111. Winter Festival of 1102. *

Inside the hall were 17 chairs waiting for ladies to take seats.

The place was beautifully decorated and the man were mostly already there.

We walked in causing a bit of commotion.

So many objectively beautiful women and none will take a seat.

Zephyr was there..he looked exactly like I pictured..since I picked out everything for him.

He noticed us walking in with Anna in his arms surrounded by his best man of three and Ciren, who waived us over.

" You look...whoa.."

I leaned in for one our last kisses as an unmarried couple. " Did you get any gift? "

He whispered. " I'm wearing it.."

I laughed and checked with my hand anyway.

Liar.

" Loved your gift darling ..and seriously..let's get this damn thing over with..I'm kidding. "

He shock his head playfully at the fathers and mothers already there waiting for their daughters to arrive for their special day.

He nodded towards me signifying he meant it.

He give me my daughter who's been given her flower crown as usual. And looked towards the door where the Revel twins escorted a well dressed tall man.

He must be the extra Carlos mentioned.

He went to recive him. They shook hands like old friends and lead him to us. " Marcus..this Zephyr Astoria his soon to be wife Lylly and their daughter Ilianna .

The man smiled and nodded politely. " It's an honor Lord. My lady. I'm sorry for the last second invite. I was just very excited when learned about you."

" Please call me Zephyr. We welcome you in Emet and on such wonderful day not just for us but for so many. " - he looked up at the man extended his hand upwards.

The man looked foreign.

He bad no outstanding features other than his height... Black short hair, brown eyes he was about a head taller than Alexander who was one the tallest man in the village.

On his side were two black daggers that had a glow about them..but most importantly his eyes.

He didn't blink which made him creepy by default but also after a single passover glance he looked at Zephyr with fanatical fire in his eyes his lips trembling.

He seemed uncomfortable with the unblinking giant. " Alright then...please umm.. enjoy. "

He took back his hand which was still held and give Carlos a pointed look.

" Hahaha...yes well..good!.. Let's go and get you a drink Marcus, you must be thirsty. " - he lead his strange friend outside possibly towards the tavern.

We shared some amused looks as everyone noticed the mans odd behaviour.

" Watch out with that one Master.. " - Manata pushed himself through the others. " ..his eyes..they didn't look right. "

I agreed..but looking at his and remembering some of his students.. I guess, it's not uncommon.

Zephyr brushed it off as well. " He is just another..goofy character. Besides stop worrying and go take a knee once the girls sat down. "

He pulled him close pointed at the empty chairs.

" I-I don't think it's time.."

I peeled him off the poor boy. " Remember my love?..no meddling. "

He snorted looking away. I suppose, I'm more of a meddler..than he is.

We waited for be girls to arrive enjoying out last moments meanwhile mother and granny gone and gathered the supposedly 17 young ladies and the men began their nervous pacing.

" Just imagine..in just a few short hours..I'll be your wife. "

" I've been waiting..more ways than one. But it was well worth it. "

I was enjoying my family closeness meanwhile Anna wanted take a seat causing all sane ones to laugh while Zephyr panic.

We stood another 20 minute before the beautifully dressed ladies all wearing their best clothes and smiles walked in to big cheers.

Seventeen of them one after another while the crowds quieted down and the loudest noise came from the tears of parents and the nervous young man whispering of encouragements.

We stood there waiting in silence till granny started the ceremony.

She received a small encouraging kiss from Metill and made it front of the girls sitting pretty behind her.

" Welcome all! We here to witness the 92th winter festival of Emet village. As always let us wish and pray for another year of peace and prosperity. "

She waited until the crowd cheers died down.

" This year brought us many things including new friends.." - she nodded towards the crowds and then turned towards Zephyr. " ..and new family. We own much my young son, I believe, I speak for everyone when saying this years best gift was you."

Well said granny..

She clapped for him standing next to me all shy and embarrassed. He waived to the adoring fans with Ilianna to the adoring crowds who since climbed back on him.

Granny explained the rules of the ceremony.

" Once a maiden accepted or refused the brave ones gathered, please join us in the tavern for the first wedding of the season...With that..let us began. Gentleman as you see..the ladies are waiting. " - she stepped aside to show the embarrassed bunch of girls..

Setil among them.

She looked radiant and also noticed some man shifting towards her end.

" Who will be our new relatives,I wonder. " - I heard his whispering near my ear.

I looked at the fidgety boys.. who, indeed.

It didn't take long. But it was something of blunder.

Stuart Boolt the very man Miri been crying and hounding about for months went on one knee.

" Setil Emil..will you gave me the honor and accept my hand. "

Oh..no...

Stuart done his part..once that hand is taken it's done.

Those in the know were frozen and looked at Miri.

She was stone faced which..made her feelings obvious..and her clutched hands were also there.

Surely her sister who understands more than anyone just how much she..

" I accept. "

The room erupted into the cheers and the winter festival kicked off with a bang.