ROBIN'S POV
In my opinion, the before party was a smash hit. We were in the 'ballroom' of Castle Ylisse, and tables, chairs, refreshments, and even a portable bar was brought in. ('So help me gods Lissa, if you get within ten feet of that bar you will never see the light of day again!' –Chrom) the guests were pouring in with help from Bone the brigand bouncer. Yes, I'm aware of the alliteration.
Anyways, I was kind of circulating from table to table because people kept calling me over, smacking me on the back for the 'darn good job' I did in planning, and offered me a drink. Personally, I didn't want to touch any alcohol because of Vaike and Basilio.
As soon as the bar opened, they had a drinking contest. Basilio eventually won, but not after they both had consumed 23 huge mugs of mead. They were now going around and harrying people. Needless to say, I learned from the mistake of putting a bar in at a party that is mere hours before a royal wedding.
However, the most interesting part of my night was probably meeting two people. I was sitting alone at a table with my back still stinging when they walked up. "Do you mind if we sit here?" the first person, a woman, said in a vaguely familiar voice. The second person, a man, looked me up and down.
I nodded. "Sure, those seats are all free." I said, and they both sat down across from me. After about a minute of awkward silence, I decided to initiate a conversation. "So, are you two related to the bride and groom or just acquaintances?" The woman smiled briefly but shook her head. "We're just, um, Sumia's friends…. From… school." The woman finished uncertainly, running a hand through her mousy brown hair.
I cleared my throat. "Ok then. What are your names?" the man took the lead this time. "My name is Thom…pson. Thompson. This is…. Lu…mia. Lumia. Yup, that's us."
Ok then, that's a little strange that they don't know their own names.
"I think I'm going to get something to drink." Thompson said suddenly, and left the table in a hurry. That left Lumia and I. "So, I'm surprised Sumia has never mentioned you. She often reminisces about her friends, although none are quite so klutzy." I joked, in an attempt to lighten the mood. It went over like cheering at a funeral.
"I don't appreciate you joking about my mo- err, my friend." She said frostily. Way to go, me. "I meant no offense, Lumia. I guess I'm around the Shepherds too much for my own good. I hope the next stage in my training isn't chugging 23 mugs of mead, because I'd pass out long before Basilio." Was that a smile on her face? It was gone too quickly for me to be certain.
"Oh, I almost forgot you were a Shepherd!" Lumia said suddenly. "How is it, being their tactician?" I shrugged. "Its not that difficult, although there are certain… circumstances I've blundered." I looked down, thinking of Emmeryn. Lumia must have noticed, and she changed the subject.
"This really is a grand before party. I hope the wedding is just as amazing." I nodded. "Yea, it took a lot of planning though. If you know anybody who needs stained glass portraits of a blue-haired noble, feel free to pick them up." I nearly gasped in amazement as Lumia smiled, and then laughed.
Thompson then chose that time to reappear with two mugs of something. He looked from a laughing Lumia to me, and his eyes narrowed for a split second before returning to normal. "Hey, Lumia. I think I spotted one of your old classmates over there. Why don't we say hello?" he said, putting the mugs down.
Lumia looked at him strangely. "I suppose we could go pop over and say hello to them." She said finally, and stood up. "Thank you for letting us sit here, Robin." She said, and the two were gone. I couldn't help but notice that a small patch of her long brown hair… was blue.
Jack's Corner
Gee, I wonder who Thompson and Lumia really are? Anyway, pathetic disguises aside, IT HAS BEGUN. THE MAIN PAIRING OF THE STORY HAS BEGUN! ...Even if it was only three minutes of conversation. Oh no, now you all know who Lumia is! xD So, enjoy! Wedding next chapter!