Elunara twirled the gorgeous dress. "Look at this thing." She eyed herself in the mirror and put her hands on her hips. "Like, damn."
Tulani giggled. "Yes, you're quite delicious."
"Varian is either going to swear or praise you."
Grogek chuckled. "I'm rather jealous."
"I'll let you peel it off of me another day." Elunara winked.
"I think we're ALL going to take turns peeling THAT one off of you." Jordan winked.
"Alright, alright," Elunara laughed. "The girls have some makeup artists waiting downstairs to attack us. You two need to make sure the boys get their outfits on appropriately."
"Of course." Grogek grinned.
Tulani opened the door and blinked down at the arms around her waist. "Gingy?"
"Help meee! Uncle Toppa has NO IDEA how to fix my hair!" Gingy wailed, clinging to Tulani.
"Come on, girly, get in a chair." Elunara jerked her thumb.
The family made their way up to the keep.
"Oh, I'm so glad he's letting the little children go for the first half." Susan sighed. "I get to see my Tina dressed up so pretty."
"And all babysitters after, are vetted by the SI:7." Elunara grinned. "I handpicked half of them, and Mathias handpicked the other half."
"Oh, Elunara, you forgot your purse!" Tulani put a hand to her cheek.
"What was the point of the thing?" She shook her head. "It was empty, and didn't even have a strap. I didn't want to carry the useless thing all damned night."
"It was part of the look." Tulani put her fist on her hip.
Zelinnia laughed. "As if Elunara cares about that."
"Oh, aren't you just pretty?" Elunara wrapped an arm around Zelinnia's waist. "And look at my niece and nephew!" She gasped.
"Look, Aunt Elunara! I got hair jewelry!" Abigail twirled.
"Where's Lulu?"
"With William." Chrissy made her way forward. "My mother is great with children."
Nara fidgeted. "I don't like this outfit."
"It matches mine." Bradly grinned.
Nara eyed him. "Thas ok, I guess."
"Come on, I want to show off my wife." Gerald grinned. "Isn't she gorgeous?"
"Fabulous." Elunara traced Chrissy's hip with her finger. "I might steal her away for a little while."
Gerald slid in between. "Not on your life. I'd never get her back!"
Chrissy cackled. "Oh, come on."
Varian watched the door like a hawk. Sure, he walked through the crowd, mingled, and chit chatted, but he had only one thing on his mind. His guests all believed that his attention was riveted on whatever they were on about... but he waited, rather impatiently, for the reason for this mess.
When she walked in the room, all stopped. It wasn't just him that stopped either. Everyone turned to look. She was walking in front of a crowd, laughing about one thing or another. She turned her head and laughed, pushing someone away, as she rolled her eyes. The dress was breathtaking, her hair glittered under the light, and she practically glowed with energy. Many stopped to talk, but he didn't see any of them.
Gesturing to the band, he headed towards her. Spotting him, her face lit up. "May I have this dance?" He smiled.
"Of course." She grinned, as she held out her hand.
Taking her hand, he kissed the back of it, before tugging her to the center of the room. The band changed their tone, and the crowd spread out. All eyes were on the couple in the center. He wrapped his hand around her waist, and held her other aloft, as they moved and swayed to the music.
"You're so beautiful." He murmured.
"Why, thank you." She grinned. "I think I look rather fabulous."
"I plan on dancing with you all night."
"Mm, so long as everyone gets a turn." She winked.
"Of course." He grinned. "I can't have them annoyed with me, now can I?"
"I do prefer when you all get along."
"Elunara?"
"Yes, Varian, my love?"
"Nothing." He murmured. The song came to an end, and he brushed his knuckle under her chin, tugging her face close, as he pressed his lips to hers.
With a happy sigh, she pressed the kiss in. When he broke away, she smiled brilliantly at him. "I do love you."
"I'm glad." He whispered.
Jennifer grabbed Stephanie by the arm and shook her. "DID YOU SEE THAT?" She hissed.
"Yeah, and half of the kingdom did too." Stephanie rubbed her sore arm.
Grogek tapped a finger to Varian's shoulder. "I believe I am next."
"Yes, of course." Varian laughed. He gave a half bow, and stepped back.
Grogek took Elunara's hand and together they began to dance.
Varian stepped back for a moment, and just watched her move. After the music changed, Jordan stepped in. Varian returned to his duties as King, while watching Elunara dance with one partner after another
Elunara twirled her way over to the table, and began to chug the punch.
"Having fun?"
"Oh, this is fabulous. Not to mention a feeding frenzy." She giggled. Leaning over, she stuck her lips to his ear. "I'm not sure you've ever had me while I was on an overload..."
"No, no I haven't." He grinned.
She brushed her fingers over his cheek. "You seem a little off, my darling. What weighs so heavily on your mind?"
"You."
"I haven't upset you, have I?"
"No, not at all."
"You seemed to have been trying to tell me something earlier..."
"Please don't worry." He smiled at her. "Though it does something to me; to know that you DO worry for me."