stepped out onto the balcony, which stretched the entire length of the house. A small corner had been reserved for the live band. The area in front of the band would serve as the dance floor, while tables were arranged on the other half of the balcony. At the far end, a bar had been erected. The shelf displayed wines, liquors, ales, and other drinks that had been shipped from all across Rhydin specifically for the party. Next to the bar, a stairwell joined a path that led directly to a 10-foot waterfall that flowed into a pool, which was warmed by an underwater geyser. Further on, a copse surrounded a small pond, the trees providing privacy to anyone who might wish to escape the prying eyes of other guests.

Leaning against the railing, Peredhil let his gaze drift down to Rhydin. The city appeared quiet as Saturday afternoon breathed its final breaths, but Peredhil knew that once nightfall arrived, it would bustle with residents seeking all sorts of entertainment.

It was still hard to believe that Sianna?one of his oldest friends in Rhydin?and Johnny?one of his best friends?were getting married in just a couple of weeks. He was incredibly happy for them and hoped they would be able to enjoy themselves tonight in the midst of final preparations for the big day. Lost in thought, he did not notice Wes until his friend appeared next to him, a bottle of wine and two glasses in his hand.

?I thought you could use a drink to go with that silly grin plastered on your face,? Wes said, chuckling.

Peredhil laughed and reached for one of the glasses. ?Aye, pour me a drink. We?ve got lots to celebrate and a fun night to look forward to. You think anyone will show up??

Wes glanced over at the fully-stocked bar. ?If they don?t, we?re going to have a lot of drinking to do,? he joked. ?Not to mention all of the food we?ll have to get through.?

They sipped their wine, chatting amiably to pass the time until the guests began to arrive.

Ewan's hair had returned to its normal rusty blonde after fading out the dye on the road return to Rhydin. The invitation to the engagement party had been placed with other invitations and correspondence of importance. It was in some way surprising, as he knew Peredhil little, but Storm knew him better from their mutual membership into some unusual club that Ewan found more amusing than perplexing. More so though, he certainly wanted to celebrate the promising upcoming joining of two good people, Sianna, whom he had come to know better when she tended his mother.

It was with only the slightest reservation that Ewan was to attend without Storm, whom after travel and all the latest events, desired some quiet time with Avery. Though she did indicate if she felt rested and revived, she would join him later in the party. The couple were dear to her, but knew they would understand if she was unable to attend.

Ewan dressed better than his usual attire, but would never in these days, go unarmed in some fashion. He did defer to propriety by only having two daggers on his person and not swords, particularly when his wife gave him the "you aren't going to wear those, are you?" look from where she rested on the couch. Therefore, he arrived in due time, appropriately dressed towards casual in suede brown pants, dark green shirt, and brown leather vest, and his weapons belted close to hand.

When he dismounted the horse, a waiting man came to tend to it, and Ewan gave up the reins to him. Stepping inside, he gave a nod to the other man there, and out of habit, looked to the layout for varying points of exit. Not unfamiliar with grand houses, he had an appreciative eye for its elegant and yet functional design.

Following another servant through the hallways until he was delivered into the appropriate area of the festivities and moved to greet the host with a congenial smile and bow of his head.

After Eva had left and her rabbit Pascal had gotten to have his fun, Izira returned to her quarters to freshen up and get ready for the event she was meeting Eva for later. The names didn?t come directly to her, but Izira recalled it dealt with the tender, Johnny, his engagement and another man throwing a party. Since it was a party, Izira made sure she was dressed appropriately?which meant for something a little less casual than usual. She kept the strappy, peek-toe heels in black. She settled on a fitted cocktail dress that was sleeveless with a close collar. The torso of which was done in black lace, broken by a soft golden fabric and hemmed in lace once again before ending just above the knee line. Her hair was left down, though she spent a few moments tidying it up for the evening. Lastly, Izira took out another dress along with a dress bag to keep it safe for travels. The second dress was done in blue, a touch smaller but still with a lightly fitted styling. It had short sleeves and like the other ended around the knee line, though the layering of fabrics differed. A strapless dress cut in a solid blue was covered with sheerer fabric of a floral patterned blue. Matching shoes, shorter heels than Izira tended to wear, were also placed inside the dress bag. The second outfit was for Eva, as Izira wasn?t sure what her friend had in her wardrobe and thought it best to be prepared.

On her way to Eva?s Izira happened upon Alain outside of the Red Dragon Inn, exchanging words with him and making plans to stop by his bar after she was done with the party. She would have to remind herself to pass on Alain?s congratulations to Johnny on his engagement.

