116. Family Traditions. *

" Enjoy, my loves.."

"" Hmm..""

We were each given a plate of long pasta covered in a delicious smelling red tomato sauce and melted cheese on the top.

We digged in with a fork and after failing for a while Zephyr took it from me and showed it to us. " Just twirling it princess, that's the way.. "

He was right soon a small tower of it were steadily on my fork.

It was our first family recipe for sure.

It was absolutely delicious..it reminding me of tomato soup but so much better...the meat perfectly blended with the sauce and the cheese made it all the better. So much so that once it was gone from the top, I reached for more.

" It's amazing dad.." - Anna loved it just as much, her face red with the sauce in large circle around her adorable lips.

" She is right my love.. is it from the books? "

He shook his head and sat down. " Marcus told me about it..he was certain, I'm gonna love it. "

I froze a little hearing the creepers name.

Luckily he was to busy wiping our daughter's face to notice. " I like the guy, you know.. I mean he is a creepshow for sure..with those eyes but still the man knows his food and can fight. "

He looked happy and I managed to erase the unease from my face in time..I had nothing to worry now after all the man is already gone.

It was confirmed by Carlos that he indeed left after...He said goodbye over the door and left.

" I see..so where is this particular dish hails from? "

He shook his head as plated himself and brought an entire bowl of cheese, we all appreciated.

" He didn't say..just that, it's something easy to make and made by some person he respects. It doesn't even have a name.. Uh, uh, hot.." - he put into his mouth too hot and had cool it while chewing it.

Ilianna now wiped his face while shared some cheese with him.

I decided to put it out of my mind. Worry about something that could be ..well anything is pointless now.

Let's just thank the man for this delicious recipe.

After we ate and rested a little..well we got bored.

" Let's grab some drinks in the tavern.."

He agreed since even though dark outside it was only later afternoon.

We dressed warm and went on foot. No strong winds or snow we decided to walk it.

" Vistellia, will be busy.."

" I told her last year to retire and concentrate on being a healer...anyone can marry the couples next week. "

Traditionally a week after ceremony the weddings occurred. Unfortunately this time it will be sooner.

With 17 couples waiting and none wants to share their special day it will be a busy month for granny who married the couple for as long as, I could remembered.

" Last year?.."

" Only three..it was right after the ceremony too one after another. We were invited to all like always because, granny officiated. " - I answered in anticipation while holding his hand while he carried the princess far removed from the snow.

" Damn..17 couples..even if they go one after another ..wait. " - He stopped us and let my previous words, play once more. " We going to attend all of them!? All bloody..

" Seventeen...yes my love. Besides it's not just granny. " - I kept dragging his astonished ass because the cold started to penetrate the layers I had on. "..it wouldn't look good not showing up..these people look up to you, darling. "

The sad truth we probably get invited at the very least to every event from here on out.

We comforted a distraught man as we made our way to the tavern looked after...someones.

"""" Hey !! """"

The people gathered cheered for us walking in including our own people who sat at long table.

" Look at the Astoria family..little lady how do feel about your parents married? " - Alexander turned to the little girl who ignored her uncle and run towards Ciren and her friends.

Zephyr leaned into his still extended hand. " She is gone, Alex.."

Demelza supported her dejected husband and give us a cheeky smile. " Be honest...if it weren't for Anna..you two..? "

"" Yes. ""

Of course we would.

Neither of us taught this through! Considering how satisfied we both were as the the actual decision making happened.

Zephyr handed a bag full of clothes to pouting middle aged man. " Stop being a baby..it's..unbecoming of an illustrious member of the house of Em."

His word turned him back to his usual self. " Well said Zeph...now after, I change let's begin your new life with out first competition as Rivals...details forth coming. "

He took the bag and ran away.

I watched mother happy smile and leaned closer to Zephyr. " Can we tell her..you know? "

He turned and kissed me before answering. " Not just yet..he still haven't ..you know. What if he chickens out? "

" Then you will drop him from the freaking moons understand? "

He nodded seriously. "Yes, darling. "

" What are you two whispering about? "

Mothers face was uncomfortably close before we even noticed.

"" Sex. ""

" Ew..get a grip.." - Demelza pretended to be self righteous.

"" Stalker..""

" You told him!! "

Her fury was settled by her husband. " I slipped up beautiful one..." - he pulled her closer resting his head on her shoulders. "..it was secret hour. "

""" ALEXANDER!!! """

Zephyr, Lucian and Manata were quick to stand up.

Oh..I wonder how those are going.

""" Secrets Hour? """

They exchanged looks.

" Tell them..

" We, wont tell them..

" God damn you Jartok..

""" There's nothing, to tell. """

They sat back down giving nasty looks towards a large man hiding behind his much smaller wife.

The whispering began this time all around us forming pairs..

" Is Lucian still have nightmares about marrying mother? "

He just nodded while took a cup filled with cider.

I watched with narrowd eyes at the others never knowing, he tells me everything..it was invaluable dirt on people closest to us.

Another family tradition.