<html><head></head><body><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:arial;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><div>Thou art formally invited to the wedding of Misha Brightleaf Knight Commander of the Order of the Axe and Bow and Caroline Harding of the Order of the Axe and Bow, Daughter of Will Hardy, Jeweler to the Keep of Metamor This noontide of June 21, 708 Christos Reckoning at Laracin's Courtyard --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To say the Valley was hopping was no indication at all of the commotion for the wedding. Not since Duke Thomas's wedding had such preparations been made! Misha had been busy for the last month ensuring things got prepared. Not the least of which was helping the small town of Aldenburgh prepare for the oncoming visitors--which might well feel more like invaders! Aldenburgh was located not just a mile southwest of Llancarfan. It was east of Lanton, west of Laselle, and the only place in the region friendly to Keepers. Misha wanted it to stay that way! When he'd sent his invitations out, Misha had made sure his brother Brian wasn't going to steal the spotlight--not an easy task! Kelrag was invited and he'd planned to bring a small contingent of lutins. It was not an easy situation, but if lasting peace in the north was going to be had, Kelrag was necessary to secure it. If lutins could learn they'd get better from trades than raids... His ship's clock was ready for Phil, as were the instructions. Phil was hoping to attend but wasn't sure about it. He was definitely sending representatives with some gifts, one of whom he mentioned would be of interest to both Misha and Whisper. The man's name was Arcas, and he had the Hammer Henbi-shnut! Chapter 1: Candid Conversation Sometime in 707 It was not late in Long House, but most people had retired for the evening. Only the guards moved about on their rounds. It left the complex quiet. "So, what does that bring the count up to?" Caroline asked. She was with Misha in the rooms they shared in Long House. "Only 175 close guests." Misha was seated next to her at a large desk. The desk was piled high with papers and messages of all sorts. “ONLY?" She asked. "What do you mean by ‘close guests’?" "Immediate family and close friends,” Misha explained. “I’m not done with all the others like casual friends.” "So, we can expect a lot more friends to just show up?" He laughed. "Everyone within a hundred miles is sure to show up. Whether we invite them or not.” "We invited everyone. Including the Lutins!" "I figure somewhere around 200 more people we will have come.” "We can’t feed and house that many!" she said. Misha shook his head. "We don’t need to. Perhaps some entertainment and some drink." “We can hire street performers,” she said. “That can work! A bigger question is where are we going to house 175 people?” Misha asked out loud. Chapter 2: Going to Town Sir Talfrey Atherburr had not expected this problem. As the Feudal lord of the town of Aldenburgh he had long ago accepted that things were quiet here. He liked that. The most difficult thing he usually had to do was judge the occasional drunk and the petty disputes of his people. But the issue for today truly amazed him. Seated across the table from him were an otter and a fox. Both were those cursed people many were now calling morphs. They were well-dressed and the otter had a good-sized sword in a sheath on her belt. The fox only had a dagger. It didn’t mean he wasn’t armed; it meant Talfrey just couldn’t see it. The knight bowed to the couple. “It is both a pleasure and an honor to meet you.” Misha nodded his head. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sir Atherburr! We know this must come as a great surprise, but we need your help." "I am honored to have such an esteemed group of visitors. How can I be of help?" "Caroline and I are to be wed this Midsummer and we are expecting a large amount of guests." "Most of these guests are still human, but they may be here a fortnight or more," said Caroline. "And you want to rent some of my town’s buildings?" He asked, a bit confused. "Yes. We need somewhere for people to stay outside the Curse," said Misha. "There shouldn't be trouble," Caroline was quick to add, "but both Midtown and Lasselle are going to be filled, and we know there will be other people needing a place to stay." "We tried Lanton, but Baron Grenier was less than cooperative." "Grenier is a self-serving fool," Talfrey commented. "He's too ambitious for his own good." The two nodded in agreement "That's why we came to you. Your town is ideally placed for anyone coming up from Menth, which will likely include Phil, Clover, and their retinue," said Caroline. "Some of my family may be coming this way too," said Misha, "though thankfully not my brother Brian." "Oh? Something wrong with your brother? Kin of yours is always welcome here." "That is very kind of you, but Brian is a grandstander," said Misha. "I wouldn't inflict him on anyone except maybe Nasoj. He's liable to come through with a magical circus." The knight laughed. "I know that kind of person. I have an aunt like that, any visit of hers is a grand adventure!" "She always has to have the attention." Misha and Caroline laugh. "Oh he's an adventure alright!" said Misha. "And just like your aunt that way. We're already imposing on