Arriving at Eva?s Izira found that Eva actually had a dress to wear. It would have been perfect, were it not for the blood stains. Eva's face fell when the flaw was pointed out to her. Izira thought it best not to ask, only gave Eva the dress bag she had brought along and insisted she put it on. That it fit perfectly did not come as a surprise to Izira, though she thought the dress looked better with less fidgeting on Eva?s part.

So it would be that the two would appear on the scene, arm in arm and ready to enjoy the night.

((created with help from EvaMun))

The driver clucked his tongue, whether at the horse to still her or at the couple to indicate his impatience, one could not tell. "Where's ya wants ta be headin', guv'na?" the man croaked out jovially. Sianna broke the kiss and looked between the men. The humor of the situation only increased the brightness of her cheeks. Flashing him a grin, she darted inside the carriage amidst a fit of giggles, leaving Johnny to vocalize the instructions.

Johnny had no shame to prompt a blush as he grinned back at the cabdriver. ?Yer gettin? a big fare fer this?un. Through th? Southern Glen an? a ways pas? ? headin? fer th? manor up on tha? hill there, ya know?? It was a failing, to assume that what Johnny knew about others must as well. In this case, however, it was justified as the cabdriver nodded his understanding. Johnny grinned at the man again and then swung into the cab next to Sianna. ?There, on th? way.?

"No needs ta bark orders, guv'na. Yer th' fifth fare I's carted ou' there tonight." The carriage rumbled to life in sync with the shutting of the carriage door and made its way into the flow of traffic along the lane. Sianna settled in next to Johnny, her arms wrapped around one of his. Whispering quietly, she rested her head on his shoulder. "Can ye really believe how quick it's all coming 'round, leannan?"

Leaning his head back against the cushion, he balanced against the rock and sway of the moving carriage. ?Har? ta ge? a grip on, sometimes, ta be hones?. Din? really expect ta ge? hitched fer a few years ye?, if ever, when I came here. Now?s only abou? three weeks ?til we?re getting? married. Still ain? go? a clue abou? m? vows fer ya, ya know. Goin? ta be workin? at tha? pro?lly ?til th? nigh? b?fore.? She was warm against him, and he bent his head to drop a kiss to the top of her curls.

She nodded slowly, her lips curled softly at his touch. "Aye, I ken exactly what ye mean, mo chroidhe. Ne'er thought a mite about such a day as this comin'. At least no' since I was a wee lass, no' yet twelve or sae." The glow of the streetlights cast them in flickering shadows as the carriage made its way to the edge of town. "Just ne'er thought it possible, aye?"

The pause at the end of her question had her speaking up before he ever had a chance to reply. "No' that I'm complaining, mind ye, no' a man like ye in all th' world or th' stars either for that matter. Nae, I'm verra happy wi' th' way Fate has seen fit tae weave things together." Her chuckle filled the cabin of the carriage and they rode the rest of the way in comfortable silence, enjoying the comfort and the closeness of the other. It was as if they were stealing a moment to freeze for themselves before the party's hustle and bustle swelled around them.

The manor loomed like a beacon before them, completely illuminated and bedecked for their arrival. Rather awed, Sianna squeezed Johnny's hand as the carriage rolled to a final stop and a footman quickly approached to open the door and assist her out. Following suit, Johnny turned to make arrangements for the driver to wait upon their return, but the footman quickly piped up. "No need to do that, sir. Master Peredhil has secured you his private coach for later." Shaking his head in amazement, Johnny paid the driver his fare before capturing Sianna's hand and making their way into the foyer.

Another attendant greeted them just inside the door and relieved them of their coats. Smiles were offered to those present. Sianna offered a warm smile to Ethan, whom she remembered from the other night at the Inn. Johnny offered one as well and then noticed Eva and Izira, sending a wave her way. The flurry of waiters was astounding, as was the decor and the fact that all of this was for them.

A glance was shared between the couple, the lift of her brows evoking a wide grin from him. Leaning in close, she whispered quickly, "Quite th' way tae celebrate something neither of us e'er saw happening, aye?" Nodding swiftly, Johnny placed a hand at the small of her back and began to maneuver them through the house. Greeting people as they went, they kept their gaze alert for sight of their host.

As the first guests arrived, Peredhil slipped into "host mode." He greeted Ethan and Ewan warmly and invited them onto the balcony to have a drink and enjoy the sunset while they waited for others to show up.

Hearing the doorbell ring again, Peredhil excused himself from the group of men and made his way to the front door, where an attendant was already taking the coats of two lovely women. One -- Eva -- he recognized immediately. He flashed her a delighted smile and complimented her on her excellent choice of outfit. Eva introduced him to Izira, who Peredhil had seen around Rhydin but never officially met. Offering an arm to each lady, he escorted them to the balcony, where the three of them joined Ethan and Ewan.

