Page 21 of Battling Bright
Krys focused, and the trees and bushes all flickered to light with tiny bursts of brightness.There was soft applause, and most folks were getting to their tables.The live band was ready, and when Dia gave the signal, Krys took the mic and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, Vaia and Azreen!”
Cheers and applause were plentiful, and the happy couple went to their sweetheart table.Vaia’s dress wasn’t her work, but it was lovely.Fitted around her torso and dripping with crystals, she looked beautiful and every inch the bride.
Krys got a ping and answered from inside, where she couldn’t be overheard.“What is it?”
“There are some folks out here who say they are the bride’s family.”
“On my way.”
Krys walked to the front door and stared at her aunt, uncle, and cousin.
She closed the door behind her.“Yes?”
Her aunt hissed, “Krys-Alys, my daughter is getting married.”
“Yes, I also know that you are not on the list.”
Her uncle growled.“Let us through.”
“No.This is Vaia’s day.Not yours.You sold her once and kept all the funds her husband sent her.I am guessing you are here because you realized that the financial windfall has ended.No more payments.No more stolen money, and you should have gotten the notice for the diversion of funds.So, whatever will you do?You won’t be coming through here.This place is not for the likes of you.”
Her aunt’s hand came out of nowhere, and Krys’s head snapped to the side.Krys lifted her hands, and they rose off the ground and flew screaming through the city, back to their house.It would take them a while before they could come back.
She returned to the mansion and the party.Getting the buffets lined up was underway, with concealment for the scents coming from the different stations.
It was time to make some announcements.
She put an illusion over her cheek and went to take the mic again and ease everyone to their seats.She congratulated the couple and explained how they would be called to the buffet table by table.There was plenty, but the vegetarians, vegans, and those with special food needs were going to go first.
She looked around.“I know you are here.Come on.I want to make sure that none of the curious get your food.I am aware that it is often an issue.”
A few elves got up, and then other shifters went, and Krys called the first two tables to the buffet, and the dinner began.
She called out two tables at a time.Vaia and Azreen had been given a menu earlier and had received their food directly.They were cute and chatting together as Krys got their guests to the buffets, where every animal available locally had been roasted, grilled, or poached for the buffet.She got all twenty-five tables out and to the buffets in twenty minutes.It was a good thing they used multiple stations.
The vegetarians and vegans were happy.They came away with full plates for a change, and there was no cross-contamination with the meat.
The servers grabbed the empty plates, and the dishwashers began their hot work.
Nylora managed to get her meal with her partners before she had to head into the house.Demuel went with her.
Sable kept things moving and talked with the servers as they went past or waited for the next round of dishes.She had gotten the hang of things and would make a great site manager.
Krys waited until after the dinner was finished, and she said, “And now, for the first dance, Vaia and Azreen.”
The goblin singer waved her over, and he said, “I can’t sing this one.The groom gave me a video to go with the song, but I can’t hit the notes.It looks like you are up again.”
She raised her hand.“Uppies.”
He grinned and set her down on the stage.“And now, Krys-Alys.”
She sang the song that was scrolling on her phone, and Vaia and Azreen danced gracefully together for the first time as chosen dragonborn and mage.
When the song was over, she handed the mic back and went to get into her dance costume.Geez, this was a busy night.
Dancing with Hura was always fun, but it was exhausting considering the day she had had.Krys bent, twisted, and twirled as she moved to the tribal music.Dancing in formation was tricky, but it was only two songs.The heavy drum made an excellent backdrop to the tribal belly dance, and as soon as they were done, Krys filed back into the main house, sprinting to change back into her new dress.
She made sure everything was in place and headed back down to the event space, where folks were now dancing.
