Chapter 488: For as Long as I Live
Tala and Rane sat, holding hands, in their thrones once more. The paint on their hands and on the armrests of the thrones was decidedly purple from intermixing.
The guests’ chairs had been rearranged to surround tables, and food and drink were already appearing at Tala’s will to fill each table.
Guests were mingling, and a small line was beginning to form before Tala and Rane. As was traditional, ‘bigger’ gifts—usually those given by a group of guests working together but not always—would be presented publicly, usually in a dual display of generosity and overt support for the union.
Master Nadro took it upon himself to make the final announcement as officiant. “Now presenting, Mistress and Master Sappherrous.”
Lyn huffed a laugh.
There was polite clapping and much murmured discussion over the name as Tala and Rane shared a chaste kiss, and Master Nadro stepped back, fading into the crowd even as he grabbed a pastry.
Master Grediv had been at the front of the line mere moments earlier, but then Mistress Holly had walked up to the Paragon and given him a long look as the clapping died down.
Master Grediv had sighed and stepped back, muttering under his breath—clearly for Mistress Holly’s ears, but Tala caught it too, “I’d say age before beauty, but you have me beat on both counts.”
Mistress Holly’s eyes flicked toward Tala, the Inscriber clearly realizing that Tala would have heard. She gave a small grimace and sighed, shaking her head.