He slipped into the kitchen for a moment to give notice that the attendants should begin to bring out the appetizers. When he returned, he caught sight of the two guests of honor, a bright smile instantly appearing on his face. Heading directly towards them, he gave Johnny a firm handshake and Sianna a warm embrace.

"I'm so glad you two could make it," he exclaimed, adding with a laugh, "It wouldn't have been much of an engagement party without you."

The three of them engaged in small talk for a few moments, before Johnny and Sianna moved on to greet the other guests who were eager to offer their congratulations. As Peredhil drifted away, he noticed a blond beauty hovering near the open door. Putting on his most gentlemanly smile, he approached Sera, introducing himself as the host of the party and offering to escort her to the balcony so she might join the other guests.

Violet tainted blue eyes watched as people greeted the soon to be married couple, observations like what was worn or in Mercy's case - carried, was noted. She was quite surprise, evidence sprinkled on her pale face, when Peredhil approached her. She wasn't expecting anyone to speak to her past a greeting. A shy little smile touched the elveness' lips and she dipped down into a curtsy upon hearing who he was, expressing her gratitude for being invited. Her name was quickly offered up in return but she hesitated in accepting his offer to be escorted to the balcony. She wasn't trying to be rude of course but she knew no one save the to-be bride and groom. And two or three others that might pop up.

Bitting on her thumb she accepted the offer and as her hand lowered she offered up another shy smile. Even if she was going to stand around might as well do it out of the way yeah?

Juliane took a moment to preen before the mirror and inspect her appearance. The occasion had left her baffled as to what to wear and even now, she doubted herself. Casually dressy, hands smoothed the long denim skirt to where it began to flare out ever so slightly at her knees. A wide band of silver bangles jingled on her wrist at the motion. The cotton blouse was well cut to her figure, the low-slung belt accentuating her waist, the muted color lending depth to her complexion.

She had curled her hair, but upon final glance, realized it felt far to big. Raking long fingers through the locks, she twisted them into an impromptu ponytail at the nape of her neck. An arch of blonde brow at the result before she crossed back to her dresser and the jewelry box atop. "Ya almos' ready, Kates?"

"Mahbe." Katarina had long ago established her own mirror within their room so that they did not fight over their reflections. She finished sweeping a sweet shade of gentle pink over her lids, and leaned back to look at her full complexion. Her own hair was in fat curls, her makeup light so that the bright, deep pink shade could stand out. The sleeves of the dress just passed her elbows, and the cut twisted and knotted at the bodice. It skimmed down to her knees, and she had low golden heels to tie it together. Looking over to Juli, she rose a brow, ?All tha? work fer th? hair an? ya put it back??

"Yep. Felt like I was four feet wide, yeah?" And it was true, her hair was thick and long, set in curls it had had a mind all its own. Now restrained, there was still a very unintentional vogue feeling while suiting her personality. Her earrings were swirls of electroformed silver, freshly purchased from the Lark. Her own make-up was kept light, a shimmery golden copper on her lids, brown mascara, a sweep of blush and some gloss. Dropping the lid of the jewelry box back in place, she turned around and leaned against the dresser. "Ya do realize we're s'posed ta get there b'fore it's over, yeah?"

"An' when hav' I eva been 'n time fer anythin' otha than a show?" She brushed Juli's hand away from her jewelry box to inspect her cousin's jewelry. Finding simple earrings, she snatched them and slipped them on. "Okay, 'm ready." This said just before she looked into her own jewelry box to find a simple necklace with a small diamond along the chain.

"Oh, be sure ta help yerself, Kates. I'd hate fer ya ta go without." Muttered with a wry smile as she crossed out the door. Pausing at the window at the top of the steps, the carriage could be seen waiting below, the horse stamping impatiently. Wrap and purse were picked up from the bench in the hallway before she took the steps to the first floor.

"Thanks. They look betta 'n me anyhow." The comment was said so smoothly and absently, it could be guessed Katie was not even paying attention. Her gaze was already back on the mirror, smudging her liner to meet her expectation. It was hard to stay in front of her mirror as Juli exited the room, so she also grabbed her golden purse and simple wrap, "Thin' they'll be alotta people?"

"Hope so, yeah? I'd hate fer it no' ta be well attended, for Jo and Si." She had paused on the steps, waiting for her younger cousin to catch up. "An' jus' cause ya think they do, don' make it so, Twinkle Toes. Try ta remember tha', yeah?"