your hospitality by wanting to rent out the town to help. I don't want to cause strain because Brian's brought dancing pink elephants or Eli knows what with him." He laughed. "What do you need from me and my people? How places do you need to rent?" "Uh, well, everything? I think?" "Everything? You mean the entire town?" He asked incredulously. "Yeah. If you and your people are willing," said Caroline. "We don't know who might come here and what might happen." "We're not expecting anyone to cause trouble," said Misha, "but accidents happen and I'd rather make sure you and your people feel safe and comfortable." "We have been dealing with Metamor for a long time," the knight answered. "I seriously doubt there could be anything that happens we cannot handle.” Misha nodded his head in approval. “Good. Then let’s talk numbers and prices.” Chapter 3: A Meal Fit For a Fox The Long House was usually a quiet place. It was a small complex and the residents were always about on their tasks. Still, most of the rooms were quiet most of the day. But one place was never truly quiet or empty of life. The Kitchen. It was always busy. Regardless of the time of day or night there was always someone there. During the day they were making or serving meals. But late at night and into the early morning there were usually at least one or two people there, preparing for the next day’s meals. In charge of this place and those who worked there was a middle-aged black bear morph named Mirriam Lakewood. She had been a head cook in one of Metamor Keep’s many kitchens when Misha had approached her about being the Head Cook in Long House. The job was exciting in its own way and it certainly kept her busy. “We have a special task for you if you’ll accept it,” Misha said. “What is it?” She asked curiously. “We are getting married,” Caroline said cheerfully. “That’s fantastic,” Mirriam responded happily. “Congratulations!” “We want you to cook the wedding feast,” Misha said. “How many people?” Mirriam asked. “About 400 hundred,” Caroline answered. “I’ll do it!” She responded immediately. “No hesitation or time for consideration?” “No,” Mirriam answered. “I love a good challenge.” Caroline handed her a large piece of paper. “Here is a list of the guests.” The otter handed her another piece of paper. “Here are the dishes we want.” Mirriam examined the list of dishes and nodded as she read it. “Not a problem. Who do you have making the cake?” Misha shrugged. “We haven’t decided yet.” “My cousin is a fine baker. I’ll talk to him,” the bear responded. “See if he will do it.” “Thank you!” Caroline said. “Let’s get down to the details,” Misha said. *** Attached to one wall of her small office was a large piece of slate. She picked up a piece of chalk and began to write on the slate. “Wedding.” “For 400 people I’ll need at least 100 hams, 100 turkeys and 200 chickens. I can make Aunt Edna’s famous Chicken Supreme! I’ll need 2 tons of vegetables. Carrots, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes. Radishes.” The list got longer with each passing moment but Mirriam was happy. Chapter 4: An Unusual Invitation The invitation arrived in an unusual way. The town of Crowley was a quiet place this time of year. It was tucked into the lower slopes of the Sylvan mountains in southern Marigund. In summer it played host to many people trying to escape the summer heat of the city. But this was October and it was cold and the summer residents were all gone till next spring. This left the town fairly quiet. Just outside of town and up the mountain slope was a tall stone tower. The edifice was surrounded by a low wall that was there more to keep out strangers than to help defeat an attack. Only a few servants and workers moved about on the usual mundane tasks of maintaining the place. The dining room was several stories up in the tower and allowed for a beautiful view down the mountainside and over the land below. Amelia and Fred Montague were enjoying lunch when a large bat flew through the window and into the dining room. It circled around their heads for a moment then it dropped something and flew back out through the window. "I thought window was closed,” Fred said calmly. "It is! And warded as well,” Amelia answered. “We need to improve the defenses.” She picked up the tightly bound scroll the bat had delivered and opened it. "It's good news! My cousin Misha is getting married!" "We have to go," he said. "Where is it being held?" "Metamor Keep!" "Oh! The place with the fascinating curses?" "And that magnificent library! I rather think that's the most important feature!" "Indeed! How far is it?" "Only 500 miles or so. A short trip.” "Walking is too boring and we cannot teleport. The magic there prevents it. We could fly there. I could make a carpet fly. It'd have protection against wind and the elements and we could store our luggage on it." “Carpet is too exposed,” she said. “We could take the mortar and pestle. We haven’t tried that before.” "I like that idea, but it might be a bit impractical. Perhaps a flying coach? It’s been too long since we've been flying together." "It'd be a nice, scenic view as well." "We can stop at the restaurant you like in Giftum." "And buy goodies at that one shop you love there too!" He smiled and laughed. "It’s been far too long since we've been there."</div> </div></div></body></html>