UNGIFTED

EPILOGUE

S ilver strings of light hung from the ballroom's high ceilings and the branches all around the gardens bathing every surface with its faint light. Their glimmer overhead a slight resemblance of the skies above. A mystical and magic galaxy of gentle colors.

All around, elegant flower arrangements had been placed covering certain areas of the floor separating it into different sections. White roses, camellias, lilacs, lavenders and forget-me-nots, beautifully intertwined in different positions dressed the venue with their gentle fragrance and pleasing aesthetic.

Soft music played in the background. A string quartet calmly musicalizing the event from one corner. Their black outfits contrasting with the wooden instruments in their hands. Two violins, a viola and a cello constructed with the finest wood found in the valley and adorned with tasteful floral themes. Probably the most expensive instruments in all of Donumdale.

Expensive outfits paraded the venue as guests walked around. Taking every little detail in and making conversation about it with the person next to them, because if there was something that would never be silenced in the vale it was the whispers. Donumdellians seemed to have developed an extra gift over time, that of being able to constantly find something new to talk about. Whether it were to flatter, criticize or create a new rumor, people always found their mouths full of words they seemed to be unable to withhold. This day was no exception.

"Everything looks so beautiful." Rowan commented with excitement holding tightly onto her husband's arm as they entered the venue. Her eyes gleaming under the lights as she looked around in awe. Her light gown swinging with every movement. Its pearl color matching the environment to perfection.

"I bet Ameria'd find it all a bit much." Eroan said moving along with her. A loud giggle falling from her lips.

"Oh, no doubt." She chuckled.

"Benjamin Vaughn, don't you look dashing." Eroan commented jokingly as they approached their visibly nervous friend.

"Guys, hi!" He said turning towards them with a smile of relief on his face.

"Everything alright?" Rowan asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Just nervous, that's all. It's nice to see some familiar faces at last." He answered.

"Been here for long?" Eroan was the one to ask this time.

"I was one of the first to arrive." He responded. "Don't know what was worse, the anxiety of not being here already or the awkwardness of arriving way too early." He chuckled. "I know next to no one in here."

"Hello children!" Jax greeted joining them with happy strides. His burnt orange suit and lively attitude making him stand out from the rest.

"Well someone's happy." Rowan commented watching his friend with amusement.

"You bet I am. You have any idea what this means?" He responded. "Ladies. Dozens of them. Single ones, maybe some others not so single but willing... "

"Ugh." She groaned rolling her eyes with disgust at her friend's antics.

"What's up with those two?" Jax questioned while stealing a flute of champagne from one of the passing waiters. His head pointing slightly towards Steve and Clover standing on the other side of the venue. The vague movement inviting the two to join them. Ben simply sighed and looked away for a moment in an effort to keep his composure.

Rowan's eyes, that did not miss the gesture, understood something was off right away but said nothing. Choosing silence if that was what Ben believed wiser and knowing it probably was not the right time. Still her alert mode had been activated and, more than ever, her radar focused on their every move.