"Didcha hear somethin'?" Katarina passed her cousin, giving her a silly grin over her shoulder as she opened the door and waltzed out. Making her way to the carriage, she smiled brightly to the man that opened the door for them, ?Ya should nah be so mean ta yer date.? This meaning herself.

"Well'n mebbe m' date shouldn't put on such airs." The door shut behind her, she made her way down the walk and to the carriage. A nod to the driver to confirm he still had the instructions on where to take them before she climbed inside. The rig rumbled to life and set off along the road.

"'m well worth it. 'm th' prettiest date ya'll eva hav'." She swooned over her Juli and batted her black lashes wildly, before she rolled with laughter. She glanced out through the small window for a moment to watch the familiar housing pass by, before looking back to Juli, "An' I dun 'xpect nothin' fra ya eitha a' th' end o' th' nigh'." This caused her to snicker.

A wry smile caught her lips as she chuckled and lightly shoved her cousin over onto the appropriate side of the bench seat. " 'S a shame then, tha' yer th' wrong gender, yeah?" The carriage turned and headed south out of town, the landscape changing around them. "An' I can't tell ya how glad I am ya don'. Wi' th' way ya help yerself ta m' things already, ya could end up bein' real pricy an' hurtin' m' pocketbook."

Peredhil ushered Mercy and Storm onto the balcony, expressing his appreciation for their visit and grinning at the sight of Mercy's keg of brandy. Storm slipped away to greet Johnny and Sianna before joining her husband.

Turning to Mercy, Peredhil said with a sly smile, "There's someone I'd like you to meet." He was on the verge of saying more when he heard the front door opening again. Excusing himself, he bounced down the hallway just as Juliane and Katarina entered. He arched an eyebrow as the door closed behind the two blondes, hiding a grin behind a look of feigned disappointment. "Just the two of you? And I was looking forward to meeting the Smith clan." He laughed at Juliane's cheeky reply and offered an arm to each in order to escort them to the balcony.

As they reached the balcony, Peredhil waited for them to make the rounds and then he asked everyone to take seats at the tables so that dinner might be served. Waiters appeared on cue with racks of lamb, bowls of lobster bisque, and exotic meat and vegetarian dishes. Johnny and Sianna were served first, but there was such an abundance of food that everyone would receive ample servings of whatever he or she wished.

The band started playing softly, just loud enough to be heard over the drone of conversation that drifted among (and occasionally between) tables.

Midway through the dinner, Peredhil tapped his glass and stood.

"I wanted to thank everyone for making the effort to come out tonight," he began, his sea-green eyes briefly meeting the gaze of each guest. "I know my home is not the most accessible place in Rhydin, so I truly appreciate your company and hope you enjoy the food, drink, and music." His eyes moved to the table where Johnny and Sianna sat.

"I have to save something for the wedding reception," he said, smiling and glancing in Johnny's direction, "but I did want to say a couple of things. Johnny and Sianna, not only are you both among my closest friends, but you are also the most generous and wonderful people I know. If I ever get married, I hope that my wife will be as beautiful, kind, and caring as Sianna, and that I will be able to treat her with as much love, respect, and devotion as Johnny treats his bride-to-be. I wish you all the happiness in the world... and I sincerely hope you'll name your first-born son after me." He laughed, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "To Johnny and Sianna!"

Jolyon was late, but he knew he would be. It had taken no few strings pulled to get the interview with the board that day, and he was not going to change it, no matter how much he admired and respected Johnny and Sianna, particularly since it was Johnny's find of the tablet Jolyon was presenting to the board. He felt, in a way, it was honoring Johnny more to see that tablet to its purpose.

However, once he returned to Rhydin, and his home on the vineyard, the thrill of an presentation gone well had him riding high and the smile never fading. He cleaned up quickly from the travel, dressed in some of his better slacks of grey and dark blue shirt, combed his hair, and made his way on to Peredhil's which was, he had discovered upon receiving the invitation, not far from his own home. They were, it seemed, unknowingly neighbors.

When he arrived, he gave a nod to the man at the entrance and was conducted to where the rest were gathered. It seemed the dining had finished and things had progressed past into conversation, dancing, and general merriment. Jolyon made his way to pay his respects to Peredhil for the kind invitation, made his well wishes known to Johnny and Sianna and kept his conversation strictly to their happiness and not his adventure that day, and then snagged a bit of food.

While he was smiling all the while and that smile had enough fuel from his great day and fine evening to continue without his thought to its presentation, his body however was wearing from the travel and the undeniable stress of the meeting with the board of directors. Because of this, he took up a seat off to the side to appreciate the splendor of the night and those in view, and also the better he might slip away when the demand for rest became too great to fight any